The Spirit World

An Organic and Biodynamic Wine Cellar Created by Scott Pactor of West Chelsea’s Appellation Wine & Spirits

Bright, Modern, and white, it’s exterior wall of glass, Appellation Wine & Spirits – in eco chic, delightfully designed West Chelsea, is the first Biodynamic Wine Boutique in New York City.

Opened in September 2005, Appellation has established itself as a destination, as well as an outstanding contribution to the neighborhood – with a curatorial approach, boutique spirits, and exquisite customer service.

Amid the flurry of beautiful, but utterly lovely customers, Scott Pactor, owner and curator, designed a definitive nearly completely biodynamic signature collection.

Defining Biodynamic as “organic further” or grown within “an enclosed ecosystem”, Mr. Pactor explained that this creates both self sufficiency and “energy that’s used is much less then if drawing on resources from outside”.

While environmentalists whirl in a significantly smaller ecological footprint, the health conscious, confident of the wines purity – there are no synthetic imports such as fertilizers or pesticides – can absorb their antioxidants without chemical baggage.

The dedicated or aspiring connoisseur, however, will be most satisfied:

“The wines produced have a sense of place and are the best example of the grape. This gives you the best starting point to make a wonderful wine”.

Generous with his knowledge, Mr. Pactor has an unintimidating and contagious method of educating and encouraging ones appreciation of wine.

Chosen for a harmonious balance of aromatics, acidity, and alcohol – with a broad basis of aromatics, bodies, and style, these twelve artisanal bottles of wine, and a thirteenth of champagne, will form the basis of your personal cellar.

Arranged light to full, with countries grouped together, and a generously varied price point:

Itsas Mendi
Bizkaiko Txakolina
$17.99
Organic
Vintage: 2006

Delightfully light, slightly bubbly, this is a refreshing Basque specialty.

Guy Bossard
Muscadet Sevre et Maine
Cuvee Classique
$14.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2006

With a subtle citrus character and pronounced saline, mineral, and almond notes, this is pleasantly round, with a long finish – and racy acidity on the palate. Pair with oysters.

Nikolaihof, Vom Stein Federspiel
Wachau
$31.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2005

Smoky mineral notes and acidity, produced by the oldest biodynamic property in the Wachau, the perfectly unique traits of this Riesling make it worth ageing five to ten years.

Vila Marija
Brda
$13.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2006

A medium bodied Pinot Grigio, with Honeydew, herbaceous, and mineral notes, from younger vines in Slovenia, with hints of butter and cinnamon.

Francois Chidaine, Clos Habert
Montlouis sur Loire
$29.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2005

Expressive aromatics of green apple, mineral, and talc notes – joined by acidity and a hint of sweetness, this Montlouis is created from over sixty year old vines. Concentrated and delicate, pairing well with each course, from salad, to white meat, and finally cheese – ingredients from the farmers market make for a diverse and exciting experience.

Nuova Cappelletta
Barbera del Monferrato
$15.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2005

A delightfully unoaked Barbera with plum and earth notes, refreshing acidity, medium body, and approachable tannins – drink with an adventurous dish such as bagna cauda.

Domaine St. Nicolas
Fiefs Vendeens
$18.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2005

Graphite and black cherry on the nose, this divine Pinot Noir is medium bodied and refreshing – from an obscure Loire Valley appellation.

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
Hermitage
$199.99
Organic
Vintage: 2004

From a family winery founded in 1481, this slow maturing wine is made to age over the next one or two decades – in high demand, with few bottles coming into the United States.

Descendientes de J. Palacios, Petalos
Bierzo
$21.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2006

Dense with violet, pepper, spice and earth notes, this homage to Alvaro Palacio’s father is from the Mencia grape, which flourishes in Bierzo.

Chono
Maipo Valley
$12.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2006

Medium hard tannins, dark fruit and spice. Originally found in Bordeaux, the Carmenere grape, rendered virtually extinct from the Phylloxera pest, now thrives in Chile.

Patianna, Fairbarn Ranch
Mendocino
$33.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2004

Luscious aromas of black fruit, plum, coffee, and cocoa powder, with soft tannins – this Demeter certified warming wine from the Syrah grape pairs beautifully with rich cuisine.

Benziger, Tribute
Sonoma Mountain
$71.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: 2004

This bold but balanced cabernet blend of black fruit, herbs, coffee, and chocolate requires time to breathe. Made with family pride, serve with a chocolate tasting or an elegant dinner.

Fleury, Brut
Champagne
$36.99
Biodynamic
Vintage: NV

A one hundred percent Pinot Noir champagne! Based in the Cotes des Bar, Fleury is the region’s first biodynamic producer. Non-vintage with red fruit, full body, toasty notes, finesse and nerve. A worthy gift.

Appellation Wine & Spirits
156 Tenth Avenue
New York, NY 10011
212 741 9474
www.appellationnyc.com
Ten percent discount on a mixed case

If you would like to learn more about the difference between conventional, organic, and biodynamic wine, Scott Pactor recommends “Biodynamic Wines,” by Monty Waldin.

Biodynamic Wines
by Monty Waldin
Mitchell Beazley imprint at Octopus Publishing Group
Currently reprinting
www.octopusbooks.co.uk

* Descriptions adapted from the informative cards available for each bottle at Appellation.