Post Falls’ Biggest Gourmet Wine & Beer Selection

Fun Wine & Beer Tasting Events

Experience New Wine & Beer with Monthly Club

Fun Events And News From Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer

1. October Fine Wine & Beer Club in your Bin this Friday!
       Come taste with us for only $10 / flight (lots of wine!)
2. Now On Tap: Deschutes The Abyss 2008
       1/2 Gallon Growler Fill: $24.99, Pint: $7.99
3. He Said Beer, She Said Wine
4. Upcoming Tasting Events
   • Wine Club Tasting
         Friday, October 2nd, 4-7 pm, Saturday the 3rd, 12-7
   • Caymus, Belle Glos, Mer Soleil Luxury Wine Tasting
         Thursday, October 8th, 7 pm, 1/2 price, get tickets!
   • Jones of Washington with Allan Williams
         Friday, October 9th, 4-7 pm
   • Iron Horse Beer Tasting
         Thursday, October 15th, 5 & 7 pm, $10, get tickets!
   • Ninkasi Beer Tasting
         Thursday, October 22nd, 7 pm, $10, get tickets!
   • Grand Teton Beer Tasting
         Thursday, October 29th, 5 & 7 pm, $10, get tickets!
5. How much fun is it to join Wine & Beer Club?
6. Will I meet Niles and Frasier at a wine tasting?

October Wine & Beer Club is in!

The wine and beer for this month’s club has arrived and will be in your Bin on Friday, October 2nd! 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

Cono Sur “Vision” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
(Maipo Valley, Chile)
This elegant and robust Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Maipo valley, Chile’s most traditional origin. It displays an intense nose of ripe fruit like strawberries and plums, with final touches of sweet spices. In mouth this wine is fruity, sophisticated and rich, with blackberry and juicy plum, together with touches of toasted oak which harmonically integrate. Food Pairing

It goes well with all kinds of red meats, pâté, lamb and game included. It also serves well with spicy sauces or strong condiments, especially dishes that include this variety in their cooking (Boeuf Bourguignon is the ultimate example). When pairing it with cheeses, choose dry and/or strong-flavoured types along the lines of Brie, Gorgonzola, Camembert or Cheddar.

90 Points Wine Advocate (2005 vintage)

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 4% Malbec, 3% Carmenere, 2% Petite Verdot, 1% Aspirian B.

St. Francis Chardonnay 2006
(Sonoma, California)
Rich with notes of citrus, melon and vanilla, this Chardonnay is a fresh expression of the hand-picked classic varietal. Two thirds of the grapes in this blend were grown in the estate Lagomarsino Vineyard located in the Russian River Valley, the remainder were carefully selected from nearby vineyards in Sonoma Valley and Carneros, choosing only fully ripened fruit. The fruit is 100% whole cluster pressed and fermented in different lots, then barrel aged for six months in French and American oak barrels prior to blending. Barrels are lees stirred by hand during aging to achieve a rich, lush mouth-feel. This Chardonnay undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. As you will taste, the barrel component adds a toasty complexity to the finished wine. Fruit and pear aromas are complimented by hints of oak and vanilla. Medium to full bodied, this 2006 Chardonnay has ripe fruit flavors, crisp high acid in the mouth, and a rich lingering finish.

100% Chardonnay

Reserve Club

de Tarczal Husar
(Trentino, Italy)
Husar is the result of a diligent selection of Marzemino Superior d’Isera best grapes. It is dedicated to my direct ancestor who was a Hussar officer in the Austro-Hungarian calvary. It is thanks to the aging process, lasting for 12 months in oak casks and 6 months in bottle, that Husar better expresses its excellent characteristics.

The color of this wine is ruby red, with brilliant purple reflections. On the nose, look for an intense, distinctive bouquet with strong violet traces. This is full bodied and dry.

Cosentino Chardonnay 2005
(Napa Valley, Chardonnay)
More Meursault in style with pineapple, honeysuckle and mineral notes. Crisp, fresh and bright, this wine contains citrus and green apple flavors that come to the front with mineral and subtle oak notes. This medium-full bodied wine is rich with excellent acid balance and firm texture. Excellent aging potential.

100% Chardonnay

Premier Club

Perrin & Fils Vacqueyras, Les Christins 2003
(Rhône, France)
Clearly a wine from a warm place, with its amber hues and richness of texture. The nose is reminiscent of morello cherries, flowers and licorice. On the palate it shows an unctuous texture and is rich and concentrated.

This is a fine bottle from a great terroir. It will go perfectly with beef, lamb and dishes containing black truffles.

Top 100 Wine Spectator

80% Grenache, 20% Syrah

Buty Semillion/Sauvignon/Muscadelle 2007
(Columbia Valley, Washington)
Sémillon dominates our classic white blend sourced from the old vines of Rosebud Ranches Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope. The sand, silt-loam filled soils and cooler temperatures of Spring Creek Vineyard in the Yakima Valley nurture our sauvignon bringing bright acidity to the blend. Muscadelle from Lonesome Spring River Ranch is responsible for the florals in this verve-filled wine. A portion of the wine is lees aged in mature oak and the balance ages in stainless steel. Thirty barrels produced.

This wine is the best of all worlds with a flowery nose, creamy texture, and a crisp palate full of ripe honeydew, lemon, and honey. And it’s dry.

70% Sèmillon, 26% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Muscadelle

Anniversary Club Red

Tre Donne Barolo 2003
(Piedemonte, Italy)
If you’ve never had Barolo, you must try it. And if you’ve never had Tre Donne’s Barolo, you’re in for a world-class experience. One of the great wines of Italy, this wine is aged 3 years in Barrique, and offers expansive cranberry, cedar, and pomegranate aromas, woodsmoke and tobacco, and a gracious three-act structure that finishes memorably. Approachable now, with soft tannins and beautifully bright fruit. Perfect with truffle soup, duck confit, or aged Italian cheese.

100% Nebbiolo

2 bottles of 375ml each.

Beer Club

Beer Club members receive 2 bottles of beer this month! Beer Club selections are not open for the tasting event, but a few bottles are available for purchase.

Grand Teton Pursuit of Hoppiness
(Victor, Idaho)

Brewery’s notes:

Pursuit of Hoppiness American Red was brewed to showcase the role of hops in the flavor of beer. Like all of the 2009 Cellar Reserve series beers, it was brewed in strict compliance with the Reinheitsgebot, or German Beer Purity Law.

Hops are a climbing plant, a member of the nettle family that also includes mulberry, elm, and hops’ closest cousin, Cannabis sativa. Hops have been a key ingredient in beer for at least several centuries, and perhaps even longer. They might be the plant mentioned in the Jewish Talmud in relation to “strong drink.” Pliny described them in his Natural History, saying the hop grew “wild among the willows, like a wolf among sheep.” Hops’ scientific name, Humulus lupulus comes from the Latin lupus, or wolf.

Since the 8th century hops have been included in descriptions of monasteries, particularly in bohemia, southern Germany, northern France and Flanders, but the first undisputed reference to hops in beer is by the Benedictine Sister Hildegarde (1098-1179). Her natural history writings mention hops and ash leaves in beer (and cannabis as a cure for headaches).

Perhaps because of their superior preservative qualities, hops have become by far the dominant spice in beer. Hops lower the pH of beer, protecting it from spoilage. They provide flavor, aroma, and bitterness to balance the natural sweetness of the malt. Scientists have identified more than 300 natural chemical compounds in hops’ essential oils, and professional tasters have come up with scores of aroma and flavor comparisons, from anise, basil and cedar to tobacco, violets and wet hay.

The hops grown in the United States are considered to be some of the best in the world. Compared to their more traditionally subdued, elegant European counterparts, American hops are bold, bright, piney and zesty.

Pursuit of Hoppiness was brewed to showcase the brash beauty of American hops: Summit, Simcoe, Chinook and Nuggets at 75 International Bitterness Units (IBU). It was brewed with Idaho 2-Row malted barley and German specialty malts to provide a rich, slightly caramel flavor and bold reddish color. At 22 degrees Plato starting gravity and about 8% alcohol by volume, this is a perfect autumn beer, thick and warming, to be shared and savored on a crisp fall evening.

A wonderful beer with food, Pursuit of Hoppiness’ slightly sweet, caramel flavors complement any grilled meat, chicken, barbecue, salmon, or (perfect for the fall) roasted root vegetables. It’s great with pizza and robust pasta dishes. The spicy, citrusy hops even play nicely with our favorite autumn dessert, pumpkin pie.

As is traditional, and like all of our Cellar Reserve beers, Pursuit of Hoppiness is bottle-conditioned so it will age well if properly stored. Because hop flavor and bitterness diminish with time, though, we recommend you drink this one fresh. The yeast in the bottle provides earthy, nutty flavor and is rich in B vitamins. It can be swirled and poured into the glass, or the beer can be decanted carefully off the yeast, according to drinker’s preference.

8% ABV, 75 IBU, 1L bottle

Unibroue Éphémère (eff-eh-mehr)
(Quebec, Canada)

Brewery’s notes:

White ale brewed with apple must.

Redolent of ripe Granny Smith apples, this unique white ale pleases the palate with a delicate balance of fruit and spice notes and just a hint of sweetness.

Éphémère apple satisfies with each sip and refreshes in all seasons, especially when paired with an artisan cheddar cheese, pork tenderloin served with apple chutney or Vidalia onion soup.

We developed the Éphémère (Ephemeral) series to feature a seasonal fruit in a refreshing, lightly spiced white ale.

The label depicts a fairy, an ephemeral spirit associated with fruits picked at the peak of ripeness during each harvest season. Éphémère apple flavor is brewed with apple must, which consists of the freshly-pressed juice from apples.

Enjoy this beer ‘alfresco’ while dining in the afternoon sun, relaxing at a family gathering or at a picnic in the back yard.

Winner of 3 Gold Medals from the Beverage Testing Institute since 2002

Éphémère apple has an alluring pale golden color, effervescent foam, and a mouth-watering bouquet of Granny Smith apples and spices. It is slightly sweet, slightly tart and refreshingly thirst-quenching.

Suggested serving with cheddar cheese, pork or onion soup.

5.5% ABV, 750ml bottle


Pricing disclaimer.

Russell Said Beer, Sarah Said Wine

Sarah: Hey, is the Abyss all gone yet? I tried making the kegerator look “cooler” (pardon the pun) by painting it with chalkboard paint. It also makes it handy for teling you whats inside! Let me know if you beer peoples like it. and if you don’t Russell will drink it, won’t you honey…

Russell: I sure will! We have a one-tap system, one beer at a time on a rotation. Once the Abyss keg is blown, it will be on to something else, and we’re aiming for some far out there beer! Right now about 1/2 of the Abyss keg is still waiting to be enjoyed. The best way to get in on it is to fill a growler. If you have your own 1/2 gallon growler, bring it in to fill, if you don’t have one yet, we have some fantastic glass growlers with caps for $8.99. You only have to get the glass once, and refill it as many times as you like!

Sarah: That’s all great if you like crazy beers, but what about the wine crew? Well, this weekend is Club Tasting which is one of our most popular and diverse tastings. I really liked the St. Francis Chardonnay. It went well with the vegetable pot pies I made and was just all around pleasant. Also, It’s fall you know how I can tell? My mom is wearing two sweaters and wrapping three blankets around her while wearing fifteen pairs of sox at once. Did I meantion we are not from around here originally? Anyway, my point is come on by because I’m all about comforting beverages right now. mulling spices, rich reds and luscious whites. We even found an apple cider that you can warm in a water bath on the stove and then enjoy! I feel like I’m forgetting something though, can you remind me honey?

Russell: Can you share that pot pie recipe? It was amazing, and hearty, especially considering you went meatless with that dish. Beer Clubbers get two interesting beers this month, including the Unibroue Ephemere, a belgian white styled ale brewed with apple must that is reminiscent of the apple festival in Green Bluff. Caramel candies and beer? Sounds like a winner. The other great beer in Club is from Grand Teton in Victor, Idaho, and we’re having a beer tasting with the brew master at the end of this month! Check out the calendar below and make sure to get your tickets if you want to attend.

Sarah: As we settle into fall in the northwest, my favorite time of year, the wine & beer in the Club are good for snuggling in and having with food, and we were able to score a couple of good deals too. The Cosentino Chardonnay is done in the style of Mersault, which is one of my favorite white burgundy styles, definitely food friendly, and Club members are seeing it in their Bin for $8 less than retail. For the Anniversary Red we have an interesting treat – the Tre Donne Barolo we were able to get two 1/2 bottles for $50 for the Club members when it’s normally $65 for the 750ml. Why not? The de Tarczal Husar is a blend that is both fruit forward and food friendly, we had it with proscuitto and olives at an import tasting and it was just yummy. Another great deal is in the Premier Red category with a single vineyard Vacqueyras, which is like a baby Châteauneuf-du-Pape or baby Gigondas as it were. Give it a whirl in a decanter or Vinturi Wine Aerator for optimum results.

Tasting Events Coming Soon

Mark your calendars for tastings at Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer. Some are classroom format, which means we all sit down at the same time and can interact with the presenter with questions and whatnot. Our Friday & Saturday wine tastings are drop-in format, which means you can stop in any time during the tasting hours and try some excellent wine. We price our tastings to just break even on the quantity we pour for you, and our pours are quite a bit more than a typical winery tasting room experience. Join us for these excellent tasting events!

October Taste of Wine Club
Friday, October 2nd – 4-7 pm [$10 flight, drop-in]

October 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, October 3rd as well, from 12-7.


Wines Made by Chuck Wagner Tasting
Thursday, October 8th – 7 pm [$20 flight, classroom]

Caymus Special Select, an uber-premium Cabernet, Belle Glos, Mer Soleil Luxury Wine Tasting! All wines by Chuck Wagner, all premium wines from famous California wine maker. 1/2 price tasting, only $20 per person, get your tickets in advance for this classroom format tasting!


Jones of Washington Wine Tasting with Allan Williams
Friday, October 9th – 4-7 pm [$10 flight, drop-in]

Allan will be on hand to share some excellent wine from Washington State, including their Cabernet which was named the best Washington Cab under $20. Jones of Washington is a family owned and operated winery that is committed to small-batch artisanal wines crafted with all the love and attention that people who are closely tied to the land can make. We will taste these wines on Saturday, October 10th as well, from 12-7.


Iron Horse of Ellensburg Beer Tasting with Greg Parker
Thursday, October 15th – 5 & 7 pm [$10 flight, classroom]

Greg Parker from Iron Horse Brewing of Ellensburg, Washington will be on hand to share great beer, and as a home brewer from way back, he knows his stuff. We’ll be holding 2 tastings, one at 5 and one at 7 pm. $10 per person, reserve your tickets early! (be sure to specify 5 or 7 pm)


Ninkasi Beer Tasting with Marty Ochs
Thursday, October 22nd – 7 pm [$10 flight, classroom]

Marty Ochs from Ninkasi Brewing will be on hand to share great beer! Come see how this Eugene, Oregon brewery is making an impact with hops. Total Domination IPA? Oh yes. We’ll be holding 1 classroom style tasting at 7 pm. $10 per person, reserve your tickets early!


Grand Teton Brewing Co. Beer Tasting with brew Master Rob Mullin
Thursday, October 29th – 5 & 7 pm [$10 flight, classroom]

Meet Brew Master Rob Mullin, and try beer with John Lundholm from Grand Teton. These guys are from Victor, Idaho in the southern part of the state, and if you’ve been in the Beer Club for a few months you probably recognize their brewery from the big 1L uber-tasty beers you’ve received. We’ll be holding 2 tastings, one at 5 and one at 7 pm. $10 per person, reserve your tickets early! (be sure to specify 5 or 7 pm)


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

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 12:52 pm and is filed under Enoteca News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.