Food Friendly Wines for Dinner!

Notes From the Cellar….. February is mercifully coming to an end and we're that much closer to spring! On the table this Friday & Saturday from 3-6 we will be featuring a couple new wines just in- a lively Chardonnay from Santa Barbara Country as well as a rich Barbera d'Asti from Piedmont that is a great complement to many meals. On the beer front, we have new offerings from Lagunitas, Firestone Walker as well as recent additions from SixPoint, Brewmaster Jack, Lost Abbey, Otter Creek, Long Trail, Dogfish and the Stone "Enjoy By" is back! . Our "bar" is always open to sample our craft spirits as well. If you're heading North to ski country, don't forget to stop in first for your favorite craft wine, beer & spirits that aren't always readily available in the mountains. As always, take 10% a purchase of 3 bottles of wine from our tasting table. '09 Falcone Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, CA- The Falcone family started their own farm and winery in 2002 after a couple decades of winemaking in the Napa Valley. Their small 8 acre farm produces Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah, while they source the Chardonnay grapes from the Santa Maria Valley- a remarkably cool climate but with a long growing season that allows flavors to develop while maintaining bright acidity. Their Chardonnay spends 9 months in mostly old French oak barrels which impart a slight hint of vanilla and caramel without the oak overwhelming the fruit. Ripe orchard fruits of peach and apple are well balanced by lemon citrus notes and a refreshing minerality- all with a bright acidity that lingers on the palate and keeps this full bodied wine bright and lively. A great restaurant wine, this pairs well with risotto and other rich sauces, Asian dishes and creamy cheeses. $19.99 '12 Vietti Barbera d'Asti "Tre Vigne" DOCG, Piedmont, Italy- The Vietti family traces its winemaking history back to the 19th century in the Barolo commune of Castiglione Falletto renowned for its powerful and long lived Barolos. The town of Asti is located just to the northeast and has established itself as a premier region for the very food friendly Barbera grape. Grapes are sourced from their old vine "La Crena" single vineyard as well as other adjacent vineyards. The wine sees 14 months in either French oak barrels or Slovenian oak casks which add a little gripping tannin to a normally low tannin grape. Richly colored with aromas of red cherry, blackberry and a touch of vanilla, it is medium bodied, dry and balanced by Barbera's trademark acidity. Pairs effortlessly with Italian dishes, grilled vegetables and chicken, pork and veal. $19.99

Cheers!