Greetings from New London
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Wines: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured TRGreenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
It has been a great and busy week- we hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
New Years Eve is just around the corner and we have everything you need to celebrate - we will even deliver it right to your front door.
This week just a quick listing of our wines for Friday night. - Happy New Year to all.
Wine Tasting Please join us Friday December 30 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Vernaccia Montenidoli Sardinia - $19
This is made by following local tradition; it is subjected to long skin contact in order to capture the character and flavors of the Vernaccia grape and the Tuscan land. It has a deep golden color produced by the extended contact with the grape skins; the color was so important that in the old days producers used to add caramel to achieve it in off years. This wine has a rich floral bouquet, aromas of peaches and apricots with a nice backbone of mineral tones. It is full bodied and very well-balanced with a nice almond component on the finish. This is why people go to Italy - it is authentic and "Delicioso"!
2 - Sella & Mosca Cannonau - $14
Sella & Mosca's wines are original and affordable. How about a red that is relatively light,fruity and spicy, but intense enough to hold up to most meats, roast chicken and maybe vegetable dishes. The red is Cannonau, if you're not familiar with it, is the Italian name for the French Grenache and the Spanish Garnacha. The grape is also grown in California and Australia. For me, it is at its best when it shows an earthiness combined with intense berry fruit, which is the case here, despite the wine's relatively light color. The aromas project ripe red berry, including strawberry and raspberry jam. In the mouth, coffee, spices and herbs, including sage, emerge. There is definite evidence of oak aging (three years, it turns out), but the wood is well integrated, framing the wine rather than defining it.
If you want a great bottle of wine that goes well with food try this one.
3 - Cantina Porroco Barbaresco -
Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Piedmont and should be drunk with all due respect. It is a wine of extremely ancient origin and was mentioned by Livy in his monumental History of Rome. According to an old tradition, the Gauls were attracted to Italy and descended into the peninsula because of the goodness of the wine of Barbaritium, from which the word "Barbariscum" and later Barbaresco were derived. However, some experts argue that the wine derived its name from the barbarian hordes that raided extensively in Italy before and after the fall of Rome.
Barbaresco, the aristocratic red wine we know today, was mentioned in 1799, when Austrian General Melas requested "Nebbiolo di Barbaresco" to celebrate in worthy fashion his victory over the French. Hey - a little bit of history is not going to kill you.....
4 - Costozza Cabernet - $23 - http://www.costozza-villadaschio.it/ing/index.htm
From year to year, Italy and France trade the title of world's leading wine producer. But Italians point out it was the ancient Romans who introduced wine making to France. In fact, Italians were cultivating grapes some 2,500 years ago, before the rise of the Roman Empire. The Veneto produces more premium wines than any other part of Italy. In the heart of the region, an hour's drive west of Venice, fields of grapes surround charming hill towns. The village of Costozza lies at the base of Monte Brosimo. This 1,312-foot hill is part of the Colli Berici, a mountain range of volcanic origin. Both the soil and mild climate are ideal for growing grapes. Costozza has been documented as a winemaking center since at least 1250, but archaeological excavations indicate it's possible that wine was being made in the Berici Hills thousands of years earlier. The village of 2,000 has a delightful old restaurant, Taverna Aeolia. Astronomer Galileo Galilei mentioned in his memoirs that he was a guest there 400 years ago.
Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
And we would like to take a minute to wish everyone a happy, healthy,and safe New Year.
AAA
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Boxler Grand Cru/Chalone/Cellar Cal Pla/Quinta Eufemia
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured - Wine: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured - Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
The wines for this Friday are listed below and highlighted in RED
So you say that the holiday season is getting you down?
That the crowds and confusion at the mall have you pulling out your hair?
Is that what's troublin' you Bunky?
We know it's not easy so we will do what we can to help -
It's not too late to order deliveries from our stores.
One call can solve a lot of problems.
Check out the web sites, give us a call, and let us help for the holiday.
There are lots of specialty items, gift baskets, cards, gourmet & cheese gifts, stocking stuffers and more.
If you are downtown - please stop by and say hello - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Thanks for making this season so special.
THIS WEEK - FEATURED CHEESE AT BRIE AND BLEU
1. Cotswold – ENGLAND - $14/lb.
Made from whole milk, Cotswold is a variation of double Gloucester to which chopped onions and chives have been added. This is a firm cheese, similar to cheddar but not quite as hard. A full-flavored, creamy, mild cheese that will stand well on its own with crackers and grapes. It also makes an excellent addition to recipes such as omelets or casseroles, since it melts well.
Suggested wines: Full-bodied red wine such as Shiraz or Zinfandel. Also, this cheese is considered a "Pub" cheese in England. As such, it pairs well with beer.
2. MORBIER - FRANCE – $15/lb
Morbier is a semi-soft, unpasteurized, creamery, cow'smilk cheese produced in a small town in the Jura Mountains of France's Franche-Comté.
This rich and creamy cheese with a pungent aroma is decorated with a horizontal layer of vegetable ash in the middle, marking the separation of the morning and evening milkings. Morbier is often found on the cheese board that the French pass around for the cheese course.
Suggested wines: Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon
3. COMTE de GRUYERE - FRANCE – $17/lb
Comte is a cow’s milk cheese from the Franche-Comté region of France, along the Swiss border. It has a sweet, nutty, slightly creamy flavor with a bit of fruitiness, and a texture that is firm and mild. Meadows in that region have 1,200 varieties of wildflowers and the floral component can definitely be tasted, along with the lush, spring grass. Comte will elevate your grilled cheese sandwich to Alpine heights and is also delicious in a fondue. Or, slice it on a cheese board, top with honey and serve with fruit of the season.
Suggested wines: A hearty ale or a Cotes du Rhone
In The Cellar This Week:
BEER TASTING - THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 - 5-8 p.m.
Stocking Stuffer Beer Tasting - the perfect gift for the beer lover in your house.
1 - Orval Trappist Ale
2 - Old Engine Oil Scottish Ale
3 - Traquair House Scoth Ale
** and some holiday surprises **
all for your quaffing pleasure
THIS FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Boxler Grand Cru Alsace Riesling - $35
Jean Boxler is without a doubt one of France’s most talented wine makers and yet he must be one of the most modest. Jean is his own harshest critic. This is another domaine where the quality of the base wines is a reflection on the skills of the grower. The structure, character and complexity from the wine add another dimension. Produced from a blend of the estate's youngest grand cru parcels, the liquid mineral-scented Riesling is a lace-like, finely etched wine. Honeyed minerals, are found in its intricate, light to medium-bodied character.
This wine has been called "Hedonistic" - I think that merits a try - don't you.
2 - Chalone Pinot Noir - $16 - Wine Spectator 90 points
Silky, with a pretty array of black cherry, plum and raspberry-scented fruit that's deftly balanced, complex and elegantly styled, turning delicate and perfumed. This is a wine that is getting lots of press lately. You will see it on tables at fancy holiday parties, and peeking from the bags being put onto the back seats of those expensive cars at shopping center. But don't let that fool you - it is very good.
3 - Cellar Cal Pla Priorat - $21
Priorato is a beautiful mountainous area in north- eastern Spain an hour or so down the coast from Barcelona. The area is volcanic in origin and production methods have hardly changed since Cathusian monks first established vineyards in the 12th century. This is where probably the best examples in the world of wine produced from Garnacha and Carinena are made. This is a hot rugged landscape with poor soils and plenty of steep rocky hill sides which make cultivation difficult, and mechanisation impossible. The wines are rich and dark with high natural alcohol levels but wonderful complexity of spices and dark gamey fruit. The owner and winemaker, Juan Sangenis, philosophy is to spend 10 months in the vineyard and 2 months in the cellar, because great wine comes from great grapes and not great hands he says. This is not some nut wearing a beret and making wine for fun. It is a passion and you can taste it in the wine - you must try this one.
4 - Quinta Sta. Eufemia 2000 LBV Port - $24
The very famous Quinta is almost unique in that it has not only its vines, but also its cellars in the Douro Valley (Most ‘lodges’ are in Oporto). So the ports age in barrel in a giant cellar carved into the hills below the vineyard. There are various parcels of vineyard of which the best known is Quinta do Marco. Wines are produced traditionally, in lagares and in my experience, have a tendency to be richer and, perhaps sweeter than many. It is difficult to sip this after dinner - because it is so damn good. You will also find that a bottle will disappear quickly as you converse with your friends and those short little port glasses are refilled over and over - this is a great buy for the money.
Thank you for support - we all appreciate it.
Happy Holidays from all of us.
AAA
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured - Wine: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured - Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
The wines for this Friday are listed below and highlighted in RED
So you say that the holiday season is getting you down?
That the crowds and confusion at the mall have you pulling out your hair?
Is that what's troublin' you Bunky?
We know it's not easy so we will do what we can to help -
It's not too late to order deliveries from our stores.
One call can solve a lot of problems.
Check out the web sites, give us a call, and let us help for the holiday.
There are lots of specialty items, gift baskets, cards, gourmet & cheese gifts, stocking stuffers and more.
If you are downtown - please stop by and say hello - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Thanks for making this season so special.
THIS WEEK - FEATURED CHEESE AT BRIE AND BLEU
1. Cotswold – ENGLAND - $14/lb.
Made from whole milk, Cotswold is a variation of double Gloucester to which chopped onions and chives have been added. This is a firm cheese, similar to cheddar but not quite as hard. A full-flavored, creamy, mild cheese that will stand well on its own with crackers and grapes. It also makes an excellent addition to recipes such as omelets or casseroles, since it melts well.
Suggested wines: Full-bodied red wine such as Shiraz or Zinfandel. Also, this cheese is considered a "Pub" cheese in England. As such, it pairs well with beer.
2. MORBIER - FRANCE – $15/lb
Morbier is a semi-soft, unpasteurized, creamery, cow'smilk cheese produced in a small town in the Jura Mountains of France's Franche-Comté.
This rich and creamy cheese with a pungent aroma is decorated with a horizontal layer of vegetable ash in the middle, marking the separation of the morning and evening milkings. Morbier is often found on the cheese board that the French pass around for the cheese course.
Suggested wines: Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon
3. COMTE de GRUYERE - FRANCE – $17/lb
Comte is a cow’s milk cheese from the Franche-Comté region of France, along the Swiss border. It has a sweet, nutty, slightly creamy flavor with a bit of fruitiness, and a texture that is firm and mild. Meadows in that region have 1,200 varieties of wildflowers and the floral component can definitely be tasted, along with the lush, spring grass. Comte will elevate your grilled cheese sandwich to Alpine heights and is also delicious in a fondue. Or, slice it on a cheese board, top with honey and serve with fruit of the season.
Suggested wines: A hearty ale or a Cotes du Rhone
In The Cellar This Week:
BEER TASTING - THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 - 5-8 p.m.
Stocking Stuffer Beer Tasting - the perfect gift for the beer lover in your house.
1 - Orval Trappist Ale
2 - Old Engine Oil Scottish Ale
3 - Traquair House Scoth Ale
** and some holiday surprises **
all for your quaffing pleasure
THIS FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Boxler Grand Cru Alsace Riesling - $35
Jean Boxler is without a doubt one of France’s most talented wine makers and yet he must be one of the most modest. Jean is his own harshest critic. This is another domaine where the quality of the base wines is a reflection on the skills of the grower. The structure, character and complexity from the wine add another dimension. Produced from a blend of the estate's youngest grand cru parcels, the liquid mineral-scented Riesling is a lace-like, finely etched wine. Honeyed minerals, are found in its intricate, light to medium-bodied character.
This wine has been called "Hedonistic" - I think that merits a try - don't you.
2 - Chalone Pinot Noir - $16 - Wine Spectator 90 points
Silky, with a pretty array of black cherry, plum and raspberry-scented fruit that's deftly balanced, complex and elegantly styled, turning delicate and perfumed. This is a wine that is getting lots of press lately. You will see it on tables at fancy holiday parties, and peeking from the bags being put onto the back seats of those expensive cars at shopping center. But don't let that fool you - it is very good.
3 - Cellar Cal Pla Priorat - $21
Priorato is a beautiful mountainous area in north- eastern Spain an hour or so down the coast from Barcelona. The area is volcanic in origin and production methods have hardly changed since Cathusian monks first established vineyards in the 12th century. This is where probably the best examples in the world of wine produced from Garnacha and Carinena are made. This is a hot rugged landscape with poor soils and plenty of steep rocky hill sides which make cultivation difficult, and mechanisation impossible. The wines are rich and dark with high natural alcohol levels but wonderful complexity of spices and dark gamey fruit. The owner and winemaker, Juan Sangenis, philosophy is to spend 10 months in the vineyard and 2 months in the cellar, because great wine comes from great grapes and not great hands he says. This is not some nut wearing a beret and making wine for fun. It is a passion and you can taste it in the wine - you must try this one.
4 - Quinta Sta. Eufemia 2000 LBV Port - $24
The very famous Quinta is almost unique in that it has not only its vines, but also its cellars in the Douro Valley (Most ‘lodges’ are in Oporto). So the ports age in barrel in a giant cellar carved into the hills below the vineyard. There are various parcels of vineyard of which the best known is Quinta do Marco. Wines are produced traditionally, in lagares and in my experience, have a tendency to be richer and, perhaps sweeter than many. It is difficult to sip this after dinner - because it is so damn good. You will also find that a bottle will disappear quickly as you converse with your friends and those short little port glasses are refilled over and over - this is a great buy for the money.
Thank you for support - we all appreciate it.
Happy Holidays from all of us.
AAA
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Comfort Food/January Wine Dinners/Barosa Valley Estate/Hardy's Oomoo/
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 Captain's Walk
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Wines: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured Items @ Thames River Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
First - I just have to mention the French Wine Dinner last Thursday night - Wonderful guests, new faces, great food - all of the wines were outstanding - including a 1st Cru Blagny from Burgundy - but just when it could not possibly get any better - one of our guests said "I brought a couple of bottles I thought we might like to try.......would that be alright?"
From a soft leather satchel two bottles were produced & brought to the table - 1983 Chateauneuf du Pape Beaucastel and 1978 bottle E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone. That's right - you are reading the dates correctly - Two legendary wines from two famed vintages - Thank You Hank.
And a special thanks to your mom - for teaching you how to SHARE.
One never knows what might happen at one of our dinners - or what that person sitting next to you might be all about.
Next - here are the dates for FOUR upcoming dinners - The wines and the menus will be posted on the website and on the blog sometime in the next 48 hours. All dinners are $50 plus tax & service
We Are Now Excepting Reservations - please call early - limited seating.
Wednesday - January 4th -
Italian Wine Dinner - featuring Osso Buco and the wines will include Barolo.
Wednesday - January 11th -
French Wine Dinner - featuring roast pork and the wines will include Sancere Jolivet.
Wednesday - January 18th -
Spanish Wine Dinner - featuring Roast Chicken with olives & lemon and the wines will include a special Rioja.
Wednesday - January 25th -
Pan-Asian Wine Dinner - featuring Dim Sum (yum yum), wines will include a super fine Riesling.
LET THE COMFORT BEGIN -
We Are Now Excepting Reservations - please call early - limited seating.
As we mentioned, our Tuesday Comfort Food Dinners & Wine begin on Tuesday January 3rd.
Dinner paired with two wines - $25 including tax & service.
All dinners begin with salad and finish with one of Anne's delicious home made deserts.
Tuesday January 3rd -
New England Pot Roast, garlic mashed potatoes and baked acorn squash.
Tuesday January 10th -
Old Fashioned Meat loaf & Gravy, mashed potatoes with fresh chives and vegetables.
Tuesday January 17th -
Fresh Ricotta Lasagna with Meat Sauce.
Tuesday January 24th -
Roasted Chicken with rice pilaf & roasted zucchini.
Tuesday January 31st -
Spaghetti Bolognese
Many people have been asking for featured cheeses at Brie & Bleu. Especially for gift ideas and party suggestions.
So beginning this week we will list cheese that has been selected by our fellow cheese heads at Brie & Bleu.
And in the next week or so Brie & Bleu will have it's very own featured items page and recipe section.
BRIE & BLEU - This Week: All Cheeses are available to taste - ANYTIME.
1 - Lambchopper –USA - $22/lb.
Lambchopper is a pure sheep's milk cheese from Cypress Grove Farms in California, famous for their many award-winning goat's milk cheeses. Made in the style of traditional Pecorino, this semi-hard cheese is a nice munchable cheese, earthy and nutty with a great depth of flavor.Suggested wines: Medium-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel
2 - 5-yr Aged Gouda –NETHERLANDS - $19/lb.
This magnificent cow’s milk cheese is aged for 5 years, resulting in a perfumy, scotch-whiskey kind of aroma. It has an incredibly intense nutty flavor with hints of butterscotch and toffee. Serve with your favorite fruit and bread, or combine with mashed potatoes, sprinkle over green salads or grate on buttered bread for an unforgettable grilled cheese sandwich.
Suggested wines: Light reds, fruity whites. Also great with dessert wines like Sauterne or even Cognac.
3 - White Stilton with Mango & Ginger – ENGLAND - $18/lb.
Treat yourself and your guests to a true “dessert” of a cheese! This mild cheese has a fresh milky flavor with a beautiful creamy background. Blended with chunks of dried mango and a subtle hint of ginger, this will surprise and delight any palate. Serve over salad or atop ginger snap cookies. Suggested wines: A crisp Chardonnay or White Burgundy.
THIS THURSDAY - December 15, 2005
BEER TASTING - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge - DOWN-EAST BEER TASTING
Our very own "Jorgé Casablanca" (George Whitehouse) - shows his sensitive side.
Longing for his home state of Maine has fueled a thirst for the great beers of The Pine Tree State.
Tonight he is your host.
Share his memories and pick up a few tips on how best to use moose droppings for a festive holiday decoration.
THE BEERS:
Gritty McDuff's Black Fly Stout, Allagash Dubbel Reserve, Geary's Pale Ale, and Geary's Winter Beer
WINE TASTING FRIDAY DEC. 16 - 6-9 P.M. - NO CHARGE
1. - Barosa Valley Estate - 2001 E&E Black Pepper Shiraz - $90 - http://www.bve.com.au/bve_estate.html
The 2002 ranked #21 on WS Top 100 List. - 97 points!
Deep brick, earthen red with youthful purple hues. Intense lifted aromas of ripe cherry, plum, spice and pepper with subtle chocolatey, coffee like overtones. Full, rich, ripe and fleshy, the palate delivers all that the nose promises. Ripe fruit is harmoniously integrated with subtle oak characters providing a long, satisfying, velvety finish. Cellaring Potential: Up to 10 years. Serving Suggestions: Richly flavoured meats, pastas and strong cheeses.
2 - Hardys Oomoo Shiraz - $16 - http://www.hardys.com.au/
Hardys Oomoo was amongst the first of Thomas Hardys wine labels. The label originates from Thomas' first winery venture, 'Bankside', a property on the banks of the river Torrens just west of Adelaide. In it?s day a rich robust red, Oomoo has been relaunched to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Hardys Wines.
This is a great wine with food - and the folks at Hardy's have even thrown in a recipe. Click here: http://www.hardys.com.au/default.jsp?hwcpid=12&template_name=content_side_images&curr_section=brandOverview&country_id=1&web_id=1
3 - Noblio Icon sauvignon blanc $23 - Icon Series - http://www.nobilo.co.nz/
Trophy & Best White Wine of the Show – San Francisco International Wine Competition 2005
Double Gold Medal – San Francisco International Wine Competition 2005
Pale gold in color with green tints and brilliant clarity. An intense, fresh, vibrant bouquet of concentrated gooseberry, citrus and tropical fruits. This wine has wonderful mouthfeel, with zingy acidity and a crisp, lingering finish. A complex, powerful wine, with excellent structure and palate weight.
4 - Noblio Icon Pinot Gris - $23 - http://www.nobilo.co.nz/
The palate has excellent mouthfeel and weight, with a rich, oily texture, balanced acidity and a lingering finish. The fruit is ripe and sweet, with flavors of pear, melon and honeysuckle. Warm alcohol on the tongue combines with soft acids and a touch of sugar to produce an opulent, supple wine.
It is a great holiday season. Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
We hope to see you - please say hello when you visit our stores
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 Captain's Walk
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Wines: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured Items @ Thames River Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
First - I just have to mention the French Wine Dinner last Thursday night - Wonderful guests, new faces, great food - all of the wines were outstanding - including a 1st Cru Blagny from Burgundy - but just when it could not possibly get any better - one of our guests said "I brought a couple of bottles I thought we might like to try.......would that be alright?"
From a soft leather satchel two bottles were produced & brought to the table - 1983 Chateauneuf du Pape Beaucastel and 1978 bottle E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone. That's right - you are reading the dates correctly - Two legendary wines from two famed vintages - Thank You Hank.
And a special thanks to your mom - for teaching you how to SHARE.
One never knows what might happen at one of our dinners - or what that person sitting next to you might be all about.
Next - here are the dates for FOUR upcoming dinners - The wines and the menus will be posted on the website and on the blog sometime in the next 48 hours. All dinners are $50 plus tax & service
We Are Now Excepting Reservations - please call early - limited seating.
Wednesday - January 4th -
Italian Wine Dinner - featuring Osso Buco and the wines will include Barolo.
Wednesday - January 11th -
French Wine Dinner - featuring roast pork and the wines will include Sancere Jolivet.
Wednesday - January 18th -
Spanish Wine Dinner - featuring Roast Chicken with olives & lemon and the wines will include a special Rioja.
Wednesday - January 25th -
Pan-Asian Wine Dinner - featuring Dim Sum (yum yum), wines will include a super fine Riesling.
LET THE COMFORT BEGIN -
We Are Now Excepting Reservations - please call early - limited seating.
As we mentioned, our Tuesday Comfort Food Dinners & Wine begin on Tuesday January 3rd.
Dinner paired with two wines - $25 including tax & service.
All dinners begin with salad and finish with one of Anne's delicious home made deserts.
Tuesday January 3rd -
New England Pot Roast, garlic mashed potatoes and baked acorn squash.
Tuesday January 10th -
Old Fashioned Meat loaf & Gravy, mashed potatoes with fresh chives and vegetables.
Tuesday January 17th -
Fresh Ricotta Lasagna with Meat Sauce.
Tuesday January 24th -
Roasted Chicken with rice pilaf & roasted zucchini.
Tuesday January 31st -
Spaghetti Bolognese
Many people have been asking for featured cheeses at Brie & Bleu. Especially for gift ideas and party suggestions.
So beginning this week we will list cheese that has been selected by our fellow cheese heads at Brie & Bleu.
And in the next week or so Brie & Bleu will have it's very own featured items page and recipe section.
BRIE & BLEU - This Week: All Cheeses are available to taste - ANYTIME.
1 - Lambchopper –USA - $22/lb.
Lambchopper is a pure sheep's milk cheese from Cypress Grove Farms in California, famous for their many award-winning goat's milk cheeses. Made in the style of traditional Pecorino, this semi-hard cheese is a nice munchable cheese, earthy and nutty with a great depth of flavor.Suggested wines: Medium-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir or Zinfandel
2 - 5-yr Aged Gouda –NETHERLANDS - $19/lb.
This magnificent cow’s milk cheese is aged for 5 years, resulting in a perfumy, scotch-whiskey kind of aroma. It has an incredibly intense nutty flavor with hints of butterscotch and toffee. Serve with your favorite fruit and bread, or combine with mashed potatoes, sprinkle over green salads or grate on buttered bread for an unforgettable grilled cheese sandwich.
Suggested wines: Light reds, fruity whites. Also great with dessert wines like Sauterne or even Cognac.
3 - White Stilton with Mango & Ginger – ENGLAND - $18/lb.
Treat yourself and your guests to a true “dessert” of a cheese! This mild cheese has a fresh milky flavor with a beautiful creamy background. Blended with chunks of dried mango and a subtle hint of ginger, this will surprise and delight any palate. Serve over salad or atop ginger snap cookies. Suggested wines: A crisp Chardonnay or White Burgundy.
THIS THURSDAY - December 15, 2005
BEER TASTING - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge - DOWN-EAST BEER TASTING
Our very own "Jorgé Casablanca" (George Whitehouse) - shows his sensitive side.
Longing for his home state of Maine has fueled a thirst for the great beers of The Pine Tree State.
Tonight he is your host.
Share his memories and pick up a few tips on how best to use moose droppings for a festive holiday decoration.
THE BEERS:
Gritty McDuff's Black Fly Stout, Allagash Dubbel Reserve, Geary's Pale Ale, and Geary's Winter Beer
WINE TASTING FRIDAY DEC. 16 - 6-9 P.M. - NO CHARGE
1. - Barosa Valley Estate - 2001 E&E Black Pepper Shiraz - $90 - http://www.bve.com.au/bve_estate.html
The 2002 ranked #21 on WS Top 100 List. - 97 points!
Deep brick, earthen red with youthful purple hues. Intense lifted aromas of ripe cherry, plum, spice and pepper with subtle chocolatey, coffee like overtones. Full, rich, ripe and fleshy, the palate delivers all that the nose promises. Ripe fruit is harmoniously integrated with subtle oak characters providing a long, satisfying, velvety finish. Cellaring Potential: Up to 10 years. Serving Suggestions: Richly flavoured meats, pastas and strong cheeses.
2 - Hardys Oomoo Shiraz - $16 - http://www.hardys.com.au/
Hardys Oomoo was amongst the first of Thomas Hardys wine labels. The label originates from Thomas' first winery venture, 'Bankside', a property on the banks of the river Torrens just west of Adelaide. In it?s day a rich robust red, Oomoo has been relaunched to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Hardys Wines.
This is a great wine with food - and the folks at Hardy's have even thrown in a recipe. Click here: http://www.hardys.com.au/default.jsp?hwcpid=12&template_name=content_side_images&curr_section=brandOverview&country_id=1&web_id=1
3 - Noblio Icon sauvignon blanc $23 - Icon Series - http://www.nobilo.co.nz/
Trophy & Best White Wine of the Show – San Francisco International Wine Competition 2005
Double Gold Medal – San Francisco International Wine Competition 2005
Pale gold in color with green tints and brilliant clarity. An intense, fresh, vibrant bouquet of concentrated gooseberry, citrus and tropical fruits. This wine has wonderful mouthfeel, with zingy acidity and a crisp, lingering finish. A complex, powerful wine, with excellent structure and palate weight.
4 - Noblio Icon Pinot Gris - $23 - http://www.nobilo.co.nz/
The palate has excellent mouthfeel and weight, with a rich, oily texture, balanced acidity and a lingering finish. The fruit is ripe and sweet, with flavors of pear, melon and honeysuckle. Warm alcohol on the tongue combines with soft acids and a touch of sugar to produce an opulent, supple wine.
It is a great holiday season. Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
We hope to see you - please say hello when you visit our stores
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Two Hand's Lily's Garden - Special Announcement
Greetings from New London -
Just a quick note to let you know about a special substitution for Friday's tasting.
In place of the Sella & Mosca -
We are excited to let you know that we have been able to get our hands on 3 full cases of the elusive
Two Hands - Lily's Garden Shiraz.
Learn more here: http://www.twohandswines.com/sitePages/winedetail.asp?ItemID=59&WId=8
Robert Parker rated the 2002 96 points!
Wine Spectator rated the 2003 94 points!
Please join us on Friday - and try it for yourself.
Wine Tasting every Friday, 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
If you have questions please give us a call.
860-443-9463
Best,
TRW&S
Just a quick note to let you know about a special substitution for Friday's tasting.
In place of the Sella & Mosca -
We are excited to let you know that we have been able to get our hands on 3 full cases of the elusive
Two Hands - Lily's Garden Shiraz.
Learn more here: http://www.twohandswines.com/sitePages/winedetail.asp?ItemID=59&WId=8
Robert Parker rated the 2002 96 points!
Wine Spectator rated the 2003 94 points!
Please join us on Friday - and try it for yourself.
Wine Tasting every Friday, 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
If you have questions please give us a call.
860-443-9463
Best,
TRW&S
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Santa Rita/Sella&Mosca/Perrin Family/ Rogue Beer
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits
84 Bank Street - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu
84 Bank Street - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery
70 Captain's Walk - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
The lights are on, and everyone's home.
Did you make it downtown for the Lights & Song celebration and tree lighting?
Many people did - it was nice to see all of the families walking around.
The carolers were singing, the band was playing, Santa arrived with a big splash at Union Station - It was a "Norman Rockwell" afternoon.
If you have not yet seen the new lights this year, lining the buildings on Eugene O'Neill Drive, along with the buildings on Bank Street and State Street you need to make the trip. Downtown New London looks fantastic.
Well for the people that attended our Bordeaux dinner last week - I want to say thank you for making it a great night.
Mr. Devin McGarry, from Maisons Marquis & Domaines, sat at the head of the table and poured the Dominus like there was no tomorrow.
This guy knows how to party, how to tell stories, and how to keep it informative all at the same time.
And he looks like he might be a pretty good ballroom dancer too - he has never mentioned it - but he has a certain "swagger" in his step.
Seriously - Devin was generous with his time, and was engaging all night long. A big thanks to Mr. McGarry.
Our wine dinners are great fun because we keep them small - there is conversation - there is a connection - there is wine.
One of the people at the Bordeaux dinner, lets call her "Maryanne" - wanted to know if there was a secret to getting reservations to attend dinners. She mentioned that she had been disappointed on occasion because the seating was already full when she called.
"How did you get seats for this dinner?" we asked.
"Oh, I called as soon as I found out about it." - Ladies and gentlemen, that's the secret.
The dinners are small but if you see one that strikes your fancy - make the call - usually there will not be a problem -
I also want to point out that because so many people have booked the space at Brie & Bleu for their own holiday dinners and parties in the month of December that we will focus on January for a new list. The line up for 2006 is awesome. In addition to our weekly themed wine dinners we are adding a regular "Comfort Food" night. Probably on Tuesday nights - Comfort Food & two glasses of wine paired with the food.
Keep your eye on the calendar of events - Bookmark it and check it often. The website is a great place to get news and information about many items of interest.
And finally, let me say that the rumors are true - we are working on a book that will present our wine dinners with all of the recipes, wine pairings and entertaining tips.
THIS WEEK:
BEER TASTING EVERY THURSDAY -
This Week - Rogue Brewing Company - 12/8/05 5-8 p.m. - No Charge - http://www.rogue.com
Tonight a sampling of FOUR great beers from the untamable North-West.
Including: Shakespeare Stout, Nut Brown Ale, Dead Guy Ale - everyone's favorite - ,
and Soba - a Japanese-style beer partially brewed with rice.
WINES FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 12/9/05 - 6-9 P.M. - No Charge
1 - Santa Rita Reserve - $11 - http://www.santarita.com/
Intense ruby red color. Aromas of black fruit, plums and herbs, pleasantly combined with undertones of vanilla, cloves and spices from the barrel in which it was matured. Expressive, complex, medium bodied wine, well balanced and persistent. This is a lot of wine for the money, give it a try.
2 - Sella & Mosca Cannanau - $16 - http://www.sellaemosca.com/
Drink it! In outstanding vintage years, this Sardinian estate, founded by two men from Piedmont in 1899, produces this excellent Riserva. Made from grapes picked in select areas of its Cannonau vineyards, this rich, ripe wine is aged three years in oak, which gives it a nice round feel on the palate. Gorgeous plummy flavors make it perfect entertaining. Pair it! Try this lovely red with grilled tuna or spicy penne all'arrabbiata.
3 - Santa Rita Reserve Carmenere - $11 - http://www.santarita.com/
Deep ruby red colored wine. Big red fruit and spice aromas. On the palate, a round, lingering, balanced wine, where the red fruits and spices portray its character. Round and very pleasant tannins - like all of the Santa Rita wines this is a great value and perfect with things like a peppered shoulder of pork or a casserole.
4 - Perrin Family Cotes du Rhone reserve - $14 - http://www.perrin-et-fils.com/beaucastel/
This Cotes Du Rhone, which is produced from the Perrin brothers of Chateau de Beaucastel, is very dark ruby in color. It has a smoky nose with scents of blueberry and fennel. On the palate you receive a blast of black berry jam, lively red fruits, pepper spice and lavender. This wine shows the ripe youthfulness of a great vintage wine from and excellent producer. With it medium bodied richness and ample fruit this is another great Cotes du Rhone. Tthis is the perfect companion to straightforward meals with dishes such as grilled meat or poultry. Its fine structure will also enable it to match more complex flavours, especialy mediterranean or provencal dishes. Remember this wine is made by people that specialize in hundred dollar wines - they know what they are doing.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it - And we look forward to seeing you in New London.
AAA
Thames River Wine & Spirits
84 Bank Street - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu
84 Bank Street - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery
70 Captain's Walk - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
The lights are on, and everyone's home.
Did you make it downtown for the Lights & Song celebration and tree lighting?
Many people did - it was nice to see all of the families walking around.
The carolers were singing, the band was playing, Santa arrived with a big splash at Union Station - It was a "Norman Rockwell" afternoon.
If you have not yet seen the new lights this year, lining the buildings on Eugene O'Neill Drive, along with the buildings on Bank Street and State Street you need to make the trip. Downtown New London looks fantastic.
Well for the people that attended our Bordeaux dinner last week - I want to say thank you for making it a great night.
Mr. Devin McGarry, from Maisons Marquis & Domaines, sat at the head of the table and poured the Dominus like there was no tomorrow.
This guy knows how to party, how to tell stories, and how to keep it informative all at the same time.
And he looks like he might be a pretty good ballroom dancer too - he has never mentioned it - but he has a certain "swagger" in his step.
Seriously - Devin was generous with his time, and was engaging all night long. A big thanks to Mr. McGarry.
Our wine dinners are great fun because we keep them small - there is conversation - there is a connection - there is wine.
One of the people at the Bordeaux dinner, lets call her "Maryanne" - wanted to know if there was a secret to getting reservations to attend dinners. She mentioned that she had been disappointed on occasion because the seating was already full when she called.
"How did you get seats for this dinner?" we asked.
"Oh, I called as soon as I found out about it." - Ladies and gentlemen, that's the secret.
The dinners are small but if you see one that strikes your fancy - make the call - usually there will not be a problem -
I also want to point out that because so many people have booked the space at Brie & Bleu for their own holiday dinners and parties in the month of December that we will focus on January for a new list. The line up for 2006 is awesome. In addition to our weekly themed wine dinners we are adding a regular "Comfort Food" night. Probably on Tuesday nights - Comfort Food & two glasses of wine paired with the food.
Keep your eye on the calendar of events - Bookmark it and check it often. The website is a great place to get news and information about many items of interest.
And finally, let me say that the rumors are true - we are working on a book that will present our wine dinners with all of the recipes, wine pairings and entertaining tips.
THIS WEEK:
BEER TASTING EVERY THURSDAY -
This Week - Rogue Brewing Company - 12/8/05 5-8 p.m. - No Charge - http://www.rogue.com
Tonight a sampling of FOUR great beers from the untamable North-West.
Including: Shakespeare Stout, Nut Brown Ale, Dead Guy Ale - everyone's favorite - ,
and Soba - a Japanese-style beer partially brewed with rice.
WINES FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 12/9/05 - 6-9 P.M. - No Charge
1 - Santa Rita Reserve - $11 - http://www.santarita.com/
Intense ruby red color. Aromas of black fruit, plums and herbs, pleasantly combined with undertones of vanilla, cloves and spices from the barrel in which it was matured. Expressive, complex, medium bodied wine, well balanced and persistent. This is a lot of wine for the money, give it a try.
2 - Sella & Mosca Cannanau - $16 - http://www.sellaemosca.com/
Drink it! In outstanding vintage years, this Sardinian estate, founded by two men from Piedmont in 1899, produces this excellent Riserva. Made from grapes picked in select areas of its Cannonau vineyards, this rich, ripe wine is aged three years in oak, which gives it a nice round feel on the palate. Gorgeous plummy flavors make it perfect entertaining. Pair it! Try this lovely red with grilled tuna or spicy penne all'arrabbiata.
3 - Santa Rita Reserve Carmenere - $11 - http://www.santarita.com/
Deep ruby red colored wine. Big red fruit and spice aromas. On the palate, a round, lingering, balanced wine, where the red fruits and spices portray its character. Round and very pleasant tannins - like all of the Santa Rita wines this is a great value and perfect with things like a peppered shoulder of pork or a casserole.
4 - Perrin Family Cotes du Rhone reserve - $14 - http://www.perrin-et-fils.com/beaucastel/
This Cotes Du Rhone, which is produced from the Perrin brothers of Chateau de Beaucastel, is very dark ruby in color. It has a smoky nose with scents of blueberry and fennel. On the palate you receive a blast of black berry jam, lively red fruits, pepper spice and lavender. This wine shows the ripe youthfulness of a great vintage wine from and excellent producer. With it medium bodied richness and ample fruit this is another great Cotes du Rhone. Tthis is the perfect companion to straightforward meals with dishes such as grilled meat or poultry. Its fine structure will also enable it to match more complex flavours, especialy mediterranean or provencal dishes. Remember this wine is made by people that specialize in hundred dollar wines - they know what they are doing.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it - And we look forward to seeing you in New London.
AAA
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