Friday, March 29, 2013

WINE DINNER: Spanish Wine Dinner Thu, April 4th 2013 7pm-10pm

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market,
Paella Restaurant, Worldwide Wines,
and Palm Bay International Present:
Spanish Wine Dinner
With Guest Host Maria Stevens, Brand Ambassador
Thursday, April 4, 7PM
$75 all-inclusive

 Tapas and Paella at the bar
Serra de Estrella Albarino 2011
Condesa de Leganza Crianza 2009

Diver Sea Scallops with squid ink risotto, finished with Romesco sauce
Portia Ribera Del Duero Crianza 2009

Beef Carpaccio with baby arugula salad, Idiazabal cheese, finished with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and capers
Faustino Rioja Reserva 2005

Stuffed free range quail (old chef Jaime Recipe) –
Shrimps, sweet breads and mushrooms, finished with Pedro Jimenez sherry sauce
Faustino Gran Reserva 2000

Galician Style rice pudding terrine with passion fruit sauce
Fonseca Moscatel de Setubal “Jose Maria” 2003


For reservations please contact: 
Paella Restaurant
44 Main St, Norwalk
Phone:  (203) 831-8636

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Mar 30

Your host will be Marian Cherrone of Slocum and Sons.
As you run around getting all of your last minute Easter preparations in order, take a few minutes to enjoy what looks like it is going to be a beautiful spring day. It has been a long time coming this year but as if on cue, mother nature has given us a terrific setting as we lead in to our Easter weekend.
It should stay sunny through the day and the temperature looks like it could reach in to the 50's, maybe even push at 60. Lets hope the rain that they say might come tomorrow holds off and the whole weekend is nice. The truth is that we live in New England and the chances are high that we will give the budding Dafodils and Tulips a drink but we can hope.
We always look forward to a busy Easter weekend and if yesterday was any clue, we should see lots of you today. If you have already got everything done early, congratulations. You might still consider taking a run by and tasting through the line up today because it is a good one. The little Super tuscan has got me especially interested and the Rosè is helping us to welcome this wonderful weather.

Marco  Felluga Pinot Grigio 2011            $17.99
Shades of copper tones to the eye. It has an intense and immediate bouquet with pronounced hints of acacia flowers, grass, and apple. In the mouth it is elegantly fruity and becomes full bodied, well-structured and has a remarkably long finish.  Winemaker’s Notes

Marco Felluga Molamatta 2011               $24.99
Golden yellow in color, this wine has an elegant bouquet of exotic fruits.  As the wine evolves, it develops a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of vanilla. The wine is fresh and round with a warm, prolonged finish.   A blend of Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Pinot Bianco.  Winemaker’s Notes

Biondi Santi Braccale 2010                       $14.99
The color is an intense ruby red with purple reflections. On the nose, aromas of red fruit, spices and flowers are detected. On the palate great roundness of the Merlot meets the delicacy of the Sangiovese and gives persistence and extraordinary tannin.


Terres de St Louis Rose 2012                  $10.99
This is a dry, sophisticated wine, remarkable in character and agreeable freshness. A beautiful pink robe; delicate, fresh fruit; well balanced; fruity, smooth, and supple, with the aromas of flowers and dried apricot.  A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Mar 29

Your host is Sean O'Neil of Cisco Brewing Company

Whales Tale               $9.99/6pc
An amber English-style ale that has a nice balance between hops and malt. It's the most popular of our beers and the most versatile in terms of pairing with food or people.

Sankaty Light            $10.99/6pb
Ed. Note: Although this beer was originally an American Golden Ale, after a short period of time the brewer changed the yeast strain, and it is now a lager. This 126 calorie lager with wonderful balance and strong hop finish is unlike most light beers. Reminiscent of an IPA but smooth and easy to drink.
It is named after the famous lighthouse that has stood on a bluff on the south eastern side of Nantucket Island since 1849. Perched precariously 88 feet above the raging Atlantic Ocean, Sankaty Head Light is in danger of falling prey to beach erosion. The lighthouse is the most powerful in New England.

IPA                             $9.99/6pc
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.

Lady of the Woods    $16.99/750ml
Bright straw with white lace. Tropical fruit, oak, Chardonnay. Slight tang finishes dry and refreshing.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Did you see our Easter ad? Great Sale!



Lots of items on sale as we move in to the Easter Weekend.

No you won't need a microscope, just click on the picture for the larger version. Some people may need to click it a second time to view it properly.

This is our first try with this format so give us some feedback and let us know that it was helpful or that it didn't work as well as we had hoped.

Thanks,

Harry's

Sunday, March 24, 2013

A star is in our midst

A natural on the red carpet.

She is a star and many of her adoring fans have come to see her....

No autographs please

Friday, March 22, 2013

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Mar 22

Your host will be Bill of Redhook Brewing Company.   
MIX PACK               $12.99

ESB   
Redhook ESB is modeled after the premium Extra Special Bitters found in English pubs. Brewed since 1987, this full-bodied amber ale is Redhook’s signature brew with its toasted malt flavor and pleasant finishing sweetness. Its eminently drinkable style has established Redhook ESB as a benchmark brew in the amber ale category. 

IPA
A lighter, drier ale with a warm, brassy color and herbal aroma.

Pilsner
Redhook Pilsner is brewed in a traditional Czech style and is the first pilsner Redhook Ale Brewery has ever released. Red Hook Pilsner offers a very soft palate and malt flavors that are offset by a medium dose of distinct Czech hops to bring out its authentic flavors.

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Mar 23





Your host is Sue Leach from Recanati wines. With Sue today is Michael Nishball who agreed to let us take his picture for our fine blog. Lots of Kosher for Passover wines to choose from here at you "Kosher wine Headquarters".



WINES OF RECANATI
Yasmin White 2011               $10.99
Yasmin White is a delicate straw gold color. The wine has aromas of dried fruit and herbs. The taste is light and refreshing, with flavors of tropical fruits, anise and pear. A delightful reception wine, and a perfect match with passed hors d'oeuvres and fish dishes.
Yasmin Red 2011                  $10.99
Yasmin Red is a blend of grapes grown in the winery's vineyards in the Galilee and the Ella Valley. This wine has an appealing ruby red color and a bouquet that is lively, youthful, and with fruit-filled fragrance. Yasmin Red is supple and medium-bodied, with an abundance of ripe red berry fruit and can be enjoyed while still young.
Yasmin Chardonnay 2011               $15.99
Delicate aromas of tropical fruit with subtle nuances of caramel and hazelnut.  Full-bodied and harmonious, concluding in a long, smooth finish.
Yasmin Cabernet  Sauvignon 2011 $15.99 
Delicate smoky aroma with hints of spice.  Medium-bodied, with flavors of blackberries, plums and herbs.

When will winter end??

This is the question on everyone's lips these days. Saul had been in Florida these past few weeks and made it back just in time for our last snowfall. No not yesterday's flurries (can't really count that can we?), the one we had Monday into Tuesday where we had some accumulation. When we talked on Wednesday he was telling me that the weather in Florida was chilly...he didn't even get to go swimming very much (poor guy). Barely got over 70 degrees he told me. He sort of smiled when he decided that it wasn't so bad after all, at least in comparison to what is happening in CT.
Wasn't Punxsutawney Phil predicting an early spring?... what happened there? This is why the weather in the northeast has the reputation that it does. I looked up this same week's weather from last year and it was in the 70's here in our state. Now I'm sitting in a cold office thinking about the crocus that are popping up around town and the daffodils that look like the are getting ready to bloom, while old man winter keeps his grip on our state.

I usually don't really start thinking spring until the first week in April.  It always seems like we get that one more dusting of snow or a cold snap as winter finally fades into the rearview mirror. This year, however, Easter is early and Passover is just a few days away. These are such harbingers of spring that all of our minds are pressing a bit harder for the warmer weather. Hopefully this is the last cold snap that we are experiencing right now because I am ready to get back outside and into the fresh air and warmer weather.

Some signs that it is close...

March madness began yesterday,

Easter and Passover are both within a week or so,

William has started bringing in the Rosè selection for the upcoming season (around 30 at last count),

Spring training is happening for MLB,

and Flowers are beginning to show themselves!

So hang in there everyone! We are right on the edge of our next season.  Just think, in a week or two...or three, we'll be able to hang up the winter coat and break out the grill and the lawnmower, and switch from the heavy reds to the lighter brighter spring and summer wines.

soon...

BOURBON CLASS: Understanding Pappy Van Winkle - Thurs, May 2nd 2013 7pm-9pm

Let’s do a word association - 
I say Bourbon, you say... PAPPY! 

The demand for this top bourbon always outstrips supply and our waiting list grows each year.  This is your opportunity to learn the Stitzel-Weller, Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, and Buffalo Trace connection.  You will have the very unique opportunity to taste and learn the connection between these three bottlings and also where Jefferson Presidential Bourbon fits in to this whole picture. Plus our guest Speaker for this event Heather from Sazerak, will bring along some other surprises from the great Sazerak portfolio.

This one is an absolute DO NOT MISS!

$40 per person
Call jan for your seat today. (203) 259-4692 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

SCOTCH CLASS: The Many Faces of Single Malt Scotch

The category of brown liquors is currently very popular, and one of the hottest is single malt Scotch.
From just this one island of Scotland, and ONLY Scotland, comes an amazing variety of tastes and styles. From the Lowlands to the Highlands, from Islay to Orkney you will taste a wonderful selection of Scotches ranging from light and heathery to peaty and oily and everything in between!
Although true to their ancient heritage, Scotch producers today are also using new production and aging techniques that will excite your palate.
Wednesday April, 24 2013 7pm-9pm
$40 per person
Pleas call Janice to reserve your seat(s) (203) 259-4692

Sunday, March 17, 2013

St Patrick's Day Tasting

McSorely's Black Lager
McSorley's Irish Black Lager is a smooth dark lager with subtle roasted malt and chocolate flavors that come from a special blend of five malts. It is perfectly balanced and finishes clean, crisp and extraordinarily refreshing for a dark beer. It's a great alternative to heavier stouts and porters.

Murphy's Irish Stout
The beer is dark brown, mahongany color. The head is short, but tight foam (very Guinness-like). The floating cap of foam lasted for the entire pint, decent looking lace coats the glass.
Smells of roasted malt, maybe a bit of coffee, but I think the nitro kills alot of the aroma.
The flavor is quite mild, some more roasted malt, slight hints of coffee or cocoa. A little bit of bitterness at the end. Body is quite thin, but the nitro keeps it creamy and smooth
http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2011/11/murphys_stands_up_well_to_guin.html

Murphy's Irish Red
Murphy's Red Ale is a top fermented ale first brewed at the Lady Well's Brewery in 1856 and is still brewed today with the traditional brewing methods and recipe.
A clear ale with a rich, amber color and a creamy head. Very crisp and malty with a touch of fruity sweetness and soft body.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Mar 16

Your host will be Inaki Castro of Maja Imports.
 A of the selections today are great "value" wines. Maja imports has a way of finding very good quality wines with affordable pricing. In our wine classes we talk alot about "price to quality ratio" and his wines seem to come up in that conversation quite a bit. Last Wednesday and Thursday we did Spain in class and the Cuba Vieja was the third wine in the line-up, We never talk about price prior to tasting but rather we discuss the given merits of the wine. Across the board the students responded positively to the wine and when it came time to share the cost there was a collective gasp when Len announced $7.99 as its price. Needless to say, it has been one of those "take home a bottle, come back for a case" wines. Come by and see if you agree.
Assobio Douro 2010              $14.99
Deep dense red color leads to intense aromas of ripe red berry fruits with smoky notes.  On the palate it is dense, compact palate with firm tannins, and well structured.  It finishes long and with good persistence.  Tinta Roriz 40%,  Touriga Franca 40%, and Touriga Nacional 20%.

Cuba Vieja Red N.V.            $7.99
One of the current “Great Value” wines of Spain!  It is ruby red in color with lots of wild berries and strawberry notes on the nose.  Showing good intensity it finishes smooth and silky.  Tempranillo 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%

Inaki Reserva 2010               $16.99
This shows a bright ruby color and has aromas of red fruits and flowers.  Well balanced with a creamy texture, the wine is full-bodied with spice and red and black fruits on the palate.  The finish is firm and long lasting.

Trileka Sauvignon Blanc 2012    $4.99
This is a pale, gleaming yellow with notes of green. It offers tropical and citrus fruit, with slight herbal notes. Young and lively in the mouth, this white has medium body and a clean finish.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Mar 15

Your host will be Rick Sciroco of Star.
Harpoon Celtic          $8.99/6pb
This Irish-style ale features a deep amber color, a smooth, malty, and complex flavor with a moderate hop finish. Our tribute to the classic Irish red ales, Hibernian Ale is the perfect beer for all your St. Patrick’s celebrations.

Killian’s Red              $7.29/6pb
Rich amber color and a thick, creamy head. Introduced into the U.S. in 1981. Gold medalist (amber lager) at 1998 World Beer Cup.

Killian’s Stout            $7.29/6pb
George Killian’s Irish Stout is the perfect example of an authentic, all-natural Irish stout brew. Its boldness can be detected immediately by its rich, dark chocolate brown color and thick caramel-colored foam head. Its taste is what beer drinkers have come to know and love from a traditional Irish stout – a slight coffee flavor without being overly bitter or too heavy, topped off with a smooth, lingering chocolate finish that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

BEER CLASS: All is fair in Love & War: The Beer and Wine Marriage"


It has always been beer vs. wine. Well not anymore as now-a-days these boundaries are getting more and more blurred. So in this workshop we are going to break down these walls and talk about and taste products that really blend the two worlds.
Beer and Wine actually take a lot from each other and in some senses it is like a marriage- there is love but there is also war. 

In this workshop we will taste 7 products that really blur the boundaries. Along the way we will throw in a cidre and a mead to really showcase how all these liquids have more similarities than you might think! 

Guest speaker for this event will be Ben Neidhart, Vice-President of B. United International, a premier beer importing company. 

Tuesday April 23rd 7 pm-9pm $30 per person. Please call for reservation (203) 259-4692

BEER CLASS: He say beer, She says wine... Wine vs Beer


Brooklyn Brewery will join us this night with four great beer choices and Worldwide Wines will bring along four delicious wines. These beers and wines will be paired with a selection of cheeses from our friends at the Fairfield Cheese Company. 

Most people know about and enjoy the pairing of food with wine, but we do not think that enough people know how tasty it is to pair beer with foods. For those of you who enjoy drinking both beer and wine this will be an opportunity to learn that both of these beverages deserve a place on your dinner table! Our guest speakers at this event will be John William, Connecticut Salesman for Brooklyn Brewery and Jennifer Reilly, Sales manager for Worldwide Wines. Get ready as the debate begins and you will be the judge of what worked better!
Tues. April 9th 7pm-9pm.   $35.00 per person 
To reserve your seat call Jan at Harry's Wine & Liquor Market (203) 259-4692

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Did you know?? The Irish have a proud tradition in the world of wine too!

The month of March is highlighted by St. Patrick’s Day. Leprechauns, pot of gold, shamrocks, corned beef and cabbage; Harp Lager and Irish whiskey are a few known symbols of this proud day for the Irish. So when the day arrives try toasting the luck of the Irish and the joys of this Celtic heritage with a glass of…wine.

 We know that Ireland has a terrific reputation for appreciating a pint of stout or a great whiskey, but they have also played a pivotal role in the global wine trade since the 1700’s. This was actually decades prior to Arthur Guinness initiating a certain brewery in Dublin! As the Irish moved abroad over the centuries, they actually brought with them their love of wine and assisted in developing some of the finest vineyards in the world.

Their names and labels have become comparable with fine wine across the globe. Chateau Montelena, Murphy-Goode, Concannon, Twomey, Plumpjack, Shea, Gary Farrell, and Dumol are just a short list of Irish American Wineries located in the Western United States. This group produces outstanding wines, and by the way, one of them beat the French twice in a blind tasting which were held in France and judged by French Masters! Guess who?

 So drop the Stout, slide the whiskey down the bar. Celebrate St. Patty’s with a fine glass of wine. Happy St. Patrick’s! Erin Go Bragh!

Joe D

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Mar 9

Your host will be Emily Welch of 55 Distribution with the wines of Greystack Cellars.
 
From Greg's recent blog post: 
 
Just recently I tasted a great California pinot noir, 2010 Grey Stack Four Brothers Pinot Noir.  Grey Stack Cellars is located in the Bennett Valley AVA which lies in Sonoma County.  It was my curiosity about Bennett Valley that first drew me to this wine.  The Bennett Valley AVA is one of the newest and smallest designated AVA's in California and is blessed with mineral-rich volcanic soils and a cool climate, perfect for pinot noir! 
My tendencies for pinot noir are usually either Oregon or Burgundy, so I was anxious to see how this one was going to compare.  It was certainly a bit richer and heavier than a typical pinot from Burgundy or Oregon but what stood out for me was its great structure and a wonderfully complex palate.  This wine was in no way "flabby" or what people including me call a fruit-bomb.  This was really well made wine,  Beside being really good now, I strongly believe this wine will continue to evolve and improve over the next few years and be even better than it already is.  I was immediately inclined to purchase a bottle and throw it in the cellar to see how it will show in a year or two.
 
Greg
 
Pinot Noir 2011                     $40.99

Syrah/Grenache 2010           $30.99

Sauvignon Blanc 2011          $29.99

Chardonnay 2010                 $23.99
 

Friday, March 8, 2013

Beer Tasting Friday March 8th 4pm-7pm




Your host will be Jay Le Blanc of Drinx.

As the snow eases across the area the store is humming. You can't see it in the picture but there are half a dozen people surrounding these two guys. It looks like people felt a little cooped up this morning and into the afternoon with the school closings and such. Jay is pouring fast and furious and the repsonse seems to be pretty positive. He brought along a few key chains if you feel like grabbing one on your way by to the counter. No purchase necessary!


Abita Purple Haze                 $9.29/6pb
Purple Haze® is a lager brewed with real raspberries added after filtration. It is brewed with pilsner and wheat malts and Vanguard hops. The berries add a fruity aroma, tartly sweet taste and a subtle purple color and haze...you may see fruit pulp in the beer.

Abita Satsuma                       $9.29/6pb
Abita Satsuma Harvest Wit is brewed with pilsner, wheat malts and oats. It is made with real Louisiana satsumas and spiced with coriander and orange peel. This unfiltered brew has a slightly cloudy appearance with a subtle citrus flavor and aroma.

Boulder Mojo IPA                $10.59/6pb
Mo-Jo: 1: A magic spell or charm; magical power; 2. Herbaceous ale that summons hop attacks.
Pale in color but packed with flavor, MoJo reflects the perfect balance of hop bitterness and malt character. The unique Amarillo hop adds a slight citrus flavor to an ultra-crisp dry finish.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

What is in a score?

Last night we had the second half of our “Great vintages” wine class and during the class we revisited a concept that had been broached the week before and it got me to thinking which has inspired this blog post.

We have a great group of students that we are happy to say, feel like their questions and participation are appreciated. We may be educating them as a rule but we are always amazed by the many good questions we get and the number that make us scratch our heads as we try to figure out how to answer them. I am happy to report that between Len (our instructor) and me, we are able to adequately answer most of them… until this one.

While the class was studying the vintage chart that Len had passed out and while discussing what scores really meant T=tannic, E=early drinking etc.., a very innocent question was asked.

Q: Does the grading 1-100 work like the grading on a test my child takes in school?
A: Yes

Q: So, if we see a score that is 90pts or above this is an A to A+ wine? If it scores 80 to 89 it is a      B to B+ wine and so on?
A: (Len) Yes, that’s right… (Patrick) um, just a second Len, I don’t agree.

Uh, oh here we go. Who is right here? Each of you is saying a different thing?

I think on the surface the idea is that Len is correct. That is the way it was set up by Robert Parker and it was used that way for many years. Something has happened in the last decade or more that I argued has skewed the scale. People believe that wines scoring below 90pts are not “good” or at least not “very good”.

Winemakers are not satisfied with an 80-89pt rating unless it is a brand that is considered a next tier product already. In fact, some have gone as far as not sending their wines to be tasted by the critics if they weren’t happy with a score that they received previously in another vintage which, I believe, has changed the scale. I went to the computer and logged on to a couple of the better known critics to see what they had to say about wines that they had rated below 85pts and was surprised at some of the adjectives they were using for what should be “better than average” wines.

“An earthy, decaying underbrush, compost-like nose” Mondavi Napa Cabernet 78pts
“Tasted But Not Recommended” Mondavi Napa Cabernet 84pts
“This wine seems texturally deficient. With a clipped, tough finish, it is a relatively weak effort - at least if pleasure is your goal.”Mondavi napa Cabernet 76pts

“1997 Brunello di Montalcino is somewhat one-dimensional, little complexity, depth, or length. However, it is one of the finest wines this estate has yet produced.” Banfi Brunello 86pts (Is that a back handed compliment, yikes)

And on and on…

I am not trying to pick on critics or particular producers but I did want it to be relatable so I picked a couple of better known Vineyards.

Last night Len was back and handed out a sheet that was a printed copy of this: http://palatepress.com/2013/03/wine/how-wine-criticism-is-changing/

So, was I right? Is a 70-80pt score a failing grade? I guess it is the eye of the beholder but I wasn’t able to find a score that was in that scale that the critic said “Good wine” “solid performer” or any positive attribute that would make me buy the wine, and I guess that is the point.

At  Harry’s, you will find a few shelf talkers and there are also a few ratings tags here or there because we agree with the sentiment that a particular critic bestowed on a wine. You will notice that in this store there are not many of them and I will make the same point that we made last night…

If you want a good experience with wine tasting and buying, build a relationship with someone in the store that you frequent, we are all different people with individual likes and dislikes. A person that understands you and your tastes is going to help you much more that a piece of paper with a score on it.

Think of that person in the same light you would your barber or hair stylist. Talk to them and build a trusting relationship. Let them know what you like and what you dislike so that they can help you to have a good experience each time you put your money on the counter. We have used this theory for building what we believe is one of, if not the best shop in our area. It is a philosophy that has been handed down through the generations and we will continue on that path well into the future of Harry's.

-Cheers

Patrick

Sunday, March 3, 2013

It's always a better day when Lily comes to work!


Saying hello to Joe today
 As the week wore on the crew started talking about the idea that it was Patrick's Sunday to work and everyone on the schedule for the day grew excited and looking forward to working. For a brief minute I mistakenly thought it was because they like to work with me and that Sundays had some how become a desirable day to work.
I was quickly reminded that what it really means is that when Patrick works on Sunday, so does Lily. She has this infectious way about her with her tail always wagging and her gentle way of sidling up next to them as she greets her co-workers for the day when they come in to work.
Soon that greeting is turned toward the customers that come in were she gets lots of love and I especially love to watch her meet the kids that come into the store with their parents. Even the most apprehensive child is soon pretty sure that she really wants to go home with them and that they have found a new best friend.

Over and over again on Sunday she is getting what she gives and that is a really genuine exchange of friendship with those that meet her. It has gotten so that on the Sundays that she is not working there are lots of questions as to why and when she will be in next. In fact during the week the question is raised over and over again about whether or not she will be in. Pretty amazing that her following has grown to be so big. It started as a one time trip to the store that was supposed to last an hour or two and is now something that people really look forward to. We may have to teach her how to sign autographs or something.
If you are out and about today and would like to come and say hi, I am sure she will win your heart too. Just look at her in the pictures, how could anyone resist?

Ps. If dogs make you nervous and would like us to move her away from you we understand completely and will give you plenty of room to shop without any problem at all. Just let us know that you are uncomfortable and we'll happily take her a safe distance away and she will not complain at all.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Mar 2

Your host is Carlito Vitale of Winebow.
Italy is well represented today both in the wine selection and the person pouring them for you. One or two of the varietals might be new to our customers and if you are part of the "century club" (a group of tasters that have or are in the process of tasting at least 100 varietals), these are ones to look for on your list. Lugana and Cannonau aka Grenache are secondary or lesser known grapes. An interesting thing happened about a month ago when Dr. Oz did a piece on the natives to Sardinia and how long they live, in some cases well past 100 years and much of the credit is given to the wine they drink. "Cannonau grapes are grown in Sardinia and are known to contain 2-3 times the level of artery-scrubbing flavanoids than other wines. These grapes endure endure the harsh Sardinian sun by producing mre red pigment to protect them from the ultraviolet rays. Thus providing us with more antioxidants".
Shortly after the story aired our shelves quickly emptied and even the distributors were finding it hard to keep up. Today is your chance to sample it for yourself
Zenato Lugana 2011 $13.99
Pale lemon-green in color, this Lugana offers delicately appealing notes of peach, citrus, banana and herbs, which are beautifully accompanied by a crisp acidity and supple body on the palate.

Vitiano Rosso 2010    $9.99
This shows excellent balance with less of the overripe character that has been a signature of past vintages. Dark red fruit, roasted coffee beans, spices and mocha are some of the aromas and flavors that emerge from this fleshy, generous Vitiano Rosso. The fruit is beautifully layered all the way through to the finish.  Wine Advocate, 88 pts

Vitiano Rose 2012     $9.99
Deep coral in color, Vitiano Rosé delivers clean, juicy aromas of strawberries, plums, cranberries, and scents of roses and gardenias. Dry, medium-bodied and refreshing.

Argiolas Costera 2010                       $15.99
Intense ruby-red in color, this wine offers seductive aromas of ripe black cherries, pepper, and licorice. Warm and full-bodied on the palate, with excellent texture, ripe fruit flavors and pleasant tannins.

Friday, March 1, 2013

WINE DINNER: An Evening in Paso Robles Tues. March 12, 2013 7pm-10pm

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, 55o Restaurant and
Justin Winery Present:
An Evening in Paso Robles
With Special Guest Jim Gerakaris, Winery Sommelier & Educator
Tuesday, March 12, 7PM
$75 plus tax and tip

Shaved Pear Salad
endive, lolla rosa, goat cheese, toasted almonds, sherry vinaigrette
Sauvignon Blanc 2011

House-Made Shrimp Fazzoletti
saffron, blood orange, scallion
Chardonnay 2011

Roasted Halibut
red beet ravioli, brussels sprouts, wild mushrooms, fingerling potatoes
Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Grilled Vintage Farms Sirloin
veal ragu, salsify puree, cabernet-black mission fig glaze, truffle oil
Justification 2009
Isosceles 2009

Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta
caramel gelato ,poached lady apples, toasted pumpkin seeds
Obtuse Port 2010

For reservations please contact: 
55o Restaurant
55 Miller  St, Fairfield
Phone:  (203) 256-0099
For wine info please contact:
Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market
2094 Post Road, Fairfield
Phone:  (203) 259-4692


Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Mar 1

Your host is Frank of SBC.

It's all about local tonight. Frank is visiting from Southport Brewing Company which is just a stones throw from Harry's. If you hop on the post road and head toward Southport it is on your right about a mile away. They were with us a few months ago to kick off and introduce their Pale ale. Tonight they have added their newest addition to the repitoire, Big Chill, their winter brew. Standing with Fank is one of our loyal Friday night tasters, Dan Carlucci. He is in a band called String Fingers out of Easton and they played at the Harbor Brew Fest that we hosted last summer over at Harbor Yard. We'll be doing it again this year and if it is anything like last year the tickets will go fast. At Harry's we are big supporters of the local movement, and have been for our 7+ decades.

Pale Ale                      $8.99/6pb

Our India Pale Ale is hopped 3 times giving it a floral aroma. Handcrafted by our brewmaster using 8 English specialty malts.

Big Chill                     $12.99/6pb
Mild malt aroma. Clear light amber color with a small white head. Mild sweet beginning with a light bitter middle and a sweeter finish.

Growers Champagne - Watch Out Orange Label!

I'm guilty of it myself - 99% of us don't enjoy champagne frequently enough!  Most people consider it a celebratory beverage only to be consumed on New Year's Eve, at weddings, or other special events.  Personally, some of the more widely distributed Champagnes from France (fyi - Champagne only comes from France) have left me underwhelmed.  And after spending $43.99 I feel as though the wine should be more memorable.

Last month, while doing a blind tasting with 6 different sparkling wines, I was introduced to 2 spectacular Champagnes from an Importer named Terry Thiese. Terry has been instrumental in finding and promoting these incredible wines. Instead of growing grapes and selling them off to a major producer, these "growers" have taken to actually vinifying the wines and selling them under their own labels.  The results of this movements are some fabulous champagnes with true character, top quality, great displays of terroir, and reasonable prices.  Beware though, just because it's a grower champagne doesn't mean it will be of high caliber. It is sensible to look for those from importer such as Terry Thiese, Neal Rosenthal or any of the other reputable wine import companies. 

The 2 champagnes I was most excited about were the following:



Pierre Peters Cuvee de Reserve Blanc de Blanc Brut NV $55.99 (100% Chardonnay) This wine was as beautiful on the palate as it was on the nose.  In my tasting notes I wrote "unbaked apple pie", indicating that the apple aromas were more vibrant than a cooked apple. On the palate this wine showed great minerality, green apple flavors, and a crisp citrus note.  Highly recommended.

A. Margaine "Cuvée Traditionelle” Brut, N.V $44.99 (90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir) This was my winner of the night, hands down.  The finish was incredibly long and it had an incredibly supple texture. The nose was highlighted by lemon zest, brioche, and white flower.  The price is incredible! Loads of elegance at a more than reasonable cost.  Highly recommended.

Don't wait until New Years to enjoy one of these wines!

-Greg