JUNE 2011
This Saturday swing by the shop to enjoy HUGE discounts on all domestic products! Beer, Wine you name it, if its made in the USA, its on sale. After you shop ’til you drop, come say hello to the newest member of the Sour Grapes crew, Sarrah Wile. She’ll be pouring some naturally delicious wines at the tasting bar.
Notes from the Distributor:
Agricola Castellana Inspiracion Pampano– A blend of Verdejo (60%), which contributes the melon and peach flavors and Viura (40%) which adds some citrus and extra drive from acidity, this would be an ideal sipper on the beach, at the park, sitting on the deck while your hamburgers are on the grill. Winemaker Ángel Calleja Martínez creates his masterpieces in La Seca, in the south of Valladolid, at a high altitude, 2400 feet, plateau where the low fertility of the soil and the scarce rains combine to produce low yields but highly concentrated grapes. Winters are harsh, dry and sunny (2600 hours/year) allowing a perfect ripening of the grapes. The Continental climate, with extreme temperature differences between the day and night, is the reason for the unique balance achieved in these grapes. The soil is pure limestone with a clay sublayer. Agricola Castellana owns more ungrafted old vines than the rest of the wineries in the appellation combined. Most of the Viura plants are ungrafted. Bush vines make up 40% of the total. The fermentation takes place in temperature controlled, stainless steel vats at very low temperatures ( 61F). Only native yeasts are used. Careful batonage(lees stiring) is carried out to maximize lees contact for 3 months. Shelf $10.99 Tasting $9.89
Weingut Schloss Mühlenhof Müller-Thurgau Trocken– Sustainable, and committed to green winemaking, Mulenhof is an estate to watch in Germany’s Rheinhessen. The soil at this estate is mostly loess with deep limestone. All of the wine at this estate is made in the same manner, after fermentation, the wine is kept with skin contact for a minimum of two weeks, then racked into 1200 liter and 228 liter oak barrels to age for one year before being bottled. It is then filtered through bentonite and the average age of the vines are around 20 years old. This is a lesser known grape variety that tastes like a peachy, floral cross between Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Very pretty and dainty, with honeyed flavors of ripe apricot, white peach, and fragrant melon that come across lush and round in the mouth. While this wine has lovely ripe fruit, it is fully dry (not sweet) as indicated by the trocken designation listed on the label. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Weingut Martinshof Zweigelt– Innovation, stubbornness and a little bit of madness.” This, according to Michael Martin, the young wine making dynamo of Weingut Martinshof, is the secret to his success. Our focus is towards “outstanding wines”, bringing Burgundy wines came back into the game. In the late 1990s, Austrian Burgundy wine was seen as “uncool”, so the motto was to persevere – to be stubborn. In the meantime we have 13 hectares in the sites of St. Ulrich – Hausberg, Sonnberg und Galgenberg, in addition we have the vineyard of Hermann Nitsch – also somebody from the Weinviertel, who appreciates the distinctiveness of the region. Micheal Martin makes this slightly dry cuvee of Zweigelt and Pinot Noir that is perfect for daily pleasure. The red wine grape Zweigelt was invented in 1922 by an Austrian researcher named Fritz Zweigelt. He created it by crossing a favorite (and very good) Austrian red grape called Blaufränkisch (sometimes called Lemberger) with an almost unknown, aromatic member of the pinot noir family called St. Laurent. Zweigelt proved immensely popular in Austria, not least for its hardiness as a grapevine, but able to endure Austriaʼs cold winter climate. Zweigelt creates a lovely, soft, aromatic red wine reminiscent of pinot noir in its cherry/raspberry scent and taste, as well as in its gentle, supple tannins. Serve this wine slightly cool with anything from a roast pork loin to a grilled cheeseburger. It’s a world-beater bargain and really good, “drink-now” red wine. Full 1 liter bottle. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Domaine de Boissan Côtes du Rhône Cuvee Prince d’Orange– The Domaine de Boissan is situated in Sablet, in the southeast part of France, in the Rhone Valley, beneath Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. The result of the marriage of two winemaking families, the Domaine de Boissans, with five generations of winemakers, is among the oldest domains in the southern Rhone. The first cellars and production facilities were constructed in the late 1700s, and enlarged in 1898 and again in 1934. A new winery was built in 1985, with important additions in the late 90s. Only organic fertilizer is added to the soil. Hand picked at harvest. Domaine de Boissan wines are marked by a delicate approach to fruit. This may well have something to do with the fact that Cathy Bonfils was born in Pommard, and that Christian has spent much time studying the techniques used by the Burgundians with Pinot Noir. The wines are fresh and approachable young, with distinctive separation between the Syrah and Grenache notes. The wines are not made to a ʻhouse styleʼ however, with the blends changing from year to year to suit the harvest results. The wines of the domain have been cited regularly in the French and international wine press (Guide Hachette, Gault Millau, Vins de France, La Bonne Cuisine, Cuisine et Vins de France, other boring american publications, etc.) This blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre sees some oak (6-8 months) and has a lush, spicy texture. Produced from 35 year old vines, this wine has a nose with hints of hazelnut, pepper and undergrowth with a palate that is complex with a touch of black currant on the finish. It is a wine for all seasons and all meals. Shelf $15.99 Tasting $14.39
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting– Saturday June, 25th 2011 4PM-8PM http://www.appalachianvintner.com/
Greetings! We hope all of the Dads out there had a wonderful Fathers Day!
Save the Date!! Friday July, 22nd 2011 7PM-10PM. Appalachian Vintner is proud to host a Festival benefiting Kinder Soles, a socially conscious flip flop manufacturer from the Triangle. Every pair of Kinder Soles is made from recycled bottles and each sale provides funds to send footwear to those in need through Solemates Foundation. The evening will have delicious food, great music and amazing wine & beer. Brought to you by, Appalachian Vintner, Sour Grapes Wine, Green Planet Catering and Pisgah Brewing Company. $10 at the door. $5 if you bring a pair of shoes to donate.
Indaba Chardonnay– 100% Chardonnay from the Western Cape of South Africa. Chardonnay is created in a multitude of styles, from honeyed sweet to hauntingly arid and stark. This bottling is of the milder manner, a young wine in all its soft faced glory. Meant to be drunk in its shimmering youth, crisp and refreshingly lush tones of taunt tropical fruit, tons of flavor but light on its toes. “Indaba” is the traditional Zulu forum for sharing ideas. World-wide sales of the Indaba wines help fund the Indaba Scholarship, established to open the wine industry doors to a new generation of native South Africans. Shelf $8.99 Tasting $8.09
Domaine de Cascavel In Fine Rosé– 80% Grenache, 20% Cinsault. From the importer: In the “Land of Winds”, producers passionate about their soil have “grown, harvested and made wine from beautiful grapes for you.” In fine (to conclude, in Latin) brings evenings to a close as nicely as it starts them! Dense, fresh and spicy wines. In Fine is the baby project from Raphael Trouiller, rising star of the Ventoux with his garage wine Domaine de Cascavel, a small biodynamic estate making handcrafted, tiny production Ventoux wines. A bright pink color and a nose packed with berries (strawberries, blackberries) for this wine, whose palate confirms the aromas revealed by the nose. A well balanced wine with a good aromatic persistence. The 2010 will perfectly accompany hams, fish, pizzas and summer barbecues. Serve cold (46.5°F). Biodynamic. Shelf $10.99 Tasting $9.89
Russian Hill Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir– 100% Pinot Noir. Russian Hill Estate, a family owned and operated winery, is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Edward Gomez and Ellen Mack established Russian Hill in 1997 after a two-year intensive search for the appropriate site. This is classic rich and ripe Russian River with bing cherry flavors, baking spices and earth. This is one of the greatest values in all of California Pinot. Best Price $19.99
Vercesi del Castellazzo Pezzalunga Oltrepo Pavese Rosso– Barbera 35%, Bonarda 35%, Uva Rara 15%, Pinto Nero 10%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%. The Vercesi del Castellazzo estate is located 30 miles south of Milan – in Lombardy- in the heart of Oltrepo’ Pavese on the hills overhanging the city of Stradella, south of the Po River. The winery was founded in 1808 when the great-grand father of the present owner(Dr. Franco Vercesi) bought the “Castellazzo”. Pezzalunga has been the name given to the hill located in front of Castellazzo, the Vercesi family’s estate and former monastery, for generations. The soil is clayey/marly, not worked and covered by grass. From the importer Neil Rosenthal: Smokey, plummy fruit on the nose, sensations of lush texture balanced with bright berry notes. On the palate, similar elements and a hint of bright, tart cranberry on the finish… a hint of medicinal complexity peeks out. Wants food. Later on, currant and darker fruits, licorice, some tea-leaf (almost mint-like high tones) tannins enhance structure and aromatics and then a warm cherry liqueur note clinched the deal.” Shelf $15.99 Tasting $14.39
Dogfish Head Theobroma
Samuel Smiths Stingo Old Ale
Green Flash West Coast IPA
Green Flash Le Freak
Founders Devil Dancer Triple IPA
Brooklyn Sorachi Ace
Smuttynose Maibock
Great Divide Rumble
2011 Stone Russian Imperial Stout
Catawba Valley Brown Bear Growlers
SUPER Beer Sale!
Rogue American Amber– 6pks
Rogue Captain Sigs Northwestern Ale– 22oz
Blue Point RastafaRye– 22oz
Blue Point Toasted Lager– 22oz
Fullers London Pride– 6pks
ALL draft beer is $1 off for the rest of the week. Please mention sale to get discounted pricing(on draft).
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting– Saturday June, 18th 2011 4PM-8PM http://www.appalachianvintner.com/
Straight No Chaser.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
This Saturday we will return to our summer tasting hours of 4PM-8PM. Get here early to make sure your favorites are still available.
Bisol Bel Star Prosecco Brut– 100% Glera, a grape which until 2009 was mostly referred to as Prosecco (oops), it’s grown mainly in the Veneto region of Italy, traditionally in an area near Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the hills north of Treviso. The name Bisol is ingrained in the ancient hills of this region, from over 5 centuries of wine production. The name Bel Star is from 10 acres possessed by the Bisol family on the Cartizze hill, one of the most precious vineyards in all of Italy, it is still their crowning glory. While owned by the prestigious Bisol family, the Bel Star bottle does not pay homage to this prestige at all, which keeps the pricing well below that of its brethren. The aromas are wildly perfumed and the palate is just as expressive. A long cold soak on the skins followed by an even longer fermentation yields a sparkling wine that has found many fans, its our best selling spumante Prosecco here at the store. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
David Hill Vineyards Farmhouse White– With sweeping views of Oregon’s coastal range, David Hill Vineyards is one of the most picturesque wine venues in the Willamette Valley. David Hill Winery is named for its geographical location. The name of the hill they sit on is David’s Hill, for Frederick David, an Oregon pioneer from the 1800’s. In 1965 Charles Coury, along with a few other wine pioneers, came north from California to establish vineyards in the Willamette Valley where they believed they could successfully grow Pinot Noir. Many of these vines still exist. There are approximately 6 acres of old vine Pinot Noir and 2 acres of Riesling. There is also Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Semillon and Sylvaner that were planted at that time as well. David Hill Winery is home to the Willamette Valley’s oldest Pinot Noir Vines. This easy drinking white wine is a special blend of six different varietals. Viognier, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. This is an off-dry front porch quaffer, but with the quality and personality of Conundrum. Ripe, layered tropical fruit with just a hint of residual sugar. Shelf $11.99 Tasting $10.80
Weingut Pittnauer Burgenländer Rot– 40% Zweigelt, 40% Blaufrankisch & 20% St Laurent harvested by hand and farmed without any herbicides, pesticides or petrol chemicals. We find ourselves reaching for this deliciously textured and well fruited wine more and more on cozy evenings. It really seems to be one of those guilt-less pleasures in the cellar, mainly because it is farmed with such honest practices and made in such a friendly style that all who partake are lured to content with its earthy purity. Take its low alcohol content (12.5.%)its liter bottle packaging, add some friends, good food and you have the perfect evening. Biodynamic & locally distributed. Shelf $13.99 Tasting $12.59
Château Haut-La Péreyre Bordeaux Supérieur Rouge– NBA-tall Olivier Cailleux makes this delicious wine from vineyard parcels in the small appellation of Haut-Benauge. This appellation is reserved for whites—Haut-La Péreyre is AC Bordeaux Supérieur—but the zone is one of the best in Entre-deux-Mers for both red and white varieties. The vineyards grow on the high ground inland from the historic river town of Cadillac, and drainage and exposure are excellent. On the other side of the Garonne River lies the appellation of Graves. A little over 4,000 cases of this wine are made each year from a blend of roughly 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. Unlike the vast majority of petits châteaux (Bordeaux’s unclassified wineries), Haut-La Péreyre is not filtered. Its flavors are consequently broadly dense and richly concentrated. It is, however, this wine’s graphite aromatics that really set it apart, followed by its depth and length, all balanced by refining minerality. Haut-La Péreyre is one of the finest values in the store. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.49
Keep Appalachian Vintner in mind for any of your or your close friends & family’s wedding needs. We have years of experience with these special days and offer professional solutions & the biggest wedding discounts in town. Appalachian Vintner is well prepared to handle any of the quandaries that always seem to present themselves while planning large scale personal events. Take the stress out of the big day, save some money, and allow the Vintners to help make the libation choices seamless. We’ve found the Apex of Quality to Value and we keep it in stock everyday.
Love the Vintner? We do too, help us spread the word by showin’ us some affection on the world wide web! Review us on Google, Yelp, RateBeer & Beer Advocate. We’d surely appreciate it!
New Arrivals ~
Falcor Malbec– this wine is now winery only, get it while it lasts!
Jean-Francois Merieau Cent Visages Malbec
Barale Dolcetto d’Alba
Santa Julia Reserve Malbec– Reg. $11.99 Sale! $9.99
Edmonds St. John Bone Jolly Gamay– completely natural single vineyard wine from California. Native yeast, and foot trodden!
Brooklyn Brewery Lager– Your favorite craft lager in a 16 oz tall boy can!!
Brooklyn Brewery Summer 12pk cans
Southern Tier Unearthly IIPA
Southern Tier Gemini Black IPA
Brooklyn Brewery Lager– 16oz pints on draft!
Brasserie De Brunehaut Abbaye de St. MartinTriple– these folks grow all of their own grain!
Brasserie De Brunehaut Abbaye de St. MartinBrune– won gold at the World Beer Awards, London.
Mother Earth Brewing IPA– Kinston, NC
Mother Earth Brewing Kölsch
Mother Earth Brewing Triple– limited
Stone Belgo Anise Russian Imperial Stout
Mother Earth Brewing Munich Style Dunkel– dass es gut.
Caldera Brewing Ashland Amber– new cans from Oregon
Caldera Brewing India Pale Ale
Caldera Brewing Pale Ale
Evil Twin Brewing Soft Dookie Vanilla Imperial Stout
Evil Twin Brewing Before During & After Christmas
Brouwerij t’Gaverhopke Singing Blonde Triple
Browerij t’Gaverhopke Koerseklakske Summer Ale
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting–Saturday, June 11th, 2011 4PM-7PM http://www.appalachianvintner.com
This weeks wines are perfect for all of your early summer gatherings and picnics. Wines that will raise your culinary experiences to new heights when they are poured next to your carefully chosen menu. Each comes with a money back guarantee, open one at your next backyard BBQ and see for yourself.
Michael Pozzan Annabella Chardonnay– 100% Napa Valley Chardonnay. The deep golden color of this Chardonnay is similar to the hearty mustard plants that grow between the vines in early spring. Classic barrel aged chard aromatics that are very rich and generous with tropical fruit, like sweet guava and mango framed by creamy toffee notes. The ripe palate explodes with blood orange, Key lime zest and a hint of jasmine and star anise on the finish folded into integrated nutty French oak. Supreme value from the heart of Napa Valley. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Las Lilas Vinho Verde Rosé– Nestled in the valley of the Duoro River, the vineyards sit on the bank of the river, at 1000 feet above sea level. There are 35 acres of land, almost half of which are planted with old vines (greater than 25 years old). Winemaker Jose Oliveira creates this traditional rosé in the ancient way with local grapes, native yeasts and minimal handling in the winery. Good intensity, deep lush red fruits, with floral notes. Elegant and fresh. Seriously delicious and slightly sparkling, really perfect with the 90+ degrees outside. You will be amazed at how food friendly this wine is. Sustainable. Shelf $9.45 Tasting $8.50
Gemtree Vineyards Bloodstone Shiraz– 100% Syrah from estate vineyard’s in McLaren Vale Australia. Mike Brown’s winemaking philosophy is straightforward — working in tandem with the viticulturist is paramount to the final quality of the fruit. Choices made in the vineyard from pruning through to harvesting will determine the ultimate characteristic of the wine. Mike believes in minimal intervention across all stages of the winemaking process. Part of the proceeds from the sale of every bottle from the Gemtree range goes directly back to Greening Australia to enable the ongoing development of the Gemtree Wetlands. Bloodstone is lush without being over ripe. It has bright aromatics of violets, plums and raspberry jam. The palate is concentrated and stacked with waves of dark fruit flavors. Mild tannins add structure but the overall feel is on the softer side. Perfect for the meat course or pungent cheese. Sustainable, no herbicides or pesticides used. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
Carlos Basso Dos Fincas Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot– 55% Cab, 45% Merlot & 100% Estate grown. Originally from Genoa, Italy, the Basso Family has been producing wine since 1922. The use of two separate vineyards(dos fincas) in Argentina is a traditional practice to safeguard against the threat of hail. For the Basso family, it also allows them to make a more interesting blend by combining the attributes of two distinct microclimates. The dark, powerful fruit from their vineyard in San Carlos, matched with the softer, more nuanced fruit from their vineyard in Tunuyan, makes extremely balanced wines. We’ve sold the Basso Dos Fincas Malbec for a few years and have always found it to be very well made with really pleasant earthy qualities. This Bordeaux style blend has the same old world qualities with a bit more rich fruit. Aromas of roasted nuts, clay, and waxy cherries with a supple dryish medium body and savory black liquorice, roasted carrot and cracked pepper in the mouth. Sustainable. Shelf $12.99 Tasting $11.69
A brief note about consuming wine in the summer heat. Wine is extremely affected by temperature, whether you are consuming or storing, any wine exposed to high(or very low) temperatures will be severely diminished in its qualities. If you are serving wine outdoors in the heat of the day, try to keep all wines on ice or out of the direct sun. Even if your wines are too cold, they will quickly rise to the correct temperature (55-65 degrees) once they have been poured into a glass. If you ever have any serving questions please feel free to contact us here at the shop, Mon-Sat 10am-8pm!
New Arrival~
Jean-Francois Merieau Cent Visages Malbec
Barale Dolcetto d’Alba
Santa Julia Reserve Malbec– Reg. $11.99 Sale! $9.99
Edmonds St. John Bone Jolly Gamay– completely natural single vineyard wine from California. Native yeast, and foot trodden!
Brooklyn Brewery Lager– Your favorite craft lager in a 16 oz tall boy can!!
Brooklyn Brewery Summer 12pk cans
Southern Tier Unearthly IIPA
Southern Tier Gemini Black IPA
Brooklyn Brewery Lager– 16oz pints on draft!
Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting– Saturday June, 4th 2011 4PM-7PM http://www.appalachianvintner.com/
Martin Codax Albariño– Rias Baixas, Spain. Located in the top West corner of Spain, in Galicia, Rias Baixas is the premier white wine region in Spain and its golden shining star is Albariño. Wines from this area frequently smell and taste of the sea. This salinity has helped cement it as a beloved partner to seafood & shellfish, a specialty of this area of Spain. The Martin Codax brand was one of the first commercially marketed Spanish Albariños exported to the United States. Perfect for your summer soirées, refreshing yet built to work with a whole smörgåsbord of dishes. We’ve sipped this wine in the summer heat with everything from simple scallops to a 16oz ribeye. Shelf $13.99 Tasting $12.59
Martin Codax ERGO Rioja– 100% Tempranillo – The most important red wine varietal for both everyday and world-class Spanish wines. Frequently, the wines made from Tempranillo have aromas of black cherry fruit as well as leather and earthy qualities. Some studies have shown that this varietal is a relative of Pinot Noir. The two most famous areas for great Tempranillo based wines are the Ribera del Duero and the Rioja. In the Duero, the wines are commonly blended with Cabernet and/or Merlot. While in the Rioja it is more frequently blended with Garnacha. Always a favorite here at the store, ERGO offers a fruiter style of Rioja, enjoyable on its own or with anything from grilled veggies to lamb shank. Regular Price $10.99 AV $10.49 Tasting $9.99
Bodega del Palacio de los Frontaura y Victoria Frontaura Crianza– Toro, Spain. 100% Tempranillo. The Frontaura is run by a family that has farmed the estate for over seventeen generations. Toro is an ancient wine region nestled in the heart of Castilla y Leon, in the province of Zamora. It is named for its main town, Toro which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Duero River, which becomes the Douro in Portugal just 56 miles further west. Most Toro is red and the key grape is the Tinta de Toro, which is a local natural clone of Tempranilllo. Evolving over the centuries, it has developed thicker skins – hence the deep colors and the high tannins in the wines. At between 2500 feet above sea level the vineyards are pretty high, forming a gently undulating plateau that soaks up the blistering sun during the day so creating an incredible build up of ripeness that shows wines that are richer and fruitier than Rioja. The selection of grapes is rigorous with a 30% rejection rate, with a mixture of traditional winemaking techniques, such as the winery using the gravity system, along with cutting-edge winery technology is used to produce an outstanding wine. Shelf $35.99 Tasting $32
Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils– Really refreshing Czech-style pils, packaged in a convenient can. Perfect for paddling, hiking, camping or couch surfing. A must have for the summer heat.
Newcastle Brown Ale– We’ve all been drinking this English standby for decades, it was one of the first “craft” beers to make it onto shelves here in North Carolina, but it was always sold in the faux pas clear glass bottles. Clear glass and green glass have a way of turning once solid beers into a skunky resemblance of their true selves. Re-packaging in cans has completely eliminated this annoyance, Newcastle Brown Ale “can” once again find a home in our coolers……..and hopefully yours too.
SALE~ not combinable with any other offers. See store for details
Domaine de Couron Vin de Pays des Côteaux de l’Ardèche Rosé– Reg. $11.99 Sale $9.99
Alta Vista Classic Cabernet Sauvignon– Reg. $11.99 Sale $9.99
Cederberg Bukettraube– Reg. $17.99 Sale $14.99
Paripaso Chardonnay– Reg. $10.99 Sale $9.99
Stoudt’s Brewing Karnival Kölsch– Reg. $11.49 Sale $10.34
Boulder Beer Brewers Dozen mixed 12 pack– Reg. 17.99 Sale $15.99
Bison Organic Imperial Brown– Reg. $7.99 Sale $6.99
J.K.’s Solstice Organic Hard Cider– Reg. $6.69 Sale $4.50
Baird Dark Sky Imperial Stout– Reg. $9.59 Sale $7.99
Boulder Beer Obovoid Oak Aged Oatmeal Stout– Reg. $7.55 Sale $5.99