This Week’s Schedule:
- Special Event Wedneday, 5-7p: American Sparkling for New Year’s with Jenalyn
- Beer Thursday, 5-7p: Chaos Mountain Brewing
- Wine Friday, 5-7p: Introducing Selections from Free Run Wine Merchants with Russell
- Staff Pick Saturday, 2-6p: Check out our Facebook and Twitter feeds for more information!
What are we drinking for New Year’s?
- Steininger Riesling Heiligenstein Sekt: This Sparkling wine is what people who are in the wine-trade talk about when they say that Riesling is one of their favorite wines! Heilignstein is one of the most famous Riesling vineyards in the world. The steep terraces and “Urgestein” are the perfect recipe for a great Riesling. This single vineyard sparkling wine is characterized by pure minerality, deep stone fruit nuances, tremendous density and a very delicate bouquet. The base wine was matured in large neutral oak casks giving it sufficient rest on the lees. A zero dosage lets all these delicate flavors shine through a perfect elegant fine mousse (bubbles). The press in Austria wrote: “Karl’s Heiligenstein Sekt starts where Champagne stops…delicate and exceptional.”
- Céline et Laurent Tripoz Crémant de Bourgogne Brut: “France’s crémants are sparkling wines made in the same way as champagne, but not in the Champagne region. So they don’t command the same premium price, yet they offer terrific value. That’s especially so with Crémant de Bourgogne, because Burgundy uses the same main grapes (pinot noir and chardonnay) as Champagne. Tripoz is one of my favorite producers; I love its sparkling and still wines. The wines are certified biodynamic, and an earth-friendly viticulture is reflected in the edgy energy the wine conveys on the palate.” From this last week’s Washington Post.
- Champagne Gatinois Brut Tradition: This is a true reflection of Aÿ terroir’s unique character. It is made from the “heart of the terroir” comprising 27 parcels on the 7 hectare family domaine. Aÿ was known for its sparkling wines as far back as the Middle Ages, even before the “official” birth of Champagne two centuries later. The presence of famous brands and talented vignerons in the village today attests to the fact that Aÿ is not only an exceptional terroir, but also an important village in the champagne region. This is a blend of 80% Pinot Noir for richness, structure, and delicious character and 20% Chardonnay for a feminine touch. It is also 30% reserve wine for considerable balance between years with two years on lees. With a low dosage of 7g/l, it is great with everything from foie gras to sushi.
Find these and more great bubbles at the Shop this week!
