Villa Maria & Stu Devine, IMPORT now open, Villa Maria Private Bin, Cellar Selection, Holiday Menus

Greetings from New London,

We have a special guest in the house this Friday - and slate of award winning wines - they are listed below these items of interest.


Sure, its that time of year when you are being invited to all kinds of parties - you get there, maybe a little late because of a dozen things that got in the way. You are the last ones to arrive - you are greeted at the door with big smiles and a crowd of people that already have that boozy red glow in their cheeks - and you start to think - there must be someway out of this.

If only you two had taken the time to work out "The Signal" you had always talked about - now your just not sure if she has something in her eye - or is he trying to get your attention - but maybe he just burned his tongue on the hot mulled cider.
Too much to think about - too much stress for the holidays - too many questions to answer.

We will do whatever we can to ease you through the season - We are here to help -
Here are the most asked questions this week:

Q- Will you be offering gift baskets and gift wrapping again this year?
A- Yes. We will have a variety of gift basket ideas to choose from and the ability to combine different items from all of our stores into a single basket or gift delivery too. Wine, cheese, flowers, plants, decorative items you name it. Our staff will dress it, wrap it, ship or deliver it - no fuss, no muss, no messy mop-up.

Q- Are you still offering free consultations on holiday menus & wine lists?
A- We always welcome questions about food pairings and menus - anytime - and we never charge - you should consider us your relative in the business - call us anytime. And the same goes for Brie & Bleu - Cheese parings, menus ideas - recipes from our dinners - ( yes we are still working on the cookbook ) - We are at your service, just let us know.

Q- Can I still book a private party or wine tasting or have a special menu made up for my Holiday or Office Party?
A- Our calendar fills up quickly - we will accommodate you if at all possible - early, late - even on Monday when Brie & Bleu is normally closed. The easiest way to check the dates and your options is to call - 860-443-9463 - any day after 10a.m.

Q- If I Shop Online can I still have things delivered by Thames River Greenery?
A- Yes, of course. We are happy to deliver any of the items purchased online or from any of the stores - and that includes our newest offering - IMPORT.
If you have not seen what is happening at IMPORT for the holidays you really should take a look: http://thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
The pictures do not do it justice - you have to see it to believe it.



THIS WEEK AT BRIE & BLEU:
Colleen has selected a real classic:
The featured cheese is Raclette at Brei & Blue this week for $10/lb.
Traditional Raclette is an uncooked semi-firm, pressed salted paste made from cow's milk. However, varieties exist made with white wine, pepper, herbs, or smoked. The cheese originated in the Swiss canton of Valais, but is today also fabricated in the French regions of Savoie, Franche-Comté and Brittany. The famed dish with Raclette is also a dish indigenous to parts of Switzerland and France. The Raclette cheese round is heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; the term raclette derives from the French racler, meaning "to scrape". Traditionally, it is accompanied by small firm potatoes (Bintje, Charlotte or Raclette varieties), gherkins, pickled onions, dried meats (such as prosciutto and viande des Grisons), sliced peppers, tomato, onion, mushrooms, paprika and fresh black pepper. It is normally accompanied by a white wine, such as the traditional Savoie wine, a Riesling or a Pinot Gris, which can be purchased at Thames River Wine and Spirits for an additional 10% off the cheese.
Cheers, Colleen - (Mrs.Z)


PLEASE JOIN US -
Wine Tasting - Friday December 8, 2006 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
SPECIAL GUEST - MR. STU DEVINE - VILLA MARIA Vineyards - New Zealand

We are quite fortunate to have Mr. Stu Devine join us this Friday.
You may have seen our interview with him on WineRadio - http://wineradio.com/
Check out the show - and you will agree - This is a gentleman that you will want to meet.

Stu will be featuring wines with an emphasis on fruit quality and minimal handling resulting in intensely flavored, elegant food friendly wines that offer a big bang for the buck.

1 - Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2006 $18
The fruit was harvested in the cool of the night to ensure it arrived at the winery in pristine condition. Ripe lime and gooseberry characters dominate the nose with hints of passion fruit. The wine is concentrated with vibrant fruit and mid palate richness, finishing rich and racy with excellent length and crispness. This is perfect for getting the holiday started - appetizers, salads, cheese - light entrees.

2 - Private Bin Chardonnay 2006 $15
The aroma is citrus dominant. Hints of melon and white peach are present along with subtle oak and lees influences. On the palate the wine is creamy in texture, the lemon fruit accompanied by oatmeal and nutty characters. Great with veal, cream based pasta dishes, chicken and fish, soft cheeses.


3 - Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2003 $30
The nose offers attractive cherries and plums along with subtle oak and spice influences. On the palate the wine is appealing with its generous ripe fruit. Savory characters add complexity and demand the accompaniment of good food. Soft, fine-grained tannins make the wine ideal for immediate consumption. Seared tuna, veal shanks, and Asian fusion dishes are all a good choice.


4 - Cellar Selection Merlot/Cabernet 2002 $20
Deep crimson in color this wine displays a bouquet of plums and cassis characters - Full rich and soft with great finish and structure. This has been one of the staff favorites - everyone agrees that it offer a huge value. Try it Friday - and see what you think. And be sure to talk with Stu - you might get an invitation to the party after the tasting......What? You didn't know there was a party after the weekly tasting?


Thanks for your support we appreciate it - and remember - we would not have guests like Stu Devine if it wasn't for your interest and participation - our guests love our customers - we get a lot of comments about our store - but we also get a lot of comments about the quality of our customers - You continue to set the bar very high - thank you.

We hope to see you this Friday.
Please Join Us. It is fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.



AAA