Every Sunday, with an educational edge, I explore specific appellations or sub-regions, taking you along for the ride. If it’s old news, then brush up on some fading facts; if it’s uncharted territory, why not learn something new? If you know something I haven’t mentioned, then feel free to comment and share your experiences. Check out past Sunday posts here.

Great, because I’ve been looking for something…

My life of leisure has almost completely run its course (l’Abattoir pre-opening activities ramp up this week). The already infrequent Sunday School posts will be even less regular, yet I hope to still whip one up anytime a region excites me enough. In the meantime, here’s some rad stuff I’ve had over the past week or so (excluding a Thackrey dinner last night which I’ll talk about soon) with brief tasting notes.

Martin Arndorfer ’06 Strasser Weinberge Riesling

Delicious. A rich textured, dry Riesling with big balanced acid. Grapefruit, spice, and petrol (which doesn’t overwhelm). From 27-year-old Austrian prodigy Martin Arndorfer. $35 at Kits.

Giuseppe Quintarelli ’00 Valpolicella Classico Superiore

We drank most of this bottle during a chilly night on the beach and it definitely helped warm us up. Dark purple fruit with raisin, date, and earthy characters. Not as stinky as the last bottle of 2000 I had about 6 months back and less weighty than I remembered. Interesting and enjoyable Valpolicella from the ‘Master of the Veneto,’ but I’m not convinced it lives up to its price tag.

Siro Pacenti ’07 Rosso di Montalcino

I bought Pacenti’s Rosso mainly as an experiment – they are known for being modern, fuller Rossos, whereas I typically prefer the lighter incarnations. I was impressed with how well it holds the 14.5% alcohol and managed to show some elegance. Plush texture with black cherries and a dusty character. Not something I could drink every night, but it was quite good. $40 at Kits.

Worst photo I’ve ever taken of a label?? Cedric Bouchard’s Infloresence ‘La Percelle’ Blanc de Noir Champagne.

A 100% Pinot Noir Champagne from young grower Cedric Bouchard. This wine is captivating… dry (zero dosage) with ripping acid and plenty of fresh red cherry fruit characters. This is definitely not your yeasty and nutty style. I’d like to settle in with a bottle of this and get to know it a little better. Biodynamically farmed with natural ferments. $140 at Kits.