Enoteca Open July 4th Weekend – Plan To Taste Wine!

Enoteca will be celebrating American Independence Day this year by being OPEN for retail and wine tasting! Wine tasting for Friday, July 3rd will be from 12-7, so if you have the day off, you can get your holiday started early, before you head for camping or traveling. We’ll also be open for tasting on Saturday, July 4th from 12-7, and we’ll be done tasting wine before the fireworks start!

July 3rd-4th will be Wine Club tasting weekend, which is always a great selection to come taste!

Wine Club Wine Tasting Hours for July 3rd and 4th:
Friday: 12-7
Saturday: 12-7

Happy Independence Day From Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer

1. July Fine Wine & Beer Club in your Bin this Friday!
       Come taste with us for only $10 / flight (lots of wine!)
2. Ultrapremium Joseph Phelps Wine Tasting including Insignia
       Thursday, July 9th, 7 pm, and it’s 1/2 price!
3. July 8th Beer Tasting: New Belgium (on a Wednesday!)
       5 pm & 7 pm tasting, space available
4. Remember the Orphans: Lots of Wine & Beer recently added
5. Enoteca Web Poll: Which region is my favorite to drink from?
       (right now Washington is ahead by only one vote)
6. Upcoming Tasting Events
7. What is Wine & Beer Club of the month membership all about?
8. Do I have to be able to describe tastes well for wine tasting?

A Note from Russell

It’s time for Wine & Beer of the Month Club! We’ve brought in a bunch of Italians, mostly from Small Vineyards Importers, because Italians know to party!

Beer Club members have 8 bottles of beer in their Bin, 2 bottles each of 4 different beers in a wide range of styles. Give them a shot, and share one!

Next week will be great for tasting events! On Wednesday the 8th at 5 and 7 pm we’ll be tasting New Belgium beers, focusing on some interesting brews they create. Thursday the 9th we’re hosting Keith Nyquist who will be pouring Joseph Phelps wine. This event is 1/2 price, and includes a taste of the world-famous Insignia! Both of these events require tickets to be pre-purchased, so see the details below and get signed up.

Learn more about the selections and events below, and consider visiting us on Friday from 12-7 as we pour these wines, or Saturday from 12-7.

On Saturday July 4th, we will be open in honor of Independence Day!

– Russell Mann

July Wine & Beer Club is in!

The wine and beer for this month’s club has arrived and will be in your Bin on Friday, July 1st! If you’re not a Club Member yet, learn about the Wine & Beer Club?

Wine & Beer Club is rolling out this Friday, and tasting is from 4-7 Friday. We will be tasting Saturday from 12-7 as well, which is a great time to taste wine to beat the rush. The cost is $10 per flight (3 oz. each of 3 wines – red or white).


The lineup for Club and Tasting:

Vintage Club

Le Rote Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 2007
(Tuscany, Italy)
In the shadow of the famous Towers of San Gimignano, Tuscan estate Le Rote makes a wonderfully charismatic Chianti Colli Senesi. It has rich, chewy dark fruit, “wet” tannins, yet finishes very dry and clean. Remarkably, this wine was aged a full 1.5 years before release, a very rare and determined decision for a non-riserva Chianti — and the results show in the bottle. Smooth, blackcherry and sweet tobacco linger on a faint, pleasant finish that is touched off by just the right hint of oak. Lovely.

90% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo and Malvasia Nera

Chianti’s are an interesting challenge for me in the wine business. On one hand I get requests all the time, on the other hand, we specialize in the best quality and best value wines and can’t just offer the “same old chianti.” We were thrilled to taste this gem of flavor and intense value that overdelivers in a category marked with mediocre players. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Perazzeta Sara Bianco 2008
(Tuscany, Italy)
If there is such thing as a Super-Tuscan white wine, Alessandro Bocci’s counterpart to the wildly successful Sara Sangiovese would certainly qualify. Made from a fascinating blend of two classic Tuscan varietals — Trebbiano and Malvasia, and two classic French varietals — Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, each of the four wines are vinified separately, then blended slowly to test their integration at each step. Graced with aromas of lemon zest, sage, a touch of mango and dried pineapple, Sara Bianco delivers delightfully heady complexity, no meditation required.

40% Trebbiano, 40% Chardonnay, 10% Malvasia, 10% Sauvignon Blanc

It’s always a treat to taste a wine from across the globe that has a total production of 250 cases. This one has the added benefit of sharing a name with Sarah! Just like Sarah this one has a crisp wit and sassy character that you don’t want to be without this summer.

Reserve Club

de Tarczal Cabernet Franc
(Trentino, Italy)
The De Tarczal family has been making wine since the 1600’s, specializing in classic local varietals, some of which are virtually extinct. Unlike many of their neighbors, they do not sell to co-ops, even though they are very small. In Trentino, Cabernet Franc is a classic varietal, considered as “local” as, say, Moscato Giallo. Climatically, the area near Rovereto is very similar to Pomerol, and the results are striking. Old vine winemaking, naturally low-yields, high-altitude, and valley ventilation make this Cabernet Franc a celebration of the varietal, as clean as stained glass, and equally artistic and expressive.

100% Cabernet Franc

You may remember de Tarczal from their dry Moscato Giallo white, which is always a big hit on the rare occassions it is imported. We’re familiar with Washington State Cab Franc as a big powerful often fruity and sometimes dry and dusty wine. We’re used to smoothe Cab Franc from California, and robust earthy Cab Franc from France, but how often do you see a single-varietal Cab Franc from Italy? Give this a hearing, it will definitely suprise with unique flavors and will be interesting to compare to the other Cab Franc’s you have experienced!

Mont Albano Pinot Grigio from Organic Vintners
(Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy)
Mont’Albano, an organic winery for over ten years, is enthusiastically headed by winemaker Mauro Bridot, a great supporter of the organic wine movement. The operation is located in the Friuli-Grave DOC in Italy’s northeast, not far from Venice, where it straddles the northern part of the Adriatic sea and stretches around to Slovenia.

This pleasant Pinot Grigio is something of a stylistic chameleon, managing to be at once crisply refreshing and rich on the palate. Its richness takes the form of pretty tropical fruit aromas and flavors including pineapple and banana, while its zip comes from a hint of citrus squirt and stony minerality. Supporting notes of quince, baking spice, caramel and flowers complete the experience, making this a remarkably versatile white wine.

100% Pinot Grigio

Rounding out the tour of Italy comes this fun Pinot Grigio from a fully organic producer. Give it a try, if you’re looking for ways to be more earth-friendly this may be a good choice, and if that’s not your goal, the flavor may draw you back anyways! If you’re going fishing anytime soon, this will be a great bottle to open with your catch, and even with market fish.

Premier Club

Podere Ciona Le Diacce Merlot 2004
(Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy)
Grown at high altitiude in Chianti Classico (approximately 1500 feet above sea level), this Merlot from Podere Ciona is remarkably clear in style and tension, with stinging, bright red fruits, subtle smoky notes, and a firm-bodied lushness that befits exceptional Merlot. From young vines, the fruits are very fresh, and goes perfectly with red and white meats.

95% Merlot, 5% Alicante Bouschet

Try this 300 case production wine, a Merlot produced in Tuscany. Some of my favorite wines on the planet are SuperTuscans rooted in a backbone of Merlot, and this is a great example of that style for an affordable price. The Alicante is a red skinned and red fruit grape that squeezes out red juice. It adds a measure of body and richness to this wine.

Vincent Girardin Saint Veran Blanc Chardonnay
(Burgundy, France)
The St Véran vineyards border Pouilly Fuisse in the Southern Maconnais. The warmth of the climate and the deep limestone soil give the wines an attractive apricot and apple character to their chardonnays. Girardin is a young modernist winemaker producing clean, excellent value wines.

Food and wine pairings: This chardonnay serves very well with raw and cooked seafood, escargot, and rich buttery dishes.

100% Chardonnay

Anniversary Club Red

Kaesler The Bogan Shiraz
(Barossa Valley, Australia)
Bogan means “black sheep” and was winemaker Reid Boward’s nickname in school.

The nose is generous, with plums, blueberry and cola. The oak shows quite spicy with a bit of mocha and chocolate on the back palate. Full bodied and powerful, blackberries and cassis. Structure is plump with a good lengthy aftertaste.

The Bogan is designed to highlight the unmistakeable synergy between Barossa Shiraz and good quality American oak. This is very much the new Australian style.

93-96 points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 94 points – James Halliday

100% Shiraz

Huge points from the wine police, and huge flavor demonstrated in this bottle. Bring this to a party and you’ll make friends. Just try this wine!

Beer Club

Beer Club members receive 8 bottles of beer this month, two each of 4 brews! Beer Club selections are not open for the tasting event, but a few four and six packs are available for purchase.

Sierra Nevada Kellerweiss
(Chico, California)
Brewery’s notes:

Kellerweis is one of the only American Hefeweizens made using the traditional Bavarian style of open fermentation. This difficult and labor-intensive technique adds uncommon depth and flavor complexity. Our hazy-golden hefeweizen is deeply flavorful, refreshing and perfect for a sunny day. To serve, pour two-thirds into a glass, swirl and pour the rest.

4.8% ABV, 15 IBU’s, two 12 oz. bottles

Samuel Adams Imperial White
(Boston, Massachusets)
Brewery’s notes:

Samuel Adams Imperial White is a new perspective on the classic witbier style. Witbiers are normally light and refreshing with a fruity finish and we wanted to see how these characteristics would stand up when we amped up the recipe. We were totally blown away by the flavors that were created by this beer.

This is not just a more intense version of our spring seasonal Samuel Adams White Ale. Imperial White is a new recipe that stands on it own merits. In fact, it is more of a wine substitute than just another refreshing witbier. This is a beer that should be sipped and savored and you’ll be amazed at the flavors you’ll discover as the beer warms and opens up.

10.3% ABV, two 12 oz. bottles

Samuel Adams Imperial Stout
(Boston, Massachusets)
Brewery’s notes:

Samuel Adams Imperial Stout is our take on the traditional Russian Imperial Stouts from the 18th century. While this style originated in England, it is a style now known for being uniquely American as craft Brewers have taken this it to whole new level of flavor and complexity. We think we raised the bar again. Samuel Adams Imperial Stout is a massive beer filled with big, dark flavors. It has been a brewery favorite in recent years and we are excited to share this intense brew with you.

9.2% ABV, two 12 oz. bottles

Samuel Adams Double Bock
(Boston, Massachusets)
Brewery’s notes:

Samuel Adams Double Bock was first brewed 20 years ago as the first of our Samuel Adams seasonal offerings, and it is now one of our most acclaimed beers. Double Bock became one the first big beers to be brewed here in the US, and we are now happy to offer it year round.

We use an enormous amount of malted barley, half a pound per bottle, to brew this intensely rich lager. Its deep mahogany color and velvet smooth flavor is a testament to the beer’s high quality two-row malted barley.

9.5% ABV, two 12 oz. bottles


Pricing disclaimer.

Ultrapremium Joseph Phelps Tasting Event

Joseph Phelps Tasting Event Thursday, July 9th Beginning at 7 p.m. Only $20 per person

Continuing the theme of our popular premium Long Shadows tasting, we’re offering a fantastic value: Taste a handful of wines from ultrapremium wine maker Joseph Phelps for only $20, including the rare Joseph Phelps Insignia, a world-famous $200 bottle of wine! To taste all of these wines by buying the bottles, it would cost you over $400 plus tax. For only $20 per person, this is a must-taste event!

With the release of the 1974 Insignia in the spring of 1978, Joseph Phelps Vineyards became the first California winery to produce a blend of the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grape varieties of Bordeaux under a proprietary label. Considered innovative at the time, the Insignia name was selected to represent the finest available production in each vintage year, and became the first proprietary wine of California to place blending above either varietal or vineyard designation as a determinant of quality. It would not be followed until a decade later by the second such wine, Opus One, and Insignia has remained the benchmark of this category for over a quarter century. Insignia is an opulent wine of concentration, complexity and structure, with a superb balance of finely tuned acidity and dense, velvety tannins. Cassis, liquorice and spice are abundant on the palate, with notes of eucalyptus and earth. The finish is sweet, elegant and extended. Thursday July 9th, at 7 p.m., at Enoteca in Post Falls, we will be hosting Keith Nyquist as he shares a fantastic array of Joseph Phelps wines! We will be pouring 2 oz. of each wine, except Insignia which will be 1 oz.! This tasting will be a “classroom style” tasting starting at 7 p.m. and will last about 1.5-2 hours. The tasting starts at 7 on Thursday, July 9th. Tickets to attend are $20 per seat, paid in advance. Only 24 seats are available to this event. Club members can have tickets simply added to their Bin, and anyone can order tickets by coming into Enoteca in Post Falls, calling us at 208-457-9885 or sending us email at service@corkjoy.com .

July Beer Tasting
New Belgium with Matt Simpson

New Belgium Beer Tasting Wednesday, July 8th 1st Tasting at 5 p.m. 2nd Tasting at 7 p.m. Only $10 per person

New Belgium Beer tasting on Wednesday, July 8th, at 5 & 7 pm at Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer! As our aspiring young homebrewer rides his mountain bike with “fat tires” through European villages famous for beer, New Belgium Brewing Company was but a glimmer in his eye. Or basement. For Jeff Lebesch would return to Fort Collins with a handful of ingredients and an imagination full of recipes. On July 8th Matt Simpson will be in Post Falls at Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer to share some of the new and fantastic offerings from New Belgium. It will be an experience to open up your mind to the possibilities of beer. Attendees will receive a beer glass and most importantly, learn about, and taste, more great beer! There will be two “classroom style” tastings, one that starts at 5 pm, and one that starts at 7 p.m. and will last about 1.5 hours. Email us at service@corkjoy.com to reserve space, or call 208-457-9885. To be made aware of future beer tasting events, join the email list at www.corkjoy.com

Remember the Orphans

The orphan shelf has had some recent admittants. Several bottles of wine were discovered that have been waiting for a home, and some beer has even migrated to the orphan shelf. Club members receive a 20% discount whenever they adopt an orphan. Find it in your heart.

A wide range of very delicious bottles are currently up for adoption. Come peer into the glassed-over eyeballs of these little fellas and see if one of them doesn’t tug at your heart. Pleeeze sir, can I have some more?

Tasting Events Coming Soon

Mark your calendars, Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer has a great lineup for the next few weeks. Join us for these excellent tasting events! More details will be available in this newsletter, as well as any changes that might come up.

Friday, July 3rd – 4-7 pm
Taste of Club! July Wine & Beer of the Month Club! Club tasting event, taste all the wine club wines! This is a great opportunity to see what the Club is all about, and to see what others are getting in their bins. We will taste these wines on Saturday, July 4th as well, from 12-7.

Wednesday, July 8th at 5 pm
Wednesday, July 8th at 7 pm
New Belgium Brewing Beer Tasting. Come try a sampling of eclectic offerings from this bicycle-minded brewery.

Thursday, July 9th – 7 pm
Joseph Phelps wine tasting! Come try these ultra-premium wines from California with Keith Nyquist, a winery representative on hand to share details and answer questions. Look for pricing details in an upcoming newsletter, and pre-register for this limited-seating event.

Friday, July 10th – 4-7 pm
3 Horse Ranch wine tasting! Come try these Idaho grown grapes bottled into wine in Idaho with the wine maker. Trust us, this is some Idaho State wine that tastes really good! We will taste these wines on Saturday, July 11th as well, from 12-7.

Friday, July 17th – 4-7 pm
Crew Wine Portfolio wine tasting! Steve Crosta from Crew Wines will be on hand to share a selection from the Crew Portfolio, which includes Sawbuck, Mossback, Matchbook, and Chasing Venus. We will taste these wines on Saturday, July 18th as well, from 12-7.

Wednesday, July 22nd – 7 pm
Revelry Wine Tasting! Someone from the winery will be here to pour Revelry wine on this Wednesday wine tasting event. Should be lots of fun!

Friday, July 24th – 4-7 pm
Artisan Collection Spanish Wine Tasting! Join Lee Anderson from New West Wines as he shares a selection of small winery, hand crafted wines from Spain. Spain is hot right now, great wines at fantastic prices, come learn all the details you could ever want to know! We will taste these wines on Saturday, July 25th as well, from 12-7.

You can keep yourself in the loop on Enoteca events! Subscribe to the Enoteca Google Calendar to keep up-to-date on the latest happenings!


Thank you for your support of our local family business.

Salute’

Russell and Sarah

Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer
208-457-9885
service@corkjoy.com

Enoteca is open:
Tuesday-Saturday: 11-7


Directions, hours, and more about Enoteca: www.corkjoy.com

We’re always looking for feedback! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to let us know. Did you like a certain wine or beer? We’re here to serve you so let us know how we can help: service@corkjoy.com

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