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
Coming Soon: Import - 60 State Street
Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
It's a short week so just a few notes before we list our wines for Friday.
First - Thanks to everyone that attended our latest 100 Point Tasting. The wines were fabulous but I must say that we have a particular soft spot for the Tesseron Lot 29 that was served at the end of the night. 1929 was a VERY good year for cognac.
And thanks to Tom & Amy for taking the party to their house after the official tasting.
ALSO - we were able to get four additional bottles of the 100 point Quilceda Creek - in stock now - first come, first served.
Next - Thanks to everyone that attended our dinner for the "Pfizer Food & Wine Society" led by Dr. Richard Huhn.
And of course thanks to our own Anne Haviland for preparing the food - yummy!
Lunch at the Cafe Du Village in Chester was great. Hosted by the owners of Mas de Dumas Gassac - we were included in a very small group that tasted their wines. Known as the Grand Cru of the Languedoc - we have stocked their wines for sometime. http://www.daumas-gassac.com/
Finally - DINNERS BEGIN IN JUNE - (Maryanne - get your calendar)
The menus & wine are being fined tuned - even as you read this!
Watch the calendar of events for the dates.
This week at Brie and Bleu:
Here is a note from our fair Colleen -
Another great cheese from Connecticut - Brigid's Abbey from Cato Corner Farm usually at $20/lb is $18/lb this week at Brei & Bleu. Brigid's Abbey is produced in a picturesque corner of Connecticut at Cato Corner Farm by mother and son team Elizabeth MacAlister and Mark Gillman. Their most popular offering, it is styled after traditional Trappist monastery cheese. Brigid's Abbey is shaped into a round tomme and aged for 2 to 3 months to allow the flavor and texture to develop. The cheese is a cow's milk with a great flavor. It has hints of hay, caramel, and walnuts. Take an additional 10% off the cheese when paired with with Byron Pinot Noir purchased at Thames River Wine and Spirits.
Cheers,
Colleen
BEER TASTINGS RESUME ON THURSDAY June 6 - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE -
Taking a cue from the Belgians, American brewers have been experimenting with spices to create vibrant summer ales.
Please Join Us.
WINE TASTING - This Friday June 2 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
1 - Ruston 2002 Sauvignon Blanc - $18 - www.rustonwines.com
This sauvignon blanc is quite rich for a white wine, with aromas and flavors of white flowers, melons, kiwifruit, citrus and cream, and a long, racy finish. great for the price and an excellent food wine.
2 - Cascina Ballarin Langhe Nebbiolo- $18 - http://www.cascinaballarin.it/
This is a big wine. Ever since 1928, when building work began on the house, this family has been working and running the land and cellars.
Each area of production is handled meticulously in person: in the countryside - pruning in the winter, various jobs in the summer, the grape-harvest in the autumn - and in the winery, where the wines are fermented, racked, bottled and packaged.
The vineyards are mainly located in the villages of La Morra and Monforte d'Alba, with the following varietes being grown: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto (and a very limited quantity of cabernet sauvignon). Please try it.
3 - Mary Hill - Wine Makers Blend - $14 - http://www.maryhillwinery.com
Maryhill's Winemaker's Blend, is the follow up to the ever popular and award winning Fort Rock Red. A combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. "A bordeaux with a twist." With an elegant oak background this rich and ruby red wine sparks with chocolate and cherry aromas.
4 - John Duvall Entity - $40 - http://www.oldbridgecellars.com
Entity is an intricately structured wine comprised of rich and vibrant Shiraz fruit. A true reflection of Barossa's soil and climate, the 2004 Entity exhibits deep color and distinctive structure. Intense and elegant, Entity expresses aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and a hint of spice.
John Duval, after 28 years with Penfolds, has launched his inaugural release of ‘Plexus’, under his own label, John Duval Wines. From the 2003 vintage, Plexus is an old vine Barossa Valley blend of Shiraz (46%), Grenache (32%) and Mourvedre (22%).
Duval is one of Australia’s most highly regarded winemakers, overseeing the entire Penfolds range as Chief Winemaker for the period 1986-2002. During this time he was responsible for the making of Grange, taking the marquee to new heights including being awarded Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 1995.
Thanks for all of the cards, letters, emails, and calls - we appreciate your support.
Please Join Us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, Bastianich Wines, Costozza Cabernet, Bon Voyage Jorge
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
Coming Soon: Import - 60 State Street
The TWO Most asked questions this week:
1 - Are you still looking for help?
Yes we are still accepting applications for the wine store.
Remember - this is physically demanding work as well as being an exciting environment.
If you think you know someone that might fit in - have them stop by the store and speak to Jim Morrison.
2 -Is the 100 point tasting sold out?
SOLD OUT - there are no seats left for the "100 Point Tasting"
please watch for the next one.
Next -
It's no secret that we have been trying to get Celebrity chefs Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich to come to New London for an event at our stores.
The trouble we have been having is that they are booked WAY out and we are trying to coordinate schedules.
But they like what we are doing and they are interested - So, last Monday the phone rings and it's Mario Batali -
"Hey, what are you guys doing - do ya wanna come down and have lunch with us?"
Mario says that he is with his friends and business partners - Joe and Lidia Bastianich at the Bastianich house in Greenwich
So what can we do? - We go to Greenwich and have lunch at the Bastianich home.
When we get there Mario is already at the grill on the patio. He is tossing a little salt through the air and onto a row of sizzling lamb chops.
The kind with the long "french style" bone attached to make it easy to hold with your fingers.
Lidia is stirring a large pot of risotto and Joe Bastianich gives us a warm greeting by handing us wine glasses right away.
"You have to try these new wines from our vineyard - they just arrived."
The Bastianich family owns a vineyard about an hour and a half north east of Venice.
"Try this - its your new favorite wine" He poured from a bottle of their new Tocai - from across the room Lidia raised her glass and called out "Salute!"
Well, that's how our Monday went - Great food, great wines, new friends - it's the way it should be.
We will serve the Tocai this Friday night - Please join us.
For pictures of our afternoon look here: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
This Week At Brie & Bleu -
The New Menu is here! Look for it starting on Tuesday.
The Featured Cheese this week is choosen based on the weather. Due to the rain that has been falling for the last couple of weeks, the cheese is from England were it seems to rain quite a bit. Red Leicester which is $12/lb is $10 this week. Even though it's called Red Leicester, there isn't any white or purple or yellow Leicester -- all Leicester is red. Red Leicester is a version of cheddar that has a flaky texture. It's a firm cheese, made from cow's milk coloured with annatto. Although Red Leicester can be young or "old, aged anywhere from 4 to 9 months, the young Leicesters at the start of that range will be very mild: they really want at least 6 months to develop a tang. The cheese is great when eaten with fruit. It also makes a good partner for beer or a nice chardonnay. For an additional 10% off the cheese purchase at he same time as Four Vines Naked Chardonnay from Thames River Wine and Spirits.
Thursday - BEER TASTING - SPECIAL ADDITION - May 25 - 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE
Bon Voyage Party for George Whitehouse with SPECIAL GUEST - Tim Cotter from The Day Newspaper.
When a young man boards a train and heads out west there usually one or two reasons behind it -
The love of a GOOD woman or the results of a confidential test. However in George's case we can confirm it is the latter.
George began his work with us by carrying a big shovel and following the elephants around the compound - Then he moved up to the small shovel.
Soon, he was selling peanuts and in short order worked his way up to the beer division. We will miss him.
Please Join us to bid a fond farewell & safe travels to him -
Great beer and a special selection of GW's favorite music - The "Captain & Tennille.
1 - Names like Franziskaner need no further introduction to most Europeans. They are at the absolute top of German brands and have been there for literally hundreds of years. If you are only used to drink "main-stream beer" you should do yourself a favour and try these and you will see why they are something different and the favorite of so many.
2 - Pilsner Urquell - Noted for it’s golden color, soft body imparted by the unique local water, crisp Czech malt character, and bitter Czech Saaz hop finish, Pilsner beer soon was copied all over the world. If you drink Beck's, Budweiser, Miller Lite, Heineken, or many other light golden lagers, chances are you are drinking a beer fashioned after Pilsner Urquell, which means “Pilsner from the original source”.
3 - Sierra Nevada SummerFest - http://www.sierranevada.com/
Incredible smoothness comes from an extra-long lagering period. Lighter in body than our ales but just as complex in character, Summerfest quenches your thirst with big aroma and a tangy hop bite.
4 - Brooklyn Lager - http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/
From the most modest picnics to the country’s finest restaurants, Brooklyn Lager is enjoyed with everything from salads to steaks.Brooklyn Lager is at home with pizza, burgers, Mexican food, roasted chicken, barbecue, fried fish, pork, and Chinese dishes
WINE TASTING - Friday May 26 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Bastianich Tocai Fruliano - $17
This Tocai has a nose that is ripe and powerful, yet fresh and zesty, full of flowers and almonds. The rich, full-bodied flavors ooze pears and melons, tinged with almonds in the long and impressive finish. As Lidia would say - Salute!
2 - Chateau Flaugergues Rosé - $13
Beautiful. Aromas of blackberry and lavender with balanced spice notes. There is some earthiness and interesting smoke nuances as well.
Don’t be fooled by the wines color. There’s some weight and structure here with good fruit intertwined with refreshing crisp acidity.
A summer chiller, enjoy with fresh salmon, light pastas or by itself.
3 - Cantina Fratelli Monte Falco - $18 - http://www.cantinapardi.it/
The Bianco, Rosso and Sagrantino Passito wines produced in the historical winery are marketed all over Umbria, and the most prestigious buyer is the Vatican. Great with food and worth your time to try.
4 - Costozza Cabernet 2003 - $35
"More Bordeaux than Bordeaux" - rated "two glasses" by Gambero Rosso - you must try this wine.
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. From a place that you probably never heard of this wine is a show stopper. Please give it a try.
Thanks for your support - we really do appreciate it.
Please Join Us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
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
Coming Soon: Import - 60 State Street
The TWO Most asked questions this week:
1 - Are you still looking for help?
Yes we are still accepting applications for the wine store.
Remember - this is physically demanding work as well as being an exciting environment.
If you think you know someone that might fit in - have them stop by the store and speak to Jim Morrison.
2 -Is the 100 point tasting sold out?
SOLD OUT - there are no seats left for the "100 Point Tasting"
please watch for the next one.
Next -
It's no secret that we have been trying to get Celebrity chefs Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich to come to New London for an event at our stores.
The trouble we have been having is that they are booked WAY out and we are trying to coordinate schedules.
But they like what we are doing and they are interested - So, last Monday the phone rings and it's Mario Batali -
"Hey, what are you guys doing - do ya wanna come down and have lunch with us?"
Mario says that he is with his friends and business partners - Joe and Lidia Bastianich at the Bastianich house in Greenwich
So what can we do? - We go to Greenwich and have lunch at the Bastianich home.
When we get there Mario is already at the grill on the patio. He is tossing a little salt through the air and onto a row of sizzling lamb chops.
The kind with the long "french style" bone attached to make it easy to hold with your fingers.
Lidia is stirring a large pot of risotto and Joe Bastianich gives us a warm greeting by handing us wine glasses right away.
"You have to try these new wines from our vineyard - they just arrived."
The Bastianich family owns a vineyard about an hour and a half north east of Venice.
"Try this - its your new favorite wine" He poured from a bottle of their new Tocai - from across the room Lidia raised her glass and called out "Salute!"
Well, that's how our Monday went - Great food, great wines, new friends - it's the way it should be.
We will serve the Tocai this Friday night - Please join us.
For pictures of our afternoon look here: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
This Week At Brie & Bleu -
The New Menu is here! Look for it starting on Tuesday.
The Featured Cheese this week is choosen based on the weather. Due to the rain that has been falling for the last couple of weeks, the cheese is from England were it seems to rain quite a bit. Red Leicester which is $12/lb is $10 this week. Even though it's called Red Leicester, there isn't any white or purple or yellow Leicester -- all Leicester is red. Red Leicester is a version of cheddar that has a flaky texture. It's a firm cheese, made from cow's milk coloured with annatto. Although Red Leicester can be young or "old, aged anywhere from 4 to 9 months, the young Leicesters at the start of that range will be very mild: they really want at least 6 months to develop a tang. The cheese is great when eaten with fruit. It also makes a good partner for beer or a nice chardonnay. For an additional 10% off the cheese purchase at he same time as Four Vines Naked Chardonnay from Thames River Wine and Spirits.
Thursday - BEER TASTING - SPECIAL ADDITION - May 25 - 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE
Bon Voyage Party for George Whitehouse with SPECIAL GUEST - Tim Cotter from The Day Newspaper.
When a young man boards a train and heads out west there usually one or two reasons behind it -
The love of a GOOD woman or the results of a confidential test. However in George's case we can confirm it is the latter.
George began his work with us by carrying a big shovel and following the elephants around the compound - Then he moved up to the small shovel.
Soon, he was selling peanuts and in short order worked his way up to the beer division. We will miss him.
Please Join us to bid a fond farewell & safe travels to him -
Great beer and a special selection of GW's favorite music - The "Captain & Tennille.
1 - Names like Franziskaner need no further introduction to most Europeans. They are at the absolute top of German brands and have been there for literally hundreds of years. If you are only used to drink "main-stream beer" you should do yourself a favour and try these and you will see why they are something different and the favorite of so many.
2 - Pilsner Urquell - Noted for it’s golden color, soft body imparted by the unique local water, crisp Czech malt character, and bitter Czech Saaz hop finish, Pilsner beer soon was copied all over the world. If you drink Beck's, Budweiser, Miller Lite, Heineken, or many other light golden lagers, chances are you are drinking a beer fashioned after Pilsner Urquell, which means “Pilsner from the original source”.
3 - Sierra Nevada SummerFest - http://www.sierranevada.com/
Incredible smoothness comes from an extra-long lagering period. Lighter in body than our ales but just as complex in character, Summerfest quenches your thirst with big aroma and a tangy hop bite.
4 - Brooklyn Lager - http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/
From the most modest picnics to the country’s finest restaurants, Brooklyn Lager is enjoyed with everything from salads to steaks.Brooklyn Lager is at home with pizza, burgers, Mexican food, roasted chicken, barbecue, fried fish, pork, and Chinese dishes
WINE TASTING - Friday May 26 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Bastianich Tocai Fruliano - $17
This Tocai has a nose that is ripe and powerful, yet fresh and zesty, full of flowers and almonds. The rich, full-bodied flavors ooze pears and melons, tinged with almonds in the long and impressive finish. As Lidia would say - Salute!
2 - Chateau Flaugergues Rosé - $13
Beautiful. Aromas of blackberry and lavender with balanced spice notes. There is some earthiness and interesting smoke nuances as well.
Don’t be fooled by the wines color. There’s some weight and structure here with good fruit intertwined with refreshing crisp acidity.
A summer chiller, enjoy with fresh salmon, light pastas or by itself.
3 - Cantina Fratelli Monte Falco - $18 - http://www.cantinapardi.it/
The Bianco, Rosso and Sagrantino Passito wines produced in the historical winery are marketed all over Umbria, and the most prestigious buyer is the Vatican. Great with food and worth your time to try.
4 - Costozza Cabernet 2003 - $35
"More Bordeaux than Bordeaux" - rated "two glasses" by Gambero Rosso - you must try this wine.
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. From a place that you probably never heard of this wine is a show stopper. Please give it a try.
Thanks for your support - we really do appreciate it.
Please Join Us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
100 Point" tasting, Dominus, Silver Oak Napa, Quilceda Creek, Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco
Greetings From New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
It's a big week - And we have a great wine tasting for Friday night - the details are below the news and information and marked in RED
First - let me address some of the questions we received this week.
1 - Is it true you have a position open in the wine store?
Yes - we have one slot open - we are accepting applications now.
If you know someone that would be right for the job - let them know.
2 - I heard there is a new menu at Brie & Bleu?
Yes - Anne Haviland has been working hard in her laboratory! - You should see her in that lab coat.....F A B U L O U S !
The flavors, the aromas, the secret ingredients - they will all arrive next week.
3 - I heard that you are having another "100 Point" tasting - how can we get in on this one?
Yes - we are. Space as you can imagine is very limited.
To get on the list you must call and speak to Jim Morrison - only Jim can confirm your space - 860-443-9463.
It will feature these amazing wines:
Dominus 2001 - http://www.dominusestate.com/welcome.html
Dominus 2002
Silver Oak Napa 2000 - http://www.silveroak.com/
Silver Oak Nappa 200
Quilceda Creek 2002 - Rated 100 points Robert Parker - http://www.quilcedacreek.com/
Quilceda Creek 2003 - Rated 100 points Robert Parker
Tesseron Lot 29 Cognac - Rated 100 points Robert Parker - http://www.cognactesseron.com/
4 - I want to meet Roger C. Parker and have him sign my book - is there a charge?
No - there is no charge for the wine tasting or to meet and talk with author Roger Parker.
New York Times Best Selling Author Roger Parker will be in our store on Saturday May 20th at 2:00 p.m.
More details here - http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Now on to regular business -
Featured Cheese This Week At Brie & Bleu -
We continue the theme of soft cheeses this week with a cheese from Italy - Tallegio. This cheese is also known as “Stracchino” because cheese making was traditionally started after the cows’ descent from high mountain pastures. “Stracche” means tired in the local dialect. This cheese was first made in the Val Tallegio in the 10th and 11th centuries and is currently made in the Lombardy, Veneto and Piedmont regions of Italy. The traditional cheese has always been aged in mountain caves. Deep fractures in the rocks of the caves create a cool and humid microclimate favoring the growth of specific microflora on the surface.
The traditional cheese is made from raw milk. It has a thin, soft, slightly crumpled skin with a soft reddish color and patches of gray mold scattered across the surface. It ripens from the outside towards the center mostly due to the action of yeasts and bacteria on the surface. It has a velvety soft texture and yellow color near the rind and dense, white, firmer and chalky texture near the center. The taste is delicate with a hint of acid in the middle, slightly fruity with a hint of nuts. This Italian cheese is buttery and beefy when ripe, tart and salty when young.
Tallegio is usually $11/lb. but can be purcased at a discount of $9/lb this week. For an additional 10% off purchase at the same time with a nice white Pinot Grigio such as Canaletto or a red Barolo such as Luigi Baudana from Thames River Wine and Spirits.
BEER TASTING - Thursday May 18th 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE
As you may or may not have heard, Jorge "The Cannibal" Whitehouse is pulling up stakes, and riding the Super Chief all the way to the Wild West at the end of this month. This leaves us with just two beer tastings left in his series.
Also - Mark your calendars for the 25th - Tim Cotter, writer of The Day's on-line beer blog, will be guest of honor, pouring some of his favorites.
This Week -
Rogue Brewing Co. "Soba": - http://www.rogue.com/
The Morimoto Soba Ale is part of the Rogue Ales Signature Series with internationally acclaimed Chef Masaharu Morimoto--a James Beard awarded chef and one of the stars of the Food Network series, Iron Chef.
Harpoon's 100 Barrel Series "Keller-bier": - http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/
"Our Kellerbier is made in the German style that is traditionally matured in un-bunged wooden barrels in caves. The lower alcohol and low carbonation accent the balance between the generous amounts of German malts and hops used to make this beer. Surprisingly thirst quenching, this beer goes wonderfully with many different food styles—or by itself. Prosit! (Cheers!)"
Samuel Smith's "Taddy Porter": - http://www.tadcaster.uk.com/breweriesSamuelSmith.htm
Porter was the first commercially brewed beer. It was named for the train porters who were its original servers and consumers. Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, Yorkshire’s oldest, reintroduced authentic porter to the British beer scene in 1979 after an absence of more than 50 years.
Melbourn Bros. Strawberry:
The malt and strawberry are beautifully balanced, making this beer a perfect beverage for barbecues and patio dining. The clean, fresh flavor of ripe strawberries shines through.
Join Us - Same Beer time, same Beer place!
WINE TASTING Friday May 19 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge.
1 - K-vintners House White wine - $14 - http://www.kvintners.com/
Not to be outdone by “Red” HOUSE WINE. This white blend is Aromatic with acapital “A”. It is silky in the mouth with layers upon layers of fresh, ripe fruit andminerals. It is viscous and balanced with a finish that is just plain sexy.There it is—I said it, Sexy!
2- VF 2001 - $14 - http://www.perrin-et-fils.com/
Screwcapped and beautifully presented. Lovely sweetly fruited nose is approachable and nicely spicy. Soft, ripe sweet fruit on the palate. Impressive and showing good concentration. Jammy and fresh, with dark berry and plum fruit followed by sweet toast and a hint of herb. Syrah and Grenache.
3 - Domaine De Fontsainte Kermit Lynch
Clean and crisp rosé, with delicious delicate strawberry and Bing cherry flavors and a bracing acidity on the finish.
4 - Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco - $32 - http://www.torres.es/eng/asp/index.asp
The Single Vineyard of Manso de Velasco, named after the founder of the town of Curicó, is devoted exclusively to the Cabernet Sauvignon that produces this intense and deeply-pigmented wine. Delicious with duck and sheep’s milk cheeses. Extraordinarily rich aroma of ripe fruit. Its aristocratic Cabernet Sauvignon tannins have a majestic, regal structure, heightened by the creamy background of oak from its long aging.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it.
Thanks for all of the email - letters - and calls - we love to hear from you.
We hope to see you this week.
Remember its fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
It's a big week - And we have a great wine tasting for Friday night - the details are below the news and information and marked in RED
First - let me address some of the questions we received this week.
1 - Is it true you have a position open in the wine store?
Yes - we have one slot open - we are accepting applications now.
If you know someone that would be right for the job - let them know.
2 - I heard there is a new menu at Brie & Bleu?
Yes - Anne Haviland has been working hard in her laboratory! - You should see her in that lab coat.....F A B U L O U S !
The flavors, the aromas, the secret ingredients - they will all arrive next week.
3 - I heard that you are having another "100 Point" tasting - how can we get in on this one?
Yes - we are. Space as you can imagine is very limited.
To get on the list you must call and speak to Jim Morrison - only Jim can confirm your space - 860-443-9463.
It will feature these amazing wines:
Dominus 2001 - http://www.dominusestate.com/welcome.html
Dominus 2002
Silver Oak Napa 2000 - http://www.silveroak.com/
Silver Oak Nappa 200
Quilceda Creek 2002 - Rated 100 points Robert Parker - http://www.quilcedacreek.com/
Quilceda Creek 2003 - Rated 100 points Robert Parker
Tesseron Lot 29 Cognac - Rated 100 points Robert Parker - http://www.cognactesseron.com/
4 - I want to meet Roger C. Parker and have him sign my book - is there a charge?
No - there is no charge for the wine tasting or to meet and talk with author Roger Parker.
New York Times Best Selling Author Roger Parker will be in our store on Saturday May 20th at 2:00 p.m.
More details here - http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Now on to regular business -
Featured Cheese This Week At Brie & Bleu -
We continue the theme of soft cheeses this week with a cheese from Italy - Tallegio. This cheese is also known as “Stracchino” because cheese making was traditionally started after the cows’ descent from high mountain pastures. “Stracche” means tired in the local dialect. This cheese was first made in the Val Tallegio in the 10th and 11th centuries and is currently made in the Lombardy, Veneto and Piedmont regions of Italy. The traditional cheese has always been aged in mountain caves. Deep fractures in the rocks of the caves create a cool and humid microclimate favoring the growth of specific microflora on the surface.
The traditional cheese is made from raw milk. It has a thin, soft, slightly crumpled skin with a soft reddish color and patches of gray mold scattered across the surface. It ripens from the outside towards the center mostly due to the action of yeasts and bacteria on the surface. It has a velvety soft texture and yellow color near the rind and dense, white, firmer and chalky texture near the center. The taste is delicate with a hint of acid in the middle, slightly fruity with a hint of nuts. This Italian cheese is buttery and beefy when ripe, tart and salty when young.
Tallegio is usually $11/lb. but can be purcased at a discount of $9/lb this week. For an additional 10% off purchase at the same time with a nice white Pinot Grigio such as Canaletto or a red Barolo such as Luigi Baudana from Thames River Wine and Spirits.
BEER TASTING - Thursday May 18th 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE
As you may or may not have heard, Jorge "The Cannibal" Whitehouse is pulling up stakes, and riding the Super Chief all the way to the Wild West at the end of this month. This leaves us with just two beer tastings left in his series.
Also - Mark your calendars for the 25th - Tim Cotter, writer of The Day's on-line beer blog, will be guest of honor, pouring some of his favorites.
This Week -
Rogue Brewing Co. "Soba": - http://www.rogue.com/
The Morimoto Soba Ale is part of the Rogue Ales Signature Series with internationally acclaimed Chef Masaharu Morimoto--a James Beard awarded chef and one of the stars of the Food Network series, Iron Chef.
Harpoon's 100 Barrel Series "Keller-bier": - http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/
"Our Kellerbier is made in the German style that is traditionally matured in un-bunged wooden barrels in caves. The lower alcohol and low carbonation accent the balance between the generous amounts of German malts and hops used to make this beer. Surprisingly thirst quenching, this beer goes wonderfully with many different food styles—or by itself. Prosit! (Cheers!)"
Samuel Smith's "Taddy Porter": - http://www.tadcaster.uk.com/breweriesSamuelSmith.htm
Porter was the first commercially brewed beer. It was named for the train porters who were its original servers and consumers. Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, Yorkshire’s oldest, reintroduced authentic porter to the British beer scene in 1979 after an absence of more than 50 years.
Melbourn Bros. Strawberry:
The malt and strawberry are beautifully balanced, making this beer a perfect beverage for barbecues and patio dining. The clean, fresh flavor of ripe strawberries shines through.
Join Us - Same Beer time, same Beer place!
WINE TASTING Friday May 19 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge.
1 - K-vintners House White wine - $14 - http://www.kvintners.com/
Not to be outdone by “Red” HOUSE WINE. This white blend is Aromatic with acapital “A”. It is silky in the mouth with layers upon layers of fresh, ripe fruit andminerals. It is viscous and balanced with a finish that is just plain sexy.There it is—I said it, Sexy!
2- VF 2001 - $14 - http://www.perrin-et-fils.com/
Screwcapped and beautifully presented. Lovely sweetly fruited nose is approachable and nicely spicy. Soft, ripe sweet fruit on the palate. Impressive and showing good concentration. Jammy and fresh, with dark berry and plum fruit followed by sweet toast and a hint of herb. Syrah and Grenache.
3 - Domaine De Fontsainte Kermit Lynch
Clean and crisp rosé, with delicious delicate strawberry and Bing cherry flavors and a bracing acidity on the finish.
4 - Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco - $32 - http://www.torres.es/eng/asp/index.asp
The Single Vineyard of Manso de Velasco, named after the founder of the town of Curicó, is devoted exclusively to the Cabernet Sauvignon that produces this intense and deeply-pigmented wine. Delicious with duck and sheep’s milk cheeses. Extraordinarily rich aroma of ripe fruit. Its aristocratic Cabernet Sauvignon tannins have a majestic, regal structure, heightened by the creamy background of oak from its long aging.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it.
Thanks for all of the email - letters - and calls - we love to hear from you.
We hope to see you this week.
Remember its fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Maasdam, Mystic Aquarium, Hugel Tokay Pinot Gris, Chateau Saint Sulpice, Perrin Cotes Du Rhone Rosé
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
Import - 60 State Street - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Brie & Bleu: http://www.brieandbleu.com/
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
We have a great tasting planned for Friday - the list is highlighted in RED below the other news and information
Thanks to WTNH Channel 8 - they featured our store in their coverage of the cruise ship Maasdam coming to town -
Didn't Jim look handsome on TV?
And speaking of the Maasdam, last Friday was quite a day in New London - busy all day with visitors from the ship and then - our deck was the perfect place to raise a glass to the departing ship and to the sunset - we are very lucky - I don't think it gets any better.
Remember you can join us on Friday May 12th 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at the Mystic Aquarium: http://www.mysticaquarium.org/index.cgi/1133
Wine from world's great producers - It might be a good night to have dinner at Go Fish and then stroll over to the Aquarium to the event - or maybe it's the other way around - wine tasting first and then dinner at Go Fish or the Steak Loft - you decide.
http://www.oldmysticvillage.com/sitemap/GoFish.html
Here's a partial list:
Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block - $30
Perrin Reserve Rosé - $12
Chateau De La Rogotiere Muscadet - $9
Perrin Cotes du Rhone Village - $14
Villa Maria Un-oaked Chardonnay - $15
Lieb Pinot Blanc - $20
Silverstone Chardonnay - $30
Silverstone Pinot Noir - $30
Silverstone Cabernet - $35
Hugel Gewurtraminer - $23
Don David Malbec - $17
Don David Torrentes - $17
Melini Chianti Isassi - $15
Concha y Toro Marquis de Casa Concha - $18
Running Bulls - $9
Terra do Gargalo Blanco - $18
Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir - $16
Canaletto Montepulciano - $9
Canaletto Primitivo - $9
Vina Robles Chardonnay - $17
Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc - $14
This Week at Brie & Bleu - Featured item:
We return to the west coast for the cheese of the week - Teleme Rice Flour at $15/lb will be $13/lb. The Peluso family’s Teleme is very different from its namesake, which is a brined, Feta-like cheese found in Greece and nearby countries. The origin of the “Rice Flour Teleme” is California. The cheese is so named because the naturally aged cheese has a thin dusting of rice flour on the surface to prevent mold. Peluso also changed the cheese to make it softer and creamier. When the cheese is young, it has a semi-soft texture and tastes like a fruitier version of a young Jack cheese. After several weeks of age, Teleme grows creamier and runny, eventually reaching the nearly liquid stage that delights Teleme lovers. The cheese goes well with pears, apples, grapes or in a grilled cheese with aparargus.
For an additional 10% off - purchase Teleme with Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc from Thames River Wine & Spirits.
Wine Tasting -Friday May 12th - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Hugel Tokay Pinot Gris -$26 - http://www.hugel.com/
A powerful, smooth bouquet with just a touch of over-ripeness, brimming with aromas of pineapple, apricot, honey, licorice root, fresh figs. The wine is mellow, juicy, plump, smooth, fleshy and terribly enticing, with a bewitching aromatic diversity. Enjoy it with lobster, king prawns, crayfish or white meats.
2 - Chateau Saint Sulpice - $14
Chateau Saint Sulpice is a 100-acre estate situated in a village of the same name in the northern section of Entre-Deux-Mers, just south of St. Emilion and 14 miles northeast of Bordeaux. The property is planted mainly with Merlot and is very carefully tended by owner-winemaker Pierre Duberge and his son Christophe. Their cellar was recently modernized to include a battery of stainless steel tanks. Somewhat spicy in aroma and taste, with a soft, ripe flavor. A very approachable red Bordeaux to drink now. Serve with roasts, pizza, grilled vegetables, grilled meats, beef.
3 - Perrin Cotes Du Rhone Rosé - $14 - http://www.perrin-et-fils.com/beaucastel/2005/11/more_about_vins.html
You will not find a better example for this price - try this wine. It will be your new favorite. Great with food and perfect for your summer table. From the people that bring us Beaucastel - The Perrin family makes this wine with the same skill.
4 - Perrin Cotes Du Rhone Village - $14
Delicious ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit with fine tannins and fresh acidity, while floral, mineral and tar notes play in the background. Structured, balanced and focused.
We will also open a limited amount of Chateau Beaucastel - 2003 - Rated 94 points by Wine Spectator - $87
If you wonder what all the fuss is about - this is a nice opportunity to try it.
Lots of announcements coming - summer events, dinner series, special guests - watch the calendar of events page - and right here in the email for all of the details.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it - and we hope to see you this week.
Please Join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
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
Import - 60 State Street - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Brie & Bleu: http://www.brieandbleu.com/
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
We have a great tasting planned for Friday - the list is highlighted in RED below the other news and information
Thanks to WTNH Channel 8 - they featured our store in their coverage of the cruise ship Maasdam coming to town -
Didn't Jim look handsome on TV?
And speaking of the Maasdam, last Friday was quite a day in New London - busy all day with visitors from the ship and then - our deck was the perfect place to raise a glass to the departing ship and to the sunset - we are very lucky - I don't think it gets any better.
Remember you can join us on Friday May 12th 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at the Mystic Aquarium: http://www.mysticaquarium.org/index.cgi/1133
Wine from world's great producers - It might be a good night to have dinner at Go Fish and then stroll over to the Aquarium to the event - or maybe it's the other way around - wine tasting first and then dinner at Go Fish or the Steak Loft - you decide.
http://www.oldmysticvillage.com/sitemap/GoFish.html
Here's a partial list:
Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block - $30
Perrin Reserve Rosé - $12
Chateau De La Rogotiere Muscadet - $9
Perrin Cotes du Rhone Village - $14
Villa Maria Un-oaked Chardonnay - $15
Lieb Pinot Blanc - $20
Silverstone Chardonnay - $30
Silverstone Pinot Noir - $30
Silverstone Cabernet - $35
Hugel Gewurtraminer - $23
Don David Malbec - $17
Don David Torrentes - $17
Melini Chianti Isassi - $15
Concha y Toro Marquis de Casa Concha - $18
Running Bulls - $9
Terra do Gargalo Blanco - $18
Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir - $16
Canaletto Montepulciano - $9
Canaletto Primitivo - $9
Vina Robles Chardonnay - $17
Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc - $14
This Week at Brie & Bleu - Featured item:
We return to the west coast for the cheese of the week - Teleme Rice Flour at $15/lb will be $13/lb. The Peluso family’s Teleme is very different from its namesake, which is a brined, Feta-like cheese found in Greece and nearby countries. The origin of the “Rice Flour Teleme” is California. The cheese is so named because the naturally aged cheese has a thin dusting of rice flour on the surface to prevent mold. Peluso also changed the cheese to make it softer and creamier. When the cheese is young, it has a semi-soft texture and tastes like a fruitier version of a young Jack cheese. After several weeks of age, Teleme grows creamier and runny, eventually reaching the nearly liquid stage that delights Teleme lovers. The cheese goes well with pears, apples, grapes or in a grilled cheese with aparargus.
For an additional 10% off - purchase Teleme with Vina Robles Sauvignon Blanc from Thames River Wine & Spirits.
Wine Tasting -Friday May 12th - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Hugel Tokay Pinot Gris -$26 - http://www.hugel.com/
A powerful, smooth bouquet with just a touch of over-ripeness, brimming with aromas of pineapple, apricot, honey, licorice root, fresh figs. The wine is mellow, juicy, plump, smooth, fleshy and terribly enticing, with a bewitching aromatic diversity. Enjoy it with lobster, king prawns, crayfish or white meats.
2 - Chateau Saint Sulpice - $14
Chateau Saint Sulpice is a 100-acre estate situated in a village of the same name in the northern section of Entre-Deux-Mers, just south of St. Emilion and 14 miles northeast of Bordeaux. The property is planted mainly with Merlot and is very carefully tended by owner-winemaker Pierre Duberge and his son Christophe. Their cellar was recently modernized to include a battery of stainless steel tanks. Somewhat spicy in aroma and taste, with a soft, ripe flavor. A very approachable red Bordeaux to drink now. Serve with roasts, pizza, grilled vegetables, grilled meats, beef.
3 - Perrin Cotes Du Rhone Rosé - $14 - http://www.perrin-et-fils.com/beaucastel/2005/11/more_about_vins.html
You will not find a better example for this price - try this wine. It will be your new favorite. Great with food and perfect for your summer table. From the people that bring us Beaucastel - The Perrin family makes this wine with the same skill.
4 - Perrin Cotes Du Rhone Village - $14
Delicious ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit with fine tannins and fresh acidity, while floral, mineral and tar notes play in the background. Structured, balanced and focused.
We will also open a limited amount of Chateau Beaucastel - 2003 - Rated 94 points by Wine Spectator - $87
If you wonder what all the fuss is about - this is a nice opportunity to try it.
Lots of announcements coming - summer events, dinner series, special guests - watch the calendar of events page - and right here in the email for all of the details.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it - and we hope to see you this week.
Please Join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
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