Freeport Cheese and Wine

November Wines of the Month

2009-11-06T14:12:00.001-05:00

Chocolate & Wine Tasting at Wilbur's & Simply Divine Brownies

2009-11-06T12:54:00.001-05:00

Wine & Chocolate Tasting

Thursday, Nov. 5th

4:30-6:30

Simply Divine Brownies & Wilbur's Chocolate are hosting a tasting at their store on Lower Main Street.....this is across the parking lot from Freeport Cheese & Wine. It's free and it will feature wines from Mariner Beverages. Phil McCormack from Mariner Beverages will be there to talk about the wines!

Any of these wines that you purchase from Freeport Cheese & Wine will be 10% off!

The Wines:

Sparkling:

Santome Prosecco (Italy) $14.99 - This is a dry Processo with nice minerality, fruit and a great price! Perfect for Thanksgiving Weekend, smoked fish, a fruit tart and more!

Trevisol Rosecco (Italy) $18.99 - Made by a Prosecco producer, this can't be called "Prosecco," because it has other grapes than just Prosecco in it. This has nice red berry fruit and great bubbles with it. Try it with dark chocolate!

Whites:

Sun Garden Riesling 2007 (Germany) $11.99 - A fruity, off-dry crowd-pleaser! Aromas and flavors of nectarines, grapefruit, peaches, oranges and apples! Light-to-medium body with lots of juicy fruit. Subtle, delicate minerals. Clean finish. Food pairing - Goes well with salads or spicy foods such as Thai, Mexican, and Cajun. Try it with seafood, poultry or veal in a cream or spicy sauce. Wine Enthusiast, “Best Buy”

Marchetti Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2006 (Marche, Italy) $13.99 - This is one of the best Mediterranean whites under $15 I've ever tasted! Wonderful citrus and mineral flavors and aromas. This also has notes of green apples and tropical fruits. Vibrant acidity and loads of minerality throughout the wine. Picks up a little nuttiness (almonds?) on the finish. Long, crisp finish! Maurizio Marchetti, the winemaker, only uses the best grapes (most years he gets no more than 1/2 a bottle from a single vine). 2,100 cases. Food pairing - seafood, shellfish, swordfish, etc. Great with poultry.

Reds:

Pierre Ponnelle Pinot Noir 2007 (France) $12.99 – nice combination of “Old World” earth and a little funk and “New World” cherry fruit! Pinot Noir is great with Thanksgiving Dinner!

Marchetti Uve di Montepulciano Rosso Conero D.O.C. 2006 (Marche, Italy) Reg. $18.99 Sale $11.99 - A wonderful wine from the Marche! Aromas & flavors of vanilla, dried berries - raspberries, cranberries & blackberries, dark plums & spices (pepper & baking. Well-balanced acidity & tannins. Medium-bodied. Long, smooth finish. 90% Montepulciano & 10% Sangiovese. Aged 18 months in older Slavonian oak barrels & 2 months in the bottle. 2,500 cases. Organically farmed. Food pairing - roasted poultry, grilled meats, rich vegetarian dishes, etc.!

Klassen Calaveras County Merlot 2005 (California) Reg. $17.99 Sale $14.99 - We bought the last 5 cases and got a great price! Wonderful! This is a big, rich AND smooth Merlot! Aromas and flavors of black cherries, dark chocolate and more. This is wonderful! Grown at 2,100 feet and allowed to properly ripen, this wine shows what Merlot can do in the right hands! Mostly Merlot with a touch of Petite Sirah and Syrah. This will age well through 2010 and is drinking well right now! Food pairing - Dark Chocolate! Roast, fowl, rich pastas and stews.

Newsome-Harlow "El Portal" Petite Sirah 2006 (California) Reg. $24.99 Sale $12.99 - Why is this so cheap? It's the economy! Try being a small, unknown winery from an obscure area priced at $25 in this economy! So, they lowered the price! This is one BIG wine! Lots of weight and heft in this bottle! It's Petite Sirah with 15% Zin thrown in for fun! This has a lot of big, dark fruit without being sweet. Add in aromas and flavors of vanilla, chocolate and baking spices (Cinnamon? Nutmeg?) and you've got one weighty, complex wine! Up in Calaveras County, in the California Gold Country, this new winery is putting out some MAMMOTH wines. If you like your wines BIG & BOLD, you'll like this! Food pairing - Dark chocolate! Steak, lamb, a Wolf Neck Farm beef hamburger!

Dessert Wine:

Trentadue Alexander Valley Chocolate Amore Port (California) $26.99 - If you are looking for a wonderful dessert wine for Valentine's or any night, try this! This is like drinking a dark chocolate-covered cherry! This is a well-balanced wine....it's not syrupy (nice acidity balancing the sweetness). 100% Geyserville grapes. Merlot-based, Port-styled dessert wine with natural chocolate. Food pairing - drinks great on its own! Pour it over vanilla ice cream! Makes a killer martini (equal parts Chocolate Amore & Vodka, 1/2 a jigger of fresh orange juice & Cointreau)

More Deals!

2009-10-09T15:43:00.004-04:00

Sale!

Freeport Cheese & Wine

We keep looking for deals and we keep finding them!

Vinum Cellars "Pets" Petite Sirah 2006 (California) Reg. $13.99, Sale $9.99 - SOPO had 5 or so cases left of this and gave me a great deal, so we bought it up! Also, Vinum brought back the original label with Tanker, the dog, on it! We love this! Deep, dark wine that is loaded with ripe fruit aromas & flavors! Nice floral notes....flavors of plums, blueberries, dried herbs, smoky bacon & more. Well-balanced acidity & tannins....medium-bodied.....medium-to-long finish....A portion of the profits from this wine are donated to an animal shelter & the wine is dedicated to winemaker Ken Wilson's dog, Tanker. Winemakers call Petite Sirah "Pets." Aged in French oak barrels. 11,500 cases made. Food pairing - Drinks well on its own. Pairs up well with roasted & grilled meats, pizza, mushroom dishes, etc. Less than 4 cases left! Wine Spectator, 88 points; "Two labels stood out from the pack when the bags came off in our blind tasting, including the PETS bottling from Vinum."

Newsome-Harlowe “El Portal” Petite Sirah 2006 (California) Reg. $24.99, Sale $12.99 – This is one BIG wine! Lots of weight and heft in this bottle! It’s Petite Sirah with 15% Zin thrown in for fun! This has a lot of big, dark fruit without being sweet. Add in aromas and flavors of vanilla, chocolate and baking spices (Cinnamon? Nutmeg?) and you’ve got one weighty, complex wine!

Up in Calaveras County, in the California Gold Country, this new winery is putting out some MAMMOTH wines. If you like your wines BIG & BOLD, you’ll like this! Food pairing – steak, lamb, a Wolf Neck Farm beef hamburger!

Villa Pozzi Pinot Grigio 2008 (Venezie, Italy) Reg. $10.99, Sale $8.99 – Delicious little Pinot Grigio that has great lemon and tropical fruit without being sweet. It’s soft and round in terms of texture. Nice acidity that adds to the crisp, clean finish. Food pairing – fish and seafood dishes, lighter appetizers, salads.

Villa Pozzi Nero d’Avola 2008 (Sicily, Italy) Reg. $10.99, Sale $8.99 – This is soft and smooth and has really nice dark fruit to it! Tart blackberries, a floral note, vanilla and figs. Medium-bodied and easy drinking. Definitely worth having a few bottles! Hand-harvested grapes. Fermented and aged in stainless steel vats. Food pairing – hearty stews, lamb, beef, pizza.

Lionello Marchesi “ColdiSole” Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2003 (Italy) Reg. $$64.99, Sale $54.99 – I bought 12 bottles of this Brunello after tasting it one day in late September. This needs another year or so to really start showing its stuff, but the day I tasted it, the wine was magnificent. It had been open most of the day and was well decanted and aerated. This is a big, rich, almost “fat” Brunello – definitely made in a more “New World” style. The aromas and flavors are loaded with dark fruit, dark chocolate, vanilla, spices, rich earth and toasted oak. 100% Sangiovese Grosso. Aged 36 months in French oak barriques (33% are new, 33% 1-year and 33% are 2-year). This will aged well through 2018. Food pairing – roasted, grilled and braised meat. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Gary Farrell Wines

The following 3 wines are all from Gary Farrell Winery in Sonoma County. Gary Farrell has been making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other wines in Sonoma County since 1982. In 2000, he built and opened his new winery in the Russian River Valley. Gary Farrell focuses on small production lots and has relationships dating back decades with some of the best growers in the area. Susan Reed is the winemaker at Gary Farrell. Before joining Gary Farrell she was the winemaker at Matanza Creek Winery before it was sold to Jess Jackson in 2001.

Gary Farrell’s wines tend to be more elegant and finesse-driven than “overblown” or overdone. I like them a lot. All of their grapes are hand-harvested during the cool mornings to preserve the fruit and reduce oxidation. The grapes are destemmed and then crushed.

Gary Farrell Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California) Reg. $26.99, Sale $21.99 – This is an elegant and crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a nice rich texture! Aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest and gooseberries. Flavors that mirror the aromas with white peaches, apricots and honeydew melon. Nice acidity to balance the fruit. Crisp and refreshing finish. Drink now. 80% fermented in stainless steel and 20% in new French oak barrels, but the wine is transferred back to stainless steel before the wine can take on any oaky characteristics. This brief exposure to oak adds richness to wine. 3,008 cases made. Food pairing – shellfish, salads, spicy Thai foods.

Gary Farrell Chardonnay 2006 (California) Reg. $34.99, Sale $26.99 – This is a really good Chardonnay – it’s 100% Chardonnay, but it’s a blend of both California clones and Burgundian clones. So, while it has some of that Californian style of butter and creaminess, it’s also a leaner style of Chardonnay – more like most Burgundies are. Aromas and flavors of apples, pears, limes, pineapples, earth and a little oak. This is well-balanced and has nice length and staying power on the finish. Drink now through 2011. Barrel-fermented in 100% French oak barrels, 1/3 new, 1/3 one-year and 1/3 two-year so this is not “over-oaked.” 4,653 cases made. Food pairing – seafood, chicken, salads, shellfish, just drinkin’!

Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2006 (California) Reg. $42.99, Sale $34.99 - Medium-bodied Pinot with wonderful ripe cherry, blackberry, raspberry and strawberry aromas and flavors. The fruit is balanced with nice spicy earth and minerals. It has notes of spicy, toasty oak. The texture is rich and lush. If you are thinking about a Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving Dinner, this is a great choice! Drink now through 2011. 11,688 cases made. Aged in new, 1, 2 and 3-year-old French oak barrels for 8 months. Sourced from famed Russian River Valley vineyards, including Starr Ridge, Rochioli-Allen, Cresta Ridge, Stiling, McIntyre and Archer. Food pairing – grilled salmon, duck, tuna.

Stone Vertical Epic 2009

2009-10-03T15:02:00.007-04:00

Stone Vertical Epic Ale

09.09.09

A Californian Belgian-style Porter! With chocolate and orange and more! Comes in a 22-oz bottle. $7.99/bottle.

This is a big, bold beer made with a Belgian yeast that adds the tropical fruitness and spiciness that is typical of so many Belgian ales to the chocolate malt. They added dark candi sugar, vanilla bean and tangerine peel to complement the flavors of the porter. Think dark Belgian chocolate with orange! It's aged in French oak, so it picks up a toasted vanilla characteristic.

The idea behind the Vertical Epic Ales is that over 11 years (02.02.02 through 12.12.12), you will have 11 bottle-conditioned beers to try as a "vertical" tasting.

Here's what beer blogger, Lew Bryson, has to say about this year's Vertical Epic!

Stone's own blog gives us some background on the beer!

Limited supply! We bought a few cases and have one case left!

BeerAdvocate.com, A-, "Excellent"

RateBeer.com, 94 points

October Wines of the Month

2009-10-03T14:38:00.004-04:00

October Wines of the Month

We’re off to Italy!

For Tiers One and Two, we are on Sicily at a single winery, Fondo Antico.

The symbol of Sicily is the “trinicria,” which bears quite the resemblance to the triangular symbol of the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. Both appear to be based on Greek mythology. The Sicilian “trinicria” has a Gorgon’s head.

The winemaker, Augustino, was here on Sept. 23rd and we were able to taste these 4 wines with him and wrangle an invitation to Sicily!

The winery, Fondo Antico, is near Trapani, between the villages of Portelli and Fulgatore, called Frazione Rilievo. This is in the Marsala part of Sicily and is a the western end of the island. They have about 200 acres of vineyards, growing grapes local to Sicily such as Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Inzolia and Grecanico. They also cultivate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay.

The Wines

Tier One

“I Versi” means “the verses.” Just as reading a poem reveals layers of complexity, so do these wines as you enjoy them!

The White:

I Versi Bianco IGT 2008 (Sicily) $12.99 - A pretty Sicilian white that’s clean, unoaked, delicate & dry, with a light, herbal touch. This wine has nice, crisp acidity that makes it a perfect pairing with most seafood and salads. Aromas of limes, pineapples and green apples. The flavors are similar with a little roasted almonds on the finish. 50% Inzolia and 50% Grecanico. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing – light hors d’oeuvres, seafood, fish soups, grilled veggies, salads and fresh cheeses.

The Red:

I Versi Rosso IGT 2007 (Sicily) $12.99 - A young wine, with a bright ruby red color with fun floral aromas. This is smooth, soft and drinks easily! It has nice berry fruit, a little spiciness and something akin to anise or licorice in the flavors (and remember, I really don’t like licorice candy, but I like it in wines when it’s just a subtle note as it is here). Food pairing – meat dishes, mushroom dishes, aged and fresh cheeses, game, pâté,

Blend of 50% Nero d’Avola and 50% Merlot. John Dietz, who works with Easterly Wines (the distributor for these wines) called Merlot, “The international grape of mystery.” Meaning = Merlot may take on many forms and styles depending on growing practices and winemaking. In the movie, “Sideways,” Miles definitely gives Merlot a bad rep! “No, if anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am NOT drinking any…..Merlot!” Some Merlot deserves such a reputation – the juice in this wine does not. It’s good! Fermented and briefly aged in stainless steel.

Tier 2

The White:

Fondo Antico Grillo Parlante IGT 2008 (Sicily) $16.99 - A “grillo parlante” means “talking cricket” in Italian, but of course Grillo is also the name of the native Sicilian grape found in this fresh white. In Italian, “Grillo Parlante” is actually Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio.

What I love about this wine is that aside being fantastic; you can drink it at least 2 ways. You can just sip it and not think about it and you’ll love it! Or, you can linger over it and think about the layers and complexity…..it’s great either way! This has a straw-yellow color with just slight greenish tints. The aromas are floral with pear, white peach and lemon. It’s refreshing as you drink it and the rich lemon, pear and nutty flavors come out. Manually harvested grapes. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Food pairing – ceviche, poached seafood, lemon chicken dishes, shellfish.

The Red:

Fondo Antico Nero D’Avola IGT 2006 (Sicily) $19.99 – This is a fresh, robust and full-bodied red with lots of red fruit (plums, berries, cherries) and a nice spiciness. This is velvety and smooth with fine-grained tannins. It has a nice spiciness to the finish that is more peppery than alcohol (it’s only 13.5% alcohol). Nice long finish. 100% Nero d’Avola. Aged 6 months in French oak barriques and 2 months in bottle. Food pairing – Risotto al Nero d’Avola with cloves (pretty much reduce the Nero d’Avola from a bottle to a pint and then stir it into the risotto), grilled meats, cheese such as Manchego or Piave Vecchio or Pecorino Toscano. Roasted tuna with onions and mint.

Tier 3

We are headed as far from Sicily in Italy as we can go – the northeastern corner! The area is the Alto Adige in the Südtirol in the province of Bolzano-Bozen. This province is an autonomous region in Italy and is the most German part of the country. Nearly 70% of the population is German.

This area is dominated by the Dolomite Mountains, which are a former seabed. So, the rocks are limestone and this adds tremendous minerality to the wines of the area. The Dolomites shield cold, bad weather from the north, leaving the valleys open to mild air from the Mediterranean. A warm summer wind comes from Lake Garda to ease the summer heat. At night, cool air from the high mountains floods the valleys. This alternation of warm, sunny days with cool nights enables the grapes to ripen slowly and increase the intense aromas, sugar levels and brisk acidity necessary to making great wine!

“Gambero Rosso,” the classic reference for Italian wine, says that this region, the Alto Adige, is one of the top 5 wine areas in Italy, asserting that this is also the home of the "best assortment of wine cooperatives in the world, exemplary for both their efficiency and the high general quality of even their run-of-the-mill products." Further kudos for Colterenzio from the same publication: "Their entire line has few competitors in any part of Italy, and their whites are among the very best of their area."

The White:

Schreckbichl Colterenzio Prædium Pinot Grigio “Puiten” DOC 2007 (Alto Adige) $25.99 – A $25 Pinot Grigio?! Just what is Eric thinking?

The Roman word “Prædium” means wine estate and is a symbol of a mature, deep-rooted wine culture. “Puiten” is the single vineyard where the grapes for this wine grow.

This is a great white wine. It’s lush and full and soft in its texture. Complex, subtle, aromatic, many, many layers and nuances! Aromas of orchard fruits, minerals and flowers pour out of the glass! Flavors of apples, pears, stone fruits, fresh cut hay and honey. Crisp and refreshing with great acidity. Fermented in stainless steel. Part of the wine is fermented in large Slovenian oak casks (5,000 liter barrels) where it undergoes malolactic fermentation to add richness and weight. Aged on the lees for 6 months to increase the richness and velvety texture of the wine. The “wines” – one is in stainless and the other in cask – are then blended, lightly filtered and bottled. They only use organic fertilizers and biological pest controls. Food pairing – pasta with chicken, fish and chips, seafood salad, chicken salad with apples and grapes. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

The Red:

H. Lentsch Lagrein "Morus" 2003 (Südtirol) $37.99 – The name “Morus” comes from Morus Nigra and signifies “mulberry tree”. Until the 1940s, its cultivation was very important, as it was grown in support of the raising of silkworms. Nowadays there are only a few examples of mulberry trees left. One is located at the lower end of a slope planted for many years with Lagrein. To keep alive the memory of this important agricultural heritage, this Lagrein from carries this name, “Morus.” Lentsch is a family-owned estate founded in 1882 in Bronzolo.

Lagrein is the grape from which this deep, red South Tyrolean wine is made in the lowlands around Bolanzo, where the sunshine and soil texture give it a unique character. This Lagrein is a full-bodied, garnet-hued wine with a wide range of aromas, including with blueberry, bilberry, and violet. On the palate it is warm and smooth, with soft tannins and a lingering finish. Food pairing - it pairs well with hearty fare and hard cheeses.

After careful sorting, the grapes are crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. As soon as fermentation is complete, the wine is pumped into concrete barrels to initiate malolactic fermentation – this softens the wine and adds a fuller, richer texture. The wine then ages in French oak barrels. After this, there follows a second year in large wooden casks, where the wine has time to develop and mature. After bottling, the wine is stored for a further ten to twelve months in cellar. Just under 1,000 cases made.

Rioja Wine Tasting

2009-09-18T17:57:00.001-04:00

Wine Tasting

Monday, Sept. 21st

5:30-7:00 PM

with

Nacho Hererra

From

Rioja's Bodegas Bretón

Location:

Hilton Garden Inn

5 Park Street

Freeport, ME 04032

(207) 865-1433

$10/person
Please e-mail (efullagar@gmail.com) or call (207) 869-4048 to reserve a space(s).

The Wines

Sparkling

Mont-Marcal Cava Brut Rosado 2005 (Penedès, Spain) $19.99 - This has great bubbles! The texture and fineness of them is AWESOME! It's a light ruby color. This has definite notes of strawberries, raspberries, minerals and oranges. 100% Trepat, a Catalan black varietal that makes spectacular rosés! This kicks the butt of many expensive Champagnes at a fraction of the cost! Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 91 points

Whites

Can Feixes Bianco Selecció (Penedès, Spain) $16.99 - Fresh and refreshing white made from Cava grapes. Light yellow color. Aromas and flavors of apples, pears and melons with a lot of minerals and lemon zest. This is stony and aromatic - reminiscent of Chablis or wines from Rheingau. Made from the same grapes as Cavas - Macabeo (35%), Parellada, (37%), Chardonnay (18%) and also a touch of Malvasía de Sitges (10%). Parallada grows best in high altitude, gravelly mountain soils and is known locally as "Montonec," grape of the mountain. This wine definitely shows that its grapes are grown in gravelly soils! Stainless steel fermentation. This estate is the northernmost in the Penedès D.O., near the Montserrat pinnacle, which forms Penedès northern border.

Loriñón Rioja Blanco 2006 (Spain) $18.99 - Bodegas Bretón was a pioneer in the production of barrel-fermented, dry whites from 100% Viura. This has a rich texture and it and is quite aromatic! Aromas of flowers, pear, anise and peach. Creamy and lush! Not oaky at all. 100% Viura. Half the wine aged on lees. The barrels were left outside in cold winter temperatures to naturally fine and stabilize the wine. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, "Best Buy Spanish White Wines $20 and Under"

Reds

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero is in northwestern Spain near the Portugal border. The Duero River is the same river that is home to Port in Portugal. It is one of Spain's most esteemed winemaking area.

Dehesa La Granja 2003 (Spain) $26.99 - This is merely a GREAT wine! This has aromas that just WOW you! WOW! Surprisingly "fresh" wine from such a hot vintage ('03 was the heatwave year in Europe). Deep, complex, rich, ever-evolving. Black cherries, blackberries, mocha and chocolate are just the start! I sat around & smelled this for a couple of hours - it just kept coming & coming! Long & rich flavors! Decadent! Supple, integrated tannins. Medium-to-full bodied. Awesome! 100% Tempranillo grapes from the Pesquera clones. Aged 2 years in new American oak barrels & 2 years in the bottle before release. Unfiltered. This has sediment. Food pairing - Meats, a tapas meal, rich mushroom dishes, etc. Drinks well on its own. Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 91 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Alejandro Fernández and his wife Esperanza Rivera, having created Tinto Pesquera and Condado de Haza in their native Ribera del Duero, looked farther afield in the Spring of 1998. Offered the opportunity to acquire one of Spain's grandest agricultural estates, they purchased the rundown estate bordering the Guareña River in the province of Zamora, in the heart of one of Spain's earliest recognized wine regions. Known during the entire 20th-century as "La GranjaValdeguareña de los Moleros" the 1800-acre ranch had been devoted to the breeding of highly regarded fighting bulls, still in operation at the time of purchase. From the 18th through 19th centuries the estate had been a regionally-dominant producer of wine, evidenced by 40,000 square feet of cellars hand-carved by 125 laborers over 17 years. During that time the local wine producing area was known throughout Spain and Europe as Tierra del Vino (Land of Wine). This is the first vintage of this highly acclaimed wine produced entirely from estate-grown fruit!

Jumilla

Jumilla is near the Mediterranean coast well south of Barcelona, between the coastal plain and La Mancha. It's hotter than Hades here and the soil is mostly sand. This is key - the phylloxera pest won't live in sandy soil. So this area is home to incredibly old vines! This is Spain's most arid wine region (less than 8 inches of rain per year).

Carchelo Monastrell 2008 (Jumilla, Spain) $15.99 - Monastrell is known in France as Mourvèdre and is the dominant grape in Bandol wines (which are produced near the Mediterranean in Provence). This is organically grown Monastrell with a little Syrah. Aromas of black cherries, herbs, smoke, curing tobacco. It's dark, deep and rich with a lot of dark fruit and a spicy finish. Drink now through 2012.

Rioja

Winemaking in Rioja dates to at least 1063. The King of Navarra and Aragon gave the area official recognition in 1102. Rioja is located south of the Cantabrian Mountains along the Ebro River. The mountains help protect the vineyards from the fierce winds that are typical of northern Spain. Rioja is on a plateau, a little more than 1500 feet above sea level. The area is subdivided into three regions - Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja. La Rioja Alavesa and la Rioja Alta, located closer to the mountains, are at slightly higher elevations and have a cooler climate. La Rioja Baja to the southeast is drier and warmer.

This winery is in Rioja Alta.

Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. What do these words mean?

Crianza - wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak.

Reserva is aged for at least three years, of which at least one year is in oak.

Gran Reserva - wines have been aged at least two years in oak and three years in bottle.

Bodegas Bretón

Bodegas Bretón was founded in 1983. Although of relatively recent origin, Bretón takes a decidedly traditional approach. The Bretón partnership includes a 100-acre estate called Viña Loriñón on the outskirts of Logroño along the south bank of the Ebro River. Also included is the fabulous Dominio de Conté, a textbook 55-acre vineyard on a protected bend of the Ebro near Briones, in the very heart of Rioja Alta. Average vineyard age approaches 40 years - the highest of any major Rioja producer. Crowning Bretón's arrival among Rioja's elite group of estate producers was the first release of Dominio de Conté, from the 1989 vintage, receiving a Gold Medal at Vinexpo 1995.

Loriñón Rioja Crianza 2005 (Spain) $18.99 - Deep, dark red. Aromas of cherries, plums and tobacco (this is a GOOD smell!). Flavors of cherries and plums, plum jam. Juicy texture. Finishes clean with good length. 2005 is an exceptional vintage that has been called, "unprecedented." A classic Rioja Alta blend: 85% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano and 5% Garnacha; aged 14 months in American oak.

Loriñón Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain) $23.99 - This has that silkiness that comes with bottle age! Aromas of ripe red berries, toast, dark chocolate, and balsamic. Medium-bodied. Soft tannins. Almost juicy! Light and surprisingly crisp for the 2003 vintage (heatwave year in Europe). Aged 19 months in oak.

Loriñón Rioja Gran Reserva Rioja Gran Reserva 2001 (Spain) $39.99 - aromas of spicy cherries, smoke, baking spices, vanilla and balsamic. This is both soft and firm in terms of texture and has a long, long finish. Flavors of ripe berry and cherry fruit, spices, truffles and black pepper. Good acidity. Fine-grained tannins. 85% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo and 5% Garnacha. 225 cases made. Aged 28 months in 225 liter American oak casks and 40 months in the bottle before release. 2001 was an outstanding vintage in Rioja. This will drink well through 2015. Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 90 points

Dominio de Conté Reserva 2004 (Spain) $39.99 - Aromas of plums, cedar, vanilla and balsamic. The fruit is soft with notes of tea. Soft, dusty tannins and a long finish! From a single vineyard on a unique spot near Briones on a bend of the Ebro - this area is a perfect microclimate for ripening Tempranillo. 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Aged 18 months in new American oak barriques. This will age well for another 10-15 years. Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 90 points

Bourgeois Family Selections Tasting

2009-09-11T11:22:00.005-04:00

Wine Tasting

Monday, Sept. 14th

5:30-7:00pm

$10/person

with

South Portland Wine Company (SOPO)

Jean-Philippe Bourgeois

Owner and founder of

Bourgeois Family Selections

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park Street, Freeport, (207) 865-1433.

The Hilton is located just off Bow Street on Park Street. Bow Street intersects Main Street (Rte. 1) right at L.L. Bean. Park Street will be your 2nd left turn as you are driving away from L.L. Bean. The event is in their dining room.

This is a tasting, not a seminar, so if you can't be there right at 5:30, no worries.

PLEASE CALL (207) 730-0886 for reservations.

Jean-Philippe Bourgeois

Jean-Philippe was the General Manager for 6 years for one of the top importers in the country and one of the most respected men in the industry, Eric Solomon of European Cellars.

French-born, he's fluent in English, French and Spanish. He has an MBA and 2 BA's. Combining his love for wine and his language and business skills, he is able to find small producers in France and Spain who make great wines and just need his help bringing them to the United States.

Bourgeois focuses on small producers who farm organically and/or biodynamically.

These are superb wines and great values!

Please join Jean-Philippe Monday at the Hilton!

The Wines:

Whites:

1 - Le Drunk Rooster Chardonnay 2007 (France) $12.99 - Unoaked Chardonnay. The rooster is the "state bird" of France. The rooster is a national emblem of France and the Coq Gaulois (Gallic Rooster) decorated French flags during the Revolution. The rooster symbolizes vigilance. The wine is a custom project with Thierry Rodriguez of Mas Gabinele, which is in the Faugeres AOC in the Languedoc in Southwestern France. They farm organically. The grapes are from older Chardonnay vines and are completely destemmed before crushing. This is loaded with fruit, but still has a nice touch of minerals. It starts zippy and zingy with nice acidity. Flavors and aromas of melons, peaches, grapefruit and mango. Food & Wine: "While this earthy, flavorful white may have a silly name, it’s a serious Chardonnay for the money."

2 - In Fine Blanc 2007 (Rhone, France) $11.99 - I LOVE SOUTHERN French whites! Smooth wine! Lots of flavor! Bright and fresh aromas and flavors of peaches, white flowers and a little lemon/lime with some minerally hints. 80% Clairette and 20% Bourboulenc (who cares about the grapes – it tastes good!). Crisp finish! Aged 8 months in stainless steel before bottling. Sustainable agriculture. "In Fine" is a new project of Raphael Troullier, a rising star of the Cotes-du-Ventoux at Domaine de Cascavel, his biodynamic estate. Food pairing - shellfish, fish and lighter poultry dishes. Great for just drinking! Wine & Spirits, Critics' Pick, "Extreme Value"

Reds:

1 - Le Drunk Rooster Grenache 2006 (France) $12.99 - This is a custom project with Nicolas Baptiste of Domaine de la Serre in Maury, another winery practicing sustainable agriculture. This domaine lies at the foot of the Corbieres Mountains (this is where the Cathars holed up when the Pope in the 13th century wiped them out). It is a very fruit forward wine with aromas of fresh red fruit, a jammy, lush mouth feel with a nice smooth finish. From vines that are at least 25 years old. Food pairing - white and red grilled meats.

2 - Le Drunk Rooster Pinot Noir 2008 (France) $14.99 - The Pinot Noir is a custom project with Thierry Rodriguez of Mas Gabinele, which is in the Faugeres AOC in the Languedoc in Southwestern France. They farm organically. This is a very aromatic wine with a beautiful nose of berries, and a touch of pepper. It is very crisp and has a jammy mouth feel with a nice smooth spicy finish. Food pairing - best served slightly chilled (in the fridge for 15-20 minutes) with grilled meats, Indian or Cajun foods.

3 - Clos Cristal Samur-Chapigny Cabernet Franc 2005 (Loire, France) $21.99 - Since 1928, the “Hospices de Saumur” has managed Clos Cristal, a property of 25 acres donated by Antoine Cristal, the first to plant Cabernet Franc there. This 100% Cabernet Franc is a fine wine with elegant fruit and a nice structure, which compliments many styles of cooking.
Since 1928, Saumur Hospital has owned the 10 hectares (25 acres) of vineyard growing Cabernet Franc grapes bequeathed by Antoine Cristal. The Clos Cristal is historically symbolic for Saumur wine growers, not only because its creator was the first to develop red wines in Saumur, but also because in about 1900, he conceived of an ingenious project. He built three kilometers (2 miles) of walls along which, and through which, the vines grow. Close to he walls, the vine takes advantage of the heat accumulated by the stone, which enables a greater level of ripeness in the fruit. Natural yeast, completely natural wine. 100% Cabernet Franc from 40 year-old vines. Biodynamic estate.

4 - Domaine de Chateaumar "Cuvée Bastien" Côtes du Rhône 2007 (France) $14.99 - Domaine de Chateaumar "Cuvée Bastien" Côtes du Rhône 2007 (France) $14.99 - 100% single vineyard old-vine Grenache. This wine is a deep, nearly opaque purple. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry to the nose, with eucalyptus, black pepper, licorice, and floral notes. Touches of cinnamon and spice follow onto the medium to full bodied juicy palate. The tannins are firm, ripe, and well integrated. It all makes for delicious fun. Sustainable farming. No chemicals. Aged 8 months in concrete tanks before bottling.

5 - Domaine de la Berthete "Cuvée Sensation" Côtes du Rhône 2007 (France) $13.99 - This wine is a custom cuvée made for Bourgeois Family; a blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (25%), Carignan (20%), and Cinsault (5%) with 15% of the cuvée aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Highly aromatic and fruity with a strong, tannic backbone. Drink within 3 to 5 years. Sustainable agriculture. Hand-harvested grapes. Food pairing - roasted duck, hand cut potato chips fried in duck fat, and wild mushrooms cooked in their own juices.

6 - Domaine des Florets Gigondas Tradition 2006 (France) $26.99 - This is an "in your face" red - it's not meant to be smooth or easy to drink. It's big and has soul! Aromas of red berries, flowers, spices, minerals (wine critic Stpehen Tanzer says it smells just like a Chambolle-Musigny for you Burgundy lovers!). 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre from old vines. Dark red. Extremely seductive nose offers a kaleidoscopic bouquet of fresh red berries, flowers, Asian spices, and minerals, smells like a topnotch Chambolle-Musigny! Sweet and impressively energetic with precise strawberry and raspberry flavors, medium body, and fine, silky tanninms. An utterly effortless, graceful example of Gigondas.
Gigondas is a tiny area, a tiny AOC, tucked away in the Southern Rhône Valley. The AOC takes its name from the village of Gigondas. Gigondas is situated right under the rugged, rocky range of the Dentelles de Montmirail and creates top quality reds rivaling its southwest neighbor, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Biodynamic farming. Jerome Boudier's philosophy is to respect his environment, his vines and his culture, to work them by hand as much as possible, vine by vine, and to make high quality wine with a great expression of its terroir. Grenache brings the strength, fat and softness, the Syrah brings elegance and fruit, the Mourvèdre brings the backbone and the Cinsault the sweetness. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 93 points

7 - In Fine Rouge 2007 (France) $11.99 - Runaway, huge hit at our May tasting! Aromas & flavors of cherries, plums, chocolate & baking spices. Lots of dark fruit & a little pepper spice! Rich, smooth texture. Soft & light tannins. Nice acidity. Pretty finish. 90% Grenache & 10% Syrah. 100% concrete vat fermentation. Aged in concrete tanks for 8 months before bottling. Sustainable agriculture. "In Fine" is a new project of Raphael Troullier, a rising star of the Côtes-du-Ventoux at Domaine de Cascavel, his biodynamic estate. Food pairing - Serve at 61-64°F or slightly cold (57°F) in the summer. Drink now with red meat, game, and fresh cheeses. Drinks well on its own!

8 - Domaine du Crampilh Cuvée L'Origine Madiran 2006 (France) $17.99 - Madirans can be big and rough when young, so this will be interesting to try! This blend is mostly Tannat, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Madiran area Is southwest of Bordeaux in the heart of the Armagnac-producing region, an area that mostly produces white wines, except the Madiran is home to mostly reds, and the grape Tannat dominates the area.
According to Bourgeois Family Selections website, "Its beautiful purple red color is indicative of the intense and savory nose which expresses a great maturity. The concentrated, rich, palate has an appealing black ripe fruit character that results in delicious aromas and round tannins with evocative spicy notes, of an excellent intensity. Wines from the Southwest of France contain the highest levels of polyphenols in the WORLD and are known to help fight cancer and bad cholesterol.....The Crampilh sticks to tradition with wild aromas of herb, smoke, and a meaty, chewy quality on the palate. The fullness on the nose and the palate is not at the expense of the beauty, balance, and grace of the wine. It just goes to show that the French can give you power and elegance at the same time." Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

9 - Tikalo Alba Liza 2006 (La Mancha, Spain) $9.99 - Enjoy it as part of a meal or with a few friends if you feel like sharing after a sip of this great Spanish red! Aromas of cherries, anise, herbs and dark chocolate. Flavors of black fruit, cherries and jam. Blend: 65% Tempranillo - 35% Garnacha. Hand-harvested grapes - which Is rare for a 990 acre winery! The grapes are then sorted through a rigorous "table triage" to only use the most ripe bunches. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 88 points, "Much more serious than one would expect at this price."

10 - Tikalo Rubens 2006 (La Mancha, Spain) $11.99 - Deep cherry-red colored wine. Very intense with red fruit aromas and licorice. The wine is fresh in the mouth with bright fruit and silky tannins. Aromas of licorice and wild berries. Jammy fruit in the flavors. 100% Tempranillo. Hand-harvested grapes - which Is rare for a 990 acre winery! The grapes are then sorted through a rigorous "table triage" to only use the most ripe bunches.

September Wine Tasting

2009-09-05T15:10:00.035-04:00

September Wine Tasting

Freeport Cheese & Wine
Friday, Sept. 11th

3:30-7:30

178 Lower Main Street, Freeport, ME 04032

(207) 869-4048

10% discount on all tasting wines bought at the tasting! Or, within the week.

The Wines:

We have 2 distributors dueling it out!

Art Gonyea of National Distributors VS. David Joseph of Davine Wines

Art's Wines:

The Whites:

Vitano Falesco 2008 (Umbria, Italy) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99 - This is just a wonderful wine from Italy & a GREAT value! Well-balanced, fresh, medium-bodied wine. Aromas of peaches, honeysuckle, pears, melon & a pine forest. Loads of fruit flavors – pears and limes, plus a touch of fresh grassiness like a Sauvignon Blanc. Dry, crisp finish. Blend of Verdicchio and Vermentino. Stainless-steel fermentation and aging. Riccardo Cotarella is one of the true rock stars of Italian winemaking and his wines at Falesco continue to deliver incredible value! Food pairing - pasta with shellfish, risotto, white meat casseroles, salads, and vegetables.

Adelsheim Pinot Gris 2007 (Oregon) Reg. $16.99, Sale $14.99 - Adelsheim Vineyard is the 3rd oldest producer of Pinot Gris in the New World. This is their 24th vintage. It features grapes from 10 vineyards in the Willamette Valley (about 61% is from old vines in the Quarter Mile Lane Vineyard. The Adelsheims enhance the texture a little by allowing partial malolactic fermentation in a few of the lots, and by fermenting (not aging) a small portion of the wine in older neutral barrels. Wonderful floral aromas with bright fresh flavors of pears, peaches and apples. There is a little spiciness to the wine. The label features Giny Adelsheim's portrait of her older sister, Susanna Kuo. Sustainable farming practices. Food pairing - poached salmon, shellfish, bisques, oven-roasted chicken or poultry & spicy foods.

Manu Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - Lots of fresh, bright fruit in this easy drinking wine! Loads of flavor! 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Stainless steel fermentation. Sustainable Agriculture. Food pairing – almost any shellfish or seafood. Has sufficient acidity to serve with light cream sauces – you need that acidity to “cut” the cream.

The Reds:

Château de Campuget Costières de Nîmes 2005 (France) $11.99 - Like a beautiful woman, the juice in this wine doesn't need a lot of "make-up" (oak barrels), so this is fermented and aged in stainless steel, which is a little unusual for the area. Garnet color with a hint of blue. Aromas of black currants, spices and pepper. Smooth tannins that linger nicely. Blend of 65% Syrah, 30% Grenache Noir and 5% Mourvèdre. This drinks well young and will drink well over 5-6 years. Food pairing - Serve slightly chilled (about 64 degrees) Grilled or roasted meat. Leg of lamb.

Falesco Vitiano Rosso 2007 (Umbria, Italy) Reg. $12.99, Sale $11.99 - Year-after-year this is a red wine that just provides great bang for the buck! Blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Rich texture with lots of great red fruit, plums, raisins and chocolate. Nice acidity to balance the fruit. Blend of equal parts Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 3 months in French (Nevers) oak. This will age well through 2012. Food pairing - grilled meats, mushroom dishes, lasagna, spaghetti, roasts & flavorful aged cheese. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Celler, 91 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Montaria Reserva Vinho Tinto 2006 (Portugal) $10.99 - we just tasted this Thursday and decided to add it to the line-up! Trincadeira & Aragones (Tempranillo) Beautiful ruby color with hints of tobacco and black cherry. Ripe berry flavors abound balanced with round tannins and a velvety finish. Food pairing - A natural for grilled foods: chicken, dark fish and beef.

Ferrari-Carano Merlot 2005 (California) Reg. $23.99, Sale $19.99 - This is easy to drink! It's full-bodied and has ripe tannins and notes of dark chocolate. Dark in color, the nose is complex with very ripe cherries, blackberries and baking spices. Blend of 90% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is blended and barrel aged for 18 months in 70% older French oak, 25% new French oak, 5% American oak. Food pairing - any red meat course, Italian entrée and roasted or grilled poultry dishes."

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2005 (Verona, Italy) Reg. $23.99, Sale $21.99 - What a rich, soft, elegant, great-tasting wine! A SPECIAL wine! For Amarone lovers, w/o the Amarone price tag! Velvet in a glass. Rich, complex nose – ripe fruit and spicy oak. Mouth-filling wine, but soft feel. Smooth tannins balance the dark berry and cherry flavors. Powerful. Long finish. Single vineyard blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella & 5% Sangiovese. Food pairing - Great food wine! Rich meals – game, mushroom risotto, lamb & more. For a special treat – try with GOOD bittersweet chocolate! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Larry Cherubino "Middle of Everywhere" Shiraz 2007 (Australia) $16.99 - Larry Cherubino is one of the most acclaimed and skilled winemakers in the world, not just in Western Australia. He was the winemaker for New Zealand's Craggy Range Gimblett reds in 2005 (94 points from Parker) and California's Staglin Family Vineyards (93 points from Parker). This Shiraz is full of fruit and spice! Medium-bodied. Soft berry fruit with hints of baking spices and a little brambliness. Nice length on the finish. Grapes are from the Frankland River area in Western Australia. The grapes are destemmed. Aged 8 months in 30% new and 2-year old French oak barrels. Food pairing - grilled meats, lasagna, stews.

David's Wines

The Whites:

Domaine de Régusse Vin de Pays de Mediterranée Aligoté 2008 (France) $13.99 -This BLEW us away! Excellent wine from an obscure grape from Burgundy! This is refreshing and crisp! It has great acidity (typical for this grape). Flavors and aromas of green apples, lemons and minerals. Aged in stainless steel on its lees for 6 months. The lees are the residue in the vat or barrel – leaving the wine in contact with the lees adds richness to the wine. Organic farming. Food pairing – lobster! Shellfish. Grilled chicken. Salads. Kirs (add cassis).

Cave de Pomerol Picpoul de Pinet 2008 (Languedoc, France) $12.99 - Just a tremendous wine! Picpoul is often called "the Muscadet of the South" in France. Wonderful on warmer days as we hade for summer! Aromas of fresh bread, yeast, nuts, red berries and minerals. Flavors of tropical fruit, pear, apple and lime. Crisp acidity. Hints of spice on the clean, crisp finish. Food pairing - Drinks well on its own! Perfect with shellfish, lobster & seafood. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points, Wine Review Online, 89 points

The Rosé:

Maipe Rosé of Malbec 2008 (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99 (buy a case of the Maipes, mixed or full, $9.99 a bottle; that's 17% off!) - Delicious rosé from South America! Aromas and flavors of violets, raspberries, strawberries and red cherries! Nice acidity to balance the fruit in the wine. Dry finish that lasts! One day on the skins adds this rich dark color to the rosé! Stainless steel fermentation. 30 days “sur lees.” 100% Malbec. 35 year-old vines. Organic farming. Food pairing - drinks well on its own. Great with tuna, grilled chicken, green salads, pasta and spicy Asian dishes.

The Reds:

Hugl Zweigelt 2007 (Ketzelsdorf-Poysdorf, Austria) $15.99 - A 1 liter bottle! 33% more wine! Zweigelt is an Austrian grape, developed in 1922 when Dr. Fritz Zweigelt crossed two grapes - St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch. Today, Zweigelt is the most widely planted red variety in Austria, growing in nearly 9% of this country's vineyards. The wine boasts a concentrated color, fruity and spicy aromas, cherry flavors. Full-bodied, smooth and round, the wine is an ideal food companion. "A nice Zweigelt that makes a good match for casual grilled fare. Sneak this along on your next cookout." - Washington Post (July 09), VERY GOOD

Apaltagua Pinot Noir 2008 (Chile) $12.99 - Apaltagua’s Pinot Noir has a brilliant ruby color and emphasizes aromas of cherries, raspberries, and soft notes of oak. It boasts smooth and elegant tannins and a sophisticated finish. The grapes come from Apaltagua’s own vineyard in Tricao in the Curico Valley. Food pairing - roasted or grilled meats, mushroom risotto, earthy dishes. Wine writer Gil Lempert-Schwarz describes Apaltagua's Pinot Noir 2008 as a “ nice juicy wine that envelopes the palate with mixed red and black cherries. The tannins are ripe and harmonious ... It beats pricier California counterparts by leaps and bounds.”

Maipe Malbec 2008 (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99 (buy a case of the Maipes, mixed or full, $9.99 a bottle; that's 17% off!) - Excellent wine & a great value! Aromas and flavors of flowers, ripe figs, dark berry fruit & more! Wonderful floral aromas at the start. Soft, integrated tannins. Finish has nice length! I’ve tasted this immediately after opening & a day later; it’s good both ways! Decant to enhance the flavors & aromas! 10% aged 3 months in oak. Organic farming. Food pairing - drinks well on its own. Great with roasted & grilled meats, rich pasta dishes, etc. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

Thorn Clarke Shotfire Ridge Shiraz 2008 (Australia) $21.99 - Each vintage, this is a big, rich and smooth Shiraz. Lots of dark chocolate, dark berries and spice in the aromas and flavors. This wine also has tons of complexity. It shows earth and spice and graphite as well as plums and blackberries.....and that great dark chocolate! The tannins are soft and integrated. Aged in a mix of French and American oak hogsheads for 14-16 months (40% new; the rest are 2nd and 3rd fill barrels). Food pairing - drinks GREAT without food. Steak, lamb, beef, Wolf Neck Farm burgers.

New Age (Mendoza, Argentina) $11.99 - blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia, this has a little effervescense to it! We'll serve this as a cocktail - over ice with a little slice of lime! It's a hugely popular drink in Argentina and is making a big splash in Maine this year! The drink is called "Tincho," after the cocktail's creator, who happens to be the 3rd generation of this family-owned winery in Mendoza. Bodega Valentin Bianchi is one of Argentina's oldest wineries, dating to 1928 and founded by Italian immigrant, Valentin Bianchi. It's delicious and refreshing!

September Beers - 6-pack/12-pack

2009-09-03T12:18:00.008-04:00

September Beer Collection

This is a new one for us.

Each month, I'm going to put together a 6-pack and a 12-pack of different beers.

If you want either, just call or e-mail. If you want to cherry pick some of the beers, please do!

The 6-pack: Reg. $35.10, Sale $32.99

Brouwerij Bosteels Kwak (Belgium) $9.99 - This was a huge hit at a tasting about a year ago. This brewery dates to 1791. Pauwel Kwak first brewed beer in 1791. Family-owned. This is a Flanders style beer - producing a dry, assertively tart beer. Kwak has a slighlty sweet flavour, a fruity aftertaste, and a hint of bitterness. Top-fermented, it has a rich, copper colour with a creamy head. Traditionally served in a distinctive glass originated from coachmen needing a way to enjoy beer since Napoleonic Code forbade them sharing a drink with the passengers. Kwak developed this glass so the coachmen could remain seated yet hang the glass on the coach and enjoy the rich beer too. 750ml bottle. 8.4% alcohol.

Heavy Seas "the Big DIPA" Double India Pale Ale (Baltimore, MD) $5.99 - Big DIPA is a hoppy, big beer! Hopped 3 times in the brewing process. Copper-orange color with a great head. Earthy hoppy aromas. Aromas of caramel, fresh bread and citrus. Flavors of citrus, hops and malt. Sit and sip and savor this! 22 oz bottle. 10.6% alcohol.

Aecht Schlenkeria Rauchbier Urbock (Germany) $4.49 - Wonderfully rich. Deep mahogany color. Aromas of summer grilling, smoked meats and peat. Fuller and richer bodied than the Märzen because it uses more malt. Well-balanced flavors - starts sweetly malty...finishes with a nice hoppy, clean note. Brewed once per year for the Urbock celebration at the Schlenkeria tavern in early October. Food pairings - German food, grilled meats, salmon, smoked meat, Cheddar, Comte, Stilton. Unfiltered, unpasteurized and bottle-conditioned. 16.9 ounce bottle. 6.6% alcohol. "...not only among beers but among all alcoholic drinks a classic....the world's most famous smoked beer.," Michael Jackson, Pocket Guide to Beer. RateBeer, 98 points

Ceylon Brewery Lion Stout (Sri Lanka) $2.39 - This is an outstanding beer from one of Asia's best breweries! Deep, dark, almost black color. Beautiful tan colored head that lasts. A traditional, hearty, tasty stout. Aromatic - roasted malt, a pleasing Guinness-like sourness in the nose. Lots of roasted malt, chocolate, coffee and caramel flavors. Subtle smokiness in the aromas and flavors. Hints of dark fruit and coffee on the finish. Feels rich and soft and lush in the mouth. Almost chewy, yet smooth. Bottle-conditioned. Awards - not exactly an award, but internationally-known beer critic Michael Jackson went to Sri Lanka to hunt down this beer; his effort helped bring it the international fame and repute it deserves! Food Pairings - Smoked or Grilled meats, chocolate or with a rich creamy dessert, especially one with coconut. 330 ml bottle. 8% alcohol.

Maine Beer Company Spring Peeper Ale (Maine) $4.25 - MBC was started by two brothers originally from Michigan who are keeping their days jobs for now while moonlighting as brewers. The brewery is brewing 2-barrel (or is it 1-barrel) batches and are not focusing on any styles in particular. Spring Peeper Ale, a nice floral American Pale Ale, is their first (and only) release thus far. It is a clean, dry, bottle-conditioned ale. Very fragrant - it's dry hopped (that means they add hops in the fermenter when the wort has cooled - heat kills the aromas in hops). It has excellent head retention and a nice fruity hop aroma. 500ml bottle. 5.5% alcohol. Beer Advocate, B+

Weyerbacher Simcoe Double IPA (Pennsylvania) $7.99 - INTENSE hop flavors! It is brewed untilizing only the Simcoe hop variety, which is a hybrid hop, developed and trademarked by Select Botanicals Group, LLC in the year 2000. It was created for its high alpha acid content, maximum aromatic oils, and low cohumulone (harshness) levels so that brewers can really put a lot of 'em in a beer and not create an overly harsh taste. Double Simcoe IPA is a full-flavored ale with hints of pineapple and citrus upfront, a good malt backbone in the middle, and a clean finish that doesn't linger too long. Check it out, and you'll soon see why everyone's talking about it. 22 ounce bottle. 9.0% alcohol. Named 2006 "PA Beer of the Year" by Beer Author Lew Bryson. Rate Beer, 99 points, Beer Advocate, A-

The 12-pack (the 6-pack plus these 6 beers): Reg. $75.04, Sale $66.99

Arcadia Ales Cocoa Loco (Michigan) $7.99 - A truly one-of-a-kind brew, a Triple Chocolate Milk Stout. A combination of three different chocolate malts, cocoa nibs and 63% cacao bittersweet chocolate make this a sinfully delicious brew. The addition of lactose lends the beer a creamy quality- not unlike a milkshake- while the Blackstrap Molasses adds rich, burnt, syrupy flavors. Flavors of baker’s chocolate and espresso dominate, while rich malty flavors and a subtle kiss of hops add nice balance. This is a BIG beer. Delicious on its own, Cocoa Loco is also brilliant with many foods, or as a digestif. Recommended Foods: Brie, Cherry Cheesecake, Seared Ahi Tuna, Vanilla Ice Cream, Berry Pies. 22 ounce bottle. 7.0% alcohol. 2008 Winner, Best in Show, World Expo of Beer

Penobscot Bay Brewery Whig Street Blonde Ale (Maine) $6.99 - It's name is derived from the street the brewery is on in Winterport. The label is artwork done by a member of the brewing family. The taste is uncomplicated and clean, It is made from pale malt, a handful of malted wheat and finished with Perle hops for bittering and Cascade for aroma. It's an easy drinking, comfortable ale for those lazy days and laid-back nights. Bright, Golden, Easy to Enjoy! 22 ounce bottle. 4.2% alcohol. Beer Advocate, A-

Bar Harbor Brewing Thunder Hole Ale (Maine) $5.99 - Delicious. Full-bodied. Complex. Sure, you can say all those things. Wouldn't it be a lot more fun to take a sip of this handcrafted brown ale and come up with your own superlatives? This is the brown ale that beat Newcastle, Sam Adams and more, at the World Beer Championships in Chicago. Deep amber hue. Rich roasted, toffee-like aromas follow through on medium-bodied palate with spicy hops upfront and toasted caramel malt flavors that finish in a mildly fruity manner. An elegant and complex Brown Ale. "An American classic brewed perfectly." – Charlie Papazian

Uerige Sticke Dusseldorf Altstadt Altbier (Germany) $4.99 - A GREAT Beer! Just a beautiful dark copper/amber color. Aromas of malt, nuts, caramel,, floral and grassy hops. Big flavors - caramel, nuts, slightly dry and malty. Clean and crisp. Reminiscent of a lager. Only brewed twice per year - the 3rd Thursday in January and November. Food pairings - German food, smoked meats, fresh game, grilled meats, earthy cheese such as Chimay, Munster, Camembert, etc. Brewed from Pilsner, caramel and roasted malts and Spalt Spalter, Hallertauer and Spalt Hallertauer hops. 11.2 ounce bottle. 6% alcohol. "...the finest example of the style , and one of Germany's truly great beers," Michael Jackson, Pocket Guide to Beer

Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted Ale (Scotland) $5.99 - The Harviestoun Brewery helped launch the reemergence of high-quality microbreweries in Scotland - which in the 1980's had little in the way of well-crafted, well-made, tasty beers produced locally (a declining economy & competition from big breweries in Britain and from abroad had combined to sink Scotland's domestic breweries). The brewery is in the oddly named Scottish village of "Dollar," coming from the Latin dolor, meaning sadness. Nothing at all sad that this beermaker made a career change at age 40 and started producing world-class beers!

This is just a wonderful beer. On the pale side of a bitter....Golden in color. Sharp, beautiful blond beer with great, distinctive hop flavors -honey & grapefruit tang (from the Hersbrucker), a "twist" of lemon (Challenger hops), and subtle spiciness (Styrian). Crisp with a good head. 16.9 ounce bottle. 4.2% alcohol. Awards - Supreme Champion Beer of Britain 2003; Supreme Beer Champion of Scotland 2002; Champion Beer of Scotland (Bitter) 2001, 2003; Gold Medal & Champion, 2004 Brewing Industry International Awards, Champion Beer of Britain 2001.

J.K's Scrumpy Farmhouse Hard Cider (Michigan) $6.99 - you're right...this is not a beer! Hard ciders are delicious! This is light and fresh and refreshing! Before Prohibition, cider was probably the biggest selling adult beverage in the USA! Johnny Appleseed wasn't planting apple seeds for eating - he was planting them for cider!

"Scrumpy" is an English-style of farmhouse cider that has always been popular on the farms of southern England. This, though, is not an English style of cider, it is definitely a Farmhouse Cider. It's a cross between an English Scrumpy and a Normandy Cidre.

This is crisp, dry with a ripe apple flavors, baking spices, honey and a touch of pepper. This is the real deal - one of the best, if not the best, American cider! This is rich and full. The carbonation is mild.

Organic farming. Sulfite free. Two ingredients - apples and yeast!

Labor Day Weekend Wine 6-pack/12-pack

2009-09-02T18:54:00.022-04:00

Labor Day Weekend

6-pack/12-pack

Wine Selections

We've put together a great group of wines for you!

If you want to substitute a wine or remove it from the group, feel free to do so!

The 12-pack consists of the 6-pack PLUS the 6 wines listed in the 12-pack. The 6-pack is 5% off the sale prices. The 12-pack is 10% off the sale prices.

The 6-pack:

Reg. $95.94, Sale $78.94, Final Price (5% off) $74.99

You are saving 22%!

The Whites:

Masseria Frattasi Falanghina 2007 (Taburno, Italy) Reg. $21.99, Sale $17.99 -
Big, rich white that is similar to many white Burgundies! Flavors of pears, green apples, white peaches, minerals, lemon and more. Great acidity and a nice “bite” that helps this match up to richer foods such as lobster, scallops or smoked salmon! The rocky soil near Mount Vesuvius shows in the minerals in this wine! This family winery dates to the 1700’s and the Greeks brought Falanghina to Italy! 100% Falanghina. Organic farming. Food pairing – duck, lobster, scallops or smoked salmon!

Pietra Santa Chardonnay 2006 (California) Reg. $16.99, Sale $11.99 - Excellent Chardonnay and a great buy at this price! Made from grapes grown in the cool Central Coast area, this has great aromas and flavors of ripe pears, green apples, citrus and melon. Soft and creamy mouthfeel with just hints of vanilla. While this has been aged in oak barrels, it isn’t too “oaky.” It’s crisp and refreshing with nice acidity. Food pairing – fish and chicken. Asian dishes. Drinks well without food.

The Reds:

Spann Vineyards "Recovery Red" (California) Reg. $18.99, Sale $16.99 - Wonderful blend made from grapes from different vintages & vineyards. Each year the blend is different & it is fantastic!

This is big and ripe and softly textured. The color is deep and dark. The aromas are filled with red cherries, black cherries, plums, a little dark chocolate, a little black licorice and more. The flavors pop with red cherries, dark berries, spice, licorice, plums and more. Nicely balanced tannins and acidity.

37% Syrah (2004), 25% Cabernet Sauvignon (2001), 14% Cabernet Franc (2003), 12% Merlot (2003) & 12% Grenache (2004). Only 380 cases made. Aged in a mix of two-to-six year-old French oak barrels. Organic.
Food pairing – drinks well with or without food! Pair this up with any grilled or roasted meats, a great pizza, etc. Food pairing - steak, lamb, burgers, big foods!

Poggio Amorelli Gode' II Rosso di Toscana IGT 2007 (Italy) $12.99 - This is the same wine as their Chianti Classico. Given the slower economy, the more expensive Chianti Classico is selling more slowly. So, you get to enjoy the same wine for less money! Classic Italian red - a little earth and dusty tannins and it has that red cherry, raspberry fruit profile that signifies Sangiovese. Blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Canaiolo (20%). Aged in oak barriques. Food pairing - Hearty pasta dishes; pork sausages and grilled meats.

Domaine André Brunel Vin de Pays de Vaucluse Grenache 2006 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 - Just what we all need! A fabulous red from Southern France for less than $10! YEAR-AFTER-YEAR, this wine just rocks! This is an awesome wine from a winemaker whose Châteauneuf-de-Pape commands big dollars. André Brunel is a truly great, legendary winemaker! Aromas of herbs (rosemary, sage, Provence), peppery spice, black cherries, plums, blackberries. Deep, dark clear color. Juicy, big, spicy mid-palate. Soft, chewy tannins at finish. Unfiltered. Hand-picked & destemmed. 90% Grenache & 10% Carignan. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairing - Great wine with grilled or roasted meats, hearty stews, etc. Decant to open up more rapidly.

Tyrell’s Wines Lost Block Pinot Noir 2005 (Australia) Reg. $12.99, Sale $8.99 -
Delicious Pinot Noir! Great for a party at this price! Smooth and easy sipper! Nice soft cherry fruit! Bright, fresh flavors and aromas. Clean tasting! Not tannic! Smooth! Food Pairing – grilled chicken! Salmon! Sipping in the garden!

The 12-pack:

Reg. $203.88, Sale $162.88, Final Price (10% off) $146.59

You save 33%!

The Whites:

Marchetti Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore 2008 (Marche, Italy) Reg. $20.99, Sale $16.99 - Full-bodied, rich and lush! This “late harvest” Verdicchio is NOT sweet. The grapes are left on the vine an additional month to develop greater body, structure and flavor. Aromas and flavors of pears, melons and honey with crisp acidity that makes the finish bright, clean and refreshing! This reminds me of a really good Viognier – you peel back layers and layers . Organic farming. Food pairing – lobster, mussels, oysters, duck, swordfish, salmon!

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Zind 2006 (Alsace, France) Reg. $35.99, Sale $17.99 – A wine that has a lot going on and it goes down easy! Complex and fun! This is a bit lighter than the 2003/2005 versions of the wine – but, that’s due to the weather in those years. 65% Chardonnay and 35% Auxerrois. All are from Clos Windsbuhl – which has a definitive calcareous make-up to its soil. The aromas show the minerality of the soil. The aromas are more about minerals than fruit. The wine is aged on lees (the residue in the barrel). The vines were planted in 1988. Auxerrois is a grape native to Lorraine and it is a close sibling to Chardonnay.

The Rosé:

Jean-Luc Colombo Rosé de Côte Bleue Côteaux d’Aix en Provence 2008 (France) $13.99 - Hard to beat a dry Provencal rosé on a warm day! Beautiful wine. We just love it! Tasty…easy-drinking. Clean, dry, refreshing. Aromas of peachhes, roses and pepper. Flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Crisp & vibrant acidity. Soft in the mouth. Nice weight to the wine. 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre & 20% Counoise. Food pairing - The perfect wine with grilled chicken or chilled grilled chicken salad. Great with roasted poultry, salad nicoise, light seafood dishes & spicy Asian food Put it this way, a dry rosé is about the most food friendly wine made!

The Reds:

Aresti Estate Selection Pinot Noir 2008 (Chile) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - Aresti has been growing grapes since 1951. In the '90's they started making wine.....and they've been making excellent wines with great values! The Aresti Pinot Noir has vibrant strawberry jam aromas with anise and cinnamon. The aromas carrying over to the flavors, easy-drinking and yet complex, with a nice, long finish. Food pairing - grilled meats, mushroom risotto.

Corrientes Malbec Reserva 2007 (Mendoza, Argentina) Reg. $9.99, Sale $8.99 - This is a smooth and easy-drinking Malbec! Medium-bodied with nice dark fruit. Not overly tannic – by that, I mean that drying sensation in your mouth. It doesn’t do that. This is smooth and velvety. Just a great value in an every day red! Food Pairing – grilled pork or chicken. Pizza. Red sauce pasta dishes.

Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red 2007 (Lake County, CA) $12.99 - Aromas of boysenberries, cherries & vanilla. Flavors of boysenberries, red berries, baking spices and vanilla. The tannins are really soft. Nice smooth finish that lingers. Aged 8 months in French and American oak. Blend of 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Syrah, 27% Petite Sirah, 6% Zinfandel & 4% Barbera. Sustainable farming practices. Food pairing - almost anything you want to grill!

September Wines of the Month

2009-09-02T17:32:00.003-04:00

Wines of the Month

Hello, It's September and time for the wines of the month! We're headed to France and the Cotes-du-Rhone, Cotes-du-Luberon and the Languedoc.

Remember, if you are a member of the wines of the month (click the link for details), you get 10% off your wine purchases ALL THE TIME! The wines are all in the store today!

Tier 1

The white:

Domaine de Coussergues Chardonnay Viognier 2008 (Languedoc) $11.99 - This property has been in the same family for 13 generations (since 1485)! This is ripe and fresh and has incredible aromas of flowers, peaches and apricots! It has a great texture - it's both crisp and fresh and also has a nice softness. Excellent acidity. Flavors of pears, tropical fruit and honeysuckle. Blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Viognier. Food pairing - salads, chicken, lighter meals. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points.

The Red:

Chateau du Trignon Cotes-du-Rhone (2007) Reg. $16.99, Sale $14.99 - Chateau We tasted this with Randy from Wicked Wines in August - "WOW!" This is brand-new to Maine! It's also from a GREAT, GREAT vintage in the Cotes-du-Rhone. Nice and juicy with red berry fruits! This is smooth and soft and drinks oh so nicely! It's not tannic. Mouth-watering. It has some nice pepper that lingers on the finish. It has a lot of earth in the aromas. Blend of roughly 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. Organic Farming. Food pairing - grilled or roasted meats, mushroom dishes. Great for Fall!

Tiers 2 & 3

For Tiers 2 & 3, we are headed to a special winery in the Cotes-du-Luberon, Domaine de la Citadelle.

The Cotes-du-Luberon is in the southeastern corner of the Rhone Valley, to the east of Avignon and north of Marseilles. This winery is in Menerbes, at the heart of the Luberon. The domaine is at the confluence of the Rhone and Durance Rivers.

In 1989, Yves Riusset-Rouard purchased an ancient farmhouse with 8 hectares of vines and created Domaine de la Citadelle. They farm organically and today, the estate comprises 45 hectares (about 110 acres).

Three of these wines are extremely limited in supply and we kinda lucked into them when we helped the importer, Didier Boutet, get some wine to a customer. The Cabernet is in good supply - we can get more of that.

Tier 2

The White:

Domaine de la Citadelle Côtes du Luberon Les Artèmes Blanc 2007 (France) $23.99 - Delicate, elegant rich blend! This is a GREAT vintage in the south of France! This is both lushly rich and delicate! Aromas of flowers, herbal tea, almonds, green apples & peaches. Flavors of green apples, honey, almonds and peaches. Bracing acidity. Medium bodied. Blend of 30% Roussane, 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 10% Marsanne. Hand-harvested. Fermented in stainless steel. Matured in tank on the lees. The Marsanne is new to the blend this year. 667 cases made. Organic Farming. Food pairing - seafood, salty dishes.

The Red:

Domaine de la Citadelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (France) $17.99 - I've had customers go GA-GA over this wine because they've been to the winery and are shocked I could get this! They should be GA-GA - it's delicious! The wine sees no oak, so it is bright and fresh. Drink it now! Cabernet is an unusual grape from this area; so this is not an AOC wine....it can't be! The growing area is cool at night and hot during the day. Yves Rousset-Rouard resurrected this estate and turned it into one of the best in the Côtes du Luberon! Organic Farming. Food pairing - steak, lamb, stews, mushroom dishes. Deux Etoiles dans le Guide Hachette 2007 (2 Stars)

Tier 3

The White: Domaine de la Citadelle Gouverneur Saint Auban 2006 (France) $39.99 - Similar to an outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape! Aromas and flavors of stone fruits, green apples, fresh bread, baking spices, hazelnuts and citrus. The Viognier adds floral aromas. Well-integrated wine with lots of layers and complexity. Nice acidity. Blend of 40% Roussane, 20% Chardonnay and 40% Viognier. Fermented and aged in barrels (25% new) on the lees with regular stirring for 9 months. Hand-harvested. 167 cases made. Organic farming. Food pairing - duck, chicken, salmon.

The Red:

Domaine de la Citadelle Côtes du Luberon Les Artèmes Rouge 2004 (France) $26.99 - This is smooth and has lots of layers! Big, rich aromas. Rich, ripe fruit with a core of raspberries and black cherries and Provencal herbs. Lots of dark fruit in the flavors and notes of anise. Medium bodied. Smooth finish with ripe tannins. Blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and Mourvedre and Carignan compose the other 20%. Hand-harvested. Aged in stainless steel and 20% in oak barrels that are 4th and 5th use. 3,300 cases made. Organic farming. Food pairing - meats, game. You can age this for 8-10 years.

3 More Great Deals!

2009-09-01T14:10:00.003-04:00

We have 3 wines (2 from Australia and 1 from Italy) that we gobbled up when the distributor lowered the price.

We liked these wines a lot when they were more expensive. We LOVE them at a lower price (wouldn't you?!).

All 3 wines are organically farmed.

Remember, you get 10% off on case purchases - and, you may mix-and-match wines to make a case (i.e.; any 12 of these or any 12 of any wines - I hope that makes sense).

Also, if you want any of these, please call or respond via e-mail ASAP....these will go fast.

The Wines:

Fans of really big Australian Shiraz - these 1st 2 are for you!

The names of the wines will look similar....they aren't!

The Battle of Bosworth Wines

The Battle of Bosworth was the last battle in the War of the Roses (several wars between the House of York and the House of Lancaster over the throne of England). Fought on August 22, 1485, the Lancastrians won and Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, became the first Tudor monarch when his forces killed Richard III in the battle.

Edgehill Vineyards's founders, Peter and Anthea Bosworth, chose the name for their wines. The family has grown grapes in the McLaren Vale since the 1840's. Edgehill has 50 acres of vineyards, all of which are certified organic by "Australian Certified Organic" (a 4-year process).

Joch Bosworth is the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association's "Grower of the Year" for his commitment to organic farming and environmental sustainability.

Battle of Bosworth Shiraz 2005 (McLaren Vale, Australia) Reg. $29.99, Sale $21.99 - massive, powerful wine! Deep, dark color. Flavors of blackberries, dark chocolate, plums and Provencal herbs. Notes of mint and/or eucalyptus on the finish. Rich, rich wine! A small amount of the grapes are dried on the vine and added to the wine - this adds a ton of depth and complexity.

Aged in a mix of new and older French and American oak barriques. Drink now through 2015. 500 cases made. Organic farming.

James Halliday, "The Australian Wine Companion 2008," 93 points; Decanter, "Wine of the Month; Wine Spectator, 89 points

I have 11 bottles of this and then it is gone.

The 2nd wine from Battle of Bosworth....

Battle of Bosworth Shiraz Viognier 2005 (McLaren Vale, Australia) Reg. $21.99, Sale $14.99 - Another big mouthful of wine! One cool thing about this wine is when you open it, you get that musty, wet smell of the woods after a rain when the leaves are rotting....a GREAT aroma! Rich, concentrated flavors of blackberries, cherries and toasted oak. Definitely some pepperiness to the wine. Aromas of flowers, licorice (I hate licorice candy and like it here!) and blackberries. Drink now through 2013.

Made in a mixture of old and new French and American oak. Blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Viognier. The grapes are blended and co-fermented right after harvest. 500 cases made. Organic farming.

I bought the last 6 cases in Maine (72 bottles).

Wine Spectator, 90 points; James Halliday, "The Australian Wine Companion 2008," 89 points

Forte Canto Primitivo 2004 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. $15.99, Sale $7.99 - Excellent wine from Southern Italy and a great deal! Aromas and flavors of dark, ripe cherries and berries, baking spices and herbs. Great long finish that lingers and is "just" dry......not too dry and certainly not sweet! 100% Primitivo. Primitivo is the same grape as Zinfandel, but the wine is different! 3 months bottle aging and 12 months barrel aging in 5-to-10 year-old oak barrels. 3,200 cases made. Food pairing - meats, roasts and pasta dishes. Organic Farming.

That's the 3 wines....please let us know what you want....ASAP!

3 Red Wines!

2009-08-26T20:40:00.002-04:00

I have 3 great deals on red wines!

Quantities are limited.

I won't have the Hartwell in the store until Friday.

Please e-mail or call if you want any of these and we will set them aside for you. If you won't be in until after Sunday, please call with a credit card (we pay COD for wine).

If you want a case (it can be mixed) of these wines, take 10% off the sale price!

Stanley Lambert "Thoroughbred" Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Australia) Reg. $28.99, Sale $19.99 - A wine Lindsay loves to make is Cabernet Sauvignon - his is about elegance rather than power! Aromas and flavors of black currants and plums & vanilla. Fine-grained tannins and a rich finish. This will age well for a number of years. Aged in French and American oak casks for 30 months! This was the first wine Lindsay Stanley made under his own label in 1991 & walked away with the "Top Prize" at the Barossa Wine Show. Food pairing - steak, lamb, grilled meats.....drinks well without food. 37 bottles. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points, "Best Buy"

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Eloge Napa Valley 2000 (California) Reg. $79.99, Sale $29.99 - You've read the price correctly! Excellent....no...SUPERB blend from one of Napa's "cult" wineries. Aromas of rich new saddle leather, black & red currants, mint & baking spices. Full-bodied. Really big middle. Flavors of dark chocolate, bing cherries, baking spices and subtle oak. Well-integrated tannins. Medium length on the finish! 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot & 3% Petite Verdot. Aged 21 months in French oak barriques. 800 cases made. When to drink - now - 2012. Food pairing - Drinks well without food. Pair with a steak, lamb, beef, etc. Robert Parker, 89 points

Hartwell Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Miste Hill Stag's Leap Napa 2005 (California) Reg. $59.99, Sale $43.99 - This is a big, rich Cabernet! Loaded with layers and complexity. Doug from SOPO brought this to our monthly poker game. It's a great wine! Mouth-coating. Aromas and flavors of ripe currants, blackberries, plums and black cherries with toasty, spicy oak. Long finish. This has some sediment in the bottle. You'll want to decant it anyway to open up the flavors and aromas. Age through 2013. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in French oak for 20 months. Bottled unfiltered and unfined. Wine Spectator, 93 points

August Wine Tasting

2009-08-19T16:58:00.005-04:00

August Wine AND Cheese Tasting

Freeport Cheese & Wine

Friday, Aug. 21st

3:30-7:30pm

178 Lower Main Street, Rte. 1

Freeport, ME 04032

10% off tasting wines - when you buy less than a dozen bottles; bigger discount on some when you buy a dozen or more!

The Wines:

These 3 wines we tasted with Randy from Wicked Wines on day early in July. They really impressed us....the Chardonnay was a major WOW! We're generally not fans of many Chardonnays (too oaky, too overblown, too flabby). We are fans of this!

The winery is located in Navarra in the northeastern corner of Spain - right up against the Atlantic to the north and France and the Pyrenees to the east. The area is semi-arid.

Mix-and-Match a case of the Enanzo wines and take 15% off!

Enanzo Chardonnay 2008 (Navarra, Spain) Reg. $11.99 Sale $10.99 - lush & silky. This shows lots of tropical fruit. It feels viscous and rich. It's aged on lees in new oak barrels for 3 months, but this isn't "oaky" in that heavy "oaky" way. It picks up subtle toasted notes, but they are nicely balanced with the fruit. The wine is just delicious!

Enanzo Rosado 2008 (Navarra, Spain) Reg. $11.99 Sale $10.99 - Grenache-based rose! A little darker than most French roses b/c the juice is left in longer skin contact. This is bright, fresh and has nice acidity. It's smooth and tasty!

Enanzo Tempranillo 2007 (Navarra, Spain) Reg. $11.99 Sale $10.99 - tastes like cherries plucked from the tree. The flavors and aromas are really concentrated in this little winner from Spain! A little smokiness to the wine. The tannins have nice "grip." This is clean, juicy, refreshing and delicious!

90 Plus Cellars Wine Company Wines

I tasted these wines with Randy from Wicked 2-3 weeks ago. Unfortunately, they had sold out. Now they have more. I knew exactly what one of these wines is the moment I tasted it. We've stocked this wine continuously since we opened.

These are the real deal!

This is what 90 Plus Cellars does:

They contact wineries that make highly rated wines;
They offer to buy the exact wine that was highly rated;
They keep the winery's name secret;
They buy and sell the wine at a much lower price;
They pay cash on the barrelhead upfront.

Why would a winery sell off a 90+ rated wine cheaply?

Even in the best of times, not all wine sells;
In this economy, lots of wineries are seeing slower and lower sales;
The winery isn't going to bottle wine that likely won't sell;
This helps clear inventory and brings in cash - letting the winery focus on newer vintages.

90+ Cellars refers to its wines as lots....when a wine is sold out, the Lot # is retired. These wines are in limited supply!

The Wines:

Mix-and-match a case of the "90 Points Cellars" wines and take 15% off!

Lot #2, Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) 2008 Reg. $19.99, Sale 12.99 - this is the wine I know! One of the best New Zealand wines! Big, pleasing, aromatic nose - lime, tropical fruit, grass, limestone, hot pepper & mint. Great grapefruit, pear and tropical fruit flavors. Long, full finish with a touch of minerals and fruit. Crisp, bracing acidity. Certified sustainable and organic. Biodynamic farming. Stainless steel fermentation. 4 months on lees. Food pairing - Great with seafood, shellfish, lighter meats, etc!

Lot #6, Chardonnay (Barossa Valley, Australia) 2007 Reg. $24.99, Sale 13.99 - this is one of the best and priciest un-oaked Chardonnays in the market. This winemaker has been making this wine for over 20 years. Consistently, year-after-year, this wine is superb! This vintage is no different! The wine shows tropical and stone fruit aromas. Flavors show peaches, pears, a little orange....The wine has gone through some degree of malolactic fermentation - that's what makes the wine buttery and creamy. The creaminess is subtle and complex. That's what I like about this wine - lots of subtle, complex layers. Nice acidity. Good length on the finish.

Lot #7, Malbec Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina) 2007 Reg. 29.99, Sale $14.99 - Big, rich Malbec blend! Deep red color. Aromas of dark berries and black cherries, white pepper and baking spices. Meaty and velvety in terms of texture. Flavors of dark fruit, vanilla and toast. Organic farming. Hand-picked grapes. Vines are 90-to-150 year old vines from France. Aged 15 months in French oak. Blend of 85% Malbec, 8% Tannat, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Syrah.

Lot# 1, Cabernet Sauvignon (McLaren Vale, Australia) 2007 Reg. $23.99, Sale $14.99 - This winery vineyard and winery were created in 1975 and has been producing excellent wines for years. This Cabernet has tons of aromas - black currants, blackberries, plums, leather, cedar and baking spices. Medium-bodied. Nice savory fruit in the flavors with baking spices, dark cherries, dark chocolate and a little pepper. Finer tannins. Nice long finish. This will probably be peaking around 2012-2018. Aged in French and American oak (a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-year old oak). The grapes are grown in 4 vineyards.

This last wine is not part of the 90 Plus Cellars Wines....it's just really, really good!

Tenuta Sant' Antonio Monta Garbi Valpolicella Superior DOC Ripasso 2006 (Italy) $22.99 - The grapes for this Ripasso are crushed immediately after harvesting and undergo a 2nd fermentation on the Amarone skins in January. This adds Amarone-like notes and richness to the wine. It is then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. The "Slow Food" Italian publication raves over this wine and rates it a great value! Ruby red color. Aromas of red berries and red cherries. Texture is soft and smooth. Spicy finish. Food pairing - pastas with meat sauces, grilled poultry, roasted meats and aged cheeses.

The vines are pruned early in the growing season - reducing the yield and exposing the grape clusters to greater sunshine. The grapes are hand-picked from early Sept. - latter October. Vineyard is at about 1,000 feet. Vines are 20 years old.

Blend of 70% Corvina/Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 10% Croatina/Oseleta. The wine is stirred in the barrels for the first 9 months - this adds richness and texture to the wine. 15-16 months in 500-litre tonneaux barrels - 30% new and 70% 1 or 2 years old. 12,500 cases made. This will age for 10 years.

The Castagnedi brothers (4 of them) run this winery. Quality is their priority. In the 1980's, the family bought more vineyards (about doubling in size) and dramatically changed its vineyard practices - opting for much higher quality and lower quantity of grapes. The neighboring height is Monta Garbi, which is also the name of this wine and the cellars. In 2001, they poured out their Amarone - it wasn't the quality they demand.

The Cheeses:

Roquefort Crusted Chevre - blue on the outside, but not on the inside. This is a really great summertime cheese! It's fresh, light and delicious! From a goat farm in the Berkshires.

Southcoast Farms Fresh Farmer's Cheese - aka Queso Fresco - think of this as a Buffalo Mozzarella....from cow's milk.

Kilchurn Estate Cave-Aged Cheddar - straight from England! This has a crunchy texture and is sharp and rich and buttery! Hope to see you on Friday!

2009-08-17T14:30:00.001-04:00

Hello,

I just came across a Super Tuscan that is at a great discount!

This is a wine for your cellar!

Tolaini Toscana Tenuta S. Giovanni Valdisanti 2004, Wine Spectator, 91 points

Robert Parker's site has this at $36, Wine Spectator has it at $35 and Wine Access.com has it priced at $36.99 and up (average price of $40.32). We're selling it for $23.99!

If you buy a case, it'll be $19.99 a bottle! So, that's nearly half off the regular price. No discount from the $19.99 a bottle - that's already 16-17% off the $23.99!

Tolaini Toscana Tenuta S. Giovanni Valdisanti "Super Tuscan" 2004 (Italy) Reg. $36, Sale $23.99....buy a case and it's $19.99/bottle

Right now....today, the wine is still a little young and tight. If you insist on drinking soon, please decant it and let it breath. This will benefit from aging for another 2-3 years and then it should be in its prime!

This is rich and concentrated! It's definitely a "New World" style Super Tuscan from this winery near Siena.

This has aromas and flavors of dark berries - blackberries, black currants, toasted oak, vanilla and flowers. Full-bodied and big. The tannins are silky and smooth. The wine has a long, long finish.

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 500 cases made. Aged in French oak barriques. Yields are limited to one kilo per vine. All the grapes are hand-harvested. All grapes are hand-sorted twice to make sure only the best are used.

Famed winemaker Michel Rolland of France helps make this wine. The winery is in the prestigious Castelnuovo Berardenga zone of Chianti Classico.

Pierluigi Tolaini left Tuscany as a young man at age 19 - vowing never to be poor again. He worked as a roughneck in Western Canada and started TransX, a huge trucking company that he owns. In the '90's, he returned to Tuscany a wealthy man and bought this estate. He's set out to make the best wine in Italy!

If you are interested in any of this wine, please let me know via phone or e-mail! Quantities are limited!

DEALS! DEALS! DEALS!

2009-08-14T17:49:00.002-04:00

Deals!

Deals! Deals! Deals!

One of the distributors dropped its pants on some wines and we pounced.

The next 3 wines are all from one of Alsace’s greatest wineries and one of the greatest ANYWHERE in the world! Domaine Zind Humbrecht! A friend who knows his way around the wine world (and especially Alsace and Germany), calls Zind Humbrecht the “Lafite of Alsace!”

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling 2006 (Alsace, France) Reg. $41.99, Sale $22.99 - This is a dry Riesling. Lots of aromas and flavors – orange, honey, tart fruit, minerals and more! It will evolve and change in the glass over an evening. It has nice acidity that makes the wine refreshingly crisp! 1,000 cases made. This will age well through 2020. 28 bottles. Wine Spectator, 91 points, #72 on the Top 100 List in 2008, “Smart Buy.” We bought all of this – you won’t find it at this price in another store!

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Wintzenheim (Alsace, France) Reg. $42.99, Sale $22.99 – Dry white wine! Big flavors and aromas.! Aromas and flavors of white pepper, spices, toast, lychee and peaches. It has a smokiness to the minerals in the flavors. The color of the wine indicates the ripeness of the grapes and the presence of botrytis on the grapes at harvest. 850 cases made. Drink now through 2013. Food pairing – Asian food. Smoked fish. 25 bottles. Wine Spectator, 88 points. We bought all of this – you won’t find it at this price in another store!

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Zind 2006 (Alsace, France) Reg. $35.99, Sale $17.99 – A wine that has a lot going on and it goes down easy! Complex and fun! This is a bit lighter than the 2003/2005 versions of the wine – but, that’s due to the weather in those years. 65% Chardonnay and 35% Auxerrois. All are from Clos Windsbuhl – which has a definitive calcareous make-up to its soil. The aromas show the minerality of the soil. The aromas are more about minerals than fruit. The wine is aged on lees (the residue in the barrel). The vines were planted in 1988. Auxerrois is a grape native to Lorraine and it is a close sibling to Chardonnay. 26 bottles.

Silverado Vineyards "Vineburg" Carneros Chardonnay 2005 (California) Reg. $31.99, Sale $18.99 - This is a really nice Chardonnay. It’s seen time in oak barrels (59% in French oak barrels, but only 13% are new; the rest is fermented in stainless steel barrels), but is not “oaky.” Aromas of flowers with subtle vanilla and baking spice notes. Also green apple and some citrus. The flavors echo the aromas with the addition of nice minerals. It’s silky smooth! Only 25% goes through malolactic fermentation (that’s what makes Chardonnay buttery and creamy). Single Vineyard wine. 30 bottles. Wine Spectator, 87 points. We bought all of this – you won’t find it at this price in another store!

Girlan Gewurztraminer Aimé 2005 (Alto Adige, Italy) Reg. $24.99, Sale $12.99 – This has a deep, golden color. Aromas of flowers, honey and lychee nuts. The wine is soft and smooth in the glass – really viscous. Medium-bodied. It’s spicy – anise and pepper. Tropical fruit and stone fruit flavors. It needs to breathe a bit after opening. 11 bottles. Wine Enthusiast, 87 points

Falesco Ferentano 2006 (Lazio, Italy) Reg. $29.99, Sale $17.99 - A great, unusual white wine! Aromas and flavors of lemons, dried apples, fresh herbs, vanilla, hazelnuts, minerals & more. Rich & full-bodied. Long finish that is just complex as can be! From a rare grape unique to Umbria - 100% estate-grown Roscetto, a red grape that makes a full-bodied white wine. Aged 3 months in 2-year-old French oak barriques. Bottled unfined & unfiltered. Aged 1 month in the bottle before release. 3,000 cases made. Food pairing - This white wine screams for "big" meats dishes. Definitely a "red wine lover's" white wine! Drink from 2009-2011. 24 bottles. Stephen Tanzer, IWC, 92 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points. We bought all of this – you won’t find it at this price in another store!

Adelsheim Pinot Blanc 2005 (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Reg. $18.99, Sale $9.99 – This is a smooth, juicy wine. Loaded with melon, nectarine and baking spice aromas and flavors. Has that nice minerality that is a hallmark of Pinot Blanc. 579 cases made. 15 bottles. Wine Spectator, 88 points. We bought all of this – you won’t find it at this price in another store!

Sineann Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Columbia Valley) $21.99, Sale $14.99 – Crisp, nice white that is great for summer drinking! A little more weighty than many Sauvignon Blancs. Not citrusy – more to the tropical fruit side along with stone fruits. Winemaker Peter Rosback is passionate about making good wine – and he goes to great length and effort to source the best grapes possible! Food pairing – Asian food. 12 bottles.

Jean-Marc Bouley Meursault 2006 (Burgundy, France) $55.99, Sale $39.99 – we tasted this Thursday. It’s delicious! And amazing! So much going on in the glass. Rich and soft and smooth Chardonnay. It smells like buttered popcorn at the beginning with notes of caramel and buttered toast and hazelnuts coming on. Fruit such as baked pears and apples. This is SERIOUS Chardonnay! Nice acidity and minerals to the wine. Food pairing – salmon, duck. 9 bottles. We bought all of this – you won’t find it at this price in another store!

Reds:

Haras El Pirque Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Maipo, Chile) Reg. $11.99, Sale $6.99 – full bodied red! Excellent Wednesday night Cabernet! Aromas and flavors of stewed dark fruit, smoke, wet, dark earth and herbs. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carmenère.
Made from approximately 90% Cabernet and 10% Carmenère. 36 bottles.

Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz 2004 (Australia) Reg. $11.99, Sale $6.99 – excellent value at $12…..quite the bargain at $7! Aromas of plums, blackberries and spices. A little toast and vanilla. Lots of plums, cherries and dark fruit in this full-bodied red! Notes of mocha and dark chocolate. Soft and smooth. Lingers on the finish. 31 bottles.

Stanley Lambert “Thoroughbred” Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 (Australia) Reg. $28.99, Sale $19.99 - A wine Lindsay loves to make is Cabernet Sauvignon – his is about elegance rather than power! Aromas and flavors of blackcurrants and plums & vanilla. Fine-grained tannins and a rich finish. This will age well for a number of years. Aged in French and American oak casks for 30 months! This was the first wine Lindsay Stanley made under his own label in 1991 & walked away with the "Top Prize" at the Barossa Wine Show. Food pairing - steak, lamb, grilled meats.....drinks well without food. 23 bottles. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points, "Best Buy"

R. Stuart "Autograph" Pinot Noir 2006 - Great Deal!

2009-08-11T10:33:00.002-04:00

R. Stuart & Company

"Autograph"

Pinot Noir 2006

We just learned about a great new price on one of our favorite Oregon Pinot Noirs, R. Stuart & Company "Autograph" Pinot Noir 2006!

When this first hit Maine, the price was $35-40 a bottle. Then, it came down to $31.99 and then $29.99. Now, it is $17.99!

Why?

The slow economy.

Wine above $30 is barely selling anywhere in the world. And, wine above $20 is moving much more slowly than in previous years. Wineries need the cashflow, so they are dropping prices as the new vintages come to market and the older vintage is still in the warehouse. And, this vintage (2006) is still young - the one waiting in the warehouse is the 2007 and it's still a baby....not even close to being ready to drink. The '06 is just coming into its own!

Rob Stuart was here in late January and we did a tasting with him at the Hilton Garden Inn. He's as nice a guy as you'd ever want to meet and as engaging & unprententious as can be! And passionate about making fabulous, hand-crafted wines!

Rob, a longtime veteran of the Oregon wine world, was formerly the winemaker at Erath Vineyards. He started his own winery in early 2002. Rob has a degree in biochemistry from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in New York. He worked in chemistry briefly and then started in the wine industry at Hans Kornell (one of the California pioneer winemakers) in Napa valley. Then he joined Valley View Vineyards (Southern Oregon's original winery in the 1850's) and after that on to Staton Hills in Yakima, Washington where he made wine for ten years. Finally, Rob returned to Oregon in 1994 as the winemaker at Erath Vineyards - working for and with Oregon legend AND PIONEER Dick Erath. Now, he makes the wines he loves: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and sparkling wine! We're thrilled to be able to sell this to you at such a great price!

R. Stuart & Co. Autograph Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon) Reg. $39.99 Sale $17.99 - The wine Rob Stuart calls his best! Intensely flavored and yet, still restrained. Aromas & flavors of black cherry, chocolate, dusty earth, violets, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, lavender, ginger & baking spices. Grapes blended from 5 vineyards - Daffodil Hill, Temperance Hill, Elkhorn Ridge, Goldschmidt and Weber. Unfiltered and unfined. Aged 10 months in new to 5th use oak barrels. When to drink - now through 2012. Food pairing - salmon, duck, tuna, lamb, beef, etc. Decant for an hour.

August 6-pack/12-pack

2009-08-07T17:48:00.003-04:00

The 6-pack:

Reg. $75.94.....Sale $66.94....take 5% off and it's $63.59!

The Whites:

Domaine Esperance Soleil et Colombard 2008 (France) $9.99 - Refreshing, bright and clean summer white! And, SUMMER is finally here! Easy drinking for a warm day! Great fun label! 100% Colombard. Stainless steel fermentation. Jean-Louis and Claire de Montesquiou bought this porperty in 1990. Previously, it had been left to run wild. It had been one of the Grand Crus of Bas-Armagnac. They also make Armagnac at this winery (France's oldest distilled spirit). Gold Medal D'Or, Paris 2008

Giocato Pinot Grigio 2008 (Slovenia) Reg. $12.99 Sale $9.99 - In Italian, "Giocare" means to play, to gamble, to trick, to deceive. We love this! Fresh, bright, lively and fun to drink! This is crisp & fresh with beautiful tropical fruit. Great for summer days! Made by Aleks Simcic, perhaps Eastern Europe's most celebrated winemaker! Food pairing - salads, lighter chicken dishes, seafood. The Reds: Lost Block Pinot Noir 2005 (Australia) Reg. $12.99 Sale $8.99 - Delicious Pinot Noir! Great for a party at this price! Smooth and easy summer sipping! Nice soft cherry fruit. Bright, fresh flavors and aromas. Clean tasting. Not tannic. Smooth! Food pairing - grilled chicken or pork tenderloin. Salmon. Sipping in the garden.

Sacred Stone Master's Red Blend Cask #4 (California) $10.99 - Delicious! Runaway hit at our December tasting! Smooth! Rich! Soft! Juicy! Loads of ripe plums and cherries. Dark and lush! Crisp acidity and a rich, soft finish! Blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Dolcetto. 18,088 cases made. 24 months in French and American oak. Food pairing - great wine for a party - your guests will thank you for serving this! Drinks well with or without food. Grilled foods! Barbecue. Pizza. Pasta. Poultry. Mushrooms. Etc.

Maestre de Campo Malbec 2005 (Argentina) $14.99 - Huge hit at a recent tasting! We love this! Well-balanced wine with real nice tannins (they've smoothed out) and dark fruit with notes of mocha and chocolate. This is smooth and rich with bold flavors while still be smooth! 100% Malbec. Aged 12 months in French and American oak barrels. One characteristic of this winery is that they hold wine at the winery until it is ready to drink - so you can pull the cork on this and be confident is has sufficient barrel/tank and bottle aging! Food pairing - steak, beef, lamb, pasta dishes, lasagna, etc.

X Winery Red X 2006 (California) Reg. $13.99 Sale $11.99 - This is a tasty red blend from a wonderful small winery! Dark purple color. Aromas of roses, plums, blackberries, cherries and raspberries. Flavors of same berries, a touch of peppery spice and toasty oak. Nice acidity. Blend of Syrah (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%), Malbec (15%), Merlot (11%) and Petite Sirah (8%). Fruit is from Paso Robles, Napa and Mendocino. 7,200 cases made. Food pairing - Great with grilled meats, roasted meats, spicy veggie stir-fries, mushroom dishes, pizza, lasagna...

The 12-pack:

Reg. $173.88 Sale $153.88....take 10% off and the price is $138.49

The Whites:

Solecico Monastrell Blanc 2008 (Spain) Reg. $13.99 Sale $11.99 - Yes....this is a white wine made from the Monastrell grape! The grapes are crushed and the grape juice is immediately moved off the skins. This is a lot like an Albarino - steely, flinty....with a great oily texture to the wine! The flavors are minerals with tart lime/lemon citrus. Lots of acidity - this has a crisp, crisp finish! Food pairing - shellfish, lobster, salads.

Vina San Esteban Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Chile) $9.99 - Lots of lemon/lime aromas and flavors in this smooth, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Very different from a New Zealand Sauv. Blanc if that's what you often drink. This winery farms sustainably in the Aconcagua Valley in central Chile. Organic farming. Food pairing - shellfish, seafood, lobster. Drinks well without food!

The Reds:

Antonio Sanguineti Chianti 2007 (Italy) Reg. $16.99 Sale $13.99 - Known as "Il Maestro" in Tuscany for both his winemaking skills and his driving passion! Antonio makes great wine at modest prices! This has that classic Tuscan dustiness with great cherry and raspberry fruit. This is smooth with well-balanced tannins. Organic farming. Food pairing - grab a steak or pork tenderloin or chicken and light the grill! Great with rich pasta dishes.

Trinitas Old Vine Mataro 2004 (California) Reg. $23.99 Sale $17.99 - It's big, rich and dark! Lots of dark fruit aromas and flavors, mocha, chocolate and more! Robust! Runaway hit at our April tasting! Mataro is Mourvèdre, a grape from the Rhone Valley in France that is used to make Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Bandol wines. These are ancient vines (100+ years). At this age, they produce little fruit - but the fruit is great quality. Aged 14 months in 40% new American and French oak. It's overwhelmingly Mataro with a little Petite Sirah and Black Malvoisie. This should age well until about 2014 or so. Food pairing - big red wine, big red meat!

Thunder Stone Zinfandel 2005 (California) $14.99 - Made in California by and for a Mainer! This is a ripe and spicy Zinfandel! Lots of dark fruit and peppery spice. Shows some vanilla and toast from the oak aging. Food pairing - when you're grilling, this should be your wine!

Domaine de la Citadelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (France) $17.99 - I've had customers go GA-GA over this wine because they've been to the winery and are shocked I could get this! They should be GA-GA - it's delicious! The wine sees no oak, so it is bright and fresh. Drink it now! Cabernet is an unusual grape from this area; so this is not an AOC wine....it can't be! The growing area is cool at night and hot during the day. Yves Rousset-Rouard resurrected this estate and turned it into one of the best in the Côtes du Luberon! Deux Etoiles dans le Guide Hachette 2007 (2 Stars)

August Wines of the Month

2009-08-03T07:55:00.005-04:00

August Wines of the Month

Tier 1

We’re headed to Southern France for a couple of grapes better known from Burgundy – Aligote for the white and Pinot Noir for the red.

This estate, Domaine de Régusse, was founded in 1970. It's in the Haute Provence, at the foot of the Luberon mountain at about 1,500 feet. The farm covers about 750 acres, with 640 in vineyard. They grow 20 different grape varieties. In 2004, the estate obtained the certification "Viticulture Raisonnee Controlee." This process aims to (1) improve the wine by improving the grapes; (2) guarantee quality products and food safety to the consumer; (3) respect the environment, the terroir, the heritage and the traditions.

Domaine de Régusse is imported by Fran Kysela. Fran flat out has one of the best noses for outstanding wines. This estate produces rock-solid wines at great prices!

White

Domaine de Régusse Aligoté 2008 (France) $13.99 – This really impressed us a couple of weeks ago when we tasted it with David from Davine Wines. Excellent wine from an obscure grape from Burgundy! This is refreshing and crisp! It has great acidity (typical for this grape). Flavors and aromas of green apples, lemons and minerals. Food pairing – lobster! Shellfish. Grilled chicken. Salads.

This Vin de Pays de Mediterranée is aged in stainless steel on its lees for 6 months. The lees are the residue in the vat or barrel – leaving the wine in contact with the lees adds richness to the wine.

Aligoté is used to make a dry white wine in Burgundy (specifically in Bourgogne Aligoté AOC). Along with Chardonnay, it’s also used in making Crémant de Bourgogne, Burgundy’s sparkling wine and a great alternative to pricier Champagne! Traditionally, the cocktail Kir is made by adding cassis to an Aligoté white wine. The grape is grown in Bulgaria, Russia, Ukrainia and Moldova – it’s prized for its acidity and ability to withstand cold temperatures.

Red

Domaine de Regussé Pinot Noir 2008 (France) $13.99 – This is not Burgundy, but it is real nice Pinot Noir! Flavors and aromas of cherries, currents, cranberries, baking spices and cedar. Aromas of leather and earth. A rich and darker Pinot Noir that’s meant to be drunk young!

100% Pinot Noir. Barrel aged. A Vin de Pays des Alpes de Haute Provence. Long-winded way of saying this is a wine from the northern part of Southern France. Food pairing – mushroom and meat dishes, grilled or roasted meats. Dishes with Provencal herbs.

Tier 2 and Tier 3

The wines are from two of my favorite little wineries in Italy – Alois Lageder and Tenuta Sant’ Antonio. Both are in Northeastern Italy – the Alto Adige and Veneto areas.

Justin from Wicked Wines goes to Vin Italy - the biggest wine show in Italy each year. He also pokes around at smaller shows while he is there. It was here that he discovered these wineries. Then he showed them to me!

Alois Lageder

http://www.aloislageder.eu/eng/home.php

This northeastern part of Italy, the Alto Adige, has varied and complex weather conditions. The valleys are surrounded by the huge Dolomite Mountains (which are a former seabed, so the soil is chock full of limestone, sandstone, chalk and minerals – which makes the wines more minerally in their flavors and aromas).

The winery earned Demeter biodynamic certification in 2007. All the vineyards are biologically and sustainably farmed and have been since 2004 (as Lageder says, “We don’t use biodynamics as commercial or marketing, we do it because it has to be done.”). They built a new winery, using all natural materials. The vineyards and winery have produced 0% emissions from fossil fuels since the 1990’s (they use solar power for 60% of their electricity needs).

They farm 125 acres of vineyards and these are home to 15 grape varietals – many indigenous to Italy.

The Lageder family has been making wine for over 150 years. Alois Lageder’s great-grandfather founded the winery in Bolzano in 1855. In 1934, the family acquired the Löwengang estate in Magrè. In following years, the family continued to purchase vineyards in Alto Adige.

The vineyards here are planted on steep slopes between 750 feet and 3,200 feet in elevation. The vineyards face south, east and west to get as much sun as possible. The area’s soil is loaded with limestone, sandstone, chalk, etc. Precisely the best soil to make the best grapes!

Tier 2

White

Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco Dolomiti 2007 (Italy) $15.99 – The grapes for this wine are grown at an altitude of 980-1,650 feet. The nights are quite cool with large swings in temperature from night to day. The vines are 5-30 years old. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees (the residue in the vat from the fermentation) for 3 months. Aging on lees adds richness and complexity to the wines. This is drinking beautifully right now and will aged well for 2-4 years.

Aromas of honey, green apples & peaches. Flavors of tart green apples, white grapefruit, and crisp pears. Dry, crisp and great minerals in the flavors. Medium-bodied and mouth-filling. Refreshing. Nice length on the finish. Zippy, tangy acidity. Food pairing – salads, asparagus, seafood of all kinds, pasta dishes. Wine Spectator, 88 points

Red

Tenuta Sant’ Antonio Monta Garbi Valpolicella Superior DOC Ripasso 2006 (Italy) $22.99 – The grapes for this Ripasso are crushed immediately after harvesting and undergo a 2nd fermentation on the Amarone skins in January. This adds Amarone-like notes and richness to the wine. It is then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. The “Slow Food” Italian publication raves over this wine and rates it a great value!

Ruby red color. Aromas of red berries and red cherries. Texture is soft and smooth. Spicy finish. Food pairing – pastas with meat sauces, grilled poultry, roasted meats and aged cheeses.

The vines are pruned early in the growing season – reducing the yield and exposing the grape clusters to greater sunshine. The grapes are hand-picked from early Sept. – latter October.

Vineyard is at about 1,000 feet. Vines are 20 years old. Blend of 70% Corvina/Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 10% Croatina/Oseleta. The wine is stirred in the barrels for the first 9 months – this adds richness and texture to the wine. 15-16 months in 500-litre tonneaux barrels – 30% new and 70% 1 or 2 years old. 12,500 cases made. This will age for 10 years.

The Castagnedi brothers (4 of them) run this winery. Quality is their priority. In the 1980’s, the family bought more vineyards (about doubling in size) and dramatically changed its vineyard practices – opting for much higher quality and lower quantity of grapes. The neighboring height is Monta Garbi, which is also the name of this wine and the cellars. In 2001, they poured out their Amarone – it wasn’t the quality they demand.

As the French saying goes, good wine is obtained in proportion to one vine to one bottle – at Tenuta Sant’ Antonio, it’s 2 vines per bottle!

Tier 3

White

Alois Lageder Vogelmaier Moscato Giallo 2007 (Italy) $25.99 – This is one of the best dry Muscats made anywhere! From the Vogelmaier vineyard on the northwest side of Lake Caldaro (880 foot altitude).

Fresh, clean aromas with distinct floral notes, tropical fruit, white pepper, coriander, honey and beeswax. Medium-bodied. Dry. Flavors of grapefruit, lemon, tropical fruit and honey. Good “zip” to this wine because of the acidity. Great length on the finish – which has a lot of minerals. 100% Yellow Muscat. Single vineyard from the Vogelmaier vineyard on the northwest side of Lake Caldaro at an altitude of 880 feet. Fermented in stainless steel. Aged on the lees for 4 months (this adds richness and texture to the wine). 1,775 cases made. This will age well for 3-5 years. Food pairing – sausages, patés, grilled fish, Asian food, cheeses.

Red

Alois Lageder Cor Römigberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Italy) $39.99 - Deep, dark color. Aromas of cherries, blackcurrants, mint, tobacco (this is a good aroma – we’re talking curing tobacco, not cigarette smoke), some meatiness and oaky spice. Powerful wine. Rich and big, but also elegant. Lots of dark fruit and spice in the flavors. Big, bold finish. Silkier than most Bordeaux. This doesn’t whimper into the night! Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. From the Römigberg estate vineyard on Lake Caldaro at about 800 feet. The vineyard was planted in 1986. Fermented in stainless steel for 17 days and then aged in French oak (Alliers and Nevers), of which 2/3 is new. 920 cases made. Food pairing – red meat, lamb, venison, aged cheeses.

The Other!

Chateau de Trinquvedel Tavel Rosé 2008 (France) $22.99 - hey....that's a lotta money for a rosé! Well....this is a WHOLE LOTTA WINE! It's a nice rich salmon color. Aromas of red berries, flowers, minerals, anise, smoke, tea and tobacco (this is a GOOD aroma - it's the smell of curing tobacco, not stale cigarette smoke!). Flavors of cherries, raspberries, spices, dried herbs and anise. Finishes strong and with a bit of a slight bitter tartness - this is not a fruity pink wine! Blend of 44% Grenache, 28% Cinsault, 15% Clairette and small amounts of Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Bourboulenc. Food pairing - robust dishes with garlic, Provencal herbs and black olives!

The name of the chateau comes from the Provencal words "tranca" (cut) and "vedel" (calf). Methinks a calf met his/her demise there! Today, the 4th generation of the family is running the winery. Tavel is in the Southern Rhône - it's just to the northwest of Avignon. It's unusual in that it's the only area in France that only permits rosés to be made and named after the appellation. 1,500 cases imported. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 90 points

Habitat for Humanity Chocolate, Brownie and Wine Tasting

2009-08-03T07:31:00.008-04:00

Habitat for Humanity

Freeport House Fundraiser

(the event is FREE! 10% of your purchases will go to support Habitat for Humanity's Freeport House!)

Chocolate, Brownie and Wine Tasting

Monday, Aug. 3rd

5:00-7:00pm

Where:

Wilbur's Chocolates & Simply Divine Brownies

174 Lower Main Street, Rt. 1

Freeport, ME

(they are in the big orange house across the street from the purple building - the Pet Pantry)

Whites

Domaine Esperance Soleil et Colombard 2008 (France) $9.99 – Refreshing, bright and clean summer white! And, SUMMER is finally here! Easy drinking for a warm day! Great fun label! 100% Colombard. Stainless steel fermentation. Jean-Louis and Claire de Montesquiou bought this porperty in 1990. Previously, it had been left to run wild. It had been one of the Grand Crus of Bas-Armagnac. They also make Armagnac at this winery (France's oldest distilled spirit). Gold Medal D’Or, Paris 2008.

Vina San Esteban Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Chile) $9.99 – Lots of lemon/lime aromas and flavors in this smooth, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Very different from a New Zealand Sauv. Blanc if that’s what you often drink. This winery farms sustainably in the Aconcagua Valley in central Chile. Food pairing – shellfish, seafood, lobster. Drinks well without food!

Reds

Pietra Santa Winery Sacred Stone Master’s Red Blend Cask #4 (California) $10.99 - Delicious! Runaway hit at our December tasting! Smooth! Rich! Soft! Juicy! Loads of ripe plums and cherries. Dark and lush! Crisp acidity and a rich, soft finish! Blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Dolcetto. 18,088 cases made. 24 months in French and American oak. Food pairing – great wine for a party – your guests will thank you for serving this! Drinks well with or without food. Grilled foods! Barbecue. Pizza. Pasta. Poultry. Mushrooms. Etc.

Maestre de Campo Malbec 2005 (Argentina) $14.99 - Huge hit at a recent tasting! We love this! Well-balanced wine with real nice tannins (they've smoothed out) and dark fruit with notes of mocha and chocolate. This is smooth and rich with bold flavors while still be smooth! 100% Malbec. Aged 12 months in French and American oak barrels. One characteristic of this winery is that they hold wine at the winery until it is ready to drink - so you can pull the cork on this and be confident is has sufficient barrel/tank and bottle aging! Food pairing - steak, beef, lamb, pasta dishes, lasagna, etc.

Thunder Stone Zinfandel 2005 (California) $14.99 – Made in California by and for a Mainer! This is a ripe and spicy Zinfandel! Lots of dark fruit and peppery spice. Shows some vanilla and toast from the oak aging. Food pairing – when you’re grilling, this should be your wine!

Dessert Wines

Quinta de la Rosa Port Finest Reserve Port Reg. $21.99 Sale $19.99 - more of a tawny Port than a Ruby. By that I mean the wine has spent more time aging in barrels, so it shows more nutty/caramelly notes in the wine than it does berry fruit - that's your basic difference between Tawny Port {nutty, caramelly} and Ruby Port {berry flavors}.

Small, family-owned winery right on the Douro River! Since 1906, it has belonged to a Swedish family, the Bergqvists. Claire Feuerheerd grandmother gave it to her as a christening present! Under her leadership, between 1931 and 1986, the wines were sold to several famous houses in the Douro such as Delaforce and Sandeman. With the innovative spirit of Sophia Bergqvists and her father, Tim Bergqvist, what started as a family port shipping company, slowly transformed into an internationally renowned port and red wine company in 1988.

Great photos in this article!

Trentadue Alexander Valley Chocolate Amore Port (California) $26.99 - If you are looking for a wonderful dessert wine, try this! This is like drinking a dark chocolate-covered cherry! This is a well-balanced wine....it's not syrupy (nice acidity balancing the sweetness). 100% Geyserville grapes. Merlot-based, Port-styled dessert wine with natural chocolate. Food pairing - drinks great on its own! Pour it over vanilla ice cream! Makes a killer martini (equal parts Chocolate Amore & Vodka, 1/2 a jigger of fresh orange juice & Cointreau)!

July Wine Tasting!

2009-07-22T22:40:00.004-04:00

Wine Tasting!

Freeport Cheese & Wine

3:30-7:30 pm

New Location

178 Lower Main St.

US Rte. 1

Freeport

New Phone Number

(207) 869-4048

We’ve moved to Main Street/ US Route 1
Just across the road from the purple building! (the Pet Pantry)
We have PARKING!

10% off

all tasting wines purchased that day!

The wines:

Wine Tasting Wines

Rosé

Domaine St. Eugénie Rosé 2008 (Corbières, France) $11.99 – we are in the foothills of the Pyrènées, along the Mediterranean coast. Clay and chalk soils dominate here. This area near Fontfroide, groundzero for the best wines from Corbières, has an 800 year winemaking history! The Rosé is a blend of 75% Cinsault, 15% Syrah and 10% Grenache. This is a fresh, bright and crisp Rosé showing really nice raspberry fruit, plums, watermelon, minerals and hints of dried herbs. Dry finish. Food pairing - Great summertime drinking! Pair this up with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, a tomato salad, etc.

Whites

In Fine Blanc 2007 (France) $11.99 - I LOVE SOUTHERN French whites! Smooth wine! Lots of flavor! Bright and fresh aromas and flavors of peaches, white flowers and a little lemon/lime with some minerally hints. 80% Clairette and 20% Bourboulenc (who cares about the grapes – it tastes good!). Crisp finish! Food pairing - shellfish, fish and lighter poultry dishes. Great for just drinking!

Red Heads Studio “Yard Dog” White 2008 (Australia) $10.99 - The winemakers at Red Heads Studio started making wine in garages (they had no money). Fantastic wines came out of those garages. And, they sold! So, they set up shop in an old bar on the road in Barossa - the name of the bar was "Red Heads" - so a name was born! I love this! This is a tasty white blend (they threw the kitchen sink in this one!). Aromas and flavors of tropical fruits, pineapple, pears, citrus and more. Dry. Crisp, clean…..touch of spice. Blend of 55% Chardonnay, 18% Gewurztraminer, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Viognier & 3% Semillon. Food pairing – seafood, lighter poultry dishes, salads, etc. Drinks well as a cocktail wine.

Vinum Cellars “White Elephant” Chenin Blanc-Roussanne-Viognier 2007 (California) $18.99 - We've sold 2-3 vintages of this wine! This is the newest! Aromas of limes, tangerines, nuts and straw. Flavors of tropical fruits, almonds, lemon/lime, honey, sour cherries and tart green apples. Unique blend of 58% Chenin Blanc, 30% Rousanne & 12% Viognier, which is barrel-aged "Sur Lies" for 9 months in 25% new, 25% 2nd use & 50% 3rd use French oak (the more you use an oak barrel, the less "oaky" the wine; French oak has a tighter grain than American - so, it is less "oaky"). 1,166 cases made. Food pairing - shellfish, creamy pasta dishes, seafood, chicken, grilled chicken or pork. Drinks well without food.

Reds

Le Coq Rouge 2007 (France) $9.99 – New World blend of 45% Merlot, 32% Cabernet, 15% Syrah and 8% Grenache from Southern France.

Sasha Lichine, heir to one of Bordeaux’s wine legends, Alexis Lichie and part of Bordeaux’s elite, started “Vins Sans Frontieres” specializing in wines from the South of France. His intent was and is to create easy-to-drink, moderate priced wines from this area. And that is what “Le Coq Rouge” is! Lots of fruit and easy drinking and easy on the wallet!

Tobin James Paso Robles “Chateau Le Cacheflo” Syrah-Sangiovese-Barbera 2006 (California) $11.99 - One of the best value $12 wines going anywhere!

Medium-dry red that is medium-bodied. Easy drinking! Aromas of red fruit, a little dusty earth and peppery spice. The tannins are medium-fine and help balance the ripe fruit flavors. Along with the ripe red fruit, this has some subtle baking spices and chocolate. Blend of Syrah, Barbera and Sangiovese – so this definitely has a Mediterranean flair to it. Call it a California “Rhone-clone” Italian-style! Food pairing – awesome wine for cookouts, pizza, spaghetti, etc!

Misfit Wine Company “Brujeria” (Shiraz/Cabernet/Grenache/Tempranillo) 2007 (Clare Valley, Australia) $15.99 – Stinkin' GOOD! An Aussie take on a wine from Ribera del Duero (hence the Shiraz in the wine!).

Blend of 66% Shiraz, 17% Cabernet, 11% Garnacha and 8% Tempranillo. Aged in older oak hogheads and stainless steel vats for 13 months. The 4 grapes were kept separate until blending after the 13 months. Some of the wine was aged on lees (the sediment given off by fermentation); some was “racked off” – drained from the lees. Some goes through malolactic fermentation; some doesn’t. Then the “Misfits” blend the wine! 1,400 cases made.

The “Misfits” are a husband and wife and a 3rd guy….they make the “Some Young Punks” wines – “Quickie,” “Passion Has Red Lips,” etc.

Aromas and flavors of baking spices and ripe red berries. This is a big, bodacious wine! Not a wimpy wine!

“Brujeria” is the Spanish word for witchcraft and it also refers to a mystical group of male witches in southernmost Argentina.

J.M. da Fonseca Domini 2005 (Portugal) $16.99 – Fonseca is one of Portugal’s leading wineries (7th generation, family-owned). “Domini” is a joint venture of J.M. da Fonseca and winemaker Cristiano van Zeller, one of Portugal’s famed “Douro Boys.” The “Douro Boys” are revolutionizing winemaking in the Douro Valley – producing world-class red wines!

Since 1999, they have acquired 77 acres of prime vineyards, the source for the Domini wines. The vineyards are planted in traditional Douro Valley grapes, such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz. While these are traditional grapes, the winemaking is vastly improved from previous generations (Portugal has long made good wine, but a lot of the reds from the Douro Valley were a bit “rustic,” in a coarse, harsh way). Wine Enthusiast, 89 points.

White Port and White Port Cocktails - the ultimate refreshing summer drink! Ask the XXX's! We'll have white port from Quinta do Portal ($17.99/bottle) and tonic and limes.....

July Wine Tasting - Friday, July 24th

2009-07-17T08:08:00.001-04:00

Freeport Cheese & Wine Newsletter

Wine Tasting and Move Update

July 17th, 2009

Vol. 1, 2009

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Hello,

We are having July's wine tasting on Friday, July 24th.....that's a week from today!

We still have painting and other stuff to do.....can't pull it off well this week.

Doug and Cat from SOPO will be here for the tasting next week.

The theme is "blends!"

Contact Information

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phone: 207-869-4048

e-mail: efullagar@gmail.com

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Save 50%	On all candy! We're moving out the candy we brought over from Bow Street to make room for some changes in that area! Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, Belgian Chocolate candy bars and more!
Offer Expires: when it's all gone!

The Store has moved!

2009-07-02T22:17:00.002-04:00

Hello!

For those of us who enjoy moving, I have a new experience for you! Try moving your home AND your retail business at the same time!

After a stressful month, we are moved and open for business!

We hope to see you soon in the new location.

Here's a link to a map showing the new store!

Map showing new location!

May Wine Tasting

2009-05-11T17:52:00.008-04:00

May Wine Tasting

Friday, May 15th, 3:30-7:30pm.
Freeport Cheese & Wine

It's FREE! From 3:30-7:30pm!

Duelling Distributors!

Featuring wines from Argentina, Chile, France and Spain! Geoff Sturgess from Nappi Distributors will be here and he just returned from a trip to Argentina and Chile - so, we'll taste wines from places he visited! Tim Wissemann from Mariner Beverages will also be here with wines that are brand new to Maine!

The Wines

Geoff's Wines (Nappi)

Whites

Cono Sur Vision Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Chile) Reg. $13.99 Sale $12.99 - This is somewhat of a cross between New Zealand and California. It has some of those gooseberry/citrus notes that New Zealand has, but not as much grassiness. This is crisp and vibrant. Nice acidity. Drinks well with lighter dishes and without food.
Dona Paula Estate Chardonnay 2005 (Argentina) $13.99 - nice value Chardonnay from Argentina! Aromas and flavors of pears, apples, figs and toast. Wine Spectator, 89 points.
Errazuriz Wild Fermentation Chardonnay 2007 (Chile) $22.99 - What does Wild Fermentation mean? It means that no yeast is added to the grapes....that only the yeast naturally on the grapes starts the fermentation - this results in a slower fermentation. That means the flavors are more complex, subtle and layered.
Cono Sur Vision Gewurztraminer 2006 (Chile) Reg. $13.99 Sale $12.99 - aromas and flavors of lychee nuts and pink grapefruit. A pleasing, subtle bitter note on the finish.

Roses

Alta Vista Malbec Rose 2007 (Argentina) $10.99 - as a rule, Malbec roses are darker than most French ones - they spend more time in skin contact. This adds weight and tannins to the wine, so you don't have to drink them at as young of an age - they hold up better.

Reds

Cono Sur Sustainable Agriculture Pinot Noir 2007 (Chile) $12.99 - nice bright color! Very aromatic. This is juicy and fresh tasting. Notes of cherries, raspberries, strawberries, plums and a little smokiness. Drink with mushrooms and dishes with Provencal herbs, fish, etc.
Dona Paula Malbec 2007 (Argentina) $14.99 - Rich, dark wine! Notes of currants, chocolate, coffee, dark berries and herbs. Wine Spectator, 90 points
Montgras Reserva Carmenere 2008 (Chile) $13.99 - This has some of the green bell pepper aroma that typifies Carmenere, but it is not in the flavors! Merlot mouthfeel - smooth and rich! Flavors are more Syrah-like - peppery, spicy, dark fruit! NY Times #1 rated Carmenere!
Montgras Quattro 2007 (Chile) $18.99 - We love this! Blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 25% Syrah and 15% Carmenere. Big and rich and lush!T

Tim's Wines (Mariner) - these are all brand new to Maine!

Whites

Domaine Sallies Viognier 2008 (Languedoc, France) $11.99 - clean, beautiful wine. Nice and fragrant (which Viognier should be!). Unoaked.
Domaine Sallies Chardonnay 2008 (Languedoc, France) $11.99 - not oaky. Sees some malolactic fermentation so it picks up a bit of creaminess. Lighter, cleaner style of Chardonnay!
Schoenheitz Pinot Blanc 2006 (Alsace, France) $18.99 - I love this! Dry, minerally with nice fruit. This just screams for some shellfish, smoked fish or ham.
Juan Luis Cana Rioja Blanca 2007 (Spain) $16.99 - Rich white from Rioja! Notes of stone fruits (peaches), vanilla and toasty oak! Also, hints of nuts, lemons and a crisp finish! Great with seafood paella!

Roses

Domaine Begude Pinot Noir Rose 2008 (Languedoc, France) $15.99 - Another wine we love from one of our favorite new importers, Didier Boutet! Didier has some gems from France.....at great prices!

Reds

Domaine Sallies Malbec 2007 (Languedoc, France) $11.99 - Really nice medium-bodied wine! This is a style of Malbec that is "dialed back" some from most Argentine Malbecs. Nice dark fruit, but its not "jammy" like some Argentine Malbecs nor is it oaky. You should try this and compare it to Geoff's Malbec and the Quattro!
Porta dos Cavaleiros Reserva 1997 (Portuguese) $19.99 - When the new owners of moved into Porta dos Cavaleiros, they found this Reserva in a dark and dusty corner. It's just reaching its maturity! This is from the Dao region, Southeast of Porto. The label is made from cork. The color shows a little brick at the edge, which is appropriate for a wine its age. The fruit is more like stewed or dried berries than fresh. It has a little meatiness to it. Great with game, venison, casseroles.
Vinedos y Bodegas Pablo Menguante Garnacha 2007 (Spain) $10.99 - This is more about being a subtle wine with dark fruit and minerals than it is being a "fruitbomb." They farm biodynamically. The vines are 80-100 years-old.
Red Car Boxcar Syrah 2007 (California) $21.99 - This is a big, rich California Syrah without being to overblown! Loads of flavor! Earth, white pepper, dark fruit and cherries. About 25% of this sees oak.

Freeport Cheese & Wine
27 Bow Street
Freeport, ME 04032
(207) 865-3993
http://www.freeportwine.net/

Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Opening

2009-05-11T17:08:00.004-04:00

Wine Tasting

Tuesday, May 12th, 5:00-7:00pm.
Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park Street, Freeport

http://www.freeportwine.net/

The Freeport Square Satellite Gallery at the Hilton Garden Inn invites you to a GRAND OPENING! Specializing in showing the work of Maine artists, this unique collaboration brings some of the artwork out of the gallery directly to guests of the inn and locals! Artists showing include James Chute, Dennis Stein, Diana Washburn, Mea Zamora, Valerie Paul, Shelley Snodgrass and Sebastian Meade. Artwork includes acrylic and oil painting, watercolor and pastels, photography, prints and mixed media.

Meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, a wine tasting with South Portland Wine Company. If you prefer a beer or other beverage, the Hilton has a bar! All this is FREE! At 7PM, join us in the lounge/bar to listen to the sounds of the Tony Boffa Trio! Call the Gallery (865-4758) or the Hilton (865-1433) for more info.

The Wines

All of these wines are from one importer, Grapes of Spain. They only deal in Spanish wines - and they excel at finding great tasting ones at great values! Wine reviewers such as Robert Parker, Wine Spectator, Jancis Robinson, Food & Wine and others rave about Aurelio Cabestrero's ability to find good wines at great prices.

Sparkling:

Conde de Subirats Brut Rose Cava (Penedes, Spain) $12.99 - Light pink with fine bubbles! Aromas of strawberries, red berries and a hint of fresh bread, baking spices and pepper. Flavors of lighter red fruit and a touch of fresh bread yeastiness. 90% Trepat and 10% Pinot Noir. From the heart of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, the birthplace of Cava. Stainless steel fermentation. Aged 18 months in the bottle on lees before disgorging. Then the dosage is added to make the wine "bubbly." This is the same time-consuming, expensive method as Champagne and it results in finer, better, longer-lasting bubbles.

Flare Moscatel (Valencia, Spain) $12.99 - Moderately sweet bubbly that is great for a brunch or picnic or party! Aromas of apples, pears, flowers, anise and herbs. Flavors of apples and pears. Starts out sweet and then finishes with impression of dryness. 100% Moscatel (Muscat of Alexandria). Unfortified. Fermentation is stopped at 7.5% alcohol by chilling the tank and then filtering the yeast. Carbonation is created through the Charmat (Metodo Italiano) method - the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the tank - this creates the bubbles - and then it is bottled.

Whites

Nessa Albarino 2008 (Rias Baixas, Spain) $14.99 - This is delicious! Spain’s best wine wine grape! Albariño! Wonderful aromas of peaches, pears, citrus, flowers & minerals. Flavors of white peaches, minerals & a wonderful, zippy acidity that has a little saline quality to it! It's medium-bodied & dry. Estate grown grapes. Stainless steel fermentation. Aged 1 month on lees to soften the texture. Food pairing - Great paired with fresh Maine seafood, especially shellfish! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

Las Colinas del Ebro Garnacha Blanc 2007 (Terra Alta, Spain) $11.99 - Nice lighter citrus and orchard fruit flavors that are rich and intense, but not heavy. Aromas of pears, lemons, minerals and baking spices. 100% Garnacha Blanca from 100 year-old vines. Stainless steel - sees no oak. Hand-harvested. Aged on lees for 2 months to add complexity. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 88 points

Bodegas Pedro Escudor Fuente Elvira Verdejo 2007 (Rueda, Spain) $14.99 - Delicious! This is a perfectly bright, fresh and crisp wine. Great value! Aromas of grapefruit and herbs such as chives and freshly mown grass. Flavors of tangerines & tropical fruits. Well-balanced & integrated acidity. Finishes crisp, clean & dry. Rueda is best known for producing dry wines from the Verdejo grape. This is a great example! Single vineyard with vines that average 40 years. Think of this as a Spanish Sauvignon Blanc! Food pairing – oysters, sharp goat cheeses, green olives, lighter poultry dishes, smoked fish, etc. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 89 points

Red

Bodegas Tintoralba Almansa Higuerela Grenache 2008 (Almansa, Spain) $9.99 - We love this! Perfect summer red! We call this wine "Higgy" for short! This is one outstanding wine! It has nice, big, soft fruit (red & dark berries, plums)....a touch of pepper, but not too much. It's done completely in stainless steel - so the fruit is bright & fresh. Sees no oak. From Almansa. Food pairing - Try it on its own or with chicken, grilled veggies, salmon, etc.

El Talud Rioja 2006 (Rioja, Spain) $14.99 - Straightforward tasty wine showcasing fresh raspberry/boysenberry fruit. The tannins are round and soft. Nice length on the finish. Easy-drinking wine! 100% Tempranillo. Made from grapes from several micro-vineyards (about 2.5 acres each) from vines that are 40-78 years-old in the village of Cenicero in Rioja Alavesa. Fermented at cold temperatures in stainless steel - no oak.

Prima Toro 2006 (Toro, Spain) $22.99 - Lovely wine with a lingering finish that is loaded with soft, fresh fruit. Dark color. Aromas and flavors of cooked cherries, blackberries, minerals and fresh flowers. Some notes of baking spices and leather in the aromas. Smooth texture. Fine-grained tannins. Mouth-coating. 90% Tinta de Toro, 10% Grenache. Hand-harvested. Stainless steel fermentation. Aged 12 months in 2nd & 3rd use French and American oak barrels. Unfiltered. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, 90 points; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

Neo Vivir, Vivir 2007 (Ribera del Duero, Spain) $11.99 - 100% Tempranillo from 20-60 year-old vines in La Horra. Produced by J.C. Conde who makes Neo Sentido, a "WOW" high-end wine! Aged in tank (not oak) for 10 months before bottling. Deep, dark color. Aromas & flavors of minerals, baking spices, dark cherries & dark berries. Smooth texture. Drink over the next 3 years. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points, "Spain's Top 100 Wine Values"

Freeport Cheese & Wine

27 Bow Street

Freeport, ME 04032

(207) 865-3993

http://www.freeportwine.net/