They subtly explain vintage variation, correct wine service, blind tasting as both a sensory experience and an avenue to determining quality, and historical appellations are all topics granted attention. This is a different kind of wine book. It's engaging, informative, gripping and aspirational in a way that traditional wine books are not.
Book One's opening scene begins with the protagonist reverently pouring a ribbon of 1990 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru "Richebourg" into a bulbous Burgundy glass, swirling it patiently and noting that it smells like "the scent of a hundred flowers combined." Later scenes add texture and meaning.
We have printed a list of those wines for you, pick it up on Friday - And we have have a wine that was mentioned in the series for you to try. We hope to see you at the weekly tasting.
DROPS OF GOD
Japanese sommelier's journey to Burgundy
The winemaker behind the Maison Lou Dumont label is Koji Nakada, a former Japanese sommelier at a French restaurant in Tokyo, who moved to Burgundy with his Korean wife Jae Hwa Park.
In 2000, they formed micro-negociant firm Maison Lou Dumont, named for their goddaughter and the mountains where they grew up. In their Gevrey-Chambertin cellar, they produce 23 wines, some of which are mentioned in the popular Japanese wine manga "Drops of God." The Japanese characters (kanji) on the labels mean earth, sky and man, the elements Nakada sees as essential to producing wine.
What struck me about all the Maison Lou Dumont wines I tasted were their elegance, sensual aromas, delicacy and sense of terroir. Nothing is excessive or overdone, neither oak nor extraction. Which is why the Passe-tout-Grains is such a lovely, satisfying red.
Japanese sommelier's journey to Burgundy
The winemaker behind the Maison Lou Dumont label is Koji Nakada, a former Japanese sommelier at a French restaurant in Tokyo, who moved to Burgundy with his Korean wife Jae Hwa Park.
In 2000, they formed micro-negociant firm Maison Lou Dumont, named for their goddaughter and the mountains where they grew up. In their Gevrey-Chambertin cellar, they produce 23 wines, some of which are mentioned in the popular Japanese wine manga "Drops of God." The Japanese characters (kanji) on the labels mean earth, sky and man, the elements Nakada sees as essential to producing wine.
What struck me about all the Maison Lou Dumont wines I tasted were their elegance, sensual aromas, delicacy and sense of terroir. Nothing is excessive or overdone, neither oak nor extraction. Which is why the Passe-tout-Grains is such a lovely, satisfying red.
Saransot Dupre - Medoc
Saransot Dupre's red wine has always been marked by fully-mature tannins joined together with a supple and round personality. These qualities give it an elegance that makes the wine easily enjoyable in its youth. This character comes from a vineyard planted mostly with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Contrary to the Médoc practice which favors a predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Château's planting is actually a return to tradition since Merlot and Cabernet Franc were the commmune's main grape varieties according to INAO when the Listrac appelation was created in 1957.
Tenuta Roveglia grows and harvests its own grapes and bottles its own wine.
Born in the thirties, Tenuta Roveglia boasts the most extensive vineyard in the area of Lugana. Tenuta Roveglia has 125 acres of vineyards within the more than 245 acres of the estate.
The grapes come from the area of Lugana designated as premier cru, which was already heralded for its wine by the ancient Roman poet Catullo two thousand years ago.
Tasting Notes: Lugana is a high quality wine characterized by its gentle yellow color with brilliant reflections and aromatic notes of peach and vanillin. This wine offers fruity accent with a dry, subtle elegant finish, and is particularly well suited for poultry, light pasta and seafood dishes. Lugana is also the perfect aperitif.
WHISKEY NEWS
New England Distilling, Portland MaineIn 1851 Maine became the first state to ban the sale and manufacture of alcoholic beverages. Under Portland's Mayor Neal Dow-the "Father of Prohibition"-the Maine law was passed through Legislation, and many states followed suit.
Fast forward 162 years. Portland, for a city of its size, boasts one of the largest concentrations of breweries and distilleries in America. Helping to bridge the gap between the past and the present is Ned Wight, owner of New England Distillery.
MADE IN MAINE
IN STOCK NOW:
Ingenium Dry Gin
Eight Bells Rum
Gunpowder Rye Whiskey
TALISKER STORM
Talisker in any guise is a very special and idiosyncratic single malt, defining an Island style that is all its own. The last year has seen Diageo expand the existing portfolio with three new Talisker expressions, namely Storm, Dark Storm (matured in heavily charred casks), and Port Ruighe (port finish), all released without age statements. Of this trio, Talisker Storm seems the pick, with one commentator describing it as "...everything that you love about other Taliskers with the settings
PENDLETON BLENDED CANADIAN WHISKEY
A few years back, I was looking for a go-to standard without the familiar, harsh bite of Jameson or Bushmills, or the hefty price tag of Red Breast. I love Pendleton's slightly sweeter, bourbon-like profile, with hints of raisins and toast and a rich flavor reminiscent of a pecan pie, with plenty of deep-caramel goodness. It is just the thing for a shot added to hot drink on chilly evenings, or when I'm making Irish coffee for Sunday brunch with friends.
DARK HORSE DISTILLERY RESERVE BOURBON
SOLD OUT
This small-batch bourbon, made in Kansas City using locally sourced corn and rye, comes in sexy, hand-numbered and signed bottles-which I love-but it's the smooth, smoky, leather-and-maple flavor, which owes its clean finish to copper still distillation (a process more typical in Scotch production), that makes this one of my favorite bourbons for sipping neat.
First Come, First Served
turned right up."
