The Savory Grape Wine Shop
The Savory Grape Wine Shop Newsletter )
July 30, 2008
In this issue...
  • The Savory Grape News & Events
  • This Week's Savory Selections
  • Weekend Wine Tastings
  • Greetings!

    Once again, we have been selected for a Best of RI award by RI Monthly magazine - this year we received the award for Best Wine Shop, West Bay. (We were in good company last evening at the awards event when Siena Restaurant, one of our business neighbors, received the award for Best Restaurant in RI.) We want to thank you for your patronage and support as we continue to strive for our goal to become the premier wine shop in Rhode Island.

    The business model for TSG is very simple - offer customers good products, provide great customer service and run a lean, customer-focused business. In this very basic equation, it is you, the customer, the reason we open the door every morning. We know you have a choice, and we thank you for choosing us.

    Cheers! Jessica and Nino Granatiero

    Best of RI

    The Savory Grape News & Events

    August 25th Wine Tasting. The Better Off Here" Wine Tasting, featuring wines whose grapes are grown in their native regions (ie. a Cabernet from Napa), will be held on Monday, August 25th at 7 PM at Main Street Coffee (MSC). Please call ahead to reserve your seat. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased at time of reservation at TSG (886-9463) or MSC (885-8787).

    TSG is Going Green. A few weeks ago we mentioned that The Savory Grape would be going green very soon and switching from our cardboard boxes to reusable fabric wine totes. The wait is almost over. The totes are expected to arrive on August 12th. Much like at your neighborhood grocery store, the bags can be purchased ($1.99) the first time you opt to use them. Then every time after that when you bring your bag in to purchase two bottles of wine or more we will take 25 cents off your balance. After a few visits the bag will pay for itself, and we'll be doing our part for Mother Earth.

    Save the Date - Fall Wine Festival. We are proud to announce the official date of our 2nd Annual Fall Charity Wine Festival. On November 15, 2008 at The Varnum Memorial Armory in East Greenwich join us to enjoy a lovely night of classy music, delicious food, and of course many wines. Last year's event was a complete success, donating more than $7,000 to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. This year we hope for the same success. All profits from the event will benefit the Rhode Island Community Action Association. This incredible organization works towards helping RI families in need with everything from heating assistance to medical care. They provide much more than a hand-out, providing families with the opportunity to become self-sufficient and financially stable. For more information on this year's beneficiary, please visit: http://www.ricommunityaction.org/

    This Week's Savory Selections
    Cusumano Brothers

    2006 Cusumano Syrah, Sicily, Italy. Sicily is home to Cusumano and many great red wines, including the renowned grape Nero d'Avola, which Cusumano produces. However it also produces a 100% varietal Syrah that beautifully envelopes the mouth. We have always carried its Nero D'Avola but after tasting its Syrah at a customer's request, we knew we had to carry it in the store. Third generation winemakers and brothers Diego and Alberto Cusumano work not only with exciting native varietals, but also with many international grapes, such as Syrah. This wine is full bodied with great dark berry flavors and a nice creamy and smooth mouth feel. It was a great partner the other night with stuffed shells. ($15.99)

    2007 Trapiche Torrontes, Argentina. This white wine from Mendoza, Argentina comes from this year's International Wine & Spirits Argentinean Wine Producer of the Year, Trapiche. Located at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Trapiche has some of the most widespread landholdings in the area, with more than 2,500 acres. Bright yellow in hue, this wine starts with a very floral nose with slight notes of orange in the background. Refreshing acidity and a fruitiness on the palate work together to give this wine an exotic feel. Keep this in mind for your next seafood dish or spicy meal. It will make for a delicious pairing! ($8.99)

    2006 Parducci Sauvignon Blanc, California. From the first winery in the U.S. to be declared Carbon Neutral, we bring you Parducci's Sauvignon Blanc. A brand mostly familiar to our customers in the form of Pinot Noir, Parducci's Sauvignon Blanc is award winning, having acquired 3 Gold awards in 2007 alone. This lovely white wine is rich with citrus and melon flavors that linger on the palate. It all transitions into a refreshing finish with just the right amount of minerality to balance it out. A great summer white that is certified organic. ($11.99)

    Weekend Wine Tastings

    Friday, August 1st (5 to 8 PM) New California Selections

    • 2005 Long Meadow Ranch House Red, Napa, California. A delicious red blend from Napa, Ranch House Red comes from Long Meadow Ranch. Long Meadow isn't like other vineyards or wineries. Not only have they won awards for their wine, but also for their handcrafted extra virgin olive oil. The ranch also produces grass fed beef, eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables. In addition, everything is grown using sustainable, organic practices. Ranch House Red is an "easy drinking red wine" fashioned to be enjoyed with friends and family during relaxed gatherings such as BBQs. The wine is vibrant with black currant fruit, earthy characteristics, and just the right amount of spice. Just as intended, the wine is easy to drink and refreshing, and one of our favorites. ($16.49)
    • 2006 Parducci Sauvignon Blanc, California. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($11.99)

    Saturday, August 2nd (3 to 7 PM) New Under $11 Selections

    • 2007 Alamos Malbec, Argentina. We really like the new vintage of Alamos' Malbec. Grown on the eastern slopes of the Andean Mountains, it is bright with scents of black cherry and delicate flowers. Rich and full in your mouth, the fruit flavors are ripe and include raisins as well as black raspberry. The wine has a light touch of dark chocolate and oak that lead into a long, lingering, velvety smooth finish. This wine is drinkable now or could be held for 2-5 years for a truly decedent experience. ($10.99)
    • 2007 Trapiche Torrontes, Argentina. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($8.99)

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