Lagar De Besada Albarino, Saturday AM Sampler....

Good Morning!
And a gorgeous morning it is.... as you're walking around the downtown Melrose area today, be sure to stop in and sample some Albarino. It's the perfect choice for a hot summer day - and even better if you're going to be having raw bar or seafood today!

Never had Albarino before? Then you're in for a treat! If you're a Portugese wine drinker, then you may already be familiar with Alvarinho - their name of the grape. If not, then you can expect a deliciously light, crisp, slightly minerally and relatively fragrant wine. There's typically a slight hint of brine which is what practically makes it scream for oysters. It's also fantastic with Asian fare - but if you just want to enjoy it alone in the glass, it's perfect for relaxing on the patio in the summer sun.

Staycation Spain today... check out our Manchego cheese, Tapas seasoning mix, and Las Tapitas Flatbreads -- as well as Olive Oil & Sugar Tortas.

Organic, Green, Sustainable....

Of course, in today's age - we're all more environmentally aware. We try to be more conscious of what we eat, what we purchase, and of course - this includes how the wines we consume are produced.

Join us Thursday as we taste out some delicious organic wine from Chile. Produced by Cono Sur Winery, they are incredibly environmentally conscious. Organic wine is basically a wine made from organically grown grapes -- meaning they were farmed and harvested entirely without the use of man-made chemicals, whether in the form of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides or fungicides.

Thursday, July 22
5:30 - 8pm
Cono Sur Chilean Wines, specific varietals TBD

Hope to see you there!

Working for the weekend....

Plans for the weekend?
Whether you're staying home, or visiting friends - we've got everything you need.

Friday evening, 5-8pm join us as we taste out the following:
Cline Viogner, E Guigal Cote Du Rhone Rose, and two red wines that are to be determined. (I will update this page once they are finalized, so check back!)

Back by popular demand in the beer cooler: Clown Shoes Brown Angel & Clementine.

We've also increased our Greek inventory to 4 white wines, and 2 reds. Tomorrow's post will include the varietals because I am at home, and don't recall them off the top of my head.

Ford Farm Five Layer is available in the cheese case after what feels a far too long hiatus; there are few things that can irritate a retailer more than the words "back order".

We've also added a rather novelty and fun chocolate: Chocolate "Buffalo" Wings. They're peanut butter stuffed chocolates shaped in to chicken wings, complete with whipped marshmellow for Bleu Cheese. They're sinfully delicious.

And that's my mid-week wrap up.
Did you take advantage of our Wednesday Pasta Night?
If not....maybe next week,

Baseball and Wine...

In honor of the All Star Game, join us tomorrow from 4-8pm as we sample out some baseball themed wine, and of course... fresh roasted peanuts!

Come on by and sample something fun and delicious to enjoy the game with.

(Of course, we also have great beer as well to go on the baseball theme...)

Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...

Ah, the dog days of summer are here.
So what can you do to stay cool?
Keep your glass filled!

Let's think out of the box a bit, shall we?

Try some different whites - Pardina (Spain), Malvesia/Grechetto/Trebbiano Blend (Umbria, IT) Gruner Vetliner (Austria), Asyrtiko (Greece), Sylvaner (Germany), Tokaji Furmint (Hungary). All delicious and perfect for summer enjoyment.

And for some interesting reds -- Cab/Syrah/Merlot (South Africa), Cabernet (Greece), Nero D'Avola (Italy), Grenache/Syrah blends (France)

We're lining up some tastings for the next few weeks to help you get through the summer months. Be sure to subscribe to our blog via RSS - or keep checking back.

We're also on Twitter (@beaconhillwine) and on Facebook as well.

Stay cool - and cheers!

Sangria-la!

Looking for a quick and easy Sangria recipe?? Use a bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja reds, Zinfandel, Shiraz any inexpensive one will do.under $12. Think Yellowtail - they're perfect!) Add lemon & orange wedges, some sugar, couple shots of brandy and some ginger ale or soda water...You can also ...add sliced strawberries, peaches, or a handful of fresh blueberries...

(Okay, now I want some....)

Enjoy!!!