July Wine Tasting

July Wine Tasting

Friday, July 16th

3:30 - 7:30

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

Featuring Spanish and French wines from Eric Solomon’s European Cellars Portfolio!

Eric Solomon is one of the best importers of wine in the business. He’s been named:

• Food & Wine Magazine, Best Importer, 2006
• Robert M. Parker, Jr., Wine Personality of the Year, 2002
• James Beard Award 2009 Nominee, Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional
• Hospice du Rhone, Person of the Year 2008

For the whites, we'll have:

• Novellum Chardonnay 2009 (France) $11.99 - year-after-year, a delicious wine! An excellent Chardonnay! This just ROCKS! With a Viognier twist! It’s fermented on Viognier lees (lies). Tropical fruit (pineapple, peach, honeysuckle) notes, with Viognier's fragrant aromas....this is not a big, buttery, creamy Chardonnay (no malolactic fermentation)...rather the fruit, acidity and aromas shine! 30% of this is aged in Burgundian oak, but it isn’t oaky. Food pairing – seafood, poultry, lighter dishes…drinks well on its own. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, “one of the best Chardonnay values going."
• Mas Que Vinos Ercavio Blanco 2009 (Spain) $10.99 – This is similar to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at a much lower price! Mas Que Vinos = 3 winemakers and 3 friends. Ercavio is the name of an old Roman settlement. The winemakers and owners renovated an old family winery that dates to 1851. They ferment the wines in “tinajas” = large clay vats that are traditional for winemaking in this area. This are is just east of Toledo – the summers are hot, but the high altitude helps moderate the temperatures. The grape is Airen. Organic farming. Food pairing – seafood, lighter dishes, salads.
• Domaine Lafage Côte Est 2008 (France) $11.99 - This is a tasty white – perfect for entertaining! Great pear, peach and apricot aromas and flavors. Notes of white pepper, fennel, mint, oranges and limes. Big flavors in a value-priced wine! Clean, crisp, refreshing! Racy acidity. Ripe & full without being heavy like many oaky Chardonnays. Competely unoaked. Blend of 60% Grenache Blanc & Grenache Gris, 20% Chardonnay and the rest Marsanne. The winemaker is Jean-Marc Lafage, who makes Las Rocas Garnacha as well. From the Côtes Catalanes in southwestern France – almost in Spain! Food pairing - Great wine with salads and appetizers and on its own! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points
• Burgañs Albarino 2008 (Spain) Reg. $15.99, Sale $13.99 - Ah…Albarino… what a wonderful white wine this is! The Spanish are making some wonderful white wines! Pretty pale yellow color. Aromas of lemons and limes, minerals, honey and a hint of almonds….Flavors of pear, apricots, honey and minerals….rich and lush. It's medium-to-full-bodied, yet dry, and has enough acidity to maintain balance. Stainless steel fermentation. Aged on lees to add richness. Food pairing - Great paired with fresh Maine seafood. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 89 points

For the rosé, we'll have:

• Capçanes Mas Donis Rosat Montsant 2009 (Spain) $10.99 – This is a full, complex rosé with aromas and flavors of strawberries and raspberries and stone fruits. The finish is long and loaded with fruit. This is ripe and fresh! Blend of 80% Garnacha, 10% Syrah and 10% Merlot. The Garnacha vines are 10-50 years-old. Made in the traditional SAIGNEE method of bleeding off the juice soon after crushing. The juice is only in contact with the grape skins for 10 hours after crushing. Aged 4 months in stainless steel before bottling. Organic, sustainable farming. Food pairing – grilled chicken, tuna, salmon, spicy foods. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 Points

For the reds, we'll have:

• Domaine D'Andezon Cotes-du-Rhone 2008 (France) $13.99 - Outstanding wine. Darkly colored with a gorgeous nose and flavors of dark berry fruits, plums, smoke and Provencal herbs (the French call this garrigue). Nice texture and crisp acidity. Not tannic. 90% Syrah & 10% Grenache. 100% old vine grapes. Unfiltered. Stainless-steel fermentation. Southern Rhône. Organic farming. Food pairing - Good with steak & other grilled meats, roast pork & lamb, other hearty entrees. Drinks well on its own.
• Capçanes Mas Donís Montsant 2007 (Spain) $14.99 - Outstanding wine! I flat out love this wine! Great value! You won’t find a better Spanish red at this price! Bright ruby-red. Lush, rich, great fruit (blueberry, raspberry and blackberry), great spice (Provencal herbs). Medium-to-full bodied. Well-balanced…Rich, long finish! Just a “killer wine” at this price! 85% Garnacha & 15% Syrah. Aged 8 months in French & American oak. The Grenache is about 60% Garnacha del Pais (an indigenous clone from Catalan) and 40% Garnacha Peluda – vines imported from France after Phylloxera hit Spain). The Garnacha vines are over 80 years-old and the Syrah vines are over 30 years. Bottled unfiltered & unfined. Will drink well for 2-3 years. Organic, sustainable farming. Food pairing – a night grilling meats, veggies &/or mushrooms! Lasagna. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 Points
• Evodia Garnacha 2008 (Spain) $10.99 - Another hit from top importer Eric Solomon! This is delicious, smooth and easy drinking! Aromas of raspberries, strawberries, smoke, licorice and savory herbs. Lots of cherries, red berries, baking spices, minerals and more in this wine! Smooth texture. Clean, fruit-filled finish! Easy drinking! 100% Garnacha (Grenache) from old, old vines (100 years) in slate soil. The vineyards are as high as 3,000 feet. This area in Catalayud is similar to Priorat in steepness and soil composition. Food pairing – drinks well on its own or with grilled foods. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 89 points
• Cellar Mas Doix Salanques Priorat 2005 (Spain) $49.99 – This is a superb wine! It’s just delicious with lots going on in it! Glass-coating wine! Dark, dark purple. Aromas of smoke, slate, cedar, dark berries, wild berries and cherries, white pepper and baking spices. Rich, ripe flavors of raspberries, cherries. The tannins are fine-grained. Blend of 65% Garnacha, 20% Carinena and the rest is Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 14 months in French oak. This will easily cellar for another 15 years and will benefit from cellaring for another 5-7 years before you pull the cork. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 93 Points

For the sparkling, we'll have:

• Jean-Francois Merieau Sparkling Traditionelle "Bulles" (France) $19.99 - Delicious blend of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. "Bulles" means bubbles. Aromas and flavors of white peaches & green apples. This is bright, fresh and clean. Nice acidity. Just a pleasure to drink on a warm day! Or...any day! This sparkling wine is produced is produced in a similar way to Champagne. It is aged 18-20 months su lie. Jean-Francois Merieau returned to his family's farm in Touraine, just east of Tours, after working at wineries in South Africa and elsewhere. He is one of the rising stars of this area. Touraine is often called the "Garden of France." This is the part of the Loire that you think about when you picture gorgeous chateaus. They farm organically. This is not an Eric Solomon wine. The distributor didn’t have a sparkling wine that fit the bill. This is from Jon-David Headrick portfolio. JD worked with Eric Solomon for years before branching out on his own. Wine & Spirits, 88 points

July Wines of the Month

July Wines of the Month

Tier One
($8-$15/bottle)

The White

La Croix Blanche Gascogne 2008 (France) $11.99 – This is a perfect summertime white wine! It’s thirst-quenching and refreshing! Aromas of white grapefruit, pineapple and pears. The aromas are bright, fresh and refreshing! This has crisp, bright acidity right from the start. The Colombard adds a bit of weight midway and good minerality. Nice citrus flavors. The wine is clean and crisp with a pleasing finish. The wine is only 11.5% alcohol, so it is great for pouring at a party! 50% Colombard and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. Stainless steel fermentation. This is made by a 4th generation winemaker, Francis Baurens and his wife and daughter. Food pairing – oysters, mussels, salad nicoise, light, creamy cheeses, a “go-to” wine for a warm summer day!

Les 3 Domaines is made in the Southwest of France in Gascony, the home of D’Artagnan of Three Musketeers fame and the home of Armagnac, Madiran and Jurançon.


The Red

Lovivalo Toro Joven 2007 (Spain) $14.99 – 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo). Toro is a winemaking area in Spain that is northwest of Madrid, close to the Portuguese border. As in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, the dominant red grape is Tempranillo. Toro received its D.O. status in 1987. Columbus carried wines from Toro on his expedition to the New World in 1492. The vines are 80 years-old, so they produce superb grapes. The wine is produced without seeing any oak barrels, so the fruit is bright and fresh. This has aromas and flavors of blackberries, black plums and black cherries. This also has a pleasing earthiness to it and a touch of black pepper. The wine is medium- to full-bodied. The finish is soft and smooth. This winery is about 10 years-old. Santiago Ijalba and his son, Roberto, run the winery. They have 10 hectares (25 acres) of vineyards. Food pairing – grilled steak, grilled pork chops or pork tenderloin, baby back ribs.

The “Other”
($10-$15/bottle)

Trésors d’Antan Pineau d’Aunis Rosé 2009 (France) $13.99 – This is an unusual grape from the Coteaux de Vendomis in the Loire Valley. This rosé is unusual because it is made entirely from the rare Pineau d’Aunis grape. This grape is unique to the Loire Valley – even in the Loire it is rare as it has been pulled up for decades in favor of better-known grapes, such as Cabernet Franc. Pineau d’Aunis was born in the Middle Ages at the Priory of Aunis in Dampierre-sur-Loire. It’s also known as Chenin Noir and is one of the oldest grape varietals in the Loire.

This has peppery aromas, which is typical of this grape. The flavors definitely include grapefruit, as well as strawberries and raspberries. This also has an interesting and pleasing note of pomegranates. Food pairing – great as a cocktail wine or with most any fish, poultry, softer cheese and desserts with red fruits.

Tier Two
($15-$25/bottle)

The White

Vinedo de los Vientos “Estival” 2008 (Uruguay) $16.99 - This is a fabulous blend - 60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Moscato Bianco. It's unique - Uruguayan flair and style. Aromas of small white flowers, pineapples, melons, lemons. This has soft, subtle "Gewurz" spice. It’s real soft on the tongue at the start and then almost, but not quite, tingly on the tongue! Zingy minerals in the mid-palette really wake you up! White peaches in the flavors. Finishes clean and rich with hints of nuts...definitely almonds...and minerals. Food pairing - Great wine with a tropical/Asian "fusion" dish. Drinks wonderfully well on its own!

The Red

Chateau La Reyne Cahors “Le Prestige” 2007 (France) $16.99 - Cahors is in the area of France known as “The Lot.” It’s to the south of Bordeaux. The estate is near the medieval city, Puy l’Eveque, on the Lot River. By law, Cahors must be at least 70% Malbec. Malbec is known as Côt in much of France and as Auxerrois in Cahors (not the Auxerrois from Alsace). Malbec used to be a minor blending grape in Bordeaux, but no longer. Today, Malbec is grown mostly in Cahors and Argentina.

Yohan Vidal is the 5th generation winemaker at Chateau La Reyne. Vidal took over the 75-acre estate in 1997. The vines average 35-years of age. This is a small, family-owned winery that produces great wines. They have long been one of the leading producers in Cahors.
This has aromas and flavors of plums, anise, black currants, black cherries and blackberry jam. Some smokiness to the wine. Dark and inky. This is dense and extracted without being coarse or harsh. It’s both approachable and dense, which is not common. The wine is full-bodied and complex. Long finish. 95% Malbec and 5% Tannat. Aged 18 months in huge, older oak barrels (30% of the barrels are new). Food pairing – grilled red meat, duck confit, beef stew and strong cheeses.

Tier Three
($25-$50/bottle)

The White

Domaine Montvac “Mélodine” Vacqueyras 2008 (France) $36.99 - This delicious blend from one of my favorite wineries has great aromas, depth and structure, acidity, texture and elegance. This estate has passed from mother-to-daughter for 3 generations after being founded by patriarch, Louis Avon. Blend of Roussanne (40%), Clairette (40%), Bourboulenc (10%) and Viognier (10%). The grapes are aged in oak barrels (Allier and Vosges) for 8 months on the lees. The lees are stirred every 2 days – this adds richness, fatness and roundness to the wine.

The wine is big, full-bodied and complex. You will want to decant this and enjoy it as the wine evolves in the glass. This has a lot of weight and feel to it, but it isn’t flabby or fleshy. Long finish with lots going on. Spices, vanilla, minerality and more in the glass!

The winery is owned by Cécile Dusserre, who is a trained ballerina. Consequently, her wines have names associated with dance. She has 3 daughters herself, so it is likely that the tradition of passing the winery from mother-to-daughter will continue. She’s married to the winemaker next-door. Food pairing – scallops, lobster, fish – whether it is a lighter one, such as haddock, or a stronger one, such as mackerel.

The Red

Domaine La Suffrene Bandol 2005 (France) $37.99 - This is true Bandol – Powerful! Blend of Mourvedre (55%), Grenache (20%), Cinsault (15%) and Carignan (10%). Hand-harvested grapes. Aged 18 months in large oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Since 1996, Cédric Gravier has been making wine from the grapes grown on his family’s 45 hectares (about 100 acres). He’s a 1st generation winemaker (the vineyards have been his family’s for 4 generations). The vineyards are in the communes of La Cadière d'Azur and Castellet. This is prototypical Mediterranean landscape – rocks, olive trees, wild thyme, rosemary and lavender and vines…all baked by the sun.

The wine: Sun-baked Provence! Olives, smoke, cedar, rosemary, curing tobacco, garrigue, black pepper…….this is massive…a very big wine! Lots of blackberries and blackcurrants in the aromas and flavors. Medium tannins. Food pairing – leg of lamb with mushrooms, bouillabaisse, grilled steak.

Great Wine Deals!

Great Wine Deals

Sparkling

Bisol Jeio Prosecco Brut (Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - This is a tasty sparkling wine and a great value from Italy’s leading Prosecco maker. Fine, soft bubbles. Starts soft and refreshing. With a touch of flowers and almonds as well as subtle acidity. Flavors of apples and pears. A nice, delicate, lingering finish. Food pairing - Great as an aperitivo or with antipasto, seafood or lighter white meat dishes. Goes great with smoked salmon or trout. This will go great with spicy food, especially Thai and Pacific cuisines. Excellent as a sparkling wine for a party!

Whites

Dry Creek Dry Chenin Blanc 2008 (California) Reg. $14.99, Sale $11.99 - YUM! That’s what we have to say about this wine! Aromas of lemon, orange, pear & pineapple that carry through to the flavors. Clean, crisp, well-balanced and easy-to-drink. This is soft and smooth! Great wine for warm days and a picnic/party! Food pairing - Great choice for shellfish, seafood, pasta salad, chicken and drinking! Perfect with curry dishes. Awesome with oysters! Food & Wine, “Great Bargain – Terrific Wine Under $15;” Wine & Spirits, “Best Buy”

Las Brisas Rueda 2008 (Spain) Reg. $12.99, Sale $9.99 - We absolutely love this wine! Guaranteed hit at a party! Just a wonderful wine to drink! Medium-bodied, crisp, zesty, clean and fresh! Great aromas of citrus, melon, spices, herbs, mint. Flavors of lemon, apple, grapefruit…Unoaked…well-balanced fruit and acidity. Long, pleasing, juicy finish. Blend of Verdejo (50%), Sauvignon Blanc (25%) and Viura (25%). Food pairing - Great with grilled or broiled fish, chicken, cheese and as a quaffing wine for a party! Drinks great with or without food!

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (New Zealand) Reg. $19.99, Sale $16.99 - Truly one of the best New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs made! This is a fresh, lively, fun to drink wine. Great lime, grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, green apple flavors & aromas in this classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Great depth of fruit. A subtle touch of pepper spice & lemon grass. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - Enjoy with seafood, lobster, grilled tuna, spicy chicken or spicy Asian food. Wine Spectator, 89 points

El Portillo Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Argentina) Reg. $10.99, Sale $8.99 - Bright, crisp, clean! A tasty wine that is just fun to drink! Aromas and flavors of grapefruit, tropical fruits and passion fruit! Crisp acidity and a long finish. Food pairing – lobster, shellfish, mussels, smoked fish, sushi, etc. The Tasting Panel, 88 points

Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 (California) Reg. $15.99, Sale $10.99 - Delicious CA Chardonnay with just subtle notes of oak, butter and cream. Aromas of vanilla, baking spices, peaches, pineapple and citrus notes. This is full and round. Flavors of peaches, citrus, subtle minerality and baking spices. Medium-to-full bodied. Long finish. 100% Chardonnay. Aged 8 months in 33% new oak (66% French, 4% American, 30% Hungarian). Food pairing - creamy pastas, baked sea bass, scallops, roast chicken, lobster and salmon. “Best Value,” Washington Post

Honig Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (CA) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - This is a tasty, smooth-drinking wine – has a touch of Semillon (5%) that adds a little body and softness to the wine’s texture. Light-to-medium-bodied. Aromas of lemon grass, melons, & minerals ….flavors of citrus and Sauvignon Blanc’s quintessential grassiness (think lemon grass). Food pairing - An excellent Sauvignon Blanc – perfect with lobsters, many oysters, mussels & other seafood; spicy Asian food; rosemary & garlic dishes. Wine Spectator, 88 points

Rosé

Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2009 (France) $12.99, Sale $11.99 - Delicious! It's strawberry-peach in color, dry, crisp and clean, offering aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, peach and citrus. Light/medium in body, it is a nicely balanced, versatile food wine, great for summer! Refreshing! Food pairing - fish chowder, turkey sandwiches, steamers and fruit salads.

Reds

Altos las Hormigas Malbec 2009 (Mendoza, Argentina) Reg. $12.99, Sale $9.99 - We just tasted this…it’s marvelous! I had it with 20 people with venison stew – huge hit! Dark, deep purple color. Great aromas of dark & black berries & cherries, a touch of earthiness and spice. Lots of depth in the flavors – dark & red berries, touch of peppery spice, mocha & vanilla. Well-balanced acidity. Nice tannins on the finish. Medium-to-full-bodied. Food pairing - Excellent choice with grilled meats, rich stews, and other flavorful food. Drinks well on its own!

El Portillo Malbec 2008 (Argentina) Reg. $10.99, Sale $8.99 -Excellent wine! Easy drinking and soft…..just a pleasure! Medium-weight, with a slightly jammy core of red cherries & plum backed by baking spices on the soft finish. 100% Malbec. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - Enjoy with grilled steaks, roasts and pasta in richly-flavored sauces.

Redtree Pinot Noir 2009 (California) Reg. $10.99, Sale $8.99 – This is a soft, light bodied Pinot Noir with lots of cherry and strawberries in the aromas and flavors. It has a touch of oak in the aromas. The tannins are soft and smooth. The finish is clean and medium-long. Food pairing – great wine for a party! Grilled meals and lighter foods.

El Portillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Argentina) Reg. $10.99, Sale $8.99 - Good tasting red at a great price! Fairly dry, moderate fruit. Holds up for 1-2 days after opening. Aromas and flavors of dark berries with a little pepperiness! Smooth. Not too tannic or dry. Food pairing – red meat, lamb dishes, robust vegetarian dishes. Restaurant Week, 4 Stars

Fess Parker Frontier Red Lot 92 (California) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 - This has long been a favorite red around our house! Just a good wine! A “classic” California “Rhone Ranger!” Loads of cheery, dark berry, currant flavors and aromas. Big and rich. Notes of pepper. Nice long finish. Food pairing - Grilled meats & other hearty dishes. Great pizza wine! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, “One of California’s top values…the wine inside is unquestionably a hell of a bargain.”

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2006 (France) Reg. $15.99, Sale $13.99 - Excellent wine! Long a favorite red wine of mine. It’s been a “house red” for years. Deep, dark purple. Loaded with dark berry fruit, herbs & cherries. Supple and rich, medium-bodied, slightly tannic. Excellent wine from one of France’s best winemakers. 60 % Syrah, 30% Grenache and a little Mourvèdre & other grapes (10%). Food pairing - Try it with roasted or grilled meats. Drinks well on its own! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

Kenwood Russian River Pinot Noir 2008 (CA) Reg. $16.99, Sale $12.99 -
This is a really nice Pinot and an excellent value! Wonderful red berry aromas and flavors. Blueberries, vanilla, red currants and lavender are in the flavors and aromas. A touch of peppery spice. Silky, soft…lots of fruit. Medium-bodied. Long, smooth finish. Food pairing - Goes well with roast chicken, duck, turkey, pork and lamb. Gold Medalist, Los Angeles Wine Competition

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva 2006 (Sardinia, Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - We had this wine with dinner & loved it! I took it to a private wine tasting and it was the hit of the night! Rich, complex, enjoyable. Beautiful, pale, translucent color. Rich aromas of violets, red berries and more. Good fruit (cherries, red berries). Good spice. Medium-bodied. Nice long finish. Can’t say enough about this wine! We had a great halibut dish & a rich seafood stew (spicy Italian version of bouillabaisse). Cannonau is Sardinia’s primary red grape – in France it is Grenache. Food pairing - Goes great with rich foods, red meats and flavorful cheeses.

Hob Knob Pinot Noir 2008 (France) Reg. $10.99, Sale $9.99 – Smooth, soft Pinot from the South of France! Aromas and flavors of cherries, violets, cranberries and red berries. NOT earthy. Medium-bodied. Soft tannins. Medium length on the finish. Food pairing – grilled meats, pasta dishes and just sipping on its own! Silver Medal, International Pinot Noir Competition, Switzerland

Chocolate & Wine Tasting

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

The Wines:

The White Wines:

Guntrum Riesling 2009 (Germany) $14.99 - We love this Riesling – it’s well-made, tasty and a great value! It’s sweet, but not overly so – it’s definitely not “syrupy.” It’s crisp with well-balanced acidity. Nice floral aromas. Wonderful fruit in the nose and mouth. Lemon and lime citrus aromas and flavors. Nice clean finish. Food pairing - Great cocktail wine which won't get you too tipsy before the main event (like many Rieslings, it’s lower in alcohol than many other wines). Great choice for smoked fish, spicy Thai, Chinese, Indian or Mexican food. Wonderful with ham.

Georges DuBœuf Macon-Villages Chardonnay 2008 (France) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 – Aromas of white flowers, lemon/lime citrus and minerals. This has a creamy feel to it. Crisp and clean chardonnay with flavors of green apples, minerals and lemon. Hints of nuts (almonds/hazelnuts) on the finish. Food pairing – seafood, lobster, lighter chicken dishes.

The Rosé Wine:

Charles & Charles Rosé of Syrah (France) $11.99 – Imagine a pool full of late season wild strawberries and raspberries with some sage, rose petals and a bucket full of watermelon Jolly Ranchers thrown in. Then imagine diving in. Food pairing - Goes well with most anything, but our recommendation is grilled sea bass. Food & Wine 2009 Winemaker of the Year.

The Red Wines:

Hob Knob Pinot Noir 2008 (France) Reg. $10.99, Sale $9.99 – Smooth, soft Pinot from the South of France! Aromas and flavors of cherries, violets, cranberries and red berries. NOT earthy. Medium-bodied. Soft tannins. Medium length on the finish. Food pairing – grilled meats, pasta dishes and just sipping on its own! Silver Medal, International Pinot Noir Competition, Switzerland

Fess Parker Frontier Red Lot 92 (California) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 - This has long been a favorite red around our house! Just a good wine! A “classic” California “Rhone Ranger!” Loads of cheery, dark berry, currant flavors and aromas. Big and rich. Notes of pepper. Nice long finish. Food pairing - Grilled meats & other hearty dishes. Great pizza wine! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, “One of California’s top values…the wine inside is unquestionably a hell of a bargain.”

The Dessert Wine:

Chocovine Chocolate Wine $12.99 - If you like Bailey’s Irish Cream, give this a shot! Tastes like rich chocolate with a little kick! Rich dark chocolate from Holland blended with good Cabernet Sauvignon from France. Rich and chocolaty with subtle red wine flavors. Drink over ice or use it to make a chocolate martini! Or, come up with your own drink with it!

Freeport Acupuncture Center Open House

Freeport Acupuncture is hosting an Open House today. Thursday, June 24th. 4-7pm

The Wines

Sparkling

Conde de Subirats Brut Rosé 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.

White Wines

Naia Las Brisas 2008 (Spain) Reg. $11.99, Sale $9.99 - We absolutely love this wine! HUGE hit at a party we had! Compares favorably to Loire Valley whites costing 2-3 times! Medium-bodied, crisp, zesty, clean & fresh! Great aromas and flavors of citrus, melon, spices, herbs, mint, lemon, apple & grapefruit. Unoaked…well-balanced fruit & acidity. Long, pleasing, juicy finish. Really complex wine – especially at this price! Blend of Verdejo (50%), Sauvignon Blanc (25%) and Viura (25%). Food pairing - Great with grilled or broiled fish, chicken & cheese. Drinks well with or without food! A party hit!

Wallace Brook Pinot Gris 2007 (Oregon) $9.99 – This is a tasty Pinot Gris from Adelsheim (a high-end Oregon winery). Aromas and flavors of melons, pears and lychee nuts. This is fruity and dry with good minerality. Crisp, clean finish. A small amount of this wine is aged in older, neutral oak barrels – this adds weight and texture to the wine. Food pairing – seafood, pasta with cream sauces.

Rosé Wine

Château Ricardelle Alencades Rosé 2009 (France) $14.99 – Rosés are among the best wines with a host of foods and are great summertime drinks! They are also great with meals such as Thanksgiving Dinner. This has classic rosé flavors and aromas of strawberries and raspberries and cherries! Crisp, clean and dry. Blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre.

Red Wines

Falesco Vitiano Rosso 2007 (Umbria, Italy) $12.99 - This is, plainly put, a TASTY wine! An absolutely GREAT value!!! Deep ruby red color. Rich, fresh fruit aromas and flavors. Spicy, peppery finish. Well-balanced fruit and acidity. Medium-bodied. Just a classic Italian! Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend (equal parts). Aged 3 months in Nevers (French) oak. Food pairing – grilled meats, mushroom dishes, lasagna, spaghetti, roasts & flavorful aged cheese. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points, “…it’s almost too good to believe at this price”

Novy Cellars Four Mile Creek Red (California) $10.99 – Brand new to Maine! This is what I call a California “field blend.” That’s a wine made from an unusual combination of grapes – in this case it is Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. What is unusual about this wine is that it comes from some of California’s most famous vineyards – Page-Nord in Napa, Unti in Dry Creek, Pisoni, Garys’ and Rosella’s in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Clos Pepe in the Santa Rita Hills and the Carlisle Vineyard in Russian River. This is a spicy wine with a lot of dark fruit in the aromas and flavors. Bottle unfiltered and unfined. Food pairing – grilled meats, mushroom dishes, lasagna, spaghetti, roasts & flavorful aged cheese.

June Wine Tasting

June Wine Tasting
Friday, June 18th
3:30 – 7:30pm

10% off all wines at the tasting!

Doug’s Table – Redneck Riviera Tasting

Doug and I are both from the South and we’ve joked about doing a tasting where we pair wines with what we sometimes call "redneck" foods…….so, that’s what we are doing for part of this tasting!

Sparkling Wine

Ferrari Brut (Italy) $21.99 – – This is a “Metodo Classico” sparkling wine. That means it is made in the same way Champagne is made. The bubbles come from a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Hot dogs and “Champagne” are a great pairing!

From Trentino in the far north, Ferrari was first made in 1902 when Giulio Ferrari started this winery. He had studied winemaking in France and was convinced that the northeastern part of Italy could produce world-class Champagne-method sparkling wines. The wine is produced following strict Champagne-like methods. The vines are about 30 years old. The Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested. This winery has consistently won awards since 1906 and it is a perennial winner of “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) – the highest Italian wine award. The wine has great bubbles and aromas of lemons, fresh bread and herbs. Flavors of crisp apples, pears, toast and lemons.

White Wine

Samantha Star Chardonnay 2007 (California) $14.99 – Wonderful Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands near Monterey! Aromas of pineapple, tropical fruits, coconut & banana. Medium-bodied, clean and crisp style. Flavors of peaches, apples, bananas & a hint of toasty oak. Long crisp, soft finish. Sam Balderas is the winemaker (he’s been the winemaker at Robert Talbott Vineyards since 1984; in 1997 his 1990 Chardonnay earned 100 points from Wine Spectator). Fermented in stainless steel & aged in neutral oak barrels. Not oaky. Food pairing – chicken, duck, salmon, lobster and creamy pasta dishes. Drinks well on its own! The creaminess of the Chardonnay goes perfectly with the salty oiliness of the potato chip!

Red Wines

Big Fire Pinot Noir 2007 (Oregon) $15.99 - The winemaker, Rob Stuart, says this wine is like a ripe plum - juicy, fruity & delicious. He’s right & he’s wrong – it’s got a little earth & spice to it as well. It’s not a “fruitbomb.” Aromas and flavors of raspberries, cherries, cranberries, plums and a little earth & spice! Everything nice! Food pairing – jambalaya with shrimp, pasta with roasted tomatoes, mushroom and/or sausage pizza, a burger. Pork Rinds (maybe Vienna sausages). Lots of ripe fruit in this wine…..perfect with pork rinds. Hugh Johnson, Wall Street Journal, “Top 12 Wine Buys of the Year”

Mas de la Dam Rouge 2006 (France) $18.99 - - It tastes like Provence! Big, full-bodied, spicy, with notes of herbs. Deep, dark color. Big fruit in the nose & flavors. I tasted this 24 hours after it was first opened & it was great. When it was first opened it was tight with BIG tannins for the 1st hour. Certified organic. Biodynamic. Blend of Grenache & Syrah. Most importantly, it’s excellent wine! Food pairing - Great with grilled meats, roasts, mushroom dishes and just drinking! Decant this! Smoked, pulled pork…..I’m going to smoke a couple of pork shoulders (Boston butts) over wood coals….and we’ll have Eastern North Carolina Sauce and Western North Carolina Sauce.

Dessert Wine

Quinta do Portal Tawny Port – Excellent Tawny Port! Rich nutty aromas of walnuts, almonds and caramel. Similar flavors with hints of red berries. Smooth and rich! Long, lingering nutty finish! Tawny Port will last about a month after opening. Food pairing - Great as an aperitif with nuts, olives and paté. Awesome with sweet desserts. Serve slightly chilled rather than at room temperature (20+ minutes in the fridge). Quinta do Portal is unusual among Port producers – it has always been owned by Portuguese; most of the other producers have a British heritage. This is the perfect upscale redneck dessert! You need to dip your ‘Nilla wafer into the Port!

Cat’s Table – GREAT Summer Wines

This will be the more mature table.

Rosé Wine

Grand Cassagne Rosé 2009 (France) $11.99 - – Fabulous dry rosé! Aromas of strawberries, dark cherries, herbs and anise. Rich flavors of strawberries, minerals & sweet herbs. Soft texture. Light-to-medium-bodied. Dry & beautiful! Hint of pepper at the finish. Dianne Puymorin purchased the estate in 1998. She farms biodynamically & strictly limits yield/acre. 100% destemmed grapes. Blend - 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah & 5% Mourvèdre Food pairing – Great with roasted or grilled chicken & pork. Great as a cocktail wine! Drink young!

White Wine

Tomero Torrontes 2009 (Argentina) $12.99 - This is AWESOME! Rich, vibrant texture and feel when you are sipping it…..lush and smooth. Finishes with a nice crispness. Aromas and flavors of white flowers, roses, oranges, tropical fruit. This has a nice zippy acidity to it. POPS in your mouth at the start and then finishes smooth and easy! 100% Torrontes. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - seafood, poultry…..lobster…..shellfish….drinks well without food.

Nessa Albarinho 2009 (Spain) $15.99 - 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. Rias Baixas is in the NW corner of Spain. These vineyards are near the ocean. Food pairing - Great paired with fresh Maine seafood, especially shellfish!

Red Wines

Campos de Risca Monastrell 2008 (Spain) $9.99 – Great little friendly barbecue wine! This is bright, fresh and flavorful! Spicy, dark stewed fruit. New to Maine! 90% Monastrell (Mourvèdre in France) and 10% Syrah. 4,200 cases made. This part of Spain – the Spanish call it the Southeast – is near the southwestern Mediterranean coast of Spain. This area is exceptionally hot and dry. It takes a hardy, tough vine, such as Monastrell, to survive and flourish in this soil! Food pairing – grilled meats, pasta dishes, pizza. Wine Enthusiast, “Best Buy

Berger Zweigelt 2008 (Austria) $13.99 - Zweigelt is your classic red grape from Austria – it’s a hybrid cross of 2 other obscure grapes, Blaufrankisch (limburger) and Saint Laurent. Think of this as being along the lines of a Pinot Noir or a Dolcetto, before those wines started getting ideas of being “Syrah-like.” What I mean by that is Zweigelt, or Pinot and/or Dolcetto, is not meant to be a heavy, fruit-bomb of a wine. It should be elegant. Refined. But, complex….. Medium-bodied. Peppery. With spicy, dark and red fruit.

Vines on the Merrycrest Heart of Glass 2006 (California) $18.99 - When these wines first came into Maine a couple of years ago, they were good bit more expensive – this was $23.99. This is a true, family-owned and –run winery, founded by Victor Abascal in 2004. This wine is available in only FIVE states! Without a doubt, one thing I like about the Marycrest wines are rich aromas from the dominant grape! Grenache dominates the blend, so we get red berries in the nose - lots of strawberries & raspberries in the aromas and flavors. In the flavors the dark earth of the Syrah and the leather from the Mourvedre kick in...... Blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre. The Grenache vines are at least 50+ years-old. Small number of cases made. Food pairing – lamb, chicken, turkey, salmon, etc....

June Wines of the Month

June Wines of the Month!

It’s time for the “Wines of the Month.” We’re headed to Spain!

Spain has more acreage planted to vineyards than any other country. However, they don’t produce more wine. Part of this is that they concentrate on lower yields to produce better wine. Part of it is that the soil in many areas is so bad that the vines must be widely spaced. The Romans certainly brought grapes with them to Spain, but winemaking existed in Spain long before the Roman Empire existed.

We’ll be visiting three distinct regions in Spain – Rueda, Rioja and Priorat.

Rueda – For centuries, Rueda was a popular and influential winemaking area in Spain, but in the 1800’s the Phylloxera louse devastated the region's vineyards. Phylloxera is a microscopic insect that eats the roots of grape vines and almost destroyed winemaking in Europe in the latter half of the 1800’s and early 19th century.

In the latter half of the 20th century, established Bodegas (Spanish term for winery) from other wine regions helped reestablish Rueda as an important wine-producing region. Fortunately, they focused on grape varietals native to the region rather than planting “popular” international grapes such as Chardonnay. The whites produced here are considered among Spain’s best white wines.

Rueda is located near Portugal in northwestern Spain, in the Castilla y León province. The Duero River flows through Rueda’s northwestern corner (this same river flows through the famed Ribera del Duero winemaking area and into Portugal where it is the Douro River – where Port is made).

Rueda has a “Continental” climate – it is cold in the winter; and, hot and dry in the summer (but not too hot, some cooling influence from the Atlantic helps). Vineyards may use modern drip-irrigation to help grow grapes. Without this technique, Rueda would produce significantly fewer grapes and we’d have less of this wonderful summer white!

About 84% of Rueda’s vineyards are planted with white grape varieties (in 2001, changes to the DO regulations permitted red wine to carry the DO status). Verdejo is the dominant white grape (90%) of production. The other grapes are Viura (Macabeo), Sauvignon Blanc and Palomino. Tempranillo is the dominant red grape, as it is in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

Rioja – along with Sherry, one of the two the best-known winemaking areas in Spain. Wine was produced in Rioja long before the Romans arrived. The Phoenicians helped introduce winemaking to Rioja in the 11th century BC.

Rioja produces both red and white wines, as well as some rosés. The red wines are dominated by the Tempranillo grapes. They also grow Garnacha Tinta (peppery), Graciano (dark berry flavors) and Mazuelo (adds tannins). The white wines are made from Viura (tartness), Malvasia (nutty) and Garnacha Blanca (adds weight and complexity).

Red Riojas tend to be about 60% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and the Graciano and Mazuelo make up the rest of the blend. White Riojas are mostly Viura (Macabeo) with small amounts of Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca. Rose Riojas tend to be mostly Garnacha.

Rioja is named after the river, Rio Oja, which forms the Oja Valley in the province of La Rioja in northern Spain. The wine region runs down both sides of the river for 75 miles. The river provides the needed water to help irrigate the 14,000 vineyards.

Three subregions produce Rioja – Alta, Alavesa and Baja.

1. Rioja Alta – this is the highest area in terms of elevation and it is to the western edge of Rioja. Rioja Alta is known for it silky wines with lots of soft fruit.
2. Rioja Alavesa – the vines in this area are planted far apart to provide enough nutrients to the grapes. The soil here is extremely poor, but poor soil tends to make better grapes. Wines from Rioja Alavesa tend to be fuller bodied and have higher acidity than those from Alta.
3. Rioja Baja – this is the driest and warmest part of Rioja. Droughts in the summer months are a serious problem. Wines from Baja tend to be blended with grapes from other regions.

Riojas are labeled in specific ways. This labeling helps identify the type of aging the wine has gone through.

• Crianza – aged at least one year in oak barrels and one year in the bottle before it can be sold.
• Reserva – aged at least one year in oak barrels and two years in the bottle before it can be sold.
• Gran Reserva – aged 2 years in oak barrels and 3 years in the bottle before it can be sold

Priorat – this area is home to Spain’s most expensive wines. Which is odd in a way because it was unknown 15-20 years ago and is barely known today. Priorat is in Northeastern Spain near the Mediterranean Sea.

Priorat is tiny – it encompasses only 4,151 acres (Rioja is over 150,000 acres).

Priorat is named after the priory established in the hills above Tarragona by Carthusians who arrived from Provence in the 12th century. They may have brought the Garnacha (Grenache) vines with them.

Priorat had extensive vineyards before the phylloxera louse arrived at the beginning of the 20th century. This destroyed winemaking in Priorat. Then, Spain had to endure Franco’s dictatorship. No one was investing money in Priorat, so the area was desolate and impoverished.

By 1979, when René Barbier arrived, the Priorat area had only 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of vineyards left. Old vine Carineña (Carignan in French) and old vine Grenache are all that is left.

Barbier, who grew up in the wine business in Penedès, recognized the region’s potential. By the late 1980’s, he was joined by four fellow “evangelists,” who applied modern winemaking techniques and small French oak barrels to the best local grapes. This band of 5 all worked from the same sun-baked, barn-like winery in the tiny hamlet of Gratallops. All five wineries had similar names, starting with the word “Clos.”

Clos Mogador was Barbier’s label. Clos Martinet (now Mas Martinet) belonged to José Luis Pérez. Clos de l'Obac belonged to the local mayor whose wine company is now Costers del Siurana. Clos Erasmus is the creation of Daphne Glorian (her husband is wine importer Eric Solomon). The fifth Clos was Clos Dofi was renamed Finca Dofi in 1994. Its founder is Alvaro Palacios, who is the best known winemaker in Priorat. He makes Spain's most famous wine, L'Ermita. The Rare Wine Company imports Palacios’s wines and we stock a few of them (we buy them from SOPO).

What makes Priorat so distinctive is the soil and the steep hillsides. The most important natural part of Priorat is a particular schist, licorella. It’s dark brown, heavily striated and pitted. It’s a soft rock and has the benefits of being both cool and damp enough to help nourish the vines in the dry, hot summers of Priorat. The best vineyards face north and east to avoid the intense heat of the sun. These hillsides also catch the breezes from the Mediterranean at altitudes of about 1,500 feet. As an example, the vineyard for L’Ermita is on a 60 degree slope.

Tier One
($8-$15/bottle)

The White

Castillo de Nava Rueda 2008 (Rueda, Spain) $12.99 – This is a near-perfect wine for summer, especially summer in Maine when we eat more lobster and steamers! This is bright, fresh, juicy and refreshing! It has flavors and aromas of lime, minerals, crisp Granny Smith apples and gooseberry. It’s crisp, clean and makes you want to take another sip! Mostly Verdejo. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairing – seafood, salads, lighter pasta dishes. Brand new to Maine!

The Red

Bodegas Las Orcas “Solar de Randez” Rioja Joven 2008 (Spain) $13.99 – This is a family-owned winery that’s at least 100 years old. All of the fruit is estate-grown.

Joven in the name merely means this wine is aged for a short period of time with little-to-no exposure to oak and it is bottled relatively young.

This is a “weighty” red for a Joven. It’s clean with good dark fruit and soft, firm tannins. It has a bright, refreshing “tartness” to it. By that, I mean a good tasting tartness. It’s more like biting into a dark plum or black cherry (or both at the same time) that is just a shade underripe. This has good acidity, that helps make the wine pop. Subtle vanilla and licorice notes to the flavors and aromas. Food pairing – grilled chicken, tuna, salmon and pork tenderloin. On a warm day, I might toss this in the fridge – it’s a refreshing red when it’s about 45-50 degrees! Brand new to Maine!

Tier Two
($15-$25/bottle)

The White

Bodegas Ermita Veracruz Verdejo 2008 (Rueda, Spain) $19.99 – Beautiful wine that has a zesty, almost spritziness to it! This is juicy, fresh and has great crispness from the acidity. Aromas and flavors of white flowers, pears, lemons, limes and tropical fruit. This has a hint of vanilla. 4,000 cases made. Food pairing – great with seafood, especially shellfish, lobster and crab. Excellent with salads and as a cocktail wine. Brand new to Maine!

The Red

Bodegas Las Orcas “Solar de Randez” Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) $19.99 – Delicious and rich. This has the berries, flowers and spiciness that I think about when thinking about Rioja. The flavors are full of baking spices, red berries, black cherries and vanilla. Crisp acidity. The tannins are balanced and firm, but they don’t dominate the wine. This finishes clean with nice berry fruit. 2004 is an excellent vintage in Rioja. 1,700 cases made. Brand new to Maine! Food pairing – lamb, steak, duck, grilled pork tenderloin. Decanter Magazine, 3 Stars

Tier Three
($25-$50/bottle)

Both wines in this tier come from the same winery, Viñedos de Ithaca (Ithaca’s Vineyards). The founder, Jos Puig, is fascinated with Greek history and mythology. The winery has a “Trojan Horse” on the roof of its cellars and throughout the winery are Greek tiles and antiques. His daughter, Silvia, rolls her eyes at her Dad’s obsession. She’s also the winemaker. The vineyards and winery are located in Gratallops, which is a tiny hamlet in the heart of Priorat.

The White

Viñedos de Ithaca “Odysseus” Priorat Garnatxa Bianca 2008 (Spain) Reg. $35.99, Sale $29.99 – The flagship wine for this tiny winery! This is a unique, delicious, big, mouth-watering white wine! Aromas and flavors of herbs, freshly mown grass, nuts, vanilla, pears, lemons, cream and toast. Great minerality to the flavors. This is full-bodied. Great acidity and “zip” to the wine. Long, lingering finish. 100% Garnacha Blanco. About 125 cases made each year. Aged in oak barrels. Food pairing – poultry, paella, seafood, lobster, grilled fish, grilled pork or chicken. Brand new to Maine!

The Red

Viñedos de Ithaca “Odysseus” Priorat 2002 (Spain) Reg. $55, Sale $29.99 – This is a medium-to-full bodied wine with rich, ripe fruit and a little baking spice/pepperiness in the aromas. Rich flavors and aromas of Vinifed and fermented in 400 litre open barrels. The grapes come from very old vines that have exceptionally low yields (low yield = better fruit). Blend of Cariñena, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon with Touriga National, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Caladoc combining to make 10% of the wine. Aged in oak barrels for no more than 10 months (they remove the wine from the oak barrels before they taste any “oakiness.”). 1,200 cases made. 2002 was an excellent vintage in Priorat. Food pairing – most anything from grilled chicken to steak to lamb to paella. Brand new to Maine!