The Experts We Trust - Lets Drink!

Drink Different! Regular customers know that we like bringing unusual, hand-picked yet approachable wines to our shelves. We look for wines that are of intrinsically high quality irrespective of the price point – with all of our selections we like to say 'Drink Different!'  The truth is in the glass  – just taste them and discover thrillingly distinctive and enjoyable wines. Our goal is to look just a little bit harder for wines that are off the beaten track and which offer both good value for money and unqualified.....Yummyness.   Most of the wine we offer comes from family owned vineyards.  People that work in the fields, harvest the grapes and make the wine authentically - no tricks, no manipulation, the same methods that generations before them have used to make something special. These wines are not mass produced, they do not come from modern factories - they come from the heart, with equal amounts of pride and accountability for whats in the bottle. Take a look the next time you visit our store. Start your weekend here  - a little wine, a little cheese, and maybe a surprise or two. Don't Wine Without Us Please join us on Friday night. 5-8pm - No Charge Please Bring Your Friends And Join Us On Friday 5:00 - 8:00pm - No Charge This Friday we welcome Mr. Chris McDermott back to the store. He has carefully cherry picked wines from his portfolio that are exactly what you need now. We are featuring wine that pairs perfectly with the chill in the air.  DR FRANK GEWURZTRAMINER Finger Lakes - New York  Dr. Konstantin Frank ignited the “Vinifera Revolution” a movement that forever changed the course of wine growing in the Finger Lakes and the United States. Dr. Frank’s vision, knowledge and determination are credited with elevating the New York wine industry from a state of happy mediocrity to a level that today commands world attention. This is a delicious, zesty wine with complex mineral overtones and a long, clean, fresh finish with notes of ripe pineapple and green apple.   These old vine vineyards are among the oldest in the United States. While they produce fewer grapes, the quality of the fruit results in more complex wines. 100% Gewürztraminer from Keuka Lake and Seneca Lake estate vineyards. Please try it this Friday night. Légende Bordeaux Blanc Château Lafite Rothschild Owner of Château Lafite Rothschild for five generations, the Rothschild family has been based in this Bordeaux vineyard since 1868. High values and the respect of traditional methods make them passionate about harmony and excellence.  Their skills have patiently enriched through the generations, with world-renowned success. Lovingly cared for by a multitude of winegrowers, the common characteristic of Bordeaux’s vineyards is the elegance and freshness of their wines which, while they reflect a rich culture and are are surrounded by a certain grandeur, are nonetheless easy to drink.   The Collection’s Bordeaux Blanc, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, explodes with freshness on the palate, in a direct, straightforward style, going beyond a “high tech” product to offer the simple pleasure of a fresh, lively white.   This is a real treat, please try it this Friday. Planeta La Segreta Bianca SICILY ‘It is a new way of thinking about the journey through Sicily; after Menfi, Vittoria, then Noto, then Etna, then Milazzo. Not a random route, but one strongly linked to the variety of countryside, to the winds, to the character of the people and thus of their wine…’ - Diego Planeta La Segreta takes its name from the woods which surround our vineyard at Ulmo. This young fresh wine principally produced from Grecanico grapes gains personality and style with the addition of some international variety grapes.  All grapes are cultivated in the vineyards owned by Planeta. La Segreta is the perfect approach to Sicilian wine, guaranteed by the Planeta family’s patient input, from vine to wine. A tremendous food wine and something you should be drinking now. Please try it this Friday. SPECIAL EVENT Gonzales & Bayass - Sherry Tasting Wednesday November 14th 6:00pm - RSVP Required No Charge - Limited Seating 860-443-6817 In 1849 Manuel Maria Gonzalez created his own brand Tio Pepe, the first registered trade mark in Spain. In 1835, a young man called Manuel María González Angel arrived in Jerez, intent on making a name for himself in the thriving and lucrative sherry business. Encouraged by the consistent growth in exports, that same year he purchased a small winery and began to produce and export his own wines. This was the start of Bodegas Tío Pepe - Today, Bodegas Tío Pepe is known around the world as one of the leading producers of sherry and Brandy de Jerez.  Join Us for Tapas, History and a portfolio tasting of the most awarded Sherry producer in the world. West+Wilder  A great bottle of wine that happens to come in cans. Drinks Well Anywhere! This crisp sparkling white is sunshine in a can. The lively green papaya, jasmine, and lemon lime zest signal refreshment. The majority of fruit for this wine comes from coastal Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Albariño, with small touches of Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Gris to focus the palate. Pleasingly graceful with its playful acidity and balance, this wine is delightful to drink and turns heads with its style.  Absolutely perfect for any on the go occasion. Football games, camping - this is the best in cans so far!  Please try it this Friday Night. Questions - 860-443-6817 Friday October 12th - Chris McDermott Friday October 19th - Zambuni Wines Friday October 26 - Eric Bellnier - Halloween Tasting SATURDAY October 27 - Mad River Spirts Tasting - 1-4pm Wednesday November 14th - RSVP REQUIRED The History Of Sherry - Gonzales & Byass Tasting Friday November 9th - Special Hugel Tasting - Don't Miss It. ​Meet your friends, sample and taste and start your weekend with us. Drink Different! 860-443-6817

The Drops Of God

One series of books that succeeds in humanizing wine and placing it within a larger social, emotional, and intellectual context is the Japanese manga series The Drops of God. Authored by brother and sister team Yuko and Shin Kibayashi (under their pseudonym "Tadashi Agi") and illustrated by Shu Okimoto, the manga uses wine as a medium for self-discovery, friendship and love-while educating its readers along the way. It's engaging, informative, gripping and aspirational in a way that traditional wine books are not.
 
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. 

The books are a quick read. They tout exciting plot lines, sharp illustrations and alluring wines that capture immediate attention. 
 
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.

The plot hinges upon a blind tasting competition between two men vying for their father's esteemed wine collection.  Whoever correctly identifies twelve wines - the "twelve apostles" and a thirteenth, the "Drops of God" in a manner most like their father described in his will wins the storied collection as an inheritance. Eleven of the twelve apostles have been revealed so far.

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.

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.

Saransot Dupre - Medoc  

Tenuta Roveglia vineyards are on the southern shores of Lake Garda in an area heralded for its wine since the Romans. "Our Lugana embodies this wine region's most acclaimed features: a fruity accent with a dry, subtle finish and a delicate refined bouquet."

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 Maine
In 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."