MainWine.com

Gluttony May Be a Sin, but Gluten-Free is Not

Admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:27:09 +0000

It’s great to see so many producers striving to create some quality gluten-free beers. More and more people are discovering all the time that even if they haven’t been diagnosed with Celiac Disease – probably the most common reason to go on a gluten free diet – they just seem to FEEL better when they lower their gluten intake. And some producers are actually pulling it off; of the beers listed below, David & Joe (the manager and owner) actually RAVED about what a great beer the Brunehaut Blonde is, gluten-free or not. But you know what I’d love to see? A comprehensive blind taste test of gluten-free beer against conventional beer. Why? Because I think they’d get a much better rap than they do when the reviewer KNOWS that they’re tasting a gluten-free beer. We often link to reviews on Beer Advocate, because there is a huge community of exceptionally knowledgeable beer connoisseurs there. But we took a quick glance at what they had to say about most gluten-free beers, and decided they were being way too harsh. We first talked about people’s ability to taste nearly a decade ago, and periodically someone will do a well-publicized blind taste test of wines, and get shocking results like the $80 Pinot Noir beating the $5,000 Pinot Noir. Or discovering that the same wine tastes better when it’s priced at $90 than when it’s priced at $10. It’s likely that the reason that we don’t see many high-profile blind taste tests is because of the lesson learned by a bunch of snobs in France in 1976 at the Judgment of Paris, when a slew of lowly California wines took all the awards. The fact is, psychology plays a HUGE factor in taste, whether it’s wine, beer, spirits, or even food. So whether you’re trying to eliminate gluten from your diet or not, maybe it’s time to give one of these beers a shot. Lakefront was the first in the US to get a gluten-free label, but Bard’s is produced by two beer lovers striving to create a beer they themselves like, after finding out they had celiac disease. And New Planet is not only making some interesting beers, but each of their labels is named after a concept that helps “do good things” for the planet. So whether you want to do something good for yourself, or do something good for the planet, give gluten-free a shot. You might be surprised at how tasty some of these beers actually are, especially if you’re a cider fan. And if you ARE a cider fan, we have over 30 of those on hand to sample as well! Check out the gluten free choices below.

Brunehaut Bio Blond	Hazy golden with a medium white head. Yeasty and slightly spicy aroma with some earthy and dusty hops. 6.5% ABV
Brunehaut Bio Amber	Amber copper colour with a beige head. Caramel malts smells with reminiscences to vanilla, some toffee, butterscotch and ripe fruits. 6.5% ABV
Lakefront New Grist	New Grist was the first beer to be certified gluten-free by the US Government. A refreshing “session ale”, the flavor is crisp and refreshing, fruity and smooth at the same time. Hints of green apple slice through the maltiness of the sorghum, making this an extremely quaffable beer. It pours a brilliant gold color, with a bubbly head and light, fruity aroma. A great pairing with grilled veggies and fries. Ideal Serving Temp: 46-48°F 5.7% ABV No other nutrition info available at time of writing.
Bard’s Golden	The makers of Bard’s beer – Craig Belser and Kevin Seplowitz – suffered from celiac disease themselves, so set out to make a beer they could enjoy themselves. Bard’s is the result. This Golden Sorghum Lager will appeal to beer drinkers who prefer the lighter taste of lagers It has a light crisp taste to meet the thirst quenching requirements of the lager style while still having enough body to interest the ale drinker during the spring and summer seasons. 20.5 IBU, 4.6% ABV 155 calories per 12oz
Green’s Endeavor	All natural dubbel dark ale made from millet, rice, buckwheat and sorghum. Walnut brown, full-bodied, with flavors of roasted grain and dark fruit. Endeavour replaced Green’s Explorer Stout. 6% ABV No other nutrition info available at time of writing.
Redbridge Beer	Redbridge is a rich, full-bodied lager brewed from sorghum for a well-balanced, moderately hopped taste. We apply the true art of brewing – from the brewhouse process through fermentation and aging – to give Redbridge its hand crafted quality and specialty beer taste.
Tread Lightly Ale	Tread Lightly Ale is a well-balanced gluten-free ale beer made from sorghum, corn extract, orange peel, hops, and yeast. It’s a bright and light bodied craft beer with a refreshing taste and doesn’t have the after taste of other sorghum-based beers. Made with Sorghum, Corn, Orange Peel, Hops, Yeast 5% ABV, 179 Calories
3R Raspberry Ale	3R Raspberry Ale is an award winning ale with the right balance of fruit flavor and aroma. Made from sorghum, corn extract, natural raspberry puree, orange peel, hops, and yeast. Not overly sweet, the Oregon grown fruit puree creates a beautiful body color with a natural raspberry flavor. Made with Sorghum, Corn Extract, Natural Oregon Raspberry Puree, Orange Peel, Hops, Yeast 5% ABV, 160 Calories
Off Grid Pale Ale	Off Grid Pale Ale is a wonderful interpretation of the classic pale ale style. It has a distinctly deep amber color and great character and body. Three varieties of hops provide a wonderful aroma and a citrus and spicy hop flavor. This smooth gluten-free ale is made from sorghum and brown rice extract, molasses, tapioca maltodextrin, caramel color, hops, and yeast. Made with Sorghum, Brown Rice Extract, Molasses, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Caramel Color, Hops, Yeast 5% ABV, 170 Calories

April Can Be Taxing…

Admin — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:16:58 +0000

Whether tax season is a tiresome period when you do a lot of extra work only to figure out how much you won’t get paid for doing it, or the time when you grab an EZ form and figure out your “magic money” refund for the year, we can all probably agree that we deserve a reward for our agony leading up to tax day. That’s why we’ve picked our Spring specials on wine and craft beer to coincide with tax day. As well as the usual types of specials we feature on our standard shelf items, David (the manager) has gone through the premium cellar and picked about a half-dozen additional items. One of the more interesting ones – if you happen to have hit the tax lotto big this year – is a 1997 Opus One Imperial (six liter) bottle. This has been carefully cellared and rotated appropriately. We had a rare opportunity to photograph it in a vertical position as the cellar was being reorganized. Usually $2249.95, for a limited time we’ll let it go for $1999.99! But of course most of us would buy a used car before spending two grand on a bottle of wine, so we have plenty of other deals, starting as low as $7.99 for a bottle of Concha y Toro Moscato, or $4.99 for a six pack of Schell’s! Spring has sprung! See the regular specials here, the premium choices here.

Zaya Rum and Why We’re Going To Trinidad

Admin — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:16:25 +0000

Learn more about why we’re going to
Trinidad at our premium spirits site,
HandSelectedSpirits.com

It looks like I’m taking a trip to Trinidad. Why? Because if Joe – the owner here at Main Party – doesn’t take me along when he goes. I’m quitting. And why is he going? Because back in December, he met a couple of gentleman from Infinium Spirits, the purveyors of Zaya Rum, and fell in love. With the rum that is, not the gentlemen from Zaya. For them, he developed an instant respect for their passion for creating a fine spirit. Enough respect that he not only decided to carry the rum in the store, but he also decided to add it to the exclusive selections at our premium wine & spirits site HandSelectedSpirits.com, which means taking a trip to Trinidad, where this exceptional rum is made. If you’re already a rum aficionado, you will either like Zaya for what it is or not, but there is no argument about whether it is one of the finer rums in the world. If you’re not particularly into rum, you may still have it in your head that rum only exists to make a rum and coke, and have some vague memories left over from a wild night out on a tropical vacation that it’s also used for Daiquiris and Mai Tais. Or perhaps you recently discovered the Mojito. If you fall into the latter camp, it’s time to study up! And what kind of studying is more interesting than “studying” an interesting new fine spirit? Rum has a fascinating and rich history that extends back to the American Revolution and beyond, as we explain in our History of Rum over at HandSelectedSpirits.com. And for many, the modern perception was shaped almost entirely by the dominant white rums and the handful of dark rums that were the only ones available for decades. The fact is that saying “I don’t like rum” is like saying “I don’t like red wine”. While one is certainly entitled to not like something, that’s a pretty sweeping statement. Much like other spirits, rum begins with a fairly simple base that gives it part of its character. What sets rum apart is that this base is sugar, or in the case of Zaya, blackstrap molasses. After the original distilling – much like whiskey or brandy – the art is in carefully selecting the right barrels for aging, and as the rum ages, applying master blending skills to create a world-class spirit. Which is what Zaya Rum is. To learn more about Zaya, visit our specialty site and find out more about how it’s made, the history of rum in general, and even the colorful history of Trinidad , which is as rich and complex as Zaya. We even included ideas for how best to enjoy Zaya, below:

Zaya Cocktail Recipe

3 oz. of Zaya Rum
Served in a snifter.
Garnish frowned upon.

Just having some fun; while this probably is the best way to enjoy it, Zaya’s mellow character also makes it a perfect component of a lot of classic cocktails, so we’ve included a full list of Zaya’s cocktail suggestions here.

Versatile & Romantic Wines For Valentine’s Day

Admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:14:42 +0000

Mi Amore from Northern Italy -
a versatile choice with a
charmingly romantic label.

If your number one priority this Valentine’s Day is picking the perfect wine, or getting the best table at the most expensive restaurant, your priorities may be a little out of order. Like the accomplished romance artist and crooner Dean Martin said, “when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore”. A romantic Valentine’s Day should be about the love, and all the other things that express it – some flowers, a simple gift, some sensual food, some levity, and the look in the eyes. Not the price tag and the Robert Parker score. That’s why we’ve picked some versatile, accessible, and affordable bubblies and table wines for your consideration. Italy and Spain are sort of legendary for expertise in the romance department, which might explain the fun sexiness of the wines here. And we especially focused on wines that have a romantic hue, or in the case of the Mi Amore, a romantic label. The producers themselves say that the “two doves kissing represent peace, harmony and passion”. What more do you want out of Valentine’s Day. We’ve suggested some wine, the rest is up to you.

Progetto4 Rosè Cuvèe Spumante Extra Dry	Brilliant deep pink in color with ruby glints. Aromas of red berries, especially strawberry and raspberry. Agreeably intense, fruity and particularly fragrant. The harmony created by the brilliant colour plus the aroma of red berries makes it highly quaffable and pleasant to drink. An extremely versatile sparkling wine suitable as an aperitif as well as for accompanying raw shellfish or white meat. Excellent with pasta dishes, but should also be tried in somewhat “unusual” combinations such as with pizza. Serve in a large glass to appreciate to the full the fine perlage and the intense aromas. $17.99
Querido Rosé Frizzante Tenuta Villa Tavernago	A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are used in different percentages depending on the year. A very delicate peachy color with golden highlights, with delicate and persistent bubbles. Aromas of bread & vanilla present themselves, but on the palate, this sparking wine has pleasant balance of tart fruit and sweetness that makes it suitable as a classic aperitif, but also excellent with appetizers of fish, raw fish (carpaccio, sushi), or oysters. Also flexible enough to enjoy with varied combinations, as above. Great for accompanying a romantic spread or a picnic. $16.99/$14.99
Opera Prima Pink Moscato	This fine sparkling presents intense aromas of fresh berries and tropical fruit with hints of white flower petals. Delicate bubbles caress the palate offering a silky and pleasant sweetness well balanced by a crisp refreshing finish. Opera Prima is produced by J. Garcia Carrion Winery, the largest, family-owned wine producer in Spain. The grapes are sourced from La Mancha, the largest wine region in Spain and the world. All Opera Prima wines are vinified, aged and bottled at the family’s winery in Damiel, Spain. Now run by the 6th consecutive generation, Opera Prima represents the family’s commitment to the varietals, terroir and high-quality wines produced in this region. $8.99 or 2/$15.00
	Produced from the Refosco grapes of Northern Italy’s “individualistic” Emilia-Romagna region. If you’re a narrow-minded connoisseur, you may turn your nose up at the simplicity and accessibility of these wines. That’s okay, the rest of us will just go ahead and enjoy them as they’re meant to be enjoyed, as a versatile accompaniment to anything from pastas to seafood or poultry, or simply with some good company. Ruby red with Intense purple hues, Mi Amore Red carries scents of cherry and raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied and sweet with gentle tannins; it should be served slightly chilled. $11.99
	Produced from Albana grapes, Mi Amore white is light straw yellow with silvery hues. Presents aromas of dusty exotic tropical fruits, apricot, and light caramel that lead into a lively and pleasantly simple palate of tart fruit and sweet cider. Finishes with a clean cidery-ness. From the Romagna region, south of Venice. A clean, sweet taste makes a great companion for desserts, but is also an exciting non traditional combination with seafood. It particularly compliments the natural sweetness of scallops and shrimp. $11.99

Ben Hogan Wine – A Master Stroke?

Admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:44:49 +0000

Golf and wine have at least a couple of things in common. One is that they both involve a pursuit of perfection that mostly ends up falling short, but results in a very enjoyable experience. Enjoyable, that is, if you like golf or wine! Another is that a big part of what makes both enjoyable is based on companionship and storytelling. Can you imagine truly enjoying a wine if you couldn’t share it with a friend, and talk about where it came from, how it was made, or the unique story of the vineyard owner or winemaker? And likewise with golf – if it was all about perfecting your game, there would hardly be any reason to have a bar back at the club, now *would there. And these are the sorts of things that make these special Ben Hogan wines we’re featuring worth a look, and probably a great gift idea for Father’s Day, or for the golfer in your life, regardless of gender. The wines themselves are not exceptional wines, but they’re actually pretty good. And pretty good is usually more than enough when it comes to wine or golf. As a woman we know who is both a wine rep AND a golfer said, “who cares about 90+ ratings when the juice is good, and you have good company!” And you’re in pretty good company in this case; if you know anything about golf, you know who Ben Hogan is. And if you don’t, there’s Wikipedia. And the story of how this wine happened is a fun story in itself. Especially the little details like how when the California vineyard’s owner Matthew Talbert – who is Australian – printed his newly hired (and award winning) winemaker Chris Cameron’s business cards with his name upside down. Get it? Talbert is from “down under”. The wines are in fact made in partnership with Ben Hogan products, so if you’re thinking about gifting, you might want to check out Ben Hogan apparel and golf gear to accompany the wine. Oh yeah. Back to the wine itself! We have a limited number of the collector’s sets, finished with each bottling matching numerically (only 500 were produced), individually wrapped, and containing a Certificate of Authenticity. We also have a few of the three and two bottle packages, and a lot of individual “Tribute” series wines listed below. These wines are a good value anyway, but the numbered collections are a steal. We got a good deal, and are passing it on to you. Remember:

As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.
~ Ben Hogan

	A commemorative box containing all 5 varietals. Every bottle has been masterfully designed in intricate detail. There are only 500 sets available individually numbered 1 of 500, etc., each set with its own Certificate of Authenticity. Originally $225.00, now $69.99
Zinfandel	The very ripe black cherry characters are almost overpowering, tempered only by the soft and rich palate. This wine is a real mouthful, it shows how extraordinary the variety can be. Normally a spicier wine, the fruit for this wine ripened very quickly and maintained its naturally balancing acidity. The potential existed for the wine to become way too alcoholic but the fermentation was arrested, leaving a balancing hint of residual sugar. Made with the ‘wow factor’ in mind, this wine suits foods with strong flavors, even a companion to chocolate, cakes and puddings. Very rarely does this variety give up this level of concentrated fruit. Was $20.00, Now $9.99
Carnoustie	The Carnoustie is blended utilizing the strengths of Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot. Each varietal offers its own attribute to the blend. Syrah is rich, ripe and forward with a mouth-filling texture while Cabernet lends strength and ‘backbone’ to the wine. The addition of Merlot binds this wine together with its ripe middle palate weight and length of flavor. Again, the 2008 harvest year was dry and resulted in more intense and concentrated fruit. The Carnoustie is a wine for all seasons, something that will accompany almost any dish, certainly something worth experimenting with. Was $20.00, Now $9.99
Cabernet	The 2008 Harvest had quite low yields and as a result the wines produced all possessed intense, concentrated fruit. In years like this it is critical to avoid over-ripe characters, this Cabernet is an exceptional wine, displaying its robust nature while maintaining balance structure. It is a full-bodied style with rich, ripe blackcurrant and black berry fruits, balanced with spicy oak and a firm, grippy finish, very typical of great examples of this variety. A true Bordeaux style, this is a wine that requires food dishes with equally resilient flavors, such as roasts and juicy steaks. Was $20.00, Now $9.99
Syrah	The wine has concentrated ripe berry fruits with a hint of spice, cedar-like oak support and great length of flavor. Best described as ‘fleshy’, the palate is fruit forward and lasting with a supple tannin finish. Often reminiscent of ripe plums, the varietal characteristics and structure make this style a very unique food wine. It is possible to pair Syrah with a very broad array of dishes, especially lamb and rosemary. Was $20.00, Now $9.99
Chardonnay	The Chardonnay is a style combining the pure fruit characteristics of the variety with careful winemaking techniques to offer a richly flavored, mouth-filling wine. Hints of ripe tropical fruit balance the subtle oak aromas, leading into a richly layered, complex palate. The wine has extended lees contact and stirring (called batonnage) with a minor percentage of malo-lactic fermentation, all adding to its structure. The winemaker’s Australian heritage is evident with this being a more fruit forward. Was $20.00, Now $9.99

A Peek At Two Exceptional Champagnes At Their Peak

Admin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:43:03 +0000

You might find a little traffic jam in the center aisle near the front of the store this weekend, and then again the week of February 14. That’s because that’s where most of our champagne and sparkling wine is found. But don’t let that stop you from making your way to the cellar in the back, which is where the two exceptional vintage champagnes featured below can be found! Last year we pointed out that “Too Much Champagne” Is An Oxymoron, highlighting how “quantity has a quality all its own”, and just how affordable a good sparkling wine can be. We also talked about hosting and toasting and the origin of the old line Champagne For My Real Friends, Real Pain For My Sham Friends, observing that we have over 150 sparklers on hand to help make any celebration a success. It’s probably more like 200 this year! And amongst all those sparkling wines and champagnes, this year we have some excellent prices on the two late 90′s champagnes below. These two are both in the middle of their peak, and will probably drink well until 2015-2020. So break out some remarkable bubbly without breaking the budget. And this New Year, be the best host or guest you can be, be happy, and most of all, be safe! Happy 2012!

Henriot La Cuvee Des Enchanteleurs 1995

Most reviewers who have uncorked this exceptional ’95 champagne have reported that it has only gotten better over the last few years. This is a bubbly that may be near its peak, although it should be fine through 2020. A dynamic nose of brioche, lemon, smoky roasted nuts, and honey. It presents with elegance in spite of the forceful wine that the palate will experience immediately after! A rich and creamy mouthfeel with an intense palate of lemon, vanilla, spice, almond, and rich toasty biscuit. Very long finish. $199.99 $149.99

Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvee 225 1997

This special cuvée is named after the cellar workers whose job was to watch over casks of the best wines. Extremely clear, a fine continuity in the bubbles, and a superb sparkle, all of which complement the subtle gold color. This is a generous champagne, presenting hints of honey, cinnamon and clove, apricot, peaches and vanilla to the nose. A palate of musky apple traits, with rich toffee, caramel, and subtle, balanced accents of oak, smokiness and spice. This wine should be at its peak through 2015, and still drinking well for several years beyond. $119.99 $79.99

Yule Be Glad To Hear That Christmas Beer Is Here Again

Admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:02:42 +0000

Have you ever heard of the Christmas 5 Pack? According to Urban Dictionary, this is the term that describes those times when you buy that new seasonal beer that you’ve never tried for your friend as a Christmas gift, and by the time you actually get to your friend’s house, he ends up with – you guessed it - the Christmas 5 pack. If you’ve ever experienced a Michigan winter, you know that the same conditions that inspired the hearty and flamboyant winter brews in northern Europe are just around the corner by the time December arrives, which is why we’re highlighting a few of the couple dozen winter and Christmas beers we have on hand. We went into more depth last year, but the fact is that the average craft beer lover these days is well studied enough that we won’t be telling them anything they don’t already know, so we won’t bore you. Suffice to say that ever since the Santa’s Butt Scandal of a few years ago, beer makers have all the freedom they want to have fun with their winter brews, and they exercise it. As well as the established names in winter and Christmas beers, we usually have any smaller production holiday craft beer that’s available in Michigan. Call us if you’re looking for something special, many of these craft brewery specialties are sold out almost the day they come in, so we don’t torture our valued customers by listing them!

Winterkoninkske	This beer is from Kerkom, a classic Belgian farmhouse brewery. It’s unfiltered, not pasteurized, and produced with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The ‘Winterkoninkske’ is the ideal beer to make a cold and chilly winter evening pleasant, but be aware that this winter ale is made with juniper berries and a touch of lavender, which may startle the unsuspecting beer drinker’s palate. 11.2oz $1.99 or 2/$3.69, ABV 8.3%
Scaldis Noël	Scaldis Noël is a high fermentation, filtered beer and has an alcohol volume of 12%. The substantial use of caramel malt gives it a coppery red colour and an exceptional roundness. Careful, studied hopping gives this beer a consistent, fruity flavour with a delicately hopped aroma. A limited edition beverage, Scaldis Noël is an indispensable reference among the end-of-year beers. 750ML $19.99, 8.48oz $4.99, ABV 12%
St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël	This beer has a generous head – compact and firm. Its slightly brown colour is the result of the roasted barley. It has a dark ruby brown colour and a very intense aroma. The aromatic herbs and spices used greatly enhance its delicious smell. Full-bodied with a smoothness that is the result of the synergy of caramelised malts, carefully controlled fermentation and long cold storage. 750ML $12.49 ABV 9%
Wittekerke Winter Wit	A special release from Bavik; a double version of their familiar ale, in a 750ML bottle. Golden orange in color, wheat & apple up front as well as a lot of spice with cinnamon and coriander. Not a complex palate, but smooth, creamy wheat and fruit leads to a light clean finish. 750ML $10.49 7.5% ABV
Nøgne Ø Winter Ale (aka Nøgne Ø God Jul)	A dark ale brewed specially for the Christmas season, with a rich, complex taste of caramel. This is a strong, dark and rather sweet Christmas Beer – just the way we think a Christmas beer should be. 500ML $10.99 ABV: 8.5%

The Mythical Perfect Wine For Thanksgiving (and the holidays in general)

Admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:51:33 +0000

Just look for the colorful little wreaths

[UPDATED: We will continue to feature these wines through December] Some of you may have been clever this year, and planned an exacting menu for Thanksgiving dinner, with carefully selected courses, and no mystery dishes brought by guests. This information is not for you. We’re sure you’ll have no trouble finding what you need amongst our nearly 3,000 wines on hand. But the rest of us are left with the age old challenge of deciding which wine is perfect to accompany smoked ham, deep-fried turkey, canned onions on green bean casserole, those horrifying fluffy fruit-and-cool-whip based conconctions your aunt Millie brings (deviously named something like “ambrosia”), and sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Gone are any hopes of an intimate and loving relationship between the food and the wine. No, a better analogy would be a public orgy, or maybe a even riot. Yes, on Thanksgiving, you almost have to think of your wine choice more as riot gear. You need a wine that’s simpler, bolder, lighter, sweeter, more acidic, and a whole range of other words that don’t belong together. In other words, a good basic strategy is to have at least three wines on the table. The good news is that this doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some of the better choices to do battle with the Thanksgiving spread are coincidentally often less expensive varietals. For reds, a Beaujolais or other Gamay, a hearty Spanish or Italian, or a Pinot Noir will fare well. And grandma will love the pretty label on the easy-to-quaff Beaujolais Nouveau that you might ordinarily turn your nose up at. For whites, a Riesling, a Torrontes, or white blend will be fine, and don’t forget the utility of a nice Rose or mid-priced sparkler for cutting through the dense palate of a holiday dinner. So even with this knowledge and freedom, picking three wines out of the thousands in our store could still be a bit of a challenge. So we’ve picked some FOR you. In the center of the store is a section devoted entirely to about 30 holiday wine choices, with a selection focused mostly on Banfi, Trivento, Georges Duboeuf, and a few other familiar names. We also picked out about thirty more throughout the store, and marked them with the curious Turkey you see on the left. Below is a sampling of what’s amongst the section in the middle of the store. So have fun with it! Pick a nice bottle to make yourself happy, and then freestyle a bit!

Some of these are discounted by 10%-50%, and a few are in their last years as a good wine…

CHATEAU DES CAPITANS JULIENAS – GEORGES DUBOUEF 2008
Pair with coq au vin, red meats, oven-roasted meats & poultry, or distinctive cheeses. Best cool. 21.99/17.99

GEORGES DUBOEUF MOULIN A VENT DOMAINE DE LA TOUR DU BIEF 2005
Big and jammy, dark fruits, some earth & licorice. Hints of red pepper. A simple, versatile Gamay. 24.99/12.49

GEORGES DUBOEUF MOULIN A VENT HAND HARVESTED GAMAY 2008
A big Gamay, both floral and fruity, with notes of violets and cherries. Moderate tannins, delicately spiced. 19.99/15.99

GEORGES DUBOEUF MOULIN A VENT DOMAINE DE LA TOUR DU BIEF 2009
A high note of banana over ripe strawberry scents; mouth-filling berry, almost seems sweet on the first taste. 24.99

SAINT-HILLAIRE BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX BRUT
Dry, toasty, clean, slightly creamy texture. Palate is light and crisp with citrus and apple. Just hefty enough for versatility. 14.99

VRANKEN DEMOISELLE BRUT ROSE GRANDE CUVEE
Clear salmon pink, nose: raspberries and wild strawberries. Palate is light and vivacious, deliciously fruity on the palate. 39.99

SERGIO MIONETTO ROSE
Peachy pink with deep red glimmers. Hint of pink grapefruit, raspberry, blackcurrant, notes of wild roses. 17.99/12.99

CARRA COLOMBINA ROSE
A fun, bright cherry red. Notes of strawberry, chalk, pear and pink grapefruit (hearty!), a moderate floral finish. 16.99

GEORGES DUBOEUF MORGON 2009
Creme de cassis, black raspberry, and pear framed by smoky mineral w/layers of black cherry, raspberry ganache and tea rose. 16.99/14.99

GEORGES DUBOUEF FLEURIE 2006
Ruby with purple reflections. Complex nose with fruity and floral notes. Solid tannic structure with a very harmonious finish. 18.99/9.49

ROARING MEG PINOT NOIR 2004
Lovely mix of berry fruits and liquorice, accented by oak spice. Solid tannins arise midway to produce a long, fruit driven finish. 29.99/14.49

RBJ THEOLOGICUM 2002
100% Mourvedre, exhibits notes of tree bark, fresh mushroom, dusty blueberry, and currant. Intense tannin, mineral and spice. 39.99/19.99

PLOW AND STARS COLUMBIA VALLEY RIESLING 2008
The same crisp, complex acidity that makes this Riesling great with Asian cuisine makes it a natural for the flavor riot of the holidays. 9.99

AVANTE MENCIA 2009
Sweet and spicy wildflower compliments bright fresh raspberry and dark cherry to deliver this wine to a long elegant finish. 14.99

CHATEAU LAFAURIE AINTE CROIX DU MONT 2007
Dessert wine in the spirit of Sauternes, but fresher and more airy. Raisin, fig, acacia, honeysuckle, pineapple and apricot are present. 12.99

CHATEAU HAUT GRAND CHAMP SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009
Lean and crisp, with ribbons of bright pear, citrus and grapefruit showing through layers of luscious complexity. Grown sustainably too! 10.99

GEORGES DUBOUEF CHENAS 2008
Dark stony mineral shadings, plum and cherry, with solid tannins and an acidity that leads through to a “juicy” finish. 12.99

GEORGES DUBOEUF BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES 2008
Light crimson colour, light to medium bodied with the flower and fruit you’d expect from this classic, versatile wine. 8.99

SEIGNEURS DE BERGERAC ROSE 2010
Light, fresh strawberry and spice on the nose. Well-balanced and fruity palate, nice acidity that leads to a crisp, clean finish. 8.99

TRIVENTO AMADO SUR MALBEC/BONARDA/SYRAH 2007
Smoky, floral scented with notes of black plum. Palate delivers black cherry, coffee, tobacco, vanilla, peppered plum, and anise. 14.99

YVON MAU COLOMBARD CHARDONNAY 2009
Colombard is the main grape used for Armagnac. Here it is blended with Chardonnay to produce a mouthful of fruit and a good, clean finish. 7.99

YVON MAU MERLOT 2009
Surprisingly smooth, velvety texture, nose and palate full of ripe cherry and berry, as you’d expect from 100% Merlot. Clean, dry finish. 7.99

BANFI CENTINE TUSCAN RED 2008
This fruity, light-hearted Tuscan red can even do duty as a “pizza & spaghetti” wine. Suprisingly refined at the same time. 8.99

BANFI CENTINE TUSCAN WHITE 2009 (SAUVIGNON/CHARDONNAY/PINOT GRIGIO)
This Tuscan white has alluring aromas of pear, apricot, and lime, with a hint of herbs. Lush flavors on the palate supported by crisp acidity. 12.99/8.99

TRIVENTO AMADO SUR TORRONTES VIOGNIER CHARDONNAY 2009
Complex and floral up front with notes of rose, jasmine and citrus. Lush palate of white peach, apricot, orange peel. Finishes w/crisp acidity. 14.99/12.99

TRIVENTO TORRONTES SELECT 2008
Golden yellow with topaz hues. Nose is floral with hints of rose & violet. Fresh and light-bodied with soft tropical fruit. 7.99

TRIVENTO RESERVE MALBEC 2009 MALBEC
Bright, sweet and fruity, hints of cherry candy, blackberry on the bouquet. Juicy, fresh palate with mild chocolate, raspberry. Velvety finish 11.99

CHOCKSTONE RIESLING 2008
Silvery yellow, with aromas of nectarine and lemon custard. Dry but fruity, medium bodied with good depth, light mineral on the finish. 19.99/9.99

BANFI COLLEPINO MERLOT/SANGIOVESE 2008
Ruby red, bouquet is fresh, fruit-forward, with intense red-currant, raspberry and plum notes. Sweet tannins. Nice finish. 10.99

BANFI LE RIME CHARDONNAY/PINOT GRIGIO 2008
Straw yellow with fresh green reflections. Bouquet is fruity, fragrant and harmonious. Palate is fresh, floral, and appropriately acidic. 10.99/7.99

COL DI SASSO 2008 CABERNET SANGIOVESE
Ruby red with purple hues. Black cherry and spice aromas. Rich, with soft tannins, black-fruit and subtle hints of smoke. Lingering finish. 10.99/7.99

FUMAIO SAUVIGNON CHARDONNAY 2009
Light straw yellow. Bouquet: ample, intensely fruity, fresh and varietal. Taste: full, harmonious and slightly acidic. 10.99/7.99

The Best Retail Wine Selection In Ann Arbor?

Admin — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:22:23 +0000

Please vote by November 5, 2011

We hope you vote for us in AnnArbor.com’s weekly contest, which this week is for Best Retail Wine Selection in Ann Arbor. Mostly because facts are facts, and to the best of our knowledge, the only wine retailer in Ann Arbor that ever had a wine selection comparable to ours was the legendary – but sadly no longer with us – Village corner. We take a great deal of pride in managing to present around 3,000 wines in our meager 2500 square feet, while still managing to provide the biggest selection of craft and import beers in the area, as well as over a thousand fine spirits. And everything else you expect in a party store. We’re also realists; we know that a couple of other local retailers have more full-time wine specialists on hand, but go easy on us. We’d love to do the same, but where would we put them? So please, help AnnArbor.com keep the facts straight, and vote for us in this week’s contest. You’ll feel better knowing that truth was served.

Fine Spirits To Haunt Your Halloween

Admin — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:49:16 +0000

We don't carry this product but for some reason, about once a month someone comes in and asked for it.

The problem with Vodka marketing is that the truth of the matter is, when the objective of a fine spirit is to achieve the ultimate clarity in palate, and the Vodka itself is crystal clear by nature, it becomes virtually impossible for most people to be able to distinguish one top-shelf Vodka from another. One of the only ways to make a Vodka stand apart at that point is to put flavor back INTO the Vodka, which probably explains the craze of the last decade to flavor Vodka with just about everything imaginable. Give it time, and we’ll probably see “Cool Ranch” and “Zesty Nacho” Vodka hit the market. About the only other way to differentiate a Vodka in this competitive field is the packaging and the story. Somehow, Vodka lends itself very well to spookiness, which makes the Vodkas below perfect for a Halloween celebration. They’re all three of exceptional quality, and they all make for both great conversation starters, AND a decorative element of your party. David, the manager, points out that if you bought a bunch of the little 50ML Crystal head bottles, they would make an AWESOME string of lights that you could use for years to come. And we don’t want to exlude those who aren’t fond of Vodka; the Monster Bokrijks Belgian is a great ale in a collectible, monster-themed earthenware bottle. We also may have some of this year’s pumpkin beer left, or some of the spicy autumn beverages we suggested last Halloween.

BLAVOD Pure Black Vodka	The producer says “Black will always be the color that defines style and sophistication and it has a place in the world of spirits as well”, but black is also the color of the sinister and spooky, making Blavod a perfect choice for a Halloween party. Especially with inventive use of garnishes, its black color and distinctive bottle are sure to stimulate conversation, even if everyone at the party has the social skills of a zombie. The colour of Blavod is caused by adding catechu, an herb found in southern Asia and central and east Africa. Rich in tannin, catechu has no effect on vodka’s flavour.
Crystal Head Vodka	Not only is this an exceptional vodka, it comes in an exceptional package that makes it an awesome gift idea any time of year. And how many vodkas can double as a decorative centerpiece at your Halloween party? Crystal Head is made with water from a deep aquifer in Newfoundland, Canada and a proprietary blend of specifically selected grains to give it a creamy and slightly sweet taste on the finish. No added Glycerin, Citrus oil, or Sugar.
Ghost Vodka	To answer that question above, I guess at least THREE exceptional vodkas can double as a centerpiece for your Halloween celebration. Ghost Vodka – from our own Motor City – is resurrecting the spirit of handcraft vodka in America. Distilled from Michigan red wheat, corn, and barley, Only the most tantalizing ‘middle cut’ of each batch goes into every bottle. With its unparalleled taste, and exceptional finish, ghost vodka will make you a believer.
Sterkens Monster Bokrijks Belgian Ale	From the producer: The second round of the Alchemic Ale series comes in a beautiful 750mL brown earthenware swing-top crock – with screenprinted art by underground comics legend and art-world anti-hero Mat Brinkman . Filled with Bokrijks Belgian Ale, the showpiece of Meer, Belgium’s Brouwerij Sterkens, it has notes of fruit and spice. This medium bodied Belgian countryside maltwine also has a bitter bite as a result of secondary fermentation in the bottle – a perfect tonic to accompany a session of monster-gazing!