Beaucastel, Louis Latour, Montecillo Rioja, Raymond vineyards, Twomey Cellars,

Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 State Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street

Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html

Featured Items: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html

Brie & Bleu: http://brieandbleu.com/

We have an interesting week ahead of us.
An actual visit to one of the world's great Chateau's - but more about that in a minute.

First I would like to thank everyone that attended our Moroccan "Fete" last Wednesday.
The table was full of great stories and anecdotes from those that have traveled to the casbah-
and for those that dressed the part - ENSHALA -
Thanks for making it so much fun.

The responce to our new chocolate department has been nothing less that amazing -
If you missed it we are currently showcasing the handcrafted chocolate of Cocoa Vino.
Featured in the national press we have the entire line available for you to taste - and we have matched them with wines and the biggest suprise of the moment - WHITE PORT. This is not something new - White Port has been served forever in europe and we have been tasting people on it along with the chocolate all week long at Brie & Bleu. It is difficult to express how delicious these two things are together.
Normally this experience is not available - "over the counter". - Read more about it on our calendar of events page.

A quick note about the March lineup of Wednesday Dinners - 3/1 - Italian, 3/8 - French, 3/15 - Spanish, 3/22 - Pan Asian, 3/29 - Chilean.
Watch the Calendar of events for the full list and details as well as information about the Tuesday night Dinners.

NOW - Some of you may recall that we recently had Marc Perrin of the legendary Chateau Beaucastel as a guest on our weekly radio show.
He spoke with great passion about his wine and France - and he kept pouring wine.
Well, you know how that goes....after two or three bottles of wine - we were his best friends in America - we laughed, we cried, we hugged - and certain promises were made: (imagine the wonderful accent)
"You must come to visit my Chateau - it is black truffle season"
"Our chef is Magnifiqué! - You must try our cuisineeeeeene"

The only mistake that he made - was not knowing that we would take him up on his offer!
So - as the wine flows this Friday night in our cellar - we will be On Location in his cellar.
A full report and a new show recorded at Beaucastel upon our return - next week's email might be a day late.


GOT BEER? - Beer Tasting - Thursday 5-8 p.m. - No Charge - Please Join Us

1 - Czech Rebel - http://www.rebelbeer.com/
Rebel Beer is a Pilsner style beer produced in the beautiful East Bohemian town of Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic, approximately 65 miles southeast of the famous city of Prague, by the "Mestansky Pivovar" ("Municipal Brewery") of the town. With a classic Pilsner taste this is a very drinkable beer.

2 - Monty Python Holy Grail Ale - http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/
Another fine addition to the Black Sheep Brewery range of premium bottled ales, the Holy Grail Bitter was specially commissioned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Monty Python. It has a distinctive taste with plenty of fruity hops, and is full flavoured with a dry and refreshing bitterness.

3 - Grimbergen Dubbel - http://www.grimbergenbier.be/
Grimbergen is the name of a group of Belgian beers first brewed in 1128 at the abbey that Saint Norbert built for the Norbertine monks in Grimbergen. They became famous for providing hospitality and their home-brewed beer to visitors, and handed down the recipe over the centuries. It is not easy to find this beer, give it a try right here on Thursday night - or on draft at the Oasis Pub in New London.

4 - Cassissona - Italian Black Currant Ale - http://www.birrificio.it/ENGLISH/default.htm
Exuberant, effervescent, sweet Cassissona, the beer with a punch, has a rich, complex fruity aroma - primarily black currant - besides other innovative and intense flavors and scents. It was designed for several very special situations, and is best when served with fruit desserts or - another valid alternative - savory cheeses. A certain "winy" flavor makes it perfect for "Cantucci" cookies from Siena, for instance.


WINE TASTING - Friday February 24 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
Please Join Us

1 - Chateau Louis Latour - Pernand-Vergelesses - White Burgundy - $20
The village of Pernand-Vergelesses is situated only 3 kilometres from Aloxe-Corton and is one of the most picturesque if least well known of all Burgundian villages overlooked by the magnificent Grand Cru hill of Corton.The wine itself is very fruity; apple, hay and peach with a touch of mint.
There is a lot of wine making skill in this bottle - and for the price, it stands alone.

2 - Montecillo Rioja Crianza - $10 - http://www.wjdeutsch.com/wineportfolio/montecillo/winery.asp
This says, "Hola Rioja," to me - From Spain's Rioja region; specifically Rioja Alta - Moderate ruby in color with a garnet rim.
Full scents of red cherry, red currant, and peppery spice; coupled with some earthiness for good measure.
In the mouth it's medium-bodied & finds a nice balance of tannin, fruitiness, and acidity. Ideal to accompany cheeses, especially creamy and medium-sharp. Fantastico with fish such as salmon, tuna, etc., particularly those prepared on the grill.

3 - Raymond 2003 "R" series Merlot - $12 - http://www.raymondvineyards.com/
This is a big fruit-forward, well-structured Merlot. The nose is full of black fruits, blackberry and dark cherry with nutmeg, hickory smoke and dried herbs. It fills the mouth with the flavors of just-picked blackberries, ripe cherries and blueberries, mingled with spices, black pepper and toasted oak. A silken texture and light finish gives this wine a very satisfying finish.

4 - Twomey 2000 Merlot $68 - http://www.twomeycellars.com/
Twomey Cellars originates in a single Napa Valley vineyard, the Soda Canyon Ranch, where Merlot grows with such extraordinary complexity that it calls for a wine of its own. To showcase the brilliance and balance of these grapes, winemaker Daniel Baron and the owners of the vineyard, Ray Duncan and his family, incorporate the Old World, labor-intensive approach used by classified growths in Bordeaux
The wine has intricately woven flavors and exquisite balance. The 2000 Twomey Cellars Merlot captures the best qualities of the Soda Canyon Ranch. This wine has a dark ruby color and a complex nose of black cherry jam, dark chocolate, and roasting coffee.
Its rich expression of luscious fruit extends through a lingering, elegant finish. Yummy. Please try it.

Please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions - and your support. We appreciate it.
Please say hello the next time your in the store.