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The Wine Shop Staff Picks
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Conrad's Pick
Wine Guerrilla Forcini Vineyard "Old Vine"
Zinfandel 2008
I tend to lean towards European Wines when it comes to wines I take home for dinner but these guys have hit a home run, producing a Zinfandel that is true to it's varietal character while providing the fruit forward style that is so popular with Zinfandel drinkers. (Somewhere between Rosenblum and Ridge if I had to call it in a pinch.) Gobs of black cherry up front but with a fairly dry finish and no detectable heat, something I've really grown tired of these days. There were only 145 cases produced from these narly 100+ year old vines on the Forcini Ranch and you really start to taste the mineral component in the wine when tasting the other Zins in a line-up. If you're a Zinfandel fan and enjoy the wow factor then Guerrilla Wine is one you should get to know. Big Fruit, good acidity and minerality and a reasonable price tag.
Mitre Rocks Pinot Noir 2006
(Central Otago, New Zealand)
$24.99/bottle
Central Otago is the Southern-most grape-growing region in the world, located at latitude 45º south. Ringed by mountains and interlaced with lakes and deep river gorges, Central Otago is New Zealand's most spectacular setting for vineyards; but the ruggedly beautiful environment offers growers and winemaking conditions that are both challenging and rewarding. Today, Pinot Noir represents about 70% of all plantings in the region and is the foundation on which the industry is built. You can generally expect to pay a premium for Central Otago wine, but there are bargains to be found... Such as this 2006 Pinot Noir from Mitre Rocks. The wine was barrel matured for ten months in French barriques, turning out a rich, robust and complex wine showing bold, ripe dark fruit and cherry characters. A distinctive nose of plums and cherries is supported by hints of spice, coffee and a touch of violet. The palate consists of powerful dark fruit flavors that are nicely balanced with smoky oak, mushroom and savory notes. Well-integrated tannins and good structure support this well balanced Pinot Noir. One might argue that of all the places that Pinot Noir is grown and made in the New World, none has lit the sky as brightly as Central Otago in the last decade.
"Many believe this is where the Pinot grail is to be found."
- Jancis Robinson, MW
A great value for Central Otago Pinot at only $24.99!
Sant' Evasio Gavi di Gavi 2008
$17.99 bottle
Gavi has its origins from Cortese grapes, a white grape vine cultivated in the pre-Apennine lands of Gavi.
Already known in Piedmont since the XVIII century, it is also called Corteis, Courteis and Courteisa in Piedmontese dialect. We can find one of its first descriptions in the ampelography of Piedmont vines, made by count Nuvolone and published at the end on the XVIII century. Here Cortese grapes are described as follows: "it has quite long bunches, quite big berries, when it is ripe it becomes yellow is and it is good to be eaten, it makes a good wine, it is plentiful and keeps a long time" At our house it doesn't last at all because the Sant' Evasio is simply delicious. Cascina Sant' Evasio takes its name from the chapel built in the XVIII century for the bishop of Casale, Sant' Evasio and they've been making wine in Piedmont since the sixties. Family owned and operated their wines offer great value and quality. Their Gavi is exceptional. There's good weight, more than most Gavi and plenty of fruit to balance out the steely minerallity. On the palate it's flowery, delicate, with hints of pineapple and peach followed by a dry stoney finish. So good we've decided to offer it by the glass at our wine bar.
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Wine Classes
for Winter-Spring Sessions
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Instructor:
Anita Skogland
Wine Educator and Owner
of
Vines to Wines
A Carolina Wine School
Anita Skogland will be offering hands on, user friendly wine classes for consumers at the Wine Shop at Foxcroft. Anita has trained through the WSET program, Society of Wine Educators, French Wine Academy and Spanish Wine Academy. She currently teaches in the Culinary Arts Program at The Art Insitiute of Charlotte. Each class will be two hours long. ( Note the individual times and days of each class.) Price includes all wine, cheese, bread and light hors d'ouevres. (Tuition is non-refundable.) This promises to be an exciting and education series and we're excited to be working with Anita. We think you'll find her approach to wine both challenging and fun.
Class Four
The Wines of France
Cost: $60.00
(Two Weeks)
Time: Sunday, March 7th & 14th
2:00- 4:00 pm
Just The Mother Country of fine varietal wine grapes is France - but the labels are the most intimidating to American consumers. We will cover all of the major wine regions of France and discuss the grapes, style, and how to read the label to find some of the most profound and best values in the market today...
Class Five
Alsace, Germany and Austria
Cost: $30.00
Time: Monday, March 22nd
7:00- 9:00 pm
One of the most misunderstood wines are the Germanic wines. Largely due to the ocean of cheap liebfraumilch that flooded American shores in the 70s. They are also the most profound and long-lived white wines in the world and are super food friendly. We'll explore and unlock the complexities of the German wine label, learn about terroir and how it is reflected in the grape and learn that you can never judge a wine by the shape of the bottle in comes in...
Class Six
The Wines of Italy
Cost: $60.00
(Two Weeks)
Time: Sunday, March 28th & April 11th
2:00- 4:00 pm
There are more grape varietal planted in Italy than any place on Earth and with the exception of Greece, is the oldest wine growing country in Western Europe. Italian wine can also be the most daunting in terms of style and quality due to the sheer quantity of varietals planted and regions under vine. We will take apart that puzzle stepping outside the bounds of Chianti Classico and explore the history of Italian wine visiting the North, Central Italy and the South and Sicily over a two week period. We will learn that Italian wines are some of the most versatile and food friendly wines being produced today. You will be able to navigate a fine Italian restaurant list with confidence... |
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Greetings!
In like a Lion and out like a Lamb?
The votes were cast Sunday night and Kathryn Bigelow achieved another milestone taking away the Oscar for "The Hurt Locker" as best picture and the first for a woman director. I'm sitting here listening to the Morning Show critics passing judgement over the what the stars were wearing last night, who was cool and who was not and trying hard not to throw something at my flatscreen. It was nice to see a vote for substance over style even if there were political motives behind the vote. The film follows a United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team during the Iraq War as they contend with defusing bombs, the threat of insurgency, and the tension that develops among them. Don't get me wrong -I loved "Avatar" but behind all the great visuals is a story that we've heard and seen many times before. The fact that Bigelow is James Cameron's ex is a jab that was lost on no one. The bottom line it is a great picture about the was in Iraq that everyone should see. (I rented mine from Netflix.) Go see it if you can find a copy this week. Steve Martin and Alex Baldwin were great as co-hosts. Two jokers without a straight man. And did you see the white lady "Kanye West" that interrupted the technical awards??? What was up with that? Mo'nique was the right choice for best supporting actress. I think Meryl Streep should have gotten an award as well but all in all a good call all around.
(Just heard this on the Morning Show as well...) News Flash - new studies on alcohol & obesity show that women who drink moderate amounts of alcohol see less weight gain than those who abstain all together. Good news for all wine lovers. We Americans are slowly learning what the rest of the Western World has known for age - Wine is good for you...duh.
I had dinner last Wednesday with Marco from Vino Vino and an Italian winemaker that you should get to know; Michele Satta. He was in town for the day and did a trade show that day. Satta is considered a pioneer in Castagneto - Bolgheri, Tuscany's famous coastal wine-growing region. He came there from the North as an agricultural student and over the years has become a reference point for Super Tuscans. I was genuinely impressed at Michele's commitment to a genuine expression of terroir. The wines are big, bold and well-balanced and sacrifice nothing to achieve this. Another point of note is that his wines are super values when compared to his illustrious neighbors (i.e. - Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Grattamacco ...) We've been pouring his Bolgheri Rosso for a while and after meeting him I've decided to add his Piastraia. It is a bit pricey for by the glass but I think you come to expect us to bring you the best. You can get ordinary wines anywhere in town right? You won't be disappointed I promise. It's an amazing wine! I've included a link to his website. Take a moment and check it out. And look for the Piastraia this week on the cruvinet.
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Domaine Serene Wine Dinner
at Customshop
Tuesday March 30th 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $75.00 per person plus tax and gratuity
Customshop is a modern Roman trattoria with a neighborhood feel, located in the heart of Charlotte, NC in the Elizabeth neighborhood. Their menu offers an eclectic mix of traditional and innovative American dishes, inspired by Italian, French, and Spanish cuisine. Starting with the highest quality raw ingredients, Owner and Executive Chef, Trey Wilson & Crew serve up handcrafted dishes that are meticulously prepared. Customshop is also committed to supporting local, organic farm ventures by bringing their guests the freshest, sustainable foods in the area. The Wine Shop at Foxcroft is proud to be partnering with them to showcase one of Oregon's best wine producers, Domaine Serene. The menu is incredible and as with past Domaine Serene dinners this one is sure to sell out quickly. Please be sure to make your reservations with Customshop as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you there...
Menu
First Course
Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, Blood Orange and Calabrian Peppers
wine: 2007 Domaine Serene Rock Block Viognier
Second Course
Rabbit & Pistachio Ravioli, Mushroom Consomme
wine: 2007 Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir
Third Course
Wild Turkey Farms Pork Belly, Roasted Apples and Cippolini Marmalade wine: 2006 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
Fourth Course
Painted Hills Boneless Short Rib (Sous Vide) and Tuscan Kale
wine: 2006 Domaine Serene Jerusalem Hill Pinot Noir
Fifth Course
A Selection of Imported and Local Cheeses
wine: 2006 Domaine Serene Rockblock Reserve Syrah
RSVP CUSTOMSHOP 704-333-3396
1601 Elizabeth Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28204
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THE MARCH FAB FIVE |
Receive an additional 15% off when you buy a mixed or solid case these wines - on top of the regular bottle discount!
Wines arrive Thursday...
The Wines of
HAW RIVER WINE MAN
Cantina Fretana
Vallevò Pecorino Bianco 2008
Terre Di Chieti IGT
(Abruzzo, Italy)
Normal Retail $13.99 Sale Price $11.99
Located in the foothills of the Majella mountains, facing the Adriatic Sea, Cantina Fretana, due to the sea breezes and  calcareous soils possess a terroir that stands among the best in the world for grape production. The wine producing vineyards of Cantina Frentana are located within the land boundaries of the Frentana village,which lies south-east of the Appennine mountains near the historic city of Luciano in the very heart of the Abruzzo wine producing region. This area has been under vine since pre-Roman times.When we use the word, 'pecorino', Italian for 'sheep' to refer to the lusciously salty Italian sheep's milk cheese we all love. In this case however, pecorino is the name of a grape. Rediscovered in the mountain ravines of the Marche during the 1970s, Pecorino was believed to be extinct, and is now cultivated on small parcels in the Marche, Abruzzo, Tuscany, Liguria, Lazio and Umbria. There is some speculation that Pecorino is an ancestor of Pinot Blanc & Pinot Gris. With a pale straw color, Vallevò Pecorino is beautifully light wine with flavors and aromas of citrus, sage and wild flowers. The finish is dry and structured with crisp acidity, minerallity and faint traces of spice. Vallevò Pecorino is great as an aperitif, and with light pasta and all fish dishes.
Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Arneis 2008
(La Morra, Piedmont, Italy)
Normal Retail $20.99 Sale Price $17.99
The Monfalletto estate has belonged to the Falletti family for more than six centuries and is now the property of Giovanni and Enrico  Cordero di Montezemolo, nephews of the Marchioness Luigia Falletti and sons of Paolo Cordero di Montezemolo. It was Paolo Cordero di Montezemolo that began producing and marketing Piedmontese wines in 1940. Up until then, production had always been destined solely for direct consumption. Arneis, who's name roughly translates as "little rascal" is one of the dominant white grapes of Italy's Piedmont region, the other being Cortese. It produces a lightly styled white wine with gentle citrus edged orchard fruits that recalls pear and apricot and a slightly astringent floral note that can resemble almonds on the palate. Traditionally Arneis was produced as a slightly sweet wine both that style has fallen by the wayside. This Arneis is fresh and crisp with enough weight that you'll never miss that Chardonnay. Perfect with the fresh or grilled seafood that's bound to hit your table as the weather begins to warm.
Le Calle "Campo Beo" Rosso 2006
(Montecucco, Tuscany)
Normal Retail $14.99 January Price $12.99
A lot of you are familar with Le Calle's Poggio d' Oro which we've been pouring by the glass at our wine bar and from my travel blog last Fall of our trip to Tuscany. The folks at Le Calle are 100 per cent certified organic in everything they produce on their farm. This is a great ine  xpensive introduction to their wine. It's a field blend of Sangiovese Ciliegiolo and Canaioli grapes, fermented in stainless steel and aged in neutral oak. This wine is all about primary aromas and has a spicy floral nose that gives way to bright cherry fruit flavors in your mouth. Fresh juicy and uncomplicated, the perfect wine for a weeknight pizza or movie. These guys are the salts of the Earth and produce honest wine that reflects the land it comes from. Monteccuco is just south of Montalcino over the border into the Maremma and for that reason the wines don't fetch the higher prices of it's more famous sister. If the Catoccis were making this Rosso there you'd be looking at a twenty dollar price tag. Grab a bottle (or two) turn of your analytical brain and just enjoy. What's the score you ask? I give it 100 points - it's perfect as it is....
Tezza Corte Majoli Valpolicella Rippaso 2005
(Veneto, Italy)
Normal Retail $17.99 Sale Price $14.99
Located in the province of Verona, Italy, east of Lake Garda is the very hilly and marble rich soil of Valpolicella. Winemaking has existed in this Italian region since the time of the ancient Greeks. The name  Valpolicella is derived from a Latin and Greek mixture, which translated in English means "Valley of Cellars." The Tezza Family has been making wine here for generations and their Corte Majoli wines are produced with all estate fruit. Their quality to price ratio make them all terrific bargains. We really love their Ripasso for it's big ripe fruit and classic structure. A perfect wine to win over die-hard California Cabernet lovers. The wine is called Ripasso from the verb, ripassare which means to pass over or to do something again. The process of making Ripasso wine is by first taking the leftover skins, pulp, and seeds of a previously made Amarone wine, then having this liquid go through a second fermentation that can sometimes last for as long as 3 weeks. The result of this technique gives the wine an increased level of alcohol that clocks in around 14%, yet compared to a traditional Amarone, Ripasso wine will be a bit softer, fruitier and less tannic in its youth.The Ripasso technique adds color and depth while maintaining acidity. This is a classic Valpolicella Superiore Vino di Ripasso made from a blend of grapes, mostly Corvina, is fruit forward with flavors of cherry and cocoa with a hint of tobacco.
Fontanavecchia Aglianico del Taburno 2005
(Campania, Italy)
Normal Retail $18.99 Sale Price $16.99
The whole territory of Torrecuso is situated on the hillsides near Benevento, which start from the river Calore to the slopes of the Pentime Mountain. It is the district of the Taburno. The hillsides are sunny and covered with grapevines. Aglianico is the noble grape in this region. It was originally introduced to Italy by the Greeks who settled the penninsula a thousand years before the Roman Republic. Amid the hills of the Campania at Fontanavecchia (the name means old fountain), in sight of the remains of the ancient Roman bridge "Ponte Fenucchio" that spans the river Calore, rises the Azienda Agricola Orazio Rillo. Founded in 1980 by Orazio Rillo, this gentleman and his son, Libero, have resurrected the ancient tradition of quenching the parched throats of far-flung lands. Together, they lovingly nurture nearly 20 acres of vines planted in 8 separate, south facing vineyards to produce about seven thousand cases of wine annually. Although not alone in their endeavor to revive the viticultural glory of this earthquake-prone province, the Azienda Agricola Orazio Rillo is certainly one of the finest in the land.Aglianico is a black grape that originated in Greece and was brought to Italy thousands of years ago. While the exact date of its arrival is unknown Pliny the Elder wrote about Aglianico in the 1st century AD. It is also known to be the grape variety used in the production of the most famous wine drunk during Roman times, Falernum. Falernum was both a red and a white wine.Aglianico is capable of producing on the great red wines of Italy. Rich in color and tannin, these wines are capable of retaining high acidity even when very ripe. They can range from fairly fruity styles to majestic, ageworthy examples and while the deep plummy and wild cherry fruit is always evident it is usually complemented by nuanced earthy and cocoa tones and often reveals a strikingly deep mineral note.
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At the Wine Shop at Foxcroft our goal is to provide you with Charlotte's best selection of quality wines and beers at competitive prices. Great service is what we strive for so if there's anything you're looking for: that difficult vintage, a special gift, whatever, don't hesitate to contact us with your requests. We look forward to seeing you in the shop...
Sincerely,
Conrad, Crystal, Alex and all the Wine Shop at Foxcroft Staff |
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