Chatham Wine & Liquor
Fine selections from around the world – and around the corner
NATURAL WINES & 'ORANGE' WINES
Natural Wines
So-called natural wines are getting more attention lately as consumers pursue products deemed to be healthier and more authentic. Natural wines are wines made by people who approach their craft with a minimalist philosophy, both in the vineyard and in the winery. The grapes are grown organically, meaning that they are not sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. They may also be grown bio-dynamically which, in addition to no pesticides, involves enhancing the soil with certain organic preparations. It also includes processes and timelines for enriching the soil, planting, pruning, and harvesting based on the phases of the moon and astrological signs.
In the winery, natural wines are made with minimal intervention. Grapes are hand-picked and hand de-stemmed. Only naturally occurring yeasts are used for fermentation, and mechanical processes in the wine making are avoided. Since filtration is rare, there may be a cloudiness to the wine that is harmless. Sulfites are not added and nothing extraneous is added to the juice. Therefore, natural wines are said to be the purest expression of the fruit, the most authentic product of the vineyard.
We currently offer the following natural wines:
Reds
Falkenstein Blauburgunder 2016
A Pinot Noir of sheer elegance from the Alto Adige region of Italy. Full bodied with fruits of the forest and cherries with gloriously fine tannins.
$25.99
Mas Theo P'tit Gaby 2018
A light bodied Grenache Syrah Mourvedre quaffer from the Southern Rhone. Delicious tart red fruit and nice acidity.
$15.99
Beurer Portugieser 2019
A lighter-styled red, with darker fruits and a complex herbal profile of dried spices. It is made from the Portugieser grape which originated in Austria or Slovenia and is somewhat obscure. There is a little hint of funk to this. Jochen Beurer is a wildly influential grower in southern Germany, farming biodynamically and making wines with energy and life.
$31.99
Lestignac Va Te Faire Boire 2018
Camille and Mathias Marquet of Château Lestignac are the wizards of the Bergerac region! Working already for more than 10 year Biodynamic, with 100% natural vinification, 100% expression of the terroir and an almost Burgundy style in taste, juicy, powerful and mineral. They are not afraid to experiment.
$21.99
Primata Nat Cool 2019
It has a slight ”funky” note but with a distinct mineral driven aromatic profile. palate is deeply refreshing and austere, with beautiful tension and a purity which follows through to a dry, spicy and persistent finish.
$19.99
Roterfaden & Rosswag Co-op
"Terraces Red" 2019
A wine from grapes grown in ancient terraces in southern Germany, producing a dark fruited wine of Lemberger, Trollinger, Regent and Schwarzriesling, The producers describe it as a wine to quench the soul and to preserve this sacred growing ground.
$17.99
Whites
Hild Elbling
This still Elbling (a very rare grape) is brisk, bright, minerally, citrus & acid-driven. Pairs well with salty and fatty, and makes for a great cheese fondue wine. From the Upper Mosel.
$17.99
Brand Wilder Satz 2019
A beautifully acidic blend of Chardonnay, Muller-Thurgau, Riesling, Scheurebe and Sylvanier. Passion fruit, lychee, lime, green apple, sherbert, salt and a chalky minerality. Who could ask for anything more?
$17.99
Florian Fauth Elektrisch Riesling Kabinett 2018
From the Rheinhesses, a crisp, relatively dry (there is some residual sugar) Riesling Kabinett that evokes peaches, honey, and zesty lemon-lime acidity. It’s a perfect pair for spicy food.
$16.99
'Orange' Wines
Orange wine, also known as skin-contact white wine, skin-fermented white wine, or amber wine, is a type of wine made from white wine grapes where the grape skins are not removed, as in typical white wine production, and stay in contact with the juice for days or even months. This lends anywhere from an orange tint to a pronounced orange color to the wine.
Gonzales Bastias Naranjo 2019
Bold aromas and flavors of peach and tangerine with slight floral, orange peel and mineral notes. Juicy acidity, medium bodied and a long finish. A less intense "Orange" style.
$25.99
Domaine Dugois Vin Jaune Arbois 2011
Distinctive with dry-edged walnut and Brazil nut notes with a core of persimmon, orange peel and quince. A magnificent example of orange wine. From the Jura region in France.
$52.99
San Fereolo 2016
Riesling and Gewurztraminer from the Piedmont. A wine with sweet, floral aromas, vibrant, funky and fresh all at the same time.
$29.99
Coenobium Ruscum 2018
Blend of trebbiano, malvasia and verdicchio from the Lazio region in Central Italy. On the nose, it’s rustic with notes of balsamic vinegar. On the palate it is gentle and round with notes of pear, apple and peaches. Medium body with bright acidity and a long, almost cognac-like finish. One also thinks of orange marmalade, orange peel, stewed peaches and honey. A delicious and complex wine.
$28.99
San Biagio Vecchio Cacciabruco 2018
Chamomile, apricot and wildflowers on the nose. A hint of almond on the palate. Nice, round mineral long lasting finish. A less intense orange wine.
$16.99
Stolpman Vineyards Love You Bunches
From Santa Barbara County, a blend of orange muscat, pinot gris and mourvedre. No added sulfites. Popping tangerine peel flavors jump out of the glass. The color is so gorgeous it almost doesn't matter what it tastes like!
$24.99
2P Production Meskine Contact 2017
An Orange wine lover's dream. Funky, perfumed, petrol. A little rhubarb and ginger on the palate.
$21.99
Christoph Hoch Kalkspitz
A "pet nat" made of Gruner Veltliner with notes of citrus, herbs and citrus zest. It has a cider-esque quality which makes it a bit more rustic. It also has a delightful saline element that keeps you coming back for more.
$22.99
Sparkling
Porta Bohemica Muller Thurgau 2017
An herbal and crisp white wine from the Czech Republic. Powerful fruit on the nose, of melon and pear. Refreshing, minerality. Hint of nutmeg. Excellent as an apéritif... or on a hot summer day.
$19.99
i no es Pituko 2019
A rare and unusual Chardonnay from Chile. Not for oak and butter lovers, it is fruity and juicy with a nice texture and light acidity.
$14.99
Hild Elbling Sekt
The spunky sparkler is from the obscure Elbling grape grown in the Upper Mosel. Made in the traditional method, it is aged on its lees for nine months giving it extra creaminess. Juicy, tropical fruit, white flowers and chalk.
$20.99