Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Beer List Additions 09.07.11

We're hanging in-between seasons at the moment, but that doesn't stop new beers from pouring in! Fall brews have been arriving for the last month and the shelves have been filling quickly. We still have a few Summer items that we're moving through in the Cafe and to help things along we've been offering special pricing.

Capital Platinum Blonde Dopplebock   Reg. 5.25   Special  4.50
Pyramid Curve Ball Blonde  Reg. 4.25   Special 3.75
Tommyknocker Tundraberry   Reg. 4.50   Special  3.75
Victory Whirlwind Wit   Reg. 4.50   Special  4.00
Wittekerke Wit   Reg. 4.50   Special  3.75

Quantities are limited, but once you finish up these beers and this weekend would be great timing, we'll feel less guilty about the Fall beer selection.

Fall Brews Pile Up!

Octoberfest is the first celebration this Fall with the official dates running between September 17th with the tapping of the first keg to October 3rd with the traditional gun salute on the steps of the Bavaria monument.
On the retail side, Sun Singer has a list of Octoberfest brews that can keep the next three weeks interesting:

In country:

Bell's Octoberfest  
As with Bell's Lager Beer, Octoberfest spends a full six weeks maturing in the fermentation vessels. Unlike its cousin, Octoberfest trades in the assertive hop presence for a focus on a light caramel malt note, lending body without too much sweetness.  

Coney Island Freaktoberfest    now in the Cafe
Artfully crafted to lure the spirit’s deepest rapture, conjured to exorcise the grim horrors of the armies of soulless Lagers everywhere. Shmaltz’s Blood Red Lager is boiled and toiled in their stainless cauldrons with 6 malts and 6 hops, and comes in at 6.66% alc.
 
Capital Octoberfest  
This traditional marzen beer shows off a gorgeous, fiery amber color. The flavor emphasizes a rich, almost "toasted" flavor from the malt. A classic style beer.  

Sam Adams Octoberfest
A rich, deep reddish amber hue which itself is reflective of the season, Samuel Adams Octoberfest masterfully blends together five roasts of malt to create a delicious harmony of sweet flavors including caramel and toffee. The malt is complimented by the elegant bitterness imparted by the Bavarian Noble hops.

Octoberfest originals:

Hofbrau Octoberfest   now in the Cafe
A rich, full-bodied beer which goes down ideally with traditional Bavarian cuisine. It is an absolutely natural product; brewed from pure water, the best quality malt and exquisite hops. Offering 6.3% alcohol by volume and a clean, crisp edge, it is a vital part of the Oktoberfest experience.

Spaten Octoberfest 
Amber in color, this medium bodied beer has achieved its impeccable taste by balancing the roasted malt flavor with the perfect amount of hops. Having a rich textured palate with an underlying sweetness true to tradition.  

With 6 different offerings within the 17 days of Octoberfest, that's about a six about every three days which shouldn't be a bother for most Octoberfest fans. Stop by and stock up.

It's time to embrace the flavors and scents of the season with the beers that pay tribute to the Harvest. We feature two of these seasonals in retail currently and more on the way:

Southern Tier Harvest    now in the Cafe
Southern Tier brewers throw English hops into just about every stage of this ESB’s brewing process. All those hops counter the fresh malted barley’s sweet toffee and biscuit flavors.


New Belgium Hoptober  
Five hops and four malts make Hoptober Golden Ale a veritable cornucopia of the earth.  Pale and wheat malt are mashed with rye and oats to create a medium-bodied ale with a creamy mouthfeel. Centennial, Cascade, Sterling, Willamette, and Glacier hops form a bonfire of citrus notes, fruity cheers and a bold finale.

Finally, with a nip in the air, we look forward  to this year's batch of Pumpkin Ales. Three are on the shelf so far, again with more to come:


O'Fallon Pumpkin
Like pumpkin pie in a bottle...we add 136 pounds of real pumpkin to the three-barley mash and then season the fi nished beer with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. 


New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin
Ichabod combines malted barley and real pumpkin with cinnamon and nutmeg in a delicious and inviting brew. A rewarding complement to many dishes, Ichabod pairs well with autumnal foods such as poultry and root vegetables. After dinner, try it with your favorite dessert!

Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin
One of the most sought after seasonal beers. It is believed that George Washington brewed beer using this bright orange squash. In modern time, Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Ale is a true original microbrew that uses backed and roasted pumpkins. Cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg are added to create what has been described as, "pumpkin pie in a bottle." 
 
Smuttynose Pumpkin
Pays homage to the craft and heritage of America’s brewers. Recipes calling for the use of pumpkins in beer date back to early colonial times, when brewers sought to extend their supply of costly imported malt with locally grown ingredients, such as squash and “pompions.” In that spirit, we brew our ale with the addition of pumpkin to the mash, along with traditional spices to create a delicious American original.

      










Good Drinking Under $10

CASAL GARCIA Vinho Verde Blanco 2010
Vinho Verde, Portugal  $7.99 
Crisp fruity white with lemon and green peach flavors and a touch of mineral on a tangy finish. Ideal as an aperitif or throughout a meal, especially with fish, seafood, game and salad.

CICONIA Vinho Verde 2010
Vinho Verde, Portugal  $7.99 
Cool and refreshing Vinho Verde is the summer’s hot wine. With only 10% alcohol, it’s a perfect quaffer for a warm day. The bouquet is a lively mix of citrus & floral aromas. Soft flavors of apricot and grapefruit are perked up by the sparkling bubbles and balanced by delightful crisp acidity and strong minerality.

DOM. De FIGUEIRASSE Gris de Gris 2010
Sables du Golfe du Lion, France $9.99
Made for summer and fresh seafood. The mouth is a wave of fresh flowers and pink fruits, with suggestions of rose water and white pepper. Figueirasse makes its home near the Camargue delta along the southern French coast, and its terroir is almost exclusively sand. These unique soils give the wine both a bit of texture in the mouth as well as a sea-kissed, mineral freshness. A very unique blend of 30% Cincault, 20% Grenache Gris, 40% Grenache Noir and 10% Grenache Blanc.

VINA PERALILLO ‘Arenal’ Carmenere 2010
Colchagua Valley, Chile  $9.99
Intensely dark and violet in color with bold, sweet, floral aromas of blackberry and earthy plum which combine with peppery spiciness. In the mouth, it is ripe, structured, and surprisingly complex, with a terrific softness on the palate.

DOÑA LUISA Sangria
Navarre, Spain $7.99 
Produced from Monastrell grapes, the color is cherry red with violet edges. The nose is red fruit and citrus. Soft on the palate, the Monastrell grape lends flavors of raspberry and blackberries with refreshing citrus notes from the addition of natural lemon and orange essence. The result is a satisfying fruit flavor with well balanced sweetness. Excellent with soft pungent cheeses, spicy foods and appetizers.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

JetBag: Travel with Confidence


Traveling with wine is a tricky prospect at best! Heightened security and new restrictions leave you having to check your wine purchases in your suitcase. How do you ensure that your wine will arrive safely when your suitcase is thrown on to luggage belts and jostled inside airplanes? You need to find a way to protect your wine bottles, and also make sure that your clothes won't be ruined if they do get broken.

The Jet Bag Will Protect Your Valuables in Flight!

The Jet Bag is the perfect way to transport wine (or any other liquids) in your suitcase when traveling. A bio-degradable carrier with a reusable zip seal closure, the Jet Bag completely secures your liquids. It is lined with the same absorbent materials found in baby diapers. The material pads & protects your bottle, but also rapidly absorbs up 100% of any liquid spilled, insuring against damage to your valuables.

You Can Use It Again and Again

A wine travel bag like the Jet Bag is an inexpensive and lightweight solution to give you the ultimate protection for your breakable purchases. And you don't have to limit its use to wine! The Jet Bag is also a great way to transport liquor, perfume, vinegar--any liquid you purchase that may be contained in a breakable bottle. As an added bonus, the Jet Bag has a re-sealable closure, so if no spillage occurs, you can use it again and again!






HalloWine: Sure Sign of Fall


Some of our customers wait anxiously for the HalloWine to appear once again on the shelves.  Seems like Fall is their favorite time of year and when HalloWine appears, Fall can't be far behind. Treat yourself now!

ILLINOIS RIVER WINERY ‘HalloWine’
Utica, Illinois  Reg. $12.99  Sale $9.99
Direct to you from the Illinois River Winery in Utica, Illinois.  The original block-buster fall season wine. Customers purchase the first bottle for the package, and keep coming back for the delicious mulled apple wine inside.  This wine made of 100% Honey Crisp apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg is most popular in fall when served warm…a dangerous substitute for apple cider!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

New to virtual wine tastings? Here’s how to participate

A number of virtual wine tastings will occur online over the next few weeks and there’s lots of opportunities to discover new and exciting wines: #CabernetDay & #TempranilloDay (both Sept 1st), and #Grenache Day (Sept 25th).

Those of us who have been tasting and tweeting for a while know how these events work, but if you’re new to virtual wine tastings or have never been brave enough to talk about wine online, here’s a few tips to get you started and answers to some of the most common questions I receive:

Q: What do I talk about?
A; There’s no rules on what you need to discuss – it could be about how the wine tastes, the region it’s sourced from, if there’s a food that the wine is going well with, or just ask the winemakers a question directly if you have questions. Some people take photos of where they are and get some photos into the stream of activity to provide a visual reference for others to see the action or if there’s a line up of wines to sample, you can simply talk up your favorite selections.

If you follow the stream of activity closely enough, you’ll often pick up links to videos or online content that winemakers are sending out – you might watch these and come back with comments or let people know your thoughts after tasting the wine. It’s all about participating in the discussion.

Think of the event as a big dining table where you don’t know everyone, but you’re coming together for an event and find common interests to chat about.

Make sure you include the relevant hashtag with your comments so that people can follow the thread of your conversations.

Q; I don’t know much about wine, can I still participate?
A: Absolutely – the whole purpose of these events is to help people discover more about wine and have some fun along the way. Those people participating are often very passionate about wine, so if you don’t know something or understand, ask them to explain – that’s the value of sharing on this online forum.

Q: I am not on twitter, can I still get involved?
Most of the action will occur via twitter, but you can still get involved with facebook posts, posting videos or checking in to venues participating if you are using something like facebook places or four square.

If you’re at home and have access to internet, you can watch the activity by putting in the hashtag on sites like www.twitterfall.com, www.kurrently.com or searching for the hashtag on programs like Hootsuite, Tweetdeck or Seesmic.

While there’s no set rules for these online tastings, one of the core objectives is to help people discover more about wine – new varietals, different regions and styles, and brands you may not have come across before.

Hope to see you online tasting and tweeting.  Let's hear about your favorite new wine discoveries!

Back to School - Wine Tasting Basics

Nearly every Saturday during our weekly wine tasting, customers will ask us to explain the proper technique for tasting wine. While wine tasting rating systems range from a simple - "I love it!" or "I hate it!" to more complicated 100 point scales, if your overall goals include getting acquainted with a variety of  wine regions and the ability to select a bottle that you'll enjoy from a wine list, then my first suggestion is to take some notes the next time you go wine tasting. With glass in hand, here's a place to start:

Step 1:  See
Look at a wine's appearance. This is a good starting point to differentiate it from others.  Describe the color - straw, garnet, ruby, etc.  The browning rim around a wine may indicate that it has been aged.

Wines that are not fined or filtered will not always appear crystal clear.  Don't worry, this is not a flaw and may actually lend to the body, flavor and ageability of a wine.

Step 2: Smell
Swirl the glass to release the aromas. Describe the aromas i.e.  fruity, spicy, earthy, herbal, toasty oak.  Check out an aroma wheel for help with more descriptors. Start with a general category like fruity. Which kind?  If it's berry, then what type?  Strawberry.

Tasting sheets can be helpful, but they'll be in need of updating.  Some notes were written at the time the wine was bottled or at a particular point in its development.  Given that wine changes over time, the tasting notes may not describe what your perceive.  If the wine has aged well, it may have developed more complex aromas and other nuances that weren't noted initially.

Wine Terms:
Aromas are what the grapes have contributed. Bouquet is what the winemaker has contributed i.e. by barrel aging it adds a vanilla, toasted oak character.

Step 3: Flavor
Taste the wine.  Describe its flavor.  Fruity? Floral? Vegetable? Nutty? Caramel? Finding the words to match the exact flavors is difficult and takes a fair amount of training. More on "developing your palate" below.

Does it achieve overall balance?  A wine that is overly flat or acidic does not achieve balance.
After you've tasted the wine, you can ask What flavors linger?  Is there a finish (after taste)?  What you're looking for are the lingering flavors and subtle nuances that develop on the finish as the wine warms and spreads more completely across the palate.

Step 4: Body
Body of the wine is light, medium, or full-bodied.  Watch the wine's  "legs" as you swirl it in the glass.  Do the "legs" run down the glass quickly? Does it match what is varietally correct? A Chardonnay that is thin does not represent the varietal.

Step 5: Summarize
In its final analysis, how would you rate the overall quality of the wine? Tally the components you've observed in your tasting sequence. Does it make the grade? It's a Thumbs up or Thumbs Down.

Developing your palate:
If you are just getting started, choose wines that are polarized comparisons. Side by side tastings done blindly work well.  Select wines from various regions, varietals, and vintages. Complex aromas really stand out in older vintages.  Take notes using the 5 step process.

Want to be an expert taster? Buy a flavor kit to add comparative analysis when tasting wines. Do blind tastings using the same varietals. Also, visit a vineyard and sample wine grapes straight from the vine during harvest season.  Make a note of varietal characteristics and flavors.  How well are those flavors expressed  in the finished wine?

"House palate" refers to people who have developed a taste for a certain type of wine and may not find others pleasing.

If you are happy with what you drink, then drink what you like.  If you would like to avoid house palate, then move out of your wine comfort zone using the 5 step process detailed above

Try Something New: Winemaking techniques and vineyard practices vary widely. If you think you don't like a particular varietal, give it a shot.  Opportunities to taste wine has expanded exponentially over the years. Visit a local vineyard or find the local wine stores show interest in helping you develop your palate and wine tasting skills. You may find a delicious exception to add to your wine collection. Most of all, explore, discover and enjoy!

It's Back-to-School time so Start Wine-ing!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Summer Splash: Vinho Verde

Vinho Verde is a Portuguese wine from the Minho region in the far north of the country. The name literally means "Green Wine" (red, white or rose), referring to its youthful freshness rather than its color. The "Vinho Verde Region" was demarcated by the law of September 18, 1908 and a decree of October 1 of the same year. The regulations controlling production were largely set in 1929, with recognition as a Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC) in 1984. The DOC is overseen by the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes ("Wine Commission of the Vinho Verde Region").

There are currently nearly 35,000 hectares of Vinho verde vineyards, making up 15% of the total in Portugal. There are 30,599 producers, down from 72,590 in 1981.

The Vinhos Verdes are light and fresh, and are intended to be drunk within a year. At less than one bar of CO2 pressure, they do not quite qualify as semi-sparkling wines but do have a definite pétillance. The white Vinho Verde is very fresh, due its natural acidity, with fruity and floral aromas that depend on the grape variety. The white wines are lemon- or straw-coloured, around 8.5 to 11% alcohol, and are made from local grape varieties Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, Avesso and Azal. Vinho Alvarinho is made from Alvarinho grapes, from a small designated sub-region of Monção. It has more alcohol (11.5 to 14%) and ripe tropical aromas. The reds are deep red and tannic, and are mostly made from Vinhão, Borraçal and Amaral grapes. The rosés are very fresh and fruity, usually made from Espadeiro and Padeiro grapes.

CICONIA Vinho Verde 2010
Cool and refreshing Vinho Verde is the summer’s hot wine. With only 10% alcohol, it’s a perfect quaffer for a warm day. The bouquet is a lively mix of citrus & floral aromas. Soft flavors of apricot and grapefruit are perked up by the sparkling bubbles and balanced by delightful crisp acidity and strong minerality.

CASAL GARCIA Vinho Verde Rosé 2010
Casal Garcia is one of Aveleda’s most significant brands. It is the second oldest wine brand in Portugal and remains one of the greatest ambassadors of Portuguese wines all over the world. Produced from Azal Tinto, Barraçal, and Vinhao grapes. Like white wines from Vinho Verde, this is slightly effervescent, fresh, invigorating stuff. Just a hint of residual sugar balances out the red fruit, acidity, and fizz. Chill this one and drink it in warm weather for a real treat.

Friday, July 8, 2011

A Tale of Two Barberas

Barbera d’Asti is one of the more renowned areas for its Barbera wines in northwestern Italy's Piedmont region. It is located in the hilly areas around of the provinces of Asti and Alessandria and was upgraded to its DOCG classification in 2008. The vineyards are grown on hilly terrain covering a large area adjoining Barbera d’Alba to the northeast centered on the province of Asti.

According to regulations this wine must consist of at least 85% Barbera and the remaining 15% can comprise of Freisa, Grignolino and/or Dolcetto. The wine must not be released until March 1st of year following harvest and must be at least 11.5%. There is also a Superiore designation which requires a minimum of twelve months ageing with at least six in wood. This is a particularly ageworthy wine with the potential to age up to eight years.

When young, the wines offer a very intense aroma of fresh red and blackberries. In the lightest versions notes of cherries, raspberries and blueberries and with notes of blackberry and black cherries in wines made of more ripe grapes. Many producers employ the use of toasted (seared over a fire) oak barrels, which provides for increased complexity, aging potential, and hints of vanilla notes.

The Rivetti History
The Rivetti family story begins in the 1890s, when Giovanni Rivetti, grandfather of the three Rivetti brothers, Carlo, Bruno and Giorgio, left Piedmont for Argentina. Like many Italians of that time, he dreamed of returning rich and a powerful man, perhaps even one day able to make a great wine in his homeland.
He never did, though his son, Giuseppe (nicknamed Pin) did. Pin married Lidia, bought vineyards and began to make wine. In 1977 the family took up residence at LA SPINETTA (top of the hill) in Castagnole Lanze. It was the heart of the Moscato d’Asti country, home of a rather light and simple dessert wine. But the Rivettis believed that Moscato had the potential for greatness and set out to prove it by making Moscato Bricco Quaglia and Biancospino.

Eventually though the family’s vision became even grander. In 1985 LA SPINETTA made its first red wine, Barbera Cà di Pian. After this many great reds followed: In 1989 the Rivettis dedicated their red blend Pin to their father. In 1995 they started to make their first Barbaresco, Gallina. In 1996 and 1997 the Barbarescos Starderi, Barbera d'Alba Gallina and Barbaresco Valeirano follow. In 1998 premiered the Barbera d'Asti Superiore.

In 2000 the family’s ambition of also making a Barolo became reality. The Rivettis acquired vineyards in Grinzane Cavour and built a state of the art cellar, Barolo Campè. Since 2003 visitors are welcomed to visit also Campè, outside the town of Grinzane Cavour.

In 2001 LA SPINETTA expanded over the borders of Piedmont and acquired 65 hectares of vineyards in Tuscany, between Pisa and Volterra, to make three different 100% Sangiovese wines, as Sangiovese to La Spinetta is the true ambassador of the Tuscan terrain.



LA SPINETTA ‘Cá Di Pian’ Barbera d’Asti 2008, Piedmont  $28.99
Rivetti's La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Ca di Pian was awarded a bronze medal by Decanter Magazine. The depth of color of the Ca di Pian, ruby tinged with royal purple hues, just hints at the amazing complexity of this barbera. Dense, with aromas reminiscent of Marasca cherries, violets and plum, it is fresh and full of fruit on the palate. The lively acidity is balanced by generous alcohol and mild tannins.

Pico Maccario
Pico Maccario, a dedicated Barbera specialist, is found on the hills of Mombaruzzo in the Asti DOCG at an average altitude of 180 meters. Comprising one single, contiguous parcel, their vineyard covers 70 hectares and is the largest solely-owned vineyard in Piedmont. Within the 70 hectares, there are some 315,000 vines capped at the end of each row by one of the approximately 4,500 red rose bushes on the property. It is no surprise that the rose is part of the winery’s emblem. Out of the 70 hectares, 55 are planted to Barbera.

The estate boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including stainless-steel tanks that have computerized controls for monitoring temperature and all stages of fermentation. The soils of Mombaruzzo are primarily clay, which impart full body and a silky texture to the wines. Both wines are aged exclusively in stainless-steel tanks to preserve the freshest fruit flavors. The name of the entry-level Barbera, Berró, means “I will drink,” and refers to the wine’s easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing purity.





MACCARIO 'Berro' Barbera d’Asti 2009,
Piedmont  $11.99
A delicate ruby hue with hints of purple introduces succulent notes of fresh cherry, strawberry and plum that finish fresh and sweet on the palate. With a medium body and little to no tannins, this easy-drinking Barbera offers primary fruit flavors that can be experienced on their own or that will pair easily with pizza, pastas, and chicken dishes. 

Friday, July 1, 2011

Every Revolution Needs Beer!

Red, White...and Brew

 What's the holiday weekend without a few brews? We know everyone has their favorites. Here's a few to put on trial.


MAGIC HAT SUMMER WACKOThe Liquid Song of Summer
Wacko is the liquid song of summer: Crisp like the morning, cool like the evening and quenching all day long. Pop the top and set your summer loose. Wacko is a delicious summer beer with a big malty aroma, a subdued hop bite and a clean, slightly sweet finish.




 
SHINER RUBY REDBIRD
Shiner Ruby Redbird is brewed with genuine Texas Rio Red Grapefruit, the signature sweet citrus of the Rio Grande Valley, and ginger. This lager beer features grapefruit tartness and finishes with a 'lil kick of ginger. With Texas Ruby Red Grapefruit and Ginger, Shiner Ruby Redbird is a crisp and refreshing summer beer.



 



TWO BROTHERS DOG DAYS
Dog Days is Two Brothers warm weather beer and the only lager they produce.This golden lager is a German style Dortmunder with a delicate caramel malt character and light body. Dog Days has a noticeable
noble hop character creating a crisp, clean finish.



 



BELL'S OBERON
Bell's Oberon is a wheat ale fermented with Bell's signature house ale yeast, mixing a spicy hop character with mildly fruity aromas. The addition of wheat malt lends a smooth mouthfeel, making it a classic summer beer.

Whites for the Weekend

We'd been thinking alot about grilling this holiday weekend with our last post featuring the trio of reds so it was a bit surprising to be called to task for not including any suitable whites. Fair is fair. Here's some suggestions if you're more on the white side this weekend!

Corvidae 'Wise Guy' Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Columbia Valley, Washington
Sauvignon Blanc with a classic wry wink of bright acidity. The fruit is sourced from their own Outlook Vineyard in Yakima Valley where ancient alluvial soils yield striking mineral qualities and flavors of wet stone, peach pit and pear. Aromatics of fresh hay and a lean crisp finish make this Wise Guy a wise buy.

"Corvidae" is named for the family of birds that includes crows and ravens. Crows have a long history in folklore and mythology. David was inspired to name the label Corvidae by the many crows that circle the sky over his winery in Yakima.


 
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre 2010
Loire Valley, France
A vibrant, 100% organic/biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc from a mix of flint and chalk soils in the heart of Sancerre. Aromas suggest grapefruit zest and gunflint; in the mouth the wine is pure and fresh, with plenty of mineral energy and citrus flavors. Indispensable with fresh oysters or young goat cheese. The Vacheron family is one of the older and certainly most respected producers of organic wines in the Loire Valley.





Esporao 'Defesa' 2009, Cvra, Portugal
This pale yellow colored wine opens with a fragrant vanilla and lemon bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and crisp. The flavor profile is a tasty green pear with a hint of white pepper, light lemon, and mineralty. The finish is dry and refreshing.



Thursday, June 30, 2011

Three for the Holiday

Before you break out the grill for the long 4th of July weekend, stop by Sun Singer to consider all your options. With a great selection of beer, fine wine and spirits, we've got almost everything - except the meat - to make the holiday memorable. Try on these three reds for size, we thinks they'll be just the right fit!



Andrew Rich 'Cuvee B' Pinot Noir 2008, Wilamette Valley, Oregon
With its dark color and deep aromas of graphite, crushed red and black berries, and a hint of wild herbs, the Cuvée announces itself as a wine that is altogether more “serious” than the Prelude. In the mouth the wine seems more savory than overtly fruity, with a round, sweet, rich mid-palate. It is full and lush with any excess weight (a hallmark of 2008). There is excellent length here, with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity to keep the wine focused and fresh. 90 pts. Wine Spectator





Corvidae 'The Keeper' Cabernet Franc 2009, Columbia Valley, Washington
Plush and velvety, full-bodied and easy drinking. The scent and flavors knock you out - spice joins black tea, fresh tobacco, thyme, sweet cedar chips, black berries and cassis. When Cabernet Franc is made from well ripened fruit, (as this wine is) it combines plush fruit and interesting accent notes with body that stands well with rich roasted and grilled meats. 




 Orin Swift 'Saldo' Zinfandel 2008, California
The word "saldo" has many different meanings in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. In Spanish, it mainly refers to "balance on hand", and sometimes it can mean "from here and there." This wine represents the best of the best lots made by Dave from vineyards all across Northern California.

Through the success of his Prisoner label, Orin Swift Cellars owner/winemaker Dave Phinney has gained access to some of the best Zinfandel vineyards in the Northern California growing community. The 2008 Saldo is rich, ripe, and full-bodied, with aromas of black cherry and bramble fruit. The tannins are soft but the wine has a huge mid-palate. The soft, lush finish lingers. 2008 was a perfect vintage for Saldo. The hot weather was ideal for creating ripe zinfandel. Drink now and enjoy over the next five years.

Ready for the Weekend: Go Green with Oenophilia

Oenophilia Greenophile™
100% Sugar Cane Entertainment Plate


This Oenophilia 100% Sugarcane Party Plate is an environmentally-friendly, affordable way to feed a room full of people. Constructed from renewable, resilient sugarcane - a great alternative to styrofoam and plastic, the party plate is sturdy enough to handle even the heaviest and messiest hors d'oeuvres. It also features a reinforced notch that can securely hold even the most imposing wine glass. Plate is also disposable, compostable, microwaveable and freezer safe. Measures 8" W x 8" L. Comes in package of 12.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Beer Can Chicken Roaster


A great way to get that moist, seasoned chicken, you'll never want to cook a chicken any other way.  This vertical roasting Rack holds a seasoned 12 oz can of beer inside the seasoned chicken. After seasoning a chicken inside and out with this rub and adding it to a 12 oz can of beer, roast the chicken vertically on this rack for a moist and flavor-seasoned chicken. Place a cooking pan under the roaster to catch the drippings.

Original and Blackened Cajun Seasoning available.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

BBQ: Head West to Head Country!

What makes Head Country unique? Cattle drives, land runs, ranches, rodeos, Oklahoma history. The proud heritage that shaped the state and Head family is in every bottle.  So come on. Head west. Head Country!

The year was 1945. Donovan Fred Head, known affectionately as "Uncle Bud," was home from World War II and his service as a cook on a naval destroyer. Getting back into the rhythms of Oklahoma ranch life felt good, but so did tinkering at the stove and recalling the recipes he served up to his fellow sailors.

One such recipe was for a bar-b-q sauce that used wholesome ingredients easily found in a Navy ship's kitchen: ketchup, brown sugar, distilled vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices. Uncle Bud's "Head Country Bar-B-Q Sauce" proved just as popular with the neighbors as it was with his sailors! So many neighbors made the trip to buy fruit jars of the stuff that Uncle Bud decided to make it easier on his adoring fans. Head Country went retail in feed stores.

This is the original ranchhouse recipe sauce from over 50 years ago! This secret family recipe is fat free, cholesterol free, and preservative free! There are no gums, starches, or other fillers to cheapen this incredible spicy-sweet taste. Make Head Country BBQ Sauce your secret family recipe!

Also available in “SMOKEY” :  Slightly less sweet than the original with a blend of onion, garlic, and hickory smoke spices.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Woo-Hoo Bamboo!

Greenophile's Bamboo Hors D'Oeuvres Plate is a reuseable, attractive party tray constructed entirely from bamboo. Perfect for entertaining and stand up parties, these hors d'oeurves plates from Oenophilia feature a natural bamboo body which is both attractive and eco-friendly. Featuring reinforced raised edges and a built-in wine stem holder designed to securely hold a piece of stemware, this plate will make sure neither wine nor food escapes while leaving you and your guests with a hand free. Ideal for outdoor parties or other functions where table and counter space is hard to come by. Comes in a set of 4. 8" X 7".

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Last Minute: Dad's Little Helper!

Style: Black IPA       
Food Pairing: Pork, Hot & Spicy 
 
Tasting Notes: Dad’s Little Helper Black IPA is deep mahogany in color with roasted malt and hop aromas and dense creamy head. It enters the palate with intense hop flavor and coats the tongue with a rich maltiness from the Rogue Farms Risk Malt.

 Dad can always use a little help, 
can't he?



6 Ingredients: Malts:Malteries Franco-Belges Carawheat, Weyermann Melanoidin, Wyermann Carafe Special II, & Rogue Micro Barley Farm Risk Malts

Hops: Newport, Chinook & Rogue Micro Hopyard Rebel

Yeast & Water: Czech Pils Yeast & Free Range Coastal Water.

Specs: 15º PLATO
70 IBU
73 AA
77º Lovibond

Friday, June 17, 2011

Welcome to the Renaissance


Renaissance Brewery crafts intensely rewarding ales
for the enlightened palate. Their beers are made from the pure waters that flow from the southern alps and they only use locally grown hops from their own backyard.

Situated in the heart of Marlborough wine country, Blenheim, at the top of New Zealand's south island, their aim is to make beers that rival their grape based cousins.

The brewery is situated at the old Grove Mill on Dodson Street, which is the oldest commercial building in Blenheim. Over the years it has housed an ice cream factory, a malt house, two very famous Marlborough wineries (Grove Mill and Whitehaven) and more recently a craft brewery.

Straight from the brewery:
"We do not make sugar water, in fact unlike most commercial beers, we only use the naturally occuring sugars from malted barley. We do not compromise on flavor and believe that teaspoons of sugar should only be added to cups of tea.

Renaissance Elemental Porter  500ml Bottle, 6% abv
This award winning ale is called "Elemental" porter. It is a classic English porter. It is a medium bodied beer with chocolate, and roasted notes. Extremely well balanced and hopped using a New Zealand hop variety.

Elemental is their most awarded beer, it has won gold medals in Australia and New Zealand as well as being consistently rated New Zealand's top beer .

Originally the beer of choice for workers in London’s produce markets, the beer was a mixture of the previous nights slops that the "porters" would drink when they clocked off at dawn. Porter is also Andy's all time favorite beer style. Brewed in the modern ‘robust’ style, Elemental Porter is a rich, full bodied brew with plenty of dry, dark chocolate and roasted malt flavors which gradually give way to a cleansing hop-driven finish.

Not intuitively thought of as a food beer it is a surprisingly effective accompaniment for:
  • Dark chocolate
  • Coffee or berry-based desserts
  • Blue cheese
  • Barbecued meats 
And although historically it was a sunrise beer, we think nowadays it is probably more suited to an be served after dinner with desserts and cheese, although if you want to drink it at day break, we're not going to stop you.

98 RateBeer

Renaissance Stonecutter Scotch Ale 500ml Bottle, 7% abv
Multi award winning Stonecutter Scotch Ale is the big, hearty, ‘red wine’ of the range. This amazing modern Scotch ale has won awards in New Zealand and Australia. The brewers are very proud of the full bodied complexity and surprising stealth this beer characterizes. This one slips down so easily you almost can’t detect the alcohol.

The Scotch Ale style is believed to have originated in Edinburgh in the 18th century and is colloquially known as "wee heavy" due to its higher strength than its paler siblings.

They use nine malts blended together to produce layers of caramel, toffee, licorice, chocolate and roasted flavors. These layers are balanced by a tart, raisiny fruitiness that gradually gives way to give this dark beer a lingering dry finish.

Rich, full bodied, warming and moreish, Stonecutter pairs well with the following dishes:
  • Venison
  • Roast beef or lamb
  • Hearty casseroles and stews
  • Crème brûlée
  • Scottish shortbread

And for those of you who want to know about where the name Stonecutter came from, you will need to know the secret handshake.

Join the Renaissance and demand more from your beer.

Ice Melts...Whisky Rocks

Enjoy your whiskey "on the rocks", literally, with these ingenious Soapstone Whisky Stones. These natural soapstone cubes are ideal for chilling your favorite beverage without diluting it. Just add three chilled stones to your drink, let sit for 5 minutes, then enjoy. When you're done, just rinse 'em, dry 'em and throw them back in the freezer for next time. Milled in Vermont by one of the oldest soapstone workshops in the United States. Stones range in size from 3/4" to 7/8". Set of 9 stones with muslin storage bag.

Bring in the Crop!

Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka
90-95 points Wine Enthusiast

Starting with the purely finest ingredients available, our Crop Harvest Earth Vodkas are USDA certified organic, artisanal vodkas produced from grain grown on America’s plains. Crop organic grain is harvested from fertile, healthy soil free of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals, and Crop Vodkas are distilled so efficiently that no carbon treatment or charcoal filtering is required.

"The bouquet offers delightful lush, gently vegetal and garden-fresh scents of cucumber with subtle hints of spices. Palate entry is balanced, elegant, fresh and off-dry; midpalate features just-sliced tastes of cucumber and a tangy pepperiness that nicely complements the vegetable element. Finishes clean, veggie-like, off-dry and savory."

Cucumber Dill-icious
  • 2 parts Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka
  • 1 part fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 part agave nectar
Muddle cucumber and dill with lime juice. Add vodka and agave nectar. Garnish with sliced cucumber and dill leaf.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

How Rye?

Sazerac Rye Straight Rye Whiskey
88 Points - Malt Advocate

This is a fragrant and flavorful rye whiskey perfect for mixing an array of traditional cocktails. Malt Advocate described it as "youthful and very lively. Bold, crisp, spices (mint, cinnamon, vanilla) are softened by soothing, sweeter notes (candied fruit, coconut, caramel, and rum notes), becoming dry, flinty, and spicy on the finish. It is very clean and polished, and it is superior to other rye whiskeys in this age range." This is the ideal main ingredient for New Orleans' classic cocktail--which some claim to be America's first--the Sazerac.





Bulleit Rye Whiskey

Founded in 1987 and first released in 1999, Bulleit Bourbon is the go-to bourbon for fans who enjoy its signature spicy profile, derived from a distinctive mash bill (grain mixture) with a rye content of 28%, among the highest of any bourbon on the market. Tom Bulleit based his modern bourbon on the 150 year old recipe developed by his great-great-grandfather Augustus Bulleit, who mysteriously disappeared in 1860 while transporting his bourbon from Kentucky to New Orleans.

A Bulleit rye whiskey had been in development for seven years, a logical step considering the bourbon’s high rye content. Noting industry and consumer demand for rye whiskey, Tom Bulleit decided the time was right to launch his company’s second release. Bulleit Rye Whiskey made its national debut early in March, and it looks poised to garner the same devotion and acclaim as its predecessor.

Enters with soft mouthfeel. Mild tobacco and some cherry notes hit first. Mid-palate the rye becomes buttery smooth and well rounded between the sweet and spicey characteristics. This is an incredible sipper straight or on the rocks.  Some cinnamon red hot candy with a bit of kick and hints of candied fennel with medium dry finish. Additionally, the balanced spice will make it an excellent mixer as we suggest enjoying it in a Manhattan or a Vieux Carré.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

New! Lolita Stemless Wine Glasses

To put it simply, at Santa Barbara Design Studio, they make what they love and love what they make. 

Lolita Stemless Wine Glass features an assortment of original Lolita designs from the Santa Barbara Studio Collection. Each glass is carefully hand painted with meticulous detail; the inside of the glass is fully detailed, too. Perfect for a large glass of wine with an easy to hold base and no risk of breaking a fragile stem. Every 20 oz. Lolita stemless wine glass is distinctively packaged in a signature gift box. Join Santa Barbara Design with these unique gifts that recognize and commemorate each milestone with fun and original products that make you say "WOW".

Today, many of the original handcrafted pieces produced by Santa Barbara Ceramic Design in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s have become sought after collector’s items. Likewise, the beauty, high quality and precision with which the company creates its current glass and ceramic products may make them the collectibles of the next millennium. Lolita recommends that glasses be hand washed to assure quality and longevity.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

June is for Weddings!

Take the Leap with Santa Barbara Design!

Did you Know 2.3 million couples wed in the U.S. every year... that's 62 thousands weddings per day!

Designed for the young and hip Brides of today...Santa Barbara Studio Wedding Collection includes:

Mr. & Mrs. Votive Holders
3" tall / set of two

Mr & Mrs Champagne Set
Wedding champagne toasting glass measures 6 oz. glass / 10" tall

Mr. & Mrs. Photo Frame
Picture frame holds 4" x 6" photo

Do you know anyone ready to tie the knot?  Every item in this wedding collection comes beautifully packaged - ready now for gifting!

Fine French

Betts & Scholl is a joint effort between Master Sommelier Richard Betts and contemporary art collector Dennis Scholl. Betts & Scholl have forged relationships with several wine making legends in France, Australia and the United States who are passionate about making expressive, elegant and terroir driven wines. The Hermitage wines are a collaborative effort between Betts & Scholl and the legendary Chave family.

Betts & Scholl Hermitage Blanc '05
Cote du Rhone, France
Ripe and showy, but with good underlying grip to the dried papaya, creamed peach, fig, yellow apple and brioche notes. The long, juicy finish has a nice gilding of toast. Drink now through 2013. "
93 Points  Wine Spectator



Betts & Scholl Hermitage Rouge '06
Cote du Rhone, France 
"Very juicy, with lots of fig, currant paste and crushed plum fruit flavors that race ahead of dark tar, licorice and bittersweet cocoa notes. The long, toasty finish has plenty of grip. Best from 2010 through 2017. "
92 Points  Wine Spectator 
    
You might remember the Gangloff Condrieu white Rhone we featured in the newletter and in our features page on the Sun Singer site. Here's another selection from this revered producer:

Mathilde & Yves Gangloff 'La Barbarine' '06
Cote Rotie, France
(includes 5% viognier) Bright ruby. Floral aromas of fresh red berries and cherry underscored by suave minerality. Racy and focused, with sweet red fruit flavors, barely noticeable tannins and good back-end snap. An energetic, almost light bodied wine that is already delicious.
91 points  Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 09

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

A Few New Brew

Smuttynose is named for Smuttynose Island, the third largest of the nine islands that comprise the Isles of Shoals, a small, rocky archipelago that lies seven miles off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. The name appears on nautical charts going back as far as the seventeenth century, so its true origins are lost to time. Prior to the arrival of Smuttynose Brewing, the island was best known for a brutal double axe murder that occurred there in 1873.

SMUTTYNOSE Summer Weizen
Light, tasty & full of character, our summer wheat ale is brewed with a combination of domestic and continental wheat and barley malts, lightly hopped & fermented with a Belgian wit yeast, resulting in a delightfully tangy & refreshing flavor. This beer is brewed for warm weather enjoyment. Bring some to your next picnic, barbeque or Frisbee game.


Southern Tier Brewing
In operation since late 2002, Southern Tier Brewing Company of Lakewood, New York, has grown to produce over 30,000 barrels of beer annually. The hand crafted ales are now available in more than half of the United States, as well as Australia, Denmark, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Ontario, British Columbia, and parts of the United Kingdom.

Southern Tier Raspberry Wheat
A golden wheat beer brewed with the finest North American malted barley and wheat. It’s then lightly hopped with the choicest European varieties. This smooth, crisp golden wheat beer is then finished with a hint of raspberry. Enjoy this beer any time of year.


Avery Brewing is dedicated to making beer from the inside out: we brew what we like to drink--with utter disregard for what the market demands-- and search out fans with equally eccentric palates (We learned long ago that expressing your true self is much more fulfilling than giving in to outside pressures. Don't you agree?) If you think your taste buds can keep up with our brews, we invite you to check out our entire lineup of more than twenty different beers.

AVERY Karma
Avery believes in Karma. We suspect most of you do, too. It truly is a global concept. Very simply put, "you get what you give." Inspired by this principle and the wonderful farmhouse and pale ales of Belgium, we've created Karma Ale, a decidedly fruity and estery ale, intricate in body and nose, all driven by a unique Belgian yeast strain. Remember, good things DO happen to good people. Here's to being good! Food pairing: Grilled pork chops and traditional Belgian favorites like mussels are excellent pairings for our Karma Belgian Pale Ale. Seasonally from April to August.
 
SIERRA NEVADA Ovila Dubbel 
In 2011, Sierra Nevada and the Trappist-Cistercian Abbey of New Clairvaux are working to bring this centuries-old tradition to America with Ovila—the nation’s only authentic Trappist-style Abbey Ale. This will be a series of three Belgian-style Abbey ales is made in accordance with the centuries-old tradition of the monks. Each beer will be only be available for a limited time and will rotate through the seasons. The first beer in the series, scheduled for release in March, will be a Belgian-style Dubbel brewed with authentic Trappist yeast. The second beer in the series, scheduled for release in July, will be a Saison, the traditional Belgian-style farmhouse ale made in honor of the Monk’s dedication to labor in the fields surrounding their abbey. The third will be released in time for the holidays. It will be a Trappist-style Quadrupel rich with dark fruit flavors and the unique wine-like characters of these strong Abbey ales.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these beers will go toward the restoration of the historic Ovila chapter house building on the grounds of the Abbey of New Clairvaux in Vina, California, just a few miles north of Sierra Nevada’s home in Chico.

Somethings New

Table 5 Napa Red 2008, Napa Valley, California
Table 5 is a food friendly blend pairing perfectly with rich pastas, steaks and braised meats. The color is dark, deep purple and opaque with a nose of raspberry, blackberry and black licorice. The fruit follows through on the palate accompanied by chocolate, ripe black currant and the subtle toast of French oak. All of this is buttressed by firm tannins that provide a long and ethereal finish.




Triton Tempranillo 2008, Castilla y Leon, Spain
At the dawn of Roman Mythology, Neptune and his son, Triton, were gods of rivers and lakes and were depicted astride gallant stallions which represented waves upon the waters. The river Duero plays a very important role in the history of the wine. The ancient vines were planted in gravel strewn sandy soil created by the river. The wretched soil prevented infestations that devastated vineyards throughout the world. Today you can enjoy this elegant wine created from old vines of Tempranillo from the best areas in the south of Zamora province. Meticulously vinified in small lots and aged in the best French oak for fifteen months, the wine has a distinctive balance of ripe red fruit flavors and a delicate spiciness. A hint of dark chocolate completes the long finish.

El Castro de Valtuille Mencia Joven ‘07, Bierzo, Spain
Mencia is one of those interesting grapes that is just starting to gain the spotlight. A handful of DOs in northwest Spain produce the grape varietal, but the most famous is Bierzo. And one of the top producers in Bierzo is Castro Ventosa. The Perez family founded the estate in 1752 and has owned it ever since. They have 75 hectares and their best parcels are planted in the sandy soils of Valtuille de Abajo. Old vine fruit dominates here, with some pre-phyloxera vines that are more than 100-years-old. The oldest parcels are reserved for another wine so the Joven is made from the youngest vines, which happen to range from 20 to 40 years of age.

100% Mencia. Reveals an enticing perfume of baking spices, eucalyptus/pine notes, black cherry, and black raspberry. This leads to a smooth-textured, sweet, forward wine with no hard edges. Drink this lengthy effort over the next several years.

Westrey Pinot Gris 2009, Willamette Valley, Oregon
The wine displays a variety of floral aromas, combined with white peach and a subtle hazelnut character. On the palate there is beautiful robust fruit and lively, citrusy acidity. This weighty fruit is fleshed out with a talc/mineral note and a dash of fresh ginger. A classic Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, the wine has plenty of weight on the palate from low yields, exceptional fruit concentration and crisp, refreshing acidity. With a long, clean finish, this wine is perfect with rich foods such as lobster and scallops, or other strongly flavored, spicy dishes.

Glunz Family May Wine, California
This spring wine is an old family tradition starting over 100 years ago. The wine is made of a sweeter wine and steeped with dried Woodruff. This light sipper is perfect accompanied with a few slices of fresh strawberry and a touch of Champagne!