Tastes for the Weekend

Notes From the Cellar….. As we enjoy a little reprieve from the bitter temperatures, come enjoy the tastes of our wine selections for the week, great for any night or to take north for all the skiers and riders out there :). Join us this Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample a mid-weight white blend that offers wonderful fruit and citrus flavors as well as a dark fruited, dry finishing Rioja! 2014 Mas d’Intras “Cuvée de la Montagnère” Blanc, Ardèche, France- Mas d'Intras is located in Ardèche, in the Southeastern part of France- essentially in the gap between the Northern & Southern Rhone along the Ardèche River. Certified Organic/Biodynamic, the small estate has been family owned for generations and everything is done by themselves - from the planting of the grapevines to the delivery of the wine. The field “La Montagnère” is their highest plot of vines and is planted with a small amount of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The “Cuvée de la Montagnère” is a blend of 60% unoaked Chardonnay and 40% Sauvignon Blanc; showing the weight and fruit of the Chardonnay and the mineral finesse of the Sauvignon, resulting in a round, light wine complemented with the fruity aromas of grapefruit and lemon. Pairs with seafood dishes, Asian food and creamy pasta dishes. $14.99 Rioja, 2011 Sierra Cantabria Crianza, Spain- The Sierra Cantabria estate is located in the heart of Rioja Alta between the River Ebro and the Sierra Cantabria Mountain range, creating a special microclimate with Mediterranean and Continental characteristics- providing mild winters and gentle summers, unique for vine cultivation. In addition, the hot days with cool night temperatures help to develop tannins and fresh acidity. Made from 100% Tempranillo and aged 14 months in French & American oak, it offers abundant black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, cedar and notes of char. Medium bodied with a mouth-coating texture, it is balanced and leaves a lingering tannic finish. Excellent with roasted or grilled pork or beef. $18.99 On the Beer front we have new offerings from Shed, Newburyport, Wormtown, Long Trail, Shipyard, Two Roads, Jack's Abby, Baxter & Avery! As always take 10% of any 3 wines from our tasting table. Winter Hours: Now open Sundays 12:00- 5:00! Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-7:00

Cheers!

Wines for a Weekend Inside!

Notes From the Cellar….. There’s a blizzard coming!..Probably...Maybe… The good news is that whatever comes will be a bit later in the weekend, giving us enough time to sample some wines and stock up for a day indoors rooting for the Patriots again! This weekend we will be pouring a lively Loire Valley Chenin Blanc and a rich, dark-fruited Bobal from Spain. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample these new selections! ’14 Anjou Blanc, Domaine Richou “Chauvigné", Loire, France- Traditionally a region known for its sweet white wines- a product of autumn sunshine and noble rot, a more ambitious focus on serious dry white wines has exploded over the last couple decades. Located in the center of Anjou in the small sub-region of Coteaux de l’Aubance, the Domaine Richou is in its 3rd generation of family winemaking. In this region known as “Anjou Noir” due to its dominant slate soils formed from old volcanic activity that impart wonderful minerality in the wine, the family farms organically also following biodynamic practices. This 100% Chenin Blanc is fermented slowly in stainless steel and displays flavors of green apple, honey and citrus. With crisp acidity and minerality that is balanced by a medium mouthfeel and a lingering finish, it pairs well with baked fish, shellfish, white meats and cheeses. $17.99 ’12 Bovale, Old Vine Bobal, Utiel-Requena, Spain- The Bobal grape is Spain’s second-most planted grape behind Tempranillo. Long used as the backbone in cheap table-wine blends, respected winemakers like Isaac Fernandez have focused their attention on getting the most out of these full-flavored grapes. Bobal makes some of the darkest wines in the world as they are naturally high in the color pigment anthocyanin. In the DO of Utiel-Requena in the province of Valencia, just inland of the Mediterranean, the climate is hot and dry in the summer, and soils are high in lime content that help to build acidity in the wines. Produced from 60 year old vines, the Bovale is an intensely dark wine showing aromas and flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and cracked pepper. With a hint of vanilla and smoke from the oak aging, it is well balanced by its fresh acidity and lingering, firm tannins. Pairs with paella, grilled steaks and braised pork dishes. $15.99 On the Beer front we have new offerings from Shed, Newburyport, Wormtown, Long Trail, Shipyard, Two Roads, Jack's Abby, Baxter & Avery! As always take 10% of any 3 wines from our tasting table. Winter Hours: Now open Sundays 12:00- 5:00! Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-7:00

Cheers!

Weekend Wines!

Notes From the Cellar….. With proper winter setting in and the long weekend coming up, its time to either hit the mountains or cozy up inside, start a fire and root for the Patriots! We have a couple of wines to taste that offer plenty of body and are easy drinking, perfect for a weekend indoors or after a day on the slopes. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample a white blend from Southern France and a full-bodied Bordeaux. '13 Mouling de Gassac Guilhem Blanc, Pays d'Hérault, Languedoc, France- In France’s Southwestern reaches, the Eastern Languedoc is a huge wine-growing region that is producing excellent wines of character from both the classified and unclassified AOC regions. Drawn to the Hérault départment of the Gassac Valley in the 1970’s, the Guibert’s became pioneers of making outstanding wines in these cool, windy hills. Farmed for hundreds of years before them without the use of pesticides, they continued this tradition of organic farming and harvesting the vines by hand. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc & Clairette, the Guilhem Blanc is medium bodied with bright, fresh acidity. Showing floral notes, pear, green apple & lemon fruits with a touch of green olive on the palate, this is a lively wine and delivers great value. Pairs with seafood, curry and pesto dishes. $13.99. '12 Château Andron, Médoc, France-The large expanse of the Médoc contains the most highly regarded appellations on the left bank– Pauillac, St. Estephe, St. Julien, Margaux, including four of the five First Growth Châteaux. The estate is located in the heart of the Médoc and planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Using traditional winemaking practices, Ch_ateau Andron is very much a classic Médoc wine: deep color, dark fruit aromas of plums and blackberries, cedar and violet, giving way to a firm texture with a good sense of grip on the palate. As with most red Bordeaux, the classic pairing is rack of lamb. $13.99 On the Beer front we have new offerings from Wormtown, Long Trail, Shipyard, Two Roads, Jack's Abby, Baxter, Avery, Otter Creek and Spencer! As always take 10% of any 3 wines from our tasting table. Winter Hours: Now open Sundays 12:00- 5:00! Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-7:00

Cheers!

It's Finally Winter!

Notes From the Cellar….. Welcome to 2016! The winter is (finally) upon us and the ski mountains are slowly creaking into gear! We’re excited for brisk days and cozy evenings with fires roaring. This weekend we have a couple wonderfully approachable wines perfect to enjoy any evening with a variety of meals. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample a quenching Albariño and a soft, fruity Rhone styled wine. ’14 Bodegas Valtea Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain- From Spain’s northwest region of Galacia, Rías Baixas is characterized by its many inlets and a foggy, rainy climate the play a major role in moderating temperatures. The particular sub-region of Condado is the furthest inland and therefore the warmest. Likewise, with vineyards at higher elevations the grapes are given ample opportunity to ripen and develop elegant fruit and balanced structure. This old vine Albariño shows wonderful floral and fruit character of apricot, green apple and citrus as well as a clean, mineral mouthfeel balanced by fresh acidity and a lingering finish. Pairs well with most seafood, especially shellfish and oysters. $15.99 ’13 Château de la Selve “Palissaire”, Coteaux de l’Ardèche, France- Ardèche is located in the area between and to the west of Northern and Southern Rhone. Originally a fortified house on France’s frontier, it slowly became transformed into a farm century by century. A region with wonderful potential given its hot days, cool nights and wild landscapes, it is currently being farmed using biodynamic methods in vineyards of clay and limestone producing naturally low yields. A blend of 40% Cinsault, 30% Grenache and 30% Merlot, the Palissaire displays the bright red fruits, the spice and garrigue typical of Rhone varietals as well as a hint of a rustic, earthy nose. The fruity palate is well framed with bright acidity and soft tannins. Pairs with grilled pork chops, meat sauces and roasted vegetables. $13.99 On the Beer front we have new offerings from Wormtown, Long Trail, Shipyard, Two Roads, Jack's Abby, Baxter, Avery, Otter Creek and Spencer! As always take 10% of any 3 wines from our tasting table. Winter Hours: Now open Sundays 12:00- 5:00! Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-7:00

Cheers!