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The Savory Grape Newsletter - 7.07.09 | |
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Greetings!
I hope you had an enjoyable and relaxing Independence Day. We absolutely did, with friends and family sipping white wine (Angeline Chardonnay, Kuentz Bas Pinot Blanc & La Fortuna Organic Sauvignon Blanc), all unrated wines receiving little press.
You probably wonder why I mention that (lack of ratings, no press). Well I'll tell you. Quite often, clients ask us to show them wines that have received great scores ( Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate) or press because  those are the ones they want to buy. Don't get me wrong, press is not bad. (Hey we just experienced that when we were in a Wall Street Journal article just over a week ago. Click here.) But relying solely on ratings to purchase wine is, well, somewhat sterile.
I am not discrediting scores because when put into context with tasting notes, food pairings and life capacity they can help serve as a guide. They are usually (note the word usually, not always) an indication of quality but not an indication as to whether the wine will be good for you. Paying attention to only wines with scores and you are missing out on a world of wine that maybe hasn't had the opportunity to get noticed officially. Remember scores are only numbers and can't take into account your personal preferences.
So do what we did this weekend and enjoy selections that don't have scores but are nonetheless great.
Note: Because we received such a great response from the WSJ article "Getting Help with Wine Choices," we are extending the July 4th promotion for you as a newsletter subscriber - purchase a case of the featured wines (mixed or same) and receive 15% off instead of our 10% case discount. Enjoy! | |
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TSG Happenings
TSG Moving Update. "WHO LET THE DOGS OUT!" Formerly a popular song by the one-hit-wonder the Baha Men, it can  now be used to describe the empty space soon to be the new Savory Grape. Pride Pups has left and plans for the new wine shop at 1000 Division Road, next to the Dave's Marketplace in EG, are underway. The transition is on!
Projo's Gail Ciampa Blogs About TSG. Enjoy Ciampa's commentary about TSG making it into the renowned Wall Street Journal. Click here to read.
Pinelli's July 16th Wine Tasting. Please join TSG's Patrick Barberet on Thursday, July 16th from 6-8 PM at Pinelli's Cafe on Route 2 in Warwick. As you dine, Pat will visit your table to sample a selection of wines. Stop into The Savory Grape first, pick up a bottle then head to Pinelli's. See you there!
"Stay-cation" July 20th Wine Tasting. So, if you don't have a vacation planned this summer, then let us help you with our "Stay-cation" wine tasting on Monday, July 20th at 7 PM at Main Street Coffee (MSC) in EG. During the evening, we will bring you wines from places you wish you were vacationing this summer since you can't go there yourself. For example, you may sip a white from a sunny, far-away place showing tropical fruit flavors or wines that make you clearly visualize destinations. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting TSG at 886-9463 or MSC at 885-8787. Tickets are limited.
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This Week's Savory Selections
 2003 Camigliano Brunello di Montalcino, Italy. This 2003 Brunello is stunning. Receiving 89 pts. by Robert Parker, Camigliano Brunello is made from the best grapes from the best vineyards. Camigliano keeps production maintained at a level well below the limit established by law, making sure the wine is produced at the highest standards of quality. Pleasant cherry, blackberry and plum flavors give way to silky tannins which will develop very nicely over the years. After tasting it, we recommend waiting to drink in about 2-3 years. ($55.99, reg. $64.99)
2006 Tormaresca Chardonnay, Puglia, Italy. This Italian Chardonnay is produced and sourced from the estates of Minervino Murge and San Pietro Vernotico in the Puglia appellation. The wine sees just a few months in French and Hungarian oak creating a light yellow colored wine with greenish hues. Bright, fresh aromas of white peach, banana and pineapple lead to juicy tropical undertones, banana and green apple flavors. With a clean and lively finish, it is great to sip by itself, or with an array of seafood, in particular crab and lobster. ($11.99)
 2006 Carneros Creek Reserve Pinot Noir, CA. Love, love, love this Pinot. It's beautifully structured showing jammy cherry and spiced plum aromas with subtle toasted oak in the background. In the mouth, the wine displays ripe fruit balanced by a pleasing acidity, with lingering flavors of red cherry, cranberry and baking spices. Lively, youthful, and integrated, the wine will accompany an array of food, including grilled salmon or pork. Although this wine is drinking wonderfully now, it will continue to evolve gracefully for four or more years. ($25.99)
2006 Palagetto Chianti Colli Senesi, Italy. This intense ruby red blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Colorino is one of our favorite every day Chiantis. Fresh and intensely fruity (not sweet) aromas of candied cherries and raspberries develop hints of cocoa powder and roasted coffee beans. On the palate the wine is balanced with abundant flavors of cherries, raspberries and hints of wood. This wine is perfect for the summer's grilled meats and less mature cheeses. ($16.99) |
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Weekend Wine Tastings and Discussion
Friday, July 10th, 5 to 8 PM - Intriguing French Offerings
2006 Chateau Magence, Graves, Bordeaux. Delicious, clean and crisp, this white Bordeaux is great warm weather sipper. A blend of mostly Sauvignon Blanc with equal parts of Semillon and Muscadelle creates a complex easy-going wine. Grassy, citrus and mineral aromas fill the nose and carry over into a mouth full of citrus and mineral flavors. The wine has great acidity with a lovely, dry finish. ($10.99)
 2008 Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone, France. This 100% Syrah from the Cotes du Rhone area always gets great reviews by the Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator. The wine reveals excellent notes of blackberries, cocoa and coffee, balanced by fine tannins and a good acidity that reveals its youthfulness. Medium-full in body, the Saint Cosme has opulent flavors, beautiful freshness and length. Meant to be drunk young, enjoy now and within the next 2-3 years. ($14.99) Saturday, July 11th, 3 to 7 PM - Our Everyday Italian Favorites
 2006 Tormaresca Chardonnay, Puglia, Italy. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($11.99)
2006 Palagetto Chianti Colli Senesi, Italy. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($16.99)
ENJOY! |
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