Saturday, February 4th-Super Bowl Tail Gate Cookout!

Featuring Grandma Saglimbeni’s Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches. Donations to the  San Antonio Foodbank will be accepted. We will begin serving around 11:30 and will continue until 4:30 or whenever the sausage runs out.

Special Guests, Saturday February 4th

Joel McKee-Southwest Regional Manager
Broadbent Selections

Kevin Henry-Regional Manager
Palm Bay Imports

On Our Bar This Saturday
Our tasting bars will be open
from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm?
Featuring !!

Wines From South Africa, Portugal and Italy

Fontanafredda Barbera Briccontondo, Piedmont…Reg. $ 16.99
Sale Price!…$ 13.59
Anselme San Vincenzo Soave, Veneto…Reg….$ 16.99
Sale Price!…$ 13.59
Travaglini Gattinara, Piedmont…Reg…$ 37.99
Sale Price!…$ 30.39
Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga, Piedmont …Reg….$ 58.99
Sale Price!…$ 47.19
Warwick 1st Lady Cabernet, South Africa…Reg. $ 15.99
Sale Price!…$ 12.79
Badenhorst Secateurs Chenin Blanc, South Africa …Reg. $ 19.99
Sale Price!…$ 15.99
Crasto Douro Red, Portugal…Reg. $ 22.99
Sale Price!…$ 18.39
Ferreirinha Esteva Douro Red, Portugal…Reg. $12.99
Sale Price!…$ 10.39

Rum

 Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane by-products such as molasses or directly from sugarcane juice by a process of fermentation and distillation. The clear distillate is then aged in oak barrels.

 The origin of the word rum is unclear but in the early 19th century Samuel Morewood, a British etymologist, offered two plausible possibilities. He suggested that it might be from the British slang for “the best” as in “having a rum time“. Given the harsh taste of early rum, his second theory is more likely. He believed that it was taken from the last syllable of the Latin word for sugar, saccharum.

 The first distillation of rum took place on the sugarcane plantations of the Caribbean in the 17th century. Plantation slaves first discovered that molasses, a by-product of the sugar refining process can be fermented into alcohol. Later, distillation of these by-products concentrated the alcohol and removed impurities. Tradition suggests that rum first originated on the island of Barbados, however, rum production was recorded in Brazil in the 1620′s.

 The drink’s popularity spread to colonial North America where the first rum distillery was established on present-day Staten Island in 1664. The popularity of rum continued after the American Revolutionary War with George Washington demanding a barrel of Barbados rum at his 1789 inauguration. Eventually rum was replaced by American whiskey as the more popular spirit in the United States.

 The variation in rum styles can be loosely broken down into three groups…

 *Spanish speaking islands traditionally produce anejo(aged) rums with a fairly smooth taste and light body. Rums from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama, Dominican Republic and other Spanish speaking islands or countries share this style.

 *English speaking islands and countries are known for darker rums with a fuller taste that retains a greater amount of molasses character. Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana and Jamaica produce this style.

 *French speaking islands a best known for their agricultural rums (rhum agricole) produced totally from sugar cane juice. They retain more of the flavor of the sugar cane. Rums from Haiti, Guadeloupe and Martinique share this style.

This Weeks Featured Spirits
Ron Pampero Anniversario, Venzuela 750ml. Reg. $ 33.99
Sale Price! $ 27.19
Goslings Black Seal Rum, Bermuda 750ml. Reg. $ 22.99
Sale Price ! $ 18.39
Cruzan Blackstrap Rum, St. Croix 750ml. Reg. $ 18.99
Sale Price ! $ 15.19
10 Cane Rum, Trinidad 750ml. Reg. $ 39.99
Sale Price ! $ 31.99
Rhum Barbancourt 5 Star 8 yr., Haiti 750ml. Reg. $ 29.99
Sale Price ! $ 23.99
Pusser’s Navy Rum, Barbados 750ml. Reg. $ 29.99
Sale Price ! $ 23.99
* * * * *

11th In The Series
Wine Grape Varietals

Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is a red grape variety primarily associated with the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It derives its name from the Italian word nebbia meaning fog. This could refer to the fog that is usually present in late October during harvest or another theory suggests that it refers to the fog-like veil that forms over the berry as it matures.

Most experts believe that nebbiolo is indigenous to the Piedmont region though there is some DNA evidence to suggest that the vine may have originated in Lombardy. The first mention of nebbiolo dates to 1268. The vine has always been held in high esteem in the area as is exhibited by the penalties assessed according to the laws of the time for cutting down a nebbiolo vine. Penalties ranged from heavy fines, to having the right hand cut off or even hanging of repeat offenders.

Nebbiolo doesn’t adapt well to various soil types, preferring soils with a high concentration of calcareous marl. It needs warmer weather to develop the sugar and fruit flavor necessary to balance the grapes naturally high acidity. It is early to bud and late to ripen which leaves it vulnerable to the vagaries of nature. Despite its difficulties, it is responsible for some of the great wines of Italy. It is the grape of Barolo and Barbaresco as well as Ghemme and Gattinara where nebbiolo is known as spanna.

Although introduced into other countries, such as the USA, Australia and countries in South America, plantings are sparse because of the grapes very specific conditions for soil and climate. There has been some success with nebbiolo in Washington State’s Yakima Valley, where the varietal was first planted in 1985, and also in Western Australia’s Margaret River area.

When young, nebbiolo wines can be lightly colored, highly tannic and possess scents of tar and roses. As they age, and they can age extremely well, they develop more complex characteristics of dried fruit, leather, licorice, mulberries and dried and fresh herbs.

Up-Coming Events

Saturday, January 21st-Lorenzo Petroni-Owner of Petroni Poggio alla Pietra Estate in Sonoma and Founder of San Francisco’s iconic North Beach Restaurant. We will be featuring wines from his Sonoma winery.

Tuesday, January 24th-Tuesday Night Tastings Resume

Saturday, February 4th-Super Bowl Tail Gate Cookout featuring Grandma Saglimbeni’s Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches. Donations to the San Antonio Foodbank will be accepted.

Canadian Whisky

John Molson gets credit for being the first Canadian whisky distiller in 1799. The whisky grew steadily in popularity until 1919 when it got a huge boost when the 18th Amendment went into effect in the United States.

By law, to be called Canadian whisky it must be mashed, distilled and aged in Canada. The mash can be a blend of multiple grains of which corn is the primary. It is a common misconception that Canadian whisky is made primarily from rye. At one time this may have been the case but currently corn makes up the majority of the mash. Caramel and flavoring may be added with the alcohol content of the spirit, prior to cutting to proof, can not exceed 90%. The spirit must be aged for at least three years in either new or re-used wooden barrels that may be toasted, charred or raw and that do not exceed 700L capacity.

Canadian whiskies are smooth on the palate, light-bodied, very versatile and extremely mixable.

8th In The Series
Grenache

Grenache

Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine grapes. It is a later ripening varietal that prefers hot dry climates but is adaptable to other conditions. It is a grape that can produce large yields and must be carefully managed to produce wines of higher quality.

Garnacha, as the grape is called in Spain, most likely originated in that country’s Aragon region. Plantings probably spread to Catalonia and other lands under the Crown of Aragon, such as Sardinia, where the grape is called Cannonau, and Rousillon in Southern France. From there it made its way through the Languedoc and to the southern Rhone region where it is still the most established variety.

It was one of the first varieties to be introduced to Australia in the 18th century and became the most widely planted wine grape variety until it was overtaken by Shiraz/Syrah in the late 1960’s.

The wines are generally spicy with the flavor of berries that are soft on the palate with low tannins and acids but high alcohol levels. When yields are kept in check the wine can develop more complex characteristics of raspberries, strawberries, black currants, black cherries, coffee, leather, black pepper and spice. Grenache is commonly blended with other varieties such as in the Cotes du Rhone or in Australia where it is a component of the GSM blend. The grape is also used to make rose wines such as those in Spain and France, notably in the Tavel region.

State law requires that stores selling liquor be closed on New Years Day. When that day falls on a Sunday, the stores must close the following Monday.
Therefore

Saglimbeni’s will be closed Monday, January 2, 2012

On The Bars This Saturday

Casteller Brut Cava…Reg. $ 13.99
Sale Price!…$ 11.19
J Sparkling Rose Brut…Reg….$ 32.99
Sale Price!…$ 19.97
Andre Clouet Brut…Reg…$ 44.99
Sale Price!…$ 32.97
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut…Reg….$39.99
Sale Price!…$ 29.97
Pierre Peters Blanc de Blanc…Reg. $ 74.99
Sale Price!…$ 55.97
Jean Pernet Cuvee Prestige…Reg. $ 74.99
Sale Price!…$ 55.97
Gran Pasion Brut Cava…Reg. $ 14.99
Sale Price!…$ 11.99
Conde de Subirats Brut Cava…Reg. $ 15.99
Sale Price!…$ 12.79

This Weeks Featured Spirits

Mathilde Cassis Liqueur 750ml…Reg. $ 29.99
Sale Price!…$ 23.99
Baileys Irish Cream 750ml…Reg. $ 27.99
Sale Price!…$ 22.39
Licor 43 750ml…Reg. $ 28.99
Sale Price!…$ 23.19
Jagermeister Liter…Reg. $ 34.99
Sale Price!…$ 27.99
Cruzan Blackstrap Rum 750ml….Reg. $ 18.99
Sale Price!…$ 15.19
Aberlour Scotch 12yr. 750ml….Reg. $43.99
Sale Price!…$ 35.19

* * * * * * *

Another Christmas has come and gone which brings me a little closer to a significant anniversary. I began my career in the wine trade in January, 1972 when I accepted a position to work in a wine distributor’s warehouse in Arlington, Texas. It was there that I was infected with the wine bug. I was fascinated by the labels, the history, the geography, and the people and, of course, the complexities of flavors. I studied wine and I drank wine. Wine became a vocation and an avocation.

It is now 40 years later and despite all my studies I am reminded every day that I have not nor can I learn it all. That is the beauty of it; you can never know it all. Every vintage brings a new bunch of learning opportunities. One of the reasons that I enjoy this season is the special requests that I receive from customers who are looking for that one extraordinary wine so that they may be reminded of some singular event in their lives or maybe they are in search of the bottle that peaked their curiosity while reading some newspaper or magazine article.

Just yesterday a young couple visiting San Antonio for the holidays came to the store in search of a French wine of which I had absolutely not one speck of knowledge. While researching their inquiry, I discovered a small obscure appellation adjacent to Savoie named Bugey which just received its AOC status in 2009 that seemingly produces some exceptional sparkling wines. Rather than add this newly found knowledge to my list of things I know, I added it to my list titled “one less thing that I do not know”.

I caution anyone who fancies themselves as a wine expert not to present yourself as a “know it all” because, in fact, no one “knows it all”.

Happy Holidays!

Mike

Special Guests
Saturday, December 8, 2011

Thyann Johnson
Texas & Louisiana Manager
Henriot Champagne

Scott Downs
Owner-World Wide Wine Discoveries
Jean Pernet Champagne

German Gonzalez
Master Distiller
Tequila Uno

On The Bar This Saturday
From 11:00 until 5:00
Champagne! Champagne! Champagne!
and
Tequila!
and
Wines for the Holidays!

Great Champagne at a Great Price!

Henriot Brut Souverain                 Special price! $ 32.97
Jean Pernet Brut Gran Cru          Special Price! $ 55.97
Heidseick Monopole Brut NV        Special Price! $ 29.97
Delamotte Brut NV                       Special Price! $ 35.97
Pierre Peters Les Mesnil              Special Price! $ 55.97
Jose Dhondt Blanc de Blanc       Special Price! $ 41.97
Jean Pernet Brut Tradition           Special Price! $ 36.97
Jean Pernet Brut Rose                Special Price! $ 59.99
Jean Pernet Blanc de Blanc ’04   Special Price! $ 59.99
Jean Pernet Prestige                   Special Price! $ 59.99
Henriot Brut Rose                        Special Price! $ 59.99

Sale prices apply to merchandise on-hand

Arriving Friday!
Ranger Creek Small Caliber Batch Bourbon!
Born in San Antonio!

Special Guest In-Store Saturday, December 10
From 12:00 until 2:00
Mark McDavid-Partner
Ranger Creek Distillery

Ranger Creek .36 Bourbon 375ml.
Sale Priced $ 36.97

Islay Scotch

Islay is the southernmost of the Hebridian islands located off the west coast of Scotland. Islay scotches are the most distinctive and recognizable of of all malts. They have a massive flavor of peat and salt. Almost the entire island is covered with a layer of peat which turns the groundwater brownish yellow. The sea winds blow the salt spray far inland thereby imparting this flavor as well. Descriptors include iodine, seaweed, salt and smoke. It is for their big and almost overpowering character that they have the reputation of not recommended for a Scotch novice. They are highly desired for blends, as even a small quantity of Islay malt lends a typical peat/smoke aroma.

This Weeks Featured Spirits

Kelt VSOP Cognac 750ml…Reg. $ 69.99
Sale Price…$ 55.99
T1 Anejo Tequila 750ml….Reg. $ 65.99
Sale Price…$ 52.99
Hangar One Chipotle Vodka 750ml….Reg. $ 31.99
Sale Price…$ 25.59
Balvenie Caribbean Rum Cask Scotch 750ml….Reg. $ 70.99
Sale Price…$ 56.79
Signatory Highland Park 1993 Scotch 750ml…Reg. $ 77.99
Sale Price…$ 62.59
Laphroig Quarter Cask Scotch 750ml….Reg….$ 67.99
Sale Price…$ 54.39

6th in the Series
Wine Grape Varietals

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a black wine grape variety of the species vitis vinifera. The name is derived from the French words for pine and black alluding to the grapes tightly clustered, pine cone shaped bunches.

It is a very ancient variety whose origins are unclear. Columella described a grape variety similar to pinot noir in Burgundy in the first century A.D. It is a variety very prone to mutation and nowadays there are hundreds of clones in vineyards worldwide. It is most associated with the Cote D’Or in France’s Burgundy region where it produces some of the worlds finest and most sought after wines.

It is planted in most all wine producing countries but is susceptible to many plant pests and prefers cooler climates causing it to have a justified reputation as being a variety that is very difficult to grow. The wine produced exhibits a broad range of bouquets and flavors but generally it is described as medium-bodied, light in tannins with aromas and flavors of black and/or red cherry, raspberry and sometimes currant.

Special Guest
Saturday, November19, 2011
Dan Garrison-Garrison Brothers Distillery

Hye, Texas, located 10 miles west of Johnson City, Texas is home to the first and oldest legal bourbon distillery in Texas. Garrison Brothers Bourbon is produced from corn grown in the Texas Panhandle, winter wheat grown at the ranch, two-row barley from the Pacific Northwest and Canada and spring water and rainwater collected and purified at the ranch. Come meet Dan Garrison and taste his labor of love.

Beaujolais Nouveau 2011 Has Arrived!!
Limited Quantities

Joseph Drouhin…….Sale Price $ 9.74
Georges Duboeuf…..Sale Price $ 9.74

Check Out Our Excellent Selection of
Beaujolais

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Village Reg. $ 12.99
Sale Price $ 10.39
Henry Fessy Beaujolais Village Reg. $ 12.99
Sale Price $ 10.39
Ch. de la Chaize Brouilly Reg. $ 16.99
Sale Price $ 13.59
Ch. des Capitans Julienas Reg. $ 22.99
Sale Price $ 16.49
Girardin Moulin-a-Vent Reg. $ 26.99
Sale Price $ 21.59

Scores of Great Pinot Noirs
To Go With Your Thanksgiving Dinner
All at Great Discounted Prices!

Merryvale Pinot Noir Reg. $ 36.99
Sale Price $ 22.97
Block 9 Caidens Vnyrd Pinot Noir Reg. $ 17.99
Sale Price $ 14.39
A to Z Pinot Noir(90 pts WS) Reg. $ 20.99
Sale Price $ 16.79
Puelche Pinot Noir Reserva Reg. $ 16.99
Sale Price $ 13.59

Great Champagne at a Great Price!

Henriot Brut NV Reg. $ 49.99
Sale Price $ 32.97
Delamotte Brut NV Reg. $ 54.99
Sale Price $ 35.97
Jean Pernet Brut Tradition NV Reg. $ 55.99
Sale Price $ 36.97
Jean Pernet Les Mesnil Gran Cru Reg. $ 74.99
Sale Price $ 55.97

Vodka…In Texas?

The first documented production of vodka, stemming from the Russian word Voda, meaning water, was in Russia in the 9th century. By definition, vodka is a colorless and odorless liquor distilled from a fermented mash made from grains, potatoes, beets and sometimes fruit. It is common to pass the liquor through multiple rounds of distillation and filtration, thereby removing impurities. The distilled vodka is then cut to proof, usually 80 proof in the USA, by the addition of water. It is for this reason that the water’s source is extremely important as it can contribute flavors and character to the finished liquor. The vodka is then bottled with no barrel aging.

Vodka was rarely consumed outside of Europe before the 1950’s but by 1975 vodka sales had overtaken those of bourbon, previously the most popular hard liquor in America. Vodka is a clean spirit, perfect for Martinis and other mixed cocktails.

And yes, we do make vodka in Texas, several in fact, all of which are of very high quality and most of which are made here in the Texas Hill Country. Tito Beveridge (yep, that’s his real name) built the first legal distillery here in the state over 15 years ago and began making artesan vodka. Since then others have followed. We currently carry 6 different Texas vodkas and if you are a vodka drinker and have not tried Texas, you have been missing out.

This Week’s Featured Spirits

Willet Bourbon 750ml. Sale Price $ 39.99
Corner Creek Bourbon 750ml. Sale Price $ 22.39
Garrison Brothers Bourbon 750ml. Sale Price $ 71.97
Dripping Springs Vodka 750ml. Sale Price $ 19.19
Cinco Vodka 750ml. Sale Price $ 23.19
T1 Tequila Reposado 750ml. Sale Price $ 45.59
Edradour Scotch 750ml. Sale Price $ 59.99

3rd in a Series

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet franc is one of the major red varietals worldwide. It is principally grown for blending with cabernet sauvignon and merlot in the Bordeaux style, but it is also used as a stand-alone varietal as in the Loire’s Chinon and Bourgueil.

Cabernet franc is believed to have been established in the Libournais region of southwestern France sometime in the 17th century when Cardinal Richelieu transported cuttings of the vine to the Loire Valley. They were planted at the Abbey of Bourgueil under the care of an abbot named Breton, whose name became associated with the cabernet franc grape which is also know regionally as Bouchet.

In general, cabernet franc is similar to cabernet sauvignon but buds and ripens a week or so earlier. It is lighter in color and body and contributes finesse and peppery notes when blended with more robust grapes. Cabernet francs tend to have a more pronounced perfume with notes of raspberries, black currants and graphite. It is often characterized by a green, vegetal component that can range from leaves to green bell peppers.

It is now the 6th most planted varietal in France and one of the 20 most planted grapes worldwide. In most regions it is planted as a component of Bordeaux styled blends.

On the Tasting Bar This Saturday
November 12, 2011

Justin Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Paso Robles..Reg. $ 19.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 15.99
Justin Chardonnay 2010, Paso Robles..Reg. $ 19.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 15.99
Robert Hall Rose de Robles 2010, Paso Robles…Reg. $ 14.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 11.99
Twenty Rows Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa…Reg. $ 24.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 19.99
Federalist Zinfandel 2008, Dry Creek…Reg. $ 29.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 23.99
Concannon Petite Sirah 2009, Central Coast…Reg. $ 12.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 10.39

Introducing
Jean Pernet Champagne

Champagne Jean Pernet boasts its origin to the family vineyard situated in Mesnil Sur Oger at the heart of the Champagne region. The vineyard covers 40 acres and is planted to 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 10% Meunier.

Jean Pernet Tradition Brut NV Reg.                         $ 55.99
50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, !0% Meunier
Jean Pernet Grand Cru Chardonnay Brut NV Reg. $ 59.99
100% Chardonnay
Jean Pernet Cuvee Prestige NV Reg.                     $ 74.99
100% Chardonnay
Jean Pernet Millesime Grand Cru Vintage Reg.      $ 74.99
100% Chardonnay

Pastis/Absinthe

Pastis is an anise flavored French liqueur and aperitif usually 40% to 50% alcohol. It was first commercialized by Paul Ricard in 1932, some 17 years following the ban on Absinthe. By legal definition pastis is described as an anise-flavored spirit containing the additional flavor of licorice root and sugar.

Pastis is often associated with absinthe, its historical predecessor, but in fact is very different. Absinthe was banned in France, the United States and many other European countries in 1915 because it was thought to have hallucinogenic properties and be highly addictive. Absinthe was traditionally flavored by the addition of the flowers and leaves of Atemisie Absinthium referred to as Grande Wormwood. Pastis contains no wormwood. Pastis derives its anise flavor from star anise whereas absinthe gains its base flavor from green anise. Pastis exhibits the distinct flavor of licorice root which is not a part of absinthe. Traditional absinthes were bottled at 45% to 74% alcohol, while pastis is typically bottled at 45% to 50% alcohol. Pastis is a liqueur which means it is always bottled with sugar.

Pastis is normally diluted before drinking usually at a ratio of 5 parts water to 1 part pastis. The resulting decrease in alcohol causes some of the constituent to become insoluble causing the previously clear liqueur to become a milky soft yellow color. Absinthe ” la fee verte” (the green fairy in French) traditionally is prepared by placing a sugar cube on top of a specially made slotted spoon and then placing the spoon over a glass containing a shot of absinthe. Ice water is then poured or dripped over the sugar usually at a volume of 3 or 5 parts water to 1 part absinthe.

This weekend’s liquor features…

Makers Mark 46 750 ml. Sale Price $ 39.99
Balvenie 12 yr 750 ml. Sale Price $ 51.19
Cruzan Blackstrap Rum 750 ml. Sale Price $ 15.19
Cardinal Calvados Fine 750 ml. Sale Price $ 26.39
Johnnie Walker Double Black 750 ml***. Sale Price $ 44.79
Old Raj Gin 110 Proof 750 ml. Sale Price $ 49.59
Whispering Eye Reposado Tequila 1Liter Sale Price $ 40.79
Pernod Anise Pastis 750 ml Sale Price $ 27.99

2nd installment in the series

Merlot

Merlot is a darkly blue-colored wine grape used as both a blending grape and as a stand-alone varietal. The name merlot is thought to derive from the old French word for young blackbird, merlot, a diminutive of the word merle, the blackbird, probably because of the color of the grape and the blackbird’s affinity for the grape. Merlot is believed to be an offspring of cabernet franc and is a sibling of cabernet sauvignon and carmenere. The earliest mention of merlot was in the notes of a Bordeaux official in 1784. By the 19th century it was regularly planted in Bordeaux and elsewhere in France. Since then, merlot has become the most widely planted red varietal in France and has been cultivated in all major wine producing countries. Globally, it is the 3rd most grown varietal.

Merlot has less of a blue/black hue than cabernet sauvignon grapes and with a thinner skin and softer tannins. It ripens earlier than cabernet sauvignon and tends to have higher sugar content and lower malic acid, all of which combine to make merlot a popular blending grape with sturdier grapes with higher tannins.

As a varietal wine, merlot produces three main styles:

1st ….A soft, fruity, smooth wine with very little tannin.
2nd.…A fruity wine with more tannic structure.
3rd….A brawny, highly tannic wine made in the style of cabernet sauvignon.

It is because of the diverse styles of merlot, that consumers should avoid declaring a blanket like or dislike for the varietal without first trying a sample of each type. It is then when they may decide which style, if any, best suits their tastes.

On the Tasting Bar This Saturday
November 5, 2011

Graham Beck Blanc de Blanc 2006, South Africa..Reg. $ 20.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 16.79
Mud House Sauvignon Blanc 2010, New Zealand..Reg. $ 14.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 11.99
Mud House Pinot Noir 2009, New Zealand…Reg. $ 19.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 15.99
Durigutti Malbec 2009, Argentina…Reg. $ 16.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 13.59
Molly Dooker Boxer Shiraz 2010, Australia…Reg. $ 28.99
Friday & Saturday…$ 23.19

Our Special Guest
Tuesday, November 8, 2011

John Olney-Vice President, Winemaking-Lytton Springs

John began travelling to Europe at an early age where he was introduced to the culture of wine in Franc and Italy. He spent time travelling with his uncle, the celebrated food and wine writer, Richard Olney. It was with his uncle that he learned first hand many of the great European winemaking methods and traditions. In 1994 he enrolled in enological studies at the Lycee Viticole in Burgundy. Prior to joining the Ridge wine making team he worked with several noted French winemakers including Gerald Chave in the Rhone, Lucien Peyraud at Domaine Tempier and Aubert de Villaine at Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. John is now in charge of the Ridge Lytton Spring facility. He will be presenting a selection of wines from Ridge.

Spirits From Around the Globe

Cachaca

Cachaca is a distilled from fermented sugarcane juice. It is the most popular distilled alcoholic beverage in Brazil where according to 2007 figures, 300 million gallons are consumed annually. Compare that with the total consumption elsewhere totaling only 4 million gallons.

There are two basic types of cachaca, artisanal and industrial. As the name implies, artisanal cachaca is produced in small lots and is generally of a higher quality. Industrial cachacas are generally produced in large volume distilleries.

The two basic varieties of cachaca are unaged (white) and aged (gold). The unaged varieties are usually used in making cocktails, the most famous being the caipirinha, whereas the dark variety, which is often aged in barrel for 3 to 15 years, is meant to be drunk straight.

Classic Caipirinha

½ of a lime cut into 4 wedges
1 T. of granulated sugar
1 1/2 oz. cachaca

Muddle the lime and sugar together in an old-fashion glass. Fill glass with crushed ice and add the cachaca. Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime.

This weekend’s liquor features…

Averna 750 ml. Sale Price $ 29.59
Fernet Branca 750 ml. Sale Price $ 26.39
Hudson Ferus Vodka 750 ml. Sale Price $ 13.59
Aberlour 12 yr Scotch 750 ml. Sale Price $ 35.19
Angels Envy Bourbon 750 ml. Sale Price $ 44.79
Bunratty Potcheen 750 ml. Sale Price $ 19.19
Tres Caballos Reposado Tequila 1Liter Sale Price $ 19.99
Ypioca Cachaca Crystal 1Liter Sale Price $ 18.39

1st Installment in the Series
Wine Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet sauvignon is one of the world’s most recognized wine grape varieties. It is grown in nearly every major wine producing country. It is a thick skinned grape and the vines are hardy and resistant to rot and frost. It is consistent it its presentation of structure and character for the variety. In the 18th century it was widely believed that cabernet sauvignon origins were the ancient Roman variety biturica. Other theories held that the vine originated in Spain’s Rioja region. I was not until 1996 that the grapes true origins were discovered. DNA Typing conducted at California’s UC Davis produced evidence that cabernet sauvignon was the offspring of a chance crossing of cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc that occurred in the 17th century.

There are several noted cabernet sauvignon flavors that are intimately tied to viticultural and climatic influences. The most widely recognized is the herbaceous or green bell pepper flavors caused by pyrazines, which are more prevalent in under-ripened grapes. Pyrazine compounds are present in all cabernet sauvignon grapes and are destroyed by sunlight as the grapes continue to ripen. Two other well known flavors are mint and eucalyptus which are often associated with cooler wine regions. None of these flavor components are considered flaws although individual taste preferences may dictate whether or not the flavor is pleasurable.

Another characteristic of cabernet sauvignon is its affinity for oak. In addition to having a generally softening effect on the grapes naturally high tannins, the unique wood flavors of vanilla and spice complement the natural grape flavors of currant and tobacco.

A large part of cabernet sauvignons reputation is its ability to age and develop in the bottle. Another part is its ability to pair with food. Fats and proteins reduce the perception of tannins on the palate so pairing cabernet with steak dishes or dishes with heavy cream sauces are classic combinations.