A Perfect Pair:
Rosé and Summer
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Rosé is Perfect Right Now!
 July 23rd, 2009
Greetings!

Rosé sales continue to explode across the United States.  Over the last five years, sales have increased each year.  In the last year alone sales of imported rosé wines increased by 42%!  We have also seen this increase, especially during the summer months.  When we talk about rosé, we are talking about dry rosé.  Dry rosé is very different from White Zinfandel which was introduced in the seventies and the sweet pink wines from Mateus and Lancers that were introduced to the US from Portugal during the sixties. Dry rosé is not something new, it has actually been around for centuries.  However, in the US we are just discovering their versatility and the simple fact that they really are delicious.  Here are a few fun facts to consider:
  • Pink color in wine is not an indication of sweetness.  It just means the juice spent some time in contact with the skins of the grapes.
  • Rosés actually range in color from vibrant, translucent reds to very pale, almost ethereal pinks.
  • Rosé wines are extremely versatile and pair well with many different world cuisines.
  • Rosé wines are made from red grapes - Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet, to name a few.  When making rosé, the juice spends only a few hours with the skins so the color is lighter.  Whereas when making a red wine, the juice spends days with the skins so the color is darker.
  • Dry rosé sales in the US is dominated by imports - think France!
We have several rosé wines in the store for you to enjoy this summer.  Most of our selection is from Provence, since we think these wines offer great value and are terrific.  We'll open the Domaine de Triennes Rose as part of Friday's tasting for you to try.
August's Wine Friday

August's Wine Fridays is scheduled for Friday, August 14th at 7:30pm.

Wine Fridays is a terrific way to try new wines, make new friends, and relax at the end of the week.  In August, Wine Fridays is being hosted by a delightful couple here in Oldwick who happen to have beautiful gardens that you really should see. 

It will be a night you won't want to miss - a beautiful setting, a flight of five wines to taste, and delicious food.  This will be the last opportunity to attend a Wine Friday until the holidays.  Don't miss this great event!

If you would like to join us, the cost is $42.50 a person.  Just RSVP by responding to this newsletter, sending an email to clientservices@tewksburyfinewine.com or calling 908-439-0007.  We look forward to seeing you! 
Wines for Friday's Tasting:
Domaine de Triennes Rosé 2008
$16.99 a bottle, $173.28 for a case, or $14.44 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
Another delicious rosé from Provence.  It actually comes from two of Burgundy's greatest names, Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.  They are the partners behind this pioneering property in Provence.  In less than two decades, they have transformed this stunning 46-hectare site into one of the top wine estates in Southern France.  This rosé is made from grapes pressed following only a very brief period of skin contact which results in a rosé of a very light pink color.  An aromatic nose of red fruits is followed by a round, harmonious and seamless palate. This wine will seduce you by its freshness and elegance.  It is crisp, dry, elegant and very refreshing.
Jean-Philippe Fichet Bourgogne Blanc 2007
$29.99 a bottle, $305.88 for a case, or $25.49 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Jean-Philippe Fichet is one of Burgundy's greatest talents and his wines are just as extraordinary.  Alan Meadows, from Burghound (considered to be the top expert in Burgundy) wrote, "As I have said repeatedly, the Fichet wines are among the very best and purest in Burgundy."  Fichet capitalizes on the richness of the terroir of Meursault, one of the absolute best sites in the world for growing Chardonnay.  A combination of extremely low yields in the vineyard combined with little new oak and patience in the cellar, leads to his success in producing stellar white Burgundies.  Friday we will taste his Bourgogne Blanc, his "village" wine.  This is a delicious, crisp example of Chardonnay.  With the first sip you get a glimpse of the complexity that Fichet's wines offer.  And at this price for white Burgundy it is a true value!  Chris, we have a case of this wine with your name on it!
Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards Prologue Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
$24.99 a bottle, $254.88 for a case, or $21.24 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards is located just east of Saint Helena in the Napa Valley where Conn Creek flows out of the Howell Mountain.  In the past Prologue has only been sold at the winery.  The name Prologue means a separate introductory section of an artistic endeavor.  And this wine is true to its name... it is a great introduction to the Cabernet Sauvignons this winery produces.  The wine is balanced and exhibits lots of ripe, rich dark cherry, violet, toast and vanilla flavors.  It is flavorful and supple, delightfully fresh on the palate, and has integrated, silky tannins.  It is delicious and full bodied, but not too big for these summer months.  Come in and try it!
Our Wine Clubs

Selections for July have been made and they are all delicious!

The Boutique Series
$50 a month plus shipping and handling,
complimentary local delivery

This month's selections includes the very limited production Neal Family Sauvignon Blanc 2008 and the Podere la Vigna Rosso di Montalcino 2006.

Grape Distinctions
$75 - $100 a month plus shipping and handling, complimentary local delivery

This month's selections include two beautiful, contrasting examples of Sauvignon Blanc:  the Alphonse Mellot Cuvee Edmonds Sancerre 2002 and the Vinifera Niveus White 2007.

Cellar Collectibles
$100 - $150 a month plus shipping and handling, complimentary local delivery

This month's selections include two very hard to find Bordeaux blends from Tua Rita in Tuscany, the Tua Rita Giusto di Notri 2003 and the Tua Rita Giusto di Notri 2005.

To enroll or if you have questions about the clubs, email us at clientservices@tewksburyfinewine.com or call 908-439-0007.
 
July
Wines of the Month:

A to Z Winery Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2007
$15.99 a bottle, $163.08 for a case, or $13.59 a bottle as part of a mixed case

A terrific example of Pinot Gris from Oregon.  The wine is blended from over 18 lots of grapes from different vineyards all within the Willamette Valley.  The wine has a creamy mouthfeel, yet still has bright acidity that balances the ripeness of the fruit.  This is possible because the winemaker allowed only a small portion of the wine to undergo malolactic fermentation.  Malolactic fermentation is what adds the creaminess.  The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel for six months, so the fruit is bright and crisp on the palate.  It is just delicious and it really is a different white wine you must try!

Domaine Yves Martin Sancerre Chavignol 2007
$21.99 a bottle, $ for a case, or $ a bottle as part of a mixed a case.

This has become my "house" white and I just love it!  It's from Chavignol within Sancerre and without a doubt is an incredible value!!  Domaine Yves Martin is a family run estate, with Karine Lauverjat firmly in command. She is producing classic, medium weight Sancerre that strikes the perfect balance of citrus and melon.  Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc in a traditional Loire Valley style, the wine combines fruit with minerality beautifully.  With a crisp, dry finish, it leaves you wanting more!  This is a terrific summer wine to be enjoyed as an apperitif, with summer salads, seafood, goat cheese, and chicken, too.


Domaine de Triennes Rosé 2008
$16.99 a bottle, $173.28 for a case, or $14.44 a bottle as part of a mixed case

One of the wines featured for Friday's tasting.  For a complete description, see the column to the left.

Loios Vinho Tinto 2007
$13.99 a bottle, $142.68 for a case, or $11.89 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Loios is a wine produced in the Alentejo region, located in southern Portugal.  The Loios Vinho Tinto is a blend of traditional red varieties from this region; such as Aragonês, Trincadeira, and Castelão.  After careful selection and pressing, the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, perfectly preserving the unique, fresh fruit character of each variety.  This easy drinking red shows an intensely fruity aroma, jammy and meaty all at the same time. Soft and easy going, it is nevertheless able to complement all cuisines.  Perfect with barbecue, tomato based pasta dishes, or even a pizza.

Lavradores de Feitoria Tres Bagos 2005
$19.99 a bottle, $203.88 for a case, or $16.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Named as one of the 20 "Best New Wineries" by Food & Wine Magazine in 2005, this winery continues to impress.    This wine is crafted from a blend of indigenous Portuguese grapes, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo).  It is filled with rich red berries and cherries with spice on the finish.  Nicely balanced, it will definitely delight throughout the summer.  The spicy finish longs to be paired with delicious barbecue! 

We hope you are enjoying your summer.  We'll open the wines for Friday's tasting around 4:00.  Looking forward to seeing you soon, and most importantly, thanks for your continued support!
 
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