Saturday, August 29, 2015

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4, August 29

 

Your Host:
Dimos Mitas
Mina Distributors
 





Tselepos Mantinia Moschofilero 2014 . . . $13.99
Arcadia, Greece - 100% Moschofilero
A greek wine with exceptional freshness and lively acidity. Citrus fruits and lemon flowers on the nose, with a crisp, clean finish.

Tiblalexis Estate Kokarella 2014 . . . $12.99
Magnesia, Greece -
60% Assyrtico, 40% Malagouzia
Goldish - green color. A complicated mix of aromas with notes of citrus, pear, apple and tropical fruits. Rich and full taste with a creamy texture, balanced crisp acidity.

Muses Estate #9 Rose 2014 . . . $11.99
Thivaikos, Greece -
80% Syrah, 20% Mouhtaro Straw-yellow color. Fragrance of flowers and fruit with hints of peach. Full and rich taste, soft and harmonical with tones of noble aromas, resulted from the complete ripening of the grapes, which intensify the character.

Tiblalexis Xemos 2012 . . . $14.99
Magnesia, Greece -
70% Merlot, 30% Xinomavro

A complicated mix of small red fruit aromas, current, cherry and spicy notes of black pepper. Lively tannins and discrete notes of vanilla and cocoa. Rich structure and the crispy tannins tied harmonically with the velvet texture of Merlot.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, August 28

 
 
Your Host:
Rick
Black Hog Brewing Company

Oxford, CT


 
Easy Rye'Da IPA . . . $10.99/6pcan
An easy drinkin’ low ABV rye India Pale Ale

Ginga Ninja . . . $10.99/6pcan
Red India Pale ale brewed with fresh ginger

Granola Brown Ale . . . $10.99/6pcan
Brown ale brewed with a granola mix of oatmeal, grains, hops & roasted malts

Our Fairfield community comes through!

A few weeks back we asked our Fairfield community to come in and help us get Lily's puppies ready for their new homes and boy did you come through. Each time we sent those puppies home after a few hours of socialization they slept well and they were a little better adjusted to the world. Our thanks to everyone that helped.

That is not what this is about though...

We also saw a great opportunity to help our community by starting a collection for the local animals that aren't as fortunate as the ones that we were raising. Fairfield Animal Shelter can always use a hand helping to care for the lost or abandoned animals that get stuck in their facility and we wanted to do our part so without much fanfare we set up a box and asked the people that come to the store to dig into their hearts and pocketbooks to help out and boy did you!

The box got filled once, and then twice, and we had to find storage room in back because it was still coming. Just about the time we wanted to send over the donations we read in the paper that Fairfield's animal shelter had been infected with Parvo and would be closed for a thorough cleaning and disinfecting.  We left the box up and more donations came!

By the time we made the call today we had a good van full of things to help out with the re-open of the facility and we are happy to say that because of your generosity they have lots of new supplies to get them off on the right foot.

What you donated:

Cases and cases of cat food
Bag after bag of dog food
Leashes
Collars
Feeding bowls
Pet snacks
Shampoo
Beds
Assorted blankets and towels
Large Dog crate
Brushes and combs
Toys
Flea and tick spray
and the list goes on...

Animal Control Officer Joe Felner came by today with the van and loaded up. He offered a hearty handshake and lots of thanks to everyone that helped. He posed for a picture and then took the donations back to the shelter so that they could begin helping the animals they care for.

A great day to be part of this generous community. Thank you to all that helped and if you meant to bring something by but never got a time to do it, you can always drop you donation off to the Animal Shelter yourself and they will be happy for your help.

Once again, our sincere thanks to this wonderful town and its residents for such a great success!

- Cheers



Saturday, August 15, 2015

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4, August 15




Your Host
Katie Schoen
Slocum & Sons








Muga Rioja Rosé 2014 . . . $12.99
Very light in colour, mainly pale salmon with orange glints and a bright sheen.On the nose the wine proves more mature than you might expect for the vintage. The acid fruit is less citrus in character and, in this vintage, ripe peach and pineapple aromas come through more strongly.Full, supple mouth-feel thanks to the time spent on fine lees, adding hints of baker’s shop aromas. The typical acidity of this wine is perfectly balanced to give an overall smooth taste. The aftertaste and retronasal phases are dominated by velvety smooth, yet fresh, sharp peach leaving a lovely final sensation which makes you want to try more.

Pepiere Muscadet Sur Lie 2014 . . . $12.99
2014 represents a return to quantity whilst maintaining the always-high quality at Pepiere. Showing a bit more fruit than usual with aromas of dried  pear, apple, citrus peel, white pepper and stone. The palate is round (for a Muscadet) but more stone than fruit, with citrus, anise and saline mineral flavors, ending with firm, refreshing acidity. Simply delicious and a sensational value with the stronger dollar!

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 . . . $64.99
The 2013 growing season was another great one in Napa Valley. Deep, red and opulent in color, this wine opens with the vibrant scent of dark cherry and blackberry, subtly layered with warm notes of vanilla. The palate is explosive, bright, balanced – cassis at the center, with flourishes of cocoa and sweet tobacco thatprovide nuance and continually shifting points of interest. Velvetymeshed tannins make this wine lush yet structured, with a texture that grabs attention, expands and unfolds. Fruit, oak and acidity are held in balance throughout the long, drawn-out finish.

Vietti Barbera D'Asti 2013 . . . $16.99
Ruby purple color with ripe red cherry aromas with hints of mineral and vanilla. A dry, medium bodied red wine with refreshing acidity (making it perfect to pair with food) and soft tannins, the Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne is well balanced with good integration of oak, good complexity and a finish of more red cherries.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, August 14

 
Your Host:
Broad Brook Brewing Company

East Windsor, CT




Broad Brook Ale . . . $7.99/4pcan 16oz
Rich copper color with caramel malt character balanced by a nice hop aroma. Toffee and biscuit flavors are followed by a slight maltiness fading to a bitter finish.

Hopstillo IPA . . . $8.29/4pcan 16oz
A West Coast inspired India Pale Ale created with a bold concoction of hops and malt with a refreshing citrus explosion and a smooth finish.

Oktoberfest Ale . . . $8.29/4pcan 16oz
A blend of Munich–Style malts produces the light amber color and slight maltiness complimented by noble hops. Our version of Oktoberfest is fermented with German Ale yeast. 

Pink Dragon WIT . . . $8.29/4pcan 16oz
We brew our version in the traditional Belgian White style, but we add a bunch of dried hibiscus flowers at the end of the boil to give this unique beer its distinctive pink hue. Added carbonation enhances a champagnelike quality which creates a very refreshing beverage.

Harbor Brew Fest 2015 - Get Your Tickets!

  

Harbor Brew Fest

  OCTOBER 17TH, 2015
BALLPARK AT HARBOR YARD 
 
Discount tickets available exclusively at:
  General Admission on website $40 plus fees - 
Harry's price $35 no fees

     Please join us Saturday, October 17th, 2015 at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard for the 
4th annual Harbor Brew Fest. The event will tap off with a limited attendance Brewer's Special from 12pm – 1pm and General Admission will begin at 1pm and will pour until 5pm. Join us for an unforgettable day of beer tasting, a beer tasting glass, great music from talented local bands, delicious food from CT’s favorite food trucks and a fun-filled day to enjoy with friends.  Brewer's Special will also grant Exclusive Access to the Brewer's Beer Garden where limited release and hard to find beers will be served for tasting.


Saturday, August 8, 2015

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4, August 8

Your Host:
Jean Noel Maubert
Fine Terroir Selections

  
IL Tasso Pinot Grigio 2014 . . . $12.99
Straw yellow with pink reflections color. Aromas of citrus, green apple, yellow flowers which are very fine and elegant. Full Flavor on the palate that is crisp dry, warm, and fruity.

L'Olivette Bandol Rosé 2014 . . . $19.99
Light color of orangey reflections. On the nose, subtle aromas of acacia and white flowers.On the palate, fruity, with a refreshing titillating taste, with a harmonious balance. 40% Mourvedre,30% Grenache, 30% Cinsault.


Laval Cuvee Costieres de Nimes 2012 . . . $9.99 Intense dark red color. An incredible complex bouquet features cherries and chocolate. Red fruits aromas. On the palate, this wine shows a perfect balance between mellow and silky.

La Tour Cordouan Medoc 2010 . . . $14.99
Red robe with good intensity. Red berries and currants, marked by the Cabernet Sauvignon. Full-bodied and balanced wine with a good tannic structure.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, August 7

Your Host:
Meredith
Olde Burnside Brewing Company

East Hartford, CT







Dirty Penny . . . $6.49/4pbtl

A very unique Black & Tan.We take our Ten Penny and blend with a California style stout. Roasty, with hints of chocolate and coffee. A smooth finish.
Hops: Cascade
Malts: English 2 Row Pale, Caramalt, Smoked Malt, Crystal Malt and Roasted Barley. ABV 5.6%  IBU:30


Penny Weiz . . . $6.49/4pbtl
A Blegian-Scottish Wit. Traditional Wit brewed with imported heather tips and finished with some citrus. Light and drinkable with a hint of citrus fruit on the nose. A unique tea-like flavor on the finish from the heather tips.
Hops:Willamette
Malt: English 2 Row Pale, Brewers Wheat
ABV:5.6% IBU:30


Ten Penny . . . $6.49/4pbtl
Our flagship Scottish Ale. Malty, with a hint of caramel and a little background of smokiness. Just enough hops to balance the malt. Very sessionable,
Hops:Cascade
Malt:
English 2 Row Pale, Caramalt, Smoked Malt and Roasted Barley.ABV:5.6% IBU:30

How important is the importer?

The subject has come up in our wine classes time and again. Sometimes by the instructor or one of our staff members but more often than not it is just a simple question from a student attending the event.

"How important is the importer to the quality of wine I am purchasing?"

A very simple question with a long and convoluted answer. I am going to give it my best shot at making it as simple an answer as I can...

First, Many vineyards produce great wines. In great vintages, when everything goes right and the is good quality and abundant fruit, the challenge is not to screw it up. Sometimes that is harder than it seems. Usually it works out and we get lots of great choices. Tuscany 2010 has been like that and no matter where you turn for a 2010 Brunello it is going to be hard to make a mistake. In this case I recommend trying multiple labels and be damned the importer. It is just that good a vintage!

That is one side of the coin...

Now lets get in to the importer.

Good importers have long standing relationships with their vineyards and the ones that do it best seek out producers that are passionate about their wines and work to make up for some of mother natures short falls in lesser vintages and have the fortitude to sell off fruit or "drop fruit" in order to keep their own standards. A good importer has respect for this passion and isn't trying to meet last years numbers. They are trying to bring the best of what is available that has their name on it to market.

Lets look at a favorite importer of ours from Italy. VIAS Imports works with the likes of Dal Forno, Produtorri, Damilano, Camigliano, Salvioni, and on and on...
Theirs is an impressive portfolio of carefully selected producers that are making some of Italy's best wines. If you are in a shop somewhere and you aren't sure which bottle to choose, flip it over and look at the back label for the importer. If you are in the Italian section and it has the VIAS name on it, choose that one. More times than not it will be the right choice.

Another name that makes sense for us wine geeks is Kermit Lynch. Once just a small retail shop owner with discerning tastes and a passion for balanced and esoteric wines, He has made a name for himself both in France and Italy and is a very careful importer with a lot to say about the way wines are produced for him. As the world gets back to traditional wine making and away from big overblown wines, he continues to chart his steady course of balance. All of the vineyards that he works with are small, organic (Not always certified but using the practices), and willing to work with his ideas of low alcohol, and un-manipulated wines that show terrior and varietal to its best ability. If you are looking for wines that fall into that genre, ask for a wine from this importer.

Neil Rosenthal has made quite a name for himself and his portfolio through the years by doing some very similar things. Selecting great producers. Keeping relationships in tact and placing his wines in good shops. With names like Crochet, Peyrassol, Jean-Marc Pillot, La Manarine, Monpertuis and many, many more in France, and other counties to a lesser degree. He has earned a reputation for great quality wine when his name is attached. Once again, if you are in the French section of a store and you are unsure of what to choose, flip the bottle over and look for the importer name. If it has then name of one of these people on it, buy it.

I said that I would try to keep the answer as direct as possible so I will stop there. When you are shopping in the wine section of our store, get the attention of one of our staff and ask them what they suggest. When we make our recommendation to you it will have consideration for what you are looking for, Country, Varietal, Vintage, and is also very often a selection that is being offered because of the importer and our confidence in them.

-Cheers

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4, August 1

 
Your Host:
Maria Stevens
Palm bay International





 

Twin Vines Vinho Verde NV . . . $7.99
A light, refreshing & crisp white wine with a slight sparkle.

Periquita Red 2012 . . . $8.99
Ruby in color. Smooth, red fruit, floral, eucalyptus, some oak notes on the nose. Fruity flavors with balanced, good acidity and soft tannins.


Periquita Reserva 2012 . . . $13.99 Intense ruby. Aromas of vanilla, coffee, cassis, blueberries. On the palate soft, integrated tannins, balanced, with good acidity. 49% Castelo, 35% Touriga Nacional and 16% Touriga Francesa

Faustino Red 2012 . . . $9.99
The Faustino VII Tempranillo displays lively red color shading to ochre with hints of vanilla and ripe red berry fruit. On the palate, the wine is very well balanced, velvety and elegant.