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Experience New Wine & Beer with Monthly Club

Fun Events And News From Enoteca – Fine Wine & Beer

1. November Fine Wine & Beer Club in your Bin this Friday!
       Come taste with us for only $10 / flight (lots of wine!)
2. Now On Tap: Laughing Dog Hop Dog Fresh Hop 2009
       1/2 Gallon Growler Fill: $10.99, Pint: $3.99
3. He Said Beer, She Said Wine
4. Drink to Help Your Fellow Man: Charity & Wine
5. Upcoming Tasting Events
   • Wine Club Tasting
         Friday, November 6th, 4-7 pm, Saturday the 7th, 12-7
   • Economy Wine Tasting – $15 and under treats!
         Friday, November 13th, 4-7 pm, Saturday the 14th, 12-7
   • Thanksgiving Food and Wine Pairing Class with Sarah @ Enoteca
         Thursday, November 19th, 7 pm, classroom, tickets required.
   • Saviah Cellars Wine Tasting with Wine Maker Richard Funk
         Friday, November 20th, 4-7 pm, Saturday the 21st, 12-7
   • Laughing Dog Beer Tasting
         Thursday, December 10th, 5 & 7 pm, $10, tickets required.
6. How much fun is it to join Wine & Beer Club?
7. Will I meet Niles and Frasier at a wine tasting?

November Wine & Beer Club is in!

The wine and beer for this month’s Club has arrived and will be in your Bin on Friday, November 6th! 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

Bodegas Nieto Senetiner Malbec Reserva
(Mendoza, Argentina)

Made from 100% Malbec, harvested in April and fermented in cement tanks. The wine is then aged for one year in French oak barrels. A deeply-colored powerful red with great concentration of berries. Complex flavors of plums, figs and dried fruit, with spicy vanilla character are evident from the maturation in French oak.

Lovely aromas of strawberries and raspberries. Luscious dark fruit in the mouth, with mocha, spice, and a hint of licorice at the end; nice lingering finish.

100% Malbec

Dona Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc
(Tupungato, Argentina)

Cardos are “thistles,” the flowers known for thier intensely vivid color and sharp thorns. In the Mendoza province, the presence of thistles is an unmistakable sign of good terroir, and these vineyards are in the thistles.

This fresh, attractive, and vigorous Sauvignon Blanc shows intense aromas of yellow grapefruit, lime and passion fruit, that are well integrated with gooseberry, herbal notes and mineral hints. On the palate is a wine of great volume and freshness with a very long finish.

100% Sauvignon Blanc

Reserve Club

Forgeron Syrah
(Columbia Valley, Washington)

Let’s listen to the wine maker:

Here is a wine with incredible depth and structure along with great fruit and more pronounced spice. As the saying goes “No wine before it’s time” and this is a vintage that has been well worth the wait. Our 2003 Syrah is more of a Rhone-style with bigger, riper fruit that really reflects the vintage.

Beautiful dark aromas of dried cherries, hyacinth, brown sugar, nutmeg and clove on the nose. The mouth shows bright cherry flavors integrated with coffee bean, pomegranate and plum followed by a long finish laced with cinnamon.

As for food, pairing this Syrah with a hearty lamb stew would be a match made in heaven. Also try with a pork tenderloin and pomegranate sauce or a quesadilla with queso fresca, dried cherries and pine nuts. A little creativity and this Syrah have all the makings for a fun evening with friends. Cheers!

Sante’

Marie-Eve Gilla, Winemaker

Beyond that, check out these awesome vineyard sites:

40% Les Collines Vineyard (our vineyard Partnership in Walla Walla Valley), 38% Boushey Vineyard (cool location in Yakima Valley, fresh, bright fruit with good acidity), 13% Milbrandt & 5% Stonetree (near Mattawa, very warm locations) and 4% Den Hoed (Yakima)

And furthermore, this $30 retail bottle of wine is a special treat to the Reserve Red wine club members for under $20.

100% Syrah

Milbrandt Legacy Evergreen Chardonnay
(Evergreen Vineyard, Wahluke Slope, Washington)

Chardonnay is the most widely planted variety in the United States. It’s also number one in acreage in Washington State, barely edging our Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

While many New World renditions are fat, rich, buttery and unctuous, Washington State Chardonnays tend to be crisp, structured, steely and refreshing.

For added complexity, our 2006 Evergreen Chardonnay was barrel fermented in four different types of oak. Extended lees contact added to the wine’s rich mouthfeel and creaminess. Underneath the well-tempered opulence is the hallmark brisk acidity and minerality found in all of the Milbrandt wines. The aromas are bright and tropical; the finish is clean and harmonious.

100% Chardonnay

Premier Club

Perazzeta Rita Sangiovese Riserva
(Montecucco, Italy)

In Europe this wine is known as Licurgo, but in America it is named after the winemakers wife!

This wine spent 24 months in barriques, 6-12 months in the bottle before release. The color can be described as very intense ruby red tending to garnet, and the bouquet is round vinous and distinctively elegant.

On the palate this wine is full, dry and warm, with occasional hints of wood, very elegant, and is the perfect accompaniment to red meats, roasts, game and mature cheeses.

In a blind wine tasting done by a commission of a leading Italian wine magazine in November 2003, Licurgo was selected as one of the 10 best Tuscan wines and was listed with names such as Ornellaia and Paleo. 100 cases were produced.

100% Sangiovese

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc
(Napa Valley, California)

This Sauvignon Blanc seamlessly combines lush, mouth-filling fruit with refreshing acidity. The aromas highlight bright citrus notes of lemon zest, grapefruit and kaffir lime, underscored by subtle hints of pear and dried apricot. Echoing the aromatics, the palate reveals vibrant citrus layers complemented by more subdued tropical elements of banana, coconut and lychee.

76% Sauvignon Blanc, 24% Sémillon

Anniversary Club Red

Terre Del Grico Monstryronum “The Monster” 1997
(Puglia, Italy)

The Monster is a blend of Negroamaro, which is a grape whose name translates to “the blackest of the blacks” Primitivo, which is genetically the same as red Zinfandel, and Aliteco. Yes, the vintage, 1997, is correct. This wine was aged on oak barrels for 7 years before it was bottled, where it spent another 2 years before release. That’s 84 months.

This can be a challenging bottle of wine, I’ve experienced such a wide variety of flavors with it. Sometimes whiffs of bakers cocoa are unmistakable, sometimes it has a port-like flavor without the port sweetness. Sometimes the traditionally European “barnyard” aromas are noticable. When it comes to decanting it is just as much of an elusive target. Sometimes the more air it gets, the more the flavors and aromas pop out at you, sometimes it’s best expression is freshly opened.

This is another great deal, we were able to get this wine, which was originally retailed around $120, for wine club members at under $50.

Beer Club

Beer Club members receive 4 bottles of beer this month! Beer Club selections are not open for the tasting event, but a few bottles are available for purchase.

Stone Imperial Russian Stout
(San Diego, California)

Brewery’s notes:

Brewed in the authentic historical style of an Imperial Russian stout, this beer is massive. Intensely aromatic (notes of anise, black currants, coffee, roastiness and alcohol) and heavy on the palate, this brew goes where few can – and fewer dare even try. The style originated from Czarist Russia’s demand for even thicker English stouts. Expect our version of this mysterious brew to pour like Siberian crude and taste even heavier!

10.5% ABV, 90+ IBU, 22oz bottle

Great Divide Claymore Scotch Ale
(Denver, Colorado)

Brewery’s notes:

Scottish Wee Heavy

Named for a medieval Scottish sword, Claymore Scotch Ale is our tribute to the legendary “Wee Heavy” beers of Scotland. This malty, deep-ruby beauty features lots of caramel sweetness, a reserved hop profile, and a subtle warming character. Unlike its namesake, this beer only requires one hand, but it’ll still make you feel like nobility.

Enjoy with: Pot roast with roasted vegetables, seared lamb shank with white beans, bread pudding.

7.7% ABV, 12 oz. bottle

Scuttlebutt Old No. 1 Barleywine Beer 2008
(Everett, Washington)

Barleywines are a great way to greet the cold weather with high alcohol! This beer is huge with 12.9% ABV, big malts, big hops, and ready to rumble. Barleywines are meant to age for a year or three, and this is a great opportunity to try one that’s already been aged for a year!

12.9% ABV, 12 oz. bottle

Iron Horse High Five Hefe Ginger
(Ellensburg, Washington)

Brewery’s notes:

Wheat, honey and ginger. A hefe with flavor before the fruit. No lemon required. In fact, please spare our beer from the embarrassment. This is a sayanora to summer offering.

22 oz. bottle

Drink to Help Your Fellow Man

Sarah: With the year being tougher than shoe leather for everyone Enoteca has come up with a way to help out families this year for Thanksgiving. Russell and I have chosen a handful of wines and some beer, buy these selected beverages and 15% of the total will be donated to feed the needy in Post Falls. We want to help local organizations who tirelessly build Holiday baskets as they can and deliver them to struggling families.

Buy some wine and in turn you are helping fill goody baskets for families in need. Pretty sweet deal!

Russell Said Beer, Sarah Said Wine

Sarah: The Halloween party was a blast! There were some very creative costumes that made me bust a gut! The winner of the Forgeron Magnum in our costume contest is Jonathan Poole, who suited up as a very convincing soldier, and the winner for best concept costume is Anne and John Eckhart for portraying Octo-mom and “the insemination doctor”.

Check out the photos on the Enoteca FaceBook Group page here….

Russell: It sure was fun! I rolled out of bed and into the make-up chair Saturday morning, and spent 2 hours getting costumed up. Sarah and Carole did a fantastic job, and despite comments about Elton John and Liberace, my costume was actually “Ice” to compliment Sarah’s “Fire.” So many people showed up in costume it was great! I figure for those brave souls, whether you were a winner or not, I need to hook you up with some beer, so take a look in your Bin, I’ve put a little something in there for you.

This guys didn’t show up for wine tasting, but you’ve got to check out his costume!

Sarah: Has anyone noticed the movie trailers lately? Why do they advertise movies that aren’t coming out until 2011? I understand time is flying by but that’s a little more thought out than I can handle. I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving because I have to. Russell and I are hosting the holiday at our home which means I need to think about everyone’s needs for the dinner. Someone likes yams but hates the green beans, dad likes bold wine, aunt Sue likes sweet whites. Ugh, it’s a lot to manage. Since I was asked to host back in August I have been thinking about what wine and beer to serve. I also wanted to share my new found knowledge of the wine and food harmony. I designed the Thanksgiving Enoteca style tasting to give you an in depth view of how and what to pair with the most traditional meal in America. I really wanted to share an experience that I found interesting and fun to say the least! Sign up for November 19th and join me in good food, wine and fun!

Russell: I love me some Thanksgiving! We’re blessed to be in America with the abundance we enjoy, symbolized by the abundant feast of the first Thanksgiving. We are so blessed and would in turn love to share our blessings with the community.

From now until turkey day, there are some selected wines which you can buy here, and 15% of the purchase of these wines will be donated to help feed the needy in Post Falls.

Sarah: The club picks this month are some examples of classic and true wine profiles. “The snozberries taste like snozberries”. Well, maybe not quite snozberries but you get the idea. For example Forgeron Syrah, I love it! They have always done an excellent job of presenting the Syrah grape in it’s true expression with out overmanipulating it to taste like something other than Syrah, also this wine is lovely after decanting for awhile and enjoying with steak, beef stroganoff or on the couch watching Survivor. I can also say the same of the Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc, very classic Sauvignon, not overpowering in the citrus or lemongrass. Just a well balanced and lovely expression of the grape. Simple can go a long way and this month the selections remain classic to go along with a classic time of year. Enjoy!

Russell: Beer Club is fun this month, some would say every month. Early reports from those who have already picked up their beer include James who says: “I snuck in early and got my beer. The Scuttlebutt is great. I’d like to order some.” and Susan who said: “Scotch Ale? Sounds like the best of both worlds!”

Besides that, we just tapped the Laughing Dog Hop Dog, a Fresh Hop beer made in Sandpoint. It’s fantastic! The flavor reminds me of childhood summers bucking bails for Rathdrum Prairie farmers, except more refreshing. Come in for a pint or a growler fill, we don’t expect this to last long, I’m getting thirsty just writing about it. By the way, the fastest way to know what’s new and on tap is by following our Twitter feed and joining the Enoteca FaceBook group, just so you know.

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!

November Taste of Wine Club
Friday, November 6th – 4-7 pm [$10 flight, drop-in]

November 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, November 7th as well, from 12-7.


Economy Wine Tasting – $15 and under tasty treats
Friday, November 13th – 4-7 pm [$10 flight, drop-in]

Just because the economy is affecting everyones wallets doesn’t mean we have to settle for grocery store wine! We’re going to the mattresses for this one, to find and root out those tasty gems from the various parts of the world they’ve been hiding. We will taste these wines on Saturday, November 14th as well, from 12-7.


Class: How to pair beverages with Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 19th – 7 pm [$20 food/flight, classroom]

Would you like to try something new with your holiday but are a little uneasy to buy a wine to only find out it’s a dud or at the very best didn’t go with the turkey and cranberries at all. This tasting will be a great way to answer your questions with out you having to spend money on scattered experimenting, I have run through a gamete of wines and have found a fabulous handful of them that will not only go well with the food but take the whole traditional Thanksgiving meal up a notch! I’ll serve the traditional thanksgiving fare in a delicious appetizer style. We’ll taste through six different wines and two beers that will open you up to new ideas for the holiday! So join me November 19th for the chance to explore what Thanksgiving is like Enoteca style!

See the full ad for this here!

$20 per person, tax included reserve your tickets early!


Saviah Cellars Wine Tastign with Richard Funk
Friday, November 20th – 4-7 pm [$10 flight, drop-in]

Saviah Cellars, the famous home of The Jack, and ultra premium offerings like Une Vallee. Truly top notch wine making from Washington, and meet the wine maker, Richard Funk! The man with the plan will be here to share his creations with you and answer questions. Go ahead, ask him to autograph your bottle, he won’t mind. We will taste these wines on Saturday, November 21st as well, from 12-7.


Black Friday Early Bird Specials
Friday, November 27th

Look for details in upcoming newsletters.


Laughing Dog Beer Tasting with brewer Fred Colby
Thursday, December 10th – 5 & 7 pm [$10 flight, classroom]

Meet head brewer Fred Colby and other brewers from Laughing Dog. Learn more about the best local brewery, and why these beers are winning awards and getting recognition nationally. We plan on having something special to taste, and fill up growlers! After tasting a bunch of beers, you get to take home a glass from the brewery. 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 Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 10:58 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.