Argentina Wine Tasting. Andrew Miller of Eco Sur Wines, an importer of fine Argentina wines whose portfolio consists of many organically grown selections, will be at The Savory Grape on Friday, April 27 to taste with us his new vintage selections of Alto Salvador Cabernet, Malbec, along with a few more. Please come visit with Andrew next week. Andrew also will discuss an Argentina wine trip that will be planned for this October.

RI Monthly Magazine "Best Of" Contest. RI Monthly continues its "Best of RI" contest until May 15, and we hope to obtain your vote for "The Best Wine Shop in West Bay." You can place your vote either online at www.rimonthly.com or through a ballot in the April issue of the magazine. Tell one, tell all and please consider The Savory Grape when you vote!

What better a time to talk about the Loire Valley than spring; the Loire's whites are a perfect accompaniment to spring's warmth. Although of late we haven't had much of it, it is coming. The Loire Valley is one of the most diverse wine regions in France, known mostly for its whites with familiar names as Muscadet, Vouvray, Pouilly Fume, and Sancerre. These lovely wines do not often crowd the shelves, but should. We urge you to seek them out so you can discover why they are worthy of their distinction.

The first is Muscadet from the Loire's most western region, by the Atlantic Ocean. This wine is produced from the Melon (or Muscadet) grape which gives a dry, yet fairly neutral flavor to the wine. That being said, there is one important zone in the Muscadet area called Sevre-et-Maine, named for the small Sevre and Maine Rivers that flow through the territory. Many are labeled sur lies, on the lees, which means the wine was left in contact with the dead yeasts for a period of several months, before it was bottled. One made this way takes on extra flavor and structure. Given that its produced near the sea, it naturally pairs well with seafood and is always of great value.

Moving east and further inland is the Vouvray area. A favorite, it's always a crowd pleaser because of its bright fruit profile and balanced acidity. This wine by law is made from 100% Chenin Blanc and is versatile. It can be made dry to sweet (sec to doux). This wine could be your favorite if you seek it out!

The eastern most part of the Loire Valley produces the famous dry wines of Sancerre and Pouilly- Fume, which is also the name of the wines. What Chenin Blanc is to Vouvray, Sauvignon Blanc is to these two areas. These racy, gunflint, herbal, and smoky flavored wines are true to the word of Sauvignon's root, the word sauvage, meaning wild. To this end, these wines are usually made in large inert oak barrels or stainless steel and the winemakers remain staunchly traditional in their wine-making practices.They are the world's model for crisp, focused, and full-throttled flavored Sauvignon Blanc, and are considered the best white wine and food match. Just a few of our recommended favorites from these areas are: Lucien Crochet Sancerre, Le Capitaine Vouvray, Domaine Pichot Vouvray and Pauvert La Borne Muscadet.

Friday, April 20 ( 5pm to 8 pm) New Store Favorites

• 2005 Lucky Penny Red Blend, California. This red Bordeaux style blend of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon is one of our new favorite recommendations under $15. This is a full-bodied selection that exhibits a silky smooth mouth feel and explodes with red and black berry fruit aromas and flavors. From some time in oak barrels, you also will detect a sweet vanilla spice on the finish, which seems to last for quite some time. ($13.99)

• 2005 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier, Napa Valley, California. Many know Pine Ridge for its stellar reds, but this white blend shows the winery's prowess with whites too. Handcrafted from Napa's most treasured appellations, Pine Ridge was one of the first California wineries to develop this blend. Floral and sweet on the nose, it exhibits fragrant aromas of pear and melon, with a delicate touch of pink grapefruit. Sweet, bright flavors of citrus and pear are offered up along with a supple texture. The lightly, dry finish is clean and crisp, marked with notes of grapefruit peel. This is a selection that can be enjoyed now during the spring and summer seasons or may be cellared for up to 2 years. ($12.99)

Saturday, April 21 (3 pm to 7 pm) Sustainable and Organically Grown Wines

• 2005 Lolonis Vineyard Ladybug White, California. Lolonis is an artisanal winery focused on one thing - making quality organically grown wines. No pesticides or herbicides are used and the ladybugs that you will see on its label are used, but not harmed, to control pests in the vineyard. Ladybug White is a blend of four grapes that produces a refreshing, dry white with a floral character and notes of tropical and citrus fruits. Fragrant and intense in the nose, the palate is medium-full bodied, fresh and flavorful! ($12.99)

• 2006 Pares Balta Rose, Spain. This dry Spanish Rose is great for the upcoming warm seasons, and will serve as a great partner to seafood or as a lovely solo selection. It's produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that gives you elegant bing cherry fruit and rose petal aromas on the nose. Balanced and well structured, on the mouth you will notice flavors of cherry, raspberry and some blackberry. Welcome Rose season! ($10.99).

• True Earth Red Blend, Mendocino, California. This blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with just a touch of Petite Sirah added. This is a medium-to-full bodied wine packing a punch with loads of blackberry, boysenberry, cocoa and spice flavors. This is a great wine that we were delighted to find and that has a lot going on within the palate. ($17.99).

email: jessica@thesavorygrape.com

phone: 401.886.9463

web: http://www.thesavorygrape.com