Thursday, September 29, 2011

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Oct 1


Your host is Gino Pisani of Angelini Wines. Gino is a fun guy to have around the store and is always complimentary to the people he meets. He talks quickly and often compares the person he is talking with to one movie star or another. "Did anyone ever tell you that you look like Richard Geere?" He loves to interact with anyone he meets and calls me the bane of his existance because I always play the straight laced guy with him. Furling his brow and saying "Good afternoong Mr. Monteleone", mocking me for not joining him with his antics. All week the staff has been looking forward to his arrival here today and for the next three hours you can stop by to catch the show for yourself. Beautiful fall day to get out of the house after the torrent of water that fell last night across the state.

Shannon Ridge Chardonnay 2010 $13.99
Color: Bright, straw like, clean. Aroma: Green apple, lemon drop, vanilla, butter. Flavor: Crème Brulée, green apple, toasty oak. Texture: Roundness and depth of complexity integrate well into an elevated mouth feel, leaving a clean lively extended finish.


Shannon Ridge Wrangler Red 2008 $12.99
37% Zinfandel, 35% Syrah, 18% Petite Sirah, 5% Barbera, 3% Mourvedre and 2% Tempranillo -- Dark, deep garnet, purple. Maraschino cherry, boysenberry, rich vanilla oak on the nose. Boysenberry, cinnamon spice and vanilla on the palate. Big, bold, soft tannins, nicely balanced with a lingering finish.


Ramspeck Pinot Noir 2009 $19.99
This dark ruby Pinot Noir has aromas of ripe berries with hints of coffee. On the palate, firm, bright bramble fruits with spice and earth tones. A silky mouthfeel with a rich, full finish.


Angelini Moscato N.V. $9.99
Bursting with fruit such as pine­apple, peach and pear, this award-winning Moscato d’Asti is a wine from the heavens above. This is a dessert wine that is light and refreshing in texture with a slight fizz.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Sep 30







Your host is our own Renzo Kian.






Narragansett Fest $8.99/6pc 16oz
This traditional German Oktoberfest style beer is brewed with the highest quality German malt & hops. Available during the fall season on tap and in 16oz Cans. The Fest is crafted in small batches at Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT and at the award-winning High Falls Brewery in Rochester, NY under the supervision of Brew-master Sean Larkin. Vienna, Pilsner, Light and Dark Munich malts make up the backbone of this beast, and Northern Brewer & Tettnanger hops are added to give it a crisp but subtle hop flavor.



Lager 12.99/18pc $5.99/6pc
Roll out the Barrel: 5.0% Alcohol by Volume and 12 IBUs. A classic American lager and the workhorse of the Gansett stable. Available all year long in bottle, can and on tap! Quality Supreme: We brew our lager with six row malt, seedless hops, corn from Iowa, our lager strain (the same one the brewery has depended on since just after Prohibition), and the purest water from Lakes Ontario and Hemlock. Taste & Enjoy: This beer is brewed just right for drinking—crisp and refreshing. It’s got more flavor than other premium lagers, yet it’s one of the most drinkable beers in the world. Narragansett has the highest rating of all domestic premium lagers on BeerAdvocate.com, and received the bronze medal for American Lagers at the 2008 World Beer Cup The History: The Lager is old reliable. It was the first beer brewed by “The Original Six” back in 1890, the bestselling beer in New England from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the official beer of the Boston Red Sox from 1944-1975.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

WINE DINNER: Argentina Wine Dinner

Every couple of months we team up with Brian and his staff over at Blue Lemon for a wine dinner. The experience is always good and Brian has an eclectic way of pairing his menus to work perfectly with the wines while offering food that isn't the same old thing. I'm always interested to see his ideas when they come across the e-mail as he and William start the process of setting up the event. This time is no different and I think you will agree that he has done it again. As I read through the menu I am once again intrigued by the pairings. The event is next Tuesday so if you haven't already, get your reservation in.

-Patrick

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market
Blue Lemon & Southern Starz

Present:

An Argentinian Wine Dinner
Tuesday, October 4 – 7PM
$70 per person, plus tax and tip


Ceviche of shrimp and scallops with citrus jus and fried plantain chips
Casarena Sauvignon Blanc 2010



Chilaquiles with calamari, chorizo, and salsa verde
Casarena Malbec 2009



Pepper crusted tuna over heirloom tomato salad with sherry vinaigrette
Casarena Cabernet Sauvignon 2009


Roasted Pulled Chicken Risotto with grilled corn and poblano peppers
Antucura Calcura 2006


Seared magret of duck with orange ginger glaze
Antucura Gran Vin 2006


Chocolate lava cakes with lavander ice cream




For reservations please contact:

Blue Lemon
7 Sconset Square, Westport
Phone: (203) 226-2647
mybluelemon@aol.com
http://www.bluelemonrestaurant.com/

Monday, September 26, 2011

Why the comparison?


Most days here at Harry's we on the wine staff taste wine. Some are good, some bad and our goal is to continue to learn more about wine, its regions, and of course, we are always looking for that next great wine to put on the shelf.
As each of us steps to the tasting table to run through the next line-up we try hard to approach it without preconceived opinions and we appreciate when the representative doesn't muddy the water with his or her own opinion while we are tasting. Typically we don't ask for the price point before we have done our own evaluation of the wine. While we discuss the merits of a given wine with the representative and amongst ourselves the comparison to France and its regions inevitably comes up. "This really tastes Burgundian" or "This wine reminds me of bordeaux". As I thought about it and became more conscious of it I suddenly realized how often it happens, not just once or twice a week but many times each day! Wine articals, co-workers, customers, and almost every rep that comes to the table makes a comparison to some French wine growing region, style or producer.
Why?...
What is the facination with France? Italy makes great wine, so does Spain and the United states! In fact there are many great wine growing regions, so why France?

I thought about it for awhile and here is what I came up with...
First of all, lets just admit it, France makes great wine. Not every year but in the great vintages France makes GREAT wine, incredible wine. I say this a bit reluctantly because I am an avid Italian wine fan and I believe the best wines actually are produced in Italy and not in France but let me stay focused for a minute.
When a comparison is made it is often but not always done in a complimentary way to France, "like a great Burgundy" for example. I think that the reason for that is that France found the balance. Are there great American wines? sure there are alot of them but the ones that are often compared are "American style" wines Big, oaky, fruit driven, low acidity, and high in alcohol. This is a generality of course, not all producers use this style but they are words often associated with American style or "New World" wines. Think about it for a second.... Other "New world" countries are Australia, Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand, (non-european) and they share some of the same generalities. There is one thing France has something in common with all of theses countries...
THEY ALL USE THE SAME GRAPES!

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and a couple others are from Bordeaux including Camenere (known as the lost grape of Bordeaux and now accepted as a flagship grape of Chile). Pinot noir and Chardonnay are from Burgundy. Sauvignon Blanc? Sancere and Bordeaux among other outlying areas, and Syrah? Grenache?... The Rhone Valley.
The big difference is often balance, when we compare Califorinia Chardonnay to White Burgundy the grape is the same but the style is not. California style means oaky, buttery and Burgundian is balanced, less woody and nuanced. When a Salesperson says this his intention is to let you know that the wine is "better" than many others in its category but it works the other way too. I had one rep tell me today the he wasn't a fan of "that vegetal Bordeaux style of Cabernet". It seems to me that if France is the cradle and caretaker of the Grapes we all recognize and drink, then more power to them. Everyone grows the grapes France does and in fact often graft particular vines for use in their own vineyards. France has worked for centuries to perfect the balance in wine and everyone else uses them as a barometer so good for them, they've earned their way and I am happy to congratulate them on their well earned comparisons.

Italy.... Now that is a different story. They use their own indigenious grapes and make world class wines that age forever, but how can anyone compare wines from other areas of the world to theirs? Does anyone else use Nebbiolo? Montepulciano, Dolcetto or Sagrantino? No!
And no one in the world makes more food friendly wines than the Itaians!

Uh oh, I feel a rant coming on, I had better wait until my next blog entry for this one, but in the mean time a tip of the cap to the french for guiding the way.

-Patrick

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Sep 24




Your host is Elena Shulman of New England Wines. Pictured with Elena is a good friend to Harry's, Barbara Tarrant whos is enjoying the days selection.





In our tasting today you will notice that Michael David is featured. He is responsible for a bunch of wines that are popular around this time of year with Halloween approaching. The "Incognito" label also includes a red and 6th sense Syrah has a counterpart called 7 Deadly Zins, also on our shelf. Michael David isn't the only one with wines appropriately named for this season. We got our Bogle "Phantom" in earlier this month, it is a special release this time of the year and always popular in the fall season.



The Bean Pinotage 2010 $9.99
Dark purple colour with the nose that shows mocha and roasted coffee bean flavours. The noticeable tannins are fine, silky and very well integrated with oak. On the palate it is mouth filling with a long and concentrated feeling.

Incognito White 2009 $18.99
Ripe and crammed with fruit this wine has aromatics of honey, citrus, apricots, and summer melons. This full bodied wine is pure and unoaked, leaving only the expressions of the blended varietals showing. Best of Class - 2011 California State Fair

Michael David Petite Petit 2009 $18.99
Like elephants whose size is imposing, Petite Petit is large! A blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot. Offering a joyous explosion of color and fun, it is a substantial, dense, full-bodied, whopper style of wine loaded with pure black fruit and vanilla flavors that coat the palate. It reveals remarkable richness with a finish that is slightly dry and seems to linger.

Michael David 6th Sense Syrah 2009 $18.99
A dark ruby colored Syrah that opens with a very fragrant peppermint bouquet with hints of black cherry, blueberry, and red currant. On the palate, this wine is balanced, mouthwatering, and very juicy. The flavor profile is a ripe red cherry with mixed in notes of vanilla. There were also hints of red currant jam and black pepper.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Sep 23




Your host is Brett from Berkshire brewing.

Brett came down from Mass. to taste us on this rainy Friday night. Renzo's pick tonight is the Octoberfest, He says it works well with the weather tonight so get in your car and get your taste of a really good beer.


More on the dinner....

A few times a year we hook up with the folks over at barcelona to do wine dinners. This time Renzo and Gretchen have gotten together to do a dinner pairing Bershire brewing's line with a menu designed to highlight their portfolio. Stay tuned for more updates as the event gets closer!


Oktoberfest $3.99/22oz
Aged for months prior to release, this Marzen-style lager is brewed using German hops and yeasts, true to tradition. Its orange-amber hue reminds us of the fall foliage that accompanies the season, and its elegant and complex malt structure produces a smooth, drinkable brew. It finishes with hints of spice and a subtle hop flavor, just enough to entice you to have another.

Pilsner $3.99/22oz
This American version of a traditional Bohemian Pilsner is a true lager, brewed to emulate the original style born in Plzen, Czechoslovakia. Berkshire uses authentic Pilsner floor malt from the Czech Republic in this classic beer. Light in color, our Pilsner is dry and crisp, and pungently hopped with Czech Saaz hops to impart a rich aroma, with a subtle bitterness to the finish.

Lost Sailor IPA $3.99/22oz
A classic British-inspired IPA, Lost Sailor keeps an even keel with a well rounded malt profile to support generous dry-hopping with the time-honored Goldings hop variety. With its floral and citrus aroma and medium body, Lost Sailor is the perfect session beer, whether lost at sea or in the comfort of your own home or a local pub.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Great Piedmont wines at great prices!




Here at Harry's we have enjoyed selling the Cascina Ballarin line of wines for the past 5 years. This producer offers a complete line of fine Piedmont wines. A perennial favorite is the Tre Ciabot Barolo. The 2001 has been a customer and staff favorite over the last year. Last Christmas I served the '01 Tre Ciabot with a braised short rib dish and I still remember how delicious the pairing was. As we all know "all good things must come to an end", we have just received our final delivery of the 2001 vintage of this wine. It's a "get'em while you can" situation.

That said, Not to worry! The 2001 is being followed by another extraordinary vintage - 2004. The 2004 exhibits a bit more of rusticity and really "bright" red fruit characteristics. Barolo wines are some of the most cellar-worthy wines in the world, they are constantly evolving and changing in the bottle. The polish and elegance of the '01 is just around the corner for the '04, personally I enjoy the vibrancy of the '04.


If you aren't sure Barolo is your thing, Ballarin also makes a Langhe Nebbiolo which uses the same grape varietal (Nebbiolo), but instead of barrel aging the wine is aged in stainless steel vats. This allows the winery to make the wine more affordable and able to get it to the public sooner.


2001 Cascina Ballarin Tre Ciabot Barolo - $34.99

2007 Cascina Ballarin Langhe Nebbiolo - $22.99


-Greg

A Wine to Fall For!


As the cool weather is starting to set in and the holiday season fast approaching, the switch over to reds is already underway. In my personal opinion there is nothing better than a nice smooth pinot noir to wash over your palate. The Ken Wright Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Oregon happens to be one of my favorites. This beautiful and elegant wine incorporates modest tannins with delicate textures of raspberry, cherry and even hints of coffee with a nice long finish. This wine is unique in that it sources it's grapes from its various vineyards. This delicious blend includes fruit form Abbott Claim, Canary Hill, Carter, Freedom Hill, Guadalupe, McCrone, Meredith Mitchell, Nysa and Savoya vineyards. Come on in and grab a bottle and try for yourself. I promise you will NOT be disappointed! Drink now through 2017. $29.99 a bottle.

Chris OB

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Cheese 101 happening tonight!


Laura just came over from the fairfield Cheese Company and told me that she has spots open for "Cheese 101" tonight from 7pm-9pm. Great way to get the basics of artisanal cheeses under your belt in a fun atmosphere while you sip complimetary wine and taste through a delicious seletion of cheeses.


You can call her direct at (203) 292-8194 for a reservation and they'll set your plate.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Sep 16






Your host is Harry's own, The Master of Suds, Renzo Kian.


As the cooler weather begins to push into our area the timing could not be better to taste a few beers that are distinctly made for this time of the year. Interesting to note that by the time Octoberfest is in full swing most of the beer named for the celebration have long since sold out and the folks looking for them are disappointed. The good news is that we have a great supply of them in stock right now and you have the opportunity to stock up in advance of the celebration. As the coming weeks bring the temperature down, the leaves begin to change and the Football teams take the field my favorite time of the year rolls in. I love the crisp air and picking my pumpkin for Halloween. For my money there is no prettier time in New England than the fall season and in particular the third week of October. Just a few short weeks away!
-Patrick





Ayinger Oktoberfest $3.49/16oz
Ayinger Oktober Fest Märzen has a deep golden color tinted with amber. It is lightly sweet with a malty nose balanced with floral hops. Its medium to big body and alcohol is not overpowering. The soft dryness comes from long maturation.


Ayinger Celebrator $13.99/4pb
Celebrator has a creamy head of tight bubbles contrasting beautifully with its profound dark robe. It is full-bodied and velvety from half a year's aging. Although it is strong, it is not overpowering. There is a wonderful and complex balance between the various malts, the alcohol and the subtle hops. A complex fruitiness of roasted malt and whole hop flowers make Celebrator great as a party drink with friends and family at celebrations. Despite its richness, it has a faintly smoky dryness in the finish.


Lindemans Faro $6.29/12oz
It’s made from malt, wheat, hops, water, yeast. Candy sugar is added before the bottling takes place. It is a clear, light red colored faro lambic with a small, creamy head.

Monday, September 12, 2011

WINE DINNER: Great Wines of Rioja Sunday, September 18, 5PM





Harry’s Wine & Liquor & Barcelona Restaurant Present:
Great Wines of Rioja Wine Dinner
With Guest Host Jill Paradiso of Vibrant Rioja
http://www.vibrantrioja.com/






Sunday, September 18, 5PM
$50 per person plus tax and gratuity
NV Cava, Ondarre, Brut
First courseBasque Pepper Salad with Chilled Cucumber Gazpacho
2010 Viura Blend, Dinastia Vivanco
Second courseDiver Scallops a la Plancha with Roasted Beets and Bacon
2005 Marques de Vargas, Reserva
Third coursePrime Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steaks (Fairfield Foods) with Wild Mushrooms
Verdina Beans Ragout and Duck Fat Potatoes
2004 Cerro Anon, Gran Reserva
2005 Bodegas Valserrano Garnacha

Fourth courseLocal Peach Mousse with Pistachio Crust

After DinnerBodegas Martinez la Cuesta Vermouth Reserva

For reservations please contact:
Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar4180 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
RSVP 203-255-0800
gretchen@barcelonawinebar.com
http://www.barcelonawinebar.com/fairfield.htm


Saturday, September 10, 2011

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Sep 10




Your hosts are Peter and Karen Dartley, Owners of Casarena Winery.

www.casarena.com


Lots going on at the store today...

First, Keith Palmer, COO for Casarena is holding down the tasting (pictured in the middle) for The owners of Casarena Winery who have come by and will talk to our customers about their vineyard and sign bottles for you if you would like them to. They live here in Ct. so they are locals which is kind of cool.

next...

Dr. Mike is tasting with us (pictured left) and has three new varietals in front of him which push his varietal tasted count to 309, unbelievable as it might seem!

last but certainly not least today...

Sandye Mann (right) with her new dog Bos'n, is the Chairperson for the Penfield Reef Lighthouse Presevation Commitee. They are holding a fundraising party on Thursday, Sept. 15th at the new Penfield Pavillion from 5:30pm-9:00pm. The event will raise money that will support the auction bid to obtain the Penfield lighthouse for the town of Fairfield. Believe it or not Fairfield doesn't even own it right now and it is falling into disrepair. This is a great chance to help out the town and put the lighthouse into the hands of the people that care most about it.

There is a minimum donation of $25 to attend and they will serve hors d'oeuvres, beer, Wine, and Soda. There will also be a "Fabulous" silent auction. Sounds like a great cause and it should be quite fun and you'll get to see our new Pavillion. Sounds like a win, win!

Here is the line-up for today:

Casarena Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $16.99
Opaque ruby-red. Bouquet of deep red currants with paprika spice. In the mouth are sweet flavors of Italian figs.


Casarena Malbec 2009 $16.99
Deep red color with purple highlights. On the nose and on the palate are plums, red currants, and black cherries with highlights of licorice.


Casarena Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $13.99
Green highlights off-set its pale yellow color. Aromas of apples and pears lead to crisp, fresh, citric flavors.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Sep 9


Your host is Zack Moehle of Newport Storm Brewing. Today we have Dwight (center) and Dave (right) mugging for the camera as they taste through the line-up. Dwight is a faithfull customer to Harry's, I met him almost 10 years ago when I came on staff and we hit it off right away. We often talk about wine, beer, life and how to fix the world. This was Dave's first time in (hopefully not his last). He had come to the corner looking for a sausage from The Fairfield Cheese Company and was successful. Need some beer for that sausage Dave?

-Patrick


Regenschauer Oktoberfest
This is our most technical brew to make and one of our only lagers. The colder and longer fermentation requires precision and patience. True to the Maarzen style, copious amounts of German Vienna, Carapils, and Munich Malts lend a sweetness people ask for all year! German Tradition and Czech Saaz hops are added post boil to really authenticate this fantastic crowd favorite!



Hurricane Amber Ale
This first beer from Newport Storm continues to be one of its most popular. The goal was to create a flavorful ale where delicate malt and hop flavor were in perfect balance. To meet this goal, the brewing crew uses North American crystal malt for color and sweetness, and Munich Malt for body and mouthfeel. The perfect amount of spicy Tettenang hops are added for flavor and aroma which compliment the bittering properties of the Magnum hops to round out this session brew.



Cyclone Series: Quinn
A rum barrel-aged porter. This 17th beer in their Cyclone Series of Limited Release beers is truly a compilation of all things Newport. She is a Newport brewed beer, aged in local Thomas Tew rum barrels, designed by Aquidneck Island’s thirsty visitors

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Sep 3


Your host is Deborah Bazzano-Banhos of Do Valle Wines. In the picture with Deborah are Mark and Sandra Beyerly. They had been frequent students at Harry's wine school but then they went and got pregnant so they have been absent recently. With them today was Emma (not pictured) who is the newest addition to their family, born on August 15th and a very cute baby. Sandra says Mark has been a wonderful support for her and handled "everything" after Emma was born while she recovered from the birth, good guy that Mark. He frequently comments and "likes" the content on our facebook page and blog. Recently we swapped posts about their power outage which they happily told me came back on yesterday afternoon around 3:30pm. We hope to have them back in classes soon and offer warm congratulations to the new parents!


Zull Gruner Veltliner 2010 $14.99
This grape makes a crisp, clean white wine that is rich and viscous on the palate. It has ripe tropical fruit like mango and pineapple along with Asian pear, and good acidity on the finish.


Zull Rosé 2010 $14.99
This is an unusual rosé blend of 70% Zweigelt, 10 % Pinot Noir, 10 % Blauer Portugieser, 8 % Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s full of pretty strawberry and red berry fruit with just a touch of spice in the middle and on the juicy, fresh, finish.


Tiasta Torrontes 2010 $9.99
This is freshly aromatic with notes of white flowers, green apples, and peaches. Lean and focused on the palate with crisp and very vivid and clean flavors. Dry finish and very pleasant.


Durigutti Malbec 2009 $14.99
Dark red. Laid-back, slightly rustic aromas of currant, chocolate, mocha and leather. Supple and suave but not overly concentrated, with good inner-mouth energy to the flavors of blackberry, chocolate and mint. A rather dry, classic malbec with a savory finish displaying fine tannins and a lingering chocolate note" Tanzer, 89 pts

Friday, September 2, 2011

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Sep 2


Your host is Rich Mattarazzo of Olde Burnside Brewing.






Dirty Penny Ale $9.49/64oz growler
Our popular “Dirty Penny Ale” (5.7% ABV) is a hearty, but never heavy “black’n’tan” style* which is mixture of 60% Ten Penny/40% our own signature stout. This beer is also available year-round at your local bar or favorite beer store.


Ten Penny Ale $9.49/64oz growler
Our flagship brew, "Ten Penny Ale" is available in more and more restaurants, pubs and package stores in Central Connecticut, and the momentum is growing! "Ten Penny" is a light Scottish style ale, brewed with a secret recipe developed by Brewmaster Ray Ballard. 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.


Ten Penny Weiz $9.49/64oz growlerThis beer is a version of a Belgian Witbier incorporating 50% wheat and 50% barley. To put a subtle spicy note to the beer, heather and sweet orange peel were added in the process to showcase this beer originating from Olde Burnside Brewing's Scottish roots. The yeast, malts and hops (Fuggles) used are British, the style very Belgian, and the spiciness Scottish, making this a very "worldy" ale.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Moet Tasting!


Today from 4-7 in our America's Room, we will be pouring Moet Imperial Champagne. Moet Imperial incorporates a very elegant nose of pear, peach and citrus with a delicate yet complex flavor.The finish is soft and subtle but still leaves a luscious finish on your palate. If you are a fan of champagne or are looking to try something new, stop on by and give this spectacular champagne a try. $36.99 bottle.


-Chris O