What do Oktoberfest and the Hunt have in common? 

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And why isn't Oktoberfest in October?
October 16th, 2009
Greetings!

First, let's start with the question why is Oktoberfest held in September?  Why not October?  Is this confusing to you?  It is to me! 

The first Okoberfest was held in Munich on October 16, 1810 (199 years ago, today).  It was to commemorate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese, so they held a huge horse race and party.  (What a coincidence, tomorrow we have a great horse race and a fun party!  So we've answered that question.)  A few years later the people of Munich decided that Oktoberfest should be held every year and they assumed fiscal management.  They also decided the weather in Bavaria was better in late September, so they moved the event to start in September.  (Answer to our other question.)  Since then, Oktoberfest has been held almost every year, except during wartime.  Today, Oktoberfest is a 16 day festival that takes place in Munich, Germany.  It runs from late September into early October and has become one of Germany's most well-known events.

Now that the mystery has been solved and our questions answered, we can turn our thoughts to what we are going to taste Friday night in the store.  We've picked 5 wines that are perfect to take to the Hunt tomorrow!
Wines for Friday's Tasting... Our Picks for the Hunt:
Our Sampler Case for the Hunt:
  • 2 bottles Henry Varnay Blanc de Blancs
  • 2 bottles Indaba Sauvignon Blanc
  • 2 bottles Indaba Chardonnay
  • 3 bottles Ciacci Piccolomino Tuscana IGT
  • 3 Bottles Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon

$130.84 for the case, including tax!
Henry Varnay Blanc de Blancs
$13.99 a bottle, $142.68 for a case, or $11.89 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
A perfect sparkling wine to toast the winning horses!  As you know, sparkling wine is made in regions throughout France.  The most well-known is Champagne.  However, if you seek, you shall find many others!  There are some great values made in different regions.  This delicious bubbly made from the Ugni Blanc grape comes from the Loire Valley.  Fresh, crisp and filled with tiny bubbles, pop the cork, and enjoy!
Indaba Sauvignon Blanc 2009
$10.99 a bottle, $112.08 for a case, or $9.34 a bottle as part of a mixed case

The Wine Advocate wrote that wines from Indaba are "truly mind-boggling values".  As we taste these wines we totally agree.  The Sauvignon Blanc is filled with bright citrus fruits and balanced with crisp acidity.  This is perfect for sipping and will taste delicious with the cheese platters you will be sampling tomorrow! 
Indaba Chardonnay 2008
$10.99 a bottle, $112.08 for a case, or $9.34 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Again, Indaba delivers a delicious Chardonnay.  It would be hard to imagine a better-balanced or more succulent ten dollar wine than the one from Indaba. Spiced apple, pineapple and pear fill the nose and mouth, with the influence of wood subtle and truly framing the fruit as it's supposed to. Slight hints of vanilla, caramel, and butter-cream set off but by no means detract from the generosity of fruit on display in the finish.  This is the best value priced Chardonnay out there today!
Ciacci Piccolomino Toscana IGT Rosso 2007
$12.99 a bottle, $132.48 for a case, or $11.04 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Wines have been crafted from the vineyards of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona in Montalcino for over four centuries.  Known for delivering wines that exemplify the quality potential of the Montalcino region of Tuscany, their wines are real pleasers.  The Toscana IGT is their everyday wine just waiting to be paired with some delicious food.  And what is beautiful about the wine is that it can be paired with a wide variety of foods.  Fruity, lightly herbal with hints of spice, this wine is ready to be enjoyed.  It is full bodied, soft and balanced, crafted as a blend of mostly Sangiovese.  This is a terrific buy from a very well regarded estate.  Another winner for the Hunt!  
Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
$10.99 a bottle, $112.08 for a case, or $9.34 a bottle as part of a mixed case

First of all, this is a terrific Cabernet that totally delivers at this price!  Second, it has a horse on the label so you have to take it to the Hunt!  We tasted it a week or so ago and were amazed at what this wine delivered at this price.   Well balanced with lots of black fruit flavor, spice, smooth tannins and a long length.  It is a terrific find for weeknight meals, parties, fall tailgating and of course the Hunt!
Our Wine Clubs

Selections for October 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 two delicious wines from France: a very rare white from Chinon, Couly-Dutheil Les Chanteaux Chinon Blanc 2008 and from Bordeaux, Chateau La Roncheries Cuvee Seriene 2005. 

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

This month's selections include 2 wines from Argentina. The first is a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon the Mendel Unus 2006 and the second is 100% Malbec, the Luca Malbec 2007. 

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

This month's selections include two unique and rare wines from the Iberian Peninsula:  Flor de Pingus 2007 from Spain and VT 2005 from the Douro in Portugal.

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



Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue
Languedoc Blanc 2008
$17.99 a bottle, $184.48 for a case, or $15.29 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
Saint Martin's 2008 Coteaux du Languedoc Blanc is a beautiful example of a refreshing southern French white. The wine is primarily comprised of three grape varietals that make southern France their home - Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne. These white grape varieties lend a floral aroma with peach and strawberry essence on the palate. The finish is refreshing, with a hint of something reminiscent of champagne - no, not the bubbles - but the crisp, dry finish. 

B.R. Cohn Sonoma County Chardonnay 2008
$21.99 a bottle, $224.28 for a case, or $18.69 a bottle as part of a mixed case

A few weeks ago, Dan Cohn was in the store and brought us this delicious Chardonnay to try.  We were wowed!  Pear, apple and citrus aromas, hint at what the first sip will bring.  Rich flavors of green apple with a hint of lemon, surrounded by toasty French oak, are wrapped in rich body.  The wine has an exceptional depth of flavors, all followed by a clean, crisp, lingering finish.

Usseglio Panorama 2006
$13.99 a bottle, $142.68 for a case, or $11.89 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Usseglio makes top knotch Chateauneuf-du-Papes that often command a high price.  What many people do not know is that he also makes this terrific, everyday wine, Panorama.  Blending red varietals found in southern France, he approaches making this wine just like he does the top cuvee Chateauneuf-du-Papes.  Taste the warm spice combined with subtle fruit flavors in this supple, smooth wine.  And with only 12% alcohol the wine absolutely refreshes the palate, leaving you ready for another sip. 

La Calma Latitude Longitude Rioja 2007
$17.99 a bottle, $184.48 for a case, or $15.29 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Rioja has the history and reputation of producing some of the very best wines in Spain.  Over the last twenty years or so, they have experienced a renaissance and now produce a wider variety of styles.  This wine happens to be made mostly of Tempranillo, is very tasty, and a terrific value at this price!  La Calma has many of the flavors that we love in Rioja - deep berry and cherry fruit with herbs and touches of earthiness.  Very fresh and fragrant, the wine is medium-bodied and fantastic paired with food. 

Tikal Jubilo 2006
$49.99 a bottle, $509.88 for a case, or $42.49 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Tikal is owned by Ernesto Catena and they produce delicious, full-bodied blends from Argentina.  Jubilo is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and Malbec (25%).  It has deep blackcurrant and oak aromas that lead to flavors of black cherry liqueur, red currants, dark chocolate and a touch of roasted coffee.  Definitely lush without seeming heavy, it seems to unfold in layers, keeping the palate excited throughout the lengthy finish. The wine has plenty of tannin for aging without any harsh astringency.  Pairs well with our fall dishes, like duck in a fruit sauce, leg of lamb, Osso Buco, and even a simply prepared filet mignon.

We hope you enjoy the Hunt this weekend... and of course all the wine you are going to buy from Tewksbury Fine Wine!  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