New years celebrations tastings continue... 4pm-7pm

As we ramp up to the new year we'll offer 2 tastings today beginning at 4:00pm. Former employee and Winebow Key Brand Manager, Carl Vitale is at the tasting counter today showing a couple more house favorites. If you have never tasted Billecart Brut Reserve, you are in for a real treat. Billed as "Black is the new yellow" (an obvious poke at Veuve) they have drawn a line in the sand and are producing a well made Champagne at its price point. The other sparkler Carl will be showing is Zardetto Prosecco. The world is in love with Prosecco right now and with good reason. They are light and lively which makes them fun to drink. You still get the celebratory "pop" of the cork that always livens everyone up and it won't drain your wallet. Thats not all, scroll down to see what Renzo is up to!

Billecart Brut Reserve $44.99
With its fine blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, all sourced from the best vineyards in Champagne, this cuvée has remained largely unchanged for almost 50 years. Carefully crafted and lovingly matured, Brut Réserve is a real treat for the champagne lover: once you've tasted it, you'll long for more. Lively and sparkling with fine delicate bubbles and a creamy, long lasting fizz, the straw-coloured champagne has a nose of ripe pear with whiffs of new mown hay. It is full-flavoured and fruity, yet clean and fresh on the palate with a lingering aftertaste. Simply delicious and perfect for any occasion.

Zardetto Prosecco $14.99
This wine is from Italy, Veneto region, Prosecco Di Conegliano-valdobb sub-region. Crystal clear with a hearty white foam and fine perlage. Fresh fragrant aromas, a delicately soft and harmonious taste are the hallmarks of this quintessential aperitif wine. Prosecco is a wine to be enjoyed in the company of friends served with shellfish or in the local way with tasty fried fish. Ancient poets used to praise ”Fried sole and wine from Conejan...”, but lets not forget white meats and fresh cheese. Made from 95% Prosecco, 5% chardonnay Sparkling PROSECCO Wine


At the same time the wine counter is busy with Carl and his sparklers, Renzo, Not to be out done by the wine geeks on the other side of the store is taking command of the beer side of things with Sam Adams "Infinium" beer Champagne. Sam Adams is always trying new things at their Brewery and the past 2 years they have released this holiday special in limited quantities (more here).

Renzo was able to get his hands on a couple of cases so he has popped it open today and is sampling it.

Sam Adams Infinium $19.99
A completely new beer style with only the four traditional beer ingredients. That mission brought together European heritage and American ingenuity with a collaboration between the brewers of Weihenstephan and Samuel Adams. The innovation and new approach to brewing traditions resulted in the creation of this new and unique beer. A great collaboration!

New years celebration tastings start today 4pm-7pm

So first let us apologize for the lack of posts these last two weeks. It has been a bit crazy around here with the holidays and this is the first opportunity we have had to post.

We had a great holiday season and saw many of our loyal customers through the season. Thank you for all of your well wishes and encouragement as the store kicked into high gear over the past month. It is very rewarding when we see so many people in the holiday spirit. Our goal is to share in and help spread the holiday cheer at the store. I hope we did our part to make the season better for you.

With one more push this week we'll closeout a terrific 2011 and move into 2012. So, as we wind down 2011 we have a few fun things going on beginning at 4:00pm today when we are joined by Cami from Eder Brothers distributors. Pictured with her is Harrys own Georgina Heasman who came on staff at Harry's this past summer as an intern in our wine room and at the register. She came back to help us through the holidays while on break from her college courses and will be with us into January. Here you see her doing some "Homework" as she prepares for her upcoming wine appreciation course when she returns to school. Meanwhile, Cami is pouring our favorite domestic Champagne. Schramsberg Vineyards out of Calistoga California Boasts a great portflio and today we're tasting these sparklers...

Schramsberg Blanc de Noir 2007

Schramsberg Brut Rose' 2007

Schramsberg "Mirabelle" Brut Rose' NV

Worth the trip down to taste these ones! Then keep your eyes open for the special tastings we are doing both tomorrow and Saturday.

Happy New year!

-Harrys

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Dec 10

Your host will be Jim Kowalyshyn of Espirit du Vin. Otherwise known in the industry as "Jimmy the K", Jim has a wonderful understanding of France and its wines. He is also very approachable and loves to share his knowledge with anyone interested (Our kind of guy) If you are in the area and want to stop in for a taste we would be glad to have you. it is a nice diversion from the rigors of holiday shopping if your are so inclined.

Des Rochers Pouilly Fuisse 2009 $17.99
This is a bright, clean wine marked by lively acidity, and showing emerald gold tones to the eye. With aromas of grapefruit and lemon, it has flavors of hazelnuts with underlying notes of mineral and spice.

Trimbach Pinot Blanc 2009 $13.99
This classic Pinot Blanc really encapsulates the Trimbach style: fermented completely dry, with a firm structure, lovely lemony fruit with lots of breadth, a minerally backbone and a truly elegant poise and balance. Pinot Blanc is a versatile wine, suitable for any occasion. It is delicious on its own, as an aperitif, or with a light meal.

Chateau de la Chaize Brouilly 2009 $15.99
French winemakers are excited that 2009 is one of the greatest ever vintages in Beaujolais. This wine shows rich garden earth and savory raspberry fruit aromas, followed by flavors of blackberry wrapped in well-integrated tannins. It is the perfect match for a well-seasoned roast chicken dinner.

Paul Mas Carignan 2010 $10.99
All spice and blackberry on the nose with subtle background notes of cocoa and toasty oak. The palate is lush and full with dark fruit and licorice intermingled with velvety tannins.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Dec 9

Your host will be John from Brooklyn Brewing Company.

Soriachi Ace $8.99/750mlBrooklyn Sorachi Ace is a classic saison, a cracklingly dry, hoppy unfiltered golden farmhouse ale, but featuring rare Sorachi Ace hop.Fermented with our special Belgian ale strain, we add Sorachi Ace hops post-fermentation. After 100% bottle re-fermentation with Champagne yeast, the beer emerges with a bright spicy lemon zest aroma. It tastes like sunshine in a glass, and that suits us just fine, especially with seafood dishes and fresh cheeses.

Winter Ale $9.95/6pbWe brew Brooklyn Winter Ale from heirloom Maris Otter malts to create a beer with roots in blustery Scotland. Brooklyn Winter Ale is richly malty, aromatic, full-bodied and perfect with stews, roasts and holiday dishes.

Black Chocolate Stout $9.49/4pbThis is the famous Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, our award-winning rendition of the Imperial Stout style once made exclusively for Catherine the Great. We use three mashes to brew each batch of this beer, achieving a luscious deep dark chocolate flavor through a blend of specialty roasted malts. We brew it every year for the winter season. It is delicious when newly bottled, but also ages beautifully for years.

Louis Roederer Champagne Dinner Thursday, December 8 – 7PM

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, 55o Restaurant and
Maisons, Marques and Domaines Present:Louis Roederer Champagne Dinner
With Guest Host Devin McGarry,
New England Regional ManagerThursday, December 8 – 7PM
$100 plus tax and tip

First CourseChilled lobster salad with whipped avocado butter lettuce and marinated long chili

Brut Premier N.V.

Second Course
Gravlax and caviar with celery root confit and herbed creme fraiche
l’Hermitage 2002

Third CourseSeared diver sea scallops with parsnip ravioli
Blanc de Blanc 2004

Fourth CourseGrilled halibut with concord grape and five bean saladBrut Rosé 2005
Slow roasted veal loin with baby root vegetables and chervil hollandaise
Cristal 2004
Dessert

Champagne Sorbet

An Italian Truffle Dinner Monday, December 5 – 7:00PM

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, Luca Ristorante and
Visco Imports Present:
An Italian Truffle DinnerMonday, December 5 – 7:00PM
$195 all inclusive

Toasted Italian bread with black truffle pasteLanghe Bianco 2010 DOC “Abriggo”
AntipastoCarpaccio di manzo alla Piemontese
Thinly sliced filet mignon served with chopped wild arugala dressed with light lemon vinaigrette and finished with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and
shaved white truffle
Dolcetto 2010 DOCG “Abbrigo”
PastaTagliarini al Tartufo bianco:
Sandra’s homemade thin spaghetti tossed with butter, sage
And Parmigiano Reggiano served with paper thin sliced white truffle
Barbera 2008 DOCG “Gran Ducato”
SecondoScaloppina con porcini e tartufo:
Tender veal scaloppini sauteed with fresh Porcini mushrooms, chestnuts and thyme in a light barolo wine sauce finished with shaved white truffle
Barolo 2006 DOCG “Abriggo”
Barolo 2006 DOCG “Gran Ducato”
Formaggi:Misto di formaggi
Combination of cheeses (dolcelatte gorgonzola, pecorino di Fossa, taleggio and pecorino Toscano) finished with drizzle of truffle oil
Barbaresco 2006 DOCG “Gran Ducato”

2011 & 2012 Wine Classes

2011 & 2012 Wine Classes Wine Classes at Harry’s Wine School Our wine classes are always very popular.  You'll have a fun evening while learning some new and interesting information about these wines and the regions they come from.  As always, the Fairfield Cheese Company will provide a couple of cheeses that are a great match with the wines. Weds, Nov 30 and Dec 7 - High End Holiday Wines Yes, there are thousands of affordable wines on the market. We carry many of them and offer them to our customers with pride. BUT, when the appropriate occasion calls for something special and on the higher-priced scale, we have those too and are just as proud and very excited to pour them for you at this very special event!  We’ll taste whites and reds along with a few bubblies and dessert wines. Sells out fast, don’t wait.   $150 both weeks Wednesdays, Feb 8 and Feb 15 - Wine 101:  Introduction to Wine Tasting This is the most popular class at Harry’s Wine School.  We offer it several times per year, always to a packed house!  We will cover everything you need to know about the basics of wine but didn’t know what to ask.  You will learn the 5 S’s of wine tasting, the 4 taste zones of the tongue, the basic grape varieties, and much more.  A selection of wines from around the world will be tasted.   $60 both weeks

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Dec 3

Your host is Deidre Magnello.

Flaugeres Red 2007 $16.99
It displays smoke-wreathed black fruit aromas, and a satin-textured, deeply-rich palate, with beet root, peat, humus, stone, and saline-savory undertones. Not a bit of superficial sweetness or rusticity of tannin accrues to this Flaugeres’ polished finish. The epitome of 2007s ability to combine lift and vivacity with ripe richness and sheer density, Wine Advocate, 92 pts

Milcampos Ribera del Duero 2009 $15.99
The dense purple 2009 Milcampos Vinas Viejas was sourced from older vines and aged for 10 months in new American and Hungarian oak. Brooding black fruits, lavender, cinnamon, clove, soy, and pepper inform the nose of this powerful effort. It delivers greater density than the Milcampos bottling and will evolve for 2-3 years. Drink this lengthy effort from 2013 to 2021. Wine Advocate, 92 pts

Abad Dom Bueno Godello 2010 $16.99
Bodegas del Abad’s 2010 Abad Dom Bueno Godello was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Pear, apple, and mineral aromas inform the nose of this intense, nicely proportioned, spicy white. This lengthy effort will provide enjoyment for another 3 years. Wine Advocate, 91 pts

Dampt les Clos Bourgogne Blanc 2009 $19.99
Ripe, fulsome apple-pear fruit is firm and snappy; some subtle and somewhat unusual mineral notes contribute complexity.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Dec 2

Your host will be the Erin from Narragansett.

She's passing out T's, Bumper stickers, Calanders, Koozies and ties along with you sample of this old school favorite. The popularity of 'Gansett has picked up dramatically over the past couple of years after we started carrying it a while back to help re-introduce it to the public. When we picked it back up the were still using the same branding from when it was popular in the "Jaws" era. Imagine that!

Narragansett $12.99/18pk $5.99/6pkRoll 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.


Narragansett Porter $8.99/6pcRoll out the Barrel: 7% Alcohol by Volume and 22 IBUs. This American-style porter has robust malt flavor with a slight hop character. Available in the Winter Season on tap and in 16oz cans. Quality Supreme: Porter is crafted in small batches at Trinity Brew House in Providence, RI and Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT under the supervision of Brewmaster Sean Larkin. It is brewed with summit hops, black malt, pale malt, roasted barley and ale yeast, and then dry hopped with Amarillo hops. Taste & Enjoy: Gansett Porter offers an extremely approachable craft experience that, unlike many of the other porters on the market, is not overly smoky or bitter. The Narragansett Porter has a deliciously mild chocolate flavor with just a hint of smokiness and hops to balance out the finish. The History: The Porter has been a part of the Narragansett Brewing Company’s lineup for decades, dating back to the 1916 (often found under the name “Narragansett Dark” in bars). Though it was beloved in the Portuguese fishing communities of Fall River and New Bedford, MA, Falstaff decided to abandon it in the ’70s because it was not a true porter. Now it is back and better than ever. As a tribute to the old “Gansett Dark,” today’s Narragansett Porter is milder and more refreshing than most, yet it is a true porter with greater flavor and complexity than its predecessor.

Chandon Tasting 4pm-7pm

Happening Now! Wendy has come by to do a special Chandon tasting in the store until 7:00. We've got the x-mas carols playing in the background and Wendy is pouring bubbles, I can't think of a better way to get in the holiday spirit. If you are out and about come by and have a taste and if you are sitting at home or at work it is a nice diversion this evening. Hope to see you!


At the tasting tonight...

Chandon Brut $17.99btl
winemaker's notes:
This wine offers the balance and elegance that has become Chandon's hallmark style. When you taste Brut Classic, look for nutty flavors with hints of brioche that build to a refreshing dry finish. The wine delivers complex apple and pear characteristics accented by citrus spice over notes of almond and caramel in the bouquet.

critical acclaim:
"A nice, everyday bubbly that offers elegance at an affordable price. Chardonnay contributes crisp flavors of limes, wile Pinot Noir brings deeper flavors of cherries. A lovely wine that grows in the glass."
90 Points

Chandon Blanc de Noirs $17.99btl
TASTING NOTES
Chandon Blanc de Noirs is characteristically a delicate salmon color. Dark cherry, currant and strawberry dominate both aroma and flavor with hints of cassis and blackberry. These red fruit flavors build in the mid-palate and finish with a soft, lingering, creamy texture.90 points