Throughout history, we humans have shown a definite tendency to flock to the coast, establishing major civilizations and eventually building our largest cities in these areas. But what about grapevines? The factors that draw humankind to the fringes of solid land—namely, mild climate and the potential for international commerce—have also proven particularly favorable to the cultivation of vitis vinifera. Today’s sampler will take us on a tour of littoral wine-producing regions, Atlantic and Mediterranean, to examine the terroirs at the frontier of land and water.
    A body of water’s principal role is to moderate temperatures, allowing the vine to flourish in climates as cool as the western Loire and as hot as Corsica. Muscadet, perhaps the quintessential ocean wine, is known for its briny minerality—a flavor the French call iodé. Do the whites from Cassis and Liguria—whose vineyards directly overlook the Mediterranean—echo this, as if marine air were breezing over your palate? Bandol’s Mourvèdre is locally said to thrive with “its head to the sun and its feet in the water”; can you sense a mouthwatering salinity? Can you taste the common thread in these coastal selections?
    Enjoy a discount on this coast-to-coast sampler, a thirst-inspiring adventure to some of the world’s most spectacular vineyards.

2013 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie • Brégeon $17.95
2013 Vermentino “Isasco” • Punta Crena  27.00
2012 Cassis Blanc • Clos Ste. Magdeleine  32.00
2013 Corse Figari Rosé • Clos Canarelli 36.00
2011 Corse Calvi Rouge “E Prove” • Domaine Maestracci 22.00
2011 Bandol Rouge • Domaine de la Tour du Bon 36.00

Normally $170.95
SPECIAL SAMPLER PRICE
$137
(a 20% discount)