HAPPY NEW YEAR!
After a very busy Christmas season at the store, we are now into the third week of the new year. So far, it appears that not too many people have made the resolution to drink less, and many have resolved to break out of a rut and try some new wines this year!
With a sombre start to 2009, global economic concerns are bound to have some affect here in Alberta. Let's keep things in perspective; if you are working, work harder and be the best at your job. If you are looking for work, think creatively and stretch yourself by trying something new. Use this time of belt tightening to re-evaluate what's really important in your life; family, friends, good health - simple pleasures that don't cost a lot of money. We also believe that you don't have to give up all that you enjoy in order to save money. If you like to have some wine with your meals, come in and let us help you choose one that will fit your budget and compliment your meal. It will surprise you how many good wines there are for under $20.00. Experiement. Try out the great recommendations on the "Top 25 Killer Wines Under $25.00" from Wine Access magazine, which we carry on ou shelves regularly. You could try two different ones a month for a whole year and not duplicate or break the bank!
"The hottest new wine out of Argentina" FUZION that we talked about last month, was (and continues to be) a real hit. Produced from a blend of Shiraz and Malbec grapes, this fruity, juicy red offers great value for it's amazing price of only $9.99. We sold out before Christmas and, thanks to a write up in the Edmonton Journal last week by Nick Lees, and a huge plug from Tony Gismondi, wine writer and host of Vancouver's weekly CKNW radio show on wine, we can't keep it on our shelves. We have ordered more so get it while it's hot.
ATTENTION BRUNELLO FANS! We recently had the pleasure of meeting the two Collasorbo sisters from Montalcino Italy and tasted their 1999 Brunello di Montalcino. It's a fabulous vintage, rich, full bodied a classic sangiovese from this renowed Italian family owned vineyard in Tuscany. Watch for it in our Italian Wines section this month. | |
RUM NEWS
IT'S BACK......first week of February
Legendario Sweet Elixir Cuban Rum - finally. After a long journey from Cuba via Spain to Toronto and then overland to Alberta, this long awaited favourite will be back on the shelf in the first week of February. The shipment is small, and we have a long waiting list of people to fulfill, and if it's well supported, we can expect another shipment to be in again by summertime. If you haven't tried it and you like Rum, better get some.... it's like no other. Call us or send us an email if you want your name added to the list for the first order this year . info@aligrawineandspirits.com
IT'S ON IT'S WAY TOO...... BRUGAL RUM
We've been advised it's in the warehouse and we should have it on the shelves in a matter of days.
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WHISKIES
2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Robbie Burns birthday. The special edition Robbie Burns single malt is available for sale and is impressively packaged.
And, speaking of Robbie Burns-our January 26th
"Get Your Kilt Out" evening is almost sold out! The piper is booked, the haggis awaits, 8 scotches will be opened, poems will be read and scotch-pairing appetizers served. Lots of fun! If you want to buy tickets - please call before Friday January 23rd -- only a few tickets are left.
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New! Expanded Selection of KOSHER WINES
In response to many customer's wishes, we are carrying a greater selection of Kosher wines.
There are two basic rules for making kosher wine. First, anybody can pick the grapes, but the minute they are poured into the crusher, they have to be handled by Sabbath-observant Jews. Second, no animal-derived products can be used in the making of the wine such as yeast to start fermentation or gelatin to clarify the wine,(although most yeasts are Kosher). Kosher wines, as a rule, are also flash-pasteurized. Flash-pasteurization -- a process of raising the temperature of the wine to somewhere between 168 and 193 degrees for a split second, as ordered by a rabbi -- is for wines that will be handled in restaurants by non-Orthodox Jews and people of other faiths. This step is not reserved for kosher wineries only. Many wineries put their wines through this process. Louis Latour's famous Bordeaux reds undergo flash pasteurization. It provides several benefits -- enhances the aromas, guards against oxidation and stablizes the colors.
Kosher wine is produced according to Judaism's religious law, specifically the Jewish dietary laws regarding wine. When kosher wine is produced, marketed and sold commercially to Orthodox Jews, it must have the hechsher "seal of approval" of a supervising organization such as the "OU" sign of the Orthodox Union, or of an authoritative rabbi who is preferably also a posek ("decisor" of Jewish law) or be supervised by a beth din "Jewish religious court of law".
Right now, we are carrying a dozen different kosher wines with the intention to bring in more in the coming months:
Galil Mountain Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz Cabernet
Yarden Mount Heron
Mogan David
Fortant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
Castano Terroso Yecla Merlot
Herzog
Hafner Zweigelt (Organic), Sauvignon Blanc
If you have any favourites you would like us to bring in, please let us know. |
NEW in the STORE
"Who else (besides yours truly) knows more about cheap wines than budget-conscious grape enthusiasts Kenji Hodgson and James Nevison." -Fred Lee, CBC's Man About Town This paperback is a terrific way to reference and explore great wines under $20 - Most of them, you will find on our shelves too.
JIM MURRAY'S WHISKY BIBLE 2009
If you can't afford to taste your way through all the whiskies in the world and want tasting notes and descriptions so you can choose which ones to try, this is the book for you. Reecently updated.
BEER - Desperados Tequila Beer from France
Selling out quickly is Innis &Gunn Rum Cask beer.
TITANIUM CRYSTAL GLASSWARE- break resistant and dishwasher safe .... "to prove to my friends the glasses don't break, I fired my bee-bee gun at one. It fell over but didn't break! My friends were astounded!" - a satisfied customer.
Editor's Note: Take our word for it and the manufacturer's claim - we don't recommend trying this at home. | |
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Volume 2 Issue 1
January 2009 |
Alison & Grant's
Top Wine Picks
We have changed this feature for 2009. Each month, we will feature our top two favourites from a single country.
This month - ARGENTINA
JEAN BOUSQUET MALBEC 2006
Opaque red violet, shiny, almost black color typical of top quality Argentine Malbec. Nose: Intense rich aromas with blackberry fruit with spicy black pepper notes, blackcurrant and cassis. Mouth: Very balanced and elegant wine with expression of pure fruit, with raspberry, blackberry, and fig flavors flowing over notes of chocolate, graphite and mineral. Good acidity with supple mouth feel and excellent structure and length.
Excellent with roast meats, rich cheeses or simply on it's own.
*********************** J F LURTON PINOT GRIS
It is not often one finds such complexity in this, arguably the world's most neutral white grape variety. The nose is full of richness and depth with tropical fruit, apricots, peaches and spice. Fat on the palate, flavors mirror the nose, ending with a dry, crisp mouthfeel. Excellent with Indian or Thai food, |
Visiting Edmonton in 2009?
SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUT -OF -TOWNERS!
Reserve a room at The Comfort Inn on 100th Avenue in West Edmonton
SIMPLY QUOTE CODE: ALIGRA when booking & pay only $99.00 per night + taxes (subject to availability).
Then present your Comfort Inn room key at Aligra Wine & Spirits in West Edmonton Mall for your in store discount!
"With wine and hope, anything is possible."
Spanish Proverb
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Upcoming Events
26 January 2009
ROBBIE BURNS SCOTCH TASTING
7 pm- 9 pm at the store.
Almost sold out!
We are currently working on bringing you more in store events. Check the February Newsletter for further updates.
Don't forget our weekly tastings-
Saturday Sippings - Weekly in store from 2pm - 6 pm. Drop by the store and sample some delicious new wine or spirit that we have open that day. Great way to expand your knowledge and try something new.
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Check out the blog news at our website. Regularly updated information,ideas, products etc. We welcome your comments! Feel free to pass along this newsletter to friends who might enjoy it!
STORE HOURS
Mon - Thu 12:00 - 8:00 pm
Fri - Sat 12:00- 10:00 pm
Sun & Holidays 12:00 - 5:30 pm
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