In May, we took a further step forward with Zev Rovine Selections, a move that all of us are incredibly excited about. Previously, we had brought in just Frank Cornelissen’s wines, but with May came a major dig into this exciting portfolio. Zev is a leading Brooklyn-based importer of “natural wines.” He is likely most well-known as the national importer for Frank Cornelissen, who has grown deservedly famous for his natural interpretations from Mount Etna in Sicily. Zev’s website (http://zrswines.com) modestly suggests that he hasn’t much of a philosophy. Perhaps that is true…but his principles, then, are very clear: no additives in the vineyards nor the wines, excepting perhaps a small bit of sulfur at time of bottling, an exception that only some of his producers choose to exercise.
Zev was in Minneapolis for the exciting announcement and a tasting at Henry and Son. We sampled some fabulous wines:
Alexandre Bain 2014 Mademoiselle M Pouilly Fumé (Sauvignon Blanc)
Chateau de Beru 2015 Terroirs de Beru
Sebastien Riffault 2014 Sancerre “Quarterons”
Vincent & Marie Tricot 2014 Les Marcottes (Gamay d’Auvergne)
Jean-Yves Péron 2014 Champs Levat Mondeuse
Les Têtes 2015 Tete Blanche (Sauvignon, Chenin, etc
Les Têtes 2015 Tete Rouge (Cabernet Franc, Gamay)
Tenuta Dei Fossi 2012 Sikele Siciliane Rosso (Nero d’Avola) 12×750 (2012)
Taillendier 2016 Minervois “Laguzelle” (Cinsault/Syrah/Carignan)
Taillendier 2015 Minervois “Vini Viti Bibi” (Grenache etc)
Senat 2015 La Nine Minervois Rouge (Gren/ Carig/ Mourv/ Cins/ Syrah)
Moraza 2015 Rioja (Tempranillo)
Clos Mathelisse 2014 Exorde (Cinsault)
Domaine La Bohème 2015 Festejar Pet-Nat Rosé (Gamay d’Auvergne)