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The Savory Grape Newsletter - 4.14.09 | |
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Greetings!
It isn't every day that competitors get together to engage in friendly dialogue about today's business trends. But a few weeks ago Mark Gasbarro of Gasbarro's Wines on Federal Hill and I did just that about wine industry trends during a food and wine round table hosted by Joe Zito and Alan Costantino, both well known in RI for their food expertise. It was a real pleasure for Mark and I to share our thoughts on the economic environment and what that means for the wine business, the hot varietals and regions. Mark is well respected in the RI wine scene, and it is obvious why just speaking with him.
The discussion was lively, and I think you will enjoy this program which will air on PBS in the next few weeks. Even though we compete for business, it is nice to know that the love of wine transcends economics, and good discussion can take place. Given the civility of the product, it just makes sense.
Enjoy! |
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News & Events
April 20th Monthly Tasting. The wine tasting on Monday, April 20 at Main Street Coffee is now sold out. Join us at our next tasting on Monday, May 18th, when we feature Wines for the Grill. To reserve tickets, call us at 886-9463. Tickets are $25.
May 2nd Artist Opening Reception & Wine Tasting. On Saturday, May 2nd  from 3 to 7 PM, artist Morgan Hall will open her art showing at The Savory Grape. Born in New Hampshire and now living in Rhode Island, Morgan's deep interest in art started with sketching and then photo development. Later, she practiced as a makeup artist and interior design consultant. Morgan is inspired by nature themes, and her work is often a representation of self expressionism. She shows through acrylics, oil pastels, water color, color pencils and often a combination of all these mediums. Morgan's art will be on display from May 2nd through August at The Savory Grape. For more information on Morgan and her art, please visit www.morganhallart.com.
"Escape to the Cape" South African Wine Dinner. Robin Back of Fairview and Spice Route Vineyards will present a South African Wine Dinner on Friday, May 8th at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Providence. Since 1974, the  Back family's historic winery has helped to focus the world's attention on South African wines. Join us with Robin for a great evening at Fleming's and experience his family's celebrated wines paired with extraordinary cuisine. (You may remember that Robin was at The Savory Grape to help us celebrate our one-year anniversary in 2007.) Cocktails & appetizers begin at 6:30 PM and dinner at 7 PM. Click here for the full menu and wine pairings. Tickets are $100, excluding tax and gratuity. To make reservations, contact Flemings at 533-9000. What a great treat for Mom on Mother's Day. RI Monthly's "Best Of" Contest. Only 2 weeks remain for RI Monthly Magazine's Best of RI contest. Through April 30, we hope you again will vote us Best Wine Shop, West Bay. Voting is only available online by clicking here. Then you can scroll down to the West Bay section, where we hope you will consider The Savory Grape for Best Wine Shop, West Bay! Please tell your friends and fellow oenophiles where to vote.
Layer Cake Update. As you know from last week's newsletter, the new vintages of Layer Cake Shiraz and Primitivo have arrived. Plenty of Shiraz is available to last us at least another month or so; however only 10 cases of Layer Cake Primitivo exist until the next vintage release, which is likely next year. So to ensure you get what you want until next vintage, stop by or call us at the shop. |
This Week's  Savory Selections
2002 Scarpantoni School Block, McLaren Vale, Australia. The story of this vineyard has such history and romance - the now late Domenic Scarpantoni and his beautiful wife Paula began the vineyard, now run by their sons, because of their true passion for wine. Produced from a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot, with each variety individually aged in oak for 12 months, the School Block is soft and supple, with rich dark berry fruits and hints of toasty oak. When first trying it, the wine had a joyous and unique palate - juicy with cocoa dustiness, black cherry and chocolate. Delicious for now! ($14.99)
2008 Fat Tree Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Australia. Young, zesty and delicious easily describe this wine. What better way to enjoy the warmer weather (yes it is coming) than with a vibrant wine made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. You get vibrancy, crispness and a medium bodied mouthfeel all in one wine. The palate is mouth-watering with lemon and tropical fruit flavors that are in balance with a crisp acidity, which all scream for something from the grill. ($13.49)
2007 Gemtree Tadpole Shiraz, Australia. The Tadpole Shiraz is an untamed  animal - zero filtration, zero fining and minimal intervention. (All the Gemtree vineyards are 100% biodynamic.) Aged primarily in small American oak barrels for 14 months, the Tadpole is wine that you dream of - natural, juicy, soft and drinkable. It is a powerful wine that is rich yet restrained. The palate shows characteristics of raspberry, boysenberry, creme brulee and vanilla from oak aging. It has a wonderful balance for a youthful wine, showcasing creativity at its best. Open and pair with a juicy filet mignon from the grill. ($13.99)
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Weekend Wine Tastings
Friday, April 17th, 5 to 8 PM - Break Out The Grill: Wines to Make This Year's First Grilled Meal Memorable
2008 Fat Tree Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc, Australia. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($13.49)
2007 Tormaresca Neprica, Puglia, Italy. 90 points and a "Best Buy" designate from Wine Enthusiast, this is a hearty, bold red that is sure to please many palates and grilled dishes. It is a unique blend of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon that packs on layers of raspberry, plum & cherry fruits and that ends with a silky, lingering finish. ($11.99)
2007 Gemtree Vineyards Shiraz, Australia. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($13.99)
Saturday, April 18th, 3 to 7 PM - Guess What It Is: A Blind Tasting
Come join us from 3 to 7 PM on Saturday as we conduct a blind tasting to see if you can tell which wines are the higher rated or lower priced. This will be a fun day of tasting! | |
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