From the Cellar: Nicolas Girard, Menetou-Salon 2010

Located in the heart of France, on the banks of the Loire River is the tiny village of Menetou-Salon. Specializing in producing elegant and mineral driven whites wines from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. 

We are featuring Domaine Nicolas Girard and his 2009 Menetou-Salon. The wine is made from 100% estate grown grapes, and a tiny estate it is, coming in at just 1.2 acres in Menetou-Salon and an additional 2.4 acres in Sancerre. This tiny amount of production allows the winemaker to take the utmost time and care in making the wine. 

Try it with Chef Gerry's flash fried Beau Soleil oysters with whole grain mustard remoulade and pickled shallots.

jacob gragg - certified sommelier

aria wine team

From the Cellar: Chateau Pradeaux, Bandol Rouge 2005

From one of the oldest and most traditional wine estates in Bandol (which is itself one of the oldest growing regions in France) comes this week’s highlight from Aria’s wine list.

Offered on half bottle (375mL), this bottling from Pradeaux is made almost entirely from Mouvedre, and from vines which have been under the careful watch of the Portalis family since before the French revolution.

The wine has a core of ripe fruit, tempered with smoked meat under tones and firm tannin.  Fantastic with Chef Gerry’s braised beef short ribs. Cheers!

andrés loaiza – certified sommelier
aria wine team

From the Cellar: Au Bon Climat "Hildegard" 2007

From Santa Maria Valley, in California's Central Coast, comes this bold and delicious blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté.

Au Bon Climat's winemaker, the legendary Jim Clendenen, uses Burgundian-inspired techniques to produce this 'chardonnay alternative' which we now offer by the glass at Aria.

Toasty, mineral and fresh, 'Hildegard" is extremely versatile with food.  Cheers!

andrés loaiza - certified sommelier
aria wine team

From our Cellar: Giaconda Estate Chardonnay 2008

Giaconda is quite possibly my favorite wine producer in Australia; winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner has been producing wine in the tiny little region of Beechworth Australia in northern Victoria since 1985.

Before returning to the land down under, Rick studied enology at UC Davis and during the 1970’s helped make wine at Stag’s Leap, Matanzas Creek, and for Bordeaux legend Christian Moueix of Chateau Petrus fame.

The 2008 Giaconda Chardonnay is a beautiful wine that bursts with apple and tree fruit and shows an amazing minerality and sense of place. The wine is tasting great now, but has a longevity that will allow it to age for a decade or longer.

jacob gragg - certified sommelier
aria wine team

From our Cellar: Clos de Ursules 2007

We are really excited to have a few Magnums of 2007 Domaine des Heritiers Louis Jadot 1er Cru 'Clos de Ursules'. The 2007 vintage of 'Clos de Ursules' marks the 150th anniversary of the Jadot's sole ownership of the historic walled vineyard and the entire production from 2007 was bottled solely in Magnum in celebration. Planted in the 17th century by the Ursuline Convent, 'Clos de Ursules' is one of my favorite Vineyards in all of Burgundy, producing rich deeply colored Pinot Noir with ripe succulent red cherry and fresh raspberry notes with great acidity year after year. The wine is a versatile match for the lighter fare on Chef Gerry's ever changing menu.


jacob gragg - certified sommelier
aria wine team

Neil Ellis' “The Left Bank” & other wines by the glass

Our wine list is updated nightly just like our dinner menu, and you are sure to find something you enjoy with 17 wines served by the glass that are constantly changing. Here are two recent additions:

The Left Bank, Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz blend
This great little red comes from Western Cape in South Africa. Made by renowned wine maker Neil Ellis from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, the wine carries flavors of plum, blackberry and a touch of cedar; smoky and spicy with gentle soft tannins.

Kurt Angerer, Kies, Grüner Veltliner
The Angerer family has made wine in the Kamptal region of Austria since the 1800s and this wine is a very good example of the classic style of the house. Mid body with citrus tones, underlying minerality and a little peppery edge; great for drinking this time of the year.

Aria's wines by the glass
Champagne, Louis Roederer, Brut Premier, Reims
Sparkling, Schramsberg Brut Rosé, Mirabelle, North Coast NV
Prosecco di Conegliano, Collalto, Brut, Veneto NV

Riesling Kabinett, Gysler, Rheinhessen, Germany 07
Alsatian Blend, Albert Boxler, Edelzwicker, Alsace, France 06
Grüner Veltliner, Kurt Angerer, Kies, Kamptal, Austria 08
Sauvignon Blanc, Vincent Delaporte, Sancerre, France 06
Chardonnay, Saintsbury, Unfiltered, Carneros, Sonoma 07
Chardonnay, Scarbolo, Friuli, Italy 06
Rosé of Grenache, Domaine Ott, Les Domaniers, Provence, France 07

Gamay, Potel-Aviron, Beaujolais Villages, France 07
Pinot Noir, Belle Glos, Meiomi, Sonoma Coast 07
Cabernet Franc, Lang & Reed, North Coast, CA 07
Sangiovese/Cabernet/Merlot, Querciabella, Mongrana, Tuscany 07
Zinfandel Blend, Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs, California 06
Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz, Neil Ellis, Left Bank, South Africa 07
Cabernet Sauvignon, Lariat, Napa Valley 05