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The Savory Grape Wine Shop Newsletter |
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Greetings!
When we first opened The Savory Grape, we could not
have imagined the effect our Tasting Room would
have on our customers. Wine tastings coupled with
the works of amazing local artists have helped create
a terrific social environment for which we receive many
positive comments. Then again, how could
combining wine, food and fine art not hit the spot?
Never is the Tasting Room more alive than when we
have an opening for a new artist, as we will this
weekend. We are expecting a great crowd when we
welcome the talented Larisa Micheletti on Friday,
January 30 from 5-8 PM. Bold and beautiful, her
artwork is a combination of many different approaches
and techniques. So please join us on Friday to
welcome Larisa, whose artwork will be on display
until April. For more information about
Larisa's work, please visit www.larisa-
designs.com.
The other big attraction this weekend is for 14
HANDS Cabernet and Merlot fans. We were
unfortunately notified that beginning next week
there is going to be a substantial price increase on
these Washington State wines.
However we have secured several cases at the
current price. So come in and stock up before the price
tag changes.
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The Savory Grape News & Events |
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Siena Tasting Dinner, February 3rd - SOLD
OUT. The wine
tasting dinner on Tuesday, February 3rd at Siena is
currently sold out.
If you would like to be placed on the waiting list,
please
contact The Savory Grape at 886-9463.
Cancellations must be made prior to 48 hours of the
event. Click here for
the full menu, which will have you
leaving satiated.
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What's Eating Our Grapes? |
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It's sometimes easy to overlook everything that goes
into the wine you enjoy - from the constant care of the
vines and grapes to the climatic conditions to the
blending and aging of the wine. All of these factors,
and
many more, come together to create the many wines
that
we love, but they do so often with outside distractions,
like insects.
There are a list of things that can kill grapevines, like
the
infamous phylloxera plague of the 1860s which
destroyed many European vineyards. Although quite
some time ago, we are still haunted by creatures
looking to wreak havoc on our beloved
product.
Recently a mysterious bug targeting
Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes in Australia's
Margaret River was found and is being
investigated by the Department of Food and
Agriculture. Scientists have identified what appears
to be a "looper bug" on grapevines, and they
say this bug has affected up to 15% of the vineyards in
the
region. Although the exact origin of the bugs is
unknown, they believe the harmful critters may have
migrated into the
vineyards, due to an unseasonable
November and December, from the Eucalypt Forests.
The looper bug has been
chewing
through grapes and leaving vines vulnerable to
diseases.
The bugs were seen previously in a number of
vineyards but weren't initially a concern because they
were
feeding on shot berries, berries which haven't
fertilized. But now the bugs have proliferated and can't
be controlled. They are feeding on grape berries, an
action that could mean a significant crop loss for
Australia and a reduction in wine for the rest of us.
Little is known yet about the bug's migration out of
Australia. We'll keep you updated on this pest as we
continue to learn more.
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This Week's Savory Selections |
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Zardetto NV Private Cuvée Brut, Italy. This
Italian sparkler is definitely a new staff favorite. A
blend of Prosecco, Chardonnay and Muscat creates a
palate full of flavors of pears, apples and peaches that
dissolve
into floral notes. It offers just a hint of citrus fruit and an
aromatic quality that is fresh and rich. Pair with pan
seared or grilled white fish, vegetable
dishes as well as one of our favorites, Macaroni and
Cheese. It would also be great as an aperitif. ($12.99)
2007 Falesco Sangiovese, Umbria, Italy.
Made from 100% Sangiovese, this Italian delight, and
we mean that in all seriousness, displays soft
and silky tannins which pleasantly frame the plush
texture of red berry fruit and spice. Whether paired with
your
favorite Italian dishes or enjoyed alone by the glass,
this Sangiovese is a pure pleasure to drink. Come
see on Friday. ($12.99)
2007 Donna Marzia Malvasia Bianca, Italy.
Different? Yes, we know, but this is such a delicious
white blend from Puglia. Delicate it has lovely, soft
aromas of honey, tulips and
peaches. On the palate the wine is fresh and heady
with
a touch of sweetness and long flavorful finish. We love
just sipping this wine, and it has enough roundness to
be able to drink in these cold winter months. We
recommend by a fire. ($11.99)
2006 Altesino Rosso di Altesino Toscana,
Italy. Yes, another Italian selection. We can't help
but love this country and its most revered beverage.
Rosso di Altesino is made from 80%
Sangiovese and 20% Merlot and Cabernet
Sauvignon. Upon tasting it last week, I was quickly
reminded of how yummy the classic Old World wines
can be. A vibrant ruby red color, it displays a fresh
bouquet and palate of ripe black cherry and raspberry
fruits. The body style is full and inviting with a nice,
complex finish. An
excellent value, Rosso di Altesino is the wine for my
favorite meatloaf dish, which
incorporates veal, beef and pork. (I will share the
family recipe if you ask.) ($19.99)
2003 Onyx Kroon, South Africa. South Africa
has become a hot spot for big, bold reds. We knew
this a few years ago. This red blend of
predominately Shiraz, with
Pinotage, Grenache and Cinsault, is yummy. After
being aged in
French oak barrels for 13 months, the wine
develops a bouquet of smokey aromas and spice
notes
with lots of supporting black berry fruit. Come taste
with us on Saturday. ($19.99, Regular price: $24.99)
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Weekend Wine Tastings |
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Friday, January 30th (5 to 8 PM)
Larisa Micheletti Art Opening & Special
Wine Guest Steve Wynn
- This Friday evening we will officially welcome
Artist Larisa Micheletti to The Savory Grape. On this
evening we also will welcome Steven
Wynn
of Slocum & Sons as he showcases various wines
from his Italian Portfolio. Please join us for
a night of fine art, great tasting and enjoyable
conversation.
Saturday, January 31st (3 to 7 PM)
New Favorite Arrivals
- 2003 Onyx Kroon, South Africa.
Please see tasting notes above in this week's
Savory Selections. ($19.99)
- 2006 Wolfberger Pinot Blanc, Alsace.
Wolfberger is a union of producers that was founded
in 1902 when a group of wine-growers decided to join
forces to create one of the first cooperatives in Alsace.
The cave counts 800 members today. Wolfberger is
the rare example, in the wine world, of
bigger actually being better. Its Pinot Blanc is a great
representation of Alsatian Pinot Blanc. Dry, yet full of
fresh peach nuances, it has a creamy texture and
clean finish. It's just delightful with smoked meats and
of course shellfish. ($13.99)
All wines during our weekend tastings are
paired with
fresh cheeses from Whole Foods Market in Cranston. To
obtain
information on the
cheeses that have been selected, please stop
in for a
tasting or visit
Whole Foods.
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