Upcoming Wine Seminar. As a reminder, the already booked Wine Seminar "Pair Essentials - Exploring the Art of Matching Food" is on Monday, December 4 from 7 pm to 9:30 pm. The seminar will be held upstairs at Trattoria del Corso Restaurant, which is located at 223 Main Street in EG. Be ready for a enjoying night of wine, and of course learning. If you choose, stop in early to enjoy an appetizer before the seminar.

January Wine Seminar. We know you are waiting patiently for the announcement of the next wine seminar date. We are working diligently to secure a January date. Please stay tuned; we hope to have a confirmed date soon, just in time to give it as a holiday gift!

RI Monthly Wine Article. You may have seen already the comprehensive wine article in the December issue of RI Monthly. But if you haven't, grab a copy. There is a plethora of information on the basics of wine, specific wine recommendations and a guide to restaurants and wine stores with great wine selections and helpful staff. If we may tout our own horn, The Savory Grape was listed among RI's six stores. You can also listen in to 105.1 on Thursday, November 30th from 8:15 am - 8:30 am to hear RI Monthly Editor John Palumbo discuss the article.

Anytime of the year is a good time to celebrate life with a sparkling wine, and this time of year is most evident for the inclusion of sparkling wines to the menu. Pouring Champagne or any Sparkling Wine with holiday toasts, New Year's Eve celebrations and/or special moments shared with family friends is second nature to those who enjoy "bubbly."

All bubblies are sparkling but, as you know, only wines produced in France's Champagne region earn the title "Champagne." However, other regions from around the world produce lovely sparkling wines. Italy has Asti and Prosecco, Spain has Cava and the new world (America and Australia), produces well, Sparkling Wines. The difference is a matter of style of production, grape varietals and region but with a little information you will be on the right path to purchasing the sparkling wine that best suits your or your guest's tastes.

Sparkling wines come in different styles from Extra Brut (extra dry), Brut (dry), Demi-Sec (off dry), and Sec (sweet). Other terms also are found on labels, such as Blanc de Blancs (wine made from only white grapes), Blanc de Noir (wine made from only black grapes) and Cremant (applied to wines with a little less than full sparkling wine pressure) which also differentiate the styles. Champagnes and Sparkling wines are mostly non-vintage and comprised of a combination of varietals. However, vintage Champagnes are produced and sold at a higher price due to the quality of the harvest and the yields produced. All Champagne is made up of three grape varietals (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier), with two of them being black varietals.

There are many reasons why champagne and sparkling wine are viewed as "special." The fact that they go with most every food style is one good reason to have a sparkling wine with cocktail parties and dinner. Another is that Champagne is lower in alcohol (usually 12%) than many other wines which makes it easy to enjoy and a good choice for celebrating. Finally, the actual bottle in which Champagne arrives sets it apart from other wine styles. The beautifully foiled long neck was originally styled due to loss of juice after fermentation. The French foiled the neck to hide the loss of juice before discovering that reserve juice can be set aside and added to fill the bottle. Now, strict laws govern all sparkling wines produced and the exact volume dedicated to every bottle.

It's a great time of year to discover the world of bubbly as well as give the gift that definitely makes a statement. Feel free to ask us about the differences in sparkling wine styles and availability at the shop. As you will see, these wines' prices vary due to name brand, styles, vintage and non-vintage classifications.

From now through the end of the New Year, we will include wines in our weekly Savory Selections that are great gifts for the wine collector as well as the novice. In addition to specific information on the wine we also will give you direction on how to make a specific wine the perfect gift.

2005 Montinore Riesling, Willamette Valley Oregon - $13.99 From Oregon's famed Willamette Valley, this off-dry Riesling is elegantly balanced in fruit and acidity. Smoothly tart with mixed citrus fruit flavors of lime, lemon and a trace of pineapple, this white is light but has a firm structure and almost dry lingering finish. There's a slight lemon-rind edge to it that makes this wine work perfectly with many seafood dishes. A refreshing, quaffing wine? Absolutely.

2003 Catena Zapata Alta Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina - $54.99 This is a spectacular Malbec from a vineyard that produces consistently high quality wines and that often receives rave reviews. If you are looking for something different for the wine aficionado in your circle of family and friends, this wine is an excellent choice! With only 2,500 cases made overall, this rich red has notes of plums, blackberries, mocha and spice. It is powerful, yet creamy and silky. This wine is ready now with some decanting or can be cellared for another 5 years. Pair with Bordeaux wine glasses, available at the shop, for the perfect gift.

2005 Sebastiani Casa de Sonoma Unoaked Chardonnay - $19.49 You may know the Sebastiani name well since the winery has been in existence for years. But this wine is a limited production selection that you will be hard pressed to find. With a very small amount in RI (actually only 2 Newport restaurants and The Savory Grape), we are proud to have it. From Sonoma, this is a completely unoaked Chardonnay, a beautiful option for those who want a full bodied, clean, yet creamy, white sans the oak and toasty flavors. It has a delicious synergy of citrus, stone fruit and pear flavors. A great gift option for one wanting a recognizable name. (Available Wed. evening.)

If your schedule permits this weekend, please stop in to taste wines with us that will help get you into the holiday spirit.

Friday, December 1, 5 pm -8 pm

• Mionetto Il Rosso, Italy.
Keeping in line with our Sparkling Wine article and hoping to get you into the holiday spirit, this sparkling red is called the gentle sparkling wine. Although you won't mistake Il Rosso for a cellaring red wine, you will find that it goes down easily and refreshingly, and it is fun for the holidays. Made of a blend of three grapes from Italy's Veneto, this bubbly is well-balanced and fruity with lively and pleasing notes of cherries and raspberries. Upon first glance you make think it's sweet but it leads you to a dry, pleasing finish. It's lovely on its own, as an aperitif or paired with cured meats, mild cheeses or shellfish. ($12.99)

• Cantine Aurora Moscato, Piedmont, Italy.
Some of you were able to experience this lovely Moscato at the September wine dinner at Trattoria del Corso. But we wanted to share it with all now since the lighlty sweetened Moscato serves as a perfect gift and accompaniment during this time of year. Originally, this wine was developed so its producers could give a special wine to their clients as a holiday gift and sincere sign of appreciation. Pale straw in color, it exudes a slight sparkle, fresh aromas of peaches and apricots, and a refreshingly sweet taste with a clean, crisp finish. A perfect pair with creme brulee and other non chocolate desserts. ($11.99)

Saturday, December 2, 1 pm - 4 pm

• Circus Shiraz, Languedoc, France.
This internationally renowned winemaking family has set its sights on Southern France, lured by the innate promise of the Languedoc vineyards. This Shiraz varietal, typically called Syrah in France, holds all the characteristics you would expect of a hearty, fruity Shiraz, holding aromas of black cherry, blackberry and cassis. The palate is well-structured and complex, with notes of ripe fruit and toast leading to long and elegant finish. Enjoy with hearty pasta dishes, grilled salmon, or pork dishes. ($13.99)

• Circus Viognier, Languedoc, France.
This rich, aromatic white is made entirely from Viognier grapes and originates in the vineyards of the Languedoc. It exudes a luminous gold color with rich, fragrant aromas of apricots and underlying spice and floral notes. On the palate, it is light-to-medium bodied with a seamlessly dry finish. A perfect match with seafood, vegetarian dishes and white meats, this wine also is an ideal pour for party guests to sip as an aperitif. ($12.99)

Simply:

• Choose your price point. We offer standard gift baskets at $35, 50, $75 and $125 price levels to fit your budget.
• Select a basket theme. We have developed wine baskets from three of the most popular regions - California, Italy and France and additionally have developed a Chocolate Lovers, Sparkling and Local basket.
• Decide whether to have it picked up at the store, delivered or shipped.

We also are happy to develop custom baskets to accommodate all your needs and budgets.

email: jessica@thesavorygrape.com

phone: 401.886.9463

web: http://www.thesavorygrape.com