every week at currentVintage...
 trunk shows & tastings... adventuring through fashion,
art, creative lifestyle accessories, 
hard to find wines,
and the pleasures of the table.
original barbie
In This Issue
BARBIE
Wine on Wednesdays
insomniaACK
Wine on Fridays
Save the Date(s)
Store Hours


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Not a blah blog, but little bits on style, travel, good times, great wine...all the elements of the
cV lifestyle

this week:
In defense of Barbie
 
 
It's ALWAYS 10% off 
of full or mixed case wine orders...
even from the "Recession Rack"!

We can order any wine available in Massachusetts--
just ask!
 
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SRRussianRiver2007Sauvignon Republic
2007 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, California
92 points  
San Diego Union Tribune
russian river valley
Classic pale straw color with rich pineapple, grapefruit and tropical fruit layers, and a tough of herbal "green" sauvignon blanc notes.  Multiple vineyard sources allowed an assembly of a blend that showcases fruitiness and refreshing acidity supported by surprising richness and length of finish. John Buechsenstein
 
Food pairings

The bright lemony flavors here are a natural with most cuisines. It's like adding a squeeze of ripe lemon. Basil, dill, lemon grass, Kaffir lime, and cilantro offer bridges to exceptional wine & food pairings. Chef John Ash

SRMarlboroughSauvignon Republic
2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc,
New Zealand
91 points
Wine Spectator
marlborough
Lively, generous and appealing for its juicy grapefruit and grapefruit peel flavors, which persist into the finish. Hints at green apple and gravel as this lingers. Drink now. 3,039 cases made. -HS
[In 2007] I utilized a number of vineyard sites as a blending strategy to enable me to present classic Marlborough terroir. The blend is a seamless layering of grapes from diverse sites in the Wairau River Valley. Depending on exposure and soil structure, ...the different lots contributed citrus, lemon zest, nettles, pineapple-tropical fruit, and white currant, with a touch of minerality.  John Buechsenstein

Food Pairings

Vibrant flavors in this sauvignon work well with aromatic foods - even those that are acidic and spicy. It's a natural with fresh fish and shellfish in a wide range of preparations, from sushi to grilled, poached, or richly sauced.  Bridge ingredients such as herbs, capers, green olives, sour cream, curries, goat cheese connect this multi-faceted Sauvignon to a wide range of seafood and poultry. Chef John Ash
SRStellenbosch Sauvignon Republic
2007 Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa

93 points Wine Review
stellenbosch
This Sauvignon incorporates elements of flavor from its surroundings and growing climate. Subtle tropical aromas with hints of passion fruit, citrus and minerality are the main flavor elements with nuances of "green" and a crisp supporting acid.  John Buechsenstein
 
Food Pairings
We have always felt that sauvignon is the best grape varietal to match up with Global flavors.  Our Stellenbosch, with its bright citrus and underlying tropical fruit notes would be perfect with both briny and chile-spice flavors.  Chef John Ash
Visit www.sauvignonrepublic.com for some great recipes!

gruetmethodeNV Gruet
Methode Champenoise Brut Ros�
brut rose
In 1983, the Gruet family was traveling through the Southwestern part of the United States, and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had successfully planted vineyards in Engle, near the town of Truth or Consequence, 170 miles south of Albuquerque. The land was inexpensive and the opportunity golden. In 1984, Gilbert Gruet, whose Champagne house, Gruet et Fils had produced fine Champagne in Bethon, France, since 1952, made the decision to plant an experimental vineyard, exclusively planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. His children, winemaker Laurent and daughter Nathalie, and family friend Farid Himeur then relocated to the great state of New Mexico to begin their American wine making adventure.
 
At 4300 ft. the vineyards are some of the highest in the United States, so regardless of how hot the days might be, the temperature at night can drop as much as thirty degrees, cooling the fruit and slowing down the maturation process on an otherwise short growing season. Sandy and loamy soil, and a lack of humidity that might contribute to rot, give us a consistency of fruit year in and year out, and allow us to produce our award winning wines without the use of pesticides.
 
The excellent 1987 harvest allowed Laurent to produce his first two wines following the strict guidelines of a true Methode Champenoise. In 1989, after the required minimum of two years aging on tirage, our first two sparkling wines were introduced to a very appreciative wine world. Critics and connoisseurs alike were astonished by the quality and the value. New Mexico wine was on the map!
 
This nearly garnet Rose is aged 24 months en tirage. It has a lovely, bright floral bouquet with hints of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. On the palate, it is rich and fruity in a dry, Brut style. The flavor of berries continues on the palate, revealing more strawberry, raspberry, cherry. This sparkler is lots of fun and very festive, but production is limited to 5000 cases per year, so don't miss out!

labruscabianco08 Lini
"Labrusca Bianco" White Lambrusco
labrusca bianco
Lambrusco is both the name of a grape and the wine it produces. Typically red and sweet, this Lambrusco is a rare find: it is whiteand dry. Fabio Lini, the enologist at Cantina Lini, makes this wonderfully light, bright "blanc de noir" by not allowing any contact with the skins during fermentation. His Labrusca Bianco was inspired by the wines that local farmers made in Fabio's youth. Labrusca is the Etruscan name for Lambrusco which comes from the Latin labrum, meaning "edge": it is believed that Lambrusco grapes grew naturally along the edges of fields cultivated by the Etruscans for other crops.
 
This Lambrusco from Emilia Romagna is both zesty and earthy, with a pretty herbal aroma and appealing apple notes. Labrusca Bianco comes well-recommended by the staff of Food and Wine Magazine. If you have yet to try a white Lambrusco, this is your chance!

beppe bramuso
A long tradition unites Beppe Marino and his family to hillside vineyards and the calm attraction of the wine cellar. The roots have a firm hold in wine lands located between the Langa and Monferrato districts of Piedmont, at Santo Stefano Belbo. Concrete evidence of these roots is found in the form of the large farmhouse, the vineyards and a small but technically remarkable winery-all passionately and enthusiastically run by Beppe Marino, his wife Rosalba and their son Maurizio, to create the real stars of the winery: the wines.
 
Brachetto is a light fizzy red dessert wine. This brachetto from the Piedmont is produced exclusively from estate-owned Brachetto bramusa grapes at an artisanal level. It has a delicate ruby red color and delicate scents of linden blossom, roses, peaches and forest fruits. The wine is slightly sweet with full, fresh and harmonious flavors and good structure and persistency. Serve with desserts or fruit salad-especially strawberries-or even use it as a base for cocktails and aperitifs.
www.currentVintage.com

theBuzz
barbie
Barbie arrived on the scene in April, 1959, and within a year, she had a her own dream house complete with...a sliding door!  Her creation was due to Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, who had been campaigning for an adult doll for several years after observing her daughter, Barbara, playing with paper dolls.  After discovering a German "Barbie" on holiday and finally convincing her husband and the Mattel engineers, Barbie's debut at the New York Toy Show was met with luke warm interest from the nation's retailers.  It was the consumer, ie Mothers & daughters, who embraced Barbie, as they still do 50 years onward.  There were 350,000 made-in-Japan Barbies sold the first year grossing over a Million dollars ($3 each). Today, sales approach 2 Billion dollars annually.
beach barbie 
Originally available as a brunette or blonde, Barbie has had countless incarnations, including the iconic "Malibu Barbie" years. 
 
 In 1961, Barbie met Ken, and the two began a journey of love and hair styles that any couple would envy.  Ken came complete with a wardrobe of perfectly tailored clothes of unmatched quality for the Barbie and Ken lifestyle, which included eating lunch together at school and going to fraternity parties.
 
Ken took the year of 1968 off to work out, and returned with major muscles, a new head, knees that bend, and the ability to speak.  These days, he even has chest hair and a beard, but that's another newsletter...They actually broke up in 2004 (the 43-yr itch), but have since been reunited.
 
harley barbieBarbie has had a long and celebrated career...
Emulated and inspirational.  Ridiculed yet imitated. Painted by Warhol & Peter Max. Dressed by Dior, Bob Mackie, Balenciaga & Paco Rabanne. 
In recent years there has been Nascar Barbie, Hollywood Barbie, Barbie for President, and most controversially, Harley-Davidson Barbie--complete with tattoos.
 
Originally a teenage fashion model, Barbie has gone on to be a babysitter, fitness instructor, teacher, astronaut, firefighter, flight attendant and serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force & Marines.  Like a well-rounded Miss America contestant, she is well-versed in sports, fashion, beauty and diplomacy.
 
Despite constantly changing outfits and careers, Barbie has physically changed very little over the years, although she did put on a few pounds in 1997. 
 
Perhaps now that she's 50, Barbie will put her well-heeled foot down, stop chasing every trend and devote herself to something she really loves, such as Animal Rights.  Give Barbie a break!

Happy 50th, Barbie!
go to currentVintage.com/blog
for more Barbie lore
 
 barbie shoe

thePour

 
sauvignon republic 
Wine--it's all in the terroir.
John Buechsenstein, the winemaker at Sauvignon Republic tells it like this:
 
"We confess that we are all passionate about this grape.
Two things intrigue us: It is a grape variety that expresses "terroir" (the place that it is grown) more profoundly than almost any other grape variety. California, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and France are the locations where it has shown greatness. We intend to produce a wine in each area. It will allow us to promote and share the unique flavors that each location provides.
 
Jb
 
Food styles and flavors have changed profoundly in recent years. Asian, Hispanic and Indian flavors and techniques are being widely embraced by both chefs and home cooks. European and Mediterranean flavors of course will continue to be a part of 'American' food but the increasing influence of these new cuisines is having a profound impact on wine choices. Sauvignon Blanc has the unique ability to wrap itself around all of these new flavors and cuisines."

Tempted to join us for a Sauvignon Republic adventure yet? Here's a sampling of the accolades:

"Ah, Sauvignon Blanc: the chameleon of the wine world... Buechsenstein's nose knows. As an instructor at Davis and at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, Buechsenstein teaches students how to sniff out wine's variations. Sauvignon Blanc, he says, is an underrated star that can display multiple personalities." Corie Brown, Los Angeles Times
 
On Sauvignon Republic RRV Sauvignon Blanc:
"...the wine is truly tantalizing. It's a perfect blend of grassy aromas and sunshine-drenched tropical fruit flavors that are held in check by a refreshing acidity. It's friendlier than an austere Sancerre and less over-the-top than a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand."  Jerry Shriver, USA Today
 
Wine Tasting:
Wine on Wednesdays

The wines of Sauvignon Republic with Carolyn Walsh, CWP
An adventure in terroir!
Wednesday, August 26
4-7
 
carolyn walsh

Sauvignon Republic
2007 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma California, $20  
2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, $20
2007 Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa, $20 (read more)
moreBuzz
 insomniack
Join us for Insomniacks:
The kick-off event for the Nantucket Arts Festival!
Friday, August 28
4-Midnight

 
Sale!
Get an extra 25% OFF All Accessories & Sale Items!!!
Special deals galore...

Wine Tasting!
Sampling bubbly 4-10 as we celebrate Barbie's 50th Birthday
see morePour below...
morePour
Wine on Fridays
Wine Tasting: Sparkling wines from Italy and... New Mexico!?
Friday August 28
4-10
 
NV Gruet Methode Champenoise Brut Ros�, New Mexico,$18 (read more)
 
08 Lini "Labrusca Bianco" White Lambrusco, Emilia Romagna, $17 (read more) 

07 Beppe Marino Brachetto "Bramusa", Piemonte, $20 (read more)

Enjoy sampling three distinct sparkling wines as we celebrate the kick off the Nantucket Arts Festival and lift a glass to Barbie, in celebration of the 50th birthday of this pop culture icon.  We even included a pink one from New Mexico for this All-American Girl!
don'tMiss

You might never have thought you'd say this, but  two Wednesdays in a row, you're going to be at The Box...

hot flash clubThe Hot Flash Club
at The Box to benefit

"Uniting Against Lung Cancer"
 
Wednesday, August 26,   6 - 8
508.257.9600

Make it a girls' night out and stop at the currentVintage wine tasting first, then  the reading at 7!  You will be supporting a cause that increasingly effects women.  
Tickets are $75 at the door.  


vagina monologues
monologus

The Vagina Monologues
Staged Reading to benefit "Seaside Shakespeare"at the Box
Wednesday, September 2
6 - 8
Tickets $30
508.325.7725

An award-winning play performed by an all-star cast of talented women to benefit Nantucket's beloved Seaside Shakespeare Company, founded by Susan McGinnis.  Deeply moving and very funny.  As if that is not enough, the actors will be wearing currentVintage!

lend me a tenor
Don't miss Lend Me A Tenor by the Theatre Workshop of Nantucket featuring Grace Gu of currentVintage!
Playing Wed-Sat through September 5.  Tickets $25.  508.228.4305

HOURS

OPEN DAILY
9am - 10pm

Friday,
August 28
9am - midnight

4 Easy Street Nantucket 508.228.5073


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This week, we are reprising a successful wine tasting we did a couple of weeks ago with Carolyn Walsh.  It features three sauvignon blancs from three different parts of the world made by the same winemaker.  It is an excellent experience in terroir, or rather that particular sense of place a wine gets from the soil and elements that are specific to where the vines are grown.  Join us for some wonderful wines and thoughtful insights tomorrow at cV.

I can't possibly say much more on the subject of Barbie, as I have just devoted my newsletter & blog to her
, but it did occur to me, given my obsession with Farrah, Barbie and vintage Lilly...if Farrah Fawcett dressed her Barbie doll in Lilly dresses, that would have been really cool...
Cheers!
Elisabeth English
and the rest of the currentVintage team

Past Photos courtesy of Mai Norton & Gene Mahon