Wine Talk - Romancing the Wine

Wine Talk by Art of the Table
February 9, 2011

With Valentines Day around the corner, we wanted to focus on some sippers for your sweetie.

I've been hearing a lot of people say they are staying in this year for Valentines Day. I think that's a wonderful idea. A great home-cooked gourmet meal for two, accompanied by carefully selected and delicious wine, listening to your favorite music and you get to share the table...what could be more romantic?

Not only can we help with dinner ideas, we can show you the best wines in any price range to make the night special and memorable.

If you're looking to go out this week or weekend, we have two fun opportunities for you to join in on - a great gift to someone for any occasion! Read the last box for more details.

For Dining

Jean-Paul Dubost Moulin-A-Vent "Vin Naturel"

By far one of the craziest wines I've come across. This unfiltered, unfined Beaujolais Cru is absolutely delicious. It is certainly not the Beaujolais you are familiar with...and I'm not even talking about Nouveau. This is big, acidic, black fruits, barnyard hints, dried fig and nutty. That's about as far as I can elaborate; the flavors just keep going and going. This is an absolute must try

as I'm blown away.

$30.75

Avignonesi Rosso ~ Toscana

Blind tasted up against beautiful wines known for their upper echelon price and fame, this little Tuscan won

hands down in my book.

A blend of indigenous Prugnolo Gentile with Cab Sauv and little Merlot, its balanced cranberry and earth intermingle with dark roasted coffee bean and a touch of strawberry, it's awesome. Besides, what says romance better than Tuscany?

$16.75

Milbrandt "Traditions" Merlot ~ Washington

Wonderfully soft, fruit forward and lush. Soft plum and cherry hit the nose along with a hint of vanilla. The palate continues with plum, cherry, blueberry, chocolate, soft vanilla and a toasted quality on the finish. This wine is generous and forgiving all at the same time. This is no California Merlot, this is something

completely different.

$16.75

Kilikanoon "Testament" Shiraz, Barossa Valley

An Australian wine with some serious pedigree. Though we're not big wine points people, we were impressed that past vintages have reached 99 points from highly reputable sources and the wine has never been rated below 90 points! Besides all that jazz, this is a concentrated, big, bold red wine. Glass gripping purple with loads of spice and black fruit on the nose and palate. Bring a toothbrush to the table! Drinkable up until 2025-2030 depending on your cellaring conditions.

And we bought it on an extreme deal, so you get it on a deal!

$23.50 (was $36)

Something Sweet to Sip On

Taylor Fladgate 10yr Tawny Port

This one's a Tawny Port to stand out among the rest. Frosted black bottle, old world label and a wonderfully complex beverage stored inside. Spicy notes ring though the delicate

sweetness alongside cedar and hints of rich earth.

A perfect pair with anything resembling dark chocolate and raspberries.

$35.00

The Chook Sparkling Shiraz, Australia

Something dark, mysterious, enchanting and sexy? Yes please. The rich purple color enhances the tight popping bubbles that rise rapidly from the bottom of the glass. Aromas of deep black cherry, bubble gum, earth and black currant back up the sweet, yet slightly tannic and dry wine. This wine poured in a Champagne flute with a lo-fi record in the background and a fire dimly lit room is a sure fire romantic evening.

$21.50

We also have a wide selection of unique dessert wines, Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, Moscato d'Asti

and other fun and romantic things to sip on.

Even if none of these options sound like your style, stop in, we'll chat about something completely different.

Cheers!

Article Headline

We have a couple of really fun events coming up this week.

This Thursday night, Feb 10, we have a 4 course French wine dinner featuring Rodet wines. The winemaker will be at the Winchester's upstairs room - aka "the Leesure Room". That's right, the Lees own it!

So more details can be found here and the cost for the dinner with 5 wines is only $50 including tax & tip. Call Art of the Table to sign up right away!

Also this Saturday, February 12 we're going to be showing off some bubbly and chocolate at Circle Theatre's fundraiser entitled Sweet & Bubbly! We'll be joined by our friend Bradford Hammerschmidt too!

Just think, 9 bubbly selections to sip and chocolates to pair, and you're giving back to a fantastic organization.

Purchase tickets from Circle Theatre's website or call them at 616.456.6656.