We invite you to enjoy these intimate celebrations 25+ wine will be featured with catered food from area restaurants. $10/$20 registration required.
Sat, Oct 7 Prisoner Wine Co.
Thurs Oct 12 Duckhorn Portfiolio 5:30-8
Sat, Oct 14 Explore Paso Robles
Sat, Oct 21 Rhone Valley with Chef Didier Cheeses
As the summer winds down and school begins, our lives become busier with purchasing school supplies and new books, sports activities, homework and many other activities, especially compared to laid-back easy going summer months. While the backyard BBQs have supsided and summer vacation has come to a close, you do not need to stop enjoying wine. With a little planning and the right type of wine, you'll be prepared for any occasion. The weather is changing, as is the food we will be consuming. Drinking seasonally is a wonderful approach to trying something different and exploring new wine regions.
Rosé wines should still be enjoyed well into the end of the year because a rosé wine pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving meal. These wines are light, fruity, and with low alcohol, can easily be consumed on school nights. Something you may also try are wines from Southern France, in particular from the Côtes du Rhone region. Nearly all of the wine produced are red (about 95%), with the remaining whites having dry and rich flavors made from Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, or Clairette. They are know for their yellow apple and stone fruit (peach, mango) flavors, can be very aromatic and creamy on the palate. These wines are easily affordable and if you are looking for early drinking wines with character that won’t break the bank, these wines tick all those boxes. The classic red Rhone wines are blends made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre or referred to as “GSM."
Several wine regions from around the world use a blended approach because winemakers have more control over the taste profile of a wine when it's composed of different grapes. Blending grapes, even single varietal wines, is a very common practice that you can see in many wines. For example, a bottle labeled Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa may have up to 25% Merlot or Petit Verdot, or other varietals, to round out the flavors the winemaker wants to achieve. According to French wine laws in the Côtes du Rhone region, including the iconic wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape (the Popes summer house) winemakers can use up to 19 different grapes. These three varieties, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvédre, hold the secret to this region. These red blends pair perfectly with all types of foods, especially the food we eat as the weather cools and school begins.
Find a wine with all these components and you have struck gold: a delicious, easy-to-drink wine for the fraction of the cost, that pairs well with just about any food. You can find Côtes du Rhone wines typically between $12-$17, which gives you great value and a reliable wine when you might not have much time on hectic school nights. France isn’t the only place making GSM blends. The California region Paso Robles, South Australia and even Spain, all produce enjoyable and price-friendly wines. With school back in session, choosing wine doesn’t have to be complicated and these tips will make it easier to find some delicious wines.
When wine is involved, nothing is difficult. Cheers!
We have been in business at this location since 1985, providing the best selection of wine in the western suburbs. Our store has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, and has been a past “Wine Store of the Year” selection. We pride ourselves on friendly and knowledgeable service, whether you are selecting an inexpensive wine for a simple dinner, purchasing select wine as an investment, or choosing wines for a special event.