Wine Tasting Events

Store Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 11:00-7:00 • Saturday 10:00-6:00 • Sunday 12:00-4:00

Be sure to sign up on our email list to receive advance notice of the wines we will feature. These events are advertised by email only! Stop by the store or write us at paul@elenas.org.

WINE AND BEER TASTING, Friday, June 4th, 6-8:00 pm

We have a Wine & Beer Tasting scheduled  for this coming Friday, June 4th, 6-8 PM.  I will be making Grilled Miso Shrimp, Homemade Cod Cakes, Meatballs in a Cranberry-Pomegranate Pepper Sauce and a (TBD) vegetarian alternative, along with selected cheeses and desserts.   . Cost is $15 and there is a 15% discount on all purchases of 12 bottles or more.  No reservations required.  Here are the beer and wine selections.

Table One: Thomas Brand, Monsieur Touton Selection

Austria, Aichenberg, 2008 Grűner Veltliner, $7.95

France, Chateau Jaubertie, 2009 Bergerac Sec, $8.95

Italy, Tomaiolo, 2005 Chianti Classico Riserva, $12.95

Spain, Sabor Real, 2006 Red Toro, $9.95

France, Chamarré, 2003 Jurançon, $14.95

Table Two: Wayne Glaser, Arborway Imports

France, La Cave des Vins, 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, $11.95

Chile, Terra Andina, 2008 Chardonnay, $9.95

Italy, Ikebana, 2007 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, $16.95

Argentina, Parados, 2008 Winemaker’s Select Red, $9.95

Italy, Basciano, 2006 Il Corto, $24.95

Table Three: Shaun Green, Boston Wine Company

Italy, Tasca D’Almerita, 2008 Regaleali, $11.95

Chile, Terranoble, 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, $7.95

Chile, Leyda, 2009 Pinot Noir, $10.95

California, Morgan, 2008 Syrah/Grenache, $13.95

California, Twenty Bench, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $17.95

Table Four: Greg Menfaro, Beer Taster Extraordinaire

France, Fischer Blond Ale, $4.99

Scotland, Belhaven Scottish Ale, $4.30

Germany, Wűrzburger Julius Echter Hefe-Weiss, $2.90

England, “Old Speckled Hen” Fine Ale, $3.99

Canada, Unibroue Maudite, $8.50

Massachusetts, Clown Shoes “Brown Angel” Brown Ale, $6.95

WINE TASTING, Sunday, April 25th, 3-5:00 pm.

Elena schedules 4 wine tasting events each year.   The two mid-summer events are on Friday evenings when the weather is warmer, and the spring and fall ones are on Sunday afternoons,.  This Sunday, April 25th, from 3-5:00 is the first one of the year. 

 We will be serving make-your-own frajitas with choices of marinated pork loin, shaved beef, and oriental chicken, all of which will be grilled along with a variety of vegies.  Elena will also have an assortment of cheeses and desserts for you to try.  Here is the line up of wines.

 Table One: Andrew Cadrin, Ruby Wines

South Africa, Ken Forrester, 2009 Petit Chenin Blanc, $8.95

France, Chateau Haut Rian, 2008 White Bordeaux, $9.95

France, Jean-Luc Colombo, 2009 Cape Bleue Rosé, $11.95

Italy, Sella & Mosca, 2005 Cannonau Di Sardegna Riserva, $14.95

South Africa, Ken Forrester, 2008 Cabernet/Merlot, $8.95

Australia, Layer Cake, 2009 Shiraz, $15.95

Table Two: Dave Bodurtha, Classic Wine Imports

Italy, St. Michael-Eppan, 2008 Pinot Grigio, $12.95

Germany, Dr. Loosen, 2008 Riesling QbA, $11.95

Spain, Finca Antigua, 2007 Tempranillo, $9.95

Italy, La Corte, 2007 Salice Salentino, $10.95

Chile, Santa Ema, 2007 Merlot Riserve, $12.95

 California, Alexander Valley Vineyards, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.95

Table Three: Susan  Nordberg, Martignetti Companies

Spain, Segura Viudas, Brut Riserva NV Cava, $9.95

California, Seaglass, 2009 Sauvignon Blanc, $11.95

California, Lander Jenkins, 2008 Chardonnay, $12.95

Bodegas Carchello, 2008 Carchello “C”, $11.95

France, Chateau Fontanes, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.95

Italy, Brancais, 2007 Tre, $19.95

  Cost is $15.  No reservations required. Hope you can make it.

paul@elenas.org

WINE TASTING, Sunday, October 4th, 3-5:00 pm.

The last wine tasting event for 2009 will be this coming Sunday, October 4th, from 3-5:00 pm.  Elena has put together a superb line up of wines, including some “higher-end” selections that would be good candidates for serving at Thanksgiving or Christmas, and would also make nice holiday gifts.  On one tasting table, all the wines will organic. 

The food will be Beef Bourguignon made using the original recipe from  Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and also Tandoori Chicken cooked on the grill.  As always, Elena will have some different cheeses and desserts to try. 

The cost will be $15 and customers will get a 15% discount on all purchases of 12 bottles or more.  Hope you can make it.  Here are the wine selections.

Table One: Jay Woodworth, Baystate Wine Company

South Africa, Robertson Winery, 2008 Gewürztraminer, $9.95

California, Peirano Estate, 2007 The Other White, $12.95

Spain, Campo de Luz, 2008 Old Vine Garancha, $8.95

California, Stephen Vincent, 2007 Crimson, $12.95

Australia, Chocolate Box, 2007 Shiraz, $17.95

California, Four Bears, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $17.95

Table Two: Dave Bodurtha, Classic Wine Imports

Italy, Alasia, 2008 Moscato D’Asti, $11.95

California, Clos La Chance, 2008 Emerald Chardonnay, $11.95

California, Home Grown Farms, 2006 Family Harvest Red, $9.95

California, Clos La Chance, 2006 Syrah, $14.95

Argentina, Michel Rolland, 2007 Clos de Los Siete, $17.95

California, Girard, 2006 Artistry, $29.95

Table Three: Kathleen Held, Violette Imports (all organic selections)

Italy, S. Mottura, 2008 Orvieto Secco, $17.95

California, Sierra Vista, 2008 Fume Blanc, $16.95

California, Edmunds St. John, 2007 Pinot Gris, $18.95

France, Michel Guigner, 2007 Morgon, $22.95

Italy, Torelli Monferrato, 2007 “Extremo”  Merlot, 21.95

France, Chateau Peybonhomme, 2006 Côte De Blaye, $19.95

WINE TASTING, Friday, August 28th, 6-8:00 pm.

In keeping with our quest to find nice wines at great prices, Elena has selected a top notch line up of value wines for you to try this coming Friday, 6-8:00 pm.  Some of the varietals (and blends) are ones that you or I might not be familiar with, but we have tried and hand-selected every wine that will be featured Friday, and we think they are excellent. Food will be:

1)  lamb marinated in a mint-lemon sauce and cooked on skewers over an open fire; and

2) pulled-pork made with a apple and spice-based barbeque marinade (instead of tomato) and slow-cooked for 10 hours over low heat.  

 Additionally, Elena has chosen three superb cheeses, and I'm sure she will put out a variety of sweets to tempt your palate. 

 As always, the cost will be $15, and there will be a 15% discount on purchases of 12 bottles or more.

 Here is the wine line up (prices do not include the 15% discount):

Table One:  Susan Nordberg, Martignetti Companies

Oregon, Montinore Estate, 2008 Borealis, $10.95

Spain, Telmo Rodriguez, 2007 Basa, $14.95

Spain, Vina Gormaz, 2007 Tempranillo, $10.95

Italy, San Felice, 2007 Perolla, $10.95

California, Canopy, 2007 Deep Purple Zinfandel, $11.95

Spain, Telmo Rodriguez, 2007 Dehesa Gago, $15.95

 Table Two:  Andrew Cadrin, Ruby Wines, Inc.

Spain, Cortijo, 2008 Viura, $11.95

California, Pomelo, 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, $10.95

France, Cave De Lugny, 2007 Chardonnay, $12.95

Argentina, Callia, 2008 Malbec, $11.95

California, Arnold Palmer, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.95

California, Hahn, 2007 Meritage, $15.95

 Table Three:  Shaun Greene, Boston Wine Company, LTD.

France, Trocadero , NV Sparkling Brut, $10.95

Argentina, Nieto Senetiner, 2008 Torrontes, $9.95

Spain, Bodega Pirineos, 2007 Mesache Bianco, $9.95

California, Cartlidge & Brown, 2006 Merlot, $11.95

Argentina, Nieto Senetiner, 2006 Don Nicanor Red, $15.95

Italy, Di Majo Norante, 2004, Ramitello, $17.95

JULY 17, 2009 -----Wine Tasting on Friday evening from 6 - 8:00. Here is the line up of wines for the wine tasting on Friday, July 17th, from 6-8:00 pm.  Note that we have included several "value" wines that we believe are good bargains.  All purchases of 12 bottles or more receive a 15% discount, so this is a good time to put a few cases a way for the summer.

We will also have 20+ pounds of organic Black Angus flank steaks--half of them seasoned with a Korean beef marinade that Elena and I first had at Sonoma's restaurant in Princeton, and the other half smothered in a homemade Asado rub that we stumbled across when we were in Argentina.  Come and try them both. 

We are also going to serve fish cakes made with haddock caught out of Gloucester the previous day.  Dave from Conrad's personally buys fish fresh at the docks in New Bedford and/or Gloucester daily--there is no better (i.e. fresher) seafood anywhere around.  If you like seafood, I guarantee that you will love these fish cakes!

There will, of course, be a nice selection of cheeses and an assortment of sweets.  Here are the wines.Table One: Matthew Brooks, Touton Selection, LTD.

France, Chateau Fage, 2008 Graves De Vayres, $9.95

Spain, Prado Rey, 2008 Rose, $12.95

Australia, Windy Peak, 2008 Pinot Noir, $14.95

Italy, Casata Monticello , 2007 Barbera D’Alba, $9.95

Spain, Sabor Real, 2005 Tinta de Toro, $12.95,

Table Two: Dave Bodurtha, Classic Wine Imports

California, Dry Creek, 2007 Chenin Blanc, $11.95

Spain, Salneval, 2008 Albarino, $11.95

California, Ventana, 2007 Chardonnay, $12.95

Germany, Karl Joh. Molitor, 2005 Pinot Noir, $14.95

Italy, Angelini, 2006 Tuttobene, $10.95

Argentina, Amancaya, 2007 Malbec/Cabernet, $19.95

Table Three: Wayne Glaser, Arborway Imports

Italy, I Casali, 2007 Pinot Grigio, $9.95

Italy, Monte Tondo, 2007 Soave, $11.95

Chile, Terra Andina, 2007 Reserva Chardonnay, $11.95

France, Escale, 2007 Pinot Noir, $14.95

Italy, Mocali, 2006 Rosso Di Montalcino, $19.95

France, Mission Sud, 2007 Cabernet, $12.95

Special Tasting Table:  Still River Winery, Harvard , MA

Apple Ice Wine, $24.95

May 2009. I just checked the long range forecast, and the weather looks perfect for Elena's wine tasting scheduled for next Sunday, May 3rd, from 3-5:00 pm.  Come with your family and/or friends and enjoy the camaraderie and festivities.

We will be serving traditional Valencia Paella and Eggplant Parmigiana, along with selected cheeses and desserts. 

 In Spain, it is considered heretical to mix both meat and seafood in the same paella, so we have opted for using chicken along with the other traditional paella seasonings and ingredients.  In an effort to create the crunchy crust (called socarrat), which is the ultimate in paella cuisine, we'll be cooking the dish in Spanish paella pans over open flames.  I am sure you'll enjoy it with or without the socarrat.

The Eggplant Parmigiana  will be vegetarian, made with imported cheeses and homemade tomato sauce.  The cost is $15.  Here are the wines:

TABLE 1.  Boston Wine Company, Shaun Green

South Africa, Spier, 2006 Chenin Blanc, $9.95

Spain, Las Brisas, 2007 Verdejo, $10.95

Spain, Licia, 2007 Albarino, $17.95

Spain , Rioja Vega, 2008 Tempranillo, $8.95

Spain, Ateca, 2007 Grenache, $17.95

California, Pavilion, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, $12.95

 TABLE 2.  Violette Imports, Kathleen Held

France, Le Payral, 2007 Bergerac Blanc, $11.95

California, Coturri, 2007 Rose, $14.95

Italy, Terra D’Arcoiris, 2005 Rosso Toscano, $15.95

California, Fenestra, True Red Lot 23, $13.95

California, Sierra Vista , 2006 Syrah, $15.95

California, Coturri, 2007 Carignane, $21.95

 TABLE 3.  Ruby Wines, Joe Goldsmith

New Zealand, Tohu, 2008 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.95

New Zealand, Tohu, 2008 Chardonnay, $14.95  

Washington, Charles Smith, 2008 Riesling, $12.95

Italy, Rocca delle Macie, 2006 Sangiovese/Syrah, $17.95

California, Joel Gott, 2007 Zinfandel, $16.95  

Argentina, Yellow & Blue, 2007 Malbec, $10.95  

February 2009.

Our first Winter Wine Tasting in several years is scheduled for this coming Sunday, February 22nd, from 4-6:00 pm.  We normally don't schedule a tasting event in Winter, but this year has been so horrific we thought the camaraderie of a mid-winter festivity would lend a little cheer to the cold, dark days of February.

In addition to 18 wines representing seven (7) different countries, we will also be serving Traditional Sheppard's Pie, Beef-Barley Soup with Crimini Mushrooms and Red Lentils with Chorizo and Dandilions--all homemade, of course.  As always, Elena will have several gourmet cheeses and selected desserts.  There will be plenty to eat!   Cost will be $15, and there will be a 15% discount on purchases of twelve (12) bottles or more. Elena has assembled a nice line up of wines representing a wide spectrum of prices.  Here is the line up:

Touton Selections, LTD., Matthew Brooks

Spain, Pere Ventura , NV Cava Brut Nature, $9.95

Spain, Pazo de Monterrey, 2007 Monterrei  Blanc, $12.95

France, Domaine La Grand Ribe, 2007 Côtes du Rhône, $11.95

Italy, Poggio al Casone, 2006 La Cattura, $14,95

Spain, Bodegas Lan, 2005 Rioja, $12.95

Chile, El Toqui, 2006 Prestige Shiraz, $14.95

Classic Wine Imports, Dave Bodurtha

France, Domaine Lurton, 2007 Les Fumées Blanches, $10.95

California, Kali Hart, 2007 Chardonnay, $16.95

France, Chateau Tour D’Auron, 2005 Bordeau, $12.95

California, Laetitia, 2006 Estate Pinot Noir, $19.95

Argentina, Trumpeter, 2006 Cabernet, $8.95

Argentina, Pascual Toso, 2007 Reserve Malbec, $17.95

Martignetti Companies, Susan Nordberg

Italy, Canella, Blood Orange Mimosa, $14.95

Washington, Independent Producers, 2007 Chardonnay, $9.95

Australia, Nine Vines, 2007 Shiraz, $11.95

Chile, Vina Falernia, 2005 Carmenere, $12.95

California, Liberty School , 2006 Syrah, $14.95

Italy, Cocci Grifoni, 2007 Tellus, $13.95

October 2008 Wine Tasting. The final wine tasting for 2008 will be this coming Sunday, October 19th, from 3-5:00 pm.  Elena has selected an outstanding selection of wines. 

In addition to the top-notch array of very nice wines from around the world, we will be serving some delicious hors d'oeuvres and entrees.  I will be getting up early Sunday morning to slow roast plum tomatoes with fresh garlic--I plan to do enough so everyone can have as many as he/she wants!  I am also making some homemade sauce from local tomatoes (in fact, all local ingredients) to have with homemade Italian meatballs.  We will also have some smoked bluefish pâté (great Nantucket recipe) made from fish that Elena caught this summer, and I smoked in our backyard.   Elena has found some lovely farmed-raised venison sausages from Vermont that she plans to serve. And, as always, there will be several cheeses and dips and desserts to munch on.  Cost will be $15.

It is supposed to be a nice day, so bring a friend (and wear a sweater just in case). Here is the line up of wines.

Table One:  Wayne Glaser, Arborway Imports

            Italy , Monte Tondo, 2007 Soave

            Italy , Fulignano, 2001 Chianti Classico Riserva

            France, Chateau Sainte Eulalie, 2006 Minervois

            Argentina , Jean Bousquet, 2006 Caberenet Sauvignon

            France, Font De Michelle, 2003 Châteauneuf du Pape

 Table Two:  Dave Bodurtha, Classic Wine Imports

            Australia , Trevor Jones, 2006 Virgin Chardonnay

            California , Kali Hart, 2006 Pinot Noir

            California , Clos La Chance, 2005 Puff Bellied Zinfandel

            California , Burgess, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon

            Portugal , Dow’s, NV Fine Tawny Porto

 Table Three: Sue Nordberg, Martignetti Companies

            South Africa , Southern Right, 2008 Sauvignon Blanc

            Long Island , NY , Bedell Cellars, 2007 First Crush White

            Long Island , NY , Bedell Cellars, 2007 First Crush Red

            California , Steltzner Vineyards, 2006 Claret Estate

            California , Candor, Lot One Merlot

            France, Chateau Bel Air, 2004 Sainte Croix du Mont

See you Sunday.

August 2008 Wine Tasting

Elena has put together a classy line up of 18 wines for our wine tasting event this coming Friday, August 15th, from 6-8:00 pm.  I am sure everyone will be able to find something they enjoy. 

Entrees will include Haddock Cakes, made from fresh New Bedford haddock; corn fritters, made from freshly picked (same day) local corn; and autumn pork, slow-roasted in Pinot Noir served with fresh peach compote.  There will also be some interesting cheeses and desserts to try.  Cost will be $15 and there will be a 15% discount on wine purchases of 12 bottles or more.  Here are the wines:

Table One: Matthew Brooks, Touton Selections

Italy, Tre Fili, 2007 Pinot Grigio

California, Stevenot, 2006 Chardonnay

California, Stevenot, 2005 Merlot

California, Ashby Vineyards, 2006 Pinot Noir

California, Stevenot, 2005 Orange Muscat

Spain, Taja, 2003 Reserva

Table Two: Kathleen Held, Violette Imports

Oregon, Foris, 2006 Pinot Blanc

California, Fenestra, 2006 Chardonnay

Italy, Corte Marzago, 2007 Bardolino

France, Chateau Tour Grise, 2003 Saumur

France, Chateau Peybonhomme, 2005 Cotes de Blaye

California, Ramspeck, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Table Three: Tom Brown, Classic Wine Imports

Italy, Barbi, 2007 Orvieto Classico

Oregon, King Estate, 2007 Pinot Gris

France, Domaine Talmard, 2007 Macon Villages

France, Saint Cosme, NV Little James Basket Press

California, Pedroncelli, 2005 Mother Clone Zinfandel

Australia, Lengs & Cooter, 2005 The Victor Shiraz

June 2008 Wine Tasting

Please join us this Friday evening, June 27th, from 6-8:00, to sample a nice array of fine wines from twelve (12) distinct wine regions representing six (6) countries.  We will also be grilling Asado Beef (Argentina style)  Korean Beef and Pork Tenderloin.  Of course, Elena will have a nice variety of cheeses, dips and sweets.  Here is the line up of wines:

Table One: Andrew Cadrin, Ruby Wines Inc.

California , Pine Ridge, 2007 Chenin Blanc, $12.95

Italy , Planeta, 2006 La Segreta, $15.95

Washington, Stonecap, 2006 Riesling, $11.95

California , Huntington , 2004 Merlot, $11.95

Italy , Hofstatter, 2006 Pinot Nero, $25.95

Australia , Razors Edge, 2006 Shiraz , $11.95 

Table Two: Kathleen Held, Violette Imports Inc.

California , Sierra Vista , 2006 Fumé Blanc, $11.95

France, Domaine De Roquefort, 2005 Clairette, $13.95

California , Verdad, 2007 Rosé, $14.95

France, Domaine De Roquefort, 2005 Gueule De Loup, $13.95

California , Fenestra, Lot 21 True Red, $12.95

California , Coturri, 2006 Albarello, $21.95

 Table Three: Shaun Green, Boston Wine Company Ltd.

Chile , Terranoble, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, 8.95

Italy , Tasca D’Almerita, 2007 Regaleali, $13.95

France, Domaine Michelot, 2006 Bourgogne Blanc, $24.95

France , Tortoise Creek, 2007 Pinot Noir, $9.95

France, Domaine De La Guicharde, 2006 Cotes Du Rhone, $12.95

Spain , Labastida, 2004 Rioja, $14.95

 Cost is $15 and guests receive a 15% discount on all purchases of 12 bottles or more. 

Friday, January 11th, 5:00-8:00

In order to thank you in a small way for your business this past year, we are hosting a Customer Appreciation Celebration on Friday, January 11th, from 5:00-8:00 pm.  This is a complimentary, unadvertised event. There will be plenty of food (smoked turkey, imported ham, roast beef), as well as a nice selection of red and white wines, to include a plump, spicy, scrumptious Rutherford Ranch Zinfandel that I think you will love.  I will also open a 1897 bottle of Madeira (yes, 110 years old).  This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event that you will not want to miss.

Of course, there will be great camaraderie and a festive atmosphere to help ward off the frigid January blues. We know you have lots of options on your wine purchases and very much appreciate your loyalty

Sunday afternoon, October 14th, from 3-5:00

Dear Customer,

Even though we only do four wine tasting events a year, it is still a challenge to continuously find a spectrum of new and exciting wines to serve, and also an ever-changing menu of enticing foods.  The primary purpose of this email is to inform you of our wine selections for our final event of 2007, but I am so excited about the food that I want to tell you about that as well.  We will begin with the wines we will be pouring this coming Sunday afternoon. 

Ruby Wines Inc, Andrew Cadrin
California, Clayhouse Vineyard, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, $12.95
France, Chateau de La Chaize, 2006 Brouilly, $17.95
California, Clayhouse Vineyard, 2005 Syrah, $14.95
South Africa, Graham Beck, 2006 Gamekeeper's Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.95
California, Clayhouse Vineyard, 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.95
Australia, Old Codger, NV Tawny Port, $16.95

Classic Wine Imports, Thomas Brown
Argentina, Toso, NV Sparklng Brut, $10.95
Oregon, King Estate, 2006 Pinot Gris, $17.95
California, Ferrari Carano, 2005 Chardonnay, $32.95
California, Paraiso, 2004 Pinot Noir, $22.95
California, Burgess, 2003 Zinfandel, $9.95
France, Chateau d' Aussières, 2004 Corbières, $17.95

Martignetti Companies, Susan Nordberg
France, Domaine Pichot, 2006 Vouvray, $14.95
Italy, A Mano, 2006 Bianco Puglia, $10.95
Italy, San Felice, 2005 Chianti Classico, $14.95
Italy, A Mano, 2005 Primitivo, $10.95
Spain, Loriñon, 2003 Rioja, $15.95

You will notice that in addition to several domestics from California and Oregon, we will be pouring wines from France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Australia and South Africa--made from over a dozen different grapes and several blends. We have included a number of wines that we think will match up very well with Turkey and Cranberry Sauce.

Now for the food. As I mentioned in my last email, the theme for our event is a football tailgate party, in honor of the Patriots being on their way to a 19-0 season. In that spirit, I am making Sirloin Steak Tip Chili; Italian Sausages (from Romano's) fried with sweet red peppers and onions (both from Gove Farm); and Porcini, Portabello, Crimini, Shitake, and Oyster Mushrooms sautéed with a little fresh garlic in olive oil. I will also have some tomato sauce (made from all fresh local vegetables), in case you like to swash a little on top of your sausages. Elena has some new cheeses for you to sample, and we will serve something sweet to have with your Tawny Port.

Cost will be $15. The event starts at 3:00, and the forecast is for 60 degrees and sunny, so bring a sweater. The Patriots/Dallas game starts at 4:00, which means you can come to the event, try all the wines, have plenty to eat, and still get home in time for the second half. The Red Sox are idle. Come early; stay late; bring your friends.

Friday, August 24th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 
We only do 3 or 4 wine tasting events a year, and we try to make each of them fun, educational, and a good value for those who attend.  The wines we feature are representative of a broad spectrum of varietals and styles from around the world.  For Friday's event, we have wines from Italy, France, Argentina, Spain, Portugal and California.  Some of these may be blends of familiar grapes (e.g. a Malbec, Cabernet, and Merlot blend from Argentina), and others will be varietals that are specific to a particular region, like those from Portugal.   Even if you prefer one style over another, part of the fun of drinking wine is being able to recognize and appreciate these differences.
 
We also endeavor to serve foods that are different and enticing.  As usual, Elena has planned a nice array of cheeses and hors d'oeuvres, and I am doing pulled pork--a.k.a. old-fashioned southern barbeque.  Having been raised here in Massachusetts, neither Elena nor I had ever heard of pulled pork until my first military assignment stationed us in Georgia. In the Southern US, people eat pulled pork (or barbeque as it is often called) more frequently than the Japanese eat sushi.  And it is delicious.  There will be plenty for everyone, and a copies of the recipe available for anyone who is interested.  I have added a New England touch by infusing it with some fresh squeezed apple cider.  You really don't want to miss this.
 
The event will be this Friday, August 24th, from 6-8:00 p.m.  Come early; come hungry; bring your friends; stay late; have a good time.  Here is our line of wines for the event.

Table One: Shawn Greene, Boston Wine Company
Italy, Regaleali, 2006 Tenuta Sicilia, $10.95
California, Heron, 2005 Chardonnay, $9.95
Spain, Mano A Mano, 2005 Tempranillo, $9.95
Spain, Atteca, 2005 Old Vine Garnacha, $17.95
Argentina, Senetiner, 2003 Don Nicanor Red, $17.95

Table Two: Wayne Glaser, Arborway Imports
Italy, Gasparini, NV Prosecco Brut, $13.95
France, Hugg, 2006 Pinot Blanc, $14.95
Italy, Aglianico, 2006 Albarosa Rosé, $12.95
France, Sarrazin, 2005 Pinot Noir, $29.95
Argentina, Bousquet, 2005 Tupungato Merlot, $11.95

Table Three: Tony Branco, Grape Moments
Portugal, Quinta da Murta, 2006 Bucelas White, $9.95
Portugal, Dona Maria, 2006 White Blend, $15.95
Portugal, Quinta da Alorna, Vinho Rosé, $9.95
Portugal, Castello D’Alba, 2004 Reserva Red, $12.95
Portugal, Quinta da Côa, 2004 Tinto Red, $15.95
 
Cost is $15 and there is a 15% discount on all purchases of twelve (12) bottles or more.  There will be plenty of food.
 
Hope you can make it.

Friday, 29 June, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Planning and putting together a wine tasting at Elena's is a lot of fun and a lot of work. The first one we did this year (8 weeks ago), focused primarily on mid-priced French and Italian wines. Since then, we have tried dozens of different wines, looking for ones that are of good quality, affordable, and different from the mass-produced, ubiquitous grocery store stuff that all taste pretty much the same.

This time, we will be pouring 15 different wines made from 10 different varietals, as well as two blends, and a sparkling blanc de blanc from the Alsace region. These wines come from Australia, California, France, Italy, New Zealand, Oregon, South Africa, and Spain. I have tried all of them individually, and I am excited about the opportunity to taste them side-by-side with other wines.

As usual, we will have a nice a variety of gourmet foods in sufficient quantities for everyone. Elena has asked me to make copious quantities of Maryland Crab Cakes as a hors d'oeuvre, and I heard her ordering a large quantity of extra-large shrimp. (Is "large shrimp" an oxymoron?) I know she has other treats in store as well.

Table One: Andrew Cadrin, Ruby Wines Inc.
South Africa, Sincerely, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, $9.95
Australia, Razor's Edge, 2006 Chardonnay, $9.95
California, Ten Mile, 2005 Broken Road Red, $12.95
California, Summers, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, $19.95
Australia, Brown Brothers, 2006 Moscato, $12.95

Table Two: Tom Brown, Classic Wine Imports
France, Lucien Albrecht, NV Cremant Blanc de Blanc, $16.95
New Zealand, Dog Point, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc, $19.95
California, Bouchaine, 2005 Chardonnay, 19.95
Italy, St. Michael-Eppan, 2004 Pinot Noir, $13.95
Australia, 2006 Pillar Box Red, $10.95

Table Three: Sue Nordberg, Martignetti Companies
Italy, Teruzzi & Puthod, 2005 Terre di tufi, $14.95
Oregon, Montinore Estate, 2006 Pinot Gris, $12.95
France, Mas St. Berthe, 2006 Passe-Rose, $15.95
Spain, Glorioso, 2003 Rioja, $10.95
Italy, Einaudi, 2005 Dolcetto di Dogliani, $19.95

Sunday, May 6, 2007     

Dear Customer,

Even though Elena and I always personally taste each of the wines we select to feature at our wine tastings (as well as dozens more that we reject), I still look forward to each event because it gives me a chance to taste these wines side-by-side with other good choices.  Tasting wines side-by-side is absolutely the best way to make informed choices. 

Our first wine tasting since last October is scheduled for Sunday, May 6th, from 3-5:00 pm.  

At Table One you will have the opportunity to try two Burgundies from great vintages, as well as a Rhone, a Bordeaux, and two outstanding German Rieslings--all imported by Lunenburg's own David Raines, owner of Vineyard Research. David spends many weeks in France and Germany each year personally selecting the wines he imports.  He has a superb palate and is the most knowledgeable wine expert I have ever met.

At Table Two, Wayne Glaser of Arborway Imports will show Chardonnays from Argentina and California, three classic Italian reds, and an outstanding Argentinian Malbec.  Arborway specializes in wines made by small boutique, family-run vineyards, and they are always well-made, small production offerings.   We have found some superb values through this distributor. 

Table Three will be manned by Paul Lapenas of Touton Selections who will be pouring a Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc; a Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon; and a lovely dessert wine--all from California.  Touton is famous for offering wines that are great values across a spectrum of price ranges.  Paul owned a retail wine store for many years and is also a very knowledgeable person with whom to discuss wine.

These are all lovely, well-made wines--some suitable for cellaring.

As usual, we will have copious amounts of great food.  Cost is $15.  A complete list of the wines and prices is listed below.  Come early; stay late; bring a good appetite and a friend. paul@elenas.org

Elena’s Gourmet Grocery
Sunday, May 6, 2007, 3:00–5:00 p.m.

Table One: David Raines, Vineyard Research

France, Mont Tauch Chasse Gardée, 2005 Fitou, $9.95
France, Château Penin, 2003 Grande Selection, $18.95
France, Domaine de la Feuillarde, 2005 Bourgogne Rouge, $15.95
France, Château de la Velle, 2003 Beaune Vielles Vignes Rouge, $34.95
Germany, Weingut August Perll, 2005 Riesling Kabinett, $12.95
Germany, Weingut Familie Rauen, 2006 Spâtlese, $15.95  

Table Two: Wayne Glaser, Arborway Imports

Argentina, Domaine Jean Bousquet, 2005 Chardonnay, $11.95
California, Mount Eden Vineyards, Edna Valley 2004 Chardonnay, $17.95
Italy, Renato Corino, 2005 Barbera d’Alba, $15.95
Italy, Fulignano, 2001 Chianti Classico Riserva, $14.95
Italy, Zaccagnini, 2002 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva, $15.95
Argentina, Saurus, 2004 Patagonia Select Malbec, $14.95

Table Three: Paul Lapenas, Touton Selection, Ltd.

California, Liparita, 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, $14.95
California, Stevenot, 2005 Chardonnay, $12.95
California, Stevenot, 2004 Syrah, $12.95
California, Liparita, 2001 Merlot, $29.99
California, Edge, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, $20.95
California, Stevenot, Orange Muscat, $15.95

15% discount on all purchases of 12 bottles or more.

Previous Wine Tasting Events

Sunday, October 15, 2006     

Table One: Paul Lapenas, Touton Selection, Ltd.
France, Laporte, 2004 Le Petit Duc, $9.95
Spain, Zagalón Oro, 2005 Chardonnay, $8.99
France, Chapelle-St-Arnoux, 2003 Gigondas, $16.95
Chile El Toqui, 2002 Prestige Cabernet Sauvignon, $14.95
Canada, Neige, Apple Ice Cider, $24.95

Table Two: Tom Brown, Classic Wine Imports
California, Honig, 2005 Saugnon Blanc, $14.95
California, Burgess Cellars, 2001 Zinfandel, $9.95
California, Cline, 2003 Ancient Vines Mourvedre, $14.95
Australia, 2005 Pillar Box Red, $9.95
California, Guenoc, 2002 Petite Syrah, $15.95
Portugal, Dow’s Tawny Port, $12.95

Table Three: Sue Nordberg, Martignetti Companies
Italy, Di Batasiolo, 2005 Moscato d’Asti, $10.95
Italy, Di Lenardo, 2005 Tocai “Toh”, $9.95
• I
taly, Di Batasiolo, 2004 Barbera d’Alba, $11.95
Italy, Di Batasiolo, 2004 2004 Dolcetto d’Alba, $11.95
Italy, Terrabianca, 2003 Campaccio, $32.95

August 5, 2006

Table One: Andrew Cadrin, Ruby Wines, Inc.
• Italy, Rocca delle Macie, 2004 Orvieto Classico, $10.95
• Italy, Rocca delle Macie, 2004 Vernaccia San Gimingnamo, $12.95
• Italy, Rocca delle Macie, 2003 Chianti Classico, $14.95
• California, Jesse's Grove, 2005 Lodi Zinfandel, $12.95
• California, Turnbull, 2005 Old Bull Red, $21.95

Table Two: Wayne Glaser, Arborway Imports
• France, Sylvain Bailly, 2004 La Galette Sancerre, $12.95
• France, Vins Auvigue, 2004 M?con Davay?, $14.95
• France, Jean-Paul Thibert, 2004 Pouilly-Fuiss?, $24.95
• South Africa, Bellevue Estate, 2001 Umkhulu Tian, $21.95
• Washington, Amavi, 2003 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet, $24.95

Table Three: Sue Nordberg, Martignetti Companies
• Italy, Adriano Adami, NV Garb?l Prosecco, $12.95
• Germany, Dr. Fischer, 2004 Riesling Kabinett, $16.95
• Australia, Penfolds Koonunga Hill, 2004 Chardonnay, $9.95
• Italy, Masi, 2002 Capofiorin, $14.95
• Australia, Wynns, Coonawarra Cabernet, $15.95

June 9, 2006

Table One: Paul Lapenas, Touton Selection, Ltd.
• France, Domaine du Tariquet, 2004 C?tes de Gascogne Blanc, $7.99\
• France, Laporte, 2004 Le Petit Duc, $9.99
• France, Ch?teau Peyfol, 2003 C?tes De Castillon, $16.99
• Italy, Poggio Al Tufo, 2004 Rompicollo, $14.99
• Chile, 2003 Almaviva, $62.00 (sorry, no discounts on this wine)

Table Two: Paul Christopher, House Selections
• Oregon, A to Z, 2005 Ros?, $12.99
• Oregon, A to Z, 2005 Pinot Gris, $12.99
• California, Kali Hart, 2004 Pinot Noir, $15.99
• California, Cartlidge & Browne, 2005 Pinot Noir, $13.99
• Oregon, A to Z, 2004 Pinot Noir, $17.99
• California, Rosenblum, Vinters Cuvee Zinfandel, $12.99

Table Three: Sue Nordberg, Martignetti Companies
• Italy, di Lenardo, 2004 Pinot Grigio, $9.99
• Washington, Hedges Cellars, 2004 CMS White, $11.99
• California, Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve, 2004 Chardonnay, $17.99
• Spain, Lori?on, 2002 Crianza, $15.99
• Italy, Canella, NV Bellini Prosecco, $12.99

April 9. 2006

Table One: Shawn Greene, Boston Wine Company
• Spain, 2004 Lasbriscas, $11.99
• California, Heron, 2004 Chardonnay, $10.99
• France, E. Guigal, 2002 Cotes du Rhone, $10.99
• California, Cartledge & Browne, 2004 Rapid Red Blend, $15.99
• California, Novelty Hill, 2002 Merlot, $16.95

Table Two: Paul Christopher, House Selections
• France, Chateau Haut Nadeau, 2004 White Bordeaux, $10.99
• Germany, Weingut August Perll, 2004 Riesling Kabinett, $11.99
• France, Josephine Dubois, 2002 Pinot Noir, $9.99
• Italy, Morando, 2001 Barbaresco, $17.99

Table Three: Debra Knotek, Classic Wine Imports
• Italy, Salvalai, 2004 Pinot Grigio, $6.99
• Washington, Barnard Griffin, 2003 Chardonnay, $12.99
• France, Chateau Bonnet, 2003 Bordeaux Rose, $11.99
• France, Clos Des Papes, NV LePetit Vin d'Avril, $14.99
• California, Clos La Chance, 2003 Ruby-Throated Cab, $14.99
• Argentina, Pascual Toso, 2004 Malbec. $9.99

February 12, 2006

Table One - Paul Lapenas, Touton Selections
• Italy, Catina Gabriele, 2004 Moscato, $9.99
• Spain, Castillo DeAnna, 1999 Valencia, $10.99
• Italy, Tomaiolo, 1995 Chianti Classico Riserva, $14.99
• Chile, El Toqui, 2004 Syrah, $10.99
• France, Chateau Miselle, 2004 Sauternes, $9.99

Table Two - Fred Ramseyer, Ruby Wine Company
• California, Luna, 2004 Pinot Grigio, $18.99
• California, McManis, 2004 Chardonnay, $11.99
• California, McManis, 2004 Petite Syrah, $12.99
• Washington, Roza, 2002 Syrah, $15.99
• Argentina, Ben Marco, 2003 Malbec, $19.99

Table Three - Sue Nordberg, Martignetti Companies
• Spain, Oroya, 2004 De Castilla Blanca, $8.99
• California, Rutherford, 2004 Chardonnay, $11.99
• California, Gloria Ferrer, 200 Pinot Noir, $20.99
• Australia, Nines Stones, Barossa Shiraz, $11.99
• California, Terra d'Oro, 2002 Zinfandel, $21.99

© 2006 SiteWrite. All Rights Reserved.
SiteWrite.net