Australian Wine Tasting. Only a few tickets remain for the Wines of Australia tasting held by The Savory Grape & Main Street Coffee on Monday, May 14th at 7 pm. Recently opened Hill and Harbor Epicurean will feature its artisanal cheeses, pairing each with the selected wines. Treat mom - the wine tasting could be the perfect Mother's Day gift. Tickets are $22 which includes sampling 5-6 wines and cheeses provided by Hill and Harbor Epicurean. The tasting will be held at Main Street Coffee, 137 Main Street. Tickets may be purchased at The Savory Grape (886-9463) or Main Street Coffee (885-8787).

RI Monthly "Best of" Contest. Only one more week remains for the RI Monthly magazine Best of Contest. Please consider The Savory Grape in your vote for the "Best Wine Shop, West Bay." Vote online at www.rimonthly.com. Thank you for your support!

Online Ordering. Many of you have asked us about the launch of online ordering on The Savory Grape web site. We are pleased to say that we are currently in the testing phases and are getting close to completion. We look forward to sharing its launch with you soon.

2005 Bajoz El Original, Toro, Spain. El Original, formerly known as Cano, is one of the first wines from the Toro region to accentuate the quality of Garnacha (Grenache). There are only two red varieties permitted in Toro - Tempranillo and Garnacha. Previously, Garnacha was used as bulk wine and until recently was highly under-rated throughout the region. As a consequence, the average age of the Garnacha vines is around 50 years old, producing very low yields. This red has intense aromas of concentrated black and red berry fruits. On the palate, it's full-bodied, yet easy-drinking and juicy. It bursts with personality and fresh, concentrated berry-like fruit. It's lovely with salads and BBQ meats. ($10.99)

2005 Bajoz Ovicion, Rueda, Spain. The Toro region, where Bajoz is located, is primarily a red wine producing area. In a quest to produce a fruit-forward, modern-style white wine to meet the demands of the market, Bajoz ventured 15 minutes east into the neighboring region of Rueda. Rueda, because of its location and microclimate, is one of Spain's premier white wine regions. Located between Toro and Ribera del Duero, Rueda has the benefit of warm sunny days and cool nights. In fact, the temperature can fluctuate by as much as 25 degrees. This enhances the fruitiness of the grapes. Ovicion has a pale, straw color and aromas of fresh pear and apple. Delicious fruit flavors are nicely balanced by the crisp acidity and long finish. This is a wine that pairs great with poultry, steamed seafood, and salads, or by itself as an aperitif. ($10.99)

2005 Casa de la Ermita Viognier, Jumilla, Spain. Casa de la Ermita is at the forefront of recent changes in Jumilla that have led to high quality, complex wines with powerful fruit flavors. What makes Casa de la Ermita special is the unquestionable focus on quality and their incredible knowledge of the land and varieties. Its Viognier, a grape that originates from Southern Rhone, is a beautiful clear, bright color with hints of gold. The wine's fruity aroma is confirmed by flavors of melon, pear, and apricot. Flavors of the same on the palate, it is silky smooth with a balanced, yet long, crisp, acidic finish. ($11.99)

2004 Casa de la Ermita Crianza, Jumilla, Spain. Ermita's Crianza is a wonderful wine made by blending fruit of 60-year old Monastrell (Mourvedre), 30-year old Tempranillo, and 15-year old Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot vines. Aging takes place in a combination of American and French oak for nine months, and then the finished wine is further refined in the bottle prior to release. What we get is a wine of elegant cherry-red with ruby-red hues. The flavors are rich in red and black fruits, vanilla and nutmeg spice. Its best partner is grilled beef and poultry. ($15.99)

Albet I Noya Lignum Red Blend, Penedes, Spain. Lignum is produced from a selection of old vines of Cabernet, Garnacha and Carinyena grown on the hillside vineyards of Penedes, which is in Eastern Spain. As a result of its high altitude (1200 feet above sea level), dry soil, and organic farming methods, the roots burrow deep below the surface to survive. The wine is aged in American oak for 6 months and then rests in bottle for an additional six months before release. The resulting wine contains rich, complex flavors of raisins, spice, and stewed fruit, accompanied by soft oak. This is an excellent compliment to red meats, grilled vegetables, and full-flavored cheeses. It's certified organic. ($12.99)

2005 Fruitiere de la Muscadet, France. This is a lovely new white wine that is the ever-so-perfect selection for shellfish. Its color is a pale green, golden color that radiates beauty. The palate is lively with acidity and minerality, and then you get the crisp apple and peach fruit, and creamy, smooth but nice, dry finish. It's quite beautiful (and so is the label) with just a touch of effervescence. ($11.99)

Friday, May 4 ( 5pm to 8 pm) Opici Imports Spanish Selections Please join us in tasting the following wine selections from Opici Imports: Albet I Noya Lignum Red Blend ($12.99), Bajoz El Original ($10.49), Bajoz Ovicion Rueda White ($10.49), Casa de la Ermita Crianza ($15.99), and Casa de la Ermita Viognier ($11.99). All tasting notes are given above in this week's Savory Selections.

Saturday, May 5 (3 pm to 7 pm) Australia's Charles Melton

• 2006 Charles Melton Rose of Virginia. This is a beautiful, dry Rose with a punch. Comprised of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Meunier, it displays a lovely aromatic perfume on the nose, followed by raspberry, cherry and spice flavors on the palate. Light in color but rich in flavor and structure, this Rose will pair wonderfully with BBQ and smoked foods, antipastos and Thai food. ($15.49)

• 2003 Charles Melton Father-In-Law. Yes, its a little early for Father's Day gifts but its never too early to start thinking. Winemaker Charlie Melton named this solid and savory red after the father of his bride, who already has a wine named after her, the blushing pink Rose of Virginia. Father-in-Law is blended from Shiraz from Australia's Barossa Valley and Clare Valley. It's firm with black fruit and plum flavors that intermingle with some vanilla, cocoa and soft spice. A great wine for grilled vegetables and meats, so grab this for your next grilled outing or your Father-in-Law. ($17.99)

email: jessica@thesavorygrape.com

phone: 401.886.9463

web: http://www.thesavorygrape.com