Erick's Cheese & Wine Shop
 
CELEBRATING THIRTY ONE YEARS 
 REN & RANDALL'S SEVENTH YEAR
 
TIME IS SHORT
 
 
 
  
 SUNDAY'S TREAT --
A VERY EXTRAORDINARY NORTHERN ITALIAN TASTING


 
            If you're a lover of big northern Italian red wines, you'll want to join us on Sunday, August 15, from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. to taste some extraordinary wines.   In particular, we'll pour seven wines, including the best Amarone, Barolo and  Barbaresco we've run across in a long time. Cheeses and hors d'oeuvres will be served.   The cost is $25 per person.  Seating is limited, and reservations are required.  If you would like us to set a place for you at the table, please reply to this email, call us at 828.898.9424 or sign up at the store.   
 
 
TASTING AUG 14, 1-5 PM
 
 SATURDAY TASTING
 
 
FOCUS ON NORTHERN ITALY
 
            The spotlight has been on Tuscany and southern Italy this summer, so now it's time to move up north and shine the spotlight on the wonderful wines of northern Italy this coming Saturday and Sunday.
 
            Saturday, Clint Harris, Winebow importer, will pour wines from Allegrini, one of the best producers in the Veneto region (think Lake Garda, near Verona).  You're probably thinking ofFrancesco Allegrini da Gubbio (1587-1663), the famous (?) Italian painter of the Baroque period, but no.  This family makes wine and has been at it for generations. They own 45 hectares (about 120 acres) of vineyards, which are used for the production of basic Valpolicella as well as single vineyard crus, a fantastic Amarone and other reference-point wines from the region.  Clint will also be pouring a nice white from Zenato, also from the Lake Garda region..
 

            2008 Zenato Lugana ($17.99).  Wine Advocate 89 points:  "The 2008 Lugana San Benedetto shows terrific harmony and balance in the way the wine's minerality supports the fruit. The finish is long, pure and refined, proving just how rewarding top-flight Lugana can be."
 
            2008 Allegrini Soave ($17.99).  Wine Advocate 88 points:  "The 2008 Soave is quite pretty in this vintage. The wine possesses terrific clarity and precision in its perfumed fruit. The addition of 20% Chardonnay along with the more traditional Garganega gives the wine an additional dimension of volume to match the hints of tropical fruit."
 
            2008 Allegrini Valpolicella Classico ($18.99). Wine Advocate 87 points:  "The 2008 Valpolicella Classico is a delightful unoaked red. This fresh, vibrant Valpolicella offers plenty of harmony and a long, harmonious close."
 
 2006 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre ($27.99).  Wine Advocate 90 points:  "This is a very polished, elegant Palazzo della Torre with pretty layers of mocha, spices and new leather that add complexity to the fresh, vibrant fruit. Palazzo della Torre is 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese. The addition of 30% dried fruit (Amarone style) adds an extra dimension of complexity."
 
Our paid tasting wine ($5 for the Avery County Humane Society) is the:
 
2006 Allegrini La Grola ($34.99). La Grola is a delicious blend of  mostly Corvina Veronese, with  smaller components of Rondinella, Syrah and Sangiovese that spent almost a year and a half in French oak barrels. Medium in body, it reveals enticing floral notes, raspberries and sweet spices.  It has good balance and complexity with outstanding length and silky tannins.  The 2006 vintage is not yet rated, but its 2005 counterpart attracted a 90-point Wine Advocate rating.
 
L'ARRIGO OLIVE OIL
 
            Over the past several years, many of you have enjoyed L'Arrigo olive oil, which we have direct-imported from some Tuscan friends just outside Florence.  This extra-virgin, cold-pressed oil is unique in that it is made from an organically farmed orchard of seven different species of olive trees, which results in the most delicious, complex flavored oil we have ever tasted.  We are sad to report that the couple that produced this oil has retired to Sicily and no more L'Arrigo oil will likely be processed.  We have a little more than a dozen cases in stock, and after that is sold, no more will be available, so if you are a L'Arrigo fan, you may wish to stock up next time you are in the shop.

 

 
 
 
RIEDEL GLASSWARE   FOR SALE IN STORE
 
            It really does make a difference - that's what we and all the other skeptics who attended the demonstration in our Tasting Room several weeks ago found out.  Over the decades, the Riedel family has determined that various glassware designed specifically for the various grape varieties absolutely enhances the experience and perception of that variety of wine.  Since the tongue has receptors in different places to taste sweet, sour, bitter, etc., Riedel shapes the glass to direct the particular wine to the specific place in the tongue to enhance the perception.  Even subtle differences in the shape of the glass make a big difference in how the wine is received. 
 
            We now stock fine Riedel glassware designed specifically for different wine varieties.  Each glass is $14.95.  Better yet, they are dishwasher-safe.  But don't take our word for it.  Grab a couple and see for yourself.
 
Erick's Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com