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.


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