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
We have a great line up for the Friday tasting - the list is highlighted in RED just below the news.
But we have to say thank you to a couple of people first.
First - Thank you to Mr. Dan Kleck - http://www.silverstonewines.com/
Dan greeted customers in our cellar all night on Friday - His Silver Stone wines were fabulous and Dan had every reason to be proud - his limited production wines continue to please. He makes only two or three hundred cases of these wines - period. We are lucky to see any of them at all - let alone have the man responsible join us to drink them and reveal their secrets. And once again before he left, he paid the highest compliments of all to our customers - you - thanks for stopping by to meet Dan and for making us the talk of the industry. It would not happen without you.
Next - On Saturday night noted wine authority Roger Hoadley - stood before a group of men and women at the Thames Club here in New London and led a dinner that set new standards for the members and guests that attended.
Between courses that included poached salmon with white beans and beef so tender one could have used a teaspoon to eat it. He waxed poetic on the wine regions, the producers and the hedonistic aspects and qualities of the wine business that filled us all with envy. By the time dessert and port was served there wasn't a dry eye in the house! After dinner guests adjourned to the Presidents Room for drinks, and Davidoff's - thanks so much to everyone that attended and especially to Roger Hoadley for making it so much fun.
On Monday morning we will be on location in Boston.
We are setting up our "studio" at the Millenium Bostonian Hotel - We have been invited to interview some of the hottest winemakers working today. Names like Frederic Jaboulet, Nicolas Potel , Pascal Jolivet, and Patrick Leflaive to name just a few.
They have all agreed to be guests on our show - WineRadio.
Brie & Bleu -
Here are the featured cheeses for this week -
Wensleydale cheese - http://www.wensleydale.co.uk/
Traditional, hard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a shape of cylinder with natural rind. Wensleydale can be used as table cheese and is very tasty with apple pie. This cheese is based on the recipe that can be traced back to the Cistercian monks who came over with William the Conqueror in the 11 century. There are two types of the British classic Wensleydale: White, a flat disc that is highly-pressed and has a honey flavor to it and Blue or Yorkshire, which has blue veins, double cream and is a cousin of Stilton - the blue variety comes in large drums. Good Wensleydale has a supple, crumbly, moist texture and resembles a young Caerphilly. The flavor suggests wild honey balanced with a fresh acidity.
Bruder Basil cheese -
A cow's milk cheese from Germany that has a firm texture and a dark brownish colored natural rind. The pale yellow cheese is covered with small random holes and the flavor is rich with a slight smokiness. It is excellent for grilling and sandwiches and is often served as a snack or appetizer. It is produced in small brick shapes and is covered with wax.
BEER TASTING - Thursday March 30 - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
Wine Tasting Friday March 31 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
The wines of Eric Solomon selections are featured
"The Name of Eric Solomon On A Bottle of Wine Is Synonymous With High Quality" -- Robert Parker
1 - Gramona Gessami 2004 - $16 - http://www.europeancellars.com/
Bright straw-colored yellow with mineral tones. An aromatic burst. Like a walk in the spring, this wine reminds one of the coolness of fresh air, a bunch of white flowers, (roses, jasmine, etc.), fennel, apricots and peaches all wrapped in a sweet atmosphere full of freshness, with a subtle mineral glow and a citric breeze. Long, smooth aftertaste. Great with fish and cheese.
2 - La Casenvoe Masiam - $14
Like so many other accomplished people, Etienne Montes parlayed the fruits of one successful carrer into a second as winemaker. An award-winning photojournalist, he retired in 1987 to his familly estate, La Casenove, nestled between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, within 10 miles of the Spanish frontier. One of the oldest viticultural areas of France, vines in the Roussillon were cultivated by the Romans, and perhaps even before that. With some of the most dramatic topography in France, many of the zones are composed of extremely steep hillsides. Much of the vineyard land looks more like that of the Priorat in Spain than it does like wine regions of France. This area of French Catalonia still possesses many cultural remnants of being part of the Catalan region including the language, cuisine, and art. The winemaking in the region has undergone a revolution in the last 10 years and you should take the time to try this one.
3 - Roger Sabon Cotes Du Rhone 2001 - $16
Roger Sabon is described by Robert Parker as "one of the more intellectual vignerons in Châteauneuf du-Pape"
His vineyard holdings are surprisingly small, around 14 hectares, which are divided between his properties in Lirac, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes du Rhône. The Châteauneuf vineyards are well situated in Les Cabrieres, La Crau, Courtherzon and Nalys and the average age of his vines is unusually high with some of them dating back to the early 1900s. Dense raspberry, plum, licorice, tar and bacon notes are supported by thick, muscular tannins in this concentrated, showy red. Solid, spicy and medium-bodied, with modest tannins, good balance and enough cherry and berry flavor to keep you interested.
4 - Clos Mimi Petite Rousse 2004 - $20
"A marvelous effort as well as a super value, Clos Mimi’s 2004 Petite Rousse No shy wine, it possesses lofty alcohol as well as loads of personality and soul. Aromas of Asian spices, licorice, pepper, herbs, blackberries, and cassis soar from the glass of this smoky, fragrant red. In the mouth, it is a plush, opulent, full-bodied offering that is impossible to resist. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. It’s a shame there are not more high quality, personality-filled wines such as this from California. Hats off to Clos Mimi! (92 points)" - Robert Parker - There is a lot of wine in this bottle for the price - give it a try.
Thanks for your emails, your calls, and your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Dan Kleck, Silverstone, Donhoff Spatlese, Brie & Bleu
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
We have a great tasting lined up for Friday - including the winemaker himself - the details are below the news.
First - Thanks to Mr. Dermit Hanafin for throwing one roaring party in New London last Friday.
Dermit is the proprietor of Hanafins Public House one of the finest Irish bars this side of the Pecos.
If you have not yet seen his place you should make the effort. Hannifins was St. Patrick's Day Headquarters for New London and the scene was absolutely inspiring. There was music and food and singing and dancing and people began to line up early in the day.
It is a great example of the kind of life people can bring to New London when they put their mind to it.
This week at Brie & Bleu -
Have you met the newest addition to our Cheese Market staff? - Colleen McNerney
Colleen is making it a habit of carefully selecting a couple of cheeses each week to feature and sample for you.
We think she has also memorized the "Food Group Pyramid" - so test her on it the next time you stop by.
Here are her selections for this week:
1 - "Toma is an Italian cheese from Piedmont region. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It exists in several versions depending on a period of maturation. The young cheese is sweet and milky, but if it is allowed to mature for up to 12 months, the flavour becomes more tangy, often sharp. Toma is cheese surface ripened, meaning it ripens from the rind inward. This simple mountain cheese has a thin rind with a custard-like interior with small pores and a gentle sweet-sour nature. Toma is a perfect table cheese but can also be used for cooking. It begs to be paired with a big Piedmont red."
2 - "Shropshire ia a cow's milk blue cheese from the United Kingdom that is technically a cross between Stilton and Cheshire. The orange color comes from the addition of annatto, a natural food coloring. Shropshire, while generally creamier and less nutty than Stilton, is sometimes stronger. This cheese is selected in Britain and then maintained at its peak ripeness in artisinal premium temperature and humidity controlled caves. The cheese is crumbly yet firm and creamy texture, sharp, rustic with a slightly tannic flavor. It is excellent on the cheese-board and is also very versatile in the kitchen; it makes fabulous soups and sauces. It is best accompanied by good English brown ale and as with Stilton, all big reds."
ALSO - As we close in on the last of the Comfort food dinners for the season, I want to make sure that I thank all of the folks that joined us.
Time after time - course after course and glass after glass - it is the wonderful people and dynamic conversation that have made this series such a success. Truly - thanks for making all of our dinners the best party in town.
We have just begun to look over the menus and wines for the "Alfresco Series" - the best is yet to come.
Wednesday Night Wine Dinner - It is Pan Asian foods and FIVE jaw dropping Rieslings -
Including the 2004 Donhoff Spatlese - $48 - rated 97 points!
This is one of our most popular themes and the dumplings seem to be the perfect way to share the love.
Thursday Night- Beer Tasting 5-8 p.m. - No Charge.
Jorgé Casablanca, our Senior Beer Analyst, has been out patrolling the seedy underbelly of the beer world looking for the perfect combination of hops, water and the 11 secret herbs & spices that make the original recipe so special. We have not seen him in days - but he will be in the cellar to share his story on Thursday night - please join us.
Wine Tasting - Meet Dan Kleck
Friday March 24th - 6-9 P.M. - No Charge
SILVER STONE owner and winemaker, Dan Kleck, has been producing premium wines for the past 26 years.
He began his career in the mid-1970’s, focusing upon the Long Island region in New York, where he was involved with Chardonnays, Merlots and other varietals at wineries such as Hargrave Vineyard, Bidwell Vineyards and Palmer Vineyards.
Winemaker Dan Kleck returns to our cellar - with the results of his hard work. -
You may recall Dan was here last season with samples and a First Look of a special project he was working on.
He tasted our customers took notes and went back to the vineyard - you won't be disappointed with the results.
And the wines are available - in our store - first come, first served. - very limited production.
Dan will be saying hello and signing bottles in our cellar - please join us.
1 - 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco - $18 - www.silverstonewines.com
Sourced from the cool-climate appellation of Arroyo Seco, Cedar Lane Vineyard is planted in the well-drained cobblestone soils deposited at the mouth of Arroyo Seco Canyon in Monterey County. Distinctive climatic conditions ensure vibrant fruit character with crisp acidity, essential elements in styling a classic version of this exotically aromatic white wine. Barrel Fermented in the time-honored tradition of the white wines of Bordeaux’s Graves District, this Sauvignon Blanc has a supple texture to the finish. It is intended for immediate consumption, and partners well with shrimp, shellfish and grilled summer vegetables.
2 - 2003 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido/Latchford Vineyard - $30
Crafted from fruit derived from two distinctive vineyards, this wine marries the best possible vineyard characteristics into a sumptuous offering that provides richness of texture, perfumed aromatics and fresh cherry fruit flavors. By combining these two exceptional sites, Dan has crafted a lovely wine of balance and grace. Fermented in small, open-top bins punched down by hand, the wine is minimally handled for optimal flavor retention. Aged for one year in small French cooperage, the wine was bottled, unfined and unfiltered, in the fall of 2004. Just 370 cases were produced.
3 - 2003 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley - $21
Consistently one of California’s highest ranking vineyards, Bien Nacido has produced outstanding chardonnays for over twenty years, leading Wine & Spirits magazine to declare it one of the “Top 25 Great Vineyards of the World.” Hand-harvested fruit arrived at the winery with textbook numbers. Whole-cluster pressed, the juice was settled overnight prior to barreling in 60% new French Oak for fermentation. That's a fancy way of saying that the result is rich, complex, and impeccably balanced. Only 392 cases produced.
4 - 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - $35
Selecting fruit primarily from the valley floor near Rutherford, this was complemented with small lots derived from mountain fruit in the upper reaches of the Mayacamas Range. Bottled without any fining or filtration, this wine exhibits a tapestry of robust aromas and flavors, with the Cabernet Sauvignon providing concentration and intensity.Classic styling, richly structured and flavored.
Bring on the steak! Only 534 cases produced.
Dan Kleck is an important winemaker - AND he happens to be one of the nicest guys you can meet.
Stop in - say hello and have him sign a bottle of his wine for you.
Thanks for your support we all appreciate it.
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
We have a great tasting lined up for Friday - including the winemaker himself - the details are below the news.
First - Thanks to Mr. Dermit Hanafin for throwing one roaring party in New London last Friday.
Dermit is the proprietor of Hanafins Public House one of the finest Irish bars this side of the Pecos.
If you have not yet seen his place you should make the effort. Hannifins was St. Patrick's Day Headquarters for New London and the scene was absolutely inspiring. There was music and food and singing and dancing and people began to line up early in the day.
It is a great example of the kind of life people can bring to New London when they put their mind to it.
This week at Brie & Bleu -
Have you met the newest addition to our Cheese Market staff? - Colleen McNerney
Colleen is making it a habit of carefully selecting a couple of cheeses each week to feature and sample for you.
We think she has also memorized the "Food Group Pyramid" - so test her on it the next time you stop by.
Here are her selections for this week:
1 - "Toma is an Italian cheese from Piedmont region. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It exists in several versions depending on a period of maturation. The young cheese is sweet and milky, but if it is allowed to mature for up to 12 months, the flavour becomes more tangy, often sharp. Toma is cheese surface ripened, meaning it ripens from the rind inward. This simple mountain cheese has a thin rind with a custard-like interior with small pores and a gentle sweet-sour nature. Toma is a perfect table cheese but can also be used for cooking. It begs to be paired with a big Piedmont red."
2 - "Shropshire ia a cow's milk blue cheese from the United Kingdom that is technically a cross between Stilton and Cheshire. The orange color comes from the addition of annatto, a natural food coloring. Shropshire, while generally creamier and less nutty than Stilton, is sometimes stronger. This cheese is selected in Britain and then maintained at its peak ripeness in artisinal premium temperature and humidity controlled caves. The cheese is crumbly yet firm and creamy texture, sharp, rustic with a slightly tannic flavor. It is excellent on the cheese-board and is also very versatile in the kitchen; it makes fabulous soups and sauces. It is best accompanied by good English brown ale and as with Stilton, all big reds."
ALSO - As we close in on the last of the Comfort food dinners for the season, I want to make sure that I thank all of the folks that joined us.
Time after time - course after course and glass after glass - it is the wonderful people and dynamic conversation that have made this series such a success. Truly - thanks for making all of our dinners the best party in town.
We have just begun to look over the menus and wines for the "Alfresco Series" - the best is yet to come.
Wednesday Night Wine Dinner - It is Pan Asian foods and FIVE jaw dropping Rieslings -
Including the 2004 Donhoff Spatlese - $48 - rated 97 points!
This is one of our most popular themes and the dumplings seem to be the perfect way to share the love.
Thursday Night- Beer Tasting 5-8 p.m. - No Charge.
Jorgé Casablanca, our Senior Beer Analyst, has been out patrolling the seedy underbelly of the beer world looking for the perfect combination of hops, water and the 11 secret herbs & spices that make the original recipe so special. We have not seen him in days - but he will be in the cellar to share his story on Thursday night - please join us.
Wine Tasting - Meet Dan Kleck
Friday March 24th - 6-9 P.M. - No Charge
SILVER STONE owner and winemaker, Dan Kleck, has been producing premium wines for the past 26 years.
He began his career in the mid-1970’s, focusing upon the Long Island region in New York, where he was involved with Chardonnays, Merlots and other varietals at wineries such as Hargrave Vineyard, Bidwell Vineyards and Palmer Vineyards.
Winemaker Dan Kleck returns to our cellar - with the results of his hard work. -
You may recall Dan was here last season with samples and a First Look of a special project he was working on.
He tasted our customers took notes and went back to the vineyard - you won't be disappointed with the results.
And the wines are available - in our store - first come, first served. - very limited production.
Dan will be saying hello and signing bottles in our cellar - please join us.
1 - 2005 Sauvignon Blanc, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco - $18 - www.silverstonewines.com
Sourced from the cool-climate appellation of Arroyo Seco, Cedar Lane Vineyard is planted in the well-drained cobblestone soils deposited at the mouth of Arroyo Seco Canyon in Monterey County. Distinctive climatic conditions ensure vibrant fruit character with crisp acidity, essential elements in styling a classic version of this exotically aromatic white wine. Barrel Fermented in the time-honored tradition of the white wines of Bordeaux’s Graves District, this Sauvignon Blanc has a supple texture to the finish. It is intended for immediate consumption, and partners well with shrimp, shellfish and grilled summer vegetables.
2 - 2003 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido/Latchford Vineyard - $30
Crafted from fruit derived from two distinctive vineyards, this wine marries the best possible vineyard characteristics into a sumptuous offering that provides richness of texture, perfumed aromatics and fresh cherry fruit flavors. By combining these two exceptional sites, Dan has crafted a lovely wine of balance and grace. Fermented in small, open-top bins punched down by hand, the wine is minimally handled for optimal flavor retention. Aged for one year in small French cooperage, the wine was bottled, unfined and unfiltered, in the fall of 2004. Just 370 cases were produced.
3 - 2003 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley - $21
Consistently one of California’s highest ranking vineyards, Bien Nacido has produced outstanding chardonnays for over twenty years, leading Wine & Spirits magazine to declare it one of the “Top 25 Great Vineyards of the World.” Hand-harvested fruit arrived at the winery with textbook numbers. Whole-cluster pressed, the juice was settled overnight prior to barreling in 60% new French Oak for fermentation. That's a fancy way of saying that the result is rich, complex, and impeccably balanced. Only 392 cases produced.
4 - 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - $35
Selecting fruit primarily from the valley floor near Rutherford, this was complemented with small lots derived from mountain fruit in the upper reaches of the Mayacamas Range. Bottled without any fining or filtration, this wine exhibits a tapestry of robust aromas and flavors, with the Cabernet Sauvignon providing concentration and intensity.Classic styling, richly structured and flavored.
Bring on the steak! Only 534 cases produced.
Dan Kleck is an important winemaker - AND he happens to be one of the nicest guys you can meet.
Stop in - say hello and have him sign a bottle of his wine for you.
Thanks for your support we all appreciate it.
Please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Dominick Symington, Henri Bourgeois, E. Guigal, Ch. Bertineau, Dominus 2002
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
The information is late this week - so we will keep it short -
We have a huge tasting for Friday night - I hope that you can make it.
Quick reminders -
If you are interested in the Chateau Ychem tasting - (that is not a typo) - now is the time to call.
Very limited seating. But you must call - 860-443-9463 and speak to Jim Morrison - only Jim can assign seating.
And if you have interest in the big dinner at the Thames Club - wine dinner, vintage single malt's and Davidoff cigars -
Please contact Jim Morrison - this is the time to reserve seats.
But first I have to mention that we had a visit from one of the most prestigious names in the wine business stopped by to sat hello.
Mr. Dominick Symington - Dominick and his family own or control most of the great Port Houses in the world.
He was able to enjoy lunch, a visit to our cellar, and gave us an invitation to visit the next time we make it to his neighborhood.
Take a look: http://www.symington.com/
Don't forget to make your St. Patrick's Day party a wee bit special with our featured Irish Cheese -
Cashel Irish Blue - $15 lb.
Cashel Blue is a semi-soft blue cows’ milk cheese. It is unique, as it is Ireland’s first farmhouse blue cheese. It is all made on the dairy farm of Jane and Louis Grubb near Cashel in Co. Tipperary Ireland. While some milk is purchased, the majority of the milk comes from the pedigree Friesian dairy herd on the farm. The cheese is made from pasteurised whole milk. It is sold in speciality outlets in the U.K., United States and Ireland, as well as being listed by most of the British Multiples. Much of the cheese is sold young, while it is firm and crumbly, but for a fuller flavour it is best eaten at about three months of age, when it has a softer texture and more mature flavor.
Dubliner Irish Cheddar - $10 lb.
Dubliner Irish Cheese is a unique new cheese type with a distinctive rounded flavour, achieved by combining a secret recipe and the skills of the Master cheese maker. The cheese is typically matured over 12 months during which time it is checked by experienced cheese graders to ensure that it has a consistently high flavor profile. Dubliner is a versatile cheese, suitable for vegetarians, that can be used on a cheese board, in sandwiches and in a range of recipes. Dubliner is particularly delicious as an apéritif cheese served cut into cubes or sliced
BEER TASTING - Thursday Night - NO CHARGE - 5-8 p.m.
We will be joined in the Cellar by Sara Karlavage from the importer of fine wine & beer - Merchard . du. vin
sara will be happy to answer your questions.
Two from Germany
Pinkus Organic Münster Alt -
Alt is the German word for "old" or "ale" and this style is certainly among the earliest. Today, it is a specialty of Westphalia, in Northern Germany. Pale, golden color with excellent, herbaceous aroma, delicate fruit-acid palate, and long dry finish. Cured ham, sweetbreads, lasagna, as an aperitif with a dash of flavored syrup (raspberry, lime or cherry), light breads, croissants, pizza, corn tortillas. Serve in thin, delicate, straight glasses garnished with fresh fruit.
Pinkus Organic Ur Pils -
Bitter, golden pils was developed in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. Like the original, Ur Pils is brewed with organic malt and hops. Pale golden in color; light to medium in body; dry and well-balanced; clean hop and malt character. Trout amandine, fresh salmon, hors d'oeuvres, Quiche Lorraine, Cobb salad, gazpacho, tabouli, garlic and shallot sauces, thick potato chips, fresh strawberries or cherries. Serve in delicate, straight-sided tumblers at 45 degrees.
Two from England
Melbourn Bros. Strawberry
Melbourn Bros. fruit beers are spontaneously fermented. The beers are subtle with a refined flavor and character. 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. It is delicious after a meal with fruit, cheese, or dessert. Serve chilled
Melbourn Bros. Apricot
Some say that beer was introduced to the British Isles by the Vikings around the year 1000. It would be another 550 years before hops were used as a beer seasoning and another 100 years before their use was widespread. Melbourn Bros. has reintroduced really old-fashioned all-malt beers with their spontaneously fermented Apricot. Simply delicious, fresh, satisfying and beautifully balanced. The dryness of this beer complements a meal, yet its fruitiness makes it a great warm weather refresher. Serve chilled.
Wine Tasting Friday March 17th - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
1 - Henri Bourgeois - La Demoiselle De Bourgeois - Pouilly-Fumé 2002 - $24
The last of this great vintage - first come, first served. The most amazing Sauvignon Blanc we have.
This wine has extraordinary depth of character and fruit, resulting from the low yields and old vines.
This is made in France by Henri Bourgeois a tenth generation wine maker The Pouilly-Fume has been made for many years and has special followers all over the world. Made from a strict selection of the best Sauvignon grapes, La Demoiselle is harvested on the Kimmeridgian marls of Saint Laurent l'Abbaye, where the first vines of this AOC were planted.
2 - E. Guigal - Cotes Du Rhone Rosé - $12
What a fabulous way to celebrate the arrival of SPRING.
"The 2003 Cotes du Rhone rose is a serious, dry, medium-bodied rose offering a copper hue along with plenty of framboise, cherry, pepper, and spice box notes." - Robert Parker, Jr. - 88 points.
3 - Chateau Bertineau St-Vincent Lalande-de-Pomerol - 1998 - $24
Has that opulent Pomerol character. Ripe confit fruit, rich texture, grip on the finish.
Delicious - and so much more than the price. Please try it.
4 - Dominus 2002 - rated 96 points by Robert Parker "collector classic" - $102
"...The deep, saturated purple-colored 2002 boasts an extraordinary perfume of roasted coffee intermixed with black currants, cherries, cocoa, cedar, cigar smoke, and leather. A classic, full-bodied palate possesses great structure, tremendous depth, loads of tannin, and a multilayered, concentrated yet elegant finish. It is difficult to predict when this beauty will plateau in terms of maturity"...RP.
First come, first served.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it.
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
The information is late this week - so we will keep it short -
We have a huge tasting for Friday night - I hope that you can make it.
Quick reminders -
If you are interested in the Chateau Ychem tasting - (that is not a typo) - now is the time to call.
Very limited seating. But you must call - 860-443-9463 and speak to Jim Morrison - only Jim can assign seating.
And if you have interest in the big dinner at the Thames Club - wine dinner, vintage single malt's and Davidoff cigars -
Please contact Jim Morrison - this is the time to reserve seats.
But first I have to mention that we had a visit from one of the most prestigious names in the wine business stopped by to sat hello.
Mr. Dominick Symington - Dominick and his family own or control most of the great Port Houses in the world.
He was able to enjoy lunch, a visit to our cellar, and gave us an invitation to visit the next time we make it to his neighborhood.
Take a look: http://www.symington.com/
Don't forget to make your St. Patrick's Day party a wee bit special with our featured Irish Cheese -
Cashel Irish Blue - $15 lb.
Cashel Blue is a semi-soft blue cows’ milk cheese. It is unique, as it is Ireland’s first farmhouse blue cheese. It is all made on the dairy farm of Jane and Louis Grubb near Cashel in Co. Tipperary Ireland. While some milk is purchased, the majority of the milk comes from the pedigree Friesian dairy herd on the farm. The cheese is made from pasteurised whole milk. It is sold in speciality outlets in the U.K., United States and Ireland, as well as being listed by most of the British Multiples. Much of the cheese is sold young, while it is firm and crumbly, but for a fuller flavour it is best eaten at about three months of age, when it has a softer texture and more mature flavor.
Dubliner Irish Cheddar - $10 lb.
Dubliner Irish Cheese is a unique new cheese type with a distinctive rounded flavour, achieved by combining a secret recipe and the skills of the Master cheese maker. The cheese is typically matured over 12 months during which time it is checked by experienced cheese graders to ensure that it has a consistently high flavor profile. Dubliner is a versatile cheese, suitable for vegetarians, that can be used on a cheese board, in sandwiches and in a range of recipes. Dubliner is particularly delicious as an apéritif cheese served cut into cubes or sliced
BEER TASTING - Thursday Night - NO CHARGE - 5-8 p.m.
We will be joined in the Cellar by Sara Karlavage from the importer of fine wine & beer - Merchard . du. vin
sara will be happy to answer your questions.
Two from Germany
Pinkus Organic Münster Alt -
Alt is the German word for "old" or "ale" and this style is certainly among the earliest. Today, it is a specialty of Westphalia, in Northern Germany. Pale, golden color with excellent, herbaceous aroma, delicate fruit-acid palate, and long dry finish. Cured ham, sweetbreads, lasagna, as an aperitif with a dash of flavored syrup (raspberry, lime or cherry), light breads, croissants, pizza, corn tortillas. Serve in thin, delicate, straight glasses garnished with fresh fruit.
Pinkus Organic Ur Pils -
Bitter, golden pils was developed in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. Like the original, Ur Pils is brewed with organic malt and hops. Pale golden in color; light to medium in body; dry and well-balanced; clean hop and malt character. Trout amandine, fresh salmon, hors d'oeuvres, Quiche Lorraine, Cobb salad, gazpacho, tabouli, garlic and shallot sauces, thick potato chips, fresh strawberries or cherries. Serve in delicate, straight-sided tumblers at 45 degrees.
Two from England
Melbourn Bros. Strawberry
Melbourn Bros. fruit beers are spontaneously fermented. The beers are subtle with a refined flavor and character. 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. It is delicious after a meal with fruit, cheese, or dessert. Serve chilled
Melbourn Bros. Apricot
Some say that beer was introduced to the British Isles by the Vikings around the year 1000. It would be another 550 years before hops were used as a beer seasoning and another 100 years before their use was widespread. Melbourn Bros. has reintroduced really old-fashioned all-malt beers with their spontaneously fermented Apricot. Simply delicious, fresh, satisfying and beautifully balanced. The dryness of this beer complements a meal, yet its fruitiness makes it a great warm weather refresher. Serve chilled.
Wine Tasting Friday March 17th - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
1 - Henri Bourgeois - La Demoiselle De Bourgeois - Pouilly-Fumé 2002 - $24
The last of this great vintage - first come, first served. The most amazing Sauvignon Blanc we have.
This wine has extraordinary depth of character and fruit, resulting from the low yields and old vines.
This is made in France by Henri Bourgeois a tenth generation wine maker The Pouilly-Fume has been made for many years and has special followers all over the world. Made from a strict selection of the best Sauvignon grapes, La Demoiselle is harvested on the Kimmeridgian marls of Saint Laurent l'Abbaye, where the first vines of this AOC were planted.
2 - E. Guigal - Cotes Du Rhone Rosé - $12
What a fabulous way to celebrate the arrival of SPRING.
"The 2003 Cotes du Rhone rose is a serious, dry, medium-bodied rose offering a copper hue along with plenty of framboise, cherry, pepper, and spice box notes." - Robert Parker, Jr. - 88 points.
3 - Chateau Bertineau St-Vincent Lalande-de-Pomerol - 1998 - $24
Has that opulent Pomerol character. Ripe confit fruit, rich texture, grip on the finish.
Delicious - and so much more than the price. Please try it.
4 - Dominus 2002 - rated 96 points by Robert Parker "collector classic" - $102
"...The deep, saturated purple-colored 2002 boasts an extraordinary perfume of roasted coffee intermixed with black currants, cherries, cocoa, cedar, cigar smoke, and leather. A classic, full-bodied palate possesses great structure, tremendous depth, loads of tannin, and a multilayered, concentrated yet elegant finish. It is difficult to predict when this beauty will plateau in terms of maturity"...RP.
First come, first served.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Illy Coffee, Harpoon Beer, Kermit Lynch, Bracco Pinot Grigio, Barossa Shiraz, Trefethen, Beckman Cabernet
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
BRIE & BLEU -
How many times have you asked yourself - "Why don't they serve coffee here?"
How many times have we heard people ask "Why don't you serve coffee here"?
Well, enough is enough - we took our time to get it right - and now we offer ILLY COFFEE.
The familiar red logo and shiny silver can seen all over europe will now shine in New London too.
We will serve it and sell it for your use at home too.
The coffee connoisseur's coffee.
Once you've tasted illy, you'll understand why it's the overwhelming favorite of coffee, wine and food enthusiasts who appreciate fine dining and home entertaining. You'll also see why illy is the #1 choice of celebrated chefs, culinary experts, and restaurateurs all over the world. Rich, smooth, balanced and never bitter—cup after cup, illy provides the same consistent and distinctive taste whether it's prepared in a fine restaurant or right in your home.
Authentic Italian espresso & coffee from the world's leading coffee authority.
illy is known throughout the world as the coffee of choice for people who know and love coffee. That's because illy has spent nearly 70 years perfecting the espresso coffee process to bring you the most satisfying coffee experience. illy's dedication to quality and excellence is a family passion that has spanned three generations. What Francesco illy began in Trieste, Italy in 1933, when he set out to produce the world's finest coffee, continues to this day under the expert guidance of his son, Dr. Ernesto Illy, and grandson, Andrea Illy. Combining authentic Italian tradition with advanced science and technology, illy has earned its reputation as the world's leading coffee authority.
ALSO - If you are planning a St. Paddy's day party consider these great Irish Cheeses:
Cashel Irish Blue - $15 lb.
Cashel Blue is a semi-soft blue cows’ milk cheese. It is unique, as it is Ireland’s first farmhouse blue cheese. It is all made on the dairy farm of Jane and Louis Grubb near Cashel in Co. Tipperary Ireland. While some milk is purchased, the majority of the milk comes from the pedigree Friesian dairy herd on the farm. The cheese is made from pasteurised whole milk. It is sold in speciality outlets in the U.K., United States and Ireland, as well as being listed by most of the British Multiples. Much of the cheese is sold young, while it is firm and crumbly, but for a fuller flavour it is best eaten at about three months of age, when it has a softer texture and more mature flavor.
Dubliner Irish Cheddar - $10 lb.
Dubliner Irish Cheese is a unique new cheese type with a distinctive rounded flavour, achieved by combining a secret recipe and the skills of the Master cheese maker. The cheese is typically matured over 12 months during which time it is checked by experienced cheese graders to ensure that it has a consistently high flavor profile. Dubliner is a versatile cheese, suitable for vegetarians, that can be used on a cheese board, in sandwiches and in a range of recipes. Dubliner is particularly delicious as an apéritif cheese served cut into cubes or sliced.
NEXT -
This Tuesday we will be On Location at The Harvard Club in New York City -
We have been invited to a tasting of the Kermit Lynch wine portfolio and what better setting than the venerable Harvard Club.
In 1972 he opened a retail wine shop and later began importing and distributing nationally. He has been named Wine Professional of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, and the French government presented him a medal and named him Chevalier de l'Ordre de Mérite Agricole.
His book Adventures on the Wine Route, won the Veuve Clicquot Wine Book of the Year award. He knows wine.
We will be serving some of his wine on Wednesday night at our French dinner.
Then on Tuesday night we will be back in New London to host the first of the Comfort Foood dinners for March. Remember that March is the last of the series. Check the calendar of events for more details - but don't wait to call for reservations - they go quickly.
ALSO - Lots of new items on the favorites list - take a look. Here is just one of the new listings:
We just received a very limited supply of Tesseron Cognac - Lot 29.
Rated a perfect 100 points by Robert Parker -
He said: "This is about as ethereal a Cognac as anyone could ever hope to drink."
French law prohibits a vintage date to be used but this extremely hard to find "elixer" is from 1929. - First come, first served.
THURSDAY MARCH 9 - BEER TASTING - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
This week the President of our Beer Division - George Whitehouse discovered that he may be related in some fashion to famed Trefethen winemaker - David Whitehouse Jr. - Until the tests come back to confirm this - and trust me - it was not easy getting the samples from David to send to the lab - George will be in the cellar hosting our tasting as usual. Among the beers being sampled will be beer from Harpoon Brewing.
And there will be a representative from Harpoon handing out the swag and filling your glasses.
FRIDAY MARCH 10 - Wine Tasting - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Bracco Pinot Grigio - $12
WAIT - before you dismiss this wine as just another hollywood tax avoidance scheme - Who knew HBO's Soprano's star Lorraine Bracco knew wine? This Pinot Grigio is exactly what the wine is supposed to be - great with food - tangy, rich, lightly fruity making it perfect for parties or for sipping in front of the new season's shows. Delicioso!
2 - Barossa Valley Shiraz - $12
Vivid and youthful. Sweet smoky aromas with a subtle background of blackcurrant fruit. Integrated cedar oak sweetness and fresh acidity give this wine structure and balance. The Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz marries superbly with veal and lamb stews.
3 - Trefethen TT (double T) Red - $18 - http://www.trefethen.com/
Some of you got to say hello to Trefethen winemaker David Whitehouse Jr. when he appeared as a guest on our weekly show last Tuesday.
His 1976 Chardonnay was ranked "Best in the World" at the World Wine Olympics held in Paris. This was just the beginning for this Massachusetts native who had worked with Robert Mondavi and Callaway before settling into his tenure at Trefethen. The Double T is a whole lot of wine - well balanced and a very supple texture. The backbone of this wine is Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc and Malbec bring both softness and floral fruit components, Petit Verdot adds intense color and structure, while Merlot adds lively spice and herbal character. Aged in French and American oak for one year, this is a lovely Bistro-style wine - please try it.
4 - Beckman Cabernet - $24 - http://www.beckmenvineyards.com/
Founded in 1994 by Judy and Tom Beckmen, Beckmen Vineyards is a family-run, estate-grown winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since its inception, Beckmen Vineyards has evolved through a harmonious marriage of insight and inspiration to become one of North America's premier producers of estate Rhône varietals. They were awed and inspired by a perfect convergence of soil, microclimate, wind and sun.This land would soon become Purisima Mountain Vineyard, possessing all of the necessary elements to produce world-class Rhône varietals. With elevations reaching 1250 feet, the initial planting and farming of Purisima Mountain Vineyard represented one of the most ambitious hillside vineyard endeavors in the history of the Santa Ynez Valley. The nose of this wine is bottomless with aromas of jammy black cherry, earth, and chocolate. Flavors start off big and complex with currant and cherry, backed up by a dense chewy core of bittersweet chocolate, following up with a seductively long finish.
Thanks so much for your support - we appreciate it.
And for all of the calls and email - we love to hear from you.
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
BRIE & BLEU -
How many times have you asked yourself - "Why don't they serve coffee here?"
How many times have we heard people ask "Why don't you serve coffee here"?
Well, enough is enough - we took our time to get it right - and now we offer ILLY COFFEE.
The familiar red logo and shiny silver can seen all over europe will now shine in New London too.
We will serve it and sell it for your use at home too.
The coffee connoisseur's coffee.
Once you've tasted illy, you'll understand why it's the overwhelming favorite of coffee, wine and food enthusiasts who appreciate fine dining and home entertaining. You'll also see why illy is the #1 choice of celebrated chefs, culinary experts, and restaurateurs all over the world. Rich, smooth, balanced and never bitter—cup after cup, illy provides the same consistent and distinctive taste whether it's prepared in a fine restaurant or right in your home.
Authentic Italian espresso & coffee from the world's leading coffee authority.
illy is known throughout the world as the coffee of choice for people who know and love coffee. That's because illy has spent nearly 70 years perfecting the espresso coffee process to bring you the most satisfying coffee experience. illy's dedication to quality and excellence is a family passion that has spanned three generations. What Francesco illy began in Trieste, Italy in 1933, when he set out to produce the world's finest coffee, continues to this day under the expert guidance of his son, Dr. Ernesto Illy, and grandson, Andrea Illy. Combining authentic Italian tradition with advanced science and technology, illy has earned its reputation as the world's leading coffee authority.
ALSO - If you are planning a St. Paddy's day party consider these great Irish Cheeses:
Cashel Irish Blue - $15 lb.
Cashel Blue is a semi-soft blue cows’ milk cheese. It is unique, as it is Ireland’s first farmhouse blue cheese. It is all made on the dairy farm of Jane and Louis Grubb near Cashel in Co. Tipperary Ireland. While some milk is purchased, the majority of the milk comes from the pedigree Friesian dairy herd on the farm. The cheese is made from pasteurised whole milk. It is sold in speciality outlets in the U.K., United States and Ireland, as well as being listed by most of the British Multiples. Much of the cheese is sold young, while it is firm and crumbly, but for a fuller flavour it is best eaten at about three months of age, when it has a softer texture and more mature flavor.
Dubliner Irish Cheddar - $10 lb.
Dubliner Irish Cheese is a unique new cheese type with a distinctive rounded flavour, achieved by combining a secret recipe and the skills of the Master cheese maker. The cheese is typically matured over 12 months during which time it is checked by experienced cheese graders to ensure that it has a consistently high flavor profile. Dubliner is a versatile cheese, suitable for vegetarians, that can be used on a cheese board, in sandwiches and in a range of recipes. Dubliner is particularly delicious as an apéritif cheese served cut into cubes or sliced.
NEXT -
This Tuesday we will be On Location at The Harvard Club in New York City -
We have been invited to a tasting of the Kermit Lynch wine portfolio and what better setting than the venerable Harvard Club.
In 1972 he opened a retail wine shop and later began importing and distributing nationally. He has been named Wine Professional of the Year by the James Beard Foundation, and the French government presented him a medal and named him Chevalier de l'Ordre de Mérite Agricole.
His book Adventures on the Wine Route, won the Veuve Clicquot Wine Book of the Year award. He knows wine.
We will be serving some of his wine on Wednesday night at our French dinner.
Then on Tuesday night we will be back in New London to host the first of the Comfort Foood dinners for March. Remember that March is the last of the series. Check the calendar of events for more details - but don't wait to call for reservations - they go quickly.
ALSO - Lots of new items on the favorites list - take a look. Here is just one of the new listings:
We just received a very limited supply of Tesseron Cognac - Lot 29.
Rated a perfect 100 points by Robert Parker -
He said: "This is about as ethereal a Cognac as anyone could ever hope to drink."
French law prohibits a vintage date to be used but this extremely hard to find "elixer" is from 1929. - First come, first served.
THURSDAY MARCH 9 - BEER TASTING - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
This week the President of our Beer Division - George Whitehouse discovered that he may be related in some fashion to famed Trefethen winemaker - David Whitehouse Jr. - Until the tests come back to confirm this - and trust me - it was not easy getting the samples from David to send to the lab - George will be in the cellar hosting our tasting as usual. Among the beers being sampled will be beer from Harpoon Brewing.
And there will be a representative from Harpoon handing out the swag and filling your glasses.
FRIDAY MARCH 10 - Wine Tasting - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Bracco Pinot Grigio - $12
WAIT - before you dismiss this wine as just another hollywood tax avoidance scheme - Who knew HBO's Soprano's star Lorraine Bracco knew wine? This Pinot Grigio is exactly what the wine is supposed to be - great with food - tangy, rich, lightly fruity making it perfect for parties or for sipping in front of the new season's shows. Delicioso!
2 - Barossa Valley Shiraz - $12
Vivid and youthful. Sweet smoky aromas with a subtle background of blackcurrant fruit. Integrated cedar oak sweetness and fresh acidity give this wine structure and balance. The Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz marries superbly with veal and lamb stews.
3 - Trefethen TT (double T) Red - $18 - http://www.trefethen.com/
Some of you got to say hello to Trefethen winemaker David Whitehouse Jr. when he appeared as a guest on our weekly show last Tuesday.
His 1976 Chardonnay was ranked "Best in the World" at the World Wine Olympics held in Paris. This was just the beginning for this Massachusetts native who had worked with Robert Mondavi and Callaway before settling into his tenure at Trefethen. The Double T is a whole lot of wine - well balanced and a very supple texture. The backbone of this wine is Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc and Malbec bring both softness and floral fruit components, Petit Verdot adds intense color and structure, while Merlot adds lively spice and herbal character. Aged in French and American oak for one year, this is a lovely Bistro-style wine - please try it.
4 - Beckman Cabernet - $24 - http://www.beckmenvineyards.com/
Founded in 1994 by Judy and Tom Beckmen, Beckmen Vineyards is a family-run, estate-grown winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since its inception, Beckmen Vineyards has evolved through a harmonious marriage of insight and inspiration to become one of North America's premier producers of estate Rhône varietals. They were awed and inspired by a perfect convergence of soil, microclimate, wind and sun.This land would soon become Purisima Mountain Vineyard, possessing all of the necessary elements to produce world-class Rhône varietals. With elevations reaching 1250 feet, the initial planting and farming of Purisima Mountain Vineyard represented one of the most ambitious hillside vineyard endeavors in the history of the Santa Ynez Valley. The nose of this wine is bottomless with aromas of jammy black cherry, earth, and chocolate. Flavors start off big and complex with currant and cherry, backed up by a dense chewy core of bittersweet chocolate, following up with a seductively long finish.
Thanks so much for your support - we appreciate it.
And for all of the calls and email - we love to hear from you.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Beaucastel Visit, Uitkyk, JP Pastich, Château Villerambert-Julien
Well what can I tell you - the trip to Chateau Beaucastel was about as good as it gets -
Marc Perrin is as gracious a host as one could hope for.
It all culminated with what I am calling the Dinner of the Century.
Because our news is late this week, I will keep the comments brief. We did manage to record another show while we were there and of course we have lots of photos and tasting notes that will be the focus of a separate report.
The private dining room at Beaucastel is dramatic - not just because of the high ceilings and the century old beams that crisscross overhead - but at one end of the room a wall of glass looks down into the main barrel aging rooms - it is a holy place.
Their Michelin rated chef - Laurent - prepared a tasting menu that we will outline in detail including all of the wines that were served on our website. And there was surprise after surprise too - for example the 1954 Nuits St. George - Or the 1970 Chateau Beaucastel - or the 2001 Homage de Jacques Perrin - it went on for hours.
It was a great privilege to be invited to Beaucastel. And while we were there one topic came up a few times.
Marc Perrin - 5th generation wine maker - a man that travels and visits with people world wide - talked about our customers and about our unique store. "You have something quite special there" he said.
Thank you one and all for helping to create an atmosphere that is so memorable.
THIS WEEK:
Beer Tasting - This Thursday March 2 - 5-8 pm - No Charge
Last week the Grimbergen was not delivered in time for the tasting - very sorry about that - but it was out of our control.
SO - we will pour it this week
1 - Grimbergen Dubbel - http://www.grimbergenbier.be/
Grimbergen is the name of a group of Belgian beers first brewed in 1128 at the abbey that Saint Norbert built for the Norbertine monks in Grimbergen. They became famous for providing hospitality and their home-brewed beer to visitors, and handed down the recipe over the centuries.
It is not easy to find this beer, give it a try right here on Thursday night.
2 - Grimbergen Blonde
ALSO - The Blonde abbey ale from Belgium, with a subtle malty sweetness and good hop balance.
3 - Southampton Secret Ale
Their special secret Alt beer, a copper-brown colored north German ale with a malty flavor and a refreshing hop bitterness.
BRONZE MEDAL WINNER at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival.
4 - Pete's Wicked Wanderlust Cream Ale
Pete’s winter seasonal Wanderlust Cream Ale, is a velvety smooth brew offering endless fascination. Pete’s Wicked Wanderlust Cream Ale is a light amber brew with a rhapsody of Cluster hops and select Munich and wheat malts. The rich, creamy taste invites you on a journey of wonderment and intrigue. Sit back. Enjoy the ride.
Please Join Us
Wine Tasting This Friday March 3 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge
1 - Uitkyk Savignon Blanc - Pronounced "Ate-Cake". - $10 - South Africa
The farm Uitkyk, situated on the south-western slopes of the Simonsberg, was established in 1712. The estate’s neo-classical manor house, completed in 1788, is thought to be the work of the French architect Louis Michel Thibault, who was active at the Cape at the end of the 18th century. Pale straw color with a slightly green tint. Herbaceous flavours, green pepper and fig leaves. Lively, smooth ripe melon fruit and tropical flavours on the palate. Long finish. Great with seafood, poultry or cold cuts - we sell a lot of this wine because it is delicious with food.
2 - Joseph Phelps 2001 California "Pastich - $12 - http://www.jpvwines.com/
This dark-garnet wine, described by the winery as "inspired by the rich diversity of flavors from the Rhone Valley," A whiff of sweet leather and gentle tannins add notes of "Old World" complexity in a structured, balanced California wine that's distinctively "Rhone-style." Primarily a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah, with smaller portions of assorted other varieties. A natural match with thick pork-chops pan-braised with Vidalia onions and a bit of Dijon mustard in the sauce.
3 - Château Villerambert-Julien - $18 - http://www.villerambert-julien.com/
This wine is the result and the reflection of all the very best plots of land on the property. Harvested with a very low yield, it allows the wine to express perfectly the magnificent potential of the Syrah and the Grenache. Its complexity and its length in the mouth, its silky tannins, its density and its aromatic concentration place it firmly amongst the great wines of the Languedoc.
4 -Don Melchor - 2002 - $45 - RATED #4 in the TOP 100 for 2005 - http://www.conchaytoro.com/
It is no secret that we love this wine. We have been on this band wagon for a long time - and that is why we are able to get it.
This is a sophisticated and luscious red. When first poured, it’s fresh and full of blackberry and raspberry aromas, then the spice and mineral tones get deeper as the wine gains texture and brightness. Sweet and juicy with crisp acidity, this is a brilliant Don Melchor, and one of the best Chilean wines from 2002. Please take the time to try it for yourself.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Marc Perrin is as gracious a host as one could hope for.
It all culminated with what I am calling the Dinner of the Century.
Because our news is late this week, I will keep the comments brief. We did manage to record another show while we were there and of course we have lots of photos and tasting notes that will be the focus of a separate report.
The private dining room at Beaucastel is dramatic - not just because of the high ceilings and the century old beams that crisscross overhead - but at one end of the room a wall of glass looks down into the main barrel aging rooms - it is a holy place.
Their Michelin rated chef - Laurent - prepared a tasting menu that we will outline in detail including all of the wines that were served on our website. And there was surprise after surprise too - for example the 1954 Nuits St. George - Or the 1970 Chateau Beaucastel - or the 2001 Homage de Jacques Perrin - it went on for hours.
It was a great privilege to be invited to Beaucastel. And while we were there one topic came up a few times.
Marc Perrin - 5th generation wine maker - a man that travels and visits with people world wide - talked about our customers and about our unique store. "You have something quite special there" he said.
Thank you one and all for helping to create an atmosphere that is so memorable.
THIS WEEK:
Beer Tasting - This Thursday March 2 - 5-8 pm - No Charge
Last week the Grimbergen was not delivered in time for the tasting - very sorry about that - but it was out of our control.
SO - we will pour it this week
1 - Grimbergen Dubbel - http://www.grimbergenbier.be/
Grimbergen is the name of a group of Belgian beers first brewed in 1128 at the abbey that Saint Norbert built for the Norbertine monks in Grimbergen. They became famous for providing hospitality and their home-brewed beer to visitors, and handed down the recipe over the centuries.
It is not easy to find this beer, give it a try right here on Thursday night.
2 - Grimbergen Blonde
ALSO - The Blonde abbey ale from Belgium, with a subtle malty sweetness and good hop balance.
3 - Southampton Secret Ale
Their special secret Alt beer, a copper-brown colored north German ale with a malty flavor and a refreshing hop bitterness.
BRONZE MEDAL WINNER at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival.
4 - Pete's Wicked Wanderlust Cream Ale
Pete’s winter seasonal Wanderlust Cream Ale, is a velvety smooth brew offering endless fascination. Pete’s Wicked Wanderlust Cream Ale is a light amber brew with a rhapsody of Cluster hops and select Munich and wheat malts. The rich, creamy taste invites you on a journey of wonderment and intrigue. Sit back. Enjoy the ride.
Please Join Us
Wine Tasting This Friday March 3 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge
1 - Uitkyk Savignon Blanc - Pronounced "Ate-Cake". - $10 - South Africa
The farm Uitkyk, situated on the south-western slopes of the Simonsberg, was established in 1712. The estate’s neo-classical manor house, completed in 1788, is thought to be the work of the French architect Louis Michel Thibault, who was active at the Cape at the end of the 18th century. Pale straw color with a slightly green tint. Herbaceous flavours, green pepper and fig leaves. Lively, smooth ripe melon fruit and tropical flavours on the palate. Long finish. Great with seafood, poultry or cold cuts - we sell a lot of this wine because it is delicious with food.
2 - Joseph Phelps 2001 California "Pastich - $12 - http://www.jpvwines.com/
This dark-garnet wine, described by the winery as "inspired by the rich diversity of flavors from the Rhone Valley," A whiff of sweet leather and gentle tannins add notes of "Old World" complexity in a structured, balanced California wine that's distinctively "Rhone-style." Primarily a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah, with smaller portions of assorted other varieties. A natural match with thick pork-chops pan-braised with Vidalia onions and a bit of Dijon mustard in the sauce.
3 - Château Villerambert-Julien - $18 - http://www.villerambert-julien.com/
This wine is the result and the reflection of all the very best plots of land on the property. Harvested with a very low yield, it allows the wine to express perfectly the magnificent potential of the Syrah and the Grenache. Its complexity and its length in the mouth, its silky tannins, its density and its aromatic concentration place it firmly amongst the great wines of the Languedoc.
4 -Don Melchor - 2002 - $45 - RATED #4 in the TOP 100 for 2005 - http://www.conchaytoro.com/
It is no secret that we love this wine. We have been on this band wagon for a long time - and that is why we are able to get it.
This is a sophisticated and luscious red. When first poured, it’s fresh and full of blackberry and raspberry aromas, then the spice and mineral tones get deeper as the wine gains texture and brightness. Sweet and juicy with crisp acidity, this is a brilliant Don Melchor, and one of the best Chilean wines from 2002. Please take the time to try it for yourself.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Beaucastel, Louis Latour, Montecillo Rioja, Raymond vineyards, Twomey Cellars,
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 State Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street
Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Brie & Bleu: http://brieandbleu.com/
We have an interesting week ahead of us.
An actual visit to one of the world's great Chateau's - but more about that in a minute.
First I would like to thank everyone that attended our Moroccan "Fete" last Wednesday.
The table was full of great stories and anecdotes from those that have traveled to the casbah-
and for those that dressed the part - ENSHALA -
Thanks for making it so much fun.
The responce to our new chocolate department has been nothing less that amazing -
If you missed it we are currently showcasing the handcrafted chocolate of Cocoa Vino.
Featured in the national press we have the entire line available for you to taste - and we have matched them with wines and the biggest suprise of the moment - WHITE PORT. This is not something new - White Port has been served forever in europe and we have been tasting people on it along with the chocolate all week long at Brie & Bleu. It is difficult to express how delicious these two things are together.
Normally this experience is not available - "over the counter". - Read more about it on our calendar of events page.
A quick note about the March lineup of Wednesday Dinners - 3/1 - Italian, 3/8 - French, 3/15 - Spanish, 3/22 - Pan Asian, 3/29 - Chilean.
Watch the Calendar of events for the full list and details as well as information about the Tuesday night Dinners.
NOW - Some of you may recall that we recently had Marc Perrin of the legendary Chateau Beaucastel as a guest on our weekly radio show.
He spoke with great passion about his wine and France - and he kept pouring wine.
Well, you know how that goes....after two or three bottles of wine - we were his best friends in America - we laughed, we cried, we hugged - and certain promises were made: (imagine the wonderful accent)
"You must come to visit my Chateau - it is black truffle season"
"Our chef is Magnifiqué! - You must try our cuisineeeeeene"
The only mistake that he made - was not knowing that we would take him up on his offer!
So - as the wine flows this Friday night in our cellar - we will be On Location in his cellar.
A full report and a new show recorded at Beaucastel upon our return - next week's email might be a day late.
GOT BEER? - Beer Tasting - Thursday 5-8 p.m. - No Charge - Please Join Us
1 - Czech Rebel - http://www.rebelbeer.com/
Rebel Beer is a Pilsner style beer produced in the beautiful East Bohemian town of Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic, approximately 65 miles southeast of the famous city of Prague, by the "Mestansky Pivovar" ("Municipal Brewery") of the town. With a classic Pilsner taste this is a very drinkable beer.
2 - Monty Python Holy Grail Ale - http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/
Another fine addition to the Black Sheep Brewery range of premium bottled ales, the Holy Grail Bitter was specially commissioned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Monty Python. It has a distinctive taste with plenty of fruity hops, and is full flavoured with a dry and refreshing bitterness.
3 - Grimbergen Dubbel - http://www.grimbergenbier.be/
Grimbergen is the name of a group of Belgian beers first brewed in 1128 at the abbey that Saint Norbert built for the Norbertine monks in Grimbergen. They became famous for providing hospitality and their home-brewed beer to visitors, and handed down the recipe over the centuries. It is not easy to find this beer, give it a try right here on Thursday night - or on draft at the Oasis Pub in New London.
4 - Cassissona - Italian Black Currant Ale - http://www.birrificio.it/ENGLISH/default.htm
Exuberant, effervescent, sweet Cassissona, the beer with a punch, has a rich, complex fruity aroma - primarily black currant - besides other innovative and intense flavors and scents. It was designed for several very special situations, and is best when served with fruit desserts or - another valid alternative - savory cheeses. A certain "winy" flavor makes it perfect for "Cantucci" cookies from Siena, for instance.
WINE TASTING - Friday February 24 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
Please Join Us
1 - Chateau Louis Latour - Pernand-Vergelesses - White Burgundy - $20
The village of Pernand-Vergelesses is situated only 3 kilometres from Aloxe-Corton and is one of the most picturesque if least well known of all Burgundian villages overlooked by the magnificent Grand Cru hill of Corton.The wine itself is very fruity; apple, hay and peach with a touch of mint.
There is a lot of wine making skill in this bottle - and for the price, it stands alone.
2 - Montecillo Rioja Crianza - $10 - http://www.wjdeutsch.com/wineportfolio/montecillo/winery.asp
This says, "Hola Rioja," to me - From Spain's Rioja region; specifically Rioja Alta - Moderate ruby in color with a garnet rim.
Full scents of red cherry, red currant, and peppery spice; coupled with some earthiness for good measure.
In the mouth it's medium-bodied & finds a nice balance of tannin, fruitiness, and acidity. Ideal to accompany cheeses, especially creamy and medium-sharp. Fantastico with fish such as salmon, tuna, etc., particularly those prepared on the grill.
3 - Raymond 2003 "R" series Merlot - $12 - http://www.raymondvineyards.com/
This is a big fruit-forward, well-structured Merlot. The nose is full of black fruits, blackberry and dark cherry with nutmeg, hickory smoke and dried herbs. It fills the mouth with the flavors of just-picked blackberries, ripe cherries and blueberries, mingled with spices, black pepper and toasted oak. A silken texture and light finish gives this wine a very satisfying finish.
4 - Twomey 2000 Merlot $68 - http://www.twomeycellars.com/
Twomey Cellars originates in a single Napa Valley vineyard, the Soda Canyon Ranch, where Merlot grows with such extraordinary complexity that it calls for a wine of its own. To showcase the brilliance and balance of these grapes, winemaker Daniel Baron and the owners of the vineyard, Ray Duncan and his family, incorporate the Old World, labor-intensive approach used by classified growths in Bordeaux
The wine has intricately woven flavors and exquisite balance. The 2000 Twomey Cellars Merlot captures the best qualities of the Soda Canyon Ranch. This wine has a dark ruby color and a complex nose of black cherry jam, dark chocolate, and roasting coffee.
Its rich expression of luscious fruit extends through a lingering, elegant finish. Yummy. Please try it.
Please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions - and your support. We appreciate it.
Please say hello the next time your in the store.
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 State Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street
Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Brie & Bleu: http://brieandbleu.com/
We have an interesting week ahead of us.
An actual visit to one of the world's great Chateau's - but more about that in a minute.
First I would like to thank everyone that attended our Moroccan "Fete" last Wednesday.
The table was full of great stories and anecdotes from those that have traveled to the casbah-
and for those that dressed the part - ENSHALA -
Thanks for making it so much fun.
The responce to our new chocolate department has been nothing less that amazing -
If you missed it we are currently showcasing the handcrafted chocolate of Cocoa Vino.
Featured in the national press we have the entire line available for you to taste - and we have matched them with wines and the biggest suprise of the moment - WHITE PORT. This is not something new - White Port has been served forever in europe and we have been tasting people on it along with the chocolate all week long at Brie & Bleu. It is difficult to express how delicious these two things are together.
Normally this experience is not available - "over the counter". - Read more about it on our calendar of events page.
A quick note about the March lineup of Wednesday Dinners - 3/1 - Italian, 3/8 - French, 3/15 - Spanish, 3/22 - Pan Asian, 3/29 - Chilean.
Watch the Calendar of events for the full list and details as well as information about the Tuesday night Dinners.
NOW - Some of you may recall that we recently had Marc Perrin of the legendary Chateau Beaucastel as a guest on our weekly radio show.
He spoke with great passion about his wine and France - and he kept pouring wine.
Well, you know how that goes....after two or three bottles of wine - we were his best friends in America - we laughed, we cried, we hugged - and certain promises were made: (imagine the wonderful accent)
"You must come to visit my Chateau - it is black truffle season"
"Our chef is Magnifiqué! - You must try our cuisineeeeeene"
The only mistake that he made - was not knowing that we would take him up on his offer!
So - as the wine flows this Friday night in our cellar - we will be On Location in his cellar.
A full report and a new show recorded at Beaucastel upon our return - next week's email might be a day late.
GOT BEER? - Beer Tasting - Thursday 5-8 p.m. - No Charge - Please Join Us
1 - Czech Rebel - http://www.rebelbeer.com/
Rebel Beer is a Pilsner style beer produced in the beautiful East Bohemian town of Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic, approximately 65 miles southeast of the famous city of Prague, by the "Mestansky Pivovar" ("Municipal Brewery") of the town. With a classic Pilsner taste this is a very drinkable beer.
2 - Monty Python Holy Grail Ale - http://www.blacksheepbrewery.com/
Another fine addition to the Black Sheep Brewery range of premium bottled ales, the Holy Grail Bitter was specially commissioned to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Monty Python. It has a distinctive taste with plenty of fruity hops, and is full flavoured with a dry and refreshing bitterness.
3 - Grimbergen Dubbel - http://www.grimbergenbier.be/
Grimbergen is the name of a group of Belgian beers first brewed in 1128 at the abbey that Saint Norbert built for the Norbertine monks in Grimbergen. They became famous for providing hospitality and their home-brewed beer to visitors, and handed down the recipe over the centuries. It is not easy to find this beer, give it a try right here on Thursday night - or on draft at the Oasis Pub in New London.
4 - Cassissona - Italian Black Currant Ale - http://www.birrificio.it/ENGLISH/default.htm
Exuberant, effervescent, sweet Cassissona, the beer with a punch, has a rich, complex fruity aroma - primarily black currant - besides other innovative and intense flavors and scents. It was designed for several very special situations, and is best when served with fruit desserts or - another valid alternative - savory cheeses. A certain "winy" flavor makes it perfect for "Cantucci" cookies from Siena, for instance.
WINE TASTING - Friday February 24 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
Please Join Us
1 - Chateau Louis Latour - Pernand-Vergelesses - White Burgundy - $20
The village of Pernand-Vergelesses is situated only 3 kilometres from Aloxe-Corton and is one of the most picturesque if least well known of all Burgundian villages overlooked by the magnificent Grand Cru hill of Corton.The wine itself is very fruity; apple, hay and peach with a touch of mint.
There is a lot of wine making skill in this bottle - and for the price, it stands alone.
2 - Montecillo Rioja Crianza - $10 - http://www.wjdeutsch.com/wineportfolio/montecillo/winery.asp
This says, "Hola Rioja," to me - From Spain's Rioja region; specifically Rioja Alta - Moderate ruby in color with a garnet rim.
Full scents of red cherry, red currant, and peppery spice; coupled with some earthiness for good measure.
In the mouth it's medium-bodied & finds a nice balance of tannin, fruitiness, and acidity. Ideal to accompany cheeses, especially creamy and medium-sharp. Fantastico with fish such as salmon, tuna, etc., particularly those prepared on the grill.
3 - Raymond 2003 "R" series Merlot - $12 - http://www.raymondvineyards.com/
This is a big fruit-forward, well-structured Merlot. The nose is full of black fruits, blackberry and dark cherry with nutmeg, hickory smoke and dried herbs. It fills the mouth with the flavors of just-picked blackberries, ripe cherries and blueberries, mingled with spices, black pepper and toasted oak. A silken texture and light finish gives this wine a very satisfying finish.
4 - Twomey 2000 Merlot $68 - http://www.twomeycellars.com/
Twomey Cellars originates in a single Napa Valley vineyard, the Soda Canyon Ranch, where Merlot grows with such extraordinary complexity that it calls for a wine of its own. To showcase the brilliance and balance of these grapes, winemaker Daniel Baron and the owners of the vineyard, Ray Duncan and his family, incorporate the Old World, labor-intensive approach used by classified growths in Bordeaux
The wine has intricately woven flavors and exquisite balance. The 2000 Twomey Cellars Merlot captures the best qualities of the Soda Canyon Ranch. This wine has a dark ruby color and a complex nose of black cherry jam, dark chocolate, and roasting coffee.
Its rich expression of luscious fruit extends through a lingering, elegant finish. Yummy. Please try it.
Please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions - and your support. We appreciate it.
Please say hello the next time your in the store.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Cocoa Vino, Adelsheim, Babcock Fathom, Lietz Dragonstone, Domaine De Nizas
Greetings and an early Happy Valentine's Day 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
Brie & Bleu: http://brieandbleu.com/
PodCast: http://thamesriverradio.com/
First - For everyone that likes good Chocolate - the wait is over.
A gleaming new confectioners case is now in place at Brie & Bleu.
The artisanal confections from Cocoa Vino fill the shelves.
You may have read about this in the New York Times or in Food & Wine magazine among others.
Made with organic ingredients and some with fair trade-certified chocolate these are dreamy delights that you must try.
The samples are ready for you - don't be shy - try a couple.
And we will be announcing our chocolate tastings AND chocolate and wine tastings in the extremely near future.
This is special - give it a try. Read more on our events page - http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Speaking of chocolate - if you have waited until the last minute to remember your Valentine -
Thames River Greenery can still make you look good - give us a call.
http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
On Saturday - you may have seen a movie being shot in our cellar - there is always something going on - we will keep you posted for the premier.
A whole new list of dinners, events, and surprises is about to show up on the calendar of events - please check it often.
Well if you happened to be having lunch at Brie & Bleu this past Thursday you may have seen us doing our weekly Internet Radio Show.
The guest was Michael Adelsheim - he was sitting there at the table drinking wine with us just as big as life.
Adelsheim wines are limited production show stoppers - they are a house favorite.
We talked about the restaurant scene in Oregon. We talked about his interest in music. We talked about his favorite recipes and foods. Oh yeah, we talked about his award winning wines too. Michael is a cool "kat" - and when he extended his invitation to "hang out a little" the next time we make it out to Oregon - I know that he ment it. Take a look - http://www.adelsheim.com/
Michael is 1st row - right in the middle.
Remember you are always welcome to be part of our "studio" audience - our shows are every week at Brie & Bleu - first come, first served.
GOT BEER?
Beer Tasting - Thursday February 16th - 5 - 8 p.m. - No Charg
WINE TASTING - Friday February 17 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 -Babcock Fathom - $35 - http://www.babcockwinery.com/ourwines.html
One of California's brightest stars in the field of winemaking is Bryan Babcock. Not only was Bryan selected by the Los Angeles Times as one of the "Ten Best Winemakers of the Year", he was also named by this influential daily as "Most Courageous Winemaker of the Year" for his daring style. Since 1984 Bryan has been producing wines of exceptional quality from his family owned winery located on the far western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. You will not find this wine in the bigger stores - it is a handcrafted work of art. Try it and see what skill and patience can do.
2 -Lietz Dragonstone - $15 - http://www.skurnikwines.com/
Robert Parker rates this at 89 points -
Praised as "the greatest riesling value anywhere" this wine has been a steal for the past five vintages and this is no exception. This most perfect of summer wines is already sold out at the winery, and this gem will be gone from our shelves soon. Johannes Leitz is a man concerned with value and making a wine people can afford to drink that is delicious and yet still speaks of his village and the great vineyards on the hill of Rudesheim. The 2003 Dragonstone is rippling with zingy grapefruit and current aromas with a haunting wiff of spice. It is a bit richer this year due to the warm growing season, but still refreshing and lively on the palate with all the elegance you have come to expect from this wine. A fine example and still the best darn bottle of Riesling you can buy at this price. Don't wait too long this wine will sell out fast.
3 -Nevada County Organic Zin - $15 - http://www.ourdailyred.com/index.html
Nevada County, Sulfite free, Organic. Also from the growing tandem known as the Sweet family, this exclusive Norskog mentored vineyard produces strong blackberry and raspberry aromas famous from this foothill region, followed by a fairly tannic finish. This wine demands to be consumed with food to show its true colors - 100% Zin. ONLY - 320 cases produced.
4 - Domaine De Nizas - $18 - http://www.domainedenizas.com/us/indix.htm
Established in 1998, Domaine de Nizas seeks to craft high-quality artisan wines that reveal the outstanding terroir of Pézenas, where the vines are grown, as well as its regional Mediterranean heritage. The domain also strives to respect the environment through all vineyard and winemaking practices. Its wines are intended to be enjoyed with food and are balanced, elegant and show a long finish. Take time to try this and you will not be disappointed.
Thanks very much for your support - we appreciate it.
And thanks for all of your comments, suggestions, emails and general encouragement - we could not do it with out you.
Please say hello if you are in the store.
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
Brie & Bleu: http://brieandbleu.com/
PodCast: http://thamesriverradio.com/
First - For everyone that likes good Chocolate - the wait is over.
A gleaming new confectioners case is now in place at Brie & Bleu.
The artisanal confections from Cocoa Vino fill the shelves.
You may have read about this in the New York Times or in Food & Wine magazine among others.
Made with organic ingredients and some with fair trade-certified chocolate these are dreamy delights that you must try.
The samples are ready for you - don't be shy - try a couple.
And we will be announcing our chocolate tastings AND chocolate and wine tastings in the extremely near future.
This is special - give it a try. Read more on our events page - http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Speaking of chocolate - if you have waited until the last minute to remember your Valentine -
Thames River Greenery can still make you look good - give us a call.
http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
On Saturday - you may have seen a movie being shot in our cellar - there is always something going on - we will keep you posted for the premier.
A whole new list of dinners, events, and surprises is about to show up on the calendar of events - please check it often.
Well if you happened to be having lunch at Brie & Bleu this past Thursday you may have seen us doing our weekly Internet Radio Show.
The guest was Michael Adelsheim - he was sitting there at the table drinking wine with us just as big as life.
Adelsheim wines are limited production show stoppers - they are a house favorite.
We talked about the restaurant scene in Oregon. We talked about his interest in music. We talked about his favorite recipes and foods. Oh yeah, we talked about his award winning wines too. Michael is a cool "kat" - and when he extended his invitation to "hang out a little" the next time we make it out to Oregon - I know that he ment it. Take a look - http://www.adelsheim.com/
Michael is 1st row - right in the middle.
Remember you are always welcome to be part of our "studio" audience - our shows are every week at Brie & Bleu - first come, first served.
GOT BEER?
Beer Tasting - Thursday February 16th - 5 - 8 p.m. - No Charg
WINE TASTING - Friday February 17 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 -Babcock Fathom - $35 - http://www.babcockwinery.com/ourwines.html
One of California's brightest stars in the field of winemaking is Bryan Babcock. Not only was Bryan selected by the Los Angeles Times as one of the "Ten Best Winemakers of the Year", he was also named by this influential daily as "Most Courageous Winemaker of the Year" for his daring style. Since 1984 Bryan has been producing wines of exceptional quality from his family owned winery located on the far western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. You will not find this wine in the bigger stores - it is a handcrafted work of art. Try it and see what skill and patience can do.
2 -Lietz Dragonstone - $15 - http://www.skurnikwines.com/
Robert Parker rates this at 89 points -
Praised as "the greatest riesling value anywhere" this wine has been a steal for the past five vintages and this is no exception. This most perfect of summer wines is already sold out at the winery, and this gem will be gone from our shelves soon. Johannes Leitz is a man concerned with value and making a wine people can afford to drink that is delicious and yet still speaks of his village and the great vineyards on the hill of Rudesheim. The 2003 Dragonstone is rippling with zingy grapefruit and current aromas with a haunting wiff of spice. It is a bit richer this year due to the warm growing season, but still refreshing and lively on the palate with all the elegance you have come to expect from this wine. A fine example and still the best darn bottle of Riesling you can buy at this price. Don't wait too long this wine will sell out fast.
3 -Nevada County Organic Zin - $15 - http://www.ourdailyred.com/index.html
Nevada County, Sulfite free, Organic. Also from the growing tandem known as the Sweet family, this exclusive Norskog mentored vineyard produces strong blackberry and raspberry aromas famous from this foothill region, followed by a fairly tannic finish. This wine demands to be consumed with food to show its true colors - 100% Zin. ONLY - 320 cases produced.
4 - Domaine De Nizas - $18 - http://www.domainedenizas.com/us/indix.htm
Established in 1998, Domaine de Nizas seeks to craft high-quality artisan wines that reveal the outstanding terroir of Pézenas, where the vines are grown, as well as its regional Mediterranean heritage. The domain also strives to respect the environment through all vineyard and winemaking practices. Its wines are intended to be enjoyed with food and are balanced, elegant and show a long finish. Take time to try this and you will not be disappointed.
Thanks very much for your support - we appreciate it.
And thanks for all of your comments, suggestions, emails and general encouragement - we could not do it with out you.
Please say hello if you are in the store.
AAA
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Wine & Chocolate, Chateau Yquem, Don Melchor, Got Beer?
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Calendar of events - http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
A quick bit of news and then on to the wine tasting for this week - highlighted in RED - Below the news.
First - Many, many people have been waiting for the return of "The Don Melchor"
Don Melchor was hailed the best Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile by both the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker.
It is hard to find and I honestly believe that we have the entire allotment for the state of Connecticut.
Don Melchor 2002 - $45 - First Come, first served - http://www.conchaytorousa.com/wines/melchor.html
Next - 2001 Chateau Yquem Rated 100 Points - $900 (that is not a typo) per 750ml bottle.
If you read any of the wine publications that are published each month, you may have seen the story about the Chateau Yquem.
(pronounced eee - Chem)
They recently released the 2001 vintage of their legendary wine. Reviewers where absolutely giddy about it and it received a remarkable
one-hundred-point rating. You can imagine how limited the production is on something like this - you can practically count the bottles on your hands and feet. Well I am here to tell ya that we have TWO full size bottles in the house on on the shelves right now.
Normally this wine is picked up by collectors and crazy people with extra money.
So, here is what we plan to do - we are planing an evening that will include opening a bottle of this elixir for all to try.
That's right - a tasting of the 2001, 100 point, Chateau Yquem.
I think that raises the bar pretty high. Seating will be limited.
If you are interested call the store and speak to Jim Morrison - he will give you the details and hopefully....a spot on the list.
Take a look at their website to get a better idea of what this is all about: http://www.yquem.fr/
Wine & Chocolate at Brie & Bleu -
The wait is over. We took our sweet time to get it right - but the cases have been delivered, the chocolate has been selected and our series of Wine & Chocolate tastings is about to begin - please call early to reserve seating. Our first tastings will feature the famed chocolates of Cocoa Vino. Widely recognized in national publications like Food & Wine magazine we are proud to offer them. If you are looking for something special for Valentine's Day or for your chocolate desires - stop by Brie & Bleu and take a look. You will be amazed.
GOT BEER?
Beer Tasting - Thursday February 9th - 5 - 8 p.m. - No Charge
Our own Señor Beer Consultant Jorgé Casablanca has put together something he calls a "Six Pack Tasting"
He seemed sober when he told us about it - these are the beers for Thursday night. All large format bottles.
1 - Rouge Imperial Pale Ale - http://www.rogue.com/
Above and beyond an India Pale Ale--I2PA is radically hopped with an intense aroma and hop bitterness.
Unfiltered and aged for 9 months before it leaves the brewery--not for the faint of heart.
IPA is brewed with two-row Pipkin Pale malts, Saaz, Cascade and Northwest Golding hops.
IPA is available in a new 750ml Silkscreened black ceramic bottle.
2 - Old Burnside 10 Penny Ale ( in the "growler") - http://www.oldeburnsidebrewing.com/home.html
We can't give you the recipe, but we can tell you that the finest fresh barley malts have been combined with a hint of hops from the Pacific northwest to produce a unique and universally drinkable ale.
3 - Meantime London Porter - http://www.meantimebrewing.com/
Unquestionably Porter was the most important style in the history of beer, if not the most significant beverage in the history of modern civilization.
One of the finest examples you can try.
4 - Meantime India Pale Ale
Much to the chagrin of Burton brewers, the fact of the matter is that IPA was invented in London. George Hodgson established his brewery on the banks of the River Lea, by the Old Bridge, Bow in the east end of London in October 1752, it was perfectly situated for the London docks, a fact that soon dawned upon him, for some time after that date he made the decision to build his business on supplying beer for export to the growing India market. Try it for yourself.
Wine Tasting - Friday February 10 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 -Alexander Valley -Gewurztraminer - $12
A white counterpart to Nouveau Beaujolais. New Gewürz accentuates the inherent, unique characteristics of the Gewürztraminer grape.
To capture and enhance the lively, spicy character of this varietal, they cold-ferment the chilled juice then immediately bottle the wine.
This fruity, spicy white has a trace of residual sugar, a tiny bit of spritz and that trademark floral, brown spice, grapefruit zest and ginger personality. It’s crisp and delicious. This wine is sure to please both the wine geek at your table as well as the beginner.
2 - Michel Torino Torrontes - $17
This is a wine of uncommon flavor that some people will flat-out hate, while others will enjoy immensely. The aromas and flavors are decidedly unique - Bold floral aromas resembling a woman wearing too much rosy perfume will smack you in the face; if you dare taste the wine it will erupt with lychee nut (those little pink, fleshy fruits you get for dessert at Chinese restaurants) and similarly exotic fruit flavors.
3 - Michel Torino Malbec - $17
Delicate aromas of white peaches, apricots and orange blossoms. Fresh and crisp with the expressive character of the Torrontes varietal.
A great accompaniment to grilled seafood.
4 - Perrin Vinsobres -$ 44 - http://www.beaucastel.com/
Many of you tuned in to hear Mark Perrin on our weekly podcast a couple of weeks ago. He stopped by the store and talked for a while about his wines. The Vinsobres was one of them - It boasts a dense purple color as well as a wonderfully sweet perfume of cassis, kirsch, crushed rocks, flowers, and earth. With considerable intensity, tremendous texture, beautiful purity and length as well as sweet tannin, this brilliant offering and in limited supply - only 6000 bottles produced for the entire planet. Mark had a great time at the store and he extended an invitation for us to visit him at the Chateau Beacastel for a dinner and a private tasting at the end of the month. We will record that show on location in France and bring it to you the following week.
Thanks for all of your support we appreciate it.
Please say hello when your are in the stores.
AAA
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Calendar of events - http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
A quick bit of news and then on to the wine tasting for this week - highlighted in RED - Below the news.
First - Many, many people have been waiting for the return of "The Don Melchor"
Don Melchor was hailed the best Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile by both the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker.
It is hard to find and I honestly believe that we have the entire allotment for the state of Connecticut.
Don Melchor 2002 - $45 - First Come, first served - http://www.conchaytorousa.com/wines/melchor.html
Next - 2001 Chateau Yquem Rated 100 Points - $900 (that is not a typo) per 750ml bottle.
If you read any of the wine publications that are published each month, you may have seen the story about the Chateau Yquem.
(pronounced eee - Chem)
They recently released the 2001 vintage of their legendary wine. Reviewers where absolutely giddy about it and it received a remarkable
one-hundred-point rating. You can imagine how limited the production is on something like this - you can practically count the bottles on your hands and feet. Well I am here to tell ya that we have TWO full size bottles in the house on on the shelves right now.
Normally this wine is picked up by collectors and crazy people with extra money.
So, here is what we plan to do - we are planing an evening that will include opening a bottle of this elixir for all to try.
That's right - a tasting of the 2001, 100 point, Chateau Yquem.
I think that raises the bar pretty high. Seating will be limited.
If you are interested call the store and speak to Jim Morrison - he will give you the details and hopefully....a spot on the list.
Take a look at their website to get a better idea of what this is all about: http://www.yquem.fr/
Wine & Chocolate at Brie & Bleu -
The wait is over. We took our sweet time to get it right - but the cases have been delivered, the chocolate has been selected and our series of Wine & Chocolate tastings is about to begin - please call early to reserve seating. Our first tastings will feature the famed chocolates of Cocoa Vino. Widely recognized in national publications like Food & Wine magazine we are proud to offer them. If you are looking for something special for Valentine's Day or for your chocolate desires - stop by Brie & Bleu and take a look. You will be amazed.
GOT BEER?
Beer Tasting - Thursday February 9th - 5 - 8 p.m. - No Charge
Our own Señor Beer Consultant Jorgé Casablanca has put together something he calls a "Six Pack Tasting"
He seemed sober when he told us about it - these are the beers for Thursday night. All large format bottles.
1 - Rouge Imperial Pale Ale - http://www.rogue.com/
Above and beyond an India Pale Ale--I2PA is radically hopped with an intense aroma and hop bitterness.
Unfiltered and aged for 9 months before it leaves the brewery--not for the faint of heart.
IPA is brewed with two-row Pipkin Pale malts, Saaz, Cascade and Northwest Golding hops.
IPA is available in a new 750ml Silkscreened black ceramic bottle.
2 - Old Burnside 10 Penny Ale ( in the "growler") - http://www.oldeburnsidebrewing.com/home.html
We can't give you the recipe, but we can tell you that the finest fresh barley malts have been combined with a hint of hops from the Pacific northwest to produce a unique and universally drinkable ale.
3 - Meantime London Porter - http://www.meantimebrewing.com/
Unquestionably Porter was the most important style in the history of beer, if not the most significant beverage in the history of modern civilization.
One of the finest examples you can try.
4 - Meantime India Pale Ale
Much to the chagrin of Burton brewers, the fact of the matter is that IPA was invented in London. George Hodgson established his brewery on the banks of the River Lea, by the Old Bridge, Bow in the east end of London in October 1752, it was perfectly situated for the London docks, a fact that soon dawned upon him, for some time after that date he made the decision to build his business on supplying beer for export to the growing India market. Try it for yourself.
Wine Tasting - Friday February 10 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 -Alexander Valley -Gewurztraminer - $12
A white counterpart to Nouveau Beaujolais. New Gewürz accentuates the inherent, unique characteristics of the Gewürztraminer grape.
To capture and enhance the lively, spicy character of this varietal, they cold-ferment the chilled juice then immediately bottle the wine.
This fruity, spicy white has a trace of residual sugar, a tiny bit of spritz and that trademark floral, brown spice, grapefruit zest and ginger personality. It’s crisp and delicious. This wine is sure to please both the wine geek at your table as well as the beginner.
2 - Michel Torino Torrontes - $17
This is a wine of uncommon flavor that some people will flat-out hate, while others will enjoy immensely. The aromas and flavors are decidedly unique - Bold floral aromas resembling a woman wearing too much rosy perfume will smack you in the face; if you dare taste the wine it will erupt with lychee nut (those little pink, fleshy fruits you get for dessert at Chinese restaurants) and similarly exotic fruit flavors.
3 - Michel Torino Malbec - $17
Delicate aromas of white peaches, apricots and orange blossoms. Fresh and crisp with the expressive character of the Torrontes varietal.
A great accompaniment to grilled seafood.
4 - Perrin Vinsobres -$ 44 - http://www.beaucastel.com/
Many of you tuned in to hear Mark Perrin on our weekly podcast a couple of weeks ago. He stopped by the store and talked for a while about his wines. The Vinsobres was one of them - It boasts a dense purple color as well as a wonderfully sweet perfume of cassis, kirsch, crushed rocks, flowers, and earth. With considerable intensity, tremendous texture, beautiful purity and length as well as sweet tannin, this brilliant offering and in limited supply - only 6000 bottles produced for the entire planet. Mark had a great time at the store and he extended an invitation for us to visit him at the Chateau Beacastel for a dinner and a private tasting at the end of the month. We will record that show on location in France and bring it to you the following week.
Thanks for all of your support we appreciate it.
Please say hello when your are in the stores.
AAA
Monday, January 30, 2006
Oklahoma!, Samuel Smith, Hygienic Art, Midnight Moon, Pichot Vouvray, Marques De Casa Concha
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured & Favorites: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured items Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
Podcast: coming in February
Thanks to everyone that attended our theme dinners at Brie & Bleu this week -
Tuesday night Comfort Food was like being at your favorite friend's house for a great party.
Wednesday night was a Pan Asian extravaganza - I'm not sure how - But the food just gets better and better -
Thanks to Anne Haviland, and our team: Melissa, Don, Andrea, Erica, Jim & George.
If you are interested in joining us be sure to check the calendar of events and call to reserve if something strikes your fancy.
Seating is always limited - 860-443-9463
We have great wines for our tasting this week - they are highlighted in RED just below the news.
Who says that theres nothing going on in New London?
The place was hopping all weekend long.
The Garde Arts Center kicked off Saturday with "Oklahoma!" - Go ahead, sing it baby - you know you want to.
Couples were strolling around town on a beautiful day on their way to the afternoon show.
Brie & Bleu was a perfect spot for a bite to eat and maybe a glass of wine before or after the show.
The Garde is a New London landmark - and it's a great way to support a New London tradition.
Learn more at: http://gardearts.org/
The lines for the Hygienic Art Show stretched around the block -
If you can believe IT! - This is the 27th year of the annual Hygienic Art Show - Twenty-Seven Years!
Remember when the El 'n' Gee was the center of the event? - yikes, that was a long time ago.
I would love to know where the original El n Gee neon sign wound up - someone was smart enough to grab it. But I digress.
Now the show is presented at The Hygienic Art Galleries & Art Park, 79 Bank Street, New London, CT.
The main art event “Salon des Independants” is just across the street from our store. And the show has grown into a multi-media art extravaganza including film, theatre, poetry, music, performance art and an exhibition of work by young artists.
The show runs through February 11. Learn more at: http://www.hygienic.org/sched23.asp
Right here in our own cellar we had an amazing crowd step up to try some of the best wines from - Chalk Hill, B.R.Cohn, Bernardus, and Nickel & Nickel. It was lots of fun. Thank you all for stopping by.
GOT BEER?
Beer Tasting This Thursday - February 2nd - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
Senior Beer Analyst George Whitehouse never stops in his relentless pursuit of the perfect beer.
He drinks beer whether he wants to or not - It's his job. And if we can sober him up and pull him out of those internet chat rooms long enough on Thursday - here is the line up:
1 - Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale
The Old Brewery at Tadcaster was founded in 1758 and is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery. Samuel Smith is one of the few remaining independent breweries in England, and further is the last to utilize the classic Yorkshire Square system of fermentation solely in stone squares.
Often called “mild” if it is on draft, brown ale is a walnut-colored specialty of the North of England. A festive-occasion beer, brown ale is one of the oldest English brewing styles, mentioned in literature in the 16th century.
Beers brewed at the old brewery have a round, nutty flavor because of the Yorkshire square system of fermentation.
Walnut-like color and palate of hazelnuts. Wonderful balance of roasted crystal malt and aromatic hops.
Long clean finish. We like to serve it with Stilton cheese, roasted fowl, barbecue, spicy foods, stir-fry, Thai food, Chinese food, and curry.
Stop serving all your beers ice cold - you are missing the flavors - Best Temperature - Serve at 55 degrees.
2 - Samuel Smith Taddy Porter - "One of the world's five great beers" - says famed beer expert Michael Jackson.
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. Very dark, fairly full in body and packed with flavor. Intense, dry tangy character of roasted barley. This stuff is awesome with oysters on the half shell, Rockefeller or Cajun style, clams, mussels, crab cocktail, lobster bisque and other shellfish, smoked pâté, porterhouse steak and of course chocolate. Serve at 55 degrees.
3 - Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
Originally a drink for lactating mothers - I am not kidding - oatmeal stout was described as nutritional on early labels.
Oats are in the same family as barley, and a small addition yields great flavor. Popular in the late 1800’s, the last oatmeal stout was brewed before the First World War until Samuel Smith reintroduced this style in 1980. Great with pizza and salad, Italian foods, steamed clams, grilled tuna, lobster with drawn butter, steak, shish kebabs, and eggs Florentine, dark flavorful bread and aged Stilton. Serve at 55 degrees.
4 - Three Philosophers - Ommegang Brewing - http://www.ommegang.com/
This is a big favorite here. This luscious blend of rich malty ale and cherry lambic is so delightful it is hard to sip it. It is "Glug-able"
Great with food and a real treat if you have not tried it before now.
BRIE & BLEU - Featured Cheese This Week -
1 - Midnight Moon - Goats Milk - $23 lb.
Made for Cypress Grove by a Dutch cheese company, Midnight Moon is a gouda-style goat's-milk cheese.
It's dense and tangy, but not too goaty. The wheels are 8 to 9 pounds, finished in black wax, and aged a minimum of one year.
2 - Rosemary Manchego - $20 lb.
For your pleasure we have found a small wheel of aged Manchego cheese made from whole milk of the Manchega sheep that graze near the village of La Alberca de Záncara in the high plateau region of Cuenca. Prior to the cheese's aging, the fresh wheel is hand-rubbed with oil, covered with fresh rosemary and aged in caves for eight months. The result is a remarkably full-bodied and complex cheese with a long finish that highlights the rosemary. It is quite the treat with a "copa" of sherry, gordal olives - or, if you prefer, salted marcona almonds, thin slices of jamón serrano and a cool beer - yeah baby, its that good.
WINE TASTING - This Friday February 3 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Pichot Vouvray - IT'S BAAACK. - First Come First Served - $12
This wine goes so fast that your heads will spin. Highly sought after - we are able to get limited amounts and
This wine is a light yellow gold in the glass and has a wonderfully different bouquet of aromas, which include old parchment, banana, flint, and some tropical fruits that are hard to pin down. In the mouth it is sweet yet balanced nicely with some acidity, and shows primary flavors of pineapple, quince, and fresh rainwater that fade into a nice finish.
2 - Guy Bossard Muscadet - First Come First Served - $14
Guy Bossard produces this wine in the town of Le Landreau, the heart of the Sèvre et Maine district, known for the finest Muscadet. His family has made this wine for generations. It is estate bottled from his own organically grown grapes. Guy fertilizes and protects the vines with natural treatments, using no additives in the winemaking except for the minimal necessary use of sulphur dioxide. He believes that his wines will maintain the highest quality if the soil is naturally rich and the vines are healthy and strong. His vineyard is certified organic by Nature and Progress, a French farmers organization. This is a great, dry white table wine with a full fruity nose and a taste hinting of citrus. The Nantes area, at the mouth of the Loire River in France, is known for its seafoods and the local wines complement this cuisine.
3 - Kiona Lemberger - $16 - http://www.kionawine.com/
Rich red wine aromas with nuances of Cabernet or Merlot, perhaps a hint of Syrah or Pinot, but with a spicy intriguing background not easy to identify at first tastings. Wonderful and well defined aromas of blackberries and cloves characteristic of the grape. The wine is mildly tannic, has great structure, with a velvet mouth feel. American and French Oak are evident in the long smooth finish.
4 - Marques De Casa Concha - 91 points - $18
We are one of the VERY few places that offer this wine. This wine was named after the title bestowed upon the founder of the vineyard by the Spanish monarchy. Due to its exceptional quality, its distinct personality and its extraordinary ability to display all the virtues of each Chilean valley, Marqués de Casa Concha has earned its rank among the nobility of the world's finest wines. Marqués de Casa Concha shows the great recent progress in the viticultural and vinicultural art in Chile . If you have not tried it - you must. One of the best values around - period.
Thanks for your support, comments, phone calls and email. We appreciate it.
Please join us. It's 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
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured & Favorites: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured items Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
Podcast: coming in February
Thanks to everyone that attended our theme dinners at Brie & Bleu this week -
Tuesday night Comfort Food was like being at your favorite friend's house for a great party.
Wednesday night was a Pan Asian extravaganza - I'm not sure how - But the food just gets better and better -
Thanks to Anne Haviland, and our team: Melissa, Don, Andrea, Erica, Jim & George.
If you are interested in joining us be sure to check the calendar of events and call to reserve if something strikes your fancy.
Seating is always limited - 860-443-9463
We have great wines for our tasting this week - they are highlighted in RED just below the news.
Who says that theres nothing going on in New London?
The place was hopping all weekend long.
The Garde Arts Center kicked off Saturday with "Oklahoma!" - Go ahead, sing it baby - you know you want to.
Couples were strolling around town on a beautiful day on their way to the afternoon show.
Brie & Bleu was a perfect spot for a bite to eat and maybe a glass of wine before or after the show.
The Garde is a New London landmark - and it's a great way to support a New London tradition.
Learn more at: http://gardearts.org/
The lines for the Hygienic Art Show stretched around the block -
If you can believe IT! - This is the 27th year of the annual Hygienic Art Show - Twenty-Seven Years!
Remember when the El 'n' Gee was the center of the event? - yikes, that was a long time ago.
I would love to know where the original El n Gee neon sign wound up - someone was smart enough to grab it. But I digress.
Now the show is presented at The Hygienic Art Galleries & Art Park, 79 Bank Street, New London, CT.
The main art event “Salon des Independants” is just across the street from our store. And the show has grown into a multi-media art extravaganza including film, theatre, poetry, music, performance art and an exhibition of work by young artists.
The show runs through February 11. Learn more at: http://www.hygienic.org/sched23.asp
Right here in our own cellar we had an amazing crowd step up to try some of the best wines from - Chalk Hill, B.R.Cohn, Bernardus, and Nickel & Nickel. It was lots of fun. Thank you all for stopping by.
GOT BEER?
Beer Tasting This Thursday - February 2nd - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
Senior Beer Analyst George Whitehouse never stops in his relentless pursuit of the perfect beer.
He drinks beer whether he wants to or not - It's his job. And if we can sober him up and pull him out of those internet chat rooms long enough on Thursday - here is the line up:
1 - Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale
The Old Brewery at Tadcaster was founded in 1758 and is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery. Samuel Smith is one of the few remaining independent breweries in England, and further is the last to utilize the classic Yorkshire Square system of fermentation solely in stone squares.
Often called “mild” if it is on draft, brown ale is a walnut-colored specialty of the North of England. A festive-occasion beer, brown ale is one of the oldest English brewing styles, mentioned in literature in the 16th century.
Beers brewed at the old brewery have a round, nutty flavor because of the Yorkshire square system of fermentation.
Walnut-like color and palate of hazelnuts. Wonderful balance of roasted crystal malt and aromatic hops.
Long clean finish. We like to serve it with Stilton cheese, roasted fowl, barbecue, spicy foods, stir-fry, Thai food, Chinese food, and curry.
Stop serving all your beers ice cold - you are missing the flavors - Best Temperature - Serve at 55 degrees.
2 - Samuel Smith Taddy Porter - "One of the world's five great beers" - says famed beer expert Michael Jackson.
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. Very dark, fairly full in body and packed with flavor. Intense, dry tangy character of roasted barley. This stuff is awesome with oysters on the half shell, Rockefeller or Cajun style, clams, mussels, crab cocktail, lobster bisque and other shellfish, smoked pâté, porterhouse steak and of course chocolate. Serve at 55 degrees.
3 - Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
Originally a drink for lactating mothers - I am not kidding - oatmeal stout was described as nutritional on early labels.
Oats are in the same family as barley, and a small addition yields great flavor. Popular in the late 1800’s, the last oatmeal stout was brewed before the First World War until Samuel Smith reintroduced this style in 1980. Great with pizza and salad, Italian foods, steamed clams, grilled tuna, lobster with drawn butter, steak, shish kebabs, and eggs Florentine, dark flavorful bread and aged Stilton. Serve at 55 degrees.
4 - Three Philosophers - Ommegang Brewing - http://www.ommegang.com/
This is a big favorite here. This luscious blend of rich malty ale and cherry lambic is so delightful it is hard to sip it. It is "Glug-able"
Great with food and a real treat if you have not tried it before now.
BRIE & BLEU - Featured Cheese This Week -
1 - Midnight Moon - Goats Milk - $23 lb.
Made for Cypress Grove by a Dutch cheese company, Midnight Moon is a gouda-style goat's-milk cheese.
It's dense and tangy, but not too goaty. The wheels are 8 to 9 pounds, finished in black wax, and aged a minimum of one year.
2 - Rosemary Manchego - $20 lb.
For your pleasure we have found a small wheel of aged Manchego cheese made from whole milk of the Manchega sheep that graze near the village of La Alberca de Záncara in the high plateau region of Cuenca. Prior to the cheese's aging, the fresh wheel is hand-rubbed with oil, covered with fresh rosemary and aged in caves for eight months. The result is a remarkably full-bodied and complex cheese with a long finish that highlights the rosemary. It is quite the treat with a "copa" of sherry, gordal olives - or, if you prefer, salted marcona almonds, thin slices of jamón serrano and a cool beer - yeah baby, its that good.
WINE TASTING - This Friday February 3 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Pichot Vouvray - IT'S BAAACK. - First Come First Served - $12
This wine goes so fast that your heads will spin. Highly sought after - we are able to get limited amounts and
This wine is a light yellow gold in the glass and has a wonderfully different bouquet of aromas, which include old parchment, banana, flint, and some tropical fruits that are hard to pin down. In the mouth it is sweet yet balanced nicely with some acidity, and shows primary flavors of pineapple, quince, and fresh rainwater that fade into a nice finish.
2 - Guy Bossard Muscadet - First Come First Served - $14
Guy Bossard produces this wine in the town of Le Landreau, the heart of the Sèvre et Maine district, known for the finest Muscadet. His family has made this wine for generations. It is estate bottled from his own organically grown grapes. Guy fertilizes and protects the vines with natural treatments, using no additives in the winemaking except for the minimal necessary use of sulphur dioxide. He believes that his wines will maintain the highest quality if the soil is naturally rich and the vines are healthy and strong. His vineyard is certified organic by Nature and Progress, a French farmers organization. This is a great, dry white table wine with a full fruity nose and a taste hinting of citrus. The Nantes area, at the mouth of the Loire River in France, is known for its seafoods and the local wines complement this cuisine.
3 - Kiona Lemberger - $16 - http://www.kionawine.com/
Rich red wine aromas with nuances of Cabernet or Merlot, perhaps a hint of Syrah or Pinot, but with a spicy intriguing background not easy to identify at first tastings. Wonderful and well defined aromas of blackberries and cloves characteristic of the grape. The wine is mildly tannic, has great structure, with a velvet mouth feel. American and French Oak are evident in the long smooth finish.
4 - Marques De Casa Concha - 91 points - $18
We are one of the VERY few places that offer this wine. This wine was named after the title bestowed upon the founder of the vineyard by the Spanish monarchy. Due to its exceptional quality, its distinct personality and its extraordinary ability to display all the virtues of each Chilean valley, Marqués de Casa Concha has earned its rank among the nobility of the world's finest wines. Marqués de Casa Concha shows the great recent progress in the viticultural and vinicultural art in Chile . If you have not tried it - you must. One of the best values around - period.
Thanks for your support, comments, phone calls and email. We appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Monday, January 23, 2006
Prum, Perrin, Lagunitas, Humbolt Fog, Nickel & Nickel, Chalk Hill, B.R.Cohn, Bernardus
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 (443-W I N E )
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured Items Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
We have a great lineup of wines for Friday - they are highlighted in RED just below the news and information.
FIRST a big thank you to Raimund Prüm - the great German winemaker that stopped by last Thursday night.
He had flown all day from his home on the Mosel took a cab from JFK airport to Penn Station and then took a train to New Haven where he was scooped up by a "handler" and driven to our store. He rolled in as fresh as a daisy and proceeded to meet and greet our friends and customers as if he had just casually dropped in from his apartment upstairs. - http://www.sapruem.com/home3.0.html
And then there was the visit from Marc Perrin - from the Cheateau Beaucastel - http://www.beaucastel.com/
We tried some amazing wines and Marc spoke passsionately about food, wine, travel, and the secrets of redeeming frequent flyer miles.
His interview can be heard on our "podcast # 8" - and for a sample of what he said click here: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Scroll down to January 18 - and click the play button under his picture.
We would like to remind everyone that the reason these world famous guests stop by to visit us in New London is because of YOU.
We continue to receive compliments from all of our guests about the quality of our customers - Thank you all.
Lots going on in New London - The Hygienic Art Show is just around the corner: http://www.hygienic.org/
Don't forget "Night Kitchens" - restaurants will be open late for the gallery showings. - More info: http://newlondonmainstreet.org/
COMFORT FOOD DINNER - Tuesday - January 24 - 6 p.m.
Classic Roasted Chicken with rice Pilaf - matched with 3 wines.
This Thursday 1/26/06 - BEER TASTING starting at 5 p.m. - No Charge
Senior Beer Correspondent George Whitehouse has discovered the Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma California.
Say "LAH-GOO-KNEE-TUSS" - it's fun - try it a few times. Check them out at: http://www.lagunitas.com/
1 - Lagunitas IPA India Pale Ale -
This is a unique version of an ancient style. A style as old as the ocean trade routes of the last centuries Great Ships.
Made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts, this redolent ale will likely float your boat, whatever planet you're on.
2 - Lagunitas PILS- Saaz Hopped Czech Style Pilsner
In The beginning, there were ales. As far as anyone knows, the first beers made were 'top-fermented', which is longhand for 'Ale'. Sometime long before the 1860's, beers became popular that were made in Northern Europe with a bottom fermenting yeast strain that liked the colder temperatures. Because they had to spend weeks aging before they tasted their best, they were known as 'Lager' beer. Lager is the German word for 'storage'.
3 - Lagunitas Amber Ale
In This hoppy sweet amber was the original ale brewed at the first Lagunitas brewery in West Marin. The original, actually, was a fair example of 'Odious Ale-ism'. Sometimes it was wonderful, sometimes it took the enamel off your teeth. Well, we are better brewers now, and it has become a tasty Cal State Fair award winner!
4 - Lagunitas IPA Maximus - CAUTION - this brew has possible side effects - apart from the normal light headiness and noisy discharge.
"At the height of the heat in the heart of the summer, we felt the only cure was a raging mouthful of fresh Hops and Malt.
Caution: May remove enamel from teeth - Alcohol 7.5% by volume". - Lagunitas Brewing Co.
BRIE & BLEU - In the cheese shop - here are the featured items:
1 - Humbolt Fog - Goat Cheese - California - $22lb.
From the “Fog City” comes this exciting ash layered fresh goat’s milk cheese. The wheels have a natural rind, weigh about 4 lbs. and have a single layer of vegetable ash throughout the horizontal axis of the cheese. Light, airy and rich with a crisp clean goat flavor. Serve with Apples, Grapes Perfect Wine: Australian Sauvignon Blanc.
2 - Queso Iberico - Cow/Goat/Sheep - $14lb.
This hard, oily cheese from central Spain is made from a mixture of cow, sheep and goat's milk, which is reflected in its mild yet tasty flavor. Sometimes Queso Iberico is mistaken for Manchego. The affinage usually takes from one to six months. It is a table cheese but is easily gratable and grilled. Excellent for cooking or eating, and goes well with Spanish red wines.
3 - Crater Lake Blue - Oregon - $19lb. Crater Lake Blue From the Rogue Creamery in Oregon, Crater Lake Blue is a blend of Roquefort and Danish blue cheese recipes. Robust and sweet with a rich buttery finish, it was awarded a gold ribbon at the 2004 American Cheese Society.
This Friday January 27 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Nickel & Nickel Tench Vineyard - Nappa Valley - 2002 Cabernet - Rated 92 points - $80 - http://www.nickelandnickel.com/
Wonderfully warm aromas of blueberry, plum, tobacco and espresso and concentrated, exotic flavors of cherry, and bittersweet chocolate with a long lasting finish. Special wines such as this deserve special foods. I'd serve the cab with prime rib, rack of lamb or perhaps roast chicken prepared with black truffles. It is a special occasion wine - give it a try on Friday night.
2 - Chalk Hill - Sonoma County - 1999 Merlot - $55 - http://www.chalkhill.com/
Aged in 50% new French oak for 21 months, and blended with additional Bordeaux varietals that amplify the voice of the estate, the wine brims with red currants, earthy plum, mocha and cigar box aromas. A fine sweetness punctuates the silky, supple, seductive texture that lingers through the finish. This wine is on the list at better restaurants in the big cities - Try it with us without the big city price tag.
3 - B.R.Cohn - Olive Hill Estate - 2001 Cabernet - $54 - http://www.brcohn.com/
This wine delivers fresh refined aromas of intense deep berry, subtle plum and rich chocolate flavors. Extended aging in the highest quality French oak barrels produces a wine with balance, complexity and lush elegant finish. The Olive Hill Estate Vineyards, where soils warmed by underground natural hot springs and gentle coastal breezes create a unique microclimate resulting in ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This stuff is just plain yummy.
4 - Bernardus Montery County - Pinot Noir - $25 - http://www.bernardus.com/
This 100% Monterey County wine has delicate notes of blueberry and plum that are rounded out with a touch of cinnamon. The lighter fruitier style of this Pinot lends it a wonderful versatility in food pairing. It’s a particularly good selection when choosing a red wine for lunch or a warm evening. Total Case Production: 559 - that's it for the entire United States. Try it with us - it is very hard to find.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate all of the comments, emails, and suggestions.
Please hello the next time you are in the store - we hope to see you this week.
It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 (443-W I N E )
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured Items Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
We have a great lineup of wines for Friday - they are highlighted in RED just below the news and information.
FIRST a big thank you to Raimund Prüm - the great German winemaker that stopped by last Thursday night.
He had flown all day from his home on the Mosel took a cab from JFK airport to Penn Station and then took a train to New Haven where he was scooped up by a "handler" and driven to our store. He rolled in as fresh as a daisy and proceeded to meet and greet our friends and customers as if he had just casually dropped in from his apartment upstairs. - http://www.sapruem.com/home3.0.html
And then there was the visit from Marc Perrin - from the Cheateau Beaucastel - http://www.beaucastel.com/
We tried some amazing wines and Marc spoke passsionately about food, wine, travel, and the secrets of redeeming frequent flyer miles.
His interview can be heard on our "podcast # 8" - and for a sample of what he said click here: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Scroll down to January 18 - and click the play button under his picture.
We would like to remind everyone that the reason these world famous guests stop by to visit us in New London is because of YOU.
We continue to receive compliments from all of our guests about the quality of our customers - Thank you all.
Lots going on in New London - The Hygienic Art Show is just around the corner: http://www.hygienic.org/
Don't forget "Night Kitchens" - restaurants will be open late for the gallery showings. - More info: http://newlondonmainstreet.org/
COMFORT FOOD DINNER - Tuesday - January 24 - 6 p.m.
Classic Roasted Chicken with rice Pilaf - matched with 3 wines.
This Thursday 1/26/06 - BEER TASTING starting at 5 p.m. - No Charge
Senior Beer Correspondent George Whitehouse has discovered the Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma California.
Say "LAH-GOO-KNEE-TUSS" - it's fun - try it a few times. Check them out at: http://www.lagunitas.com/
1 - Lagunitas IPA India Pale Ale -
This is a unique version of an ancient style. A style as old as the ocean trade routes of the last centuries Great Ships.
Made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts, this redolent ale will likely float your boat, whatever planet you're on.
2 - Lagunitas PILS- Saaz Hopped Czech Style Pilsner
In The beginning, there were ales. As far as anyone knows, the first beers made were 'top-fermented', which is longhand for 'Ale'. Sometime long before the 1860's, beers became popular that were made in Northern Europe with a bottom fermenting yeast strain that liked the colder temperatures. Because they had to spend weeks aging before they tasted their best, they were known as 'Lager' beer. Lager is the German word for 'storage'.
3 - Lagunitas Amber Ale
In This hoppy sweet amber was the original ale brewed at the first Lagunitas brewery in West Marin. The original, actually, was a fair example of 'Odious Ale-ism'. Sometimes it was wonderful, sometimes it took the enamel off your teeth. Well, we are better brewers now, and it has become a tasty Cal State Fair award winner!
4 - Lagunitas IPA Maximus - CAUTION - this brew has possible side effects - apart from the normal light headiness and noisy discharge.
"At the height of the heat in the heart of the summer, we felt the only cure was a raging mouthful of fresh Hops and Malt.
Caution: May remove enamel from teeth - Alcohol 7.5% by volume". - Lagunitas Brewing Co.
BRIE & BLEU - In the cheese shop - here are the featured items:
1 - Humbolt Fog - Goat Cheese - California - $22lb.
From the “Fog City” comes this exciting ash layered fresh goat’s milk cheese. The wheels have a natural rind, weigh about 4 lbs. and have a single layer of vegetable ash throughout the horizontal axis of the cheese. Light, airy and rich with a crisp clean goat flavor. Serve with Apples, Grapes Perfect Wine: Australian Sauvignon Blanc.
2 - Queso Iberico - Cow/Goat/Sheep - $14lb.
This hard, oily cheese from central Spain is made from a mixture of cow, sheep and goat's milk, which is reflected in its mild yet tasty flavor. Sometimes Queso Iberico is mistaken for Manchego. The affinage usually takes from one to six months. It is a table cheese but is easily gratable and grilled. Excellent for cooking or eating, and goes well with Spanish red wines.
3 - Crater Lake Blue - Oregon - $19lb. Crater Lake Blue From the Rogue Creamery in Oregon, Crater Lake Blue is a blend of Roquefort and Danish blue cheese recipes. Robust and sweet with a rich buttery finish, it was awarded a gold ribbon at the 2004 American Cheese Society.
This Friday January 27 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Nickel & Nickel Tench Vineyard - Nappa Valley - 2002 Cabernet - Rated 92 points - $80 - http://www.nickelandnickel.com/
Wonderfully warm aromas of blueberry, plum, tobacco and espresso and concentrated, exotic flavors of cherry, and bittersweet chocolate with a long lasting finish. Special wines such as this deserve special foods. I'd serve the cab with prime rib, rack of lamb or perhaps roast chicken prepared with black truffles. It is a special occasion wine - give it a try on Friday night.
2 - Chalk Hill - Sonoma County - 1999 Merlot - $55 - http://www.chalkhill.com/
Aged in 50% new French oak for 21 months, and blended with additional Bordeaux varietals that amplify the voice of the estate, the wine brims with red currants, earthy plum, mocha and cigar box aromas. A fine sweetness punctuates the silky, supple, seductive texture that lingers through the finish. This wine is on the list at better restaurants in the big cities - Try it with us without the big city price tag.
3 - B.R.Cohn - Olive Hill Estate - 2001 Cabernet - $54 - http://www.brcohn.com/
This wine delivers fresh refined aromas of intense deep berry, subtle plum and rich chocolate flavors. Extended aging in the highest quality French oak barrels produces a wine with balance, complexity and lush elegant finish. The Olive Hill Estate Vineyards, where soils warmed by underground natural hot springs and gentle coastal breezes create a unique microclimate resulting in ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This stuff is just plain yummy.
4 - Bernardus Montery County - Pinot Noir - $25 - http://www.bernardus.com/
This 100% Monterey County wine has delicate notes of blueberry and plum that are rounded out with a touch of cinnamon. The lighter fruitier style of this Pinot lends it a wonderful versatility in food pairing. It’s a particularly good selection when choosing a red wine for lunch or a warm evening. Total Case Production: 559 - that's it for the entire United States. Try it with us - it is very hard to find.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate all of the comments, emails, and suggestions.
Please hello the next time you are in the store - we hope to see you this week.
It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Monday, January 16, 2006
Marc Perrin, Raimund Prum, Tenuta Sant Antonio, Poderi dal nespoli, Cantina del Pino Barbera
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
There is a lot to tell you about this week - get comfy.
If you would like to skip ahead to the list of wines for Friday - scroll down a bit - they are highlighted in RED.
First let me update you on something that we have made huge progress with - Our very own weekly Podcast.
What's a Podcast you ask? -
For those of you that are unfamiliar it is basically a "radio show on demand".
And available on your computer and over the internet anywhere in the world.
You can subscribe to the show and receive it automatically each week.
We have been working closely with Caruso Music to fine tune our equipment needs
and we have been experimenting with the format.
We have already recorded several editions and will start to post them after this week.
We hope you will "tune in" and join us as we meet with winemakers, drink their wines, and share a bit of fun.
Hey - if you have an idea for a name for our show - let us know.
Well this Tuesday the 17th our Comfort Food series continues at Brie & Bleu - this week featuring classic Lasagna.
Remember, we have dinner, 2-3 wines and dessert - for $25 - including tax & service.
On Wednesday night we have our regular wine dinner - this week the fabulous wines & food of Spain.
These dinners feature up to 5 wines, each paired with a different dish - $50 - plus tax & service.
As we have been told over and over again - the wine alone makes the dinners a bargain.
ALSO - On Wednesday the 18th - Mr. Marc Perrin from the Chateau Beaucastel will be visiting us at Brie & Bleu and he will be the featured guest on our weekly Podcast. When we found out that Marc would be stopping by to share a few stories we were very excited.
This guy travels constantly and is usually the guest of honor in cities like Tokyo and Las Vegas - he is wine making royalty - and the fact the he is making time to visit with us is way cool. If you have anything in particular you would like to ask - let us know. Or stop by and ask him yourself, we will be doing the show at 4 p.m. . I'm sure if you ask the right way he would be happy sign a bottle or two for you.
On Thursday the 19th - a very special guest returns to visit.
One of the great winemakers working today Mr. Raimund Prüm will be meeting & greeting you starting at 6 p.m.
Join us in the cellar, meet Raimund Prüm and try his wines - have him sign a bottle or two and find out why his wines are sought after world wide.
If you cannot make it - be sure to subscribe to our weekly Podcast and listen to Raimund describe his wines and explain why New London is on his radar.
NOW While all of this is happening in our cellar on Thursday -
Our weekly beer tasting will be in full swing upstairs at Brie & Bleu -
AND we will be pairing the beers with sausage - that's right, sausage.
Our Senior Beer Correspondent, George Whitehouse, asks "Does it get any better than that?".
THIS FRIDAY PLEASE JOIN US
Wine Tasting - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Tenuta Sant Antonio - Soave - $17 - www.tenutasantantonio.it.
This domain is situated near Verona and was founded by the four brothers Castagnedi, who have turned it into a model company with the most up-to-date equipment. It covers 40 acres of vineyards on steep slopes with an extraordinary soil, partly clayish, and partly very rich in chalk. I have been told that this may be the best Soave we have ever had. Floral and fruity aroma with a hint of white fruits like apples and pears. The softness prevails in the taste with a fresh and fruity aftertaste. To be served as an aperitif or with starters like, pasta or rice and fish. This Soave Sant'Antonio is textured, long, and rich, with concentrated fruit. This is a beautifully made wine meant to be consumed over the next 2-3 years. Moreover, it is a very good value. Please give it a try.
2 - Tenuta Sant Antonio Valapolicella - $28
Also from the brothers Castagnedi. - When the repesentitive for the wine came to the store and had us try the wine he said:
"This is the best Valapolicella you jokers have ever tried". He was right. Please sample it yourself and see why.
2 - Poderi dal nespoli - sangiovese di ronagna - $18 - http://www.poderidalnespoli.com/
The history of "Poderi Dal Nespoli" begins at the end of the Great World War when the Ravaioli brothers, opened up an inn. With the lodging accommodations, they sold their wine production to the guests. Aged inside new Allier English oak barrels for twelve months, followed by further refinement inside bottles for one year, then in the cellar at a constant temperature. Beautiful red ruby color, intense and bright - and persistent perfume, with an inkling of fruits and spices. It is warm with smooth tannins and lots of nuance. This is great with roasted red meat, dark poultry, venison, game and all great cuisine dishes.
4 Cantina del Pino Barbera - $21
Cantina del Pino is a father and son operated estate located in Barbaresco, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. After only their third year of being in the Gambero Rosso's Italian Wines guide, they have already earned their first three glass award for their Barbaresco Ovello. The Barbera, from the tiny Loreto vineyard of barely one hectare, has a vibrant, purple-flecked ruby color and a deliciously stylish fruit-rich nose. This is firm and fleshy and way smooth all at the same time.
Thanks for all of the comments and your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
There is a lot to tell you about this week - get comfy.
If you would like to skip ahead to the list of wines for Friday - scroll down a bit - they are highlighted in RED.
First let me update you on something that we have made huge progress with - Our very own weekly Podcast.
What's a Podcast you ask? -
For those of you that are unfamiliar it is basically a "radio show on demand".
And available on your computer and over the internet anywhere in the world.
You can subscribe to the show and receive it automatically each week.
We have been working closely with Caruso Music to fine tune our equipment needs
and we have been experimenting with the format.
We have already recorded several editions and will start to post them after this week.
We hope you will "tune in" and join us as we meet with winemakers, drink their wines, and share a bit of fun.
Hey - if you have an idea for a name for our show - let us know.
Well this Tuesday the 17th our Comfort Food series continues at Brie & Bleu - this week featuring classic Lasagna.
Remember, we have dinner, 2-3 wines and dessert - for $25 - including tax & service.
On Wednesday night we have our regular wine dinner - this week the fabulous wines & food of Spain.
These dinners feature up to 5 wines, each paired with a different dish - $50 - plus tax & service.
As we have been told over and over again - the wine alone makes the dinners a bargain.
ALSO - On Wednesday the 18th - Mr. Marc Perrin from the Chateau Beaucastel will be visiting us at Brie & Bleu and he will be the featured guest on our weekly Podcast. When we found out that Marc would be stopping by to share a few stories we were very excited.
This guy travels constantly and is usually the guest of honor in cities like Tokyo and Las Vegas - he is wine making royalty - and the fact the he is making time to visit with us is way cool. If you have anything in particular you would like to ask - let us know. Or stop by and ask him yourself, we will be doing the show at 4 p.m. . I'm sure if you ask the right way he would be happy sign a bottle or two for you.
On Thursday the 19th - a very special guest returns to visit.
One of the great winemakers working today Mr. Raimund Prüm will be meeting & greeting you starting at 6 p.m.
Join us in the cellar, meet Raimund Prüm and try his wines - have him sign a bottle or two and find out why his wines are sought after world wide.
If you cannot make it - be sure to subscribe to our weekly Podcast and listen to Raimund describe his wines and explain why New London is on his radar.
NOW While all of this is happening in our cellar on Thursday -
Our weekly beer tasting will be in full swing upstairs at Brie & Bleu -
AND we will be pairing the beers with sausage - that's right, sausage.
Our Senior Beer Correspondent, George Whitehouse, asks "Does it get any better than that?".
THIS FRIDAY PLEASE JOIN US
Wine Tasting - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Tenuta Sant Antonio - Soave - $17 - www.tenutasantantonio.it.
This domain is situated near Verona and was founded by the four brothers Castagnedi, who have turned it into a model company with the most up-to-date equipment. It covers 40 acres of vineyards on steep slopes with an extraordinary soil, partly clayish, and partly very rich in chalk. I have been told that this may be the best Soave we have ever had. Floral and fruity aroma with a hint of white fruits like apples and pears. The softness prevails in the taste with a fresh and fruity aftertaste. To be served as an aperitif or with starters like, pasta or rice and fish. This Soave Sant'Antonio is textured, long, and rich, with concentrated fruit. This is a beautifully made wine meant to be consumed over the next 2-3 years. Moreover, it is a very good value. Please give it a try.
2 - Tenuta Sant Antonio Valapolicella - $28
Also from the brothers Castagnedi. - When the repesentitive for the wine came to the store and had us try the wine he said:
"This is the best Valapolicella you jokers have ever tried". He was right. Please sample it yourself and see why.
2 - Poderi dal nespoli - sangiovese di ronagna - $18 - http://www.poderidalnespoli.com/
The history of "Poderi Dal Nespoli" begins at the end of the Great World War when the Ravaioli brothers, opened up an inn. With the lodging accommodations, they sold their wine production to the guests. Aged inside new Allier English oak barrels for twelve months, followed by further refinement inside bottles for one year, then in the cellar at a constant temperature. Beautiful red ruby color, intense and bright - and persistent perfume, with an inkling of fruits and spices. It is warm with smooth tannins and lots of nuance. This is great with roasted red meat, dark poultry, venison, game and all great cuisine dishes.
4 Cantina del Pino Barbera - $21
Cantina del Pino is a father and son operated estate located in Barbaresco, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. After only their third year of being in the Gambero Rosso's Italian Wines guide, they have already earned their first three glass award for their Barbaresco Ovello. The Barbera, from the tiny Loreto vineyard of barely one hectare, has a vibrant, purple-flecked ruby color and a deliciously stylish fruit-rich nose. This is firm and fleshy and way smooth all at the same time.
Thanks for all of the comments and your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Caymus, Flowers Pinot Noir, Clos des Rochers Auxerrois, Chateau Bonnet
Greetings from New London,
Thames river Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames river greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar Of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items Wine: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured Items Greenery: http://thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
For those of you that did not join us for dinner last week - let me tell you, we really had a great time.
Our Tuesday night Comfort Food Dinners started off with a real classic - New England Pot Roast.
Everyone joined the "Clean Plate Club" - and the wine..... don't get me started.
My favorite was the Argentinean Malbec that was served with the roast - and a surprise port was served with dessert.
And it was so much fun - lots of new faces and familiar ones too.
Wednesday night was our Italian Wine Dinner - featuring Osso Bucco.
Thanks to Anne Haviland and the staff at Brie & Bleu for making the evening perfect.
Remember to check that Calendar of Events Page: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
If you see something you like - call us and make a reservation - don't wait - that's the secret to getting your spot.
860-443-9463
Beer Tasting - This Thursday Night January 12, 2006- 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
George Whitehouse continues to host our version of a "kegger".
Each Thursday we showcase 4 beers for your dining and dancing pleasure
Wine Tasting Friday January 13, 2006 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Chateau Bonnet - $12 - France - http://www.andrelurton.com/
Andre Lurton is considered something of a mastermind in Bordeaux, France. His vineyard holdings are not only the largest of any one owner, but he has one of the most prolific winemaking families in Bordeaux. All of his nine children are involved in their own wine-producing properties, not just in France, but practically across the world. Ditto for his brothers and their children.
This wine has a seductive nose, fresh and delightfully floral, rich and smooth.
This is a high class wine at a knockdown price. Another flawless Lurton production.
This is a very good white for the money - in fact WS rated it 86 points.
2 - Clos des Rochers Auxerrois- Luxembourg - $13 - www.bernard-massard.com
“Wines from Luxembourg? When did they start making wine in Luxembourg?”
The answer: “Oh, about 2,000 years ago.”
The next question - Are they any good? And the answer is: very good, but there’s a catch. They’re difficult to find in the United States, save for the random case a visitor might ship home for his own use and what's probably sitting in some embassy cellar in Washington.
That's where we come in - We love a challenge. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg consists of some 1,000 square miles bordered by Germany, Belgium and northeastern France (barely). It’s about a quarter of the size of Rhode Island, and its wine-growing area covers about 3,300 acres, which is smaller than some commercial vineyards in California. This is a great wine for the dinner table and almost any light dish.
Give it a try - it's all the way from Luxembourg!
3 - Flowers Pinot Noir - California - $54 - http://www.flowerswinery.com/
This is the official wine of Thames River Greenery. Whenever we have to send a bottle to a dignitary, diplomat or local movers & shakers we like to include this one. Dark and stone fruit aromas reminiscent of black cherries, plums, and red currants. Lots of aromas yield notes of mineral, sandalwood and white pepper too. The soft tannins help to make this a velvety full-flavored Pinot noir - it is Yummy.
4 - Caymus Vineyards Cabernet - Napa - $70 - http://www.caymus.com/
Caymus, Caymus, Caymus. If you love Cab, you love Caymus. Deep dark ruby red with full thick and yummy plush oaked fruit. Firm tannins give you something to think about and show the fun this wine will have in the cellar for years. Spectacular spicy, cassis flavors that show deep Cab personality and end with a looooong finish that brings some muscle, tannin and oak to forefront.
But don’t just take my word for it, try it on Friday night and tell us what you think.
Please join us - it is fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Thanks for joining us each week - we appreciate it.
Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions, we love to hear from you.
We have lots of surprises coming for you in this new year - stay tuned.
Winemakers, authors, chefs and special events - keep your eye on the calendar.
Thames river Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames river greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar Of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items Wine: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured Items Greenery: http://thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
For those of you that did not join us for dinner last week - let me tell you, we really had a great time.
Our Tuesday night Comfort Food Dinners started off with a real classic - New England Pot Roast.
Everyone joined the "Clean Plate Club" - and the wine..... don't get me started.
My favorite was the Argentinean Malbec that was served with the roast - and a surprise port was served with dessert.
And it was so much fun - lots of new faces and familiar ones too.
Wednesday night was our Italian Wine Dinner - featuring Osso Bucco.
Thanks to Anne Haviland and the staff at Brie & Bleu for making the evening perfect.
Remember to check that Calendar of Events Page: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
If you see something you like - call us and make a reservation - don't wait - that's the secret to getting your spot.
860-443-9463
Beer Tasting - This Thursday Night January 12, 2006- 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
George Whitehouse continues to host our version of a "kegger".
Each Thursday we showcase 4 beers for your dining and dancing pleasure
Wine Tasting Friday January 13, 2006 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Chateau Bonnet - $12 - France - http://www.andrelurton.com/
Andre Lurton is considered something of a mastermind in Bordeaux, France. His vineyard holdings are not only the largest of any one owner, but he has one of the most prolific winemaking families in Bordeaux. All of his nine children are involved in their own wine-producing properties, not just in France, but practically across the world. Ditto for his brothers and their children.
This wine has a seductive nose, fresh and delightfully floral, rich and smooth.
This is a high class wine at a knockdown price. Another flawless Lurton production.
This is a very good white for the money - in fact WS rated it 86 points.
2 - Clos des Rochers Auxerrois- Luxembourg - $13 - www.bernard-massard.com
“Wines from Luxembourg? When did they start making wine in Luxembourg?”
The answer: “Oh, about 2,000 years ago.”
The next question - Are they any good? And the answer is: very good, but there’s a catch. They’re difficult to find in the United States, save for the random case a visitor might ship home for his own use and what's probably sitting in some embassy cellar in Washington.
That's where we come in - We love a challenge. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg consists of some 1,000 square miles bordered by Germany, Belgium and northeastern France (barely). It’s about a quarter of the size of Rhode Island, and its wine-growing area covers about 3,300 acres, which is smaller than some commercial vineyards in California. This is a great wine for the dinner table and almost any light dish.
Give it a try - it's all the way from Luxembourg!
3 - Flowers Pinot Noir - California - $54 - http://www.flowerswinery.com/
This is the official wine of Thames River Greenery. Whenever we have to send a bottle to a dignitary, diplomat or local movers & shakers we like to include this one. Dark and stone fruit aromas reminiscent of black cherries, plums, and red currants. Lots of aromas yield notes of mineral, sandalwood and white pepper too. The soft tannins help to make this a velvety full-flavored Pinot noir - it is Yummy.
4 - Caymus Vineyards Cabernet - Napa - $70 - http://www.caymus.com/
Caymus, Caymus, Caymus. If you love Cab, you love Caymus. Deep dark ruby red with full thick and yummy plush oaked fruit. Firm tannins give you something to think about and show the fun this wine will have in the cellar for years. Spectacular spicy, cassis flavors that show deep Cab personality and end with a looooong finish that brings some muscle, tannin and oak to forefront.
But don’t just take my word for it, try it on Friday night and tell us what you think.
Please join us - it is fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Thanks for joining us each week - we appreciate it.
Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions, we love to hear from you.
We have lots of surprises coming for you in this new year - stay tuned.
Winemakers, authors, chefs and special events - keep your eye on the calendar.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Beaucastel/Perrin & Fils Vinsobres/Aberlour/LAN Rioja/Jean Fillioux/Disznoko Tokaji Aszu/CHALK HILL
We have just added 7 new featured items to our Favorites List.
Take a peek - click on the Featured & Favorites Link to see all of the goodies.
The Chateau de Beaucastel
White “Vieilles Vignes” - 2003 - $155
Perrin & Fils Vinsobres - $44
Aberlour Single Malt - $62
Bodegas LAN Rioja Limited Edition - $45
Cognac Jean Fillioux - $26
Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 1999 6 Puttonyos - $80
CHALK HILL
Estate Vineyard Selection
Botrytised Semillon, 1997 - $125
produced only two times in 25 years
Take a peek - click on the Featured & Favorites Link to see all of the goodies.
The Chateau de Beaucastel
White “Vieilles Vignes” - 2003 - $155
Perrin & Fils Vinsobres - $44
Aberlour Single Malt - $62
Bodegas LAN Rioja Limited Edition - $45
Cognac Jean Fillioux - $26
Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 1999 6 Puttonyos - $80
CHALK HILL
Estate Vineyard Selection
Botrytised Semillon, 1997 - $125
produced only two times in 25 years
Monday, January 02, 2006
Michel Torino/The Chocolate Block/Big Tattoo Red/Tapestry
NEW YEARS EVE
Wow - what a night! - I still have confetti in my shorts.
I happen to know for a fact that there are a FEW of you out there that remember when Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight during their annual New Year's Eve Party at Waldorf Astoria in New York. That's when Ben Grower was the countdown host and there was basically only one channel to watch all of the excitement on TV.
Well get a hold of yourself - times have changed. The good news is - a nice bottle of wine is still a great way to celebrate in the new year.
And this Friday night we have four wines for you to try - the information is highlighted in RED just below the news.
Also - We are accepting reservations for ALL of the posted wine dinners.
Please check the calendar of events for more information and call early to reserve because seating is limited.
BEER TASTING January 5th - 5-8 p.m. No Charge
We will visit with the folks from Thomas Hooker - http://www.troutbrookbeer.com/index.html
1 - American Pale Ale
The American Pale Ale won 3rd Place in the Great International Beer Festival for the American Pale Ale category.
The GIBF is held annually in Providence, Rhode Island.
2 - Blonde Ale
Fermented at cooler temperatures, the flavor is accentuated by a subtle malt sweetness and a delicate crispness from American and Czech hops.
3 - Hop Meadow IPA
Hooker's creamy IPA emphasizes traditional West Coast Chinook and Cascade hops which produces a hophead's delight of a brew: just-right complexity that's not too sweet or over-the-top with hops.
4 - Blind Tasting - see if you can name that beer.
WINE TASTING FRIDAY - January 6 - 6 -9 p.m. NO CHARGE
1- Michel Torino Torrontes Argentina 2003 - $17
This has a very expressive, floral perfume with notes of overripe peaches, candied pears. A heavy, almost oily texture covers the palate, giving significant weight and body. A long tangy finish & the acidity is in good balance with the supple fruit and alcohol level. With such distinctive and overpowering flavor, food matching can be a challenge with Torrontes. However, its high acidity can cut through buttery, creamy dishes, and the tropical fruit flavors give it a perception of sweetness than can temper a spicy dish. Therefore, I would suggest similarly exotic and spicy-flavored cuisine, such as Asian, Indian, and the like. Or enjoy it by itself, as a contemplative aperitif -- it will surely initiate conversation.
2 - Big Tattoo Red - Springfield Virginia $9 - http://www.bigtattoored.com/
This wine comes from two brothers, Alex, a wine importer, and Erik, a tattoo artist, who wanted to pay homage, in a non-serious way, to their late mother who suffered from cancer. They decided to label and bottle their own wine and donate the proceeds to a good cause. With their combined talents and effort, they created Big Tattoo Red. For every bottle sold, 50 cents is being donated to the Arlington, Virginia Hospice and a breast cancer research foundation in the name of Liliana S. Bartholomaus. Introduced in the Winter of 2002, donations from Big Tattoo Red will surpass $75,000 by the end of the year. The vineyards are located in Colchagua, in the Central Valley. Vineyard management is ecologically friendly. The vines are vertically-trellised and yields are controlled in order to maximize the quality of hand-picked fruit. This blend packs a powerhouse of fruit. Aromas of ripe berry fruit and plums set the stage for an explosion of fruit in the mouth with flavors of blackberries, black cherries, and cocoa that all come together on the rich and lingering, finish.
3- Boekenhoutskloof South Africa The Chocolate Block - $30
The next time you want to spend thirty or forty dollars on a bottle of wine in a restaurant - stay at home, buy some lamb chops and uncork a bottle of Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block - this is "wine heaven". Marc Kent the man that makes this wine has been to our store. He told me this wine is a particular favorite of his. The name comes from the vineyard "block" where the grapes are grown. This is a multi-dimensional sensory experience; resonating lilies, spice fragrance with plenty dark, creamy chocolate & sleek concentration too, but richness contrasted, lightened by bright red fruits, peppery lift. This has very good flavor intensity. Finishes sweetly tannic and long, with a flinty element. One of the great examples from the Cape and I would rank it in the top tier. Long live Boekenhoutskloof!
Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Reserve - Tapestry $50 http://www.bvwine.com
Classic black-ruby color typical of this blend. Ripe, brambly, coffee and black cherry aromas showcase the varietal, while black olive and dark cocoa scents suggest the wine’s Rutherford origin. Medium full-body and firm structure dominant, with the cherry-plum and herb Merlot adding nuance in the finish. Chewy tannins, fine minerality, with vanilla oak-spice adding an elegant touch of sweetness.
You can enjoy this now with everything from grilled lamb to dry-rubbed baked salmon
We have lots of events and special guests scheduled for the new year.
All are the result of your input and suggestions, thank you for all of the interest and support that you have shown to us.
Thanks for making it so much fun - and for spreading the word - it really makes a difference.
Our best wishes to everyone for a healthy, safe and very Happy New Year.
AAA
Wow - what a night! - I still have confetti in my shorts.
I happen to know for a fact that there are a FEW of you out there that remember when Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight during their annual New Year's Eve Party at Waldorf Astoria in New York. That's when Ben Grower was the countdown host and there was basically only one channel to watch all of the excitement on TV.
Well get a hold of yourself - times have changed. The good news is - a nice bottle of wine is still a great way to celebrate in the new year.
And this Friday night we have four wines for you to try - the information is highlighted in RED just below the news.
Also - We are accepting reservations for ALL of the posted wine dinners.
Please check the calendar of events for more information and call early to reserve because seating is limited.
BEER TASTING January 5th - 5-8 p.m. No Charge
We will visit with the folks from Thomas Hooker - http://www.troutbrookbeer.com/index.html
1 - American Pale Ale
The American Pale Ale won 3rd Place in the Great International Beer Festival for the American Pale Ale category.
The GIBF is held annually in Providence, Rhode Island.
2 - Blonde Ale
Fermented at cooler temperatures, the flavor is accentuated by a subtle malt sweetness and a delicate crispness from American and Czech hops.
3 - Hop Meadow IPA
Hooker's creamy IPA emphasizes traditional West Coast Chinook and Cascade hops which produces a hophead's delight of a brew: just-right complexity that's not too sweet or over-the-top with hops.
4 - Blind Tasting - see if you can name that beer.
WINE TASTING FRIDAY - January 6 - 6 -9 p.m. NO CHARGE
1- Michel Torino Torrontes Argentina 2003 - $17
This has a very expressive, floral perfume with notes of overripe peaches, candied pears. A heavy, almost oily texture covers the palate, giving significant weight and body. A long tangy finish & the acidity is in good balance with the supple fruit and alcohol level. With such distinctive and overpowering flavor, food matching can be a challenge with Torrontes. However, its high acidity can cut through buttery, creamy dishes, and the tropical fruit flavors give it a perception of sweetness than can temper a spicy dish. Therefore, I would suggest similarly exotic and spicy-flavored cuisine, such as Asian, Indian, and the like. Or enjoy it by itself, as a contemplative aperitif -- it will surely initiate conversation.
2 - Big Tattoo Red - Springfield Virginia $9 - http://www.bigtattoored.com/
This wine comes from two brothers, Alex, a wine importer, and Erik, a tattoo artist, who wanted to pay homage, in a non-serious way, to their late mother who suffered from cancer. They decided to label and bottle their own wine and donate the proceeds to a good cause. With their combined talents and effort, they created Big Tattoo Red. For every bottle sold, 50 cents is being donated to the Arlington, Virginia Hospice and a breast cancer research foundation in the name of Liliana S. Bartholomaus. Introduced in the Winter of 2002, donations from Big Tattoo Red will surpass $75,000 by the end of the year. The vineyards are located in Colchagua, in the Central Valley. Vineyard management is ecologically friendly. The vines are vertically-trellised and yields are controlled in order to maximize the quality of hand-picked fruit. This blend packs a powerhouse of fruit. Aromas of ripe berry fruit and plums set the stage for an explosion of fruit in the mouth with flavors of blackberries, black cherries, and cocoa that all come together on the rich and lingering, finish.
3- Boekenhoutskloof South Africa The Chocolate Block - $30
The next time you want to spend thirty or forty dollars on a bottle of wine in a restaurant - stay at home, buy some lamb chops and uncork a bottle of Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block - this is "wine heaven". Marc Kent the man that makes this wine has been to our store. He told me this wine is a particular favorite of his. The name comes from the vineyard "block" where the grapes are grown. This is a multi-dimensional sensory experience; resonating lilies, spice fragrance with plenty dark, creamy chocolate & sleek concentration too, but richness contrasted, lightened by bright red fruits, peppery lift. This has very good flavor intensity. Finishes sweetly tannic and long, with a flinty element. One of the great examples from the Cape and I would rank it in the top tier. Long live Boekenhoutskloof!
Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Reserve - Tapestry $50 http://www.bvwine.com
Classic black-ruby color typical of this blend. Ripe, brambly, coffee and black cherry aromas showcase the varietal, while black olive and dark cocoa scents suggest the wine’s Rutherford origin. Medium full-body and firm structure dominant, with the cherry-plum and herb Merlot adding nuance in the finish. Chewy tannins, fine minerality, with vanilla oak-spice adding an elegant touch of sweetness.
You can enjoy this now with everything from grilled lamb to dry-rubbed baked salmon
We have lots of events and special guests scheduled for the new year.
All are the result of your input and suggestions, thank you for all of the interest and support that you have shown to us.
Thanks for making it so much fun - and for spreading the word - it really makes a difference.
Our best wishes to everyone for a healthy, safe and very Happy New Year.
AAA
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Happy New Year / Wine Tasting 12.30.05
Greetings from New London
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Wines: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured TRGreenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
It has been a great and busy week- we hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
New Years Eve is just around the corner and we have everything you need to celebrate - we will even deliver it right to your front door.
This week just a quick listing of our wines for Friday night. - Happy New Year to all.
Wine Tasting Please join us Friday December 30 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Vernaccia Montenidoli Sardinia - $19
This is made by following local tradition; it is subjected to long skin contact in order to capture the character and flavors of the Vernaccia grape and the Tuscan land. It has a deep golden color produced by the extended contact with the grape skins; the color was so important that in the old days producers used to add caramel to achieve it in off years. This wine has a rich floral bouquet, aromas of peaches and apricots with a nice backbone of mineral tones. It is full bodied and very well-balanced with a nice almond component on the finish. This is why people go to Italy - it is authentic and "Delicioso"!
2 - Sella & Mosca Cannonau - $14
Sella & Mosca's wines are original and affordable. How about a red that is relatively light,fruity and spicy, but intense enough to hold up to most meats, roast chicken and maybe vegetable dishes. The red is Cannonau, if you're not familiar with it, is the Italian name for the French Grenache and the Spanish Garnacha. The grape is also grown in California and Australia. For me, it is at its best when it shows an earthiness combined with intense berry fruit, which is the case here, despite the wine's relatively light color. The aromas project ripe red berry, including strawberry and raspberry jam. In the mouth, coffee, spices and herbs, including sage, emerge. There is definite evidence of oak aging (three years, it turns out), but the wood is well integrated, framing the wine rather than defining it. If you want a great bottle of wine that goes well with food try this one.
3 - Cantina Porroco Barbaresco -
Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Piedmont and should be drunk with all due respect. It is a wine of extremely ancient origin and was mentioned by Livy in his monumental History of Rome. According to an old tradition, the Gauls were attracted to Italy and descended into the peninsula because of the goodness of the wine of Barbaritium, from which the word "Barbariscum" and later Barbaresco were derived. However, some experts argue that the wine derived its name from the barbarian hordes that raided extensively in Italy before and after the fall of Rome.
Barbaresco, the aristocratic red wine we know today, was mentioned in 1799, when Austrian General Melas requested "Nebbiolo di Barbaresco" to celebrate in worthy fashion his victory over the French. Hey - a little bit of history is not going to kill you.....
4 - Costozza Cabernet - $23 - http://www.costozza-villadaschio.it/ing/index.htm
From year to year, Italy and France trade the title of world's leading wine producer. But Italians point out it was the ancient Romans who introduced wine making to France. In fact, Italians were cultivating grapes some 2,500 years ago, before the rise of the Roman Empire. The Veneto produces more premium wines than any other part of Italy. In the heart of the region, an hour's drive west of Venice, fields of grapes surround charming hill towns. The village of Costozza lies at the base of Monte Brosimo. This 1,312-foot hill is part of the Colli Berici, a mountain range of volcanic origin. Both the soil and mild climate are ideal for growing grapes. 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. The village of 2,000 has a delightful old restaurant, Taverna Aeolia. Astronomer Galileo Galilei mentioned in his memoirs that he was a guest there 400 years ago.
Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
And we would like to take a minute to wish everyone a happy, healthy,and safe New Year.
AAA
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Wines: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured TRGreenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
It has been a great and busy week- we hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
New Years Eve is just around the corner and we have everything you need to celebrate - we will even deliver it right to your front door.
This week just a quick listing of our wines for Friday night. - Happy New Year to all.
Wine Tasting Please join us Friday December 30 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Vernaccia Montenidoli Sardinia - $19
This is made by following local tradition; it is subjected to long skin contact in order to capture the character and flavors of the Vernaccia grape and the Tuscan land. It has a deep golden color produced by the extended contact with the grape skins; the color was so important that in the old days producers used to add caramel to achieve it in off years. This wine has a rich floral bouquet, aromas of peaches and apricots with a nice backbone of mineral tones. It is full bodied and very well-balanced with a nice almond component on the finish. This is why people go to Italy - it is authentic and "Delicioso"!
2 - Sella & Mosca Cannonau - $14
Sella & Mosca's wines are original and affordable. How about a red that is relatively light,fruity and spicy, but intense enough to hold up to most meats, roast chicken and maybe vegetable dishes. The red is Cannonau, if you're not familiar with it, is the Italian name for the French Grenache and the Spanish Garnacha. The grape is also grown in California and Australia. For me, it is at its best when it shows an earthiness combined with intense berry fruit, which is the case here, despite the wine's relatively light color. The aromas project ripe red berry, including strawberry and raspberry jam. In the mouth, coffee, spices and herbs, including sage, emerge. There is definite evidence of oak aging (three years, it turns out), but the wood is well integrated, framing the wine rather than defining it. If you want a great bottle of wine that goes well with food try this one.
3 - Cantina Porroco Barbaresco -
Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Piedmont and should be drunk with all due respect. It is a wine of extremely ancient origin and was mentioned by Livy in his monumental History of Rome. According to an old tradition, the Gauls were attracted to Italy and descended into the peninsula because of the goodness of the wine of Barbaritium, from which the word "Barbariscum" and later Barbaresco were derived. However, some experts argue that the wine derived its name from the barbarian hordes that raided extensively in Italy before and after the fall of Rome.
Barbaresco, the aristocratic red wine we know today, was mentioned in 1799, when Austrian General Melas requested "Nebbiolo di Barbaresco" to celebrate in worthy fashion his victory over the French. Hey - a little bit of history is not going to kill you.....
4 - Costozza Cabernet - $23 - http://www.costozza-villadaschio.it/ing/index.htm
From year to year, Italy and France trade the title of world's leading wine producer. But Italians point out it was the ancient Romans who introduced wine making to France. In fact, Italians were cultivating grapes some 2,500 years ago, before the rise of the Roman Empire. The Veneto produces more premium wines than any other part of Italy. In the heart of the region, an hour's drive west of Venice, fields of grapes surround charming hill towns. The village of Costozza lies at the base of Monte Brosimo. This 1,312-foot hill is part of the Colli Berici, a mountain range of volcanic origin. Both the soil and mild climate are ideal for growing grapes. 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. The village of 2,000 has a delightful old restaurant, Taverna Aeolia. Astronomer Galileo Galilei mentioned in his memoirs that he was a guest there 400 years ago.
Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
And we would like to take a minute to wish everyone a happy, healthy,and safe New Year.
AAA
Monday, December 19, 2005
Boxler Grand Cru/Chalone/Cellar Cal Pla/Quinta Eufemia
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured - Wine: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured - Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
The wines for this Friday are listed below and highlighted in RED
So you say that the holiday season is getting you down?
That the crowds and confusion at the mall have you pulling out your hair?
Is that what's troublin' you Bunky?
We know it's not easy so we will do what we can to help -
It's not too late to order deliveries from our stores.
One call can solve a lot of problems.
Check out the web sites, give us a call, and let us help for the holiday.
There are lots of specialty items, gift baskets, cards, gourmet & cheese gifts, stocking stuffers and more.
If you are downtown - please stop by and say hello - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Thanks for making this season so special.
THIS WEEK - FEATURED CHEESE AT BRIE AND BLEU
1. Cotswold – ENGLAND - $14/lb.
Made from whole milk, Cotswold is a variation of double Gloucester to which chopped onions and chives have been added. This is a firm cheese, similar to cheddar but not quite as hard. A full-flavored, creamy, mild cheese that will stand well on its own with crackers and grapes. It also makes an excellent addition to recipes such as omelets or casseroles, since it melts well.
Suggested wines: Full-bodied red wine such as Shiraz or Zinfandel. Also, this cheese is considered a "Pub" cheese in England. As such, it pairs well with beer.
2. MORBIER - FRANCE – $15/lb
Morbier is a semi-soft, unpasteurized, creamery, cow'smilk cheese produced in a small town in the Jura Mountains of France's Franche-Comté.
This rich and creamy cheese with a pungent aroma is decorated with a horizontal layer of vegetable ash in the middle, marking the separation of the morning and evening milkings. Morbier is often found on the cheese board that the French pass around for the cheese course.
Suggested wines: Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon
3. COMTE de GRUYERE - FRANCE – $17/lb
Comte is a cow’s milk cheese from the Franche-Comté region of France, along the Swiss border. It has a sweet, nutty, slightly creamy flavor with a bit of fruitiness, and a texture that is firm and mild. Meadows in that region have 1,200 varieties of wildflowers and the floral component can definitely be tasted, along with the lush, spring grass. Comte will elevate your grilled cheese sandwich to Alpine heights and is also delicious in a fondue. Or, slice it on a cheese board, top with honey and serve with fruit of the season.
Suggested wines: A hearty ale or a Cotes du Rhone
In The Cellar This Week:
BEER TASTING - THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 - 5-8 p.m.
Stocking Stuffer Beer Tasting - the perfect gift for the beer lover in your house.
1 - Orval Trappist Ale
2 - Old Engine Oil Scottish Ale
3 - Traquair House Scoth Ale
** and some holiday surprises **
all for your quaffing pleasure
THIS FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Boxler Grand Cru Alsace Riesling - $35
Jean Boxler is without a doubt one of France’s most talented wine makers and yet he must be one of the most modest. Jean is his own harshest critic. This is another domaine where the quality of the base wines is a reflection on the skills of the grower. The structure, character and complexity from the wine add another dimension. Produced from a blend of the estate's youngest grand cru parcels, the liquid mineral-scented Riesling is a lace-like, finely etched wine. Honeyed minerals, are found in its intricate, light to medium-bodied character.
This wine has been called "Hedonistic" - I think that merits a try - don't you.
2 - Chalone Pinot Noir - $16 - Wine Spectator 90 points
Silky, with a pretty array of black cherry, plum and raspberry-scented fruit that's deftly balanced, complex and elegantly styled, turning delicate and perfumed. This is a wine that is getting lots of press lately. You will see it on tables at fancy holiday parties, and peeking from the bags being put onto the back seats of those expensive cars at shopping center. But don't let that fool you - it is very good.
3 - Cellar Cal Pla Priorat - $21
Priorato is a beautiful mountainous area in north- eastern Spain an hour or so down the coast from Barcelona. The area is volcanic in origin and production methods have hardly changed since Cathusian monks first established vineyards in the 12th century. This is where probably the best examples in the world of wine produced from Garnacha and Carinena are made. This is a hot rugged landscape with poor soils and plenty of steep rocky hill sides which make cultivation difficult, and mechanisation impossible. The wines are rich and dark with high natural alcohol levels but wonderful complexity of spices and dark gamey fruit. The owner and winemaker, Juan Sangenis, philosophy is to spend 10 months in the vineyard and 2 months in the cellar, because great wine comes from great grapes and not great hands he says. This is not some nut wearing a beret and making wine for fun. It is a passion and you can taste it in the wine - you must try this one.
4 - Quinta Sta. Eufemia 2000 LBV Port - $24
The very famous Quinta is almost unique in that it has not only its vines, but also its cellars in the Douro Valley (Most ‘lodges’ are in Oporto). So the ports age in barrel in a giant cellar carved into the hills below the vineyard. There are various parcels of vineyard of which the best known is Quinta do Marco. Wines are produced traditionally, in lagares and in my experience, have a tendency to be richer and, perhaps sweeter than many. It is difficult to sip this after dinner - because it is so damn good. You will also find that a bottle will disappear quickly as you converse with your friends and those short little port glasses are refilled over and over - this is a great buy for the money.
Thank you for support - we all appreciate it.
Happy Holidays from all of us.
AAA
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured - Wine: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured - Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
The wines for this Friday are listed below and highlighted in RED
So you say that the holiday season is getting you down?
That the crowds and confusion at the mall have you pulling out your hair?
Is that what's troublin' you Bunky?
We know it's not easy so we will do what we can to help -
It's not too late to order deliveries from our stores.
One call can solve a lot of problems.
Check out the web sites, give us a call, and let us help for the holiday.
There are lots of specialty items, gift baskets, cards, gourmet & cheese gifts, stocking stuffers and more.
If you are downtown - please stop by and say hello - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Thanks for making this season so special.
THIS WEEK - FEATURED CHEESE AT BRIE AND BLEU
1. Cotswold – ENGLAND - $14/lb.
Made from whole milk, Cotswold is a variation of double Gloucester to which chopped onions and chives have been added. This is a firm cheese, similar to cheddar but not quite as hard. A full-flavored, creamy, mild cheese that will stand well on its own with crackers and grapes. It also makes an excellent addition to recipes such as omelets or casseroles, since it melts well.
Suggested wines: Full-bodied red wine such as Shiraz or Zinfandel. Also, this cheese is considered a "Pub" cheese in England. As such, it pairs well with beer.
2. MORBIER - FRANCE – $15/lb
Morbier is a semi-soft, unpasteurized, creamery, cow'smilk cheese produced in a small town in the Jura Mountains of France's Franche-Comté.
This rich and creamy cheese with a pungent aroma is decorated with a horizontal layer of vegetable ash in the middle, marking the separation of the morning and evening milkings. Morbier is often found on the cheese board that the French pass around for the cheese course.
Suggested wines: Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon
3. COMTE de GRUYERE - FRANCE – $17/lb
Comte is a cow’s milk cheese from the Franche-Comté region of France, along the Swiss border. It has a sweet, nutty, slightly creamy flavor with a bit of fruitiness, and a texture that is firm and mild. Meadows in that region have 1,200 varieties of wildflowers and the floral component can definitely be tasted, along with the lush, spring grass. Comte will elevate your grilled cheese sandwich to Alpine heights and is also delicious in a fondue. Or, slice it on a cheese board, top with honey and serve with fruit of the season.
Suggested wines: A hearty ale or a Cotes du Rhone
In The Cellar This Week:
BEER TASTING - THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 - 5-8 p.m.
Stocking Stuffer Beer Tasting - the perfect gift for the beer lover in your house.
1 - Orval Trappist Ale
2 - Old Engine Oil Scottish Ale
3 - Traquair House Scoth Ale
** and some holiday surprises **
all for your quaffing pleasure
THIS FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Boxler Grand Cru Alsace Riesling - $35
Jean Boxler is without a doubt one of France’s most talented wine makers and yet he must be one of the most modest. Jean is his own harshest critic. This is another domaine where the quality of the base wines is a reflection on the skills of the grower. The structure, character and complexity from the wine add another dimension. Produced from a blend of the estate's youngest grand cru parcels, the liquid mineral-scented Riesling is a lace-like, finely etched wine. Honeyed minerals, are found in its intricate, light to medium-bodied character.
This wine has been called "Hedonistic" - I think that merits a try - don't you.
2 - Chalone Pinot Noir - $16 - Wine Spectator 90 points
Silky, with a pretty array of black cherry, plum and raspberry-scented fruit that's deftly balanced, complex and elegantly styled, turning delicate and perfumed. This is a wine that is getting lots of press lately. You will see it on tables at fancy holiday parties, and peeking from the bags being put onto the back seats of those expensive cars at shopping center. But don't let that fool you - it is very good.
3 - Cellar Cal Pla Priorat - $21
Priorato is a beautiful mountainous area in north- eastern Spain an hour or so down the coast from Barcelona. The area is volcanic in origin and production methods have hardly changed since Cathusian monks first established vineyards in the 12th century. This is where probably the best examples in the world of wine produced from Garnacha and Carinena are made. This is a hot rugged landscape with poor soils and plenty of steep rocky hill sides which make cultivation difficult, and mechanisation impossible. The wines are rich and dark with high natural alcohol levels but wonderful complexity of spices and dark gamey fruit. The owner and winemaker, Juan Sangenis, philosophy is to spend 10 months in the vineyard and 2 months in the cellar, because great wine comes from great grapes and not great hands he says. This is not some nut wearing a beret and making wine for fun. It is a passion and you can taste it in the wine - you must try this one.
4 - Quinta Sta. Eufemia 2000 LBV Port - $24
The very famous Quinta is almost unique in that it has not only its vines, but also its cellars in the Douro Valley (Most ‘lodges’ are in Oporto). So the ports age in barrel in a giant cellar carved into the hills below the vineyard. There are various parcels of vineyard of which the best known is Quinta do Marco. Wines are produced traditionally, in lagares and in my experience, have a tendency to be richer and, perhaps sweeter than many. It is difficult to sip this after dinner - because it is so damn good. You will also find that a bottle will disappear quickly as you converse with your friends and those short little port glasses are refilled over and over - this is a great buy for the money.
Thank you for support - we all appreciate it.
Happy Holidays from all of us.
AAA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
