Issue 225 | January 17, 2012

wine••sense is devoted to bringing you a selection of wines from around the world that will intrigue and entertain your palate. Thank you for trusting.

FOOD AND WINE | 2012 FIRST EDITION

Thursday, January 19

Opening up a handful of pretty serious wines at a great value. All paired with this month's favorite cheese line-up from our friend Matt at Whole Foods. For those who are watching what they eat, please join us to so you can watch us too. Actually, I do believe in diets very, very much. I simply don't believe on the ones that make you miserable. Moderation is the key for pretty much EVERYTHING!

Supporting small local businesses, it really makes a difference!

Free tasting from 6 to 8.

NEXT Book on the Vine - Joint Book | club

Thursday, February 9

For our next read, Jen from Andover Bookstore thought of choosing a book that will work well in correlation with Valentine's Day. Is a quick book enough to get you in the reading mood.

The Lover's Dictionary

by David Levithan, sold at Andover Bookstore.

"In David Levithan's unconventional and clever novel The Lover's Dictionary, he explores a relationship not chronologically, but alphabetically. He chooses the perfect words to capture the happiest and most bitter moments that we share with our lovers and partners. Each word is accompanied by a "definition" in which Levithan tells a story based on that word and its significance to his two main characters. You're going to love this quick, sweet, honest read!"

One of my favorite definitions: Alfresco, adv.

We couldn't stand the city one minute longer, so we walked right into the rent-a-car place, no reservation, and started our journey upstate. As you drove, I called around, and eventually I found us a cabin. We stopped at a supermarket and bought a week's worth of food for two nights. It wasn't too cold out, so we moved the kitchen table outside. The breeze kept blowing out the candles, but that didn't matter, because for the first time in our relationship, there were plenty of stars above us. The wine set the tone of our conversation – languid, tipsy, earthy.
"I love dining alfresco," you said, and I laughed a little. "What?" you asked.
And I said, . . . . "

So, are you in? If you are planning to join us for this book club meeting and wine tasting, please let us know by replying to this email.

Non bookclub members welcome. We are tasting Bordeaux with French native, Celine Pfeiffer.

WHAT'S GREEN Ribbon?

If you're interested in organic, sustainable farming, natural agriculture, and/or biodynamic wines, please look for the GREEN ribbon on the bottles. It will help make your search easier.

Never Miss a Tasting Again!

Welcome to the era of social networking.
Another great way to stay in touch and keep up to date with last-minute wine-sense happenings.

 

Upcoming Events 2012

Thursday, January 19

FIRST EDITION OF FOOD AND WINE 2012. The perfect pair is back, our joint effort with our neighbors Whole Foods. Matt the cheese guy has selected great value and tasty treats for this month. Stay tuned for pairing list on our facebook page. or see below on the second page. In-store 6 to 8.

Friday, January 20

2009 BURGUNDY TASTING. This tasting is a must if you've stopped by and heard me rave about this beauty of a vintage. This tasting will mainly be focused on 1er Grand Cru, 1er Cru. 7:30 at the store. RSVP is a must. Please call 978.749.9464.

Thursday, January 26

NATURAL WINES FROM ITALY. A new lineup from our favorite Italian producer has reached our shelves. Natural is the way to go, think of your body. In-store 6 to 8.

Wednesday, February 1

LEARNING THE LANGUAGE OF WINE. Selecting wine based on your own palate is a better way to purchase than relying on price, eye-catching labels, or evaluations from magazines. Evaluate wines by sight, smell, and taste. This class is ideal for both novices and wine enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge.

With our in-house wine educator, Ron Homan

# 332 Wed, Feb 1, 6:30-8:30 pm
1 class, $36, limit 12
To register please call 978-623-8274 or sign up online

See more classes below on second page.

Thursday, February 2

WINEMAKER'S VISIT. Victor Hugo is making an appearance for this Thursday night's tasting. We've always been impressed with his production. In-store 6 to 8.

Thursday, February 9

BOOK ON THE VINE Joint Book | club. We are tasting Bordeaux with French native, Celine Pfeiffer at the tasting table and discussing "love" (book) with Jen from Andover Bookstore. In-store 6 to 8.

Six-Packs

MAINLY REDS - ONLY ONE WHITE

wine-sense's monthly six-packs. Each month we'll be offering a carefully-chosen mixed selection of six wines in a practical, stylish, and eco-friendly wine-sense six-bottle tote.

NOTE: These are new, exciting additions to our shelves that we want to share with you.

There are three different price levels to accommodate your budget:

$65 [a value of $75]

$85 [a value of $95]

$120 [a value of $135]

Always with a hidden jewel to keep your taste buds entertained. It's like a wine club but without the big commitment!

PLEASE NOTE SPECIAL HOURS NEXT WEEK

Weekday hours will be adjusted temporarily starting Monday, January 23 and ending Monday, January 30. I will be traveling to Europe due to a death in our family. Thank you so for much for understanding.

STORE OPEN HOURS:

Monday thru Friday | 2 to 8

Saturday | 10 to 7

Sunday | 12 to 6

Grazie,
Samanta Ettore

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 11 to 8, Sat 10 to 7, Sun 12 to 6

Wicked Local
Readers' Choice Award
Best Andover Wine Store
2008

Northshore Magazine
Readers' Choice Award
Best Wine Store
2007, 2008

UPCOMING WINE CLASSES

Our Swirl, Sip and Learn program is starting this new year with simple but very needed basic classes. The three most-demanded classes will be running during the month of February. Remember, you can always have your own private classes, just contact us for details.

Wednesday, February 1
LEARNING THE LANGUAGE OF WINE

Selecting wine based on your own palate is a better way to purchase than relying on price, eye-catching labels, or evaluations from magazines. Evaluate wines by sight, smell, and taste. This class is ideal for both novices and wine enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge.

With our in-house wine educator, Ron Homan

#332 Wed, Feb 1, 6:30-8:30 pm
1 class, $36, limit 12
To register please call 978-623-8274 or sign up online

Wednesday, February 15
WINE ON A BUDGET

Save money and still be able to enjoy that cherished glass of wine. Sample wines at different price points and discover that price is not always a guarantee of quality.

With our in-house wine educator, Ron Homan

#333 Wed, Feb. 15, 6:30-8:30 pm
1 class, $36, limit 12
To register please call 978-623-8274 or sign up online

Wednesday, February 29
PINOT NOIR

Planted all around the world, Pinot Noir has become very popular. We'll feature the history of this Burgundy grape, how the tastes and smells vary, its health properties, and the controversy that surrounds it today. And we'll enjoy tasting a variety of Pinot Noirs.

With our in-house wine educator, Ron Homan

#334 Wed, Feb 29, 6:30-8:30 pm
1 class, $36, limit 12

To register please call 978-623-8274 or sign up online

 

PERFECT PAIR | join pairing with our neighbors at Whole Foods

Port de Salut

PAIRS WELL WITH . . . 100% Cabernet Franc, Chinon France - Les Pensées de Pallus - 2009 | "A lovely nose of preserved green walnuts, licorice, rowan, cedar, and mulberries leads to a palate in which the herbal aspects of Cabernet Franc are nicely restrained and sweet nuttiness, beet root, and subtly tart fresh black fruits swell into a satisfying, salt-tinged finish. The combination of polished texture and bright refreshment on exhibit here is especially deft." DS.

Barber's Cheddar

PAIRS WELL WITH . . . Mainly Monastrell, Jumilla Spain - Castillo de Jumilla - 2009 | Violet aromas, dark black fruit dominates the mouth with spices and soft tannins. An organic production with a touch of Tempranillo, which helps this wines have a deeper body. Great value.

Jasper Hill’s Winnimere

PAIRS WELL WITH . . . Muscat Sec, Cotes Catalanes France - Domaine Comelade - 2010 | French Mediterranean wine with an aroma that will make dream. Unfiltered, natural production. 100% Muscat d'Alexandrie, dry Muscat with pricks of acidity and clean finish.