February 25th Wine Tasting. Unfortunately, we are now sold out of the Australian Wine Tasting on Monday, February 25th at 7 PM at Main Street Coffee.

March 10th Wine Dinner, Post Office Cafe. Please join us on Monday, March 10th for a 5-course wine dinner at the Post Office Cafe in East Greenwich. Some tickets ($60) remain and can be purchased at The Savory Grape or the Post Office Cafe. Click here to view the full menu and wine selections, some which are rated favorably by the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker.

March 19th Siena Wine Dinner. We have sold out of tickets for our second Tuscan wine dinner with Siena Cucina in East Greenwich. However you can reserve a spot on our wait list should there be any cancellations. Please contact The Savory Grape (886-9463) or Siena (885-8850) to obtain a place on the wait list.

In Store Wine Tasting Events.
February 22nd, Jonathan Edwards Winery. Susan Denice will join us from 5-8 PM to present the Napa Valley line of Jonathan Edwards Wines, which is located in North Stonington, Connecticut.
March 7th, Dragon's Hollow. We are pleased to have David Henderson of Dragon's Hollow Wines join us to introduce the area to new upcoming Chinese wines. Join us to taste what China now has to offer.

Oil prices have shot up, the dollar has plunged to a new low and the cost of goods, including wine, have increased at an alarming rate. During the last year, we have seen imported wines become more expensive, and there is every reason to believe that another round of price increases will come in the future. The bad news may be delayed slightly, as many in the wine trade say it may be another three to five months before the pressure becomes irresistible, and prices for EU wines rise. Producers have been resisting raising prices so not to lose market share. And although market share is important to them, so too is making money and staying afloat. Good wines, like the 2003 Burgundies, are going to be hard to find and expensive to buy, as well as Bordeaux and many other wines from Europe.

The wine, beer and spirits industries are built on consumer loyalty to brand names, but aside from a few successful brands, wine consumers buy for other reasons, such as price. It is estimated that any wine tied to the Euro will increase by 10, 20 or even 30 percent. This may not be limited to just Europe. Wines from Chile are also likely to rise, as currency is relatively strong in comparison to the US dollar. This also applies to Australian currency, and wine prices are due to start climbing for a variety of other reasons, including drought and flood. Domestically, prices for Napa Cabernets have climbed steadily, as has the price of Pinot Noir. This is due in part to consumer demand being so great, as well as many farmers switching to sustainable and organic farming. As more and more people jump on the organic band wagon, prices for domestic wines may continue to rise as well.

Although now you have insight into why one of your favorite wines has gone up in price, don't let the bad news get you down! There are several alternatives for wine lovers, without having to sacrifice great wine. Look for great values in the lesser-known regions of France, Italy, and Spain, such Italy's Sicily. France's Languedoc has great wines at excellent prices, as well as its less celebrated areas near the Loire and Rhone Valley. Another great region to look at is Argentina, which is among the few winemaking countries whose currency has not lost ground against the dollar. So instead of losing sleep over your favorite vino increasing in price, stop in to try out some new selections and let us guide you to new alternatives.

2005 Molnar Family Poseidon's Vineyard Chardonnay, California. You can't miss the Molnar Family wines that don a bright, beautiful orange label. After being whole clustered pressed, the grapes for this wine are fermented in Hungarian oak barrels, which add a wonderful aromatic quality to the wine. Representing a beautiful and well balanced Chardonnay, this selection has sweet smelling floral aromas of jasmine. Riper tones of honey and baked pineapple lay the foundation, and compelling citrus elements mingle with toasty fresh bread, all combining for a creamy, smooth finish. This is hearty enough to warm you on a cold winter's day or night. Pairings: This would be a yummy match for chicken and white bean soup with a baguette. ($23.99)

2005 Molnar Family Poseidon's Vineyard Pinot Noir, California. Very appealing in its youth and similar to a young French Burgundy, this Pinot Noir is characterized by aromas and flavors of cocoa powder and ripe plums. It is not an exaggerated ripe style, and the color is brilliant if not dark - all the while terrifically fragrant and inviting. Moderate tannins help to define the supple texture to keep it from being simply sweet - similar to the effect the pit has on the plum. The Hungarian Oak in which it is aged definitely adds a nice quality of vanilla to the flavor profile. This wine will age well for the next 5-7 years. Pairings: Dishes with a slight earthy component, such as vegetable stew or a mushroom risotto. ($29.99)

2004 Cardinham Estate Claire Valley Cabernet/Merlot, Australia. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, this wine has an almost eerie purple ink color. Aromas of nutmeg fill the nose, while on the palate the wine is juicy and layered with black and red berries with balanced oak and some smoky characters coming through. Pairings: Lamb chops with a dried cherry sauce and for something more simply grilled turkey and Fontina cheese sandwiches. ($18.99)

2004 Wakefield Shiraz/Cabernet, Australia. Ripe Shiraz fruit drives the wine's bright aromas which include rich, ripe black and blueberries and fresh licorice. American oak maturation is evident with characters of smoky bacon and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is rich and spicy with a great mid palate presence and generosity. Ginger, spicy berry fruit and vanilla bean are all evident across the palate while the finish is that of Cabernet with a fine persistence of cassis and lingering, soft tannins. Pairings: Pulled pork and cheese quesadillas and or baked pasta with four cheeses (Mozzarella, Fontina, Pecorino Romano and Parmesan). ($14.99)

Friday, February 22nd (5 to 8 PM) Susan Denice of Jonathan Edwards Winery

Special guest Susan Denice from Jonathan Edwards Winery in Connecticut will be joining us here at The Savory Grape to conduct a tasting of the Jonathan Ewards Napa Valley wines. Susan will be showcasing its 2006 Napa Valley Chardonnay, 2005 Zinfandel, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2003 Syrah. So come join us to taste these great wines and learn more about the New England winery.

Saturday, February 23rd (3 to 7 PM) Molnar Family Wines

• 2005 Molnar Family Poseidon's Vineyard Chardonnay, California. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($23.99)

• 2005 Molnar Family Poseidon's Vineyard Pinot Noir, California. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($29.99) <

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