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Little darlin' stir it up!
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April 23rd, 2009
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Greetings!
Well the kids are back in the swing of things and back at school now that it is after break. Since we always tell the children school is more fun than work, we thought we would offer a little bit of education in this week's newsletter. Remember this is fun! This week's topic is stirring the lees!
Winemakers will sometimes leave a white wine on its lees to mature. (The French call this sur lie.) The lees are the solid substances of yeast cells and particles of grape skin left in the wine after fermentation. These substances will eventually be removed from the wine before it is bottled. As the white wine ages the winemaker will occasionally stir the lees so the particles mix with the wine (the French call this stirring, Batonnage). This imparts more creaminess and toastiness to the wine, adding complexity to the flavors. For a great example of the benefit of ageing sur lie, and stirring the lees, try the Pera-Manca Vinho Branco we are tasting Friday night. If this didn't confuse you, you need to drink more.
Don't forget we continue to feature our 20% off close-out bin. Wines that we have 1 bottle left are added to the bin to make room for new and interesting wines. |
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Wines for Friday's Tasting:
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Antica Masseria Venditti Sannio DOC Bianco 2007
$24.99 a bottle, $254.88 for a case, or $21.24 a bottle as part of a mixed case
This is the white from the same winery as the Rosso we are featuring this month. White wines from the Campania region are some of the hottest, trendiest finds from Italy right now. The grapes from their vineyards are all organically grown and this Bianco is a field blend of 70% Grieco di Castelvenere and 30% Cerreto, an indgenous clone. Again, like the Rosso, the result of the blending is one delicious wine! It is straw-yellow in color with green highlights. It has an intense nose of passionfruit and pineapple. Very easy-drinking, dry with a fresh liveliness. Try this wine by itself or with seafood, white bean soup, fresh cheese, etc. We had this last Friday at Wine Fridays and everyone loved it! Taste it and see why!
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Pera-Manca Vinho Branco 2006
$29.99 a bottle, $305.88 for a case, or $25.49 a bottle as part of a mixed case
For those who love California Chardonnay and White Burgundy but want to try something new and different, this wine will be a great place to start! Full-bodied and complex it has so much to offer. Crisp and dry, full of stone fruits and a rich minerality with every sip. I want another! As I take another sip I discover that the wine has more to offer as the flavor lingers and lingers on the finish. It is made from two indigenous Portuguese grapes, Antao Vaz and Arinto, grown in the Alentejo-Evora region. The Pera-Manca label is reserved for their exceptional wines and the attention to every detail during the wine-making. Definitely shows the benefit of stirring the lees. We had it with friends last week with garlic shrimp. I looked like a star!
Try it, you'll look loke a star too!
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Von Strasser Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
$39.99 a bottle, $407.88 for a case, or $33.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case
Ok Cab lovers: We have another one for you to try that you are just going to flip over! When we tasted this Cabernet we thought what a nicely balanced, beautiful Cabernet. Full of flavor, cassis and berries, a touch of minerality, and the tannins are balanced. This wine is delightful to enjoy now, yet has the structure to age as well!
The Diamond Mountain district in Napa is very prestigious and the wines are often coveted. The chance to offer this wine at this price, substantially less than previous years, was one we could not pass on and neither should you! This wine is Von Strasser's blend of their Diamond Mountain vineyards, including the famous Sori Bricco vineyard. You gotta try it!
Wine Enthusiast awarded the wine 91 points, "This wine is loaded with cassis, berries, and violets on the nose and sweet, supple tannins on the palate. Softer and more elegant in style than the vineyard designated wines, this impressive Cabernet will excite the palate today or age gracefully for 10+ years."
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If you missed it....
Everyone had a great time at Wine Fridays last week. It was great. Jeff wrote us and said "Great wine, food and company, we look forward to the next one." (The next one is approaching quickly.) It is a fun way to try different wines, enjoy terrific food and meet some fantastic people. Each month we feature five wines and the hors d'oeuvres from The Food Company Catering and Special Events are delicious!
Don't miss out on the next Wine Fridays ... Friday, May 8th.
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Featured Wines of April:
Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2007
$16.99 a bottle, $173.28 for a case, or $14.44 a bottle as part of a mixed case
We just opened a bottle of this wine and thought WOW all our Chardonnay lovers should try this one! It offers aromas of
ripe stone fruits and mandarin orange with sweet notes of vanilla,
butterscotch, and light toast. The palate is definitely creamy while
still having refreshing acidity. Definitely one
you have to try!
Chateau Turcaud Entre Deux Mers 2008
$13.99 a botle, $142.62 for a case, or $11.89 a bottle as part of a mixed case
The third vintage from this winery we have offered in the store because it is that good. A traditional white Bordeaux blend consisting of 60% Suavignon Blanc, 35% Semillon and 5% Muscadelle tempts you with aromas of lime, mang oand flowers. Perfect as an apperitif or with seafood and chicken, try some and be tempted!
Antica Masseria Venditti Sannio DOC Rossa 2007
$19.99 a bottle, $203.88 for a case, or $16.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case
This Rosso from the Campania region highlights
native grapes (50% Montepulciano 30% Olivella, and 20% Aglianico) and
offers a certain complexity of the field blend itself: the whole is
greater than the parts sort of thing. A beautiful deep purple in color;
nose of mulberry, cured black olives and walnuts. The aromas are
continued on the palate with chewy tannins. Try this blend and you'll see what we mean.
Fabre Montmayour Gran Reserva Malbec
2007
$24.99 a bottle, $254.88 for a case, or $21.24 a bottle as part of a mixed case
We found another delicious Malbec for you to enjoy! Robert Parker agreed, awarded the wine 92 points, and said, "Red color with shiny violet tones. Very complex and elegant bouquet. Plenty of wild red fruits like blackberries and cherries, liquorish and delicate hints of flowers. On the palate, the wine shows a remarkable balance with very elegant, delicate and silky tannins. This wine is velvet. Great combined with red meats, games, rich cheeses, and chocolate."
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Our Wine Clubs:
The Boutique Series
$50 a month plus s&h,
complimentary local delivery
Grape Distinctions
$75 - $100 a month plus s&h, complimentary local delivery
Cellar Collectibles
$100 - $150 a month plus s&h, complimentary local delivery
To enroll or if you have questions about the clubs, email us at info@tewksburyfinewine.com
or call 908-439-0007.
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So when you are ready to stir it up, stop in and see us. It's going to be a gorgeous weekend. Take advantage of the wines we will be pouring and relax.
We'll open these wines around 4:00 on Friday and around noon on Saturday and Sunday. We look forward to seeing you and appreciate your business!
Cheers!
Andrea |
| Contact Information |
Andrea Maranca
One Old Turnpike, PO Box 377, Oldwick, NJ 08858
T: 908.439.0007 F: 908.439.9997 www.tewksburyfinewine.com
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