November 30th Guest Wine Tasting. Please join us at the shop this Friday, November 30th to welcome South American importer Carlos Figueroa who will taste with us red wines that are perfect for the upcoming winter season. We are thrilled to have Carlos join us to showcase a selection of his wines.

December 17th Wine Tasting. Only a few spots remain for the Global Cabernet Comparison tasting on Monday, December 17th. Exploring various Cabernets from around the world, the tasting will be held at Main Street Coffee at 7 pm. Tickets ($25) can be purchased at The Savory Grape (886-9463) or Main Street Coffee (885-8787). As always, seating is limited to 20 people, so please purchase your tickets early.

It's coming - winter is approaching, and we are mid-holiday season running around with oh so much to do and not enough time to do it in. So much, that it can be easy to forget that it's also cold and flu season. Good news has come though. Recent studies by the University of Missouri have shown that the same red wines you may use to celebrate the holidays can kill bacteria. Red wines containing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz were found by the U of M to kill harmful bacteria, but leave helpful bacteria (such as strains that help digestion) completely alone. But the real test is whether or not consuming red wine can do as much for the busy holiday shopper as it did in a Petri dish.

Other important studies have previously proven that wine can kill many known dangerous strains including Salmonella. However the factor that remains to be seen is how effective the wine actually is. The ratio of the amount of bacteria that would need to be exterminated compared to the amount of wine that would need to be consumed is the question. Depending on how effective the wine is, the average person would need to consume any number of glasses of wine at any number of sittings. Don't get discouraged though. The previously mentioned red wines have already been used to successfully treat specific conditions caused by bacteria at reasonable consumption levels; a fact that is encouraging.

As an added tip, it appears that drier wines (which often have higher acidity levels and contain "polyphenols") are more detrimental to pathogens compared to wines that are sweeter. Therefore, when choosing your wines this winter, it certainly can't hurt to choose one that could help keep you healthy through your holiday celebrations. Though choose and drink them responsibly.

2002 Francisco Giaquinta FG Malbec Roble, Argentina. The Giaquinta family vineyards are located in the Tupungato Valley of Argentina. Its Malbec is aged in oak casks which gives the wine a delicate touch of vanilla. This, combined with scents of the varietal, its sparkling red color, deep berry flavors and great body result in a wine that satisfies the mouth in complete harmony. ($24.49)

2005 In Situ Laguna del Inca, Chile. In Situ's Luguna del Inca is a deep, rich, luscious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Syrah. Intense ruby red with purple highlights, this wine has a complex nose of concentrated aromas of dark fruit, leather and spice. On the palate, a gentle attack leads to ripe round tannins, well blended with vanilla, and wild berry aromas that linger to a long and pleasant finish. ($33.99)

2004 Vina Von Siebenthal Carabantes Syrah, Chile. This beautiful red wine from Chile is mostly Syrah with just a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. This wine offers intense aromas of red berries, blueberries, raspberries and violet flowers. You can also pick up hints of aromatic herbs reminiscent of musk rose and dried tea leaves. On the palate, the wine has a sweet, ample fresh start with good volume leading to mature tannins and a very pleasing ending. Divine for winter's cold evenings. ($27.99)

2001 Grove Street Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California. Grove Street's Cabernet comes from one of California's favorite Cabernet sources, the Alexander Valley. The majority of the fruit came form the Barelli Ranch, and the wine shows the fat, lusty Cabernet fruit that is the core of Alexander Valley Cabernet's appeal. This wine has a plush, sweet core of black cherry fruit with chocolate and mocha tones and obvious polish. ($17.99)

If your schedule permits this weekend, please stop in to taste wines with us that will warm you up this holiday season and open your eyes to new up-and-coming areas.

Friday, November 30th (5 to 8 PM) Special Guest Carlos Figueroa

• 2002 Francisco Giaquinta FG Malbec Roble. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($24.49)