Summer finally showed up.......let's see, the calendar says...October! Who would have thought we would be seeing such warm temperatures in our most colourful season of the year? I don't hear anyone complaining though. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Grant and I did. We recently returned from a wonderful few days of business and pleasure in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of B.C. With temperatures in the high 20's, the beginning of the autumn crush, and the wonderful reception we received, it was a successful trip. Watch for some new B.C. wines in the store soon. Currently, we represent 53 Okanagan Wineries and carry over 160 skus! To see pictures of the trip, click here We are profiling another B.C. winery this month - Hester Creek. (Last month was Sandhill).
 Grant checking out the harvest at Burrowing Owl Winery.
Our first Wine Appreciation Class of the fall sold out in September. Thanks to everyone who attended. It was fun and informative as promised. The next one is on Monday October 25th, and there are only a few spots left. Sign up here.
If you are more interested in learning about Whisky than Wine, we have a class for that on November 15th. Click here to sign up.
Also, it's not too early to be thinking about Christmas parties. Give us a call and we can help you with beverage planning and case discounts.
We support Alberta Breweries!
BIG ROCK & ALLEY CAT BEERS AVAILABLE!
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What's New in
RUMS, VODKAS, GINS, WHISKIES, ETC.....
SNOW QUEEN VODKA
Gold winner in the super-premium category, The Vodka Masters 2008.
Produced in Kazakhstan from the finest organic wheat the purest water that flowed through the snow-capped mountains and distilled 5 times. Snow Queen is known as the smoothest, most beautiful vodka of them all.
Snow Queen is the featured Vodka in our "Signature martini" at Fabulous at 50's Event on November 6th!
ZANIN CHOCOLATE CHILI PEPPER LIQUEUR
An exquisite pairing of sweet and heat, this yummy liqueur is versatile and daring. On it's own over ice, or mixed in a creative cocktail, baked into a dessert, you are going to love this one!
We loved it so much, we have combined it with the Snow Queen Vodka and invented our signature martini for the Fabulous at 50's Event.....we call it "The Hot Flash". Amazing!
LICOR 43, or in Spanish -Cuarenta Y Tres, is a bright yellow liqueur. It is made from citrus and fruit juices, flavored with vanilla and other aromatic herbs and spices, in total 43 different ingredients (hence the name). It has a colourful history dating back to Roman times. This 62 proof, light bodied, sweet, golden liqueur has a sharp, warm and complex flavour. Vanilla up front, then tangy sweet fruit and spices, and an aged rum-like presence. It can be sipped alone, over ice, or have fun and experiment.We mixed it with everything from orange vodka(delicious!) to coffee liqueur. A must have on your bar!
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Rx from "Dr. J. "
2006 Les Verrieres de Montagnac Coteaux du Languedoc Clos des Soutyeres
The Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southern France is home to some of the best wine bargains in all of France. This particular wine is a great example of the quality of the wines that can come out of that region. It is a big, robust wine with massve amounts of dark fruit, red fruit, and spice. The finish is long and tannic. Decanting really helps the wine show off of its personality. This wine has all of the ingredients to age well for many years. Grape Varietites: Carignan, Grenache, Syrah Wine Spectator Score: 92pts. The Number 80 Wine in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2008 Serve With: Beef, hearty dishes, sharp cheeses
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Feature Article HESTER CREEK WINERY, Oliver B.C.
"For the past ten years, I have been getting to know this unique valley," says Sheridan, "and we have an incredibly special site here at Hester Creek. I am pleased to be here," he continues, "not only for the vineyard, but for this gorgeous new facility that offers one of the best experiences for visitors to the Okanagan." - |Mark Sheridan, Hester Creek's new General Manager who hails from Australia
Massive old wooden doors embellished with Okanagan crafted wrought iron welcome you into the sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere at Hester Creek Estate Winery. Their new expanded tasting room (opened October 2009) exudes thoughtful craftsmanship and design. There is an immediate sense of quality and attention to detail in the artful use of wood, stone, iron and high-beamed ceilings. This is also reflected in the fine quality of their wines.
 Patio dining at Hester Creek
The adjoining outdoor patio, overlooking vineyards and expansive views of the magnificent valley is canopied with lush green vines, cool and inviting in the hot summer sun It is.a perfect spot for a snack lunch and refreshing glass of wine. A state of the art gourmet "show" kitchen, seats 14 guests and plays host to gourmet evenings with award winning chefs. As well, an executive 14 seat dining room off the barrel room is perfect for small weddings and small corporate events. As well, 6 beautifully appointed Tuscan Mediterranean guest suites are located on the hill above the winery.
This 70 acre vineyard in the South Okanagan's 'Golden Mile, near Oliver, Hester Creek boasts some of the oldest vinifera vines in B.C. The hot days and cool nights, characteristic of the valley, yield fruit flavours of an intensity not found in grapes grown in the warmer southern regions of the world.
Hester Creek's vineyards are planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Trebbiano. Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay and Pinot Noir.
Winemaker Robert Summers who hails from the Niagara Peninsula, has over 20 years experience in the food and wine industry. He has a solid track record of creating exceptional wines for such industry leaders as Hillebrand Estates, Henry of Pelham, Cave Spring Cellars, and Peller Estates. While with Peller, Robert directed VQA winemaking for two vintages in the Okanagan.
General Manager, Mark Sheridan predicts that as a team, with winemaker Rob Summers' wines and the new winery combined, that this will be the year that people flock to Hester Creek
Hester Creek offers a selection of premium VQA wines. Currently, Aligra carrys three skus and will be bringing in more over the coming months. Visit www.hestercreek.com
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| GADGETS & GIZMOS
This year, we have a new selection of gorgeous ceramic, wine-themed tiles, custom cheese boards, decanters, decanter cleaners, wine aerators, seasonal bottle stoppers, glasses, the exclusive Wine Sceptre, wild hibiscus flowers in syrup, flasks, bottle label removers, Cork Pops, wine racks, and so much more!
New this year! Custom made single and double wooden logoed boxes for special wine gifts.
Remember - we can customize a gift basket for that special friend or client to suit any occasion! Call and ask for Alison.
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ONLY 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE BIGGEST BABY BOOMER EVENT IN EDMONTON................
Aligra Wine & Spirits is a proud sponsor of
November 6, 2010 |
| Did you know........
An interesting fact about October 2010 -
according to Chinese Feng shui:
This OCTOBER has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays, all in 1 month. It happens once in 823 years. These are considered money bags months. Go for it!
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Visiting Edmonton in 2010?
SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUT -OF -TOWNERS!
Reserve a room at The Comfort Inn ( a Choice Hotel) at 17610 100th Ave. in West Edmonton (only blocks from The Mall)
Call 780 484-4415
SIMPLY QUOTE CODE: ALIGRA when booking & pay only $99.00 per night + taxes (subject to availability). Present your Comfort Inn room key at Aligra Wine & Spirits in West Edmonton Mall for your in-store discount!
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| Volume 3 Issue 7
October 2010
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Alison & Grant's
Wine Picks under $30
Hester Creek Pinot Gris
2009
(Multi award winner)
Smooth and light with distinctive aromas of pear and quince. Flavours of citrus and tangerine fruit round out this delightful wine.
Hester Creek Cabernet/Merlot 20
This classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibit the Cabernet flavours of blackcurrent and the plummy fruit of Merlot. Blended together they form a delicious and easy drinking red wine. A perfect choice for all occasions.
COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH
Balsamic Vinegar Martini
3 shots of your favorite Vodka .
3 ml of good balsamic vinegar (about a dash)
1 large, juicy strawberry.
some orange rind.
Directions
Chill the martini glass and vodka in the freezer for about one hour.
In a small bowl or plate, add vinegar. Roll the strawberry in the vinegar. Cover the whole strawberry, then put into frozen glass. Add the Vodka to the chilled martini glass.
Squeeze the orange rind on top of the glass so the juice goes into the glass. Rub the rind all around the rim to give it an orange flavour.
Serve with a smile!
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Upcoming Events
Oct 23 "Cocktails with Marilyn" - Meet Fabulous at 50's Mascot "Marilyn Monroe" at the store between 3-5 pm. Sip a cocktail, bring $20.00 worth of donations for the Food Bank and receive your ticket to Fabulous @50 Event on Nov 6th FREE!
Oct 25 Wine Apprecation Class at Aligra Wine & Spirits $39.95 + GST Register Here Nov 6 Fabulous @ 50 Trade Show and Martini Party
Contact www.fabulousat50.ca
Tickets for sale at Aligra Wine & Spirits
$15.00 each or 2 for $20.00
Nov 15 Scotch Tasting Class at Aligra Wine & Spirits
$54.95 + GST
Check out other great wine and food events at
www.localwineevents.com
then click on Edmonton
"Drinking beer doesn't make you fat; it makes you lean....against bars, tables, chairs and poles."
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Want to catch up on past month's newsletters? Go to the website and click on ARCHIVES |
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We welcome your comments! Let us know your thoughts and ideas.
STORE HOURS
Mon - Thur 12:00 - 9:00 pm Fri - Sat
12:00- 10:00 pm Sun & Holidays
12:00 - 6:00 pm Conveniently located at Entrance 58 between HMV & The Brick . We have 3 reserved parking spaces for our customers too!
Live out of town and can't get to the store?
call or email us and we will deliver to you!
Some conditions apply.
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