Come on up for $2 off draft beer and root on the Canes!!

GO CANES!!

To many many more!

Many thanks,

Tony

2011 Novellum ($5 BTG) $12.99/11.69/10.99
Grapes:  Chardonnay Languedoc Roussillon, France
“The outstanding 2011 Novellum competes with some of the finest Macon-Villages wines one can find. This crisp, fresh, medium-bodied Cotes Catalanes exhibits lots of earthy/terroir characteristics. Readers should think of it as a brisk, zesty, authoritatively flavored Chardonnay from the cool, alluvial soils on the banks of the Aigly River.” 90 points Robert Parker

2011 Herencia Alte’s ($5 BTG) $11.99/10.79/10.19
Grapes: Granche Catalonia, Spain
This Spanish delight is the product of old vines and concrete aging. Raspberry and licorice were the most obvious elements to my nose. It comes from Terra Alta, a remote region in south eastern Catalonia (on the border of Aragon). The vines are 400-530m (1312-1738ft) above sea level. As the posterior label reads, the soil type was clayey with high calcareous content. With a score of 91 points from Robert Parker, he called this wine “…a killer value…” Parker also said that “…at this ridiculously low price, consumers will never suspect the wines are at this level of quality…” This is a value that you must try! This wine tastes like it costs at least 3-4x the actual price. 91 points Robert Parker

2010 Grayson Cellars Zinfandel($6 BTG) $12.99/11.69/10.99
Grapes: Zinfandel California
The Grayson Zinfandel shows a dark color with rich mixed raspberries, strawberries and brambles surrounded by hints of spice including black pepper and cinnamon. Intense richness carries through on the palate of this full bodied wine with explosive blackberry and raspberry pie flavors. The wine’s finish is long and elegant.

2011 Dom. La Garrigue ($7 BTG) $17.99/16.19/15.29
Grapes: Granache, Mourve’dre, Syrah  Cote du Rhone, France
This wine is grown and produced by six generations of the Bernard family, who have worked their estate’s vineyards in the Southern Côtes du Rhône communes of Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Sarrians since the 1850s. It’s a classic representation of this Provençal wine, with a bouquet of sun-baked scrub, plum and raspberry fruit that tickles your nose with an underlying blend of roasted game sprinkled with freshly-ground white pepper and cinnamon stick. Full and bright in the mouth

Also, we have a special guest in the house – Karen Christie who will be onsite to show off some of her beautiful card creations.  Click here for more information on Karen.

2011 Brunn Gruner Veltliner  (1 Liter)  ($6 BTG) $14.99/13.49/12.79

Varietal: Gruner Veltliner Region: Kamptal, Austria

We are a small family owned and run winery in the Kamptal, situated north of the Danube. Our top priority has always been to give the maximum care to our vineyard to obtain the best possible grapes. We are fortunate to have some very old vines that produce low yields but very high quality grapes. A classic Gruner Veltliner with lots of apple and citrus, crisp and with a traditional peppery hint.

2011 Schloss Muhlenhoff Riesling Trocken  (1 Liter) ($6 BTG) $15.99/14.49/13.99

Rheinheissen, Germany Grapes:  Riesling

Since 1846, the Michel family has lovingly tended its hillside vineyards with unwavering respect for nature. The combination of “ecologically healthy” methods, as the family refers to them, meticulous attention to detail, and the estate’s gorgeous limestone terroir results in wine with impeccable clarity and vibrancy. This is an entire liter of classic, elegant Riesling with focused structure, exotic citrus and spice notes, and an unmistakably Rheinhessen balance between power and delicate beauty. Serving Suggestions: Baked scalloped potatoes with bacon, onions, sour cream, and (of course) Riesling. Steamed pork and quail egg dumplings.

2010 Semaphore 7  ($5 BTG) $11.99/ 10.99/9.99

Alentejo, Portugal Grapes: Alicante Bouschet, Aragones, and Trincadeira.

Since Portugal is best known for port, a lot of times with Portugese reds I get more hints of dried raisins (what other kind of raisin is there?), prunes, plums, blackberries and dried currants. The Semaphore is young and fresh, so it offers a bit more ripeness and juiciness than many of its cousins and step-siblings might. There’s also a really nice undercurrent of violets and maybe a little jasmine, followed by some exotic spices. All in all, an interesting and fun to drink little bottle.

2010 Marchiori & Barraud   ($8 BTG) $20.99/18.99/17.99

Perdiel, Argentina Grape Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

“The 2010 Perdriel Cabernet Sauvignon contains 4% Malbec in its makeup and received the same elevage as the Malbec cuvee. It is a restrained, elegant offering with layered spicy fruit, good grip, and enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. It will provide pleasure through 2020+.” 90 points  Stephen Tanzer Wine Advocate

Ernie Els Wines

Since its launch Ernie Els Wines has established a magnificent portfolio of South African red wines offering quality wines for everyone at various different price-points. In the summer of 2011 two new white wines were also added to the portfolio. Ernie’s passion for these wines, combined with winemaker Louis Strydom’s considerable talents, has proved a winning combination. Ernie Els Wines has won plaudits and many prestigious awards around the world and the team continues to make a big impact on both the South African and international wine markets.

A total of eight wines is now housed under the Ernie Els Wines portfolio. The Ernie Els Signature is the flagship wine. In addition there are five other reds – the Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend, the Big Easy, the Ernie Els Proprietor’s Syrah, the Ernie Els Cabernet Sauvignon and the Ernie Els Merlot – plus two white wines in the form of the Ernie Els Big Easy white, a light Chenin Blanc, and the Ernie Els Sauvignon Blanc.

2011 Big Easy ($8 BTG)
18.99/17.10/16.15
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grape Varietal: Chenin Blanc

Explore the wonderful and fascinating world of wine as seen and enjoyed by South African golfer Ernie Els. 100% Chenin Blanc offers an array of tropical fruits with a delicate, perfumed nose. This is balanced by a crystalline structure and moderately full-bodied palate, unhindered by oak. A hint of almond flakes and sprinkle of spice add texture and depth. A lively, and juicy wine that builds and finishes in a creamy pina-colada cocktail swirl.

2009 Unity Chardonnay ($12 BTG)
$34.99/31.49/29.79
Sonoma County, CA
Grapes: Chardonnay

Barrel fermented with indigenous (native) yeast, 100% French oak barrels (60% new), barrel aged sur lees for 14 months. This wine displays tropical notes and a muskmelon aroma. The sweet-fruited palate has a harmonious creamy texture redolent of stonefruit particularly peach and melon. The acidity is nicely balanced. The finish is long in length and has some spicy oak note.

2010 Unity Rose ($8 BTG)
22.99/20.69/19.55
Napa/Sonoma, CA
Grapes: 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec

Deeply floral aromas with luscious, ripe black fruit and just a hint of mineral in the nose. The palate is extraordinarily thirst quenching with bursting fruit, a note of white pepper and a crisp, clean finish. It’s no secret that Fisher Vineyards makes extraordinary wines. They’ve continued their winning ways with this gorgeous rosé.

2009 Unity Cabernet Sauvignon ($15 BTG)
49.99/44.99/42.49
Napa/Sonoma, CA
Grape: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, 1% Malbec

The 2009 UNITY Cabernet Sauvignon comes from three very different areas: the valley floor in Calistoga, the eastern Oakville Hills in Napa Valley and the western side of the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County. The wine has just enough Cabernet Sauvignon to be varietally-labeled. It is blended with all four of the other Bordeaux-varietals plus a splash of Syrah. Four thousand cases of the wine were made, but it’s primarily available only through Fisher Vineyards’ mailing list or restaurants.
The 2009 UNITY Cabernet Sauvignon is medium-plus ruby in the glass with enticing aromas of maraschino and black cherry, raspberry and milk chocolate. Gently chalky tannins support the flavors of cherry, berries, dark cocoa powder and dry leaves. It’s a satisfying wine, easy-to-drink yet interesting enough to reward contemplation. It is ready-to- drink now but will evolve attractively over five or more years. Enjoy this Cabernet Sauvignon on its own or with dry-aged steak. Highly Recommended.

2010 Ca del Sarto ($4 BTG)
9.99/8.99/8.49
Friuli, Italy
Grape Varietal: Pinot Grigio;
A wonderful balance of fresh crisp fruit and acidity. Light with delicate lemon, lime and kiwi on the nose; lead to fresh melon, honey and fig tones makes this ideal as an aperitif or with fish and pasta dishes.

2011 Hill & Dale ($4 BTG)
10.99/9.89/9.39
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
The Hill&Dale Sauvignon Blanc is an elegantly crisp dry wine with style and individuality. The layers of mouth-filling tropical fruit and gentle hints of grass make it the perfect wine to accompany a light meal or to take along to your next book club.

2009 Cloudline ($8 BTG)
22..99/20.69/19.59
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Grape: Pinot Noir
Cloudline is deep ruby red, a sign of its classic Pinot Noir character. On the palate, the wine is soft and round, with a delightful core of cherries and red fruits. The structure is perhaps even a bit better than the much-admired 2005 Cloudline, and the overall fruit-forwardness makes for a wine that is thoroughly enjoyable now and for the next several years to come.

2010 Ca Del Sarto Ardente ($5 BTG)
12.99/11.69/10.99
Toscana, Italy
Grape: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
A selection of Sangiovese and Cabernet grapes, is another example of how nature perfectly harmonises with man’s work. It is a wine that readily conveys unrepeatable sensations. The landscape is typical of low hilly Tuscany, characterised by gently rolling hills, calcareous-clay soil rich in heavy stone and a typically Mediterranean microclimate. ‘Ardente’ is of a deep, ruby red colour with purple hues. It has a sharp, intensely fruity aroma, with pleasant hints of red pepper and liquorice.
A youthful red to be enjoyed with all grilled meats, poultry, and cheeses or alone as an ideal cocktail wine.

2010 Bidoli Pinot Grigio ($5 BTG)
11.99/10.79/10.19
Friuli, Italy
Grape Varietal: Pinot Grigio;
When we ask for Pinot Grigio we are in the mood for a light and fresh white wine. Sadly, there are hundreds of producers and wine companies out there that think those descriptors mean water-clear and flavorless! It’s time to re-introduce you to one of the most widely planted white grapes in Italy with this beautiful wine from the Friuli region in northeastern Italy. With its appealing straw color and aromatic nose, it was no surprise that the palate had fresh white fruit and floral characteristics. The wine is certainly light and fresh, however the Bidoli family makes sure there is something there as well: a feat where so many miss the mark.

Pairing recommendations: Lighter seafood, salads, pasta with pesto (light on the garlic).

2011 Sant’ Evasio Gavi Di Gavi ($5 BTG)
9.99/8.99/8.49
Gavi, Italy
Grape: Cortese
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 stony finish.

2008 Tenuta Canale Chianti ($6 BTG)
14.99/13.49/12.79
Tuscany, Italy
Grape: Sangiovese, Canaiolo
Tenuta Canale is a tiny Chianti estate established in 1985 with just six hectares and only 5,000 cases produced across all their wines. The Aiello family makes authentic Chianti located in the heart of Castellina in Chianti. Traditional in style, the wines are not oaky or flashy. The Sangiovese fruit is distinct with classic Italian black cherry and dark black plum fruit. The wine is polished, but oozes its Italian heritage in a classic, big structured way.

Serving Suggestion: A must have with traditional red sauce over fresh made tagliatelle pasta topped with shaved Reggiano cheese or steak Florentine, juicy and medium-rare.

Corte Majole Valpolicella Ripasso ($6 BTG)
15.99/14.39/13.59
Veneto, Italy
Grape: 65% Corvina, 35% Rondinella, 5% Molinara
Valpolicella is a blend of grapes with Corvina being the champion of the blend. This area is home to both regular Valpolicella, the dried grape version called Amarone, and then this “ripasso” style that falls in between. Today the technique is to make a regular red wine, but in February, dried grapes (i.e. raisins) are added to this wine for a “second fermentation” which adds color, depth, and flavor to the final wine tasting something like a super Valpolicella or a baby Amarone. Flavors of pickled beets, raisins, sweet spices and cherry prevail. Lean and full-flavored.

Serving Suggestion: Amarone in style means hearty fare – strong cheeses- Parmesan or Taleggio; meat stews with carrots, prunes, cloves and potatoes

Here are a few that we will be featuring at our Saturday tasting:

2010 Alma De Blanco
$14.99/13.49/12.79
Monterrei, Spain

Tucked away in Northwestern Spain is a region called Galicia, where the country’s best white wines are grown on misty hillsides. On the coast they grow the flamboyant Albariño, but from the dry inland mountains they grow the lush, subtle, complex Godello, one of our very favorite grapes. This one, from the Monterrei D.O. bordering Portugal, has the textbook flavors of mineral and tropical fruit with stunning depth that is this grape’s hallmark. Serving Suggestions: Oysters or mussels flash-grilled with straw and served with grits or polenta.

2011 Chateau Routas Rouviere Rose
$14.99/13.49/12.79
Provence, France
Grape: Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah

“Silver-orange color. Intensely perfumed aromas of tangerine, nectarine and white flowers, plus a hint of chalky minerality. Offers plump pit and citrus fruit flavors and a bracing note of acidity on the back half. This sappy, nicely persistent wine has the depth to handle richer foods but the vivacity to give pleasure on its own.”
88 Points; International Wine Cellar
Top 5 Provence Rose; Wall Street Journal

2010 Las Lilas Vinho Verde Rose
$11.99/10.79/10.19
Minho, Portugal
Grape Varietal: Alvarelhao, Pedral, Vinhao; 10.5% Alcohol

Seen around the Triangle at so many great restaurants, here is your chance to take it home with you. This refreshing rose is light cherry in color with red berry fruit on the nose. The essence of strawberry come through on the palate with a slight natural effervescence. Vinho Verde roses can tame the bite of spicy foods and complement the sometimes hard to match exotic flavors of Indian and Thai cuisine.

2009 Alto3
$14.99/13.49/12.79
Catamarca, Argentina
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is inky purple with an attractive bouquet of toasty black currants. The wine has excellent depth with ample spicy red and black fruits, light tannin, and very good depth. Bodega Alto’s Alto3 vineyard, consisting of 190 acres, is located in Catamarca, 515 miles north of Mendoza, at 4900+ feet of elevation. The vineyard is farmed organically.

Wines for the tasting are as follows:
2011 Cono Sur Riesling
$9.99/8.99/8.49 $5 BTG
Central Valley, Chile
Grape: 100% Riesling

Bright and appealing yellow colour with green hues. A Riesling of delicate grace and aromatic intensity. The nose is fresh and crisp, with soft flower aromas like jasmine, which combine with nice citric notes. In mouth citric flavours like grapefruit mingle with mineral hints. This Riesling is fresh and young, with great volume and pleasant acidity.

2010 Barnard Griffen Chardonnay
$14.99/13.49/12.79 $6 BTG
Columbia Valley, Washington
Grape: Chardonnay

Fruity, crisp and refreshing. Beautifully focused flavors of orange, pear, white peach and delicate nectarine mingle with pleasant oak accents. A mineral and honey aftertaste rounds out the long satisfying finish. An amazingly versatile Chardonnay that goes well with poultry, pasta and even shellfish.
88 Points; Wine Spectator

2010 Ponga Pinot Noir
$14.99/13.49/12.79 $6 BTG
Marlborough, New Zealand
Grape: Pinot Noir

This medium-bodied wine was matured in French oak and shows spiced plum notes and wild berry fruit flavors. The natural acids are balanced by soft, approachable tannins.

2011 Altos Horminga
$14.99/13.49/12.79 $6 BTG
Mendozza, Argentina
Grape: Malbec

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec is deep garnet-purple in color with a beautiful nose of plums, raspberries, mocha, spice and mineral notes. It has full body, soft tannins and well integrated oak. Rich and silky on the palate, it is long and elegant on the finish.

Enjoy Altos Las Hormigas Malbec over the next 7-8 years with grilled steak, beef empanadas, hearty pastas, pizza and cheeses.