Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Nov 26

Your host will be Maria, the Wine Ambassador of Herdade Do Esporao.









Esporao Red 2008 $25.99
Slightly opaque dark ruby red blend opens with fragrant blueberry bouquet with a hint of raspberry and oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, shows some good acidity and is fruit forward. The flavor profile is a mineral infused red currant and plum blend with a hint of black pepper. The finish is dry and the medium tannins are slightly prolonged.

Esporao White 2009 $17.99
This pale yellow colored wine opens with a ripe Bartlett pear bouquet with a hint of oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and creamy. The flavor profile is an oak infused Bartlett pear with a hint of green apple. The finish is dry and pleasant.

Monte Velho Red 2010 $10.99
This dark ruby colored wine opens with a black raspberry bouquet with hints of black pepper and oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and easy going. The flavor profile is an oak and black raspberry blend with hints of black pepper and black currant. The finish is dry and displays mild tannins.

Monte Velho White 2010 $10.99
This light yellow colored wine opens with a ripe Anjou pear bouquet with a hint of white grapes and wet stone. On the palate, this wine is light to medium bodied and shows crisp mild acidity and some roundness. The flavor profile is a Granny Smith apple and Anjou Pear blend with notes of minerality and spice throughout.

Saturday tasting Ardbeg 10yr Scotch 5pm-8pm

Happening now...


The good folks from Ardbeg distillery have sent Tatiana to taste their 10 year old single malt Scotch with us. Big, smokey and peaty from the Isle of Islay. Great on a fall evening and on through the winter. If you have never tasted this one it is worth the trip.






Here is what you may have missed this afternoon (sorry we didn't get it up earlier but it has been busy here today)!...






Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Nov 19

Your is Jennifer Englert of T. Edwards.

Alhambra Malbec 2008 $14.99
This wine sees a combination of stainless steel (for freshness) and barrel (for richness) for 10 months. It’s a wine with medium-plus body and exacting purity of flavors. The Alhambra offers up clean, juicy raspberry, kirsch and plum notes with soft tannins and sneaky-long palate presence.

Alloro Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2009 $19.99
Vibrant cherries and raspberries, dried tea leaf, and spice, with subtle hints of mint espresso. This is a medium body wine that is very soft on the palate, finishing with a lingering potpourri of fresh cherries and dried leaf.

Robert Sinskey Pinot Gris 2010 $22.99
Brilliant platinum blonde color and clean, true aromas of melon, ginger-spiced pear and apple blossom exemplify purity. Upon a sip, aromas expand into vibrant flavors, bright and youthful, with a delicate touch of floral perfume and almonds. The wine snaps with citrus-like crispness rarely seen in a New World white, contrasted with a richness that makes for one satisfyingly mouth-watering wine.

Vinedo de los Vientos Alcyone N.V. -- Atlantida, Uruguay $29.99/500ml
This red dessert wine, made 100% from the Tannat grape, has an amber purple color and a honey-like texture. With the addition of just a touch of winter flowers, Madagascan vanilla bean, wild apple mint, and white cacao soufflé, it is a sweet after dinner wine the likes of which most folks have never tasted before. It always evokes smiles and raised eyebrows to all who taste it.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Nov 18

Your host is Sean O'Neill of Cisco Brewery and Distillery. We're just getting started on todays tasting and it will run until 7pm so if you are around and want to taste these beers stop in and talk with Sean for a few mintues. Sean is a good guy that knows his stuff when it comes to the selection in front of him today. BTW have you ever heard of Triple 8 vodka or Hurricane Rum? Do you want to know more about them? Ask Sean he'll fill you in!

Cisco IPA $10.99/6pb
Finally an American-style IPA from us... This beautiful red-orange ale has a full malty body balanced by a fruity apricot/grapefruit nose. Mounds of dank Summit hops in the whirlpool and dry-hop additions provide a deliciously quenching finish to this East meets West-coast ale.

Cisco Blonde $10.99/6pb
This is a hoppy blond ale named after our happy blonde labrador. It’s made with a bit of malted wheat and Centennial hops for a refreshing citrusy finish. It’s unfiltered and bottle-conditioned for freshness

Triple Eight Vodka $24.99/750ml
Introduced in the spring of 2001, Triple Eight Vodka is the flagship product of Triple Eight Distillery. Our super-premium vodka is triple distilled using organic corn from Holland and blended with ultra pure water from our Nantucket well # 888. We believe it is as good or better than any other Vodka in the super-premium category. Seek it out for yourself and we’re confident you will agree!

Hurricane Rum $33.99/750ml
First released in late summer 2003, Hurricane Rum was introduced during the Hurricane season. This is done in honor of the awesome storms that cause havoc from the Keys to Nantucket . The rum is over-proofed to match the strength of the most recent hurricane that season. It is aged in bourbon casks imparting a wonderful golden color and distinctive whiskey flavor. Hurricane Rum is truly small batch and quite difficult to find. If you see it, grab it!

Beaujolais nouveau celebrates 60th with vintage year

Le beaujolais nouveau est arrivé!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/16/beaujolais-nouveau-celebrates-60th-birthday



The 2011 vintage of Beaujolais nouveau has arrived at the store is available for sale since 8:00am this morning. We will be tasting the newest release all day invite you to come by, taste and stock up on yours for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Harry's has these Nouveau's in stock:

Goerges Duboeuf $8.99

Domaine de la Madone $11.99

Joseph Droughin $9.99

Chateau Moulin Favre $10.99

Antonin Rodet $12.99

Some of them are in limited supply so don't be slow!

Elegant Red Wine for Thanksgiving Feast

For anyone who prefers pairing medium to full bodied reds with their Thanksgiving feast should consider one of the 2009 Chateaneuf Du Pape's(CdP). I am personally a big fan of wines from the Rhone Valley in France, especially the Chateaneuf's. The one thing that I am not used to is drinking them so young, I usually cellar them for at least 3 or 4 years before drinking them. After reading that 2009 was not only an exceptional year, but a warmer than usual growing season I was anxious to open one.

In warmer vintages the wines are usually very ripe and possess a "fruit forward" quality. What this means is that the tannin levels are lower than in cooler vintages and the herbal and spicy qualities are overshadowed by the fruit flavors.

So, on to the wine. This past weekend I opened a bottle of Domaine La Milliere's 2009 CdP. I planned on drinking it with dinner so I uncorked the bottle at around noon and poured off a glass so the wine could "open up". Initially the nose was not very revealing but over time the fruit and herbal characters really began to show. At around 5pm when we poured the wine and tasted it we were all surprised just how approachable it was. The wine was velvety smooth and showed rich flavors of cherry and Provencal herbs. There was a definite depth that other Southern Rhone wines just don't have. I love ordinary Cote du Rhone wines but they are less complex than the CdP's or even Gigondas wines. I was also very pleased with how well this wine carried the 14% alcohol level. One tip on serving this wine is to store it at cellar temperature (55-60 degrees) before serving. By doing this the wine will surely show much more balance.

Wine details: 2009 Domaine La Milliere Chateaneuf du Pape, Vielles Vignes, $50.99/bottle.

Grape varietals: 60% Grenache, 10% Mouvedre, 10% Cinsault, 10% Counoise, 10% Syrah

-Greg

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Nov 12

Your host will be Michael Kane of Rosenthal Wine Merchant. Known in the industry as "Professor Kane" or "Dr. Kane" for his vast knowledge of the wine world and all of its components. Michael is a very interesting man to talk to but be forewarned, it does take some time for him to pass along all that he knows and can easily spend 15 minutes talking about one subject or another. Pictured with Michael today are long time Harry's customers Doris and Don Eder.

Monpertuis Cotes du Rhone Red 2009 $16.99
This estate consistently produces some of the finest examples from the Rhone Valley. This wine has loads of black cherry and toast flavors followed by tar, vanilla and tobacco on the finish. The deep ruby/purple-colored wine is loaded with fruit and body and is a great value.

Vercesi del Castellazzo Pinot Noir Bianco “Guigarolo” 2010 $17.99
Aromas of white flowers, peach, and apricot. The wine has weight and structure on the palate, showing subdued spice, minerality, and white stone fruits. It is dry, rich, and full bodied.

Chateau Massiac Minervois Rouge “Sentinelle de Massiac” 2010 $11.99
Composed of equal parts of Syrah and Carignan, the wine sees no oak. A very spice driven wine as it evokes notes of fresh cracked black pepper, herbs and dark cherry aromas on the nose. It softly coats the palate with more of the pepper spice and mineral notes.

Gour de Chaule Gigondas 2005 $25.99
Fresh, seamless red and dark berry flavors display an intriguing combination of depth and vivacity, with silky tannins adding support. There's a graceful, pinot noir-like character to this wine that's really captivating.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Nov 11

Your host is the Bill O'Brien of Beaver. Harry's is proud to host Beaver Brewing as they do their first ever tasting! Brand new to the market Beaver is introdcuing their line right here tonight and our opinion is that they do a good job so come down and taste. Let renzo know if you agree.

Big Red $8.99/6pb
Crafted from a heady blend of English & domestic style malts, combined with a bodacious infusion of Pacific Northwest hops, Big Red is a sinfully delicious session brew. Big Red’s malt backbone lends a smoothness and balances the impressive hoppy tones added through the kettle & dry hopping process. Its citrus aroma, brilliant medium-copper color, and long standing foam provide a most satisfying sensory impression. Not astringent or sweet, Big Red Beaver is an IPA you can enjoy day or night . After one taste you’re sure to say "bottoms up".

Blonde 8.99/6pb
The brewing process begins with a proprietary yeast strain. Unlike most pale ales, this yeast provides a mellow estery aroma that enhances the malty flavor aroused from 2-Row and Cargill Europils malts, as well as lending a subtle crispness. Beaver Blonde is characterized by its balanced hop bitterness and noticeable citrus hop nose which is crafted by generous "dry hopping" of lusty Simcoe & Amarillo hops. A touch of white wheat malt enhances the drinkability of this gorgeous brew for a refreshing blonde that goes down easy time after time. This is one Beaver you won’t forget.

Brewnette 8.99/6pb
Beaver Brewnette is brewed with a combination of high quality domestic 2-row and specialty malts. True to style, Beaver Brewnette is bittered and finished with Noble variety hops. Slowly fermented with lager yeast, it is conditioned for weeks to round the flavors for a toasty malt character. Medium bodied with an off-white, clinging head, Beaver Brewnette satisfies from first taste through its incredibly smooth finish. A pleasure to enjoy, after just a little time together you'll be going steady.

Variety Pack 15.99/12pb

The Best Wine Country?

As most of you know Italy produces some of the best wines in the world hands down. From their extravagant elegant reds to their relaxing crisp whites, Italy has it covered. As my colleague Patrick always states, the best wines produced do come from Italy. Dating back to the Early Greeks in Sicily and especially to the Romans, the Italians have always been producing wine. There are a few thousand different grape varieties that grow in Italy but only about 700 are used to actually make wine, making Italy one of the most diverse wine making countries in the world. With the holiday season fast approaching us, I have picked out a few reds that I feel could make your Thanksgiving dinner that much better!

Antinori Peppoli Chinati Classico- This DOCG Chianti Classico represents intense fruit aromas with hints of vanilla and coffee. It is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah. It has an inviting structure with soft to mild tannins that help produce a well round finish. This wine is meant to be enjoyed young while the ripe fruit is still present. $26.99

Piaggia Carmignano Il Sasso 2008- This is beautiful Tuscan blend that incorporates 70% Sangiovese 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. With hints of darker fruit such as Blackberries and currant, this wine has a full body and a silky soft finish. Definitely a great wine to pair with Turkey! %29.99

Pio Cesare Barolo 2006- A wine not to be messed with, this barolo is not for the faint of heart. Hailing from the famous Piedmont region(where all barolo's are produced)this wine has a complex structure with firm ripe fruit and touches of roses, raspberries and licorice. The wine has a gripping feel on the mid palate that lasts throughout the finish. Overall a delicious wine that could be saved for many years to come. $64.99

Chris OB

WINE DINNER: Piedmont Wine Dinner Thur, November 10th 2011 7pm

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market,
Paci Restaurant & Mark Taylor Imports Present:
Paci Wine Dinner
Thursday, November 10, 7PM
$95 all-inclusive

ANTIPASTI

Cappesante
Seared Diver sea scallops with sweet corn
purée and applewood smoked salami
Langhe Bianco, Cascina Ballarin, 2009

Melanzane
Roasted “Violetta di Firenze”eggplant topped with housemade
fennel pollen sausage, fresh tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and garlic
Dolcetto Pilade, 2009
Barbera Pilade, Cascina Ballarin, 2008

INTERMEZZO

Merluzzo
Black Cod with a chili vinaigrette and zucchini scarpace
Barbaresco, Valgrande, Cadel Baio, 2006


PRIMO PIATTO

Agnolotti
Agnolotti filled with oven roasted veal
cheeks and ricotta with a light veal demi-glace
Barolo Bricco Rocca, Cascina Ballarin, 2006

SECONDO PIATTO

Costata d’Agnello
Niman Ranch T-bone Lamb chop marinated in extra virgin
olive oil, white wine, garlic, rosemary, mint and lemon, grilled,
with creamy mint polenta and mint chiffonade
Barolo Bussia, Cascina Ballarin, 2006

DOLCE

Lemon Cheese Cake
Moscato, San Sole N.V.


For reservations please contact:
Paci Restaurant
96 Station St, Southport, CT
Reservations: 203-259-9600
pacirest@aol.com
http://www.pacirestaurant.com/

For wine info please contact:
Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market
2094 Post Road, Fairfield
Phone: (203) 259-4692
Email: harrys@snet.net
http://www.harryswine.com/

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Nov 5

Your host will be Mark Taylor of Mark Taylor Selections. Mark will be pouring a great selection of Italian wines.









Varaschin Prosecco Brut Rosé N.V. $15.99
A blend of 84% Prosecco and 16% Moscato Rosé, this is a delicious “pink” bubbly to enjoy for something different. The short, minimal Charmat method of vinification retains all the fresh fruitiness of these two grapes and provides for maximum aromatics of strawberries and raspberries. It has a persistent bead of bubbles in a flute glass and will pair beautifully with grilled seafood, chicken, or veal.

San Sole Amanda Tai 70%/Pinot Grigio 30% 2010 1 Liter $10.99
From the Veneto, Italy comes this easy drinking and delicious dry white wine to enjoy with seafood, chicken, or pork. The bouquet is complex with hints of citrus, pear, apple and dried wild flowers, and the flavors are crisp and clean.

Cascina Ballarin Cino 2007 $14.99
Cascina Ballarin is a family-run farmsince 1928. The vineyards are mainly located in the villages of La Morra and Monforte d'Alba. Deep, bright ruby red, with purplish highlights; rich bouquet of plums, fruit of the forest, and fleshy, ripe cherries. Lush fruit in the mouth, with delicate tannins backing a medium body; wonderful finish.

Cascina Ballarin Barolo Tre Ciabot 2004 $39.99
This Tre Ciabot is a blend of vineyard holdings in La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, and Novello. Showing shades of ruby-red with orange highlights, this wine has a rich, elegant nose with overtones of roasted red cherries, roses, violets, and liquorice. It has a refined, spicy taste that lingers in the mouth.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Nov 4

Your host is Kristen from Innis & Gunn. Kristen is tasting through the next few hours so if you are around stop and and join us! We're tasting three good ones from the portfolio



Original Oak Aged $6.69/22oz
Bottle: Pasteurised.
Brewed by Belhaven for Innis & Gunn
Ingredients: Golden Promise and crystal malt; Phoenix hops.
For 30 days this honey-hued beer sleeps in hand selected oak barrels, locked inside a bonded warehouse, gradually assimilating the subtle flavours that reside in the wood. Barrels are then emptied and maturation continues for a further 47 days in a marrying tun where these natural flavours infuse and fall into perfect balance. This 77-day process is unique and produces a delicious, refreshing beer: Aromas of vanilla and toffee, hints of citrus, with a malty, lightly oaked,palate. Deftly balanced and light in texture, soothing and warming in the finish

Rum Cask $12.29/4pb
Bottle: Pasteurised.
Brewed by Belhaven for Innis & Gunn
Ingredients: Golden Promise and Crystal malt; Phoenix hops.
We are delighted to present this unique limited bottling of Innis & Gunn finished in oak barrels which previously contained navy rum. Maturation in special oak barrels imparts Navy rums with the sweet, spicy character for which they are renowned. We have long wondered what flavours might be imparted to our beer by finishing it in these same barrels and earlier this year we decided to find out. We brewed a special batch of Innis & Gunn beer and matured it in oak for 60 days. Every single drop spent half of that time in American oak barrels before being refilled into selected navy rum barrels to finish the lengthy maturation. Once the beer had absorbed the unique character the barrels were emptied, the beer blended and then maturation continued for a further 47 days until all of the flavours had married together and mellowed. We think the result is absolutely delicious!

Highland Cask $13.99/4pb
Bottle: Pasteurised.
This Innis & Gunn beer has been matured in rare 21 year old single malt Scotch Whisky barrels to create a complex beer with a classic Highland character.