We Are Listening, Shafer Red Soulder Ranch, Cave Des Vin de Sancerre, "Les Violettes", Terredora Diapaolo Lacryma Christi, Allegrini Palazzo

Greetings from all of us in New London.
A great week here in the Whaling City. The harbor was full of cruise ships - in fact as you read this, the National Geographic Explorer is docked at the the State Pier. The streets were full of visiting tourista's and America's Tall Ship The Eagle is stationed proudly at the City Pier, if you have the opportunity take a little walk down and have a look - it's beautiful.

The line up and the details for Friday night are just below a few items of interest. I hope you can join us.

We continue to use our secret weapon - we listen.

We are working hard to bring as many of your suggestions as we can to the mix. For example - look at the menu items and wine by the glass list on the right - All based on your comments and suggestions. Thank you.

*Note: Arriving Monday - Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, by the glass at Brie & Bleu.

Florence Griswold Museum

Save The Date

Saturday, October 11, 2008 6pm

Jeff Anderson has got to be one of the hardest working men in the museum business. Under his direction and with the help of his incredible team, they have transformed the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme into a world class institution that is the benchmark for all others in its class. We are honored to be participating in their Annual Benefit Auction.

The Florence Griswold Museum's 2008 Benefit Auction
celebrates the sculptures of Bessie Potter Vonnoh, whose small-scale bronzes and garden statues made a significant and distinctive contribution to American sculpture during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, Dinner, Dancing, and an Auction offering exceptional works of art, antiques, decorative items, unforgettable events and getaways. One of the many exciting auction items is a Wine Dinner to Remember with us!

For more information visit their WebSite
OR call 860-434-5542 x 122

Sinbad
at The Garde

Friday October 3 8pm

Ranked by Comedy Central as one of the top 100 standup comedians of all time, comedian Sinbad's "hit' em in the face" style of comedy has kept audiences laughing in the aisles for the past two decades. Sinbad is internationally known for his appearances in hit movies like Jingle All the Way with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Houseguest with the late Phil Hartman. He starred in television sitcoms The Sinbad Show and A Different World as well as his highly-rated HBO comedy specials "Brain Damaged" (1991), "Afros & Bellbottoms" (1993), "Son of a Preacher Man" (1996), and "Nuthin But The Funk" (1998).

Start your evening of laughs with us. Visit our wine tasting at 6pm, then move from our wine cellar to Brie & Bleu for a nice glass of wine and something to eat. Then get a little air with an easy walk up to The Garde - A great night out, right here in New London.
Sinbad at The Garde HERE

Dinner Reservations for Brie & Bleu - 8 6 0 - 4 3 7 - 2 4 7 4

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting 9.29.08
Chateau de Cazenove Bordeaux Superieur 2005 $16

I used to think if I worked hard here at Thames River and sold enough Chateau de Cazenove, the lovely Baroness de Cazenove would show up one day in her midnight blue Ferrari and whisk me away at high speed.

Fast forward to the present day: I'm still trying and pouring Cazenove on Monday!

This Merlot-based blend from the family estate near Margaux is an elegant, rich red with an everyday price. Spicy, earthy, and as Jim has pointed out "We will never be drinking Bordeaux of this quality under 20 bucks again!" Please come by Monday and enjoy.
Get It Now

1 - Cave Des Vin de Sancerre, Sancerre 2005 $18

Sauvignon Blanc from the most famous of all Loire villages. This is not the laser beam of citrus and minerality of some of our other Sancerres, like for instance, the Lucien Crochet Sancerre Le Chen. No this is the kinder, gentler side of Sancerre, a more approachable, floral, soft Sauvignon Blanc, more akin to wine from Quincy or even New Zealand. Very quaffable, and very affordable.Get It Now


2 - Moillard Cotes Du Rhone "Les Violettes"
Cotes du Rhone 2006 375ML $7

People are always asking us to help them drink. Whether the average 750ml is too small or too big we have a solution.

The 375ml Les Violettes is the perfect little bottle of wine when you only want a glass or two. Mostly Greanache, with touches of Syrah and Cinsault, the wine drinks dry and spicey and very French.

It's the perfect little stocking stuffer. Pairs well with our NEW Rosemary lamb and Casseoulet entres at Brie and Bleu, or roasts and stews at home.

Get It Now

3 - Terredora Diapaolo Lacryma Christi Rosso 2005 $24














From the back label: " God cried as he found into the Gulf of Naples a corner of Heaven stolen by Lucifer. So where his tears fell, there grew the Lacryma Christi vine"

From the volcanic soils on the shoulders of Vesuvius. The unique terroir and the indigenous grape Piedirosso combine for a singular drinking experience. A wine loaded with black cherry, licorice and pepper, medium to full bodied, with chewy tannins and definite
minerality. Get It Now


4 - Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2004 $25

"This blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese is a smooth, full-bodied cru made in an innovative ripasso style.

After the harvest, the grapes from the Palazzo della Torre vineyard follow two different paths: 70% of the grapes picked are vinified immediately, the remaining 30% are left to dry until the end of December. They are then vinified and re-fermented with the wine from the fresh grapes.

Dense and deep ruby red in color, Palazzo della Torre is loaded with luscious aromas of currant, blackberry and licorice. Full-bodied and rich it is a classic accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats and barbecued ribs.
One of the greatest values from Winebow, Palazzo della Torre was selected by Wine Spectator as one of the "Top 100 wines of the World" for five years in a row, from 2000 to 2005."
Get It Now


Thank you all for the fantastic support and for making this so much fun.

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

AAA.

On The Road Again - Fall Preview Issue

Our friend Mario Batali teams up with Gweneth Paltrow for the new PBS series that features the wine & food of Spain. The show starts this week - see the preview above.

>Greetings from all of us in New London.
Fall is here, the colors are changing, and we have a lot to share with you this week. We are calling this the BIG Fall Preview Issue -- catchy isn't it? We've even thrown in some seasonal colors this week.

Our team - the best in the trade - has put together a list that will make you smile for this Friday. The line up and the details are just below a few items of interest. I hope you can join us.

First - A big thank you to Chilean Winemaker, Mr. Edgard Carter for hosting a "Master Class" of a wine dinner last Wednesday. It was CRAZY good wine & food. Sipping a vertical of vintage Sena 1997,98,99,2004 with the man that made them was over-the-top.

And to the man that helped bring it all together - "The Wine Doctor" - the man that Mick Jagger calls "Mr. Rock & Roll" - Thank You to Mark Raymond. A great friend and supporter of our efforts here and always very generous with his time and wine. Mark's generosity made it possible to offer a dinner of this caliber for only $50 - absolutely unheard of. Mark's only comment on the evening was as he was leaving. He held up his right hand in the Rock & Roll sign and said: "Baby, It's GOT to be Rock & Roll, if you want to dance with me!"

Girls Night - Garde Arts Center

September 25-28, 2008
Thursday - Saturday | 8:00; Saturday & Sunday | 3:00 pm

A touching and hilarious 'tell-it-like-it-is' look at the lives of a group of female friends, Girls Night, The Musical returns, updated and with a fresh cast, to the Garde following its smash debut last season.

Ticket Holders Receive $5.00 off
at Brie & Bleu.

Tickets & Information HERE

Royal Princess Makes Port

September 25 & 27

If you have not been in town for the cruise ship arrivals and departures you should makes plans to see it this time. One of the best places to salute the ship is on the deck at Brie & Bleu. They seem so close that you want to reach out and touch them!

Join us for the weekly tasting and then "set up shop" on our deck with a nice glass of wine & some appetizers. Raise your glass when the ship departs around 6:30 p.m.

Then trade your own stories of high seas adventure over dinner with friends - it's a great night out.
Brie & Bleu - 8 6 0 - 4 3 7 - 2 4 7 4

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting 9.23.08
Chateau La Roque
Pic Saint Loup 2003 $19

When I started here I didn't know so much about wine, after work I would typically bring home recent vintages of cold Pabst Blue Ribbon. Then one day I brought home an obscure little bottle of red, poured it in a nice glass and perhaps for the first time, got it.

As the wine opened and revealed layers of flavor, I imagined all the care it took to produce, an ocean away by a farmer I did not know. It might have pleased the maker to know some guy in Connecticut was enjoying it at that moment!

That bottle was from Pic Saint Loup, named for the craggy peak that juts over the vineyards in southern Languedoc near the Mediterranean. This one is from the estate of Chateau La Roque, who have been tending vines in southern France since the 13th century. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, robust and elegant - let's crack one open!
Get It Now

Visit Chateau La Roque HERE

The Friday Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday September 26
6 - 9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Disznoko Tokaji Dry 2006 $18


For years we have been drinking 5 and 6 Puttonyos Tokaji, a botrytis dessert wine from Hungary and loving every minuet of it. The grape that is dried and shriveled on the vine by mold to make this very noble wine is called Furmit. Furmit also makes a dry white wine, something like Sauvignon Blanc, but ancient and exotic. After years of trying to buy the wine with no luck I had given up. About two weeks ago a nice woman from Hungary showed up and sold us a bunch, and it is delicious. Get It Now

2 - Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Bourgogne
Hautes-Cotes de Beaune 2005 $25


It's a very long name, but all it means is affordable Burgundy. Remi Rollin produces serious Cotes d'Or Burgundy from parcels he owns in Corton Charlemagne and Savigny Les Beaune. Hautes-Cotes de Beaune, just to the west, is very much the wrong side of the tracks. The vineyards' sun exposure is not as good as on the famed Cote d'Or, and the wines lack the power and structure of their more famous brethren, they also lack that big price tag. What we have here is a nice little Pinot Noir, from a place called Burgundy.
Get It Now

3 - Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas 2004 $34


Predominately Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault from vines with an average age of 50 years. The juice goes through an extended maceration, and then is racked into large casks called Foudres, where it stays for the next eighteen months. The domaine uses no new oak, and bottles it's wine unfiltered and unfined 30-36 months after harvest. The result is an incredible expression of Gigondas, full of dusty tannins, crushed pepper, and game. We also have the wine in Magnums, which is how we roll.
Get It Now


4 - Trapiche Aciar Malbec 2005 $50


Part of the 2005 Single vineyard offering from Trapice. Each wine produced by winemaker Daniel Pi is an homage to the farmers who tend the vineyards, and lend their craft to the wine.

"This vineyard reflects the meticulous personality and the attention to detail of Eleodoro Aciar. Located in Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, his estate rests at an altitude of 920 meters. The vineyard is 95 years-old and is blessed with a microclimate shaped by the elevations to the south of the property, different from the rest of Perdriel. The nearby Mendoza River has a beneficial influence on the region, with a cool wind coming from the Andes.

Don Eleodoro is a kind, uncomplicated man. He is 58 years old and has dedicated over half his life to viticulture and winemaking. He has said being a grapegrower is in his blood. He guarantees his father would be very proud of his recognition by Trapiche. He keeps expressing how being able to enjoy work everyday with his wife and his family brings him joy and satisfaction. The work done in the vineyard-where man is the main tool-is summed up by Don Eleodoro: "Our contribution is many hours of work done with immense passion."
Ony 1193 cases produced. Get It Now

Thanks -

We have a lot planned for the coming season. Wine Dinners, special guests, special offers, new menu items and our promise to respond to all of the suggestions and comments that come in every week.

Thank you all for the fantastic support and for making this so much fun.

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

AAA.

Big Lebowski, Chateau Valcombe, Domaine de Papolle, A. Margaine, Chateau Villerambert Julien, Bryce Vineyard

Greetings from all of us in New London,
The list of wines for the Friday tasting is just below these items of interest.

It was a great weekend here in New London, the galleries were open, the music festival on the waterfront filled the air, and the wine was flowing.

Dave Anderson is back this week with The Monday Tasting. See his featured wine below.

If you are a fan of the "Cult" wines of the Great North West we have one on the list for this Friday night. The information for this week's tasting is just below a few items of interest.

SPECIAL NOTE: Brie & Bleu will be closed for a private function on Friday night. We apologize for the inconvenience. The weekly tasting will proceed as usual and we hope you will join us.

Wednesday September 17
Sold Out - Thank You

For more details call - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

* * *
Brie & Bleu News
** C L O S E D **
For Private Party
Friday September 19

* * *

Wednesday Night Movie
In The Park
Hygienic Art Park

Wednesday 9.17.08 - 8:00 p.m. - No Charge
Grab a bottle of wine from our cellar and enjoy
The Big Lebowski


Coming Up: The Dark Crystal - 9.24.08
* * *

Rediscover a great night out - right here in New London.

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting
9.14.08

Paul Jeune & Family

Chateau Valcombe Cotes du Ventoux 2004 $15

This is one of those wines that is definitely worth revisiting... in the spring we went nuts for this little Rhone, and then, as often happens, it "fell off the planet" as we continued to pursue each shiny new bottle that came down the pike like thirsty magpies.

But let's go back and see how it's drinking after spending the summer in the cellar! The winemaker Paul Jeune also owns Domaine Montpertuis, which produces elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Rhones. Chateau Valcombe
produces a slightly earthier, stonier style from the lower slopes of Mount Ventoux.

Hand harvested Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah, unfiltered and unfined from vines averaging 40 years old. Yum!

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday September 19 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos

In Stock Now

Pinot Noir!
Cristom Sommers Reserve 2006 $45
Cristom Eileen Vineyard 2006 $52
Soter Beacon Hill $62

These are the wines that Pinot Noir hounds will be clamoring for come The Holidays. Right now, they are down in our Cellar, minding their own business. If you like Pinot Noir, or know someone who does, come take a look or give a call - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

1 - Domaine de Papolle Cotes de Gascogne 2006 $8


Gascony in some ways has had it rough, invaded by the Romans, Vandals, Franks, Vikings and the Basque.

On the other hand, it's the home of Armagnac and has a culinary tradition entirely based on duck fat, which is delicious.

The Domaine de Papolle is a blend of Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Gross Manseng, a wine to quench and refresh after a big mouthful of Pate de Foie Gras or Duck Confit.

Much lighter than Chardonnay, not as crisp as Sancerre, the wine is bright with white floral notes and very easy to drink.


2 - A. Margaine Champagne $45

A little preview of the holiday Champagne tastings to come. From a small estate of 6.5 hectare, Arnaud Margaine produces a mere 4,600 cases of Champagne each year.

We think of the A. Margaine as the Clicquot Killer. A better wine in every way, for $5 less a bottle.

90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, the wine has a very flowery and approachable style, but don't be fooled, this is Serious Champagne.

3- Chateau Villerambert Julien Minervois 2003 $15












You all know this wine, it's one of our biggest sellers and we have it by the glass at Brie and Bleu.

So why pour it again? Because it's going bye-bye forever. We bought the last 20 cases and I've been told by the distributor that they will not reorder next year.

This is sad news as this wine has always been a tremendous value, a blend of Syrah and Granache from sunny Minervois, France.

So here is a chance to try it again and stock up.
$162 a case in wooden boxes.

See The Vineyard HERE


4 - Bryce Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 $65


From the label:

" Grown on our four-acre vineyard, these grapes were hand planted, tended, harvested and vinified by the Bagnall family.

350 cases produced. 1.58 tons/acre or
2 vines per bottle"

This is one of the only wines in the store that I have not had, and I can't wait to try it.

Visit Bryce Vinyards HERE

Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

hank you for a great week here in New London. Lots of new faces in the store, and too many friends to count. The new season is off to a great start.

We have a a lot of special events, special guests, and dinners planned, so stay tuned right here or visit the calendar of events page for the latest information. Calendar of Events

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

AAA.

Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc, Li Veli Passamente Salento, Olek-Mery, Tikal Amorio Malbec

Greetings from all of us in New London,
The list of wines for the Friday tasting is just below these items of interest.

The storms are over, the kids are back to school and we have a great line-up for Friday night. Take a look the list is just below a few items of interest.

NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS

· Annual Dinner Series Begin:
Our annual series of dinners with winemakers, visiting chef's, and special guests begins on Wednesday September 17th with Winemaker Edgard Carter of Vina Errazuriz in Chile. Just a few more seats remain for this dinner - Please reserve early and see the profile below for more details or call - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

· Grand Opening Gala
ALVA Gallery 54 State St., New London Tel: 860.437.8664
Friday September 12 - save the date Visit ALVA HERE

Brie & Bleu News
The Reserve List

The people have spoken - "We want special wines by the glass."
And we are listening.

To compliment our new menu at Brie & Bleu - we are offering impossibly hard to find wine by the glass and the bottle. Stop in and re-discover what a great wine bar can be.

This Week - On The Reserve List
Cakebread Napa Chardonnay $15 glass $60 bottle
Cakebread Napa Cabernet $20 glass $75 bottle
Plumpjack Reserve Chardonnay - $15 glass $60 bottle
Plumpjack Napa Merlot - $15 glass $60 bottle



This just in -

Pinot Noir!
Cristom Sommers Reserve 2006 $45
Cristom Eileen Vineyard 2006 $52
Soter Beacon Hill $62

These are the wines that Pinot Noir hounds will be clamoring for come Thanksgiving and Christmas. Right now, they are down in our Cellar, minding their own business. If you like Pinot Noir, or know someone who does, come take a look or give a call - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3


1 - Jean-Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc 2007 $16


Don't panic, this is not made from the oft maligned, much misunderstood Gamay, they grow Chardonnay there as well.

This is what the importer Joe Dressner had to say:
"The aim at Terres Dorées is to let the varied terroirs express themselves fully. In the early 1990s, Jean-Paul Brun planted 3 hectares of Chardonnay on limestone soil. He has since expanded the production of his well known and sought-after Beaujolais Blanc by contracting grapes from a small number of nearby vignerons.

The clay-limestone soil that the Chardonnay grows on is perfect for the grape. The climate, which is a little warmer than the Côte d'Or enables Jean-Paul to produce a rich wine with lots of character. It is bottled completely unoaked. When young, the wine has a very fruity bouquet that becomes more honeyed as the wine matures."

We are currently pouring this wine by the glass at Brie and Bleu to complement the Roast Chicken and a host of Cheeses, come by Friday and get a little preview.


2 - Li Veli Passamente Salento IGT 2005 $12


Carmenere, Made from 100% Negroamaro in Salento Italy, south of Naples. Negroamaro literally means "black bitter", and as you might imagine the wine is rustic and earthy, with a deep dark color and perfumed notes on the nose.

This is Italian table wine, rich but a little coarse, full bodied and authentic. If you've been looking for an inexpensive wine for pizza and movie night or a pairing for some of our more aromatic cheeses like Taleggio, Negroamaro is just the thing.

3- Olek-Mery Cuvee des Tireaux Chinon 2005 $25

100% cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley France.
From the Neil Rosenthal website:

"Domaine Olek-Mery is fairly small, with only 9 hectares of vineyards. Organic farming principles have significantly influenced their philosophy and practices. No chemical herbicides or fertilizers are used.

The vineyards benefit from a superb situation on a southerly slope facing the Vienne river. The pride and joy of the domaine is the "Les Tireaux" vineyard, a special holding of older Cabernet Franc.

The southerly exposure combined with the unique "tuffeau" (a soft yellow chalk) and sand of the slopes near Cravant give the Cabernet Franc grape the ability to produce wines with more concentration and structure than found in most Chinon."

Visit The Website HERE


4 - Tikal Amorio Malbec 2006 $30

The Tikal Amorio is one of our best selling Malbecs. While $30 may seem like a lot of money to spend on Malbec, but I would put this gem from Argentina against Napa wines at twice the price and watch the Tikal spank them.

The wine is made from fruit hand harvested from high altitude vineyards of ungrafted mature Malbec vines. Aged twelve months in new and second use oak and bottled unfiltered, with a total case production of only 3100 cases.


A powerhouse of a wine with penetrating flavors, balancing the grip of the tannins with rich velvet fruit. Come drink a serious Malbec.

Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

Thanks very much for all of your comments and suggestions, and for your support. We appreciate it.

We have a calendar full of special events planned for the fall, so stay tuned right here or visit the calendar of events page for the latest information. Calendar of Events

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

AAA.

Labor Day Edition, Cakebread Cellars, Edgard Carter, Vina Errazuriz, Arboleda,Ca Bianca Barolo,Fratelli Alessandria Barolo,

Greetings from all of us in New London,
The list of wines for the Friday tasting is just below these items of interest.

We have a lot of news to share with you on this beautiful holiday weekend.

We start with a Meet The Winemaker evening to signal the arrival of Autumn. AND a 2003 Barolo Smackdown - between Two Titans of Piedmonte for the tasting this week - details are just below these items of interest.

First, we want to offer congratulations to our team at Brie & Bleu - Chef Darryl Goldstein, Egle Noel, Katie LeBeau and Addy Burr. Their efforts have been recognized in the New Haven Advocate.If you have not seen it, the current issue of the New Haven Advocate has some very kind word's about Brie & Bleu and our menu. SEE THE ARTICLE HERE

Introducing
The Reserve List

The people have spoken - "We want special wines by the glass."
And we are listening. Our Reserve List will always have something special.

To compliment our new menu at Brie & Bleu - we are offering impossibly hard to find wine by the glass and the bottle. You will not find these wines anywhere else. Last week people were just about knocked off their chairs when we starting pouring Plumpjack by the glass.

This Week - On The Reserve List
Cake Bread Napa Chardonnay $15 glass $60 bottle
Cake Bread Napa Cabernet $20 glass $75 bottle

Thank You Betsy Yagla &
The New Haven Advocate for the kind words

Brie & Bleu Dining Review Here

Meet The WineMaker
Wine Dinner Series

Wine Dinner Wednesday September 17 - 6 p.m.
Meet Chilean Winemaker Edgard Carter of Vina Errazuriz.

Chile is a land of soaring Andes mountains, a mild Mediterranean climate, and fine wines. From the premium wine-producing regions of Chile come the best grapes, and it is here that Viña Errazuriz has been producing the highest quality Chilean wines for more than 128 years. See The Winery Here

It would be easy to fill a room with people, pour them a glass of wine and then watch as they shuffle flat-footed around the room trying to get a glimpse of the evenings guest winemaker. But that's not how we roll.

If you have attended before you know that we keep it small. Sit elbow to elbow with our guests, meet them and share an evening that will be remembered.

Each course will be paired with the perfect wine. We will taste through the wines of Arboleda AND taste through a Vertical of three vintages of Sena, one of Chile's iconic wines. Sena 2001 beat out Lafite 2000 at the tasting of Berlin 2004 and since has been catapulted into the international spotlight. We will find out just how good is good and how this Epic wine shows with a few years of bottle age.

Seating Is Limited - Reserve Early - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3
$50 plus tax and service

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday September 5 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos

1 - Arboleda Sauvignon Blanc 2005 $16


The fruit for this wine comes from the Leyda Valley, located just south of the prestigious Casablanca Valley. Leyda is quickly building a reputation for producing some of the best Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit in Chile.

Unlike Casablanca, which is protected from the Pacific by a mountain range, Leyda enjoys a maritime influenced, cool climate throughout the growing season, with morning fog and afternoon breezes.

The low-yielding vines are picked early in the morning by hand to keep the fruit cool before pressing. The vineyard is farmed with sustainable practices, and the care taken in the fields is echoed in the meticulous winemaking in the cellar. The wine displays fresh gooseberry and citrus aromas, with distinctive notes of green Serrano pepper and freshly cut grass.




2 - Arboleda Carmenere 2006 $16

Carmenere, the lost grape of Bordeaux, not seen in France since the phylloxera blights of the 19th century, has been blissfully growing in Chile for decades.

Here are my notes from a three hour PowerPoint presentation that sales representative Mark Raymond did in his garage in Wethersfield Sunday afternoon. "The Carmenere vineyards are of clay and loam characteristic of the Colchagua Valley.

Drip irrigation and careful canopy management ensure low yields and more importantly proper phenolic ripeness. Manual harvesting, thorough triage, 25 day maceration for maximum extraction of anthcyanins and tannins from the skins. 45% new oak, French and American.

Deep violet color with clover and cinnamon on the nose, notes of black tea and tobacco, blackberries and cherries on vanilla. WOW PowerPoint is great! I should really get that for my computer!"

2003 Barolo Smackdown

We pit the Formidable house of Fratelli Alessandria against Gambero Rosso's 2007 Italian wine maker of the Year Casimiro Maule and the vineyards of Ca' Bianca. Two Titans of Piedmonte, head to head. Two wines enter, one wine leaves.

3- Ca Bianca Barolo 2003 $60

Ca'Bianca comprises some of the most prized vineyards in the Barolo appellation in La Morra commune.

In his book, The Wine Atlas of Italy, Burton Anderson has called Barolos from La Morra "among the most perfumed and graceful of nebbiolo wines."

"With strong blue highlights, the wine has intense vanilla, clove and woodsy undergrowth aromas and full, firm yet velvety dark cherry flavors on the palate, with licorice and ripe red fruit notes."




4 - Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Monvigliero 2003 $60


"This Barolo is made exclusively from the prestigious Monviglioero Vineyard.

Its bouquet presents hints of berry jam, cocoa, eucalyptus and clove, with a palate is as amply rich as the dense ruby-garnet color would suggest.

"The powerful entry and austere and solid mid-palate lead into a consistent, long and deeply satisfying finish where smooth tannins play the leading role." Only 7000 case production.

Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

We can't thank you enough for the great summer you have shared with us. Lots of new faces, new friends, and the best party in New London all season long.

We have a calendar full of special events planned for the fall, so stay tuned right here or visit the calendar of events page for the latest information. Calendar of Events

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

AAA

Brie & Bleu In The News

Brie & Bleu
Accolades From The Advocate
Read All About It
H E R E

Labor Day, Plumpjack, Julien Schaal, VRAC Macon Village,Puig Parahy "Georges", Chateau Saint Nicolas

The big Labor Day Weekend is almost here, and to celebrate we have something very special for you at Brie & Bleu. Jim Morrison has called in a few markers and not only is the lineup for the tasting this week not to be missed, wait until you see what he has arranged for you at our little bistro. See below.

We receive a lot of mail from our reader's. Questions and comments, suggestions, crazy idea's of every kind - (you know who you are) and thankfully lots of accolades.

The Mail Department has been working overtime.

One of the most common requests of late is about the wine list at Brie & Bleu. "We want better wines by the glass." is what we are hearing and we are listening. This is how it works.

Connecticut distributor's have a complex series of rules that sometimes prevent us from getting all of the wine we would like to offer to you at the wine store. BUT - those same rules present opportunities for us in the restaurant, and starting this week, we are sharing them with you.

Brie & Bleu News:

Plumpjack Reserve Chardonnay and Plumpjack Napa Merlot
$15 a glass $60 a bottle, while supplies last.

The people have spoken - "We want special wines by the glass."
And we are listening. Starting this week - to compliment our new menu we are offering impossibly hard to find wine by the glass and the bottle. You will not find this anywhere else.

Remember - We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu. Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a carefully chosen wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting

Click on the photo to order it now

Vins Julien Schaal Gewurztraminer 2007 $17

Here's a beautiful little Gewurz that strolled into the store one day like a lost kitten. Actually, it was dragged in here by an old alleycat of a salesperson, but it's still a charming little winner in my book.

From old vines tended carefully in the red clays of Alsace, the wine is gently gravity pressed and fermented with wild yeast, making it to bottle with minimal manipulation.

Light, clean and crisp with a fresh fruit nose, the Schaal represents a classic Alsace varietal made in a natural process by a new generation vintner. Yes, the kid with the Billabong tee shirt is Julien Schaal! Hey, the proof is in the bottle. Visit Julien HERE

It would pair beautifully with fine Thai and Indian food, which we have in abundance here in New London. Please stop in after work on Monday for a chilled sip!

Please join me Monday to have a sip of their spicy new seasonal! DA

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 29 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos

1 - VRAC Macon Village 2006 $11

Named for the French term "En Vrac" which means to buy your wine in bulk right from the winery.

This is a bright and charming little Chardonnay from southern Burgundy. We were so taken with this no-nonsense approach to decent French wine that we bought the Chardonnay, the Cotes du Rhone and some BOX WINE, you heard me.

Shocking? not really, if it gets people drinking wine everyday we are all for it.


2 - Gassier Sables D' Azur Cotes de Provence rose 2007 $12

This little number was named a best value by Wine Spectator Magazine proving once and for all that at least someone over there knows a good little wine when he sees one.

The Cote de Provence is renown for rose, the very famous Domaine Ott hails from this region. While the Gassier is in the same light and pretty Provencal rose style, it doesn't take itself quite as seriously as it's famous neighbor.

This is Drinkin' wine, nummy wine. A blend of Granache for spice, Syrah for floral aromatics and Cinsault for "street cred".


3- Domaine Puig Parahy "Georges" Cotes du Roussillon 2005 $12

Another absolute gem from the unsung reaches of southern France.

A blend of Granache, Carignan, Mouverde and Syrah from the Parahy family estate in Roussillon at the foothills of the Pyrenees.

The grapes are hand harvested from vines between 60 and 80 years old.

The wine exhibits deep black cherry fruit, licorice with a slight herbal nose.
All that and only $12!!!

4 - Chateau Saint Nicolas Cotes de Bordeaux 2005 $18



This is a direct import from our friends at Slocum and Sons.

I want to send a special shout out and thanks to Robert Colopy for bringing this wine into my life. I am on my fourth bottle.

Nestled between Graves and Entre deux Mers, Cotes de Bordeaux is not part of the great left bank, home to such wines as Latour and Lafite.

Instead, this is a region often overlooked, sitting as it does in the shadow of the Haut Medoc. But in a great year like 2005, the blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc comes alive with real and serious Bordeaux Character.

No, this is not wine to age for twenty years. This is the wine you drink on Tues and Thursday nights with Hamburgers made from beef from Four Mile River Farm.

You don't have to be a hedge fund manager to drink great wine, not even 2005 Bordeaux.

Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

As the summer draws to a close we are forced to say goodbye to an important member of our family. Dan Swann leaves this week to return to school. I'm sure he will be studying hard, learning to save the planet or to help people in a challenging new way - but we are going to miss him. Thank you "Iron Dan" for a great summer. We can hardly wait to see you on your next break - you have our best wishes.

And to all of our friends and customers - Thank You - it has been a remarkable season.

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

AAA.

Seriously Fine Spirits, Nutmeg Magazine, Naia Verdejo,Villerambert Julien, Matanzas Creek, Milbrandt Vineyards

The crazy summer continues here in New London. This week we saw wine dinners, parties, sing-a-long's and free-for-all's. By the way, our apologies to Mario Batali, we had no idea that the Lasagne Bolognese would turn into a "problem" - we will make it up to you. (If you are looking for the extra pair of orange crocks, they are in the cellar - right where you left them.)

Hey - The new issue of Nutmeg Magazine is out and the guest columnist for wine this month is our very own Jim Morrison. The complimentary magazine is available everywhere including all of our stores - grab a copy the next time you are in the store.

Take a look at the handsome visage on this wine professional.
Would you buy a nice chardonnay from this man?

And remember, New London is happening, live music, art galleries, plays, restaurants, movies, and much more. Start your evening with us, and then rediscover New London.

Most people think of us as a fine wine shop, and we like to think of ourselves the same way. But here is a surprising fact - We Stock 35 Single Malts, 26 Brands of Vodka, 23 Bourbon and Ryes, and 18 Rums.

Sure, you know we stock Dujac, Barthod, Arnoux, Paolo Bea, Chateau D'Yquem, Gaja, Shafer Hillside Select, Chateau Valandraud, and Domaine Ott - in Magnums, but don't forget we have an incredible selection of spirits too. Take a peek the next time you stop by.

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City News Is Coming Soon
Just one block from the train station - right next door to Thames River Greenery

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Brie & Bleu News:

The new summer menu at Brie & Bleu has just what you need to rekindle a great night out.

We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu.

Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a great wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.

Rediscover a great night out - right here in New London

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting

Click on the photo to order it now

Berkshire Brewing Co. Oktoberfest Lager 2008 $4 Bomber

In October we will have carried Berkshire Brewing beers for one year, but we're calling it "close enough" because their Oktoberfest brew just came out!

All Berkshire products are made by dedicated dudes who actually have forgone the idea of "going big" because they are committed to the quality and control that being a smallish company affords.

BBC is actually Massachusetts' largest microbrew (jumbo shrimp?), and as President Chris Lalli says, "We're just one step away from being the smallest 'regular' brewer." Things are looking up! We've even started pouring BBC beers exclusively at our eatery Brie & Bleu.

Please join me Monday to have a sip of their spicy new seasonal! DA.

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 22 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos

1 - Naia Verdejo 2007 $14


The grapes for this wine come from 98.8 acres of vineyards, of which 94 acres are 26 years old and 4.8 acres are ungrafted 90-year-old Verdejo vines. All the vineyards are located in the town of La Seca, which is considered by the locals to be the "grand cru" village of Rueda.

Since the Middle Ages Verdejo has been the traditional varietal on the left bank of the Duero River. This is the fourth release of this stainless-steel fermented wine.

With Bright grapefruit citrus and pronounced herbaceousness the wine is reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc only much less expensive and to my way of thinking, much better.



2 - Chateau Villerambert Julien Minervois Rose 2007 $14

The vineyard of Chateau Villerambert-Julien, created in 1852 by the Julien family, extends over 59 hectares of hills, all classified as AOC Minervois, between Carcassonne and Narbonne, on the edge of precipitous garrigues.

Its completely unique terroir, composed of veins of schist and crushed pink marble, and is fully exposed to the south.

The greatest care is given to cultivation methods, high density of planting, severe pruning, conscientious training of vines, and the use of organic fertilizer all contribute to the quality of the wine.

The rose comes from a subtle fermentation of the exsanguinated juice from the most aromatic casks of Syrah, Mouverde, Carignan and Granache. The red has been one of our favorites for years, we are very excited to offer the rose while it and the summer are here. Check out their very cool website HERE


3 & 4 - Several years ago there was a movie about one guy getting married and one guy getting divorced and their road trip through wine country. With the utterance of one line, "If they order Merlot I'm leaving" the entire varietal was relegated to the decidedly unhip list.

While I appreciate the character's passion, I always felt it was a little unfair, and worse unwise to dismiss an entire varietal. The horrors of over-produced wine-dreck notwithstanding, we are after all talking about the grape that brought us Ch. Petrus and runs through the great wines of Bolgerhi. So this week we offer a small reminder that it is ok to drink Merlot.

3- Matanzas Creek Winery 2004 Merlot $27


Tasting notes: A potpourri of fresh herbs, including thyme and sage, marry with dark boysenberries and velvety cherries in the nose.

Distinctly spicy, the palate begins with clove and quince, followed by a long, smooth finish of blackberry and earth notes.






4 - Milbrandt Vineyards 2005 Merlot $24

Tasting notes: The 2005 Merlot is a smorgasbord of ripe blackberry, spice, tobacco, plum, cherry, and coffee. It is dense, lush and voluptuous.

With a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot in the blend for additional structure, color and weight.

The wine finishes with a dash of oak, a hint of cassis and a dollop of cedar.

Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

We have a great team working with us, we consider ourselves very lucky. All of the folks that make it possible at the winestore, Brie & Bleu, Thames River Greenery and Beanery, and the soon to open City News, try their best to make it all work as planned. But we take our guidence from you. Your comments and suggestions, and your fantastic support are greatly appreciated - Thank You.

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

AAA.