Vina Robles, Ahlgren Semillon, Juan Gil, Chateau Muscar

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
Now Open: Import - 60 State Street

We have great wines selected for Friday night - the list is below the news.

Hey - is it hot enough for you?

• The award this week for longest distance traveled to see the store goes to a couple from Houston Texas - thank you - it was a great visit.

• The name John Kelly is known throughout the entire L&M Hospital organization. After 48 years he is taking a little time for himself. His long career was celebrated last Thursday at a fantastic party at Brie & Bleu - Many thanks go to Joan & Judy for planning a sweet affair. Thanks to all of the new friends that we met from L&M - you really know how to have a good time.

• Thanks to everyone that came too say hello during New London's first ChessFest. - www.nlchessfest.com
A great day was had by all - and congratulations to all of the winners - Over $800 in prize money was distributed to the winners. All of the kids got trophies, T-shirts, and wrist bands - Chess expert Danny Kopec spoke to the crowd - it really was a fine day.

• The Garde Arts Center kicks off it's Summer Film Series - WHO, I ask you works harder than Steve and Jeanne Sigel to bring us one of the best film series in the region - The New London Film Series begins Wednesday August 2 - Check it out at: http://www.gardearts.org/
If you have not seen a movie at the Garde - what are you waiting for?

• The Calendar of events page is about to add many changes - Things like a brand new dinner series, special guests, and and all new edition of WineRadio. Thanks for making it so much fun - http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html

THIS WEEK AT BRIE & BLEU -

The featured cheese of the week is Agour at $20/lb is $18/lb this week. This authentic Ossau-Iraty-Brebis-Pyrenees is made in Basque area from pure sheep's milk. Brebis, of course, is French sheep and the sheep cheeses of this region in particular are some of the oldest in production. The Basques insist that their cheeses are around 4000 years old and often call them ardinasa, meaning "ewe or local cheese" in the local dialect.
The Agour Company, located next to Baigura Mountain in the heart Basque country.
This artisan Producer is committed to providing cheese of the highest quality and according to strict rules of tradition.

About 1000 shepherds from around the village of Helette provide milk daily. Generations of shepherds continue to breed small flocks of the Manech breed, recognized by their red or black head and thick wool. Some of the AOC rules include that milk production must be done in the Basque Country from local herds; milk must be transformed within 48 hours after milking; only natural rennet maybe used and the resulting flavor and texture must adhere to regular inspection experts. This cheese is firm in texture with a rich, aromatic and nutty aftertaste. For an additional 10% off the cheese pair with a nice Prendo Pinot Grigio purchased at Thames River Wine and Spirits.


WINE TASTING
Friday - August 4 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge


1 - Vina Robles 2004 - Viogner - $17 - http://www.vinarobles.com/vina_robles.html
This wine is sold out at the winery itself - We managed to get our hands on through a number of clandestine meetings and a crisp bank note or two pressed into the proper palm. Seriously - This wine is fresh and bright with notes of tropical fruits such as pineapple and hints of citrus peel, orange blossom and ginger. It is broad, creamy and full bodied on the palate yet remains fresh and well balanced. Notes of citrus and tropical fruits, particularly pineapple are complemented by a long clean finish. Great with summer menus, please give this a try you will be surprised. Limited, first come, first served.

2 - Ahlgren Vineyard 2001 Semillon - $21 -
Dexter and Val Ahlgren make fabulous wine. Robert Parker says: "A tiny winery - A perennial over achiever - Talented Winemaking - Extremely High Quality - Usually among the best of the vintage." - Wow does it get any better than that?
This is what we say: Aromatic, bright Semillon has a wonderful bouquet with hints of spice. Classic, clean, crisp flavors, fine balance. Long finish, barrel fermented. Dry. This wine is like magic with Crab Cakes - and to prove it here is Val Ahlgrens personal recipe -http://www.ahlgrenvineyard.com/crab_cakes.htm A great wine for the summer - try it.

3 - Juan Gil - 20004 Monastrell - $16 - Spain
Many of you have been waiting for the return of this wine - It is one of the best values in the store - and even less than before.
Many of you know that I have a soft spot for this particular winery - We spent a full day eating, drinking, and crawling around on our hands and knees with the owner and wine maker himself at the vineyard. These people know how to LIVE baby! The vineyards are located about 90 minutes from Valencia Spain in Jumilla. This is a hot dusty area that Americans first learned about because Clint Eastwood shot some of those early westerns that marked the beginning of his career. Take a look at a couple of photos that we took on location - scroll down just below the pictures of Mario Batali - http://thamesriver.com/wine/photos.html

About The Wine: 100% Monastrell grapes. Aged a full year in french oak. It has a deep rich color - ripe fruit flavors and a very balanced, long spicy finished. Serve it with grilled meats and hearty cheeses.
Please try it on friday night - it is a house favorite.

4 - Chateau Muscar - 1998 - $45
The grapes for this wine are handpicked as the sun rises across the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon.
Viticulture in Lebanon was introduced 6000 years ago by the Phoenicians who traded their wines throughout the Mediterranean and planted the vine in southern Europe. In antiquity, wine was exported from the Lebanese ports of Byblos, Tyre and Saida with Egypt being their first regular customer. Evidence of this may still be seen today in countless Egyptian inscriptions and paintings. The Bible is full of references to the wine of Canaan which is located today in southern Lebanon. According to the bible, the Hebrews had brought home a bunch of grapes so big that it took the strength of two men to carry it. This is a remarkable red wine that deserves some attention. You can almost taste the history that is inside the bottle - don't miss it on Friday.


Thanks to everyone for your support, we appreciate it.
We are having lots of fun this summer and it all revolves around your input and participation we couldn't do it without you.

Please Join Us - it's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.


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