Hello from the Caviste!
Every four years, we enjoy watching elite athletes from around the world put years of practice and focus on the world stage for all of us to see. The skill, talent, focus and effort they have dedicated to their sports is remarkable and inspiring. The Olympics inspire hope with elite athletes prompting us to do better, and seeing the world come together for a moment. We hope you are enjoying them as much as we are - perhaps with a glass of wine as well.
For other chances to come together, this Wednesday's wine tasting is with Rachel from Piedmont Wine Imports. In time for a little Valentine's shopping, she will be presenting an Italian / French Lovebirds Lineup, Wednesday, February 11, 5-7 drop in. We have a bubbly rose, classic chianti, and beaujolais to help you get in the mood for love.
Many of you have also asked about our bar snacks program. Did you know that those house made pastas, small plates of vegges, mushrooms, creative delicious gems, are currently on a rotating lunch menu at the Bobby Boy Bakeshop Poplar street? Check out their instagram or go down for lunch to find out what's on the menu. Those are just previews of things to come for when they open their new fine dining restaurant, some time this year.
We hope you have a great week!
Cheers |
|
|
Italian / French Lovebirds
Wine Tasting
Wednesday, Feb 11, 5-7pm drop in
with Rachel from Piedmont Wine Imports
$5 tasting fee, waived with featured bottle purchase
|
|
| Italy and France - renowned for their romance and lovers but also their wines. This tasting presents classics new and old for you to taste, sip and enjoy. Come solo, come with friends, come with your partner, we'll be your date for the tasting. Our good friend, Rachel will be on hand to pour.
Rosa Per Voi Rosé | Piccinin | Pinot Noir & Durella
elegant sparkling rosé, made in the ancient method, no dosage after disgorgement; bright, tart cherry with a touch of texture, serious mouth feel, delicious sparkler $28
Mon Ange ("My Angel"), Vignes du Paradis | Chardonnay | Beaujolais
easy balance, textured, lemon curd, soft, wonderful medium white, great for that mid-afternoon snack time, or watching usa's chock/bates on ice $23
Mon Amour ("My Love"), Vignes du Paradis | Gamay | Beaujolais
lightly juicy, fresh, vibrant, gets you in the mood with smoky berries and black currants, candles lit, long talks by the fire $21
Terre di Corzano, Corzano e Paterno | Sangiovese, Canaiolo | Tuscany
vibrant red fruit, slight earth and tobacco, grilled meats, weekday wine $24
*$5 tasting fee for the lineup, waived with featured bottle purchase
|
|
| Featured Wines - A Study In Burgundy |
|
|
|
Dominique Gruhier, Épineuil, Burgundy
Bourgogne & L'Ame du Dannots
|
|
 |
Want to dive a little deeper - how about a mini Burgundy wine study? Many may have heard the terms "stem inclusion" or "whole cluster" but may not fully associate them with wines. For many, the terms may even be confusing and I guess even superfluous in talking about a wine. But, for many winemakers this approach is a consideration in how they make their wines and a concept worth exploring.
Technically it means that the berries/grapes have not been removed from the main stalk (peduncle) that branches into smaller stems (rachis), with tiny stems (pedicels). In much, perhaps most, wine making, certainly bulk mass produced wines, this is the case. Other times, some or all of the clusters are left fully intact, but now the question that arises is - Why?
Two core reasons. One, is that it adds aromatic and flavor components you can't get any other way. There is often a woody, smokey or even pleasant chemical note that intermingles so well with the fruit notes, at least to me. Leaving the stems in also surprisingly lightens the color of dense wines. The second reason is it indicates the quality of the grapes that have been grown and their level of ripeness. To leave the clusters whole the fruit needs to be near immaculate. Reading this in our email perhaps your questions is - Why bring it up now?
Because we just brought in two outstanding bottles of pinot noir from Burgundy's northern reaches north of Chablis in Epineuil. Together, they offer a mini class in the concept of stem inclusion. From the same producer, one bottle is 100% whole cluster and the other only 10-20% depending on the vintage. So, this is a great chance to get some fellow wine fans or wine curious friends together, roast a chicken and sip some wine. What is remarkable to me is both wines are delicious but the stem inclusion wine has some darker red fruit notes and is a little more reticent at first, it wants a little time open or in the glass to really strut its stuff. This is not about better so much as ageability and application - what type of food are you having, etc.
And, it is a great way to learn a little bit more about an ever intriguing beverage like wine.
Dominique Gruhier
- Bourgogne Epineuil $37 (partial whole cluster)
- L'Ame du Des Dannots $44 (100% whole cluster)
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday Wine Tastings
Italian/French Lovebirds Lineup
with Rachel from Piedmont Wine Imports
Wed Feb 11, 5-7pm
California Dreamin'
with John from Kellogg Selections
All this snow had us thinking of warm Cali wines and sunshine.
Wed Feb 18, 5-7pm
*all Wednesday tastings are $5, waived with feature bottle purchase
Wine Dinners with Bobby Boy Bakeshop
at Bobby Boy Bakeshop's new fine dining space
845 South Poplar Street
Azelia Winemaker Dinner
Wednesday, March 4, 6pm, $150++
sold out, waitlist available
- - HOURS - -
Tuesday-Saturday 12pm to 7:30pm
Wines open / Corks pulled all day
Small snacks offered all day
|
|
|
|
Have a great week!
The Caviste Team
|
|
|
Follow us on Instagram for latest updates
|
|
|
|
