New Snow, New Wines!

Notes From the Cellar….. The snow doesn't seem to want to give us a break around here, but at least the mountains are benefiting from the non-stop snow and cold! For what looks like another few days of hanging around the house we've added a couple new wines to sample in addition to our old favorites. This Friday & Saturday from 3-6 stop by to sample a delicious new Godello- a white wine from Spain as well as another powerful Southern Rhone red from the village of Rasteau! For new beers we have offerings from Green Flash, Jack's Abby and Lagunitas; also our "bar" is always open to sample craft spirits! 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. '12 Adrás Godello, Ribeira Sacra, Spain- Ribeira Sacra is an inland region in Galicia of Northwest Spain where the Romans originally began winemaking; the name "Sacra" comes from its long history of winemaking in its many monasteries. The native Godello grape is making a revival at the hands of winemakers eager to get the most out of this varietal. Here the 40 year old vines are planted on steep hills of silica-rich sand & decomposed granite; yields purposely kept low for concentration of flavor. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and then spending 3 months on its lees adds texture to this otherwise clean, crisp wine. Aromas of orchard fruits, citrus and floral notes are complemented by flavors of peach & lemon with intense minerality and fresh acidity. Pairs with Mediterranean seafood dishes, shellfish or semi-hard cheeses. $17.99 '11 Domaine des Escaravailles "La Ponce" Rasteau, France- While the Southern Rhone is mostly famous for the full bodied, but elegant wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, it continues to produce excellent reds from the surrounding communes of Rateau, Vacqueyras & Cairanne to name a few. In this case, the Ferran family has tended to the higher elevation, hillside vineyards since the 1950's using sustainable farming practices and harvest their grapes by hand. This single vineyard red is made up of a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, with vine ages of 40-50 and 30-35 years, respectively. The "La Ponce" is a powerful, heady wine with characteristic blackberry, cocoa, Provence herbs and inky licorice, balanced by fresh acidity and meaty tannins. Pair with roasted meats, especially more gamey ones like lamb. $25.99

Cheers!