October 12 Bacio Divino Tasting. Bacio Divino is a small family-owned winery located in Napa Valley that focuses on and produces three proprietary blends of distinction - Bacio Divino ($92.99), Pazzo ($33.99) and Vagabond ($73.99). Although we are staunch believers that higher price does not always mean higher quality, these wines that carry the higher price tag have a strong quality backing. And those who know Bacio Divino are familiar with its cult-like following. So join us at the shop on Friday, October 12 for a tasting of these limited wines of higher distinction.

Save the Dates. Mark your calendars for The Savory Grape and Main Street Coffee Tastings in the coming months. They will be held on Monday, October 23, November 19 (just in time for Thanksgiving) and December 17. Tickets for all events are $25. More information on each tasting will be forthcoming.

The Savory Grape Fall Wine Festival. Due to the great response for The Savory Grape Fall Wine Festival fundraiser, tickets are now SOLD OUT.

For more information on all Savory Grape events, please click here.

As the weather gets cooler and party throwing becomes more abundant, the season for dessert wines is coming upon us. Although many enjoy these sweet concoctions, most are unsure how they come to be. Many dessert wines are the direct result of a fungal infestation called Noble Rot, a term that may not sound appetizing but, oh its resulting wine is. The fungus responsible for Noble Rot is called Botrytis Cinerea, which leads to the production of amazingly sweet, concentrated dessert wines, such as the famous Sauterne. Once grapes have fully ripened, Noble Rot develops and thus subsequently breaks down the grape's skins. The grapes don't rupture but shrivel and deflate, making them resemble mini balloons that have lost their life after a long party. Not all dessert wines are the result of Noble Rot, and conditions must be very specific (near a river, foggy mornings, afternoon sun) in order to properly harness the benefits of this friendly fungus. It's these conditions that support the growth of Noble Rot.

The quality of these botrytis-infected dessert wines is excellent, and they routinely carry a higher price tag, rightfully so. Noble Rot often spreads unevenly, and only the best infected berries are picked by hand, a lengthy and costly process that often occurs over 5-10 different visits through the vineyard. Production is equally as difficult. The shriveled crop is difficult to extract juice from and thus yields a minute amount. Fermentation also can be quite laborious. Once finished however, the sugar, acidity and alcohol levels are in perfect harmony, and it is the wine's sugar levels that provide perfect aging potential, often for many decades. So, the next time you have a glass of dessert wine, particularly one made from botrytized grapes, savor it. The long road it has traveled has no doubt been a tricky one.

2005 Bodegas Caro Amancaya Malbec/Cabernet, Argentina. In 2005, the weather in Argentina was quite unusual during spring, and frost damaged part of the oldest vines. The high plateau of Mendoza also was affected by storms in August that was then followed by a cool and temperate late season. However Bodegas Caro still was able to produce this fantastic blend. With a brilliant red-crimson color, this wine has intense fruit on the nose with notes of cherries and wild raspberries. Smoky vanilla scents offered by the oak barrels are released on the palate. Harmonious with excellent freshness, Amancaya has well-balanced tannins that are smooth with great length. ($16.99)

2005 Cairanne Cotes du Rhone "Le Pas de la Beaume," France. Cotes du Rhone lovers take note! This is one of the finest Cotes du Rhone selections that we have tasted at this price in quite some time. From vineyards located in the village of Cairanne, the wine is soft, elegant and supple with bright cherry fruit and spice note flavors. It has no harsh tannic bite and provides you with such an easy drinking selection, one that we went back to a second time. ($9.99)

2004 Speri Valpolicella Classico Superiore "La Roverina." In the heart of the Alpine terrain lies a historic treasure of the Speri family vineyard. Having been established in 1874, the original homestead and cellars are even older, dating back to 1580! The Speri family still runs this winery and has over the years purchased more than 148 acres of land. On this land the family grows native varietals to create its beautiful, yet understated wines. This wine, the closest you will come to an Amarone without actually being one, is ruby red with an intense, ample bouquet of rich red fruits and is dry, flavorful and structured on the palate with flavors of black cherry and raspberry spice. A soft and silky finish, this is a very versatile food wine! ($17.49)

2004 Clark Claudon Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. We are so excited to showcase this wine and its new vintage. Using only 70% of the production of its 2004 Estate bottling, this is a pure varietal expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. A compelling mixture of cassis, violet and cherry dominate the aromas while 24 months of aging in French oak imparts a fine- grained texture and lingering chocolate finish. The hallmark of this vintage is an elegant, silky texture that is imparted from mature vines and gentle handling in the cellar! From an exceptional vintage, this wine will serve well for the next 15 years. ($78.99)

Friday, September 28 (5 to 8 PM)
Artist Reception and Wine and Cheese Tasting

• 2003 Poggio Argentiera Morellino Di Scansano "Bellamarsilia." Made mostly from Sangiovese, this wine is matured for 6 months, one third in stainless steel and the other two thirds in oak casks. This aging process creates a Bordeaux-like tannin profile with plenty of structure as well as sweet black currant fruit gorgeously intermixed with leather and spice box. Carrying a terrific texture, intensity, sweetness, ripeness and balance, this is wonderful to drink now, but promises to evolve gracefully for another 5+ years. ($15.99)

• 2004 Ruffino Modus Super Tuscan. You may know Ruffino for its Chiantis, but this Super Tuscan is clearly that - Super! Rich in flavors and aromas, it is a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, presenting a solid structure and typical cherry and red berry aromas. The Merlot contributes its characteristic smoothness, enriched by delicate notes of mint and small black berry fruits, while the Cabernet Sauvignon seals the union between these royal varieties with its austerity, sweet, herbaceous perfumes and elegance. It is complex, yet simple at the same time, and modern with a distinct Tuscan flair. ($27.99)

• 2005 Villa Solais Vermentino. This beautiful white wine is made from the varietal Vermentino. The grapes are first handpicked and are then fermented in stainless steel vats in a temperature controlled climate to preserve the flavors and aromas. The outcome is a light-medium bodied wine with an attractive minerality and lemon/ lime flavor. The unexpected creaminess makes its finish smooth and clean. ($11.99)

• 2004 Speri Valpolicella Classico Superiore "La Roverina." Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($17.49)

Saturday, September 29 (3 to 7 PM)
Argentine Wines

• 2006 Alamos Chardonnay, Argentina. Given a "Best Buy" rating in the new Wine Spectator that came out today, the 2006 Alamos Chardonnay is fresh and focused with ripe tropical and citrus fruits layered with floral notes and a touch of vanilla. The mouthfeel is clean with pineapple and mango fruits along with a touch of lemon and sweet spice. The finish is bright and crisp with refreshing acidity and balance. ($9.99)

• 2005 Bodegas Caro Amancaya Malbec/Cabernet, Argentina. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($16.99)

email: jessica@thesavorygrape.com

phone: 401.886.9463

web: http://www.thesavorygrape.com