The Wines of Italy – Where to Start?
Posted on January 6, 2021 in Education
Italian Wine Discovery
You’d be forgiven if you assumed that wine originated in Italy. In fact, it is believed that the origins of wine date back nearly 4,000 years ago to the area that was Mesopotamia. But, while the Greeks may have brought the first vines to Scicly over 3,000 years ago, the Italians have raised the production of wine to an art form. It has one of the most diverse selections of grapes and is the world’s largest producer of wine. With 1.7 million acres of vineyards producing nearly 50 billion litres of wine per year, there is something for every taste.
Reading an Italian wine label can be confusing and overwhelming, but it is key to understanding what to expect in the bottle. There are 20 wine producing regions in Italy and they are governed by an appellation system:
VdT – Vino Da Tavola
(Table Wine)
The most basic classification for the wines of Italy. It is now renamed simply as “Vino”, appearing on labels as Vino d’Italia. This designates wines that reside firmly on the “low end” of the totem pole, comprised of Italian table wines, whose only criteria is that they must be produced somewhere in Italy.
IGT – INDICAZIONE GEOGRAFICA TIPICA
(Typical Geographic Indication)
The wine’s label must declare its specific region and may cite varietal type and vintage. Growers or regional governments are required to apply for IGT status just as they do for a DOC or DOCG appellation.
DOC – DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE CONTROLLATA
(Denomination of Controlled Origin)
A wine with this mark on the label has been produced in a specified area and has been aged and bottled in accordance with existing regulations and under strict control by the Italian Authorities. Along with specifying barrel and bottle aging requirements, this may control min/max production levels, and ABV.
DOCG – DENOMINAZIONE DI ORIGINE CONTROLLATA E GARANTITA
(Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin)
This category is reserved for elite wines whose quality is “guaranteed” by the Italian Government. These wines can be sold only in bottles not exceeding a certain size and each bottle bears a seal of guarantee.
Japanese Whiskies, what is the fuss all about?
Posted on December 20, 2020 in Education
If you are seeking out Yamazaki 18 years old, good luck. Yes they are out there, but they are incredibly hard to come by. Since 2007, I think we have been able to procure about 3 bottles and we specialize in whisky (or so we like to think). In 2008 there were only a handful of Japanese whiskies available in the USA. Hibiki, Yamazaki and a handful of expressions from the Nikka Distilleries. The popularity of Japanese whiskies has steadily increased worldwide and many of age stated whiskies have all but disappeared. Fortunately there have been a number of other Japanese whiskies that are now being imported and that is great news for the consumer.
As of today we have 51 different Japanese whiskies in stock. Here is the complete list, you are bound to find one you like. We have put many on sale, sale will run through the end of 2020.
Whisky is produced worldwide and is essentially distilled cereal grain. Every country has their own set of styles and production methods. Japan is no different, though it must be said Japanese whisky draws inspiration and is greatly influenced by Scotch.
The rapidly growing Japanese whisky industry has been largely attributed to its two founding fathers: Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru. Shinjiro established the Suntory brand and the first distillery in Japan in 1923, Yamazaki in the Vale of Yamazaki. Taketsuru founded Yoichi on Hokkaido eleven years later in 1934. Today, Japanese whiskies are becoming increasingly popular and in a unique style of their own.
What is Japanese Whisky?
It is difficult to say with certainty, it is a lot of things. Unlike Scotch Whisky, Bourbon and American Rye whiskey Japanese whiskies does not have “rules”. Japanese whiskies heritage is without question Scottish, thanks to Masataka Taketsuru’s enduring influence, Japanese whisky has created its own style and feel. All of the following make Japanese whisky compelling and unique. (more…)
Bruichladdich Distillery
Posted on December 19, 2020 in Education
Bruichladdich
Pronounced: brook-LAH-dee
Translation: Gaelic ‘the Brae (hillside) by the shore’
Region: Islay (Lochindaal)
Established: 1881
Website: http://www.bruichladdich.com/
Production Capacity: 1,500,000 litres of pure alcohol per year
Water Source: Spring at Octomore farm
Owner: Remy Cointreau
Master Distiller: Jim McEwan (retired 2015), Adam Hannett is the current Head Distiller.
House Style: Various
Temporary Closures: 1929 (reopens 1936), 1983 (in production for a few months 1998), reopens 2001.
Single Malts from Bruichladich at Norfolk Wine and Spirits. Sale items will stay “On Sale” through 2020 or while supplies last. Click here for a complete list.
Islay single malts evoke great passion among its followers. Islay whiskies are most famous for their peated whiskies. Bruichladdich produces a variety of staples of whisky. From unpeated to heavily peated to the most peated whisky in the history of mankind (claim made by us). They have also released some exceptional unpeated wine finished/matured whiskies named Black Art. If that was not enough, they even produce a lovely gin, the Botanist. And more… on occasion release a quadruple distilled single malt!
Bruichladdich is Scotland’s most westerly distillery, second only to Kilchoman. It is located on the western peninsula of Islay on the edge of Loch Indaal and looks across the water to the Bowmore distillery on the opposite shore. The distillery was built using stones from the local beach and was also one of the first buildings in the UK to use concrete in its construction. Despite its location on Islay, which is the home of smoky whisky, Bruichladdich has traditionally been produced as a non smoky whisky and the core range remains as such today. New owners have turned Bruichladdich into one of most innovative distilleries, as they break from tradition and experiment with different wine casks to mature their whisky.
History
In 2004 Bruichladdich was the first distillery to grow barley locally on Islay for its single malts, probably the first time this had been done in the island’s history. It now works with 19 local farms, releasing the whiskies in its Islay Barley single vintage series. It is also a major distiller of organic barley and explores heritage barleys such as Bere Barley, and has even begun distilling rye.
On 19th, a group of private investors led by Mark Reynier and Simon Coughlin acquired Bruichladdich for £6.5 million (US$10.3m) from Beam Inc. through Murray McDavid (an independent whisky bottlers). Mark persuaded Jim McEwan, the respected distiller, native islander and raconteur to leave his position as distillery manager at Bowmore, the Islay distillery where he started work at the age of 15 in 1963 as a cooper, to become Production Director at Bruichladdich.
The distillery had never been modernised and most of the original Victorian equipment remained. Between January and May 2001 this was all dismantled and reassembled to return the plant to working order, augmented by the acquisition of some second-hand equipment. They started distilling again on 11th September 2001. (more…)
Featured Producer- Barrel Craft Spirit!
Posted on December 18, 2020 in Sales
Featured Producer- Barrel Craft Spirit!
Barrell Craft Spirits, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is an independent blender and bottler of unique, aged, cask strength sourced whiskey and rum, recognized for its blending expertise. We design, produce, and launch Spirits with a focus on what people want now and not what has been successful in the past. This affords us access to some of the most interesting and delicious spirits in the world.
Our goal is to select and blend products that explore different distillation methods, barrels and aging environments, and bottle them at cask strength. Every batch is produced as a limited release and has an intentionally distinct flavor profile.
Barrell Craft Spirits has been highly rated by Whisky Advocate, including Editor’s Choice, and was named Best American Whiskey of 2018 in Forbes by whiskey authority Fred Minnick. We’ve been awarded Best Bourbon twice at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), once in 2017 and again in 2020. Other SFWSC awards include Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Small Batch Bourbon over 11 years, Best Small Batch Bourbon 6-10 years and Best Overproof Rum, as well as nine Double Gold medals and seven Gold medals. Our award-winning line of products is currently sold in 43 states throughout the United States.
Here are some descriptions of some of the expressions we carry as of December 2020. These will be on sale till Dec. 31st, 2020 or while supplies last.
Dovetail (received 90 points from Whisky Advocate, Gold in 2019 Whiskies of the World, Chairmans Trophy in Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2020 & Top 100 Spirits, Gold in San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2019)
Barrell Dovetail Whiskey Finished in Rum, Port & Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Barrels (62.17% ABV) Regularly $89.99 Sale 69.99
Barrell Dovetail Whiskey Finished in Rum, Port & Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Barrels (62.35% ABV) Regularly $89.99 Sale 69.99
Dovetail is blended to highlight some of our favorite flavors. Woody bourbon; terroir driven Dunn Cabernet; toasted French oak; Late Bottled Vintage Port pipes; (more…)
Cyber Monday 2020: Wines!
Posted on November 30, 2020 in Sales
The holiday season is quickly approaching! Stock up on gifts for friends and family, or treat yourself to something special during our Cyber Monday 2020 sale!
All the items listed below are on sale through Sunday, December 6, 2020, and you’ll want to check back frequently as we’ll be putting more items on sale throughout the week! All items are available as first come, first served, while supplies last. No holds.
Elvio Cogno Bricco dei Merli Barbera d’Alba 2013
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $35.99)
Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Sale: $159.99 (Regularly: $199.99)
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018
Sale: $71.99 (Regularly: $89.99)
Quintessa Rutherford Napa Valley 2016
Sale: $159.99 (Regularly: $199.99)
Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Sale: $167.99 (Regularly: $209.99 )
Orin Swift Palermo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Sale: $43.99 (Regularly: $54.99)
Faust Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Sale: $47.99 (Regularly: $59.99) (more…)
Cyber Monday 2020: Scotch!
Posted on November 30, 2020 in Sales
The holiday season is quickly approaching! Stock up on gifts for friends and family, or treat yourself to something special during our Cyber Monday 2020 sale!
All the items listed below are on sale through Sunday, December 6, 2020, and you’ll want to check back frequently as we’ll be putting more items on sale throughout the week! All items are available as first come, first served, while supplies last. No holds.
Adelphi Limited – Glen Garioch – 15 Years Old (Distilled in 2000)
Sale: $134.99 (Regularly: $179.99)
anCnoc Blas Limited Edition
Sale: $64.99 (Regularly: $85.99)
anCnoc Flaughter Limited Edition
Sale: $59.99 (Regularly: $79.99)
Ardbeg 10 Year Old
Sale: $46.98 (Regularly: $59.99)
Ardbeg An Oa
Sale: $49.98 (Regularly: $69.99)
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Years Old
Sale: $37.99 (Regularly: $54.99)
Arran Master of Distilling James MacTaggart 10th Anniversary Edition
Sale: $89.99 (Regularly: $114.99) (more…)
Cyber Monday 2020: All Other Whisky!
Posted on November 30, 2020 in Sales
The holiday season is quickly approaching! Stock up on gifts for friends and family, or treat yourself to something special during our Cyber Monday 2020 sale!
All the items listed below are on sale through Sunday, December 6, 2020, and you’ll want to check back frequently as we’ll be putting more items on sale throughout the week! All items are available as first come, first served, while supplies last. No holds.
American, Bourbon & Rye Whiskey
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Sale: $49.99 (Regularly: $59.99)
Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey
Sale: $79.99 (Regularly: $99.99)
Bainbridge Battle Point Organic Whiskey
Sale: $45.99 (Regularly: $61.99)
Baker’s 107 Proof Aged 7 Years
Sale: $44.99 (Regularly: $54.99)
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Aged 10 Years
Sale: $57.99 (Regularly: $67.99)
Bird Dog Black Cherry Flavored Whiskey
Sale: $17.99 (Regularly: $21.99)
Bird Dog Blended Whiskey
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Bird Dog Maple Flavored Whiskey
Sale: $17.99 (Regularly: $21.99)
Bird Dog Peach Flavored Whiskey
Sale: $17.99 (Regularly: $21.99)
Bird Dog Strawberry Flavored Whiskey
Sale: $17.99 (Regularly: $21.99)
Breakout Premium Rye Whiskey
Sale: $16.49 (Regularly: $19.99)
Bully Boy Private Cask
Sale: $49.99 (Regularly: $42.49)
Burnside Bourbon 4 Year Old
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $31.99)
Burnside Oregon Oaked Bourbon
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $44.99)
Cleveland Bourbon Whiskey Black Reserve
Sale: $25.99 (Regularly: $31.99)
Cleveland Bourbon Whiskey The Eighty-Seven (87 Proof)
Sale: $31.99 (Regularly: $38.99)
Cleveland Underground Uncommon Barrel Collection (The Loch & Key Society)
Sale: $44.99 (Regularly: $58.99)
Corsair Ryemageddon
Sale: $46.99 (Regularly: $59.99)
Corsair Wry Moon Unaged Rye Whiskey
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $44.99)
Corsair Quinoa Whiskey
Sale: $49.99 (Regularly: $64.99)
Golden Moon Principium Single Malt Whiskey
Sale: $45.99 (Regularly: $55.99)
Hillrock Double Cask Rye Whiskey
Sale: $71.99 (Regularly: $95.99)
Journeyman Distillery Buggy Whip Wheat Whiskey
Sale: $36.99 (Regularly: $49.99)
Journeyman Distillery Featherbone Bourbon Whiskey
Sale: $36.99 (Regularly: $49.99)
Journeyman Distillery Ravenswood Rye
Sale: $36.99 (Regularly: $49.99)
Journeyman Distillery Silver Cross Whiskey
Sale: $36.99 (Regularly: $49.99)
Journeyman Distillery Three Oaks Single Malt Whiskey
Sale: $45.99 (Regularly: $62.99)
Journeyman Distillery Whiskey Collection: (3 x 200 ml)
Sale: $29.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (2018 Limited Release)
Sale: $64.99 (Regularly: $79.99)
Knob Creek Select Bourbon (W-L, F-06, F-010, Selected by Norfolk Wine & Spirits)
Sale: $45.99 (Regularly: $59.99)
Knob Creek Select Rye (W-1, F-06, R-020, Selected by Norfolk Wine & Spirits)
Sale: $45.99 (Regularly: $59.99)
New Holland Zeppelin Bend
Sale: $44.99 (Regularly: $57.99)
Resilient Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Sale: $67.99 (Regularly: $84.99)
Resilient Straight Bourbon Whiskey 14 Years Old
Sale: $74.99 (Regularly: $94.99)
Ryan & Wood Straight Rye Whiskey
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $44.99)
Westland American Oak American Single Malt Whiskey
Sale: $64.99 (Regularly: $74.99)
Westland Peated American Single Malt Whiskey
Sale: $64.99 (Regularly: $74.99)
Westland Sherry Wood American Single Malt Whiskey
Sale: $64.99 (Regularly: $74.99)
Canadian Whisky
Crown Royal Regal Apple
Sale: $21.99 (Regularly: $25.99)
Forty Creek 2014 Evolution
Sale: $64.99 (Regularly: $79.99)
Forty Creek Confederation Oak
Sale: $63.99 (Regularly: $74.99)
Forty Creek Copper Pot Reserve
Sale: $21.99 (Regularly: $24.99)
Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve
Sale: $49.99 (Regularly: $59.99)
Forty Creek Premium Barrel Select
Sale: $19.99 (Regularly: $23.99)
Gibson’s Finest Aged 12 Years
Sale: $26.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
Pendleton Blended Canadian Whisky
Sale: $22.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Pendleton Midnight Blended Canadian Whisky
Sale: $33.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Pendleton To Those Who Serve Blended Canadian Whisky
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Tap 8 Sherry Finished Canadian Rye Whisky
Sale: $33.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Irish Whiskey
Donegal Estates Irish Whiskey
Sale: $23.99 (Regularly: $28.99)
Flaming Leprechaun Special Reserve
Sale: $32.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Irish American 10 Year Old
Sale: $59.99 (Regularly: $74.99)
Irish American Original Irish Whiskey
Sale: $32.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
John L. Sullivan Irish Whiskey
Sale: $19.99 (Regularly: $24.99)
Jack Ryan Beggars Bush Single Malt Aged 12 Years
Sale: $54.99 (Regularly: $69.99)
Kinahan’s Blended Irish Whiskey
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $42.99)
Kinahan’s Single Malt Irish Whiskey Aged 10 Years
Sale: $54.99 (Regularly: $69.99)
Redbreast Aged 12 Years
Sale: $48.99 (Regularly: $69.99)
Redbreast Aged 15 Years
Sale: $94.99 (Regularly: $109.99)
Slane Irish Whiskey Triple Casked
Sale: $29.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
The Pogues Irish Whiskey
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $42.99)
The Quiet Man Traditional Irish Whiskey Blend
Sale: $27.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
The Quiet Man 8 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey
Sale: $38.99 (Regularly: $49.99)
World Whisky
Kavalan Whisky ex-Bourbon Cask Single Cask (Cask No. B101214024A, 58.6% ABV, Selected by Norfolk Wine & Spirits, NWG #38)
Sale: $164.99 (Regularly: $199.99)
Kavalan Whisky ex-Bourbon Cask Single Cask (Cask No. B090916065A, 57.8% ABV, Selected by Norfolk Wine & Spirits, NWG #39)
Sale: $164.99 (Regularly: $199.99)
Kavalan Whisky ex-Bourbon Cask Single Cask (Cask No. B101124075A, 57.8% ABV, Selected by Loch & Key Society)
Sale: $164.99 (Regularly: $199.99)
Kavalan Whisky ex-Bourbon Cask Single Cask (Cask No. B101124036A, 58.6% ABV, Selected by Origin Beverage Company)
Sale: $164.99 (Regularly: $199.99)
Last updated: 11/30/2020 at 3:06 PM.
Cyber Monday 2020: Spirits!
Posted on November 30, 2020 in Sales
The holiday season is quickly approaching! Stock up on gifts for friends and family, or treat yourself to something special during our Cyber Monday 2020 sale!
All the items listed below are on sale through Sunday, December 6, 2020, and you’ll want to check back frequently as we’ll be putting more items on sale throughout the week! All items are available as first come, first served, while supplies last. No holds.
Gin
Copley Gin
Sale: $12.99 (Regularly: $15.99)
Ethereal Gin Limited Edition
Sale: $29.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
Journeyman Distillery Bilberry Black Hearts Gin (Organic & Kosher)
Sale: $27.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
Half Moon Orchard Gin (1 L)
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Miles London Dry Gin
Sale: $7.99 (Regularly: $8.99)
New Holland Knickerbocker Barrel Gin
Sale: $29.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
No. 209 Gin
Sale: $33.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Retha Oceanic Gin
Sale: $37.99 (Regularly: $44.99)
Right Gin
Sale: $33.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
St. George Gin Gift Pack
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $32.99)
Stirk’s Gin Oak Barrel Finished
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Ungava Canadian Premium Gin
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Whitley Neil Quince Gin
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Wieser Uuahouua Gin Classic
Sale: $29.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Liqueur
Kleiner Feigling Fig Liqueur
Sale: $14.99 (Regularly: $19.99)
Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
Sale: $29.99 (Regularly: $22.99)
The King’s Ginger Ginger Liqueur
Sale: $45.99 (Regularly: $37.99)
Rum
Don Q Signature Release 2007 Limited Edition
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Eight Bells Rum
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $42.99)
Cotton & Reed Navy Strength Sherry Cask Rum
Sale: $42.99 (Regularly: $52.99)
Don Papa Rum
Sale: $32.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Penny Blue XO Single Estate Mauritian Rum
Sale: $49.99 (Regularly: $79.99)
Rhumb Runner Belize Travellers Rum Aged 12 Years
Sale: $94.99 (Regularly: $149.99)
Rhumb Runner Diamond Guyana Rum Aged 13 Years
Sale: $74.99 (Regularly: $89.99)
Rhumb Runner Diamond Guyana Rum Aged 14 Years
Sale: $94.99 (Regularly: $149.99)
Rhumb Runner Fernandes Trinidad Rum Aged 18 Years
Sale: $94.99 (Regularly: $149.99)
Rhumb Runner Fernandes Trinidad Rum Aged 8 Years
Sale: $49.99 (Regularly: $59.99)
Vizcaya Black Rum Reserva
Sale: $23.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Tequila
1800 Anejo Tequila
Sale: $39.99 (Regularly: $49.99)
1800 Cristalino Anejo Tequila
Sale: $49.99 (Regularly: $59.99)
Cincoro Tequila Blanco
Sale: $61.99 (Regularly: $74.99)
Cincoro Tequila Reposado
Sale: $78.99 (Regularly: $94.99)
Cincoro Tequila Anejo
Sale: $114.99 (Regularly: $134.99)
El Tequileno Platino
Sale: $21.99 (Regularly: $24.99)
El Tequileno Reposado
Sale: $24.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Gran Centenario Plata
Sale: $27.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
Gran Centenario Leyenda Extra Anejo
Sale: $139.99 (Regularly: $164.99)
Imperio Del Don 10 Year Extra Anejo
Sale: $109.99 (Regularly: $134.99)
Lunazul Blanco
Sale: $14.99 (Regularly: $21.99)
Lunazul Reposado
Sale: $14.99 (Regularly: $21.99)
Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Silver (375 mL)
Sale: $34.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
Partida Blanco Tequila
Sale: $29.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
Partida Reposado Tequila
Sale: $41.99 (Regularly: $49.99)
Partida Anejo Tequila
Sale: $47.99 (Regularly: $54.99)
Partida Elegante Extra Anejo
Sale: $314.99 (Regularly: $369.99)
Tequila Tres Cuatro y Cinco (3-4-5) Extra Anejo
Sale: $369.99 (Regularly: $459.99)
Vodka
Blood x Sweat x Tears Vodka
Sale: $18.99 (Regularly: $24.99)
Chopin Single Young Potato Vodka (375 mL)
Sale: $54.49 (Regularly: $69.99)
Khortytsa Ice Vodka
Sale: $11.99 (Regularly: $14.99)
OYO Honey Vanilla Bean Vodka
Sale: $29.99 (Regularly: $39.99)
St. George Vodka Gift Pack
Sale: $19.99 (Regularly: $24.99)
Tom of Finland Organic Vodka
Sale: $28.99 (Regularly: $34.99)
Ultimat Vodka
Sale: $21.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Van Gogh Vodka #GOGHGIRL Limited Edition
Sale: $19.99 (Regularly: $29.99)
Last updated: 11/30/2020 at 3:06 PM.
The Perfect Wine Pairing for Thanksgiving?
Posted on November 20, 2020 in Sales
The gatherings this year may be a little smaller, the celebrations a little more subdued, but we all still have much to be thankful for & setting aside this day to come together – in-person or virtually – to acknowledge those gifts that we have remains important.
As we take measure of the fortunes that we have – the wealth of family, friends, food on our table & something in our glass – it is fitting that we celebrate those blessings regardless of their size. This year can provide the opportunity for heartfelt introspection as we look to a future that is closer to our past. If nothing else perhaps. we can just celebrate that 2020 is soon coming to a close? Meanwhile, stay healthy, hold fast & stay true.
Pairing a wine can enhance your Thanksgiving meal but it is often fraught with challenges – should it be Red or does White go better? What if we are having a ham instead of the more traditional turkey? Or what if we are having both?!? Thanksgiving, even more so than other feasts, causes fear with the host but we’re here to help you identify what may pair best with what you are serving & help you select the wine that you will enjoy.
Turkey is actually has fairly benign flavors. While I love it, it is really the prep & sides to consider to find the best match. That said, & the good news!, it is hard to go wrong pairing a with a Turkey dinner! There are plenty of reds & plenty of whites that match nicely! Even a good sparkling wine will hold up to the meal & may even raise the level of celebration.
Pinot Noir is a “go-to” pairing, it holds up to the sweetness of cranberry sauce & the spice of seasoned stuffing. Being fruit forward it is an easy sipper to enjoy while cooking, eating or even contemplating how much more you had than you should have…
But you can be adventuresome too. Turkey stuffing with mushrooms & nuts & a side serving of roasted Brussels sprouts calls for a wine with body like a Syrah, perhaps a Syrah blend from the Rhone Valley, or a Zinfandel from Paso Robles. Many Italian wines, especially Barbaresco or Super Tuscans (wines from Tuscany that don’t rely on Sangiovese as their main varietal) are a great match for hearty meals.
Considering Whites is only slightly more difficult as, for many, their light flavors will be overcome by the many tastes on the table. However, a Riesling, especially a drier style with a little bottle age (good Rieslings can easily age 20 yrs!) or California or Oregonian Chardonnay will also pair nicely. Of course you could really raise the game & open some White Burgundy, especially some with a little age on it.
Below are some recommendations that I think will pair nicely with your dinner. But don’t hesitate to reach out & ask! We love wine, we love talking about wine, & we love helping others explore their wine options.
Orin Swift Slander Pinot Noir 2018
Abundantly aromatic, this opens with ripe cranberry, marmalade, white pepper, fresh brioche, dried sage, & camphor. The entry is silky with a flood of bing cherry, vanilla & ripe red fruits. Seamless, integrated and elegantly opulent, the wine finishes gracefully with trace amounts of soft, oak tannin.
Reg $49.99 Sale Price $42.49
Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay 2016
The 2016 Overlook Chardonnay opens with cedar and toast notes over a core of apricots, honeydew melon and grapefruit peel. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a good amount of uncomplicated fruit with a lively backbone and toasty finish.
91 pts Wine Spectator
Reg $26.99 Sale Price $19.49
Sileni Estates Pinot Noir 2016
With vibrant flavors of red berries, cherries, and a bit of spice this New Zealand Pinot Noir enhances any table. The wine has a rich mouth feel and savory toastiness. Drink as an aperitif or match with anything from grilled chicken, turkey, lamb, or a wonderful roast.
Reg $18.99 Sale Price $16.49
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2017
Light garnet with brick rim. Clean nose, showing moderately intense aromas of baking spices, earth, raspberries, some kirsch and forest floor. Aromas of spiced plum compote on the palate with a slight peppery, vegetal hint.
Reg $21.99 Sale Price $18.49
Méo-Camuzet is one of the most celebrated domaines of the Côte d’Or, located in the heart of prestigious Vosne-Romanée. This medium to full-bodied stunner is palate-coating yet bright. Concentrated notes of yellow fruit, brioche, and honeysuckle dominate the wine’s unctuous yet zesty palate. Drink now or lay down for another five years.
Reg $69.99 Sale Price $42.49
Additional Recommendations:
Angeline Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2018 Reg Price $19.99
Cambria Clone 4 Pinot Noir Reg Price $29.99
Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2018 Reg Price $11.99
Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017 Reg Price $54.99
Domaine Darviot-Perrin, Burgundy 2014 Reg Price $97.99 Sale Price $82.99
Paper Road Pinot Noir 2017 Reg Price $21.99 Sale Price $14.99
Seghesio Zinfandel Sonoma County 2017 Reg Price $29.99 Sale Price $25.99
Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2018 Reg Price $12.99
Vintage Port
Posted on October 30, 2020 in Education
Vintage Port, the most expensive and prestigious member of the Port family, only accounts for a fraction of total Port production, but Vintage Port is the Douro’s flagship style, attracting attention and speculation the world over.
A Vintage is “declared” in only the best years, when both the quality and quantity of the available fruit align. It may take up to two years after harvest for a vintage declaration to be made, and even when one Port shipper judges the conditions sufficient for Vintage Port, other shippers may not necessarily agree. This scenario is highly unusual, though, and has only occurred a handful of times in history.
Vintage Port is made from the best grapes in the Douro, typically from the Cima Corgo subregion. The grapes are left to achieve full ripeness before they are picked, vinified and then fortified with high-proof grape spirit. Vintage Port spends a short time aging in barrel – only two to three years – and is bottled, unfiltered, when it is still very dense and full of sediment. This is why Vintage Port’s minimum bottle-aging period is considered to be 15 years, and it is often said that no other wine requires as much time in bottle to balance itself. The finest examples are capable of vitality well after 50 years.
Recent critical successes have helped bring about a renewal of interest in the style, and Vintage Port is often considered as an addition to the cellar as much as Bordeaux or Burgundy. Decanting Vintage Port prior to serving is necessary, as the sediment in the bottle becomes crusty over time.