Have They Gone Nuts?

This Friday   - The Italians Are Coming       Mr. Eric Bellnier from Vinifera Wines joins us again for his annual presentation of Italy's favorites. But this year he is wearing a cast on his leg - The result of an escapade in the Italian Alps? Perhaps - but his enthusiasm for wine is greater than ever. Please Join us. He will be pouring: Soligo Col de mez Prosecco Medoro Chimera Brigaldara Valpolicella Cascina Chicco Barbera, Dante Rivetti Barbera Icardi Moscato One of our favorite  whites for this time  of the year. A must have for the Thanksgiving Table. Made from a Trebbiano & Falanghina blend. "A very floral almost Pinot Gris like wine. Showing fine notes of fresh cut grass and Pear Drops. A hint of lemony acidity to balance and touch of pepper to the finish but still very mineral throughout." Lots of finesse in this bottle. Great body and a silky finish make this a perfect choice for a holiday meal.   Cascina Chicco Barbera Rated 89 Points Wine Spectator: "Full bodied yet soft with layers of mature red fruit and a finish of sweet dark cherries.  Best served with rich foods, soups and meat dishes. Great with soft fatty cheeses."  Dante Rivetti Barbera "Classic Barbera with medium weight red fruit, crackling acidity, soft tobacco notes, and a long minerally finish. This is a food wine! The acidity in this wine begs for tomato sauce, grilled chicken, or braised red meat. Pair it with some sopressata and provolone cheese for anti pasti. It is old world style at it's best." Barbera is grown all over Italy, but the best examples of this red grape come from Piedmont, where it is made into all manner of wines - from easy-drinking quaffers to serious, cellar-worthy bottlings Icardi Moscato d'Asti The ICardi style style is renowned worldwide - highly fruity wines, whose style is characterized by extreme refinement, cleanliness and elegance, and whose flavor is balanced from the very beginning. One of the most classic traits of this excellent Moscato is the rampant flavor of white flowers on the nose and on the palate. Clean and fresh, with a slight frizzante, this is perfect with cheese, fruit, or light desserts. Established in 1914 and headquartered in Castiglione Tinella, ICardi is located at the boundary between two renowned vineyard terroirs - Langa and Monferrato. In the early 1960s, the Icadri's decided to vinify the vines they owned, instead of selling of their fruit. They are an innovative producer that has a through understanding of the agricultural element in wine production. Back In Stock & NEW ARRIVALS: BEER:Berkshire Brewing 22's & GROWLERS Wolavers Coffee Porter Hennepin Belgian Style WINE:"The Dragonfly" - French Pinot Gris Lumasina - The crisp Italian white from Liguria Milou Chardonnay - French Chateau Lamonthe - NYTIMES: "Cult White Wine" (French Sauvignon Blanc blended with semillion.) Hess Select Specialties:Calvados - Amazing Apple Brandies for the holidays St. George Absinth Lidestri Pink Lemoncello Vermont Maple Cream SCOTCH: Springbank 10 Year Old 100 Proof The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old Highland Park 18 Year Old The Macallan Cask Strength Scapa 16 Year Old the Orcadian Glenkinchie 1991 Distillers Edition Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength Glenmorangie 18 Years Old  Bourbon: Buffalo Trace Henry Du Yore Balcones Tatoosh Vorner Creek High West American Prairie Reserve Old Forester 2013 Birthday Bourbon Woodford Reserve Seasoned Oak Finish Maker's 46 Knob Creek Smoked Maple Angel's Envy No - We Do Not Have Pappy Van Winkle. BUT we do have some of the hardest to locate fine spirits in the book. And Special Orders are welcome. STAFF FAVORITE - NEW TO THE STORE These brightly colored packages contain some of the finest nuts we have ever encountered. We discovered them looking for products for our holiday baskets. You need to try them. They are a perfect addition to every holiday table - or gift. Try them on Friday night. Here is their story in brief: "In 1929, on the brink of the Depression, our father and grandfather "Poppy" Sol took a bold step. 22 years old, he had already worked fulltime for 10 years to support his family. Yet he was ambitious, and wanted to live the American Dream and make the lives of everyone around him better. So, donning his best of suits and an assured smile on his face, Sol walked away from the bank with a loan to start his own business, the Newark Nut Company. The rest is history." ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CHEESE NOW   This is the time to order your cheese platters and gourmet specialties. Make your entertaining easy. And remember, We Deliver.  BUZZ       Small Business Saturday is November 30th. All of the local merchants are working hard to make this the best holiday season ever. Whenever possible - Shop Local, Shop New London. Thanks for including a six pack of Safe Harbor beer along with your holiday choices this year. It goes a long way in supporting the brand.   Treat your friends and family to New London's beer.     Tastings: * Friday December 6 - Martin Scott * Friday December 13 - Ryan Connolly Special Champagne & Sparkling Wine Night.  * Friday December 20 - Vinifera   And as always - thank you for your amazing support - we have the best customers in the business. We receive compliments all the time on the attention and interest that you show to all of our guests.  We will be celebrating our 40th year very soon. And everyone at Thames River Greenery and our related businesses appreciate your support - it is not possible with out you.

ThamesRiver.com     Please Join Us On Friday Night. It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.   Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

Drink Different This Friday Night

It is cooling off - the nighttime air is inviting an extra layer or two. And the best wines for the season have started to arrive.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

We are running so very late this week that there is almost no time at all to list the goodies we have for this week's tasting.  

Let me just say that in addition to some very tasty fall selections - This Friday is a good night to sample something different. When is the last time that you tried White Port? This is a very traditional European thing - chilled white port is just right before dinner and just after that drive home from work.

  

White Port is made the same way as other Port wine but is made from white--rather than red--grapes, and little juice-to-skin contact is allowed. This produces a bright, clear wine. 

White Port is a polarizing style of port produced by every major house on the Douro river. The style, often derided by traditionalists, has become increasingly popular as a chilled aperitif and mixing agent in cocktails. Typically inexpensive, white port is almost universally produced to a medium (or higher) sweetness level.    

Wine Club members may add a bottle of Santa Eufémia White Port to their next delivery for just $10.

Cellar Club Members may choose one bottle of Santa Eufémia red or white port at no additional charge. 

Please join us every Friday 

5:00-8:00 PM - No Charge 

BUZZ      

We are booking the coming months with many special events and guests - some informal, some a little more formal. But all of them entertaining.

Thank you all for the continued support - it has made a lot of things possible for us. We sincerely appreciate all of the interest and comments.

   

Tastings:

* Friday October 25 - Bob Neville 

* Friday November 1 - John Orfice

* Friday November 8 - Roger Hoadley

* Friday November 22 - Eric Bellnier

* Friday December 6 - Martin Scott 

In the coming weeks we plan on reintroducing you to "Grower Producer" Champagnes. There will be special tastings, pricing, and displays in the store. You need to know the truth about Champagne.  

It's Official

It's Official - The Countdown Begins. Top 100 Wines Make A Great Gift Shafer Relentless - Wine Of The Year - 96 points WS.  Fontodi Flaccianello - Rated 96 Points Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir - Rated 93 Points Can Blau Monsant - Rated 91 Points - SOLD OUT  Nyers Caneros Chardonnay - Rated 93 Points - SOLD OUT  Mollydooker Shiraz - Rated 94 Point We even have a couple of 100 point  wines on the shelf. Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G. Madonna del Piano Riserva 2006 - Wine Spectator  practically weeps over this when they describe it - and a 2009 Jean Louis Chave Hermitage.  This Friday Night    Maria Garcia-Izquierdo - 3 Castillos Importing & Charles Lebel - Monsouier Touton Selections present PradoRey Crianza - Rated 90 Points Robert Parker PradoRey's history dates back to 1503 when the Earl of Ribadeo sold the Real Sitio de Ventosilla estate to Queen Isabella I of Castile, belonging to the Crown of Castile until 1521 when King Charles I bestowed the estate to the 2nd Marquis of Denia. The Crianza shows a cherry red color with strong bluish shades, brilliant and intense color. Intense nose with dominance of ripe red fruit, and a touch of sweetness derived from its time in oak barrels. Rich in the mouth with round tannins and pleasant freshness on the palate. Velvety rich finish with strong fruitiness. One of the great Crianza's of all time. This wine is a must try on Friday. Remarkable on its own or with your holiday menu.  LAN - Rioja - Rated 90 Points Wine Spectator #44 On the Top 100 list in 2010 Lan Reserva is brilliant ripe black cherry red color with good depth. Fruity aromas with elegant nuances of fine wood. "Fresh and balanced, this red brims with cherry, spice and licorice, with light, firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The texture is generous yet delicate. Not heavy, but vivacious. It shows good balance on the palate coming from the sweet and elegant tannins. The wine is delicious paired with cold starters, pasta, cheeses. Also perfect as a wine by the glass." WS. Roureda Llicorella Seleccio - Rated 93 Points - RP Robert Parker: "Llicorella Seleccio raises the bar significantly. It is a blend of Garnacha Negra, Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah aged for 12-14 months in French and American oak. Dark ruby in color, it has a fragrant bouquet of pain grille, leather, mineral, meat, blue and black fruits which jumps from the glass. The wine has terrific grip, a racy style, and intense, sweet fruit. The finish is long and pure. Drink this beauty over the next 10 years." Robert Parker. Deluxe - it is full, deeply layered, and a standout for serving with big holiday meals. We will pair it up with a full bodied cave aged cheese for you to try ion Friday night. Please join us. Also Available Moonstruck Holiday Truffles Have Arrived. Perfect For The Chocolate Lover On Your List. Events Calendar There Is No Charge For Any Of The Following Events This Wednesday 12.12.12 - Doug Rankin / Brooks Wines FULL  - WAIT LIST ONLY RSVP - 6PM  - 12.12.12. - 860-443-6817 Oregon Super Wines - Doug Rankin of Fountainhead Selections & Janie Brooks of Brooks Wines. Doug Rankin will be here in the studio, and we will be joined via Skype by the owner of Brooks wines. FOUNDED in 1998, Brooks is a reflection of the visionary Portland native, Jimi Brooks.  His reverence for the land and vines made him a practitioner of organic and biodynamic farming.  "One of the best wine stories in the Northwest is how excellent wines continue to be made under the Brooks name..." - Cole Danehower, Northwest Palate Magazine It doesn't get any better than this if your looking to discover the wine of the Great Northwest and to meet with one of the most knowledgeable people in the wine business - Doug Rankin. We will be pairing these remarkable wines with a selection of cave Aged Cheese from Artisinal in New York and we are looking forward to a great night. Please Join Us. FRIDAY 12.21.12 - No Reservation required. Eric Bellnier will be pouring from one of the best Italian portfolios in the business. This pre-Christmas bash will include some very cool wines. And if we know Mr. Bellnier there will be a taste of something special. The last time he was here the 1979 Barberesco was generously sampled with you. Who knows what he has planned this time. BUZZ - News & Events          We have to thank everyone for the comments and kind words about the holiday atmosphere here in the stores. The lights, the trees, the Good Will Toward Men... We appreciate the support you have been showing to us and to all of the small businesses here in New London. It really does make a difference. We hope to see you this week. Drink Different.

ThamesRiver.com Please Join Us On Friday Night. It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend. Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

The Fall Season - Events

WINE WORKS LIKE MAGIC

Please Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday - 10.24.12 - The Wines Of South Africa
No Charge - Please RSVP - Limited SeatingPresented by Knauth & Visser. Paired with small plates.
Learn about the great South African Winelands and try wine that is available here for the first time.

SPECIAL - Friday - 11.16.12 - No Charge - RSVP Required

Very Limited Seating
Jim Kowalyschyn Espris Du Vin Wine &
Samantha Brennen Artisinal Cheese of
New York.
Wine and cheese pairings presented by two of the leaders in the field.

SATURDAY - 11.17.12 - 3PM
Eric Bellnier presents Essential Italian Wines for the holidays.
Special pricing on Award Winning Fontodi Wines.

ALSO -

Friday October 19
Mangetout Restaurant
We have a collaboration dinner event with Mangetout the
Organic Cafe just up the block.

An Organic Oktoberfest Dinner and wine pairing
Friday, October 19 
Just Two Seatings
6pm & 8pm.

We will be pairing wine with each course. You must contact Mangetout directly to make reservations. Seating Is Very Limited. 8 6 0 - 4 4 4 - 2 0 6 6. Do Not Wait To Call if you are interested.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT Will will be joined by a special guest - Please Join Us. 1 - Clos des Mures a Single Vineyard Syrah - $16 Jean-Claude Mas has blazed the trail for premium winemaking in the Languedoc region of the South of France. Since taking the helm of the centuries-old Domaines in 2000, his driving mission has been to use only premium quality grapes to craft superior wines with a modern, New World flair. Intense purple violet with garnet tints. Complex nose with blackcurrants, violet, blackberries, turning to cacao and spices. Well balanced and smooth tannins, full bodied. WINEMAKER: "Grapes, some of which are cultivated on 40-year old vines, benefit from hot summer days and a cooling sea breeze. A deep garnet red wine.Complex on the nose with aromas of blackcurrants, violets and blackberries that evolve into hints of cocoa and spice. Elegant and fruit-filled on the palate, liquorice and toasted notes lead   to a long-lasting and well-balanced finish over smooth tannins.  The Syrah vines are between 26 and 46 years old, the Grenache 47 years old. The wine is aged for 10 months in French and American Seguin Moreau and François Frére oak barrels 30% new oak barrels, 35% 1 year old oak barrels, 35% 2 year old oak barrel. Intense purple violet with garnet tints. Complex nose with blackcurrants, violet, blackberries, turning to cacao and spices. Well balanced and smooth tannins, full bodied. Strong fruity characters with a long finish evolving towards liquorice and toasted notes. Elegant and refined.  Food pairing: Preferably pasta dishes, beef stews, red meat, game, pate and soft full flavor cheeses."     2 - La Forge Estate, Languedoc France - $14    Deep Bright and lovely light garnet-red colour. Nose: Very elegant with a quintessence of red berries, strawberry, cherry, and soft spices aromas with a hint of vanilla. Palate: It's a medium bodied wine, with ripe tannins and acidity which testify his capability to age. It develops very delicate aromas and a long lasting finish. Pinot Noir causes more discussion and dispute in the wine world than any other grape variety, most of which centers around the wine style which best represents the 'true' Pinot Noir. Examples from Central Otago are so different from those grown in Santenay that even an untrained palate can tell them apart. Yet both are unmistakably, unquestionably Pinot Noir. It is this strength of character which has made Pinot Noir such an internationally successful and desirable grape variety. Pairs well with grilled red meats such as lamb, veal, pork and game. Also goes well with soft cheeses such as brie or goat's cheese. 3 - Domaine Paul Mas Carignan 2010 - $14 Never heard of Carignan? Until around 1990, it was the most widely grown grape in France. The workhorse grape of France and Spain, its ancestral home (where it is called Cariñena), Carignan is traditionally used in blends and is the primary, unsung ingredient in French wines that are labeled simply "Red table wine" or "Vin de Table." That is why most people have heard of Carignan only in passing, or not at all. Located on the hillsides of the Hérault overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Savignac vineyard is the ideal growing location for Carignan grapes. These mature vines, some over 50-years old, have reached a perfect natural balance. Even though produced in the Côteaux du Languedoc, Cru Grés de Montpellier appellation, this single varietal wine can only be designated IGP Pays de L'Hérault.   100% Carignan On the nose, spices and blackberry give way to aromas of cherry jam and cocoa over toasted oak notes. A full-bodied, rich and mellow wine, with delicious velvety tannins and complex flavors.    BUZZ - News & Events          As promised our dance card is filling up for the coming season. Please take a moment to check your calendar with our posted dates. If you see something that you like, don't wait to call because things fill up quickly. We will be adding more attractions and finalizing more special guests in the next couple of weeks Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions that we receive every week. We try to incorporate as many of your ideas as possible. AND Thank you for the support, we know there are a lot of choices you can make for shopping - but keeping your business local and supporting small business in New London is greatly appreciated. We hope to see you soon.

 ThamesRiver.com

Please Join Us On Friday Night.

It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge