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Fireside Wines

Kindling Excitement

When winter brings the chill, let The Wine Sellers’ Fireside Wines revive the spirit. Our selections are chosen for weightiness that delivers warmth and flavor that adds merriment to even the grayest days. These wines were practically made for Michiana winters.

Slam Dunk Red Wine 2021 ($17.95)

We’re serious about wine, but we love Slam Dunk because it’s fun! 58% petite sirah and 42% zinfandel, with a nose of berries, black plum and leather. Strawberry, cherry, sandalwood, with a bit of ripe olive toward the finish. Slam Dunk will add pizzazz to your winter.

Oak Farm Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc ($23)

Beauty from Lodi, California was held cold until December bottling to maintain liveliness. Aromas of stone fruit such as peach and apricot with tropical notes of pineapple and passion fruit. Juicy and bright in the mouth with notes of citrus/lime zest and a minerally dry finish that lingers.

Domaine Santa Duc Famille Gras ‘Les Vieilles Vignes’ Côtes du Rhône ($24)

Grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, counoise and carignan. Medium-bodied wine offers aromatic freshness with notes of black fruits and kirsch, pepper and garrigue, embellished with notes of tobacco leaf. Combines the Gras family’s characteristic finesse with the power we expect from southern Rhône.

Wines to Watch

Albert Bichot Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Réserve Cote d’Or ($29)

You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy this value-priced bubbly masquerading as fine champagne. Sourced with grapes from selected Burgundy parcels in the department of Côte-d’Or. Fine, even bubbles, beautiful gold color. The nose boasts notes of lime, pink grapefruit and white blossoms which pave the way for vivacity and freshness on the palate. A total deal at the price!

Tua Rita Rosso dei Notri 2019 ($28)

50% sangiovese and 50% blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah, in the exceptional 2019 vintage. Aromas are lightly leafy, with blackberries, plums and black cherries over notes of cocoa, licorice and sweet spice. Palate displays creamy red fruits, raspberry coulis and vanilla cream. Silky tannins and bracing acidity, showing structural balance long into the finish.

Ramey 2018 Claret, Napa Valley ($52)

David Ramey is making some of the finest cabernet blends in California today. Ramey uses “claret” to signify a blend of the Bordeaux varieties of 55% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot, 10% cabernet franc, 9% syrah and 2% petit verdot. Features blackcurrant aromas with accents of peppercorn, bacon, cedar, thyme and lavender. Powerful, concentrated fruits supported by finely grained tannins, with a long finish.