Election Edition 2008

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Great turnout for Halloween - thank you.

And a quick note to the three girls that came as "French Maids" - we found the feather duster - but Dave wants to keep it.

The wine tasting on Friday night includes a very special forty dollar gem, the full list is just below our news.

Your comments from the survey continue to guide us. Thanks for taking the time to make suggestions, we are working to implement all of the great ideas. We hope to see you all this week.


Call 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

Champagne & Pizza

This is not a typo - It is a special night. And we plan on proving a very important point: "That the only thing we have to fear...is - oops - no, that's not it. We plan on proving that the only thing you need to drink a bottle of Champagne...Is a bottle of Champagne.

It was an identical, staff only, tasting two years ago that inspired this special evening.

We will will taste through the remarkable Champagne of Marc Hebrart, Pierre Gimmonnet, Pierre Peters, Aubry Fils , Vilmart and A. Margaine, including Tete de Cuvee and Special Club Champagnes. All grower producer Champagne, Real artisanal wine, produced in tiny quantities and with exceptional quality.

Without a doubt - these are some of the finest boutique Champagnes in the world. You will not find them anywhere else in Connecticut. When the night is done - you will know the truth about Champagne.

Monday November 17 - 6 p.m. - $50
Please call early to reserve - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3.

Sarah has something special for

The Monday Tasting 11.3.08

Occassionaly employees need "personal time."
Dave mumbled something about Vegas, French Maids, and a feather duster just after the Halloween party last Friday night. That's the last we saw of him.

Fortunately the newest member of the wine store staff - the lovely Sarah - has stepped up and wants to share. (How do we find these people?)

Casaia Rosso Toscano $14
Sarah: "I'm new; a couple months into my rapid wine education. Jim texted me to come over to the store to sample some wines and I walked out with the Casaia Rosso Toscano, a lovely, plush Sangiovese-Cabernet Sauvignon blend by Seiterre in Tuscany.

I went home to where I am still living out of boxes, and filled the only wine glass I own. The first thing to hit me was full, ripe cherries, falling off the trees. My apartment seemed bigger. I could feel hints of the salt in the dry air from the vinyard's proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 50 percent Sangiovese lends to the provacative tartness of the wine.

Please join me this Monday to enjoy this warm, full bodied bottle. Tuscany, Connecticut? Why not."
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The Friday Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday November 7 - 6 - 9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Tramin Pinot Grigio 2007 $15

Made from 100% Pinot Grigio from southern Alto adige. After a gentle pressing, the must is clarified by natural sedimentation and fermented. Refined five months in stainless steel tanks, this is a very typical Italian-styled Pinot Grigio.

Bright yellow in color with coppery reflections and clear fruit aromas of pear, citrus, honeysuckle, tropical fruits and light spices. Firm, velvety and rich on the palate, with well integrated acidity.


A very round and satisfying wine. Recommended with fish antipasti, risotto with asparagus, omelettes and pasta.

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2 - Sola Fred Montsant 2005 $10


In the zone of the Montsant appellation, the soils are mainly Chalky, with some zones of clay and slate, all with high minerality and low fertility.

The region is mountainous, located at the boundary between the Mediterranean and the continental climates, with a dry summer and winter and a moist spring and fall.Montsant is also a land of old vine Grenache and Carignan planted just after phylloxera.

Vines with very low yields on which the bunches mature evenly and reach optimum concentration at the moment of harvest.
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3 - Domaine La Manarine Cotes du Rhone 2005 $15

Domaine La Manarine comprises 9.5 hectares of vineyards situated on what is known as the "Le Plan de Dieu". For generations, this specific terroir has been recognized as unique.

Recent research has identified the particular character of the underlying soil: a deep layer consisting of more than 60% hard limestone "galets" (large smooth pebbles).

The climate is typically Mediterranean: relatively hot and dry with an average rainfall of between 600 and 800 mm per year. The rains usually come in the form of thunderstorms in late August which provide the vines with the water necessary to finish the maturation process (which tends to shut down under stressful drought conditions).

Grenache Noir is the main grape variety of the region. It performs particularly well on this type of soil and gives wines with more elegance and aroma than is otherwise common, creating in this case one of the finest Cotes du Rhone we have ever seen.
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4 - Kathryn Kennedy Lateral 2005 $40

"This Lateral is inspired by the famous wines of the St. Emilion district of Bordeaux. The blending of Cabernet Franc and Merlot is the cornerstone of this model. Another key to Lateral's consistent quality is the use of multiple vineyards from more than one region.

Select growers from the cooler coastal valleys are chosen with primary consideration for the flavor their grapes can add. Winemakers Marty Mathis and Chris Condos have been carefully assembling the Lateral blend for over 10 vintages.

Soft and juicy entry, gentle and lively texture. Mild tannins supported by ideal acid balance. gorgous flavors of bright red fruits lead to echos of licorace, tree bark and earthy tar notes. Not at all a monster wine, nor a high in alcohol style, this 2005 Lateral get very high marks for it's dead on "right bank" character.

A killer value for a true top flight Bordeaux blend that has become known for it's friendly easy to like personality.
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Thanks very much for your support and all of the comments and suggestions.
We appreciate it.

This Thursday is the last Cruise Ship arrival for the season. If you have been waiting to see one of these ships glide into port - this is it. It would be hard to find a better place to watch than the deck at Brie & Bleu - come on down.

Also, thanks again for all of the comments about City News. We will be posting a schedule of special guests and events as early as next week. We hope to make it a regular stop for literary, lifestyle & cultural interests. And, as always, all suggestions are welcome.

Remember, all comments are completely anonymous and you can add them HERE
We look forward to hearing from you.

Please join us. It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

Madeleine Peyroux, Single Gourmet, Champagne and Pizza, ,Johanneshof Reinisch,Hugel Gewurztraminer,Vina Albali, Dom Martinho, Il Tarocco

Greetings from all of us in New London -
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
IMPORT - 860-443-6817

Great wine on Friday - Just perfect for the upcoming holiday's - the list is below these few items of news & interest.

• First many thanks to the Hartford Courant, and Melissa Pionzio for the profile they did on us in last Thursday's edition. If you missed it, take a look at the great photo that went with the story. It is posted on our calendar page - here: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Contact Melissa Pionzio here: mpionzio@courant.com

• Monday November 12 - Our Wine & Cheese Italian Style, A food demonstration & wine and cheese paring is full - Thank you. The next edition will be in January. For information call 8 6 0 - 4 3 7 - 2 4 7 4 - this makes a great "stocking stuffer" for foodies.

• Saturday November 17 - 12:00 Noon - 2:00 p.m. - Live Radio Broadcast & Prize Drawing.
Single Gourmet of Eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island is hosting a wine & beer tasting. In addition, radio personality Bruce Newbury will be hosting a live broadcast of his popular show "Dining Out With Bruce Newbury." This is open all all men and women that are interested in learning more about Single Gourmet, the regions best social, dining, and events club. Single Gourmet is not a dating service. It is simply a way for singles to get out and enjoy area restaurants. If you are unable to attend the event on Saturday November 17, please stop by Brie & Bleu to leave an entry to win a free membership in Single Gourmet. Listen to the show on WXLM 102.3 FM

• Madeleine Peyroux - Garde Arts Center Saturday November 17 - 8 p.m.
If you have not made your plans for Saturday night, consider the amazing show that is coming to The Garde. Start your evening with us and then make your way up to the Garde Theater for a performer that is selling out across the country.

The New York Times says: "A Mona Lisa Voice" - French-American jazz singer, songwriter and guitarist is a growing phenomenon in contemporary music and is winning the hearts of music lovers all over the world with her dazzling “Billie Holliday” sound.
For all of the details and ticket information go here: http://tickets.gardearts.org/show.asp


• Burgundy Lovers - take a look at our updated Shop On Line Page - we have some sweet choices. http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html

• Monday December 10 - 6 p.m. - Champagne & Pizza Tasting.
This is not a typo - It is a special night. And we plan on proving a very important point: "That the only thing we have to fear...is - oops - no, that's not it. We plan on proving that the only thing you need to drink a bottle of Champagne...Is a bottle of Champagne.

It was an identical, staff only, tasting a year ago that inspired this special evening.
We will will taste through the remarkable Champagne of Marc Hebrart, Pierre Gimmonnet, Pierre Peters, Aubry Fils , Vilmart and A. Margaine, including Tete de Cuvee and Special Club Champagnes. Without a doubt - these are some of the finest boutique Champagnes in the world. You will not find them anywhere else in Connecticut. When the night is done - you will know the truth about Champagne. $50 -
please use your credit card to make a reservation - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3.


Dave's Fave - Monday Tasting - No Charge
The Perfect Turkey Wine? - You Be The Judge

Johanneshof Reinisch "St. Laurent vom Steinfeld" 2004 $14

Dave Says: "This Monday afternoon, let us sample together this little mystery from Austria. I've been on an Austrian kick recently, spurred on by the recent visit of Terry Theise, and the fun we've all had with his big ol' bottles of Berger Zweigelt... As for this St. Laurent, this much I know: it is red wine. Luckily, they totally clear it up for us on the bottle label (verbatim): "From uncertain origin and nowadays observed as an Austrian speciality these wines of the St. Laurent grape impress with a bouquet reminding on hackberries and marzipan." Can't you taste the hackberries now? I can't wait!" And bring in your holiday menus we will help you pair the perfect wine with each and every food - Dave will not be stumped.


Wine Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday November 16 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge


1 - Hugel Gewurztraminer 2005 $23 www.hugel.com
It's no secret that we are big fans of the House of Hugel. The wine is exceptional. And many of you know that Etienne Hugel has shared the dinner table with us and our customers. Many of you have also seen the interviews that we have done with Etienne on our WineRadio show.
The Hugel family started making wine 1639 in Alsace France. Only in Alsace does the aromatic expressiveness of this variety attain such summits. Spicy and suave, it can be enjoyed on its own, but makes a marvellous accompaniment to all rich, spicy dishes, smoked fish, Oriental cuisine. This a great food wine. Please try it.

2 - Vina Albali Reserva 1999 $9
This is from the heart of the La Mancha region of Spain. (that's right - Man of La Mancha) This area is Spain's largest wine producing area. Much of La Mancha's wine is industrially produced and used for blending. There is, however, a smaller wine growing area within La Mancha around the city of Valdepeñas that is known for several good quality wines that are among the best values in Spain. Felix Solis is the maker of this respected Viña Albali Reserva, made from the flavorful Cencibel grape (known as Tempranillo in the Rioja region). You will be surprised at how favorably this wine compares to Rioja's - but it is half the price. You might want a case of this for the upcoming holiday's - please try it at this week's tasting.

3 - Quinta do Carmo Dom Martinho 2004 $14 - from Alentejo Portugal
Dom Martinho is one of the three red wines grown and produced at the spectacular Quinta do Carmo estate. Located in the Alentejo, the home of
great still winemaking in Portugal, the estate itself is vast and beautiful. 300 of its more than 2000 acres are planted to vineyards in two distinct
soils: a black slate for the one, and a brilliant deep limestone for the other. Dom Martinho is one of the single great parcels of the vineyard and gives its name to the estate’s youngest, fruit driven red. Since 1992, the Domains Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
have been contributing a great deal to the quality of this estate while continuing the tradition of wine-making. The soil consists of two main geologi-
cal types: clay-limestone and clay-slate. The methods of cultivation keep to the old techniques, using the double cordon rigorous system. Beautiful garnet color makes this nearly black - The nose very rich in black fruit (blackberries, blackcurrants) aromas, spice. Full-bodied, rich and supple on the palate with good concentration. Tremendous value for the dollar - a great wine for the holiday table - do not miss trying this one on Friday night.

4 - Il Tarocco Chianti Classico 2001 $26
The blending grape for this wine is BLACK canaiolo - and that helps to give it an intense ruby color. Elegant aroma of beautiful mature red fruit with floral notes and balanced taste, full, intense and persistent. This wine is great with tasty pasta, white and red meats, stewed meat, matured cheeses and rich plates of flavor and substance. While the price is a few dollars more - it delivers in spades. You will be able to serve this wine to your guests and family with the expectation of hearing oooh's and ahhh's. It is a lot of wine for the price.


Thanks so much for all of the calls, emails, and your support. We appreciate it.
We have some great events planned for the coming months - watch for details right here in the email, or on our website.

We are at your service - Please Join Us -
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.




AAA.