-This Week's Tastings-

Thursday, Nov 15th-Wines From From France Plus a Michigan Cider!

Friday November 16th-Wines From Italy & Oregon!

Saturday, Nov 17th-Balcones Distilling!

This Thursday We Welcome  Ian From Bonhomie Wine Imports Pouring French Wines &  a Michigan Cider 6-8 PM Clotilde Davenne Saint Bris 2015 $20.99 Saint Bris is located in the far northwest of Burgundy and is the only appellation in the region that is designated to grow Sauvignon Blanc (as Chardonnay is the main white grape in Burgundy). Clotilde Davenne uses sustainable practices and low intervention in its farming. The finished product is an enticing combination of herbs, seashell minerality, and grapefruit notes Moissenet Bonnard "L'Oncle Paul" 2016  $23.99 This entry level Pinot Noir from Burgundy is an affordable and delicious bottle for those of you not wanting to spend an arm and a leg. The L'Oncle Paul" comes from vines in the village of Pommard, located in the Cote de Beaune, an area known for more powerful, tannic wines. This bottle shows those pronounced tannins as well as raspberry and spice notes. Rouge Bleu Cote Du Rhone Mistral 2014  $21.99 Domaine Rouge Bleu is a biodynamic producer and their Domaine is located in Sainte-Cécile-Les-Vignes in the southern part of the Cote du Rhone.Mistral is their signature cuvée and is a classic Southern Rhône GSM  blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) with the addition of a small amount of Roussanne. It's full-bodied with black fruit, cherry and spice. It's full yet very approachable. Left Foot Charley, Antrim Hard Cider  $10.99 Hard Apple Cider has experienced an amazing resurgence with sales increasing over 75% over the last couple years. With the increase of smaller producers using heirloom varieties, consumers are beginning to discover the diversity of styles and taste hard cider has to offer. One of those producers is Left Foot Charley. Known more for their quality Michigan wines, they also craft a wide range of excellent ciders. Their Atrium is perfect for those looking for an easy drinking, everyday cider. It's fresh,bright and crisp with just a hint of sweetness. A 10% discount applies to these wines when purchased during the tasting. This Friday We Welcome  Nate From Steep Hill  Pouring Wines From Italy & Oregon 6-8PM Fontefico Pecorino Superiore 2017 $19.99 Fontefico was established in 1996 by Nicola and Emanuele Altieri. Starting with 15 hectares of vines, the two brothers began to experiment on different vineyards of the estate using micro-vinifications. After ten years of research they decided to think smaller. Today, using only 5 of their 15 hectares, they make only five wines, totaling 15,000 bottles per year. This quality driven approach has made them one of southern Italy's top organic boutique wineries. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, the Fontefico Pecorino Superiore is expressive and savory with apple, citrus and a touch of salinity. Pairs well with seafood, risotto and, not surprisingly, Pecorino cheese. Brandborg, Umpqua Valley Riesling 2012  $18.99 For this tasting we are featuring two wines from the Brandborg winery. The Brandborg's first plantings were in 2002 and in 2005, three short years later, were named Oregon Winery of the Year. That's quite an accomplishment for a winery outside of the more prestigious Willamette Valley region.Their Umpqua Valley Riesling has aromas and a palate of stone fruit, honeycomb and fresh acidity adding beautiful balance. This is a great pairing with sushi, poultry and salmon. Tenuta Scerscé, Nettare 2015  $22.99 Valtellina is an appellation in the north part of Lombardy where Nebbiolo, known locally as Chiavennasca, is grown. The wines from this region produce an elegant expression of the varietal. This bottle has fruity cherry notes, spice and violets. And while most Nebbiolo needs time to open up, this fresh and gentle bottle is not only an excellent expression of the grape, it's one that's ready to enjoy today.  Brandborg Benchland Pinot Noir 2014  $23.99 Terry and Sue Brandborg started their winery with the intention to "grow and produce distinct, elegant Pinot Noir and Alsace inspired white wines with pure varietal expression." Their search for the perfect cool, coastal climate is what led them to Elkton, in Oregon's Umpqua Valley. Our second bottle from the Brandborg's is their Benchland Pinot Noir. It has aromas of strawberries and spice while the palate reveals mocha and coffee with rich flavors of dark cherries and blackberries. It's silky and smooth with ample depth and is a steal for the price. A 10% discount applies to these wines when purchased during the tasting. This Saturday We Welcome  Balcones Distilling 6-8PM Balcones Whisky Brimstone  $62.99 This is a 100% Hopi blue corn whiskey made in Waco, Texas. It's not required to be aged but if it is, it must be in UN-charred  used oak barrels. Aromas of peaches and brown sugar lead to flavors of strong smoke, bacon and spice concluding with a salty, smokey finish. Balcones Texas Single Malt Whisky  $69.99 This Texas made single malt has a Mahogany color, dried fruit on the nose with a nice full body and a silky smoothness. The palate has a bit of orange and toasted butter and finishes with toasted caramel and spice  Balcones Baby Blue Whiskey 750  $39.99 This smooth whiskey from Texas is made from 100% blue corn and aged in used barrels. It has a cotton candy sweetness and mint on the palate with a very easy dry finish. A lovely whiskey sip on.  A 5% discount applies to these spirits when purchased during the tasting. THANKSGIVING HOURS: Wednesday, Nov 21st 10am-11pm Thursday, November 22nd 10am-6pm Current Wine News: The Secret to Finding Good Beaujolais Wine Before the Beaujolais Nouveau arrives this month, get to know more about the wines from the region. From the fruity, easy drinking to the more complex Cru's, the region is so much than the quaffable Nouveau.  Bolivian Wine? Never heard of it? That may be about to change Can Liquor Have a Local Taste? No one is sure whether spirits can convey "terroir" like wine does. But distillers are seeking, and selling, that sense of place. How To Become a Winemaker Extraordinaire Winemaker-consultant Julien Fayard shares his experience as a "Flying Winemaker" as well as tips for those interested in the job

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216 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-768-2291 Open 7 Days

Featured Spirits!  Game of Thrones & White Walker  To Honor and Celebrate the final season of the HBO Series "Game of Thrones", Johnnie Walker has introduce White Walker.   The NEW blend and limited edition will remind both Walker and Game of Thrones fans of winter. The smartly designed white bottle utilizes thermochromic ink to give fans a frosty surprise message when frozen. With flavor notes like caramelized sugar, vanilla, and fresh red berries, White Walker by Johnnie Walker makes for a delicious serve. The new blend is best served ice cold, inspired by the White Walkers beyond The Wall.  The Limited Edition White Walker by Johnnie Walker made a nationwide icy launch in October 2018 and will be available while supplies last.  ARMY OF THE DEAD WHITE WALKER SCOTCH WHISKY COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS: * 1.25 oz White Walker by Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky * 5 oz Coconut Soda * Lemon Wheel * Mint Sprig  * Glass: Highball  * Ice: Regular ice   METHOD: 1. Add 1.25 oz White Walker by Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky and 5 oz coconut soda in a highball glass 2. Add ice to the glass 3. Stir for 2 seconds 4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig   (Some of this material was taken from the Johnnie Walker Scotch website) Johnnie Walker White Walker 750ML $51.99

Wine News & Articles We read a lot of wine articles around here. If you'd like to see what we've been reading lately, check out my "Flipboard" Magazine! "Wine" Flipboard Magazine.

© 2014 Windsor Wine and Spirits, Inc.

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-This Week's Tastings-

Thursday, Oct 18th-South African & German Wines

Friday, Oct 19th-Australian Wines

Saturday, Oct 20th-Herradura Tequila

This Thursday We Welcome  Adrian From Martin Scott Pouring Wines From South Africa & Germany 6-8 PM Badenhorst, Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2017  $14.99 AA Badenhorst Family Wines are grown and made on Kalmoesfontein farm in the Swartland appellation of South Africa. Secateurs, their second tier label, produce wonderful value driven wines and their Chenin Blanc over- delivers for the price. It has a rich palate of stone fruit, honey and a dry mineral finish.  Gryphon Crest, Pinot Noir 2015  $17.99  Most people know Germany for their Riesling, but they also produce stellar Pinot Noir. This bottle from Gryphon Crest comes from Baden, which is the southernmost of Germany's 12 wine producing regions. It's sunny, dry climate allows for high quality Pinot Noir (also known as Spätburgunder in Germany) This bottle is fresh and savory with intense flavors of cherry and plum along with earth notes and brisk acidity. A great introduction to German Pinot Noir!  Fritz Müller, Müller-Thurgau Secco  $15.99  This lightly sparkling wine from Germany is made from the Müller-Thurgau grape and if you're a fan of Proseco, we think you'll find this to be a wonderful alternative. It's light and fresh with fruity notes of apple and pear and vibrant acidity. A wonderfully refreshing sparkler!   A 10% discount applies to these wines when purchased during the tasting. This Friday We Welcome  Elish From Little Peacock Pouring Wines From Australia 6-8PM If you're in the mood for an Australian red that's not Shiraz, we offer these three alternatives.  Riposte The Dagger Pinot Noir 2017  $20.99 Riposte is a family owned and run winery which is now led by third generation winemaker, Tim Knappstein. Along with his sons, Nick and Dale, they have developed a "hands on from vineyard to bottle" philosophy. Riposte keeps to a small portfolio of wines concentrating on quality over quantity. The Dagger has a lot to offer. With notes of plum, dark cherry and earth notes, it's a wine with depth and complexity. Paxton, Graciano 2017  $21.99 Graciano is a Spanish varietal grown primarily in the Rioja region. After some research, winemaker David Paxton decided to graft one row of Graciano onto some old Chardonnay vines to see what the result would be. Turns out the varietal was well suited to the McLaren Vale. It's light and savory with bright red fruit, white pepper and soft tannin.   Fairbank Sutton Grange Sangiovese 2015  $21.99 The Italian grape, Sangiovese, was introduced to the Australian market about forty years ago but its only recently that it's begun to shine. Located at the southern edge of the Bendigo region, this winery sits at the foothills of Mt. Alexander. The vineyard uses bio-dynamic and organic methods. In addition, only native yeasts are used, harvesting is done by hand and the wine is kept in old French oak barrels. This medium body red has aromas of cherries and fresh garden herbs with soft tannin. Lots of fun!  Works perfectly with roasted or cured meats! A 10% discount applies to these wines when purchased during the tasting. This Saturday We Welcome  Herradura Tequila 6-8PM Herradura Silver  375ml-$18.99 750ml-$31.99 Herradura tequilas is 100% blue agave plants, harvested  after 9 to 10 years of growth. The nose presents dried fruit.  A sliver Tequila with a touch of smoke, herbal, vegetable and black pepper notes. Herradura Tequila Anejo 750  $42.99 Aged for  2 years in oak. The nose has spice and floral notes, while the taste brings dried fruit sweetness and a creamy tone, The finish is long and savory. A 5% discount applies to these spirits when purchased during the tasting. Current Wine News: Booze To Pair With Your Favorite Halloween Candy Here's your essential guide to pairing Halloween Candy.  Bolivian Wine? Never heard of it? That may be about to change Can Liquor Have a Local Taste? No one is sure whether spirits can convey "terroir" like wine does. But distillers are seeking, and selling, that sense of place. How To Become a Winemaker Extraordinaire Winemaker-consultant Julien Fayard shares his experience as a "Flying Winemaker" as well as tips for those interested in the job Follow Us:

216 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, NY 11215 718-768-2291 Open 7 Days

Featured Spirits!  Game of Thrones & White Walker  To Honor and Celebrate the final season of the HBO Series "Game of Thrones", Johnnie Walker has introduce White Walker.   The NEW blend and limited edition will remind both Walker and Game of Thrones fans of winter. The smartly designed white bottle utilizes thermochromic ink to give fans a frosty surprise message when frozen. With flavor notes like caramelized sugar, vanilla, and fresh red berries, White Walker by Johnnie Walker makes for a delicious serve. The new blend is best served ice cold, inspired by the White Walkers beyond The Wall.  The Limited Edition White Walker by Johnnie Walker made a nationwide icy launch in October 2018 and will be available while supplies last.  ARMY OF THE DEAD WHITE WALKER SCOTCH WHISKY COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS: * 1.25 oz White Walker by Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky * 5 oz Coconut Soda * Lemon Wheel * Mint Sprig  * Glass: Highball  * Ice: Regular ice   METHOD: 1. Add 1.25 oz White Walker by Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky and 5 oz coconut soda in a highball glass 2. Add ice to the glass 3. Stir for 2 seconds 4. Garnish with a lemon wheel and mint sprig   (Some of this material was taken from the Johnnie Walker Scotch website) Johnnie Walker White Walker 750ML $51.99

Wine News & Articles We read a lot of wine articles around here. If you'd like to see what we've been reading lately, check out my "Flipboard" Magazine! "Wine" Flipboard Magazine.

© 2014 Windsor Wine and Spirits, Inc.

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NEW YORK STATE OF WINE

Back in the 70’s, Billy Joel wrote about being in a New York State of Mind. Had he written the song today, he might have changed his tune. New York may be the wine capital of the Eastern United States but it doesn’t get the same respect as its western counterparts, California, Washington, and Oregon. New York actually has the oldest operating winery in the country. So how is it that the state fell behind the west coast in quality and prestige? The answer seems to lie in the type of wines the state produced early on.

Vitis, or grapevines, is a genus of around 60 accepted species of vining plants. The most famous and important of these is Vitis Vinifera, which is native to Europe. Among the many varieties of this species are the most well-known grapes which are used to make the majority of the wine we drink. Instead of these grapes, New York’s early focus was on Vitis Lambrsca, which included sweeter, lesser quality grape varieties such as Concord and Catawba. In the late 1950’s, Dr. Konstantin Frank began experimenting with European vinifera grape stocks in the Finger Lakes, thus changing the course of the NY wine industry.

Dr. Frank was a European immigrant who arrived in the U.S. with family in 1951. He was a professor of plant science and held a PhD in viticulture and eventually ended up taking a position at Cornell University’s Geneva Experiment station. It was there he came to the conclusion that it was the lack of proper rootstock and not the cold climate that had caused the failure of Vitis Vinifera vines in the Finger Lakes. He eventually found an ally in French Champagne maker Charles Fournier of Gold Seal Vineyards, who began producing the first European varieties in the Northeast. During the 70’s, even though the majority of wines were still coming from Concord and similar varietals, a handful of producers began producing fine wines, starting a shift toward the noble European varieties.

Another huge shift came in 1976 when the New York Farm Winery Act was passed, which allowed the small winemakers that used New York grown grapes to sell their wine directly to consumers rather than through wholesalers. This legislation helped kickstart the industry. At the time, there were 19 wineries statewide. Today there are more than 400.

The New York wine industry is still young and continually evolving as winemakers continue to learn, discover, experiment and take risks. Will New York wines ever take their place alongside the great regions? For a bit of perspective, the first official vineyard in Napa Valley was planted in 1859, but it wasn’t until the Judgment of Paris, where two California wines beat the highly regarded Bordeaux wines in a blind taste test, that the reputation of the region was cemented. That took place in May 1976, the same year New York passed the Farm Winery Act. Coincidence? Maybe, or possibly they realized a sea change was about to take place in the domestic wine industry.

We sample enough good quality New York wine that it’s a challenge to choose which ones to share with our customers. We’ve cultivated a section we believe offers a diverse selection of what the state has to offer. For those who would like to learn more about the producers, or better yet, pay them a visit (it’s much cheaper than a trip to Napa or Bordeaux) below are links to their websites.  Support local wine!!!

From Long Island

Shinn Winery works biodynamically, practices sustainable farming, gets energy from solar and wind power and utilizes holistic farming techniques. And if that wasn’t enough, they voluntarily include ingredients on their bottles.

http://shinnestatevineyards.com/vineyard/vineyard-history

Shinn Coalescence 2016 $14.99

A fresh and juicy white made from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Shinn Estate Vineyards Red NV $14.99

A smooth quaffable red blend made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah.

The Osprey Dominion brand started in 2010 and they have quickly established themselves as a producer of award winning wines.

https://ospreysdominion.com/

Osprey Dominion Merlot 2012 $16.99

Medium body, striking just the right balance of fruit, oak and tannin. Includes 16% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.

A father and son collaboration which began in 1986, Jamesport Vineyards is now a three-generation winery. Their winemaking approach is to interfere with nature as little as possible. Their wines can be found at many top restaurants throughout Long Island and Manhattan.

http://www.jamesportwines.com/

Jamesport Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2015 $17.99

Aromatic with rich tropical flavor and citrus.

Another family winery, Paumanok was founded in 1983 by Ursula and Charles Massoud and their three sons. They strive to produce wines in the “Old World” style.

http://paumanok.com/history.html

Paumanok Chenin Blanc 2015 $25.99

Dry and crisp with pineapple, apple and a hint of grapefruit.

Lieb Cellars is a small production, Estate Grown Winery whose brands also include Bridge Lane.

http://liebcellars.com/

Lieb Cellars Cabernet Franc 2014 $27.99

Blackberry, tobacco & black pepper highlight this Old World style Cabernet Franc.

From Finger Lakes 

 Red Newt’s first vintage was in 1998 and in 2011 they were named as one of the top wineries of the year by Wine & Spirits magazine.

http://rednewt.com/ww4/

Red Newt Cellars Cabernet Franc 2014 $20.99

This Cabernet Franc sees no oak which brings out the pure expression of the grape. Refreshing with fresh red fruit.

Forge Cellars is a small, artisanal producer of exceptional Riesling and Pinot Noir. These wines are proof that New York is capable of producing terroir driven wines.

http://www.forgecellars.com/wine                                                                                                 
Forge Cellars Pinot Noir Classique 2014 

A beautiful example of a Finger Lakes Pinot Noir. Deep with cherry, raspberry & earth notes.

Red Hook Winery employs three winemakers, Robert Foley, Robert Nicolson, and cult winemaker, Abe Schoener. They are located in Brooklyn but source their grapes from the best vineyard sites in Long Island and Finger Lakes.

https://www.redhookwinery.com/

Red Hook Winery Riesling Seneca Lake 2013 $22.99

This Finger Lakes Riesling comes from winemaker Foley. It sees only stainless Steel and is dry with notes apple, apricot, lime and light honeycomb. 

Wines from Goose Watch Winery emphasis the more uncommon varietals found in New York such as Viognier, Pinot Grigio Lemberger and our selection, Traminette.

http://goosewatch.com/

Goose Watch Winery Traminette 2015 $13.99

A dry, fruit wine with bright stone fruit and a spicy finish. 

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Explore South African Wine

South African wines have come a long way. Ten years ago it wouldn't be uncommon to hear most people say, "South Africa makes wine?" Today, South African wines have a higher profile but have still gone unexplored by many wine drinkers. To understand the challenges winemakers have faced, here’s a brief history of the South African wine industry. The first wine made in South Africa, as recorded in the diary of Jan Van Riebeeck, was February 2nd 1659. Because of the threat of hungry birds, farmers were forced to pick grapes early so acid was sky high, creating harsh wines of low quality.  Things were not totally bleak as Simon van der Sel, the Cape Colony’s first Governor, gained some international acclaim with a noteworthy sweet wine.

In the early 19th century, the Cape passed from Dutch to British control. With an increase in settlement and shipping came an increase in the number of vineyards and by 1825 wine accounted for more than half of the Cape's exports, but quality was still considered poor. 

A change in the right direction came in 1918 with the formation of the KWV, a co-operative formed with the intention of creating unity among South African wine farmers and improving quality. The KWV grew and in 1940 the government gave them the power to set prices for table wine as well as setting quotas for wine production. Despite its intentions, the system at this point incentivized quantity over quality. Farmers grew as many grapes as possible and then sold them to the co-operatives who would make the wine. Despite this lack of motivation from KWV, quality wines were starting to be made but Apartheid-induced sanctions kept these wines from being exported and kept the country isolated from the rest of the wine world. 

1994 saw the end of Apartheid and is also seen as the start of the modern wine industry in South Africa. During the 90's, the KWV dropped the quota system and price setting, eventually becoming a private company which now exists as a wine producer, not a regulatory body. Winemakers at this point had the freedom to grow and innovate with an eye toward producing high quality wines. 

South Africa grows international varietals such as Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc are their two most planted grapes. They also have one grape unique to the region. Pinotage, a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, was created in 1925 by South African scientist, Abraham Perold and it has become South Africa’s signature grape.

Here is a sampling of some of the South African wines we currently stock.

Remhoogte Pinotage $18.99
"Lam" Pinotage $14.99

We offer two Pinotage which exhibit two different sides of the grape. The Remhoogte Bushvine shows more of the traditional characteristics of the varietal. It is full bodied with red fruit, black pepper, tobacco and is slightly smoky. Our other offering is the Lammershoek "Lam" which expresses more of the characteristics of Pinot Noir. This wine is light and elegant with pleasing red fruit. We recommend this one with a light chill.

Terre Brulee Chenin Blanc $15.99
Terre Brulee Le Rouge $14.99

We currently carry two wines from the Terre Brulee winery. The Chenin Blanc is dry and refreshing with citrus, honeysuckle and bright acid. The Le Rouge red, a blend of Shiraz and Cinsault, is savory with blackberry, light spice and enough oak to give it good weight and structure.

Kanonkp has established itself as a one of the best producers of South African Wines. The Kadette, a blend of primarily Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a full bodied wine with black fruit, raspberry, and mocha with light earthy notes.

Kanonkop Kadette $14.99
Morgenster Lourens River Valley $31.99

For those looking for a more serious wine, we recommend the Morgenster Lourens River Valley 2010. A blend of mostly Cabernet Franc with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, this hearty wine delivers cherry and black fruit, chocolate and sweet spice with well-integrated tannin.

From this point on, wines from South Africa will continue to improve and it won’t be long before they take their place among the great wines of the world. 

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The Evolution of Rose

It wasn't long ago that wine consumers view of Rose was as overly sweet, much like White Zinfandel, which was actually created by accident. Sutter Home was trying to make a dry, almost white wine with their red zinfandel grapes. During this process they experienced stuck fermentation in which the yeast dies before all the sugar is consumed, thus creating a sweet, pink wine. Sutter Home preferred the "mistake" wine, released it and it took off like gangbusters. This was back in 1975 and this wine, while technically not a Rose, became many Americans’ first impression of a Rose type wine.

This impression actually began quite a bit earlier. In France, "pink" wines were the first to be produced. In historic times, before modern winemaker techniques were developed, wines were made with low maceration which gave it its light color. After WWII, two Portuguese winemakers released a slightly sweet, sparkling Rose-like wine in Europe and the U.S. and set sales records. 

Meanwhile, in Provence, quality Rose's were being produced in 125BC and by the 14th Century became the wine of kings and aristocrats. Today, Rose production is around half to two thirds of all wine produced in Provence. With its food friendly, light crisp style, the region became synonymous with Rose and became the "go to" region for U.S. drinkers who slowly began to discover that "pink" doesn't necessarily mean sweet.  

At approximately 13%, the U.S. is now the second largest consumer of Rose' wine, behind only France. So how did we get here? Some say the trend began in The Hamptons where about five years ago, drinking Rose became a lifestyle and was known as "Hamptons Gatorade". Others theorize that the influx of Europeans, and their love of Rose, helped re-introduce it to Americans. Either way, the popularity surge has been good for everyone. Rose's made from a variety of grapes and regions, both Old and New World, are gaining in popularity throughout the U.S.

"Rose season" used to start in the summer. Now it begins in the spring and is practically year round. Here at Windsor Wine, the process began in February when we began tasting lots of Rose in order to find what we considered the best for our customers. Our selection includes not only Provence, but Rose from all over France as well Spain, Italy, South Africa and the U.S. Whether you're looking for light and crisp, full and fruity or something in between, we have something to please every palate. 

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