Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Stop & Think

Stop and Think2

New Yorker Cards Available At City News

Greetings From New London

Thanks for the great turnout last week for both our wine tasting and the first Yoga Basics at City News.
Just a reminder that we have a huge selection of health and fitness magazines - and the biggest selection of YOGA magazines in New London - at City News.

YOGA JOURNAL

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Remember that Administrative Professional Day - is just around the corner. We have a number of very cost effective ways to say thank you with style. Order early for timely delivery. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

post it notes

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Please Join Us 11.1.08
Wine Tasting
Please Join Us
Friday April 17 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge


1 - Four Vines Naked Chardonnay 2007 $12
Four Vines naked chardStep away from the barrel! This Chardonnay was fermented in 100% stainless steel and has not seen any oak, nor does it want to. This is crisp, concentrated Chardonnay with all its natural acid. Naked exhibits apple, white peach, and pear, finishing long with hints of citrus and mineral. Eat oysters and drink "Naked" often!! Share with a friend.












2 - Four Vines Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel 2006 $12

Four Vines old vineFour Vines has such a great wealth of Zinfandel that they have the ability to put together a fantastic multi-appellation Zin Blend. On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice. On the palate, blackberry and spicy plum fruit with a rich mouth feel trailing to a velvety toasted oak finish. Enjoy with a friend!










3 - Domaine Du Gour Chaule Cotes du Rhone 2007 $18

Du Gour ChauleThe Domaine du Gour de Chaulé, situated in the heart of the village of Gigondas, was founded in 1900 by Eugene Bonfils, the grandfather of the current proprietor, Aline Bonfils.

All the wine produced at the estate was sold in bulk to negociants until 1972 when the mother of Madame Bonfils began to bottle a small percentage for sale to private clients. The tradition of estate bottling has continued to grow under the direction of Aline Bonfils so that now approximately 50% of the annual production is selected for sale in bottle (approximately 25,000 to 30,000 bottles).

The domaine comprises 15 hectares, 10 of which are within Gigondas with the remaining 5 situated in the surrounding communes of Vacqueyras and Violes. 85% of the vineyards are planted to Grenache, with approximately 10% dedicated to Syrah and Mourvedre and the balance planted to Cinsault.


4 - Ondarre Rioja 2004 $18
Ondarre Rioja
For more than two years now I have been seriously divided about Spanish wine. The overwhelming majority of wine available to me was very modern and failed to express the authentic terroir of Spain. Those wines that were classically styled were often very expensive. Not knowing what to do, I did nothing, I waited.

Then one day an old friend walked in the door, Juan Carlos Rodriguez . Juan Carlos is, by all accounts, the most knowledgeable Spanish wine representative in the state of Connecticut, or as we say in New London, "Juan Carlos is the Man". But most importantly he has a great plate and at heart, he is a classicist.

He brought with him new wines, wines he had chosen himself, wines that are the best Spain has to offer. Interesting, traditional, authentic and very well priced, his wines are the most exciting Spanish wines I've seen in years.

This week we will try his Ondarre Rioja 2004, made of 100% Graciano. Graciano is one of the five grapes allowed in Rioja. It is typically blended into a Rioja to add color, structure and aging potential, much the way Petite Verdot is used in Bordeaux. I have tried thousands of Spanish wines, and spent an entire week in Rioja, but this is the first straight Graciano I've ever seen.

Incredibly structured, with deep dark flavors, this wine is a magnificent example of the varietal and fantastic value at only $18.


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Thanks for all of the comments lat week, we appreciate your support. Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

1 comment:

Noel said...

Try out the gracianos of Viñedos del Contino (part of the CVNE group). I tasted some of them at Contino with winemaker Jesús de Madrazo this past March - these gracianos are one of his pet projects.

Best,

N