The Savory Grape Wine Shop
The Savory Grape Wine Shop Newsletter )
May 13, 2008
In this issue...
  • The Savory Grape Upcoming Events
  • A Fond Farewell! By Margot Wass
  • This Week's Savory Selections
  • Weekend Wine Tastings
  • Greetings!

    This week, Peter Merriam, owner of Merriam Vineyards, was kind enough to stop by TSG to sign a few of his signature wines. A few months back we were lucky enough to have Merriam pour for us at one of our weekend tastings, and his personalized bottles made for memorable gifts. If you missed out on the signed bottles then, please stop by to pick up what could make a fabulous Father's Day gift.

    Also please see our Savory Selections below where we are featuring and offering special pricing on wines from the renowned Alsatian producer Domaine Zind Humbrecht.

    Remember to stop in for our weekend wine tastings when our featured wines are paired with cheeses from Whole Foods Market. Stay tuned too for a guest appearance in the coming weeks from Whole Foods cheese expert.

    Cheers! Jessica and Nino Granatiero


    The Savory Grape Upcoming Events

    May 15th Train Your Palate Wine Class. Do you envy your friend who can pull nuances of mocha and hints of hay out of wine? If you do, then it may be time to train your palate! Come join us this Thursday, May 15 for our "Train your Palate" wine class, held at Post Office Cafe in EG. We still have some seats remaining for a class where you can learn to become a master among your business colleagues, family and friends at understanding how to taste wine and describe what you taste. The evening will begin with hors d'oeuvres and a sparkling wine reception at 6:30 PM that will then lead into the wine tasting seminar at 7 PM. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at The Savory Grape.

    May 19th Wine Tasting. Please join us on Monday, May 19th at Main Street Coffee as we explore Wines of Spring and Summer, which will include a bright, minerally Muscadet and Lanson's Rose Champagne (stunning!) just to name a couple. To purchase tickets please contact The Savory Grape at 886-9463 or Main Street Coffee at 885-8787. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased at time of reservation. Only 3 tickets remain.

    May 28th Wine Dinner. Save the date! The next wine dinner with EG's Siena Cucina is Wednesday, May 28th. The chef is still perfecting the menu and pricing. Therefore we apologize that they will not yet be available for another couple of days. However you can still make a reservation by simply stopping in the shop or calling us at 886-9463 and we will then call you with the full menu and pricing. They will also be available on the News and Events page of our web site.

    May 21st Cabernet Wine Dinner. The recently opened Black and Blue Steakhouse will hold its first wine dinner on Wednesday, May 21st featuring a stunning lineup of Cabernet Sauvignons from around the world that will be available at The Savory Grape. The dinner is $75 per person and begins at 7 PM person. Please click here for the menu and wine selections. Reservations can be made by contacting Black and Blue at 884-7100.

    A Fond Farewell! By Margot Wass

    A few months back we asked you to participate in a customer satisfaction survey, and we received an overwhelming response. We first want to thank you for the many compliments. Two of our favorites are "Everyone is so helpful and welcoming--I never feel like I am asking a stupid question!" and "You guys ROCK!". We value and appreciate all the feedback. After months of sorting and analyzing the data, we finally have some results and changes because of them to share with you. To view the results and rest of the article, please click here.

    This Week's Savory Selections
    Cooper Mountain

    2006 Cooper Mountain Pinot Gris, Oregon. This pale, light gold organic Pinot Gris has quite the aromatic nose. Tropical fruit, passion fruit, mango, key lime, kiwi and melon are all found in the bouquet. The tart entry on the palate explodes with grapefruit, citrus and tropical fruit with a slightly creamy mouth feel. And of course, beautiful acidity on the finish. Possibly our best Pinot Gris yet. ($17.99)

    2005 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling, Alsace. In recent years, Alsatian Riesling has been getting sweeter; still drier than most German Rieslings, but noticeably sweeter. But this Riesling drinks and finishes dry. The key is impeccable balance. It's spicy and honeyed, supported by a crisp acidity and long finish with just a faint note of petrol. A great Spring and Summer wine, produced by a house that has been considered one of The Most Influential Wine Personalities of the Last 20 Years." ($16.99, Reg: $22.99)

    2005 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, Alsace. Alsace has long been considered the benchmark for dry Gewurztraminer. That being said, the wine has attractive, spicy perfume traces of lychee and rose petals, a great texture, and dry fruity finish. It's a lovely wine with a bright acidity that makes it perfect for pairing with food. Again, it's produced by a house that has been considered one of The Most Influential Wine Personalities of the Last 20 Years." ($16.99, Reg: $22.99)

    Seven Daughters Winemaker's White Blend, California. This Chardonnay blend opens with deep aromas of orange blossom, tangerine and melon with a flirtatious hint of apricot. Sultry and balanced, the wine opens with the fresh flavors of mandarin oranges. The vibrant citrus influence continues on the palate and the presence of Gewurztraminer complements the wine with a closing note of spice. A delightful wine for pairing with spicy dishes, this selections puts the famed Conundrum to the test. ($13.99)

    Weekend Wine Tastings

    Friday, May 16th (5 to 8 PM) France's Alsace and Bordeaux.

    • 2005 Chateau La Bourrée Côte de Castillon, France. A new Bordeaux under $20 that is worth tasting. This oak-aged, nicely balanced Bordeaux is a finely knit and very complete wine. Deep red cherry in color, it has plenty of body with complex aromas of ripe fruits. The tannic structure is supple and strong, and the oak well integrated. Crafted with 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this Claret is simply delicious and already has the constitution to last several years. Enjoy alongside grilled beef tenderloin. ($15.99)
    • 2005 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling, Alsace. Please see tasting notes above in the week's Savory Selections. ($16.99)
    • 2005 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, Alsace. Please see tasting notes above in the week's Savory Selections. ($16.99)

    Saturday, May 17th (3 to 7 PM) New treats from California.

    • 2006 Grayson Central Coast Pinot Noir, California. The Grayson Pinot Noir, a blend of 90.5% Pinot Noir and 9.5% Zinfandel, is brimming with effusive aromas of black cherry and plum followed by layers of toasty oak, cola and hints of wild raspberries. The inviting palate has vibrant flavors of cherry compote and baking spices with a balanced, supple finish. ($15.99)
    • Seven Daughters Winemaker's Blend White, California. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($13.99)

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