Mark your calendars for a South African soiree...
Join us Saturday, January 16th from 2p - 6p as we taste some of the delicious and new food items I brought in from Capetown Traders - South African specialty importers.
They'll be at the store at 2 -- and then at 4, we'll be pairing the food with some fantastic South African wines: Nederberg Pinotage (which by the way, is the official wine of the World Cup for all you soccer enthusiasts!), Cederberg Chenin Blanc, and Goats in Villages Shiraz/Pinotage.
We hope you can join us!
Showing posts with label south africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label south africa. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monday, January 04, 2010
Out with the old and in with the new....
Happy New to all....
So, in addition to always having different wine to choose from - we also try to mix things up in the food department. Starting this week, we'll be featuring some delicious products from South Africa -- and mark your calendars for a food & wine tasting, January 16th. We'll be sampling delicious food items such as cookies, chutneys and more - along with some delicious South African wine varietals such as Pinotage, Cabernet & Chenin Blanc. You won't want to miss it!
Sure, the winter holidays are over - but right around the corner is Valentine's Day. Champagne, sparkling wine, wine -- and of course chocolates and gifts -- are the perfect thing for that special person in your life. Just a little something to think about....
Another new something is delivery. Already available in Boston -- now Melrose residents can have orders delivered as well. Hours may be limited, so be sure to call ahead to schedule.
Until next time....
So, in addition to always having different wine to choose from - we also try to mix things up in the food department. Starting this week, we'll be featuring some delicious products from South Africa -- and mark your calendars for a food & wine tasting, January 16th. We'll be sampling delicious food items such as cookies, chutneys and more - along with some delicious South African wine varietals such as Pinotage, Cabernet & Chenin Blanc. You won't want to miss it!
Sure, the winter holidays are over - but right around the corner is Valentine's Day. Champagne, sparkling wine, wine -- and of course chocolates and gifts -- are the perfect thing for that special person in your life. Just a little something to think about....
Another new something is delivery. Already available in Boston -- now Melrose residents can have orders delivered as well. Hours may be limited, so be sure to call ahead to schedule.
Until next time....
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Great gift giving tasting for Thursday!
Don't miss out!
Thursday night in the Melrose store, we'll be tasting the following presented by Ruby Wine:
Graham Beck Brut (I love this sparkler from South Africa!)
Gossett Champagne
Lucien Crochet Sancerre
Trimbach Pinot Gris (fabulous holiday dinner wine... perfect for turkey or ham!)
Pine Ridge Chardonnay
Brandini Barbera
Groth Cab (Delicious!!!)
Chateau Clairfont Margaux (You don't want to miss this one. Trust me....)
It starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. and these are fantastic holiday gift wines -- and even better if it's a gift for yourself.
See you there!
Thursday night in the Melrose store, we'll be tasting the following presented by Ruby Wine:
Graham Beck Brut (I love this sparkler from South Africa!)
Gossett Champagne
Lucien Crochet Sancerre
Trimbach Pinot Gris (fabulous holiday dinner wine... perfect for turkey or ham!)
Pine Ridge Chardonnay
Brandini Barbera
Groth Cab (Delicious!!!)
Chateau Clairfont Margaux (You don't want to miss this one. Trust me....)
It starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. and these are fantastic holiday gift wines -- and even better if it's a gift for yourself.
See you there!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanksgiving is upon us...
I can't tell you how many phone calls I've received this morning asking for recommendations on what to buy for the holiday dinner. And that -- is a great thing.
The best advice I can give you is to have fun with whatever your drinking; and the most important thing to keep in mind, is not buy a wine that will overpower what you are eating. Basically, that means if Turkey is on the menu (as it most generally is!), than you want to avoid big and heavy red wines, or exceptionally dry and/or heavy white ones.
If your holiday turkey menu features sweet side dishes such as glazed carrots or marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, you could choose a white wine with similar sweetness, such as a chenin blanc or gewurztraminer. If your menu items are savory, you can lean toward a Johannisberg riesling, savignon blanc, or even a light, fruity chardonnay. If your bird boasts a spicy sausage stuffing, sip a Beaujolais (Nouveau is the rage for today) or lightly chilled pinot noir. (Though I personally do not care for my red wine chilled, at all.)
Think out of the box a bit... don't be afraid to play. A great pairing for Turkey is champagne. You can feel decadent and fancy while drinking a deliciously light and fruity one; Rose champagne is a perfect compliment -- and looks pretty in the glass, for those who are into aesthetics, right down down to the bubbles.
If you don't want to break the bank with the champagne, then I'd wholly suggest buying it's Italian cousin: Prosecco. Light, fruity and inexpensive - Prosecco will dress up any meal and it's very food friendly.
I mentioned a Johannisburg Riesling, but if you want to be a red wine drinker and stray from the traditional Pinot & Beaujolais - then I'd recommend a South African Merlot or Cabernet (avoid a Shiraz blend -- too spicy!). South African wine is bright, fruit forward and not so heavy that it would detract from the food you are eating.
If you're in town today -- please don't hesitate to stop in and ask for assistance with your holiday gift giving or meal pairing selections. Gene is there all day and night -- and will be more than happy to assist you. He's worked very hard to ensure that we have an outstanding inventory that is able to please even the most discriminating wine enthusiast.
From our family to yours....have a lovely holiday.
The best advice I can give you is to have fun with whatever your drinking; and the most important thing to keep in mind, is not buy a wine that will overpower what you are eating. Basically, that means if Turkey is on the menu (as it most generally is!), than you want to avoid big and heavy red wines, or exceptionally dry and/or heavy white ones.
If your holiday turkey menu features sweet side dishes such as glazed carrots or marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, you could choose a white wine with similar sweetness, such as a chenin blanc or gewurztraminer. If your menu items are savory, you can lean toward a Johannisberg riesling, savignon blanc, or even a light, fruity chardonnay. If your bird boasts a spicy sausage stuffing, sip a Beaujolais (Nouveau is the rage for today) or lightly chilled pinot noir. (Though I personally do not care for my red wine chilled, at all.)
Think out of the box a bit... don't be afraid to play. A great pairing for Turkey is champagne. You can feel decadent and fancy while drinking a deliciously light and fruity one; Rose champagne is a perfect compliment -- and looks pretty in the glass, for those who are into aesthetics, right down down to the bubbles.
If you don't want to break the bank with the champagne, then I'd wholly suggest buying it's Italian cousin: Prosecco. Light, fruity and inexpensive - Prosecco will dress up any meal and it's very food friendly.
I mentioned a Johannisburg Riesling, but if you want to be a red wine drinker and stray from the traditional Pinot & Beaujolais - then I'd recommend a South African Merlot or Cabernet (avoid a Shiraz blend -- too spicy!). South African wine is bright, fruit forward and not so heavy that it would detract from the food you are eating.
If you're in town today -- please don't hesitate to stop in and ask for assistance with your holiday gift giving or meal pairing selections. Gene is there all day and night -- and will be more than happy to assist you. He's worked very hard to ensure that we have an outstanding inventory that is able to please even the most discriminating wine enthusiast.
From our family to yours....have a lovely holiday.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Looking to try something new?
Have you given South Africa a try yet?
Relatively still "new kids" on the wine block (at least in the minds of consumers) -- South Africa has quickly become the hottest trend in wine since Australia.
Pinotage is their signature grape -- and it's one of those varietals that to know it -- is to love it. I personally love a good Pinotage, however I do think it's something that there is no middle ground on; either you like Pinotage or you don't. It's one of the most interesting and different styles I've had and the best way I can describe it for you, is that if you have a good glass of it -- it will dance on your tongue.
But if you aren't feeling adventurous enough to take the chance, then feel free to stick to their traditional styles of wine. Inexpensive and delicious, South African wines are great for those who don't care for dry, or Old World style of wine. The varietals tend to be very bright, vibrant and fruit forward - without too much tannic aftertaste or acidity.
My personal favorites are from the Graham Beck vineyard, and the two I'll share with you are these: the Chenin Blanc is really nicely balanced with a ton of tropical fruits and crispness; and the Shiraz/Cabernet blend is absolutely delicious. The best part of that one is that it's casked in both steel and oak, so there's this great fruity taste with warm tones of chocolate and the spice you'd expect from a Shiraz.
So if you have the opportunity, give South Africa a swirl. You won't be disappointed.
Let us know what you think!
Relatively still "new kids" on the wine block (at least in the minds of consumers) -- South Africa has quickly become the hottest trend in wine since Australia.
Pinotage is their signature grape -- and it's one of those varietals that to know it -- is to love it. I personally love a good Pinotage, however I do think it's something that there is no middle ground on; either you like Pinotage or you don't. It's one of the most interesting and different styles I've had and the best way I can describe it for you, is that if you have a good glass of it -- it will dance on your tongue.
But if you aren't feeling adventurous enough to take the chance, then feel free to stick to their traditional styles of wine. Inexpensive and delicious, South African wines are great for those who don't care for dry, or Old World style of wine. The varietals tend to be very bright, vibrant and fruit forward - without too much tannic aftertaste or acidity.
My personal favorites are from the Graham Beck vineyard, and the two I'll share with you are these: the Chenin Blanc is really nicely balanced with a ton of tropical fruits and crispness; and the Shiraz/Cabernet blend is absolutely delicious. The best part of that one is that it's casked in both steel and oak, so there's this great fruity taste with warm tones of chocolate and the spice you'd expect from a Shiraz.
So if you have the opportunity, give South Africa a swirl. You won't be disappointed.
Let us know what you think!
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