November 19th Wine Tasting. A great time was had by all those who attended this week's wine tasting Demystifying French at Main Street Coffee. Our next wine tasting, Wines and Food Pairings for Thanksgiving, will be on Monday, November 19th at Main Street Coffee at 7 PM. We will discuss and taste various wines that are perfect for the Thanksgiving meal and will provide you with various food recommendations. Tickets ($25) can be purchased at The Savory Grape (886-9463) or Main Street Coffee (885-8787). Seating is limited to 20 people, so please purchase your tickets early.

As you may already know, there are health benefits to drinking red wine. Many studies have shown that drinking red wine regularly can lower the risk of a heart attack and can also be beneficial to your circulatory system. This is because red wine is a rich source of antioxidants and has a positive effect on cholesterol levels. However until recently, the focus of these studies has been on the treatment of existing heart disorders in older populations as opposed to possible preventative advantages for all ages. Fortunately two researchers from two different medical schools in Australia set out to do just that. They conducted a study, which was recently published, to confirm the possibility that red wine could provide protective effects for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in younger age groups in addition to the older ones.

The results were astonishing. The subjects who participated (none of which had a previous history of CVD) consumed 400 ml (a little more than two glasses) of Cabernet Sauvignon daily. As a result, subjects showed improved cholesterol levels and reduced oxidative stress on their blood vessels. Overall, antioxidant levels increased approximately 16 percent in the 50 and over group and 7 percent in the 18 to 30 group. This was found after only two weeks of consumption, showing a positive impact in subjects of both age groups. In addition, the levels of harmful free radicals (molecules capable of damaging systems in the body) dropped approximately 50 percent during the controlled two week study. While long term studies are underway, these results suggest that a lifetime of red wine consumption is not necessary to reap positive benefits. So, if you are just beginning to discover the wonderful world of red wines it is certainly not too late to start enjoying them along with bettering your health. And as always, in moderation.

2004 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley. Novelty Hill is one of our new favorite small, independent wineries crafting elegant selections from Washington's finest vineyards. This complex, concentrated wine, recently awarded 90 points by the Wine Spectator, is rich in blackberry and chocolate flavors that are well-integrated with a hint of spice. Aged 20 months in small oak barrels, the finish is long and well-balanced. This is a great wine to show that Washington State is not too cold, too north, nor too wet to grow world-class wines. ($25.99)

2004 Novelty Hill, Stillwater Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Valley. This estate-grown Chardonnay from Novelty Hill's Stillwater Creek Vineyard is a rich, focused wine. Offering ripe apple and fresh pear aromas, the wine has flavors of toasty vanilla, lemon meringue and pears that echo across a long, smooth finish. Truly a classic Burgundian-style wine with just the right amount of oak and creaminess, it confirms the vineyard's penchant for the varietal. ($22.99)

2004 Duo Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Chile. Duo is the celebration of the stylish and artistic lifestyle of modern Chile. Beautiful wine, food, and culture are at the very heart of what those in Chile do and how they choose to live. This Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend (hence the name Duo) is bold, smooth, and enticing. Full of red and black fruit flavors and cinnamon spice, this red selection comes from the famed Maipo Valley and is a rewarding accompaniment to many full flavored beef dishes, including lamb smoked pork chops and meatloaf. If the fall weather ever turns cool, this will be a nice red for the season. ($13.99)

Friday, October 26th (5 to 8 PM) Washington State and a Nice Treat from Napa

• 2004 Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley. Please see our tasting notes above in the Savory Selections. ($25.99)

• 2004 Novelty Hill, Stillwater Creek Vineyard Chardonnay, Columbia Valley. Please see our tasting notes above in the Savory Selections. ($22.99)

• 2003 Long Meadow Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is a true find - an elegant wine that has deep garnet color with beautiful purple edges. The nose carries bordelaise characteristics with tea, cedar, vanilla and ripe black fruit. On the palate, there are powerful, yet soft tannins giving a rich full-bodied mouth feel. Finishing smoothly and drinking beautifully now, the wine has a complex earthiness knitted with oak and dark fruit. Long Meadow Ranch (LMR) is a profound estate that crafts quality wines of high caliber and food products featured by many top American chefs. After having the opportunity to meet part of the LMR family last year, we are pleased to be able to showcase its wines. ($38.99) Special discounts will be offered on this wine on Friday evening.

Saturday, October 27th (3 to 7 PM) A Trip Through Chile

• 2006 Veramonte Pinot Noir, Chile. For those of you who loved Chile's Cavas Submarinas Pinot/Carmenere blend that has become an enigma as of late at the store, you may find Veramonte's Pinot Noir a divine alternative.This Pinot Noir evokes aromas of red berries mingling with luscious notes of toast and vanilla. On the mouth, there are bright black cherry and strawberry flavors with touches of sweet, yet spicy, oak from its barreling and aging. This is truly a mouth filling, medium bodied wine that is loaded with rich texture. ($18.99)

• 2004 Duo Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, Chile. Please see our tasting notes above in the Savory Selections. ($13.99)

email: jessica@thesavorygrape.com

phone: 401.886.9463

web: http://www.thesavorygrape.com