Wine Works Like Magic On Your Brain!

We Have Great Cards - Lots of Them.
Stop In And Take A Look.

The wine list for Friday is just below these few items of interest:

Thanks to the efforts of Rich Martin, the driving force behind New London's ever growing I AM Music Festival,
NPR's "Where We Live" will be doing a show from the Hygienic Galleries this Thursday @ 9 a.m.

Where We Live has been talking about how a "Creative Economy" can be the key to revitalizing Connecticut's cities. New London is leading the way, with a bustling, creative arts scene. It's part of a grass-roots effort to remake the city's identity.

Where We Live returns to New London for a live conversation. We'll consider what's changed in the city since our last town hall meeting, and discuss the impact of Pfizer's decision to leave it's new research facility. Is this the end of the "big bang" redevelopment project? Can New Londoners reshape their city as a creative center of Southeast Connecticut - one storefront at a time? Join the conversation with artists, organizers and city officials.

·


See These Films The Way GOD Intended -
On The Big Screen

Garde Arts Center
2010 Winter Film Festival
Starts Sun. March 7th
NEW LONDON OSCAR FILM FESTIVAL

SEE ALL 8 FILMS FOR ONLY $30
Click Here For More Details

Invictus
Hurt Locker
Inglourious Basterds
White Ribbon
District 9
The Last Station
Precious
An Education

This Sunday:
Little Red Tree Publishing continues with it's roster of authors and readings at City News.

Save The Date: Sunday February 28 from 2-4 p.m.

Nikoletta Nousiopoulos will read from her new book:

No Charge - 2-4 p.m. - Wine & Cheese Reception.
·

"You Are Getting Thirsty..."
Please Join Us
Friday February 26 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

The Magical Way To Start Your Weekend.

Chateau La Rame Bordeaux Blanc $16

This is one of our favorite crisp whites and is steeped in winemaking tradition. Situated 40 kilometers southeast of the city of Bordeaux, Chateau La Rame is among the oldest and most renowned properties in the Sainte Croix du Mont appellation.

The 20 hectares of Chateau La Rame are set on a clay-limestone soil "blessed with an exceptional substratum marked by a bed of fossilized oysters dating from the Tertiary era." Yummy fossilized oysters! Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, glossy with laser-like crispness, perfect paired with - you guessed it - shellfish. I'm thinking Stonington scallops seared in brown butter...






Mojo Rojo Tempranillo $10


For all you "Don Ramon" fans (you know who you are) here's another budget Spanish Tempranillo if you're ready for a change-up. Regrettably, this wine has a purple disco label and a hideous pink cork.

But we're willing to look beyond these things, especially for a tasty Tempranillo straight from La Mancha (like The Man). Spicy and smoky with blooming fruit and quaffable lightness. Thank you Bodegas Juan Ramon Lozano for providing us in New London with another everyday option!







Zanoni Valpolicella $14



A gorgeous, aromatic northern Italian red perfect with pasta, beans and wild greens. Traditional Valpolicella varietals include Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara - these grapes have been grown in the region since the time of the ancient Greeks.

From a small plot outside of Verona, this is a very low production treasure crafted by winemaker Pietro Zanoni. He only makes three wines, with a total production of 2000 cases. A surpising value for such a classic artisinal style.










Bodegas Agapito Rico Carchelo $15

100% Monastrell (Mourvedre) from Jumilla. If you like Juan Gil with the silver label (the vintage is out for now) this wine will make a perfect substitute.

High altitude vineyards produce a detailed, spicy full-bodied Spanish red.

The new vintage of Carchelo is out with a flashy white-and-black striped label, but this ugly duckling is the same wine two year's older...Friday, we might just crack them both and compare!







We get loads of questions every week - but one of the most frequent question in one form or another is how to store wine. Especially if it is a special occasion or gift bottle, or maybe even an investment bottle.

HOW TO STORE YOUR WINE If you're buying investment-grade wine, the days of keeping bottles on top of your refrigerator are over:

The most damaging thing you can do with high-end wine is expose it to heat and light-so keep it in a cool, dark place. If you want to get serious about collecting, it's worth getting a wine fridge. EuroCave, which has a 38-bottle model that's smaller than a dishwasher, is the gold standard, but anything that controls temperature and humidity will do.

Should you develop a habit that gets you to the 300-bottle mark, we can help you look into professional wine-storage options that will swaddle your best stuff in locked, climate-controlled comfort, which is crucial if you ever decide to resell.


We hope to see you at this weeks tasting.
Please Join Us - it's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

Olympic Gold Issue

Card Available At City News
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

The wine list for Friday is just below these few items of interest

Last Friday night was beautiful - The candles were lit, the glasses were full, and love was in the air. Thanks again to everyone that joined us. Chef Anne Haviland did a "yeoman's job" (as Murry The Eye would say), serving a world class dinner and bringing smiles to the faces of all that attended.

More dinners are on the way - please stay tuned right here for the latest announcements and reservation information.

And remember that Brie & Bleu is a perfect place for your upcoming dinner party or special event.

8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

Take a look:

·

Little Red Tree Publishing continues with it's roster of authors and readings at City News.

Save The Date: Sunday February 28 from 2-4 p.m.

Nikoletta Nousiopoulos will read from her new book:

No Charge - 2-4 p.m. - Wine & Cheese Reception.

·

The Olympic Gold Tasting
Please Join Us
Friday February 19 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.


Root:1 Sauvignon Blanc $12

The long growing season of Chile's Casablanca Valley allows for the Sauvignon Blanc grape to develop natural sugars that balance its characteristic acidity.

A fresh citrus style that reminded us of A New Zealand Sauvignon, with a little more tropical fruit.

A versatile food wine that pairs perfectly with chicken Caesar salad, grilled fish, seafood and creamy pasta sauces. We paired it with spicy Asian crab cakes last week - perfect!

GEA "Il Paradiso di Frassina" $25

100% Sangiovese Grosso from the Sant'Antimo region of Italy - right at the foot of Montalicino. Sees 18 months in Oak, a lovely lyrical red, drinks almost like a round Chianti.
A delicate wine that can still stand up to roasted red meats.
This is one of our favorites but is often overlooked! We look forward to giving you a pour.





Callejo Ribera del Duero Tempranillo $20



From Bodegas Felix Callejo, this is a young wine which only sees four months in oak - bright, young and juicy without a lot of smoke or tannins.


A surprising price for a Ribera del Duero, and a lovely addition from this family-run producer in Northern Spain.




And if we go west on the Duero and head south we find:


Monte das Servas Vinho Tinto
Colheita Seleccionada 2005 $20

One of our favorite new finds from Portugal - traditional varietals from the Alentejano region (Aragones, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet and Trincadeira) blending in to a big, lush wine.

Deep, ruby red in color, with nuances of sweet, mature fruit, this well structured wine pairs well with grilled meats and cheeses.

This is from the excellent 2005 vintage, a lot of wine for the price!

New This Week:

Tatuaje
"This is old world Cuba for a new generation," said Pete Johnson creator of the brand.

"What they are doing in Nicaragua is the closest right now to what they are doing in Cuba -- the sweetness of the wrapper and the aroma coming off the foot." He describes the cigar as medium to full bodied.

"People find it mild because when they first light up, the corojo wrapper adds a sweetness, but [the cigar] builds up strength toward the end, and that's how Cuban cigars are to me."

As with Cuban cigars, you may have a hard time finding the Tatuajes.

They are available only at a few retailers, as well as at the Grand Havana Rooms in New York City and Beverly Hills.

This is a "boutique production," said Johnson, "I keep them in small orders so that they don't rush the production since there are only six rollers."

We Are Proud To Be Among The Chosen Few.
First come, first served.

Thanks again to everyone that supported our dinner party at Brie & Bleu - we have more dinners planned and will give you details, menus, and reservation information right here in the weekly email.

Until then -

We hope to see you at this weeks tasting.
Please Join Us - it's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

Mobile test

Ready, Set, Drink!

Are You Thinking Valentine's Day?

We have a huge selection of cards, wine & spirits, fine chocolate,
exquisite flowers and so much more for you this Valentine' Day.


Order Early For Timely Deliveries

8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

The wine list for Friday is just below these few items of interest

Right about now many of you are getting ready to watch
"The Big Dance." So I will keep it short this week - Just a few reminders and you can get back to the pre-game-pre-game show.

If you need an affordable selection of Seriously Fine items to remember someone special in your life - consider this:

We Know
"Joie de Vivre"


And we can take all the stress out of Valentine's Day for you.
Just pick up the phone and give us a call.

If you have someone in your life that is a Choc-O-Holic you have to see what we have on display right now for Valentine's Day. Handmade truffles from Moonstruck Chocolates in Oregon - they come in an amazing variety of shapes and colors.

Available in boxed sets or individually,
this is something you have to try.

Moonstruck Chocolates are served at The White House &
The Academy Awards.

·

·

The Valentine's Day Tasting
Please Join Us
Friday February 12 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.


Gruet Rose Brut $18

Here's a lovely choice for Valentine's day - a dry, pink "Methode Champenoise" from the Gruet vineyards located on the limestone ridges of Albequerque, New Mexico. They say: "This nearly garnet Rose, like all our non-vintage sparkling wines, is aged 24 months en tirage. It has a lovely, bright floral bouquet with hints of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. On the palate, it is rich and fruity in a dry, Brut style. The flavor of berries continues on the palate, revealing more strawberry, raspberry, cherry. This sparkler is lots of fun and very festive, but production is limited to 5000 cases per year, so don't miss out!" Yes - you read right - TWO YEARS on the lees for an $18 bottle. Even famous Champagnes with orange labels don't bother with that any more...

Santa Carolina Pinot Noir Reserva 2007 $14

We're happy to introduce to you the quality wines of Santa Carolina, from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. First off - their Pinot Noir: Wild berry toned Pinot at a great price. Reserva Pinot Noir has a perfectly integrated palate and a long finish.

Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon Reerva 2007 $14

And here is their Cab: "This Cabernet Sauvignon has a bright vivid ruby red colour. It features ripe cherry and black currant with chocolate and pepper aroma, enhanced by sweet spices and vanilla and cinnamon notes. On the palate, this dry and full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon offers a perfect balance between fruit and oak, ripe and soft tannins and a lingering finish."

Domaine Faillenc Sainte Marie Corbieres 2006 $20

This is not the current vintage. We've always loved this wine, then the '06 came and after a sip, we pulled it off the shelf. WHY? Not just brambly or wild tasting, but downright thorny and difficult! I mean, we adore serious French wine, but this just needed to chill out in the cellar. So it did - for 18 months. NOW? Amazing! What a sleeper, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault - like if Chateauneuf du Pape moved south at a fraction of the price. We might have a case left. We don't even want to share it, but we will - with you! Happy Valentine's Day.

Saturday afternoon was a great day. Mr. Thomas Lochem made a surprise visit to the store and held court in the lounge answering questions and handing out samples of his amazing cigars like they were CANDY.
Thank You Tomas!

New This Week:

Cain Full Ligeros
From the creator of "Nubs" Sam Leccia. This is a very full bodied cigar - but somehow he made it as smooth as silk. First come, first served.

Brickhouse Churchill's
rated 93 points by Cigar Aficionado Magazine. Simply beautiful - and one of the best values we have in the humidor - it is a huge bang for the buck.

Authentic 1900's Atmosphere

Cheese & Wine Favorites
Our Cupid's
Collection

Cheese For Lovers

A collection of decadent treats that are sure to make you fall in love - or to make someone fall in love with you.

Some are in limited quantities - first come, first served.


PLEASE VISIT OUR EXPANDING GOURMET DEPARTMENT AT
Thames River Greenery
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

70 State Street
New London
Open 7 Days

R E M E M B E R
For Special Occasions
Private Parties
Wine Tastings
Beer Dinners


Remember that Valentine's Day falls on Sunday this year. We will be open and making deliveries on Sunday at Thames River Greenery - but please remember to order early.

We are all looking forward to dinner at Brie & Bleu this week - We want to say thank you for your support - we appreciate it.

We hope to see you at this weeks tasting.
Please Join Us - it's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

The Jesus Wine

Are You Thinking Super Bowl?



We have the complete collection of Stonewall Kitchen & Barefoot Contessa products. For example these savory bruschetta spreads are a universally appealing and versatile way to add a little excitement to your standard Super Bowl fare.
Stop in and try a few samples - you will be inspired.
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

The wine list for Friday is just below these few items of interest. Some are so good that they may have been touched by HIM.

·

Seriously Fine Chocolate

If you have someone in your life that is a Choc-O-Holic you have to see what we have on display right now for Valentine's Day. Handmade truffles from Moonstruck Chocolates in Oregon - they come in an amazing variety of shapes and colors.

Available in boxed sets or individually,
this is something you have to try.

Moonstruck Chocolates are served at The White House &
The Academy Awards.

·

Brie & Bleu
Dinner Is Served

Thank You -
The response for our Valentine's Dinner at Brie & Bleu was fast and furious - Anyone interested in adding their name to our waiting list can CLICK HERE.
Please Use "Wait List" in the subject line.
Menu:
The first course will be Asian inspired Crab Cakes.
The next course will be our Valentine's version of Surf & Turf - Beef Tenderloin & Pan Seared Scallops.
Finally Anne's dessert will be very chocolaty.
Wine will be served with each course - of course.

·

Thanks to the New London Rotary for choosing our beautiful 1900's lounge at City News to have their RAH last week. A great crowd and lots of fun.

Keep us in mind for your next gathering or event.

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday February 5 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

Jonathan Edwards
Gewurtztraminer Connecticut 2008 $23

We're big fans of the Jonathan Edwards winery in nearby North Stonington and their small productions using Connecticut grown fruit are always our favorites. Their Gewurztraminer plantings have proved particularly well-suited to our soils of ancient glacial runoff and granite bedrock. This is their new release, made in very small quantities, tended, harvested and made by hand. The wine glows with fresh grapefruit, lemon and spice with a very clean finish. A true local gem!

Angeline Pinot Noir $12

From the coastline of Santa Rosa California comes this charming little Pinot at a great price. Wild berry fruit and a velvety texture, this wine tends more to the tart and fresh tones of Pinot rather than darker loamy notes. This light red would be the perfect foil to a pan-roasted filet of wild salmon with some tangy swiss chard.

Tenuta Sant' Antonio Scaia Rossa $12

This is a great little Italian red from an esteemed family of wines made in the northern region of Veneto.
100% Corvina - scents of roses and violet, with flavors of cherries, blackberry and currant. An elegant, very authentic hand made table wine. The winemaker recommends pairing it with Venetian dishes such as gnocchi with goat cheese, pasta with beans, sausage risotto, aged cheeses, and my favorite: toasted polenta with herrings!

Vega Escal Priorat $21

The fun part about these tastings is that you can try something very special which is not going to jump out at you from the shelf and may well be something you've never heard of. This is a Big Red, Carignan, Grenache and Shiraz from the region of Priorat, on the northeastern coast of Spain just west of Barcelona.

Winemaker comments: "Its aroma reminds red fruits, chocolate and vanilla. In the mouth this wine reminds raspberry jam. It is mineral, warm, smooth, silky..."

When the label is in broken English we can be sure there's no marketeers messing around with the wine. Just the way we like it!

Thanks to everyone that turned out for the Scotch & Cigar night - A good time was had by all.

Authentic 1900's Atmosphere

Lounge Open This Saturday For Pre-
Super Bowl Smoke.

Arriving This Week:
Cain Maduro's &
Brick House Churchill's

We saw a lot of new faces this week - lots of them brought in by our regular friends and customers. We appreciate all of your support and for spreading the word - it means a lot.

We hope to see you at this weeks tasting.
Please Join Us - it's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.