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The Savory Grape Newsletter - 4.21.09 | |
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Greetings!
Lately it seems like the Food and Wine celebrities are out, and The Savory Grape is smack in the middle of it all.
Recently, Patrick attended a small private dinner with Louis Foppiano, fourth-generation owner of Foppiano Vineyards. From that meeting, we found various selections that fit perfectly in the store and that we think you will like. Two of them are available for tasting on Friday.
On Wednesday, Nino and I will be meeting with the directors of Finca el Origen vineyard at Broadway Bistro in Providence - - their Malbec is a very popular wine in the shop. We will certainly be asking what they see in the future for Argentine wines and of course be on the lookout for new selections for you.
Next week, Lidia Bastianich, renowned chef, businesswoman and author, will be with her son Joe at a luncheon downtown at Tini, the new restaurant created by Al Forno owners Johanne Killeen and George Germon. We will be there with them talking food and wine and tasting the new Bastianich releases. As we say often, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it to ensure you get the best new wines for your drinking pleasure!
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News & Events
May 2nd Artist Opening Reception & Wine Tasting. Please join us on Saturday, May 2nd  from 3 to 7 PM, as artist Morgan Hall opens her 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 at The Savory Grape from May 2nd through August. For more information on Morgan, 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 Robin when he helped us celebrate our one-year anniversary in 2007.)
Cocktails & appetizers are 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 1 week remains 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. |
This Week's Savory Selections
 Foppiano Lot 96 Bin 002, Russian River Valley, California. The name "Lot 96" was chosen to reflect Foppiano's original roots, dating back to 1896. This Sangiovese based blend has a bright bouquet full of red fruit aromas, raspberry jam, red currants, scents of cedar, vanilla bean and toasty oak. The palate follows the nose with more jammy raspberry flavors. This wine is easy and accessible with a nice fruit-to-acid balance. The jammy finish lingers with fresh cherry pie a la mode flavors. ($13.49)
2005 Foppiano Vineyards Estate Petite Sirah, California. This deep, voluptuous wine is made entirely from estate Petite Sirah grapes, grown on the family's Russian River Valley Estate. The wine is full-bodied and a beautiful deep purple color. In the nose, the wine offers black fruit aromas, which are well met on the palate with black and blueberry flavors, as well as toasty vanilla, exotic spices, and hints of cocoa on the finish. This should be the perfect partner for your grilled foods this weekend. ($19.49)
2007 Cusumano Merlot, Italy. Another example of how the Sicilian climate can influence beautifully this classic international grape variety. Harvested from vineyards that are influenced by the Sirocco wind, this Merlot has scents of crushed black fruit and creme brulee with rich, spicy and plummy flavors while retaining soft tannins and the classic Mediterranean, full bodied stance. A good Italian Merlot under $15 is no longer hard to come by. ($14.99)
 2006 Coltibuono Cetamura Chianti, Italy. This wine was conceived with the intention of creating a young, pleasant wine, perfect for every day. Only the best Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes from various sub-zones of Chianti are used to express the typical freshness and accessibility of these varieties. Cherry and blackberry aromas fill the nose with cinnamon and clove nuances. The palate is full and well-balanced with pleasant acidity and a clean, persistent aftertaste. One of our new favorites. ($12.99)
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Weekend Wine Tastings
Friday, April 24th, 5 to 8 PM - Russian River Arrivals
Foppiano Lot 96 Bin 002, Russian River Valley, California. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($13.49)
2005 Foppiano Vineyards Estate Petite Sirah, California. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($19.49)
Saturday, April 25th, 3 to 7 PM - A Taste of Italy
 2007 Cusumano Merlot IGT, Italy. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($14.99)
2007 Cabert Chardonnay, Italy. This unoaked Italian Chardonnay, from Fruili, is light, dry and refreshing. Aromas and flavors of fresh green apples and pears lead to a refreshing, clean and balanced palate. This wine truly exceeds our expectations for the price! ($10.99) | |
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