Sometimes “smaller is better” when it comes to crafting limited amounts of premium wine. Serious wine lovers and connoisseurs are focusing their palates towards small producers who craft superior wines in small lots, using old world techniques, with limited non-commercial technology. Barili Cellars in downtown Spokane, Washington is one of those artisan venues who create “rare treasures of bottled delights.” A visit to their underground cellar brings up recollections of our European ancestors crafting family wines in Italy or France. Their current production of handcrafted wine is limited to 20 barrels and 200 gallons of white wine in stainless steel tanks.Winemaker Russ Feist has a keen focus on crafting limited amounts of Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Winemaking at Barili is a family affair that began in 2004 with hopes of creating drinkable wines for family and friends. This effort has evolved into four distinct wines that are catching the attention of those in the wine culture who seek artisan, craft wines.Barili Cellars 2011 Viognier is remarkably light and elegant, crisp and bright, making it the perfect holiday match for turkey, fruit salads, deviled eggs and pumpkin pie. Good as an aperitif or paired with mildly spiced Indian dishes, chicken or pork in a creamy sauce. The grapes are sourced from JBK Family Estate Vineyards in the legendary Red Mountain AVA. This is a fantastic Washington State wine for $19.Their 2010 (Nearly Naked) Chardonnay “combines the bright taste of fall with green apples and pears blessed with a hint of vanilla.” Nearly Naked ~ meaning that 75 percent of the fruit is crafted in stainless steel tanks with 25 percent aging in Eastern European oak barrels. Another great holiday wine that pairs well with turkey, pork or chicken culinary delights. Russ gets his superior Chardonnay fruit from Jon Martinez at French Creek Vineyards which produces nine acres of Columbia Valley premium grapes for Maison Bleue winery and other artisan producers like Barili Cellars. This is a very nice Chardonnay at $15.2010 Double Barrel Red is my current favorite from Barili Cellars. Russ and family artfully create a stunning 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with “big fruit overtones of dark cherry, black currant, red raspberry, finishing with soft tannins.” This delicious “red velvet colored” vino would make a nice marriage for the holidays with rib eye steak, prime rib, or tomato/beef-based gourmet Italian cuisine. Grapes are sourced from JBK Family Estate Vineyards and Shaw Vineyards of Red Mountain, and from Dineen Vineyards of Rattlesnake Hills. Double Barrel is a value blend of excellent quality for $20. Barili Cellars 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a “standout” in the artisan wine market. This full-flavored red is balanced with superior fruit from both Red Mountain and Rattlesnake Hills, enhancing this wine with notes of black raspberries, dark chocolate and a touch of coffee. This Cabernet Sauvignon would make a delightful compliment to lamb, roast, grilled meats and game. Holiday dinner delights might include sauced meat dishes, beef casserole or steak. Hard to beat this dynamic wine priced at $22.Barili Cellars is located at 608 West 2nd in downtown Spokane, Washington. Hours of operation are very limited, so either call in advance or email to: info@barilicellars.com. Phone: (509) 979-5830. Their friendly staff offers wine tasting on the first Friday of each month. Check out their web page for details: www.barilicellars.com
