Happy New Year!

Pre Thanksgiving Specials

The Pre-Thanksgiving Tasting Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge Please Join Us

Drink Different. We say it all of the time. And this Friday night we have a very interesting selection for you to sample. A particular favorite is the story of Monsieur Marcel Deiss. A true character - that makes exceptional wine. Domaine Marcel Deiss is a mid-size estate (27 hectares) located in Bergheim near Ribeauvillé in Alsace. It is a deeply-rooted family estate as the Deiss ancestors can be traced in the village back in 1744. Under the guidance of Jean-Michel Deiss, the vineyards have been gradually turned organic, then farmed along the biodynamic method since 2003. The wines of Marcel Deiss are acclaimed for their terroir differentiation more than their variety characteristics, and Jean-Michel Deiss' passion for this terroir expression led him to reconsider the single variety system which is considered as the rule in Alsace. All of the wines featured this Friday night have genuinely fascinating stories behind them. We hope you can start your weekend with us here in New London. Meet your friends here, try a little wine and cheese, and then head off to dinner at one of the new restaurants that have opened downtown. New London is buzzing. Please Join Us This Friday Presented By Tom Belcher Martin Scott Wines

Marcel Deiss     Alsace is a unique landscape sculpted by both rivers and volcanic events, but bearing the unmistakable and essential traces of a more ancient geological past as the bottom of a wide ocean. It is no wonder that the wines of this region are like nowhere else on earth, and it is no wonder that the winemakers of this region are some of the most unique characters in the world of wine.    Jean-Michel Deiss is one of those characters. Deiss, along with his partner Marie-Hélène Cristofaro, run Domaine Marcel Deiss, started by Jean-Michel's father in 1947. The domaine's namesake, Marcel Deiss, was the direct descendant of a family of winegrowers who settled in the Alsace town of Bergheim in 1744 when it was part of France (arriving before it was part of Germany, and then part of France, and then part of Germany, and then part of France again -- over the next 300 years).   Deiss is quite possibly at once both the "essential" Alsatian winemaker -- for his tireless advocacy of the region's potential and the incredible quality of his wines -- and yet also the black sheep of the region who never quite does things the way anyone else does or thinks they should be done. He's just sort of troublemaker I enjoy and is a magnet for criticism over any number of different things. Deiss' wines defy description in many ways. Their flavors transcend categories and grape varieties, and end up being astonishingly unique expressions of a place and vintage. They are as idiosyncratic as they are delicious, and remain some of my favorite wines in the world. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Please try them this Friday.

Le Bec Fin       Domaine Tardieu-Laurent was established in 1994. It is a partnership between Dominique Laurent, a former pattisier (and with the girth to go with it) and one of the hottest names in Burgundy, and Michel Tardieu, a dynamic young winemaker. Tardieu-Laurent is an extremely unusual operation in that they are a négociant only, buying young wines from growers all over the Rhône, which they mature and blend before bottling. They own no vineyards and don't buy grapes, only wine.   Tardieu-Laurent is very much an "artisan" producer, making between half a dozen and 20 or so barrels of each wine. The majority of the wines are from the southern Rhône although superb cuvees of Cote Rôtie and Hermitage are also produced. The wines are all aged in small oak casks (often 100% new) and bottled with no fining nor filtration. Michel Tardieu proclaims himself as a confirmed terroirist, insisting that his aim with each appellation is to express powerfully the fruit and sense of place, never masking these factors with wood.  "An outstanding Côtes du Rhône, the 2009 Les Becs Fins is a tank aged blend of mainly Grenache, yet with smaller components of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. Very fresh and pure, with excellent aromas of raspberry, candied violets, licorice, and mineral, the wine hits the palate with a medium-bodied, silky texture, great acidity, and plenty of length and polish on the finish.

Barco Reale di Carmignano  Barco Reale di Carmignano is a red-wine DOC of Tuscany, Italy's most famous wine region. The title was granted in 1994. Barco Reale means 'the Royal Park' and is a reference to the Barco Reale Mediceo, a 4000-acre game reserve established by the de' Medici family in the 17th century. The park was surrounded by a high wall which stretched for almost 31 miles around its periphery. The relationship between the wine and the park is not entirely clear, however.   The wine's origins can be traced back as far as the 14th Century, when, in 1369, a document was drawn up demonstrating that Carmignano was four times as expensive as any other wine of the time. In the early 1700s the Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici established the area of Carmignano as a nursery for grape varieties, which included the planting of internationally renowned Cabernet Sauvignon imported from France. He also issued a decree controlling the wine's production standards and sales, enforced by the Congregazione di Vigilanza. Take a sip of Italian history this Friday night.

Stuff We Love:

Costiolo - A Quintessential Quaffer    This is one of those wines that make you forget about the concept of the 100 point wine.  for those of us wine lovers that are serious about wine it is nice to find a wine that brings us back to what we first enjoyed about this magical elixir, wine aka- fermented grape juice. A very light and refreshing wine that is slightly sweet and slightly frizzante, aromas of cherry and raspberry fruit with highlights of fresh rose petal, floral aromas.  This wine has a nice freshness on the tongue with an abundance of sweet berry fruit and a nice touch of spritz to leave the tongue refreshed and ready for the next sip.  Serve this wine slightly chilled and watch the bottle disappear.

Roundhouse Spirits - Pumpkin King Cordial    Pumpkin King Cordial is an all-natural artisan liqueur made with fresh roasted Munson Farms pie pumpkins, award-winning Roundhouse Gin, and traditional spices.  Only 5 miles from the fields to the distillery ... that's as local as it gets! The balance between pumpkin flavor, sweetness, and spices is a delicate dance that distiller Ted Palmer successfully achieves with his twenty years of experience.  Ted experimented for three years before perfecting this recipe.  Pumpkin King Cordial is made at 60 proof with enough explosive pumpkin flavor to accommodate non-alcoholic mixers in beautiful cocktails. SILVER MEDAL, 2014 Denver International Spirits Festival

Rain City Spirits - DRIP "Drip" Coffee Liqueur Seattle Coffee + Rain City Spirits = Drip. This unique coffee liqueur redefines what you know as coffee liqueur. "Drip begins with a unique blend of coffee roasted by Seattle's top artisan roasters. We then use a proprietary brew method to extract as much flavor as possible from the coffee while leaving behind the bitterness and acidity. The coffee is then finished with our Rain City Spirits and just a touch of pure cane sugar...that's it. Think of an iced Americano with a kick. At Rain City Spirits we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe it is time for spirits to get back to their roots. We do this by throwing out the traditional "rules" of  Liqueur production, and focusing strictly on quality and keeping to a sense of place." Each step in the creation of Rain City Spirits  is carefully thought out with the end goal of simply producing the best products possible. This philosophy combined with the amazing natural resources Washington provides allows them to create the most unique and amazing Coffee Liqueur you will ever taste."

Gluhwein - Drink this all season long    Glühwein is the German version of what the English call "mulled wine." It's basically a spiced red wine served warm (usually spiced with ingredients such as cinnamon, sugar, cloves, vanilla, and lemon peel). This type of wine seems to be popular throughout Europe and is known by a different name in every country! This is really just the perfect drink for this season as it helps to keep you nice and toasty on the inside and rosy on the outside. Imagine yourself in southern Germany walking through a beautiful Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkts), holding a steaming cup of this wine in your hands as you peruse the market's wares. It comes in a large, 1-liter bottle, and it's best served warm. Honestly, a warm glass of this on a blustery winter day will melt all your troubles away!  What does it taste like? You can definitely taste the citrus in this as well as that generous splash of cinnamon. It's also nice and sweet, it is definitely a drink to sip slowly and enjoy. Enjoy with friends after a night out in the cold or just save it for yourself to drink over several days.

Flowers Perennial - In Stock For The Holidays    "For over 20 years, Flowers has been devoted to and inspired by Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast with a strong commitment to purity and terroir.  Since all of our Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are 100% varietal wines we do not normally have the opportunity to blend varieties.  However, Perennial is a unique and captivating blend that was first introduced with the 1997 vintage and has been consistently crafted with the same dedication as our varietal wines.  It is intended to challenge style and intrigue the mind.  As with our inaugural vintage, in 2010 we have searched out eclectic vineyard sites closest to the California coastline to find the varieties that contribute to our targeted blend style. Perennial is a red blend that is intended to drink a lot like a Pinot Noir with a broader fruit profile but the same balanced acidity, fresh flavors, and soft round tannins.  With Pinot Noir and Syrah at its core, Perennial combines elegance and finesse with spicy depth and complexity.    Pinot Meunier  and Dolcetto, can contribute to the blend as well as Chardonnay which marries flavors, provides a lift to the fruit and extends the finish.   Each plays a supporting role bringing the blend together representing a "Flowers style" for the given vintage - every year unique.    We hope you enjoy and experience the subtle differences from vintage to vintage as the blend will always be a discovery and exploration of flavor." This is a wine that is perfect for a gift or on the holiday table. You can present this to your guest's or host with complete confidence.

The Ultimate Whiskey Cocktails in a Bottle We all love a good cocktail, but sometimes you just aren't in the position to make a cocktail at the drop of a hat. Sure, cocktails have been bottled before, but they haven't ever really been comparable to what your favorite bartender whips up for you. Until now. Fluid Dynamics has released cocktails aged in barrels, and they are pretty spectacular, maybe even more spectacular than the drinks that your favorite bartender makes for you (ingredients have a chance to merge and become a richer whole because of the aging process). With options including The Saratoga, The St. Nick, the Brandy Manhattan, and the 1850 Cocktail there are plenty of options to keep even the biggest cocktail aficionado satisfied too. They come in "cocktail sized" bottles too - super convenient. Ask for a sample this Friday.

Lavender Fromage Blank We just got in a limited run of Nettle Meadow's Honey-Lavender Fromage Blank unsalted goat cheese from Warrensburg, NY. It's a delicious and perfect blend of honey and just a touch of lavender that absolutely melts on your tongue. You have got to try this on Friday night. Epoisses cheese needs five to eight weeks to mature and during this period requires attentive and regular manual attention. It is as Spring finishes that it is especially tasty as it has been made with milk produced when the cows were first turned out to grass, or at the beginning of Winter because it has been made with rich and aromatic milk, produced by cows pasturing on the new growth of autumn... The nose is strong, with a good bouquet and aromas of the undergrowth. In the mouth, its body is supple, creamy, and never too strong. Its taste is straightforward, subtle and balanced, with light notes of dry fruits. When the Epoisses is properly matured and slightly runny, you will really enjoy this inimitable cheese, in the full bloom of maturity. Traditional Chevrot Aperfectly ripe Chevrot could make a convert out of the most reluctant goat cheese eater. Creamy, even molten under the rind, yet firm and velvety smooth at the heart, a Chevrot in its prime is a peak experience. Many people find goat cheese too tart, too chalky or too downright goaty, but Chevrot is none of the above. Made by a century-old cooperative in the Poitou region of western France, just south of Brittany, Chevrot reflects expert cheesemaking.

 

  BUZzzz



CALENDAR 

Friday November 7th
Tom Belcher - Martin Scott Wines

Friday November 21st
Eric Bellnier - M. Touton Selections

Wednesday November 26 - mid day tasting before Thanksgiving 

Ryan Connolly - Michael Skurnik Wines

Friday December 12
John Orfice - Allan S. Goodman Selections

Doctors Orders - Take Your Medicine

 

Wine And Cheese Tasting

Every Friday 5-8 PM No Charge

If you need an excuse to get out of the house and come downtown for the weekly tasting - how about "Doctors Orders." A weekly dose of something to clear your head and get you in the right frame of mind for the weekend. This Friday - 5-8 PM

Chateau La Reyne - "Le Prestige"

South America is where most people associate great Malbec - but did you know it was originally a grape made famous in France?

Located in the town of Puy L'Eveque, the vineyards of Chateau La Reyne are comprised of carefully tended 35 year old vines. Owned and operated by the Vidal family, the winery is currently run by the family's fifth generation, Johan. He combines their traditional production methods with today's modern technology in order to produce quality wines that still reflect the terrior of his family's land.

This rich, concentrated Malbec displays intense notes of blackberry, cherry and red currants on the nose and palate. Light floral notes merge with dense tannins and balanced acidity on the long, spicy finish. Enjoy with beef, lamb or duck.  

Torrebruna - Sangiovese

Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese - and indeed the world's - is generations old.

At the dawn of the 21st Century, Sangiovese equated to roughly one in every 10 vines on the Italian peninsula.

"For our Torrebruna we attentively select the best Sangiovese grapes with the aim of producing and authentic Tuscan red dominated by fruity and spicy notes that only this vine can express thanks to the Tuscan soil and climate." -winemaker

 

Bogle Phantom

The wait is over...Phantom has reappeared for the season! Bogle's tantalizing apparition of rich berry and relentless spice returns to tease wine lovers. Full of flavor, concentration and intensity, this mysterious wine will haunt you well after the last sip is gone.

Bright red cherry fruit and black pepper tempt you to take that sip, with hints of brawny juniper, rich blackberry and briary boysenberry in the background. Succulent in mouthfeel, the wine showcases its versatile grape varietals: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre.  

Aged for over 24 months in 1 and 2 year old American oak, tones of spicy vanilla and toasted coconut moderate the firm tannins and create a focused and intense finish.  

Enjoy this passionate and commanding red wine, yet another vintage impossible to ignore.  Please try it this Friday night.

Back In Stock

Very Hard To Find

Michel Couvreur Whiskey

Michel Couvreur is a Belgian and an independent bottler of single malt scotch. His cellars are located in Bouze-les-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. Michel ages his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns or giant bottles kept in total darkness in the exceptional well-protected underground galleries of Bouze-les-Beaune.

Vatted from 54 whiskies aged more than 12 years (12 to 27 years) in oak casks, this malt has a rich amber color, a nose full of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, Jerez wine and fat almond, and a powerful, fruity, long finish. What a fantastic accompaniment to smoked salmon when served over ice. It is also perfect as a dinner digestive served at room temperature.

If you have a whiskey lover in your life, take a good look at these.
A great gift.

 

Nancy's Hudson Valley Camembert, Quickes Glouchester Cheddar

& Capri Goat & Honey. Try them all this Friday night.

All Wednesday night events begin at 6:00 pm. No Charge - 860-443-6817All events are an opportunity to purchase at special prices Wednesday October 15 - Sold Out Thank You   The Wines Of Shannon Ridge   In the late 1980's they began working with wine grapes from Lake County and recognized the area's potential to grow great mountain fruit.  At altitudes of 2,100 to 2,400 feet above sea level these steep mountain ridges are cooled by steady winds off Clear Lake and from the higher peaks just north. The vines produce small berries with concentrated flavors.  Lake County California and the folks at Shannon Ridge make award winning wines.          Wednesday October 29th Burgundy Tasting rsvp required    * Marie Pierre Manciat Pouilly Fuisse     "Les Petites Bruyeres"   * Billaud Simon Chablis per Cru Vaillons   * Janotsbos Pernand Vergelesses Blanc   * Franck Givaudin Irancy 2012 * Lou Dumont Morey St. Denis 2010   Diedre Magnello is one of the most knowledgeable people in the wine business.  A sought after presenter we are proud to share our stage with her for the special tasting of wine from Burgundy. Deidre's frequent trips to the Burgundy region allow her a personal connection and access to some of the best producers and their wine in Burgundy.   This will be an opportunity to purchase wine from her amazing portfolio at a special price. Please join us and discover why Burgundy is the most sought after wine on the world. Wednesday November 12 Vinifera - Italian Wines   Wednesday November 26 - The day before Thanksgiving. Ryan Connolly will present the Michael Skurnik Holiday Portfolio. An opportunity to discover wine that you need for the holiday season.

Coming In November Amarone Tasting

The Atmosphere Will Be Lively

The Thanksgiving party may be over - and the leftovers are just about gone, but now it is time to get down to business.

Special items have started to arrive for the holidays.
The big names from California, the iconic names from Europe and South America. They are all on our shelves now. There is very limited availability on some of these items - Here are just a few.

El Nido - Rated 96 Points - Robert Parker:"Deep, bright ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, blueberry, smoky herbs, potpourri and Asians spices. Weighty dark berry flavors display a liqueur-like depth, with zesty minerality providing lift and velvety tannins adding support. Manages to be large-scaled and lithe at once, finishing with real cut and clarity. This seamless wine is delicious now, and I'd be inclined to drink it young for its alluring, vivacious fruit."

One of the most sought after and famous wines from Spain. It is seriously hard to find. In a beautiful gift box this is a true collectors item - ready to enjoy young, but if you have the patience it will reward you and your friends in 10-15 years. First Come First Served.

33 Years In The making

Flora Springs TRILOGY

Rated 94 Points The Wine Enthusiast:

"The 2009 Trilogy possesses all the attributes that make Trilogy so great - Ripe berries, allspice, white chocolate, espresso and black currant.  

Three varietals merge together to form a beautiful balanced lush wine that makes you just want to have one more sip. The Merlot brings out the red fruits, while the Cabernet and Malbec are responsible for the black fruits.  

We are proud to say that after 33 years of winemaking and 25 years of crafting Trilogy, Flora Springs is still breaking new ground. We credit the consistent organic and sustainable farming practices of our vineyard team as well as the focus and direction of our winemaker, Paul Steinauer."

Critical Acclaim:

"A lovely wine, soft and charming, but far from simple. Although it has complex layers of cherries, blackberries, cassis and cedar, it also shows a fine structure of ripe, smooth tannins and supporting acidity."

We had a full case on Wednesday we are down to 4-5 bottles. The suggested price is $75 - it is on our shelf for 60. A great gift for the holidays.

Also Available 

Make The Holiday Memorable

Gift baskets in every combination.
Great corporate gift ideas in all price categories.
And remember - we deliver.









Gourmet & Cave Aged cheese from NY's Artisinal.
Taste the difference - it really is a world a part.




Include Safe Harbor beer along with your favorite beverages this season. Widely available this is a medium bodied beer that is lightly hoppy. Brewed to especially delicious with food without being heavy. New London's beer makes a great gift and is a perfect conversation starter  this holiday season. We include free SH coasters when you buy it here, but asking for it at your favorite restaurant, bar, or retail outlet helps to support this local effort. Icy Cold & Delicious - ask for Safe Harbor Today.

Events Calendar

There Is No Charge For Any Of The Following Events

This Friday night meet local author Marci Alborgheti.
Wine & Cheese tasting and reception starts at 6:00 PM.

6 PM - Friday 11.30.12 - Meet Local Author Marci Alborghetti - and have copies of her latest books signed just in time for your holiday giving.

 

 

DECEMBER 

RSVP - 6PM  - 12.12.12. - 860-443-6817
Oregon Super Wines Doug Rankin of Fountainhead Selections & Janie Brooks of Brooks Wines
Doug Rankin will be here in the studio, and we will be joined via Skype by the owner of Brooks wines. It doesn't get any better than this if your looking to discover the wine of the Great Northwest. Please reserve your seats early - space is limited.

FRIDAY 12.21.12

Eric Bellnier will be pouring from one of the best Italian portfolios in the business. This pre-Christmas bash will include some very cool wines. And if we know Mr. Bellnier there will be a taste of something special. The last time he was here the 1979 Barberesco was generously sampled with you. 

BUZZ - News & Events 

     

 

There is a lot going on Friday night. First we have local author Marci Alborghetti. She will be meeting, greeting, and signing copies of her most recent books - she will be stationed at the City News desk in The Greenery.

Over in the wine store we will be pouring a variety of specials to get you thinking about the fast approaching holidays. And if you like cheese - there will be plenty to sample. The atmosphere will be lively. We hope you can join us.

Drink Different.

The New Rules Of Wine - Drink Different

When Pigs Fly

Click the Title Link For The Full Story

Upgraded To Triple AAA - Please Join Us

Click The Title Link For The Full Story

Editor's Choice Award!

We Are Honored To Receive An Editor's Choice Award
Thank You

Think of us as Wine - "With Benefits."

We want to thank Yankee Magazine for recognizing us this year with an Editor's Choice Award for Brie & Bleu.

".....You'll love this bustling fromagerie on the Thames River for its water views and superb bistro fare."

Their kind words mean a lot to us. And we are even more excited to get back to regular service than before. We have a great menu planned - even better wine by the glass options, and a series of wine dinners and events that will set a new standard.

So - To all of our friends and customers that have been waiting patiently for the season to begin - start making your plans. A soft opening in a week or so, and then full service at the end of the month.

Now while we are on the subject of food I am compelled to mention the further advances being made on a daily basis at The Beanery and City News. There is nothing else liked it being served downtown - period.

For example look at the Specials for this Wednesday:

Soup:
Vietnamese style
PHO - with Chicken, Fresh Ginger, & Lemon Grass.




Sandwich:
Pulled Pork Butt - with a Coca-Cola BBQ Glaze -
& served with South Carolina style "Mustard Slaw."

Just two examples of whats happening everyday at The Beanery.

Call ahead and your order will be ready for pick up.
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7 - Press Option 2 for The Beanery.


NEXT
Well it was just a matter of time - wasn't it?
We have added a Twitter link for those of you that may be interested.
We do not send out tweets all day long - we send out tweets when there is something you might find interesting. For example - an impromptu decision to pull the cork on an exotic bottle of bubbly - or a new release from Argentina.

Or maybe something is happening at The Greenery that we did not expect - like maybe Oprah showed up and is handing out keys to new cars like they were candy -
You just never know.

NEXT

Do You Know A Chocolate Lover?
Keep them in mind for Mother's Day.
Our Case Is Full - But They Go Quickly.

Moonstruck Chocolates - Decadent chocolate truffles with fresh flavors found in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Add them to a gift basket or send them all by themselves. Our gift baskets can be a combination of all the wonderful goodies that we have - Wine, baked goods, flowers and chocolate - you get the idea - anything goes.

Friday May 7th - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge Please Join Us

The All Or Nothing Four Bordeaux Smackdown!

Chateau La Rame Bordeaux Blanc $16

White Bordeaux!
Chateau La Rame is one of the most renowned properties in the 'Sainte Croix du Mont' appellation. The estate is set on a clay-limestone soil blessed with an exceptional substratum marked by a bed of fossilized oysters dating from the Tertiary era. The hillside vineyards overlook the Garonne River and face full south as they slope downwards.
The vineyards are planted 75% Semillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc with an average age of 45 years. We love yummy Tertiary oysters!


Tellus Vinea Bordeaux $18


These vineyards are on the border of the appellation of Lalande de Pomerol.

Those few meters of distance provide us with a real pricing edge - 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from 25-30 year old vines in ancient gravel produce a gorgeous earthy red at a fraction of the price of the famous neighbors.








Pezat Bordeaux Superieur $16

Remember when we used to get "Chateau Tessier" at crazy discounts?

Tessier makes Pezat! Remarkably elegant and lean with stony red fruit, from vineyards right on the doorstep of Saint Emilion. Fantastic quality at a fraction of the price of famous St. Emilion - just a grapes throw away - speaking of which...

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2007 $40

Chateau Haut Segottes has a mere 22 acres of vineyards all within the St. Emilion Grand Cru appellation. The vineyards are planted 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The position of the vineyards within the appellation is outstanding. All fruit is hand-harvested, the wines are rotated into barrel for approximately 18 months and bottled unfiltered. Although the majority of the vineyards are planted to Merlot, this particular cuvee is primarily Cab Franc. Napoleon declared this a Grand Cru - who are we to argue?

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

AAA.