Turkey News

First In-Store Tasting a Success

The co-op’s first in-store wine tasting, State of Vermont sanctioned and approved, took place from 3 to 7pm. in the Community Room. I was happy to see a lot of familiar faces, as well as some curious travelers who had wandered in at just the right moment. Although the state allows a maximum of six wines to be poured, and only four people tasting at one time, the crowd was quite enthusiastic. Some people signed a waiting list, similar to what good restaurants do, and eventually everyone got served. The responses ranged from “This is great! I’ll take a case,” to “This wine is boring. People actually like this?” The wine in question was our best-selling Pas de la Beaume, Cote du Rhone. My response, “It’s all about what you like. There’s something for everyone.”
The lineup went like this, and each one was picked with turkey and goose in mind:

• 2005 Argiolas Costamolino (Vermentino)--$11.99--save $1.00
• 2005 Ch. Ducasse White Bordeaux (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon)--$11.99--save $1.00
• 2005 Morgan Unoaked Chardonnay (Monterey)--$19.99
• 2005 Pas de la Beaume, Cote du Rhone (Grenache and Syrah)--$9.99--save $2.00
  Case Sale Price $80.00, save $40.00
• 2004 Monrosso Chianti (Sangiovese) $12.99--save $2.00
• 2004 Juan Gil, from Jumilla, Spain (Monastrell)--$17.99--save $2.00

All the various wines had people heading for the shelves afterwards, and the hottest numbers seemed to be the Morgan Chardonnay and the Juan Gil Monastrell. Both are limited in supply, so step up soon if you’re interested. Thanks to all who came, and thanks to the cheese department for their selections, which complemented the wines.And a special thanks to the nice woman, heretofore a total stranger, who kept me company as I cleaned up after the crowds went home. We had a stimulating conversation about everything from modern manners to the war in Iraq. People continue to surprise me, usually for the better.

Our next in-store tasting will be in early December, part of an ongoing once-a-month series. Think of it as a prelude to our whopper of a tasting at the Flat St. Pub, on Dec. 15, from 5:30-8:00. You can buy tickets in the wine department from me for $15. per person. Parties of 50 or larger should start their own restaurant...

Last Minute Turkey Helper

On the run and too busy to read all the wine notes and signs posted in the wine department? Here’s a list of surefire winners to make your holiday shine.

Taurino Salice Salentino $9.99
Monmousseau ‘Chinon’ Cabernet Franc $14.99
Pas de la Beaume-Cote du Rhone $9.99
Monrosso Chianti $12.99
Juan Gil Monastrell $17.99
Cline Zinfandel $9.99
KVintner’s ‘House Red’ $9.99
Vinos-Sin-Ley ‘G-5’ $14.99
Pinol-Ludovicus $9.99
Pinol-Portal $14.99
Cave de Cairanne-’Cuvee Antique’ $19.99

Argiolas Costamolino (Vermentino) $11.99
Ch. Ducasse White Bordeaux $11.99
Morgan Unoaked Chardonnay $19.99
Kuentz-Bas Riesling $9.99
Ch. la Rame White Bordeaux $14.99
Ipsum Rueda-$7.99
Stonehedge Sauvignon Blanc $9.99
Dancing Nymph Riesling $14.99
Cline Viognier $10.99

As always, I’ll be in the wine department to assist. See you there!

Comments

[Joe]

Wow, those are amazingly stringent wine tasting requirements -- I'm glad everyone managed to enjoy themselves (in no small part due to the excellent wines you'd selected, I suspect).

I just added your blog to my blogroll, and will take this opportunity to share some wisdom you imparted to me years ago (and which I blogged about, with attribution [of course], last year around this time): the best wine to pair with Thanksgiving food is whatever wine you like to drink.