Rosè of the day - Tuesday April 30,2013

Miraval Rosè 2012

Tasting notes: Beautiful light pink color. On the nose, fantastic bouquet with delicate aromas of white fruits, just-picked strawberries and floral notes. The mouth is complex with raspberry and wild strawberry notes, wild herbs, citrus, wet-stones flavors. It has a refreshing acidity...and a round, long and vibrant finish.

Varietals: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah

Region: Côtes de Provence, France

Critical Acclaim:  "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have released their first wine, a 2012 rose from their Provence estate, Chateau Miraval. In a blind tasting of a flight of Provençal roses at Wine Spectator's New York office, the wine was refined and elegant, with pure flavors of dried red berry and tangerine, and a focused finish with flint and spice notes. It scored 90 points, or outstanding, on Wine Spectator's 100-point scale." More here

Yesterday's answer: Monday we had 2 correct answers, Both Mark Beyerly and Amy Capute Borruso came up with "Chef's Table". Today is dedicated to all of the people that said "Thats and easy one" in the past couple weeks. Our picture today has the clues that you need to figure it out but it wont't be easy. 

Good Luck!

Rosè of the day - Monday April 29, 2013

H&B Rosè 2012 $14.99/$161.00

Tasting notes: Floral and spicy expression with ripe raspberry, a round palate with flavors of cherry and lifted by bright pineapple. Strawberry, watermelon, and pomegranate nuances abound in this delectable crispy and dry wine that pairs with just about anything." —winemaker

Varietals: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, Languedoc, France

Pairing:

Meat:	white meats like chicken, turkey or pork
Cheese:	Parmesan, Asiago or Reggiano
Other:	bruschetta, Mediterranean food, teriyaki, egg dishes

The excitement of a collar.

 

Here Lily dons her lovely pink collar… what is so great about that semi-faded pink collar you ask? Simple, it means it is time to go and Lily is going too! That makes her very happy.

When I go get her faded pink collar she knows that she is going out and that doesn’t mean out into the yard. It means we’re leaving home and anything is possible. Maybe the beach or a walk in the woods or maybe just maybe she is going to work. She gets her tail wagging, in fact her whole body gets into the act. A quick snap  and in less than a minute her favorite accessory is on and she is ready to go.

So here she is looking as lovely as ever and is eagerly anticipating her meet and greet. She has very good manners and she loves all people Men, women, and children of all ages. If you are around town today and have the time, please stop in to say Hi!

If dogs make you nervous it is not a problem. Just let someone know when you get here and she will go quite willingly back to the office and hang out there while you do your shopping.

Such a good girl.

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, Apr 20

 Yesterdays answer: I really liked the picture that Renzo took for yesterdays post, there was something about the shape of the door as compared to the shoulders and neck of the bottle that was interesting and of course the name Whispering angel and the church some how fit. There were a good handful of people that got the correct answer "St. Pauls". Among them were Andrew Malkin who would like a prize for being the first to answer it correctly, sorry Andrew there will be no prizes or wagering of any kind :). Jennifer Cowenhoven and Kristie Coneys Kuhl also gave the correct response and Peggy O'Leary (my mom) chimed in but she was on the wrong corner (So close mom, maybe the next one). 
We'll be back with more on Monday. I had one person suggest that we open it up to others which sounds like a great idea to me so I'll put it out there... we are open to ideas and pictures that our followers want to submit will also be welcomed so get your cameras out and lets see what you've got! 

E-mail your pictures and ideas to Harrys@snet.net - Attention Rosè of the Day

P.S. Lily is in tomorrow and will be looking forward to visits from her many fans. 

Your host is Sara Vigneault Ryan of Cape Classics.

 DMZ Chardonnay 2012 $15.99

Bright, old gold. Sweet vanilla and hints of almonds on the front of the nose with clean tropical fruit to follow. Delicate oak support. Rich and full in the mouth with layers of full fruit flavours including apricot and white peach and always the vanilla backing. Spicy, brisk finish will lend to a few more years of bottle development.

DMZ Syrah 2011 $15.99

Deep, purple core with wide, bright, bluish tinged rim. Rich, ripe, berry fruit nose with lots of ripe, red plum.  Some floral notes in the background including violets and spring blossoms.  Rich and full in the mouth with tremendous youthful vigour. Layers of berry fruit with developing spice including pepper, cinnamon and vanilla. Very attractive now yet loads of development potential.

DMZ Rosé 2012 $11.99

One of the first rosé wines of the season, this is a lovely-colored, deep pink hue.  It has loads of   juicy flavors of pomegranate, watermelon and strawberries accented with delicate floral and spice hints.

Bayten Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $14.99

Ripe but well-focused, with straw, white peach, kiwifruit pulp and pink grapefruit notes all wound together and extending through the well-defined finish. Very solid, this should mellow with modest cellaring. Drink now through 2015.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Apr 26

Your host will be Todd of George Washington Beer.

 

GW Ale    $9.29/6pb

Crafted lighter and smoother gw Beer bridges heritage and contemporary taste. Micro brewed for the mainstream, gw Beer is a golden amber American Pale Ale, lightly malty, with a smooth balance of toasted caramel and American hop flavor and aroma, creating a beer with high drinkability.

Rosè Around the Town... Fairfield in Photos!

For the past two weeks we've been showing off Fairfield in pictures and if you have been following along we think you would agree that it has been good fun.

If you haven't been following "Rosè of the Day" this is your chance to be involved. Every Monday through Friday we are going to snap a picture around our fine town and in that picture you will find a bottle of Rosè from our extensive collection, and a place in fairfield.

It really isn't as much about the wine as much as it is about our town and every day we are showcasing a small business, town landmark or influential place from around our great town of Fairfield, Connecticut. The picture is posted both here and on Facebook. Our blog will give you a descriptor for the wine along with its price, menu pairings, tasting notes and a larger, better quality picuture. Also in the blog entry will be the answer to the previous day's post, while Facebook offers the opportunity to be involved by guessing where or commenting on the picture.

We have started to think more and more about it and the list of places that we will be able to showcase gets bigger and broader. Everything from our little corner on the Post road, to Southport, Greenfield Hill, Black Rock and Grassmere can show this town's amazing diversity.

Did you grow up here? Did you just move into town? In either case, we want you to join in and explore this town with us. We'll take the picture and post it. Your job is to figure out where we were. There are visual clues in every picture and if you look closely and think about it you will figure it out. Some will be very easy and others will be very difficult but you are going to learn about this great town that many of us live in, and you are going to connect with it wherever you live.

Our selection of more than 125 different, delicious Rosè wines will keep us busy through Labor day. No, not Memorial Day, all the way to the end of the summer. There is so much here, so many small shops and important landmarks that we'll be able to tour with you all Rosè season!

Head over and "Like" us on facebook and get involved!

Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose 2012

Tasting notes: Pale salmon in colour, this is delicate and fresh with plenty of crisp strawberry fruit and a long finish. The new benchmark for Provence rose. This elegant wine displays a sense of power behind the delicate flavors of dried cherry, licorice, cream and spice. Finishes with notes of dried mango and hints of sage honey.

Varietals: Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre
Region: Paso Robles, California USA

Pairing: Seafood! Clams, shrimp, etc... Croissants, Cheeses, or a great salad.

Yesterdays answer: The list of people that got yesterday's picture right is long. The Community theater has long been a very recognizable landmark in our town and one of Jan's friends even posted that it was where she had her first date. I would be willing to bet that she wasn't alone. So, the past few days have been easy and today we are dialing it up a notch. There are good visual clues in this one and even though it is only a picture of a door, it is not just any door. Do you know where is was taken?

Rosè of the day - Thursday April 25, 2013

 

Niner Rosè 2012 $19.99/$215.00

Tasting notes: One of the deepest colored rosè wines on the racks this year. An unmistakable nose of Grenache, it show red fruits and substantial presence on you palate.

Varietal: Grenache

Region: Paso Robles, California USA

Pairing: This one is big enough to serve with marinated grilled pork and would also work well with things like herbed fowl or Salmon.

Yesterday's answer: Ok, yesterday we had lots of people chime in…

Chris Therrien was first and was followed by Kristie Coneys Kuhl. Millie Antoinette DeVito Pollack let us know that Amy Capute Borruso and Genevieve Pennell Halloran also put up the right answer which was The Burr Mansion!

I was told yesterday that some of these are “too easy” and perhaps today’s will fit into that category too but let me forewarn you that we’re just trying to get you hooked before we start up on the more difficult ones again.

Tomorrow we will get into some real fun and up the difficulty level. Everyone has been great and it is particularly fun to see the faces of people that are coming to the store and describing the game that we are all involved with. There is an inevitable smile of each and every person that I talk with this about.

Thanks to all that are involved especially Renzo who has a terrific eye for taking these pictures.

-Cheers!

Rosè of the day - Wednesday April 24, 2013

Rimauresq Rosè 2012 $15.99/$172.00

 Tasting notes: At the heart of the Provence region of France, Rimauresq is one of only a few vineyards given Cru Classe status. A pretty, pale pink Rose with very delicate floral aromas and an elegant, refined palate showing gentle, candied red fruits. This is a serious rose with delicate floral, strawberry fruit characters and a fresh dry finish. Well worth the "Cru Classe" status.

Varietals: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah,Tibouren

Region: Provence, France

Pairing: Grilled fish and other seafood dishes of the Mediterranean but has enough body to stand up to richer dishes such as foie gras and roast chicken.

Yesterday's answer: Chris was very quick yesterday when he guessed Fairfield Train Station! I tried to put it back out there by offer "A welcome center" but just had people laughing at me. Hey, I tried. We'll mix in some easier and some more difficult things to keep it fun and today's falls somewhere between. This one is a well known property in Fairfield and I think many will recognize it but lets see what happens. Check in tomorrow for a couple of minor changes to the overall set up of this tour through our home town.

-Cheers

Rosè of the day - Tuesday April 23, 2013

St Martin Eternelle Favorite Rosè 2012 $21.99/$237.00

Tasting notes: Bright peach-pink with purple tints. Intense, aromatic nose, sensual, voluptuous fragrance of wild strawberry. Aromas evolve to pink grapefruit and flowers: old rose and peony followed by lily and violet. Unctuous palate with notes of apricot jelly, blackberry, papaya, and wild pansies followed by citrus fruits. A touch of grapefruit is pleasantly surprising on the finish.

Varietals: Tibouren, Grenache, Cinsault

Region: Côtes de Provence, France

Pairing: aperitif, salad, grilled meat

Yesterday's answer: We had a handful of people chime in yesterday and 3 of you had The Pantry as you answer (thanks to Millie for letting us know that Sylvia Hall put up an answer on her page). Aside from Sylvia, both Allison McHale and Peggey Rawley Walsh were able to come up with the answer. Mark came with Las Vetas and as I looked at the photo it made good sense. It is funny because I know where the photos are taken so it is easy for me but when we get an answer like that one it makes so me realize that it isn't so easy. So, we've had a couple easier ones and a couple more difficult. I think todays falls on the easier side but you'll let us know. Thanks for being involved!

Rosè of the day - Monday April 22, 2013

Domaine le Murmurium Rosé - Côtes du Ventoux Rosé 2012 $9.99/$107.00

Tasting notes: The brilliant pink colour will seduce you as it dances in your glass. Its delicate raspberry aromas open up in the mouth to a fresh and generous flavour with hits of spices at the finish, making it perfect to drink for any occasion

Varietals: 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah

Region: Côtes du Ventoux Rhone Valley, France

Menu: A quick recipe for a warm evening: grill veal scallops in a pan with a bit of olive oil; cook small Saint-Jean spinach ravioli, a speciality “Dauphiné” (the ancient roman province) from Romans-sur-Isère; sauté mushrooms in olive oil, and mix with creme fraiche, ravoli and the scallops.

It took some time yesterday but we did get there. Lynne was able to figure out this one, Hemlock Hardware was the right place.
Just to clarify to everyone...
All of the pictures will come from local businesses and landmarks around Fairfield. We will choose spots all around town and try to get as many places involved as possible. It has been quite a bit of fun for us already and we've just started. Lots of chatter in the store as our community has really gotten involved.
Please "Share" the picture on Facebook with your friends, and make your guesses. For all the chatter that we are hearing over the phone and around the store there are not many chances being taken on our Facebook page itself. You don't have to be right, just involved!

Good luck today!

Rosè of the day - Sunday April 21, 2013

Domaine du Bagnol Casis Rosè 2012 $32.99/$291.00

Tasting notes: A perennial favorite with the staff at Harry's, this one shows stony white and red fruits, light spice, melons, strawberry and mineral reserve shows depth and layers complexity all the while being simply refreshing. Sneaky long finishing and expertly balanced, drink up now to catch the delcious fruit. Don't wait as only 500 cases of this wine ever make to our shores!

Varietals: Grenache (55%), Mourvedre (31%) and Cinsault (14%)

Region: Cassis, Provence, France

Menu: As I was looking for a menu option for this one I stumbled on this recipe and the food geek in me wouldn't allow me to keep searching. This WILL be my menu pairing for this wine. I need to call Christelle to join me for this one (she is my culinary buddy). Fairfield Cheese Company has the pâté if you prefer.

Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich (Banh Mi) Gourmet | February 2008

Ruth Cousineau

Despite the exotic name of this sandwich, you can get all the ingredients right at the supermarket. Liverwurst stands in for the traditional pork-pâté filling—the meatiness works beautifully with the sharp-flavored vegetables and fresh cilantro. Yield: Makes 4 individual sandwiches Active Time: 30 min Total Time: 30 min 1/2 pound daikon, peeled 1 carrot, peeled 1/2 cup rice vinegar (not seasoned) 1 tablespoon sugar 1 (24-inch) soft baguette 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce 1/4 pound liverwurst 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced 1/2 sweet onion, cut into 1/4-inch rings 3/4 cup packed cilantro sprigs 2 cooked chicken breasts from a rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced Lettuce leaves 2 tablespoons mayonnaise Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Shred daikon and carrot in a food processor fitted with medium shredding disk. Stir together vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss with shredded vegetables. Let slaw stand, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat baguette on rack in oven until crusty, about 5 minutes. Cut off and discard round ends, then split baguette. Mix together oil, fish sauce, and soy sauce and brush on cut sides of bread. Spread liverwurst on bottom layer of bread and top with chiles, onion, and cilantro. Drain slaw in a colander. Arrange chicken, slaw, and lettuce on cilantro. Spread top layer of bread with mayonnaise and cut sandwich crosswise into fourths.

Yesterday's answer: This one was tougher. I had customers in the shop all day throwing guesses at me but no one seemed to be able to get it right. Molto, Saugatuck craft butchery, Tutto pasta... and the list went on. Many people were absolutely sure they knew it but couldn't seem to place it.

There were threats of bodily harm and other types of extortion attempted but we did not bend.

People shared it around and asked for help to no avail.

Finally, Jan suggested a clue that might help people "click" in their minds and we put one up on our facebook page. It seemed to work!

Hugh J. Bartlett chimed in a little while later with... "Spic & Span? Thanks for the hint"

The mystery was solved and everyone could breath a little easier.

This is fun!

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, Apr 20

Your host is Doug Rankin of Missing Link.

1:00pm-4:00pm We hope you can join us.

Peterson Rose Dona Bella 2012                $16.99

An inviting watermelon hue and fresh strawberry aromas blend with hints of pear, apple and a touch of mineral.

Lo Brujo Garnacha 2011                         $9.99

This wine reflects this with good body and structure, expressing notes of fresh blueberry and raspberry on the palate.

Tenuta La Pergola Monferrtao Rosso 2011      $13.99

Fruity, floral, plum, black cherry, mocha, black currant, strawberry, violet, and raspberry  --  Kermit Lynch Selection

Patricia Green Estate Pinot Noir 2010     $29.99

Vivid red. Pungent cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by notes of cola, allspice and anise, with a subtle floral nuance emerging with aeration.

Rosè of the day - Saturday April 20, 2013

L'escargot Rosè  $12.99/$140.00

Tasting notes: Copper tinged pink color. Beautiful nose jumps out of the glass with vibrant fresh, warm wild berries. Mineral driven entry of vibrant berry flavors with an earthy tinge & lovely stone backbone enhanced by cranberry & strawberry fruit essence. Lovely summer sipper.

Varietals: Cabernet (75%) Merlot (25%)

Region: Gascone, France

Yesterday's answer: was correctly guessed by two people, Kate Smith Marcherino put her guess up first and Tom Bauder followed emphatically with his guess of Rawley's. That was our first time out of our square but the weeks that follow will show much more of our town. Can anyone get today's?

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Apr 19

Your host will be Manny Rodriguez of Stony Creek.

 We've got some fun going at our tasting tonight. Bizz-Buzz is coming over to do a shoot about our local craft beer movement. Followers of our blog know that Renzo has set up the spring and summer to be all Connecticut based brewers.Our state is making noise in the craft beer movement and we're giving them a platform. Bizz-Buzz is going to help us spread the word too so if you want to get in on it and have your chance to be discovered in our video, they will be coming by in the next hour or so and will hang out to talk with us about the idea and to take some video. Come on by!

 Stony Creek 203 IPA          $8.99/6pb

This (203) India Pale Ale is a truly American IPA. Packed with Cascade hops from Yakima Valley, this beer has a thirst quenching citrus flavor and aroma, balanced with light crystal specialty malts to bring you a deep golden, 6.1% ABV. Our flagship IPA won’t leave your taste buds. wanting 

Rosè of the day Friday April 19, 2013

Mulderbosch Cabernet Rosè  $11.99/$129.00

Tasting notes: Vinified from Cabernet Sauvignon, this rose is vibrant and ripe with layered aromas of strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry with a hint of rose petal. The palate is similarly fruit-forward with flavors of strawberry, pomegranate, and passion fruit. Enjoy with Thai food, crab cakes, fruit-glazed pork chops, and fresh fruit.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: South Africa

Menu: Rose' is big enough to stand up to a wide variety of dishes; I paired it with a baked zucchini cheese pie that included onions, garlic, basil, oregano, mozzarella, parmesan and asiago; this Rose' didn't even blink. Pretty gutty for a "pink" wine.

yesterday's answer: Chris Therrien jumped in with the right answer yesterday with Fairfield Cheese. Thanks for playing along with us Chris! Today could be a bit more difficult if you aren't very local. Lets see what people come up with.

Rosè of the day Thursday April 18, 2013

Schramsberg Brut Rosé N.V.        $39.99/$431.00

Varietals: 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay

Region: Calistoga, Napa Valley, California

Tasting notes: This bubbly is flavorful, complex and dry, making it both versatile with food and delicious by itself as an apéritif. The character of the wine is most strongly influenced by bright, flavorful Pinot Noir grown in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas. A few small lots of Pinot Noir are fermented in contact with their skins to add depth and subtle color to this unique sparkling wine. Chardonnay gives spice, structure and length on the palate.

Menu:  A very versatile wine, try it with sushi, salmon, rock shrimp, pizza, roast chicken, BBQ ribs, burgers, chocolate raspberry tarts and creamy cheeses with summer fruits.

Yesterday's answer: No one guessed yesterday's location but the correct answer was Tutto Pasta. It wasn't an easy one and we did throw a curve ball by doing 2 in a row in their store. Good luck today!

Malbec Day April 17, 2013

World Malbec Day – April 17th

(A celebration of Mendoza)

 

Did you know that  Malbec, Argentina’s flagship varietal, has its own world day, as Wines of Argentina has established April 17th as Malbec World Day. It was established in 2011 and will celebrate its third edition today.

  

Starting off with a brief history, Malbec has been acclaimed by European palates, especially the English and French, since the Roman Empire, and its prestige was consolidated in the Middle Ages, to gain full recognition in modern  times. Today Argentina has become a major player in the U.S. wine arena. Its flagship wine has grown from 625,00 cases in 2005 to over 4 million cases in 2012. This places them 5^th overall behind Italy, Australia, France and Chile in US imports. Malbec has become the national star and is grown all over the country’s wine regions. That is why Wines of Argentina decided to pay this tribute to this emblematic variety.

Why was April 17^th date chosen? 

In a nutshell, the efforts of Michel Aime Pouget, an agriculturist, whom brought the Malbec grape to Argentina from France in 1853, and Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, President of Argentina who assisted pushing through a bill into law that established Quinta Normal and a School of Agriculture. This initiative was submitted on April 17^th 1853, and therefore the reasoning behind picking this date as Malbec World Day!

Malbec generally has rich fruit, smoke and spices on the palate. It is a full-bodied, dry red wine, with a little smoother finish then some big Cabernet Sauvignon. 

So, it is April 17^th open a bottle of this fine varietal and celebrate Malbec World Day!

Joe D

 

http://www.bkwine.com/news/malbec-world-day-on-april-17/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BKWine+Brief+115+EN&utm_source=YMLP&utm_term=Malbec+World+Day+on+April+17

Rosè of the day Wednesday April 17, 2013

 

Varietals: 70% Grenache Gris and Grenache Noir; 10% Mourvèdre; 10% Carignan; 10% Cinsault.

Region:Corbières, Languedoc, France

Price: $13.99/$151.00

 

Tasting notes: A crystalline salmon colour with superb amethyst tints. Expressive and particularly tonic, the wine immediately gives off notes of raspberry, cherry and freshly picked strawberries - followed by exotic aromas such as pineapple and mango. Considerable freshness - the density and richness of the fruit mingle with the superb acid vitality giving a wine with a frisson and a magnificent persistence. Stunningly balanced, this is an extremely appetent wine!

Menu: Ideal as an aperitif with toast and crushed olives, or with wok-fried vegetables and garlic mayonnaise, grilled fish, lamb tajine, finely roasted guinea-fowl with rosemary...

Yesterdays Answer: One person answered yesterday (Jan would have answered but Laura correctly told her that she wan't allowed to play since she works for us and was available for many of the photos taken) The correct answer was given by Ouadia Gauthier when she said Tutto Pasta. We love the feel of the picture and interesting to note that Robert Sinskey Vineyards saw the picture and retweeted it yesterday.

Rosè of the day Tuesday April 16, 2013

Robert Sinskey Vin Gris Rosè 2012

Varietal: pinot Noir

Price: $32.99/$356.00 (very limited)

Tasting Notes: Dry, crisp and pure the Vin Gris is a perfect accompaniment to food. This is a "cult" rose if you are ever going to find one. Stunningly beautiful to the eye with a gem-like glimmer, this whole cluster pressed rosé of Pinot Noir exhibits delicate purity. Aromas of pear and wild strawberry dance from the glass as complex flavors of mineral and herb co-mingle with a vibrant mouth-feel—an absolutely refreshing experience!

Region: USA, California, Napa Valley

Menu:  This Vin Gris of Pinot Noir is an incredibly versatile wine to pair with food as it can stand up to the more extreme of ethnic cuisines—Asian, Mexican and Indian—yet it is completely comfortable with a simple sandwich or classic French bistro fare.

 Yesterday's answer: The DMZ Rosè was taken with a picture of the store's original owner and it's namesake Harry Pollack. The picture is in our California room and pays homage to our past. When we showed the picture to Saul he said "I'm not sure my dad knew what Rosè was, but Im sure he would approve." If you know an answer post it here or on our Facebook page.

Rosè of the day Monday April 15, 2013

De Morgenzon DMZ Cabernet Rosè 2012

Tasting Notes: This crowd pleasing rosé displays alluring aromas and juicy flavors of pomegranate, watermelon and strawberries, accented with delicate floral and spice hints.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Western Cape, South Africa

Price: $11.99/$129.00cs



Today is the kick off for "Rosè of the day"!
Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for these sun in a bottle wines and we do quite a business with them all the way through Labor Day. Harry's has a long tradition with Rosè and the interest has exploded in the past few years and has gone mainstream. More and more producers from virtually every wine growing region in the world have joined the more traditional areas like Provence and are using different varietals and techniques to broaden the scope of the summer quaffs.

Our current selection has just surpassed the century mark and we haven't even reached May. Some have very small productions and will only be around for a few weeks, while others could go through the whole year. We have had a good time coming up with really creative pictures over the past couple of weeks and will post one each day on our blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc...

They all have a story to tell and aside from the stats like price, varietal(s), and tasting notes we have chosen interesting places in our store, at our neighbors and around Fairfield to shoot them. Click on the picture and see if you can pick the place we took it. Some will be obvious and some are designed to challenge you. Tell us what you think of the picture, the wine and where it may have been taken. This is geared to be fun and interactive and it will last through Labor Day.

The first picture has special signifcance to our store. Can anyone tell us why? Go to our page on Facebook and comment or leave a comment here. If you check in on our Facebook page don't forget to "like us" while you are there.

Have fun!

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, Apr 13

Your host is Jennifer Englert of T. Edwards Wines.

La Foret des Dames Sancerre 2011             $16.99

A lovely, vibrant nose of citrus, melon, honey and wildflowers leads to fresh, crisp flavors of peach and gooseberry on the palate. Delicate mineral and herbal notes appear on the finish.

Alhambra Malbec Reserva 2011                 $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.

Chatom Cabernet 2007                                $21.99

Opens with a very spicy nose of cherry, oak and leather. Fairly fruit forward offering flavors of cherry, raspberry, baking spice, oaky vanilla and subtle hints of intriguing smokiness with soft tannins

La Ferme St Pierre Rose 2012                     $14.99

Culled from 100% Grenache grapes, the "Cuvee Juliette" offers delicious, serious dry Rose with beautiful copper/salmon coloring, tangerine and citrus blossom, tropical fruits, a whiff of white peach and lovely, pure mineral notes with excellent acidity

Beer tasting 4pm-7pm Friday April 12

Your host is Mike Weed from Abner Weed brewing.

Last week we officially kicked off our four consectutive months of local breweries! Renzo and the two brothers, Mike and Alex, have been working at this project and we now have the pieces in place.
So what defines local?

Will everything that we are promoting be from here in town?
From our state?
From the Northeast?
Please explain...

In this case, we are very cognizant of the defininition so we'll say it like this...there are not very many companies that brew right here in our state. There are quite a few labels that are owned locally but brew in places like Mass., or brewed here but owned outside of the state, so it isn't an easy task. In the end, it is all about our local economy and trying to keep the dollars spent as local as possible.
Having said that, if you look up Abner Weed brewery you will see that through a very convoluted and, in some ways, idiotic turn of events this Cailfornia based brew is being brewed right here in our state. It is actually a homage to a long since passed Senator from California and brewed here in the state of Connecticut by a family in Bloomfield that shares the Weed name. Some how all of this strange twist and turning gives you an idea of how the next 4 months will play out.
The craft beer world continues to get more serious in our state and things will be clearer, and their local connections more solid as time goes by as places like Two Roads in Stratford dig in. In the meantime, we are going to try very hard to do our part to support the local movement both in beer and business. We are a family owned business that continues to be owned by the same family that opened it more than 70 years ago. Now in our third, proud generation in this business, we are hopeful that our reputation as a leader and our ever humble approach continue to have meaning long into the future.
Help us to support the "local guy" as we spend the spring and summer featuring some of the best brews that Connecticut has to offer.

-cheers 

Abner Weed Amber Ale                   $8.99/6pb

Proudly named after the founder of Weed, this rich ale starts off sweet and malty and progressed into a light, bitter flavor.

When a full bottle of wine is more than you need - think 375ml!

There are times when you really feel like a nice glass of wine but are reluctant to commit to opening a bottle of wine because you know that you won't finish it.  Fear not, here at Harry's we have a wide selection of half bottles (375ml) at varying price points.  This way you don't have to feel bad about not finishing the bottle.  Depending on the stemware you use, a 375 bottle usually yields a little more than 2 glasses.  A half bottle also allows you to experiment with different producers or grape varietals at a reduced cost.

Something also to consider is that a wine bottled in a 375ml will age quicker than if it were in a 750ml.  This is especially helpful for people looking to invest in a case of a certain wine in 750 bottles. Buying and tasting a particular wine that is the same maker, varietal and vintage in a 375 bottle is like taking a peek into the future of the full size bottle. 

Don't throw away that bottle!

One of the best kept secrets in the wine industry... Keep your empty 375 bottle. 

Sometimes when I want just a couple glasses of wine, I can't find the one that I'm in the mood for in a half bottle so I do the following. 

- Take that cleaned and dried 375ml bottle (I don't use soap to clean the 375 bottle - just lots of rinsing with tap water)

- Upon opening the 750 bottle immediately pour half of the bottle into the smaller 375 bottle and push a clean, dry cork into the top.  Make sure to stop a a good inch away from the top of the bottle so you can reinsert the cork.  If done correctly, the wine has had very little exposure to air and will keep for a week, even weeks or more. It's the best way of preserving wine that I have found so far.

Remember, wines enemy is air (Oxygen in particular) so exposing it to as little as posible before you are ready to drink it is the key.

So stop in and check out our half bottle selection here at Harry's!

-Greg

FUNDRAISER: Kennedy Center Sat, April 6th 2013 7pm-10pm Quick Center, Fairfield University

The Kennedy Center's 2013 

"Magic Moments" Event

To Benefit The Autism Project

The Quick Center for the Arts

At Fairfield University

Saturday, April 6, 2013

7PM Cocktails, Food, Silent Auction

9PM Concert in Kelley Theatre featuring

         Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot –

         THE ULTIMATE

         BILLY JOEL BAND!

10:30PM Black Box After Party

7PM	Cocktails, Food, Silent Auction
9PM	Concert in Kelley Theatre featuring Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot – THE ULTIMATE BILLY JOEL BAND!
10:30PM	Black Box After Party

$125  Individual Ticket
$225  Black Box Ticket

  

RSVP:

Jo Ann McMullan, 203-365-8522   ext 229

Or   www.thekennedycenterinc.org

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Apr 5

Your host is Peter Slywka of Michael Skurnik  Wines. As you can see, Peter is tasting with some of our "Spring Chickens" today. I hope he got their ID's before he served them. Beautiful day to be out and about and I just saw on Fairfield Cheese Company's Facebook page that the grilled cheese is ready. That is where I am heading next. See you there!    

Berger Gruner Veltliner 2012                      $14.99

Fresh and espressive, with citrus, floral and mineral flavors that linger in the mouth.  It practically invites you to have a second glass.  Eric Asimov, The New York Times

Charles and Charles Rosé 2012                   $11.99

A perfect balance of fruit, acid and savory!  This Rosé features aromas of watermelon, grass, wet stones and citrus; all of which carry on through the palate to a finish of bright acidity.

Petit Chapeau Cotes du Rhone 2010           $10.99

With reliable, top-notch sources and excellent craftsmanship, the Petit Chapeau wines reflect their place of origin clearly and honestly.  This wine is a blend of 50% Grenache, 25%  Syrah, 20% Cinsault, and 5% Mourvedre. Petit Chapeau was created to offer consumers a terrific alternative to the ocean of over-manipulated, stripped, character-less value wines on the market.

Hirsch Bohan Dillon Pinot Noir 2011          $39.99

Explosive and exuberant aromatics, dominated by cherries and pomegranate. Opening to reveal notes of orange peel, clove, baking spices and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the rich fruit of juicy plums and bing cherries is balanced by energetic acidity and a lithe tannic structure.