September 2010 Newsletter

September 2010

I don't know about you, but I find it hard to believe it's September already. After a less than stellar summer here in Edmonton, we hope to at least get some warm late summer heat this month. After all, we know what's coming just around that tree that's turning pretty colours way too early .......

It's back to school this month. Even here at Aligra. Be sure to check out our Wine and Scotch Appreciation classes coming up this fall. They are a good excuse to get out of the house on a Monday night and learn something new, meet a few like-minded people and of course, sip some wine! (or scotch). Be sure to register early and bring a friend!

The much anticipated " Talk Like a Pirate Rum Festival" scheduled for September 18th is POSTPONED due to a scheduling conflict with the venue. We have received lots of interest in it so we will reschedule it for sometime early in 2011. It may not co-incide with International Talk Like a Pirate Day, but I am confident that all you closet pirates out there can talk like one whether it's September or February or March! Stay tuned for further information later on.

This month, we are pleased to bring you the first in a series of reports on B.C. Wineries. The wine industry has exploded in recent years, and more and more wineries are producing excellent wines - both reds and whites. While Alberta has not seen a lot of these in the past, more and more are coming across our border for sale here in the more discriminating wine shops. B.C. Wineries can no longer send cases of wine to consumers out of the province. The ability to provide some of these great wines for sale locally is a mandate for Aligra Wine & Spirits. We hope you enjoy the profiles each month.

We support Alberta Breweries!
BIG ROCK & ALLEY CAT BEERS AVAILABLE!

What's New in

RUMS, VODKAS, GINS, WHISKIES, ETC.....

Stoked Vodka - Hemp infused - combining two of the world's most popular vices.....to read the full article click here

Victoria Gin - Canada's first premium gin. Read more

Broker's Gin Broker's Gin Limited was created in 1998 by two English brothers who saw an opportunity for a new premium brand, combining seriously good gin with an element of English humour.

Dicdador Rum - produced in the solera system, these medium bodied, complex blends of premium aged rums have full, rich flavour profiles. The 12-year-old is luxuriously smooth in spite of the rich flavours, and the 20-year-old brings the extra complexity of a long aged rum to the fore without the bitterness and harshness which can come with age. Both will be in by 9 September.

Dictador

Rx from "Dr. J. "

2006 Tawse Winery Chardonnay 'Robyn's Block'

I first tasted this wine last year and was very impressed by its clean and crisp textures and flavours. Citrusy notes and a solid core of minerals made this wine a pleasure to drink. Since then, the wine has undergone an amazing transformation in the bottle. Tasted again recently, it has developed into a rich, full bodied, and incredibly silky wine. Honey and stone fruits are abundant on the nose and palate. This is definitely one of the finest Chardonnays on the market today. Kudos to this fine Canadian winery!

Pair With: Chicken, turkey, pork, as well as seafood and pasta dishes with heavier cream sauces.

Available in store while quantities last!

Feature Article

Sandhill Winery -

"Canada's Numero Uno Winery of the Year" - Canadian Wine Awards 2010

Winner of 2 Gold, 7 Silver and 12 Bronze Medals

The Sandhill Estate Vineyard was home to their very first wines back in 1997. The land it rests on was originally leased from the Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, until Sandhill purchased 174 acres in 2002. Now bearing the Sandhill name, this vineyard remains the source of inspiration behind their commitment to making world-class, single-vineyard award winning wines.
Much (if not all) of this success can be attributed to their amiable winemaker Howard Soon who has been in the wine business since 1980 and arguably knows more about the Okanagan terroir than anybody. He is also largely responsible for their claim to fame of initiating single vineyard and small lots wines which attest to Howard's commitment to producing quality wines that reflect where the grapes come from.

It is on this land where nearly 85% of the grapes used to make Sandhill wines are grown. And it is here where the collaboration between winemaker, Howard Soon, and vineyard managers, Robert Goltz and Richard Cleave, continue to yield superior wine, vintage after vintage.

Located in the South Okanagan, near Oliver, BC, the vineyard regularly registers temperatures near 40�C and gets more sunshine than Napa Valley. As for the soil, it's made up almost entirely of sand, which provides exceptional drainage and forces the plants to grow deep roots in search of water. What's more, individual plant yields are controlled by cutting immature fruit from the vines. The result is small, fully ripe grapes with concentrated flavours and a truly distinct character.

Sandhill's production facility is located in downtown Kelowna - however grapes are sourced from a number of different sites such as Osprey Ridge, King Family Vineyard, Sandhill Estates and Phantom Creek. Tastings and tours are available every day except Sundays.
Aligra Wine & Spirits carry a number of Sandhill wines in store - including the coveted Small Lot Series.

GADGETS & GIZMOS

At this time of year, I enjoy sourcing out interesting things to bring into the store for the Christmas gift giving season. This year is no exception. We will continue to stock the popular aerators, corkscrews and bottle toppers but watch for selection of decanters, wine charms, ceramics, whisky glasses, and other interesting wine paraphenalia for you or that special someone.

Remember - we can customize a gift basket for that special friend or client to suit any occasion! Call and ask for Alison.

Aligra Wine & Spirits is a proud sponsor of several events in our city