So many times we hear “I picked it out because I liked the label;” in fact, it’s how several of this month’s staff picks came to the store! Humans are visual animals and the psychology of that is a component of finding the right wines for the store. If presented two wines of equal quality and value, but one has a boring label and one has a squirrel in a mask, the squirrel wins every time. Some wine regions and countries understand visual marketing better than others – the Italians and Spanish do a good job usually – but the French for the most part are very tradition-bound. So when I started looking for southern French/Rhone blends that were one step up from M. Chapoutier’s Bellerouche wines but less expensive than E. Guigal’s blends, I had to dig a bit… to be reminded of a set of wines I’d liked at a tasting many months prior. Luckily, our sales rep had it in his notes! Not only do the Souleil wines have great curb appeal, they’re a lighter, fresher style than the more traditional Rhone blends around them. The Blanc, which is the wine that led the charge with me in that I said “yes, that’s my all-summer-long wine,” is 93% Picpoul plus its regional blending buddies Terret Blanc and Ugni Blanc. From where? Let’s not overcomplicate this relationship with details. It’s Vin de France, so basically “somewhere in France,” but with Picpoul involved that means it’s coastal Languedoc, give or take. Organically farmed vineyards, a light touch in the winery, and a sale price that’s less than a carton of eggs? Okay, maybe not… yet. It’s patio and salads and cheeses any time the mood strikes. Think pineapple, peach, tangerine, and sea salt with the convenience of a screwcap. I think I first had it with some crab cakes, and it was spot on. No notes. Now we just need summer to get here! *CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK - PLEASE ASK FOR RAIN CHECK!*

Before I get into this one, let’s take a moment to appreciate that this wine rhymes: So-lay Ro-say.

Now that we’re smiling, the bad news: the Souleil Blanc may be the first of many irregularities to come this year and in the future due to uncertainties in global trade. Hundreds of cases of the Blanc were due to arrive stateside a few weeks ago, but circumstances delayed the ship getting to New Jersey, so now we’re looking at a few weeks until it’s back in stock here at the store. In the meantime, I fully stand behind the Rosé from Souleil. Full transparency, the Souleil wines will be a feature all spring and early summer, but the price will not be as deep as the 11.99 we’re offering during the Anniversary Sale. So, while we wait for the blanc and summer to arrive, let’s embrace the classic southern French blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault and its strawberry and citrus peel notes that are perfect for 50s-in-March kind of weather with charcuterie and snacks. And if you had your heart set on the Blanc, we have rainchecks for you for the Sale price; just ask one of our staff. We appreciate your understanding, and fingers crossed this year doesn’t get too crazy!