They're Heeere!

If you are excited about the beer launch on Saturday and can't wait that long to get a first crack at the hot new lines we'll be introducing, you can beat the crowd and taste them now!

The truck just dropped off the load of these great American Craft Brews and we've got them available for purchase. As you can see by the picture Renzo is very happy with his new inventory and the energy at the store in high in anticipation of Saturday's tasting (more info here).

Introducing Green Flash, Clown Shoes, and Six Point Sat. 12pm-3pm

HARRY’S WINE & LIQUOR MARKET TO HOST CONNECTICUT’S
NEWEST CRAFT BEER LAUNCH.



FAIRFIELD, CT-30 MAY, 2012- The long awaited release of three hot new lines of American Craft Beer will happen at Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market on Saturday June 2nd

The Craft Beer Guild Distributing of Connecticut opened for business earlier this week, and will be on hand between 12:00pm and 3:00pm to introduce and sample their new lines of American Craft Beer. Craft Beer Guild of Connecticut was established to meet the growing demand for world class beer throughout the great State of Connecticut. Their mission is to continue to seek out world class products to add to their portfolio. This practice will enable them to provide their customers with the most comprehensive, most highly acclaimed lineup of brands available.

The tasting will feature Green Flash Brewing Company from San Diego CA. They will taste their flagship beer West Coast IPA, Hop Head Red, Rayon Vert, and Imperial IPA from
12-1pm

Clown Shoes Beer will be sampled from 1-2pm, The Clown Shoes Brewery is located in Boston MA, and will feature Muffin Top, Clementine, Hoppy Feet, and Tramp Stamp.

Six Point Brewery from Brooklyn, NY will be introduced from 2-3pm. The brewery has been in business since 2004 and will feature Resin, Righteous, Sweet Action, and Crisp Lager

The brewery websites are here:
http://www.greenflashbrew.com/
http://sixpoint.com/
http://www.clownshoesbeer.com/


Located at 2094 Post Road, Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market has long been Fairfield County’s leader in education and the introduction of new industry trends. Winner of numerous accolades, including, “Best Beer Shop of Fairfield County” by the The Advocate, and “Best Wine Shop” by Connecticut Magazine, Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market has also been recognized by The Wine Advocate for its contributions and history.


For More information Contact:
Renzo Kian 203.459.4692
http://www.harryswine.com/
harrys@snet.net

Your Memorial Day weather

Lots of people talking about the possibilities of weather issues today and tomorrow. We been watching closely to see haow it is evloving and it looks like there is an outside shot at an Isolated T-storm. Weather.com is giving it a 30% chance both today and tomorrow so I am going ahead with my party! Whats a few rain drops between friends anyway...

We're open both days, today 10-5 and tomorrow 12-5 and from the looks of things most people are planning to have their picnics just like us. This is just our second Sunday open and it buzzing pretty good around the store. Tomorrow will be our first opportunity to be open on Memorial day and since the parade has always started right here at our corner, the lot will be full with the marchers and the spectators cars until it winds up. We love the parade and the tradition of kicking it off here so we'll to continue to show our support and we'll wait until they clear out before we open. If your party starts right after the parade make sure you do your shopping today.

William has opened up a Magnum of Anne Pichon Rosé and we'll be pouring it through the day. Our own summer kick off party (Memorial day picnic) always consists of a huge selection of rosé and this one will definitely be on the list tomorrow. The Paella for 40 is served just around dinner time and is another great hit with the crowd since it works very well with the wine. It is a great tradition!

Cheers!

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, May 26

Your host will be Len Gulino, The Wine Tutor.
Many of you may recognize Len from our wine classes. Most Wednesday evenings you will find him as the host of Harry's wine school teaching subjects from Wine 101 through regions, varietals, vintages and on and on. If you haven't joined us yet consider this your invitation. The classes are informative and fun, in fact the only thing you won't find at the classes is any form of pretense or exclusivity. Today Len is taking the reigns at our tasting table and has 4 selections perfect for the Memorial day party, a day in the hammock, or a picnic in the park.
On such a beautiful day Rosé is the perfect wine so stop by and pick your favorite to have with dinner tonight or as you enjoy your holiday weekend.

Rose Wine for Memorial Day.

Anne Pichon – Ventoux $22.99 1.5 Liter
This is a light, elegant rose with a delicate floral nose leading to vibrant berry notes on the palate. A subtle spiciness emerges on the refreshing finish.


Fontsainte – Corbiers $13.99
Stunningly balanced, this is great for the summer. A direct and considerable freshness - the density and richness of the fruit mingle with the superb acid vitality giving this wine a crisp persistency.


Ponzi Pinot Noir - Oregon $19.99
This sumptuous sipper offers aromas of fresh herbs and wild strawberries, rich tropical fruit flavors, and a playful balance of bright acid and residual sugar on the finish


Wolffer Estate – Long Island $15.99
Light rose in color with a shiny copper hue. The floral aroma hints of a freshly cut wildflower field. The mouth is filled with fresh berries and a note of wild strawberries.

Friday night tasting May 25th 4-7pm

So, we were supposed to have a "Ripe" tasting today but something happened along the way... The reps car broke down the product wasn't here on time yadda, yadda... Sometimes for all the best intentions life gets in the way. Thinking fast on our feet we decided to do a St. Germain Cocktail tasting instead.

A couple of years ago we started introducing people to this delicious summer cocktail and the world hasn't been the same since. What better way to introduce summer the these deliciously refreshing drinks. Pack comes with a carafe for mixing and the recipe is right on the side. Fill to this line with Prosecco, fill to the next line with Club soda, then to the top line with St Germain. Squeeze a lemon and off you go to my favorite summer cocktail. Perfect for Memorial Day!

WINE DINNER: BBQ and VINO ! Sun, June 10th 2012 5pm-8pm

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, Barcelona,
Frontier Imports, and HB Wine Merchants Present:
Our Annual Pig Roast
With Guest Host Deidre Magnello, CT Manager
Sunday, June 10 – 5PM
$50 plus tax and tip

Entrance:
Casas del Mar Cava Blanc de Blanc N.V.

Pea Tendrils salad, house cured lomo with pimenton and shaved aged Mahon
Laxas Albarino 2011


House Cured Salmon with Fairfield's Garden Pickled radishes and Golden Beets
Ochoa Navarra Rosado 2011


Roasted Suckling Pig with roasted baby turnips with tarragon, duck fat potatoes
Milcampos Ribera del Duero 2009
Abad Dom Bueno Mencia 2008

Coca de Vidre with Dulce de Leche ice cream
Pedro Romero Oloroso Sherry N.V.



For reservations please contact:
Barcelona Restaurant & Wine Bar
4180 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield
RSVP 203-255-0800
gretchen@barcelonawinebar.com
www.barcelonawinebar.com/fairfield.htm

WINE DINNER: A Night in Italy- Tue, May 22nd 7pm-10pm

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market
Blue Lemon Restaurant & Angelini Wine Present:

A Night in Italy
With guest host Julius Angelini, Owner
Tuesday, May 22 – 7PM
$68 plus tax and tip

Marinated Salmon over Field Greens with Preserved Raspberry Vinaigrette
Angelini Rosé of Sangiovese 2011


Pistachio Crusted Bronzino with Lemon Beurre Blanc
La Battistina Gavi 2011


Confit of Duck Risotto with Mushrooms, Asparagus, Parmesan Cheese
and White Truffle Oil
Zannatta Cannonau 2009


Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine Sauce
Corte Rugolin Ripasso di Valpolicella 2008


Napoleon of Chocolate Mousse with Fresh Raspberries and Coffee Anglaise
Piazzo Moscato d’Asti 2011


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

Sunday sales, What do you think?

On this, the return to Sunday sales in Connecticut we are a bit reflective about the idea that we had a mandated day off each week which I can tell you was appreciated and in some cases the reason that people chose the line of work for their career in CT. On the other hand, we are also hopeful that being open will be a fruitfull endeavor that offers more options to the consumer and makes each of our businesses more profitable... in the end it will depend on you, our customers to help us to make this a positive move forward. There has been a tremendous amount of debate on this issue over the years and it culminated with adjustments in the law that proponents say will increase sorely needed revenue for the state. Opponents continue to point out that there is only so much alcohol that can be consumed and opening another day only waters down the other six shopping days, I guess time will tell.

Over the years Harry's had led the way through many changes in the industry and now those 71 years of experience will be called on again to help determine how successful the move is. We are very interactive with our customers so listening to them and talking to them about this has been really very enlightening as a retailer. The phrase "I feel bad for you guys" has been heard over and over again these past weeks but so has "Finally!". It isn't an easy question to answer when one of our customers ask "How do you feel about the change?"
I guess the truth is that we liked having that mandated day off. I, however come from a culinary background so the first half of my career was spent in the restaurants as a chef and manager. Sundays were a normal thing for me and William had a similar history, as did Christelle. Greg worked retail so not a big change for him either and so on...

I do remember that the reason I changed careers was that I had a son born and wanted to be available for him and the restaurants didn't allow for that so I moved in to the corporate dining end but it wasn’t very rewarding making meatloaf and mac n' cheese in the cafeteria at Pitney Bowes so I made the leap to wine figuring that it had some good things to offer like being able to use the same tool that I was using as a chef, my palate for tasting. I would still be working with people but the change in hours would allow me to be available to my son. Restaurants are notorious for having bad work shifts and in fact while you are working the rest of the world is using their social hours as customers to the establishment.

Back to the question… What do you think about “Sunday sales?”

Answer… I am hopeful and we’re approaching it with open eyes, ears, and most importantly, an open mind. We have some things planned for Sunday to generate some fun and inviting days in the weeks ahead so keep your eyes and ears open as we all test the new waters together.

Cheers,

Patrick

Ps. Still get to have Sunday dinner with my son tonight.

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, May 19

Your host will be Stephen Greenwood of The San Francisco Wine Exchange.
Aside from our Saturday tasting the corner is buzzing today in celebration of two things... First off, The Fairfield Cheese Company is in the midst of celebrating their 3rd anniversary and is getting lots of well wishers and folks taking them up on their Grass fed beef sliders from Saugatuck Butchery which they are serving today and the best part is that they are free! Second, We are gearing up for our first Sunday in decades where we are able be open so be sure to check in with us tomorrow!

Cheers!

Bodegas Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2004 $27.99
A rich, velvety and elegant full bodied red that’s intense and long lasting, with lots of cherries and plums. Made from a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuela grapes and aged in oak for 24 months. Earthy and smooth, this Rioja unwinds flavors of savory dried earth, roasted plums and mushrooms underpinned by fine-grained tannins. Dark smoky spice notes accent the palate and linger on the graceful finish.

Terra Valentine Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $26.99
Deep ruby color frames the black currant, fig, and boysenberry fruit aromas that are mingled with cedar, tobacco and baking spices. Smooth soft fruit tannins greet the palate and build into a round viscosity that finishes with toasted cacao nibs.

Milbrandt Traditions Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $15.99
This has aromas of ripe fruit, currants, blackberries and vanilla. The palate is layered and warm with gentle tannins and soft acids. It has the dark color, rich flavor and firm character that is unique to Eastern Washington. Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Merlot 10%, Petit Verdot 5%, Malbec 1%

Mills Reef Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $15.99
This youthful and lively wine presents lovely passion fruit, gooseberry and tomato leaf aromas and flavors. Multilayered, it is rich and creamy with a long weighty palate and balanced acidity that finishes crisp and dry.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, May 18

Your host is Nicole, representing Heineken USA.

New Castle Summer $8.99/6pb
"The Hoppings" - reputedly the largest traveling fair in Europe, takes place on Newcastle Town Moor every June. Several origins has been suggested for the name. It may derive from the word "Hoppen" an Old English word for dancing or funfair. It has even been suggested that people "hopped" about itching due to fleas caught from animals that travelled with the fair. However, we’d like to think it may relate to the quality hops used in the brewing of our famous beer. Enjoy Newcastle Summer Ale at the fair or wherever you are this summer.

As a side note...

In the coming weeks Harry's is going to help launch a couple of red hot labels to Connecticut. They are in some other markets and doing very well and we finally have them crossing the border to our state! Our shop has is one of a very few that will be introducing the labels with a special launch tasting is scheduled for Saturday June 2nd from noon - 3pm. Do you know whats coming? Want a clue... Stop in and ask Renzo for details or keep your eyes and ears open for more information in the coming week.

"Sunday Sales" is a reality!

It was just announced that the Governor has officially signed the landmark Bill #5021 in to law. This new law will allow for alcohol sales on Sundays beginning next Sunday May 20, 2012 from 10am-5pm and add a few other provisions to the existing laws. Harry's will put these hours into our regular weekly rotation.

We have heard good points made on both sides of the argument and will continue to keep our eyes, ears, and minds open to new ideas regarding these changes. As a fixture in the industry for more than 70 years, Harry's has seen and many times led the way through all types of changes. As we embark on our new adventure into uncharted waters we invite your feedback and hope that our customers will let us know what their particular needs are moving forward.

Thank you to all of our loyal customers through the years, your patronage has been greatly appreciated and we look forward to the next 70+ years of servicing you and your families.

Cheers!

The Harry's Family

Wine tasting Sat, May 12, 1pm – 4pm

Your host will be Ryan Davis, Northeast Area Manager of Precept Wine. Today with Ryan are two of our favorite moms from next door at Fairfield Cheese Company. It is a beautiful day to be out and about so bring mom by to taste a nice lineup of wines and while you are here mom (all ladies) will receive a complimentary rose to brighten their weekend a little more!

Anyone one looking for a a mother's day gift idea might consider a seat in our upcoming Summer Whites and Rosè class Wednesday May 16th and 23rd from 7pm-9pm $60per person. We also have a tremendous selection of Rosè (roses)... Pick up a dozen for you mom!

Primarius Pinot Noir 2009 $14.99
A wonderfully aromatic Pinot Noir from Oregon with raspberry, rhubarb, clove, vanilla and tomato leaf. Developed strawberry and rhubarb flavors are well-integrated on the palate. The finish leaves soft tannins and balanced acidity to carry the lingering fruit.

Waterbrook Melange White 2010 $14.99
Beautiful nose with aromatic mango, peach and nectarine followed by floral notes of honeysuckle and jasmine. Tropical notes continue on the flavorful palate married with golden delicious apple notes. The bright finish is filled with an array of citrus, ruby red grapefruit and honey tangerines. 39% Riesling, 18% Pinot Gris, 14% Gewürztraminer, 10% Chardonnay, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Viognier

Waterbrook Merlot 2009 $11.99
Washington Merlot proves its merit onces again, delivering big taste and even better value. At $12 this is a steal. Wine Enthusiast, 89 pts

Pendulum 2008 $16.99
Black plums and herbs show on the nose with bits of black pepper and vanilla highlights. The palate continues with black plums and pepper accompanied by black cherry and hints of leather and tar notes. The supple tannins and good acidity give wine good structure and hold the finish for quite a while.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, May 11

Your host is Tia from Narragansett.


Summer $8.99/6pc
The Summer Ale pours golden, producing a generous white head, and perfect carbonation. The malt flavor is smooth and subtle, balanced out by a crisp hop bitterness. Aromas of mixed fruits are very evident, but mild on the palate. The superior drinkability and lower alcohol content make this beer perfect for summer sessions on the beach, the boat, the backyard patio, or at the ballgame.


Narragansett $12.99/18pc $5.29/6pc
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. 2010 Gold Medal winner in the lager category at the 14th annual Great International Beer & Cider Competition in Providence, RI. Winner of bronze medal in the 2010 World Beer Championship.


Cream Ale $8.99/6pc
This is the perfect lawn-mower beer. Our cream ale was brewed with an ale yeast and lagered at 38 degrees for a clean, crisp finish. This beer is clean, flavorful, light, and crisp, making it a real thirst quencher. It’s an ode to beers of a forgotten age, when things were just a bit slower…and some would say a little bit better. You’ll really enjoy the supreme drinkability of this beer, whether you’re mowing the lawn or mowing down duckpins at the local lanes.

Oregon better than Burgundy?

Well, I don't know but Pinot Noir is one of the most enjoyable reds that a person can experience, hands down. With its soft lingering tannins to its bright, layered fruit, Pinot Noir is exceptional in the world of wine. When we think of Pinot Noir one usually thinks of French Burgundy and/or California, but they are overlooking one of the best areas in the world, Oregon. Known primarily for it Pinot Noir, Oregon's temperate climate helps produce these wonderful and elegant grapes in a way that no where else can. One of its top producers is Cristom. Located on the Eola-Amity Hills within Willamette Valley, Cristom offers a true experience that many other wineries simply can't match. Cristom's wine maker Steve Doerner, uses an old world style of wine making and follows the philosophy of letting the land make the wine.

Cristom offers a variety of different Pinot Noir. Producing three various blends, Mt. Jefferson, Sommers and Signature, these wines incorporate different single vineyard grapes from Cristom as well as sourced fruit from various other sites across Willamette Valley. Cristom also offers four types of their own single vineyard grapes which are for the serious pinot drinkers. These sites include Eileen, Jessie, Marjorie, and Louise. These bad boys offer rich complexity with deeper and darker fruit and touches of spice that seem to explode onto your palate. Each single vineyard has their own characteristics that truly give you a great example of how delicious and sensual these wines can be. So if you are getting tired of those same old juicy California Pinot's and want to try something new, you don't have to go far to get a truly expectational wine.

Currently available at Harry's
Mt. Jefferson 09 - $30.99
Sommers 08 - $41.99
Marjorie 09 -$64.99
Jessie 09 - $51.99
Eileen 09 - $51.99

Chris OB

Wine Tasting 3-6pm Saturday, May 5

Your host is Donna Pace of Gathering Harvest.


Tololo Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 $9.99
A fruit-forward Chilean Cabernet with lots of jammy blackberry, plum, and raspberry fruit flavors, this wine has well-refined tannins within its well-balanced mouth feel. It is softer in style but with a lingering dark fruit finish.

Tololo Chardonnay 2011 $9.99
Has aromas of citrus with a touch of toasty oak. Good and medium-bodied on the palate, with decent acidity and balance. Tastes like spiced apple and melon, with vanilla and mild wood spice on the finish. Well done effort from Chile. Wine Enthusiast, 86 pts

Enanzo Garnacha Rosé 2011 $9.99
This is produced using the traditional "free-run" technique, where the grape must is obtained by gravity alone. It is then macerated for a few hours on the skins to create the wine's deep pink color, but fermented without the skins at controlled temperatures in order to retain the fruit aromas of the grape. The result is a fresh, young wine with bright notes of ripe strawberry, raspberry and watermelon which culminate in a slightly spicy finish.

Clava Carmenere 2010 $16.99
From the cool Casablanca Valley in Chile comes this fantastic Carmenere, full of blue fruit and cassis, exuberant and delicious. Decanter magazine gives it 3 stars and says: "Very enticing and aromatic deep blueberry fruit on the nose. Juicy, open-knit, creamy with ripe tannins."

Complimentary Bourbon tasting May 5th 12pm-3pm

Phil Russo is joining us from 12-3 today to mix up Mint Juleps in preparation for todays kentucky Derby. His feature Bourbon will be Woodford Reserve which is the official Bourbon of the derby. We will also have some Makers mark to taste if you prefer and there are a number of other small batch whiskeys available if your tastes include something other that these selections.

Mint Julep recipe
4 fresh mint sprigs
2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water

Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.

More info. and recipes available here:
http://www.woodfordreserve.com/

Woodford Reserve $30.99 750ml

Makers Mark $26.99 750ml

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, May 4

Your host is Brittnay from Heineken USA.

Don't forget Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow!
What better way to prepare that to taste a few of choices that will work perfectly for your fiesta.

Sol $12.99/12pb $8.99/6pb
Brewed in Mexico, Sol is an easy-to-drink beer with a smooth and refreshing flavour. It all started on a sunny Mexican morning in 1899…On a clear sunny morning just outside Mexico City in 1899, in a little brewery called “El Salto de Agua” (“The Water Fall”), the sun’s rays creep over a brewing pot, inspiring the German brew master, to name his new beer “El Sol” – Spanish for “The Sun”. At that moment, “El Sol” was launched as a beer for the working class – offering them a beer much more refreshing beer than the predominant heavy European-style beers of the time.

Dos Equis Special Lager $14.99/12pb $8.496pb
Refreshing, crisp, golden, lager style beer imported from Mexico. Made with roasted malts, choice hops, a unique strain of yeast and purified water, this distinctive brew is known simply as “Lager” in its homeland.

Tecate $10.99/12pc $6.88/6pc
A Lager beer with a delicious aroma of malt and hops and a delicate balance in its subtle refreshing taste.

Wine and Tapas

If you have been following our blog for any time you would have seen us mention a group that is also running a blog by the name "Culinary Sundays" and the idea is that this threesome chooses a theme that acts as the base for the weeks menu. Each saturday they come by the store for a wine pairing for that weeks menu and we have had great fun both recommending the wines for the meal and following the blog week to week.

The themes are good, the recipes are well chosen and if I do say, The wine pairings seem to work out well also. Each week we are eager to see how things went with their last adventure and eagerly check in on Tuesday or Wednesday to find out how it went. Perhaps the most connecting thing is that they are very self-efacing. Some things work better than others and yes, there has been a time or two when the wine pairing was less than perfect but that just adds to the approachable nature of their blog.

A few weeks ago while they were shooping for the next days menu I half-jokingly told them that if we got an invite to the dinner that we would supply the wine. Their response was great and very welcoming and over the next couple of weeks we found a date that worked and we marked it on the calender, April 29th. This past Sunday we showed up, wine in hand, in anticipation of a fun evening.

I think I speak for all of us at Harry's when I say it was much more than expected. We were greated warmly by our hosts Jennifer and John, along with Christie and handed a refreshing cocktail to start things off. There was a sense of comfort and welcoming, the conversations started and stayed fun and easy through the evening. If I had one negative thing to say it would simply be that they worked too hard.

Take a look at this menu...

That is 15 items on that menu and each was hand prepared by the ladies and that is a lot of work! After we had all had a couple of glasses of wine they let us in on just how much work they had done. Shopping a preparations were not a couple of hours or even a day. They spent a number of days planning, shopping and prepping the menu so that we could show up and watch them put together and serve these wonderful Tapas. Can I do anything to help? No, no we're fine...

The food, wine, and company were all memorable all in all a great evening even if we had a stumble or two along the way. These type of things help to build the memories. We are grateful for their hospitality and hope they enjoyed our company too. Perhaps some of our readers will find inspiration in Gourmet Sunday idea and use it for your friends and family.
Cheers!

Patrick