Discover Beaujolais

Discover Beaujolais

The best way to get to know Beaujolais wines is to taste them for yourself. Learn about the 12 appellations of Beaujolais, often characterized by aromas of red fruits, currant and spices, with a long finish that reveals itself as the wine opens up.

Vendanges aux Moriers

Pretty cool video of the harvest @ Miss Vicky Wine... I was there... :)

"MissVickyWine" Fleurie Cru Beaujolais is now available in the US!

We're very pleased to inform you that the lovely Fleurie Cru Beaujolais from Miss Vicky Wine is now available in the US!

This Fleurie is fresh, elegant, fun and sexy. You will love its feminine features and gourmand flavors of ripe cherry and red currant. Soft and crispy in the mouth, it is also a bouquet of flowers to give you a breath of spring. It would be a perfect accompaniment with summer dishes or on its own. This wine goes very well with poultry, soups, lightly spiced dishes, goat cheese or Camembert.


Miss Vicky Wine is very big with social media. To appreciate that, we will give free shipping to all the wine lovers who are connected to us:

To our FaceBook friends:
Send a message to http://www.facebook.com/Luiz.Alberto.TWH

To our followers on Twitter:
Send a DM to @thewinehub

To our connections on LinkedIn:
Send a message to http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?id=38650882

Here is the link to the store: http://bit.ly/cM0bA5

You're going to love this wine! Cheers!!

NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL...SEPTEMBER 25 & 26..MARBLE HOUSE & ROSECLIFF..NEWPORT, R.I. by Philip S.Kampe

DO YOU WANT TO HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND?

Why not attend the FIFTH Annual NEWPORT MANSIONS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL!!

The event takes place at the seaside resort of Newport, Rhode Island. Over 500 high-end International Wines will be poured at the historic and picturesque ROSECLIFF and MARBLE HOUSE mansions.

The GRAND TASTING will take place from 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 25th and 26th. A single admission price includes samplings of wines from around the world, small plate tastings of exciting dishes from regional restaurants with international cuisine, cooking demonstrations by celeberity chefs and a souvenir glass and tote bag.

There is plenty of Free Parking. A shuttle bus will provide transportation to/from Marble House.

Celeberity chefs include: DAVID BURKE, NICK STELLINO, RACHEL ALLEN, CHRISTINA PIRELLO, RAY ISLE, LESLIE SBROCCO and CHRIS COSENTINO.

The Festival includes a JAZZ BRUNCH on Sunday morning at 11:00am on the terrace of the Marble House.

All proceeds from the Festival benefit 'The Preservation Socirty of Newport County', a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the area's historic architecture, landscape and decorative arts.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT: http://www.newportmansionwineandfood.org/
or telephone(401) 847-1000, extension 140.

PHILIP S. KAMPE
MARIA REVELEY

Germany: Beyond the Mosel (First in a three-part series by Kent Benson)

When most people think of German wine country, they think of the Mosel, and rightly so. It is Germany’s best known wine-producing area and most of the wines exported to the U.S. come from there.

And yet, there are twelve other wine regions in Germany, all of which are producing quality wines. I recently visited some of these lesser-known regions and came away with a heightened appreciation of their wines.

Every winery I visited had the latest equipment. The winemakers were deadly serious about making great wine. Many had traveled to other storied wine regions throughout the world seeking the secrets to making better wine.


My first stop was the Rheingau, a mere 20 mile stretch along the only portion of the Rhine River that runs east to west instead of south to north, providing the perfect growing conditions on its south-facing slopes. The area’s largest city is Wiesbaden, but it is also home to a world famous wine school in Geisenheim.


While there is a minute amount of Pinot Noir (called Spätburgunder) famously produced at its western end, the Rheingau is Riesling country. A tour of the Rheingau would not be complete without visits to Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg.


If you enjoy history and beautiful Romanesque and early Baroque architecture, you will love Kloster Eberbach. Founded in 1136 on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, Kloster Eberbach was the first Cistercian monastery on the east bank of the Rhine. In 1803 the abbey was dissolved and the property was turned over to the nobility as part of an agreement to compensate German princes for former German territory acquired by France as a result of the French Revolution.

Today, the Abbey is owned by a charitable foundation and the vineyards and winemaking enterprise are run by the German state of Hesse. There is a modern vinothek (wine tasting room and shop) on the Abbey grounds, as well as a hotel and restaurant. The awe-inspiring buildings are surrounded by beautifully manicured grounds. Wines available include Riesling, Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Grauburgunder (Pinot Grigio), Dornfelder (a light red), and Spätburgunder, as well as dessert and sparkling wines.


Less than five miles to the west is Schloss Johannisberg, whose history reaches back 900 years. It is referred to as the first Riesling estate in the world. Founded as a Benedictine monastery in 1100 on a mountain which was soon thereafter called Johannisberg (John’s mountain), due to its basilica built in honor of John the Baptist.

With the monastery having been destroyed by war in 1525, the Prince-Abbot of Fulda purchased the estate in 1716 and built a palace and planted the first Riesling vines. It was during the Prince-Abbot’s ownership that the tradition of Spätlese (late harvest) wines began.


In 1775, the messenger sent to Fulda to secure permission to begin the harvest was delayed for several weeks. When he finally arrived back at Johannisberg, the grapes were infected by a mold that had shriveled the grapes. Nonetheless, the grapes were harvested and the resulting wine was beautifully sweet. The mold had served to concentrate the sugars in the grapes’ juice. A statue in the courtyard of the palace now pays tribute to the fateful messenger.

After changing hands several times, in 1816 the estate was placed in the hands of an Austrian statesman, Prince von Metternich. It remained in the Metternich family until 1974 when it was acquired by the Oetker Group, a large, diversified German company.

Destroyed by bombs in 1942, the palace was eventually restored by the Metternich family, who saw it through to its completion in 1965. Fürstin Tatiana von Metternich resided in the palace until her death in 2006.


There is an excellent restaurant on the property and don’t miss the breathtaking view from its veranda. Sitting atop the steep vineyards, it offers a panorama which includes a view of Geisenheim and the Rhine beyond.


Schloss Johannisberg specializes in Riesling. They have a unique system for categorizing their various offerings. In keeping with that famous German orderliness, the color of the capsule indicates the quality level and style of the wine in the bottle.

Many Americans are surprised to learn that German wine producers reserve their best vineyards for the production of dry wine, those designated as trocken. So, be sure to sample both the sweet and dry styles.


The Rheingau has it all, beautiful architecture, stunning views, and great wine! Next time we’ll venture south to the Pfalz and Baden.

HARVEST IN THE SQUARE..20 WINERIES...60 RESTAURANTS..at UNION SQUARE.."A NIGHT TO REMEMBER" by Maria Reveley and Philip S. Kampe

ABC KITCHEN ALDEA ALEO ALMOND ANGELO & MAXIE'S STEAKHOUSE BUCK FORTY BAKED BY MELISSA BAR STUZZICHINI BIG DADDY'S BLACK DUCK BLT FISH BLT PRIME BLUE SMOKE BLUE WATER GRILL BOCCA CASA MONO & BAR JAMON CHIPOLTE CHAT 'N CHEW CIBAR LOUNGE AT THE INN AT IRVING PLACE CRAFT DEVI CITY CRAB & SEAFOOD COMPANY DOS CAMINOS PARK DUKE'S GALAXY GLOBAL EATERY GRAMERCY TAVERN HAVANNA CENTRAL HILL COUNTRY BARBECUE COMPANY HILL COUNTRY CHICKEN ILLILI JUNOON KELLARI PAREA KNICKERBOCKER BAR & GRILL L.A. BURDICK CHOCOLATE L'EXPRESS LADY MENDL'S TEA SALON MAXIE'S GRILL MILLESIME NANOOSH NATIONAL ARTS CLUB NUELA OLIVES NY PIPA TAPAS Y MAS PRIMEHOUSE NY PURE FOOD & WINE REPUBLIC ROSA MEXICANA SIDE BAR STAND 4 STEAK FRITTES STRIP HOUSE NYC SUSHISAMBA PARK TAMARIND TARALUCCI E VINO T.G.I. FRIDAYS THE COFFEE HOUSE THE HOUSE THE PUMP TOCQUEVILLE UNION SQUARE BALLROOM UNION SQUARE CAFE VINTAGE IRVING WICHCRAFT WILDWOOD BARBEQUE



"HARVEST IN THE SQUARE" , one of the city's Largest Culinary Events, returns to Union Square on September 21st, for it's "15th YEAR" to the delight of the Wine World and Foodies across New York City. This year more than 20 WINERIES and 60 RESTAURANTS- the Largest turnout in the Event's History- present a mouth-watering menu of delights with some sharing new creations exclusively at this annual celebration of Community and Cuisine.



This Outrageous Event..a true culinary delight is presented yeraly by the Union Square partnership. Proceeds benefit neighborhood programs and the beautification of Union Square.

"THIS IS THE BEST PUBLIC EVENT IN NEW YORK IN SEPTEMBER".
I Hope you ATTEND!!

TICKET INFORMATION and a complete LIST of participating WINERIES and RESTAURANTS can be found at: http://www.harvestinthesquare.com/

PHILIP S. KAMPE
MARIA REVELEY

DOMODIMONTI...ITALY'S "NATURAL WINE"..from Montefiore dell'Aso in Le Marche by Philip S. Kampe

Thanks to Dr. FRANCESCO BELLINI of DOMODIMONTI Vineyards for sponsoring the trip and Riccardo Strano, DIRECTOR of the ITALIAN GOVERNMENT TOURIST BOARD NORTH AMERICA (http://www.italiantourism.com/ ) for helping organize the trip. As you can see from the photos, I was sent to Montefiore dell'Aso for the Grand Opening of Domodimonti's state-of-the-art facility and the Grand Opening of ALBERGO MAGNOLIA, Domodimonti's new hotel and spa, located on the vineyard.



Located ONLY two hours plus East of Rome, the LE MARCHE region offers a breathtaking landscape characterized by simple, yet elegant beauty. LE MARCHE offers a vast landscape of narrow coastal plains that rise sharply into the peaks of the Sibillini Mountains, which create a natural boundary between Umbria and Tuscany. Emilia-Romagna is to the north and Abruzzo is to the south. LE MARCHE'S eastern border is the Adriatic Sea, whose crown jewel is ANCONA.

The region is a MUST VISIT if you are fortunate enough to fly to ROME. it is only a few hours away. I have toured Italy over 50 times and am amazed that LE MARCHE has not been on my agenda. I am ashamed to admit that my last visit to this region was in 1981.

The landscape is amazing, as well as the adjacent Adriatic Sea. At times you feel like you are in New Zealand, which is graced with natural beauty and an ocean that is paradise.



My main objective was to visit the DOMODIMONTI Vineyards, a boutique winery with a 400,000 wine bottle production capability. (140,000 bottles were produced in 2009)

LE MARCHE is a REGION IN ITALY that is not on the RADAR of most TOURIST TRAVEL in ITALY and should be.
My second objective was to attend the ALBERGO MAGNOLIA Hotel and Spa GRAND OPENING on the grounds of the vineyard.

The property is owned by Dr. FRANCESCO BELLINI and his family. Dr. Bellini, a research chemist-entrepreneur, grew up in the area ( Ascoli Piceno) and decided to return to his roots by purchasing property (140 acres) to create a "NATURAL WINE VINEYARD".



DOMODIMONTI's objective is to produce wines as naturally as possible with the least amount of additives. As a chemist and research scientist, Dr. Bellini, who resides in both Montreal and Le Marche, approached the science of winemaking from a chemists point of view.

DOMODIMONTI'S natural approach to the cultivation and conservation of wines typically exceeds the rules and regulations of organic farming. Domodimonti focuses on specific aspects of sustainable wine growth including water conservation, soil improvement, erosion control and the latest in Integrated Pest Management techniques.

The vines are sustainably grown, using organic matter. The grapes are hand-picked, low-yielding with no sugar added. The wine has no acid adjustments, strict selection of yeasts and no other additives for mouth-feel or color. Minimal sulfites are added. Temperature controlled vats with external jackets allow strict control of the very important stage of fermentation. By cooling each individual vat, Domodimonti is able to substitute the use of sulfites during the fermentation process.

"OUR FAMILY PHILOSPHY IS TO MAKE THE HIGHEST QUALITY WINE WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF INTERVENTION POSSIBLE. WE STRIVE FOR OUR WINES TO BE A NATURAL AND AUTHENTIC REFLECTION OF THEIR ORIGIN" The BELLINI Family

The vineyard is spread across the backdrop of Montefiore dell'Aso. The vineyards are spread over several parcels of land. The soil is clay with the vines facing south. The soil was originally covered by the Adriatic Sea. The vicinity of the sea to the east and the protection by the 'Sibillini Mountains' play a role in the 1200 foot high vineyards ideal microclimate for healthy and natural ripening of the grapes.

The first vintage was in 2004, although the vineyard has been in existence since the 1950's. A great deal of work was performed to restructure the original vines and to plant new ones. Throughout the growing season the vines are monitored for growth. During the summer months, the vines are pruned, reducing the fruit by 50%. This strengthens the remaining grapes. They receive the maximum amount of nutrients and achieve their full potential.

CARLO FERRINI, the internationally acclaimed winemaker, adds his guidance and inspiration to the wines he produces at Domodimonti. The entire winemaking process is performed under nitrogen, which is generated by ionic exchange, allowing Domodimonti to handle and later bottle the wine in the absence of oxygen. (This is where Dr. Bellini and his chemist mind enters).
The wine is aged in French oak barrels in the wine cellar. Depending on the wine, the duration in the barrels may range from 3-14 months. Afterwards, the wine is bottled and stored for a minimum of three months, before being shipped.



The grape varieties include: Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Pecorino, Passerina, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

DOMODIMONTI makes wonderful wines, which are distributed in America through Domodimonti North America , located at 79 Victoria Square, Suite 224, Montral, Quebec.
The office can be reached at (+1) 514-288-8466.



The WINES:
PICCOLO PRINCIPE ROSATO.... a Marche Rose wine made from Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. This salmon colored wine has a nose of red berries followed by soft, delicate, fruity
notes. The wine is a perfect wine for the summer,as it is lively, refreshing and is always a hit when entertaining. It is a must buy over the roses from the south of France. Four thousand bottles are produced on a ten acre plot. The first year of production was 2006. This wine pairs wonderfully with sesame crusted salmon and a spicy beef tatare.

DEJA' V.....a pale yellow wine with green highlights made with the Passerina grape. In Le Marche, one finds grapes that are not found in other parts of Italy. The Passerina grape is an example. Vineyards with this grape are known to be near Domodimontis vineyard, in Ascoli Picene, the birthlace of Dr. Bellini. The high acidity of the grape, as of late, has sparked Carlo Ferrini's interest and has resulted in an interesting, seafood friendly wine. I sampled DEJA'V with mushroom risotto, which paired perfectly with the Passerina grape. The bouquet is highlighted by pears and baked apples. The palate is rich and silky due to the intense flavor of the grape. This popular wine was first bottled in 2007. Today, twenty thouand bottles are bottles are produced. annually.

LI COSTE....this golden yellow wine is made from the Pecorino grape (new to me)...taste wise, the wine reminds me of a buttery, oaked California Chardoonnay. The nose has elegant notes of hazelnut, vanilla, peach and bananas. In the 1970's the Pecorino grape was confined to old vineyards in the foothills of Ascoli Picene and Maserata. recently the grape has been rediscovered and is used in many DOC wines, as is LI COSTE. The grape is blended perfectly in the 2009 LI COSTE release. The wine has is straw yellow in color with green highlights. Intense perfume with floral nuances higlight this highly acidic wine. Due to it's complexity, this is my favorite white wine Domodimonte produces. Only ten thousand bottles are bottles produced on a three acre plot.

MONTE FIORE....deep purple, ruby in color...100% Sangiovese...aroma of ripe berries, plums, strawberries and cloves...soft tannins on the palate mixed with flavors of ripe red and dark fruit.
This fresh, young wine has a complex structure with very soft tannins, found only in a few wines made from the Sangiovese grape. Domodimonti has achieved that quality in a very short time frame. The wine was first produced in 2007. With fifteen acres dedicated to the production of this wine that pairs well with cheese, salmon and veal scallopini , I assume production will exceed the fifteen thousand bottles that are produced today. MONTE FIORE, a true food wine, is reasonably priced and a true winner.

PICENS.....a fairly intense purple, ruby wine made with a blend of Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon....the nose is intriging...aromas of blackberries, leather and menthol abound...the palate is highlighted with intense red fruit and berries, followed by supple tannins. PICENS is an IGT wine that pairs well with most types of food, including pizza, veal and cow's milk cheese. The flavor intensifies when chilled, the same process you do with a Beaujolais. Aged in French oak for six months, and first produced in 2004, PICENS deserves a place on your wine rack. It is an all around wine that should be drunk daily. Fifteen acres produce twenty-eight thousand bottles.

IL MESSIA....deep ruby red hue...made from Montepulciano and Merlot...complex structure with hints of blackberries and anise. Il Messia has a long finish and can be stored for several years. IL MESSIA is a robust wine, that is both delicate, spicy and mild. Aged in French oak for fouteen months and in the bottle for another six months, this wine represents what care and dedication Domodimonti has for it's prized grapes. Translated, the 'Messiah' is a true Messiah that has come of age. Only five-thousand eight-hundred bottles are produced on twelve acres. The first vintage was 2004. IL MESSIA is a very elegant wine that should be drunk on special occassions. It is my favorite red of the collection, even though SOL PER TE runs a close second.

SOLO PER TE.....deep ruby red in color, this overly intense, complex wine has a bouquet of dark chocolate, red berries and leather...the palate highlights chocolate, licorice and dark berries...this wine is well structured with a very long finish....100% Montepulciano. This is the jewel of Domodimonti. Aged for fourteen months in new French oak and another eight months in a bottle, this intense, over the top wine is destined to age into the best wine Domodimonti produces. Only two thousand bottles are produced, making this wine sought after by wine collectors worldwide. The first year of production was 2004. SOLO PER TE is destined to be a 'Classic' wine, similar to Barolo's and Brunello's.




In general, DOMODIMONTI'S "NATURAL WINES" are unequaled in the marketplace.

To learn more about DOMODIMONTI and their Unique Winemaking Philosophy, visit their website: http://www.domodimonti.com/ .

If you want to stay at their new Hotel/Spa, ALBERGO MAGNOLIA, visit http://www.albergomagnolia.com/ for information.



Photos by Fausto Proietti fausto.proietti@libero.it

PHILIP S. KAMPE

TheWineHub

One of the pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy having discoveries... TheWineHub exists to help you with that.

"LES ETOILES" RESTAURANT and the ATLANTE HOTEL in ROME..A MUST VISIT..EASILY 5 STARS by PHILIP S. KAMPE

Before returning to America after a weeks visit to the DOMODIMONTI Vineyards in Le Marche, I had the opportunity to visit Rome, thanks to the ITALIAN GOVERNMENT TOURIST BOARD (www.ItalianTourism.com )and was introduced to "The BEST PLACE TO SEE ROME", the ATLANTE GARDEN HOTEL.

The Atlante Graden Hotel is one of the few hotels in Rome that offers FREE pick-up service from Rome's main airport, Fumicino Leonardo Da Vinci. With tip, you save 50 euros for a taxi and the headache that is always reserved for overseas airport arrivals.

But, I am not writing about the Hotel Atlante Garden, located near the near the Vatican, which can be found at http://www.atlantehotels.com/ .

I am writing to PRAISE the Unique and Spectactular 360 degree Panoramic View from the Roof Garden Restaurant and the Dining Room on the Top Floor of the Hotel. The view is unmatched at the Restaurant, LES ETOILES, as well as the food.

I met the owner, Roberta, while dining and realized that I had found a restaurant and an owner with true conviction for the "Finest Food in Rome". Couple that with a Wine List that exceeds expectation.

I asked the Wine Steward to choose a wine for the meal, since courses ranged from pasta with swordfish ragu, which I ordered, to steak and grilled pream. He chose a wonderful PINOT NERO, which was a Perfect choice.

Of course, the meal was started with a bottle of Proseco Valdobbiadene and selected antipasto.

WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO>>Visit LES ETOILES for dinner and stay at the HOTEL ATLANTE GARDENS...

PHILIP S. KAMPE

Harvest @ Vera de Estenas - Utiel-Requena, Spain

Utiel-Requena DO in the province of Valencia, Spain

The CASA DON ANGEL estate comprises of the main house,winery, garden and agricultural land. It is situated in the borough of Utiel, at "La Cabezuela", which lies 2.5km west of the estate. To the east, it forms a border with the Rambla de Estenas (watercourse) which in turn is the natural border of the borough of Requena.
This family owned concern trades as a limited company, the Martínez Roda family being sole owners.
At present the estate houses an elegant Art Nouveau mansion built in 1919, following the guidelines of the era, as well as the original cellar, since upgraded and streamlined. Adjoining this, the new cellar, ageing plant, bottling plants and museum are found.
With the exception of a couple of almond trees lining its pathways, the estate is dedicated entirely to the growing of vines. These range from over a hundred year old Bobal vines to the recently planted ones.

This week they started the Vintage 2010 harvesting some white grapes...

The vineyards are located on a gentle slope stretching from the Sierra de Juan Navarro to the Vega del Magro (plains) very near the Rambla de Estenas (watercourse). Here we find a very sunny calcareous "glacis" where erosion has designed an undulating landscape of valleys and hills. The floors of the valleys are very rich and produce exceptional grape harvests. However, on the hills a calcareous crust with a stony surface predominates. Here the soil is poorer but very suitable for obtaining quality wines. This is something which has not gone unnoticed by Felix Martínez, who plants his most prized Cabernet sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot and Chardonnay vines here.

The harvest is always done by hand...

The general manager and head winemaker, Mr. Félix Martínez personally reviews the arrival of grapes to the winery.

It is imperative that bunches arrive whole and in perfect condition...

To know more about VERA DE ESTENAS and the Utiel-Requena region in Spain, please visit http://www.thewinehub.com/regions/map

WHY NOT BUY "GREEK WINES"? (TSANTALI WINES) by Philip S. Kampe

Recently, I was invited to a tasting of Greek Wines.

What I know is that the names of the grapes and most Greek wines are hard to remember and pronounce.

What I didn't realize is how WONDERFUL the wines are.

YES, we are all buying the VALUE wines from Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Spain and even Brazil. What we are missing in our Home Wine Portfolio for everyday and special occasion use are Wines from GREECE.

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I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST A FEW REASONABLY PRICED GREEK WINES:
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MARONIA VINEYARD "KANENAS" White 2008

+All Greek wines have a story...this is the story of KANENAS, which means "No-one".
The Cyclops Polyphemus trapped Odysseus in his cave in ancient Maronia. To escape, Odysseus offered him the most popular Maconian wine. Polyphemus became enchanted by the wine, giving Odysseus the chance to escape by blinding him. When escaping, the Cyclops asked Odysseus name, and he answered: "KANENAS" (No-one)

+Well the MARONIA Vineyard KANEMAS White 2008 is someone. The vineyards extend across southwest locations on the low hills of Maronia, in Thrace, giving the impression of a gigantic amphitheater that overlooks the Aegean Sea. The climate is mild, with rainy winters and a mild spring. In the summer, the north winds cool down the property.+

KANENAS White 2008 is made up of the grapes, Chardonnay and Muscat of Alexandria. Classified as a regional wine of Ismaros, this exceptional $19.99 bottle of wine has golden hues with deep aromas followed by a crisp, minerality highlighted by peach and green apple. KANENAS is a wine that compliments chicken, veal, frilled and fried fish,as well as fruit and light cow's milk cheese. 89 PSK
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METOXI CHROMITSA White 2009
+ A monastic wine from the cloister of METOXI CHROMITSA, this 50% ASSYRTIKO and 50%
SAUVIGNON BLANC wine continues the notable winemaking tradion of Mount Athos. The slopes of Mount Athos harbors great natural beauty. The monastic community is dedicated to the perpetual glorification of the Mother of God. It is a place of devotion, prayer, obedience and meditation. From the early settlements, the Monks have cultivated the vines that have lasted centuries.+

+ At $13.99 a bottle, this dual varietal, Mount Athos regional wine is intense and complex with a floral, fruity nose and a vivid yellow hue. Crisp, with minerality, this juicy wine goes well with seafood and Mediterranean cuisine 88PSK
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METOXI CHROMITSA Red 2005
+The vineyards are in a similar Mount Athos location as Metoxi Chromitsa White 2009.
The grapes used in this blend include: Cabernat Sauvignon and the indigenous Limnio and Xinomavro grapes. Aged in oak barrels for 10-12 months, this limited edition wine is pungent with aromas of dark cherry and bluberries. On the palate, a spicy, dark fruit flavor dominates the floral, tannic, complex backbone that makes up this special wine. The complexity of the wine matches well with carmelized duck breast, steak au poivre and full-flavored cheese.
At $19.99 a bottle, this wine is a steal!! 90 PSK
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RAPSANI RESERVE 1996
+The vineyards of RAPSANI lie on the southern slopes of Mount Olympus, the Mountain of Gods. Specific vineyard sites are located in the driest and warmest parts of the slopes. The free draining gravel soil mixed with warm temperatures naturally encourage low yields. Due to the micro-climate conditions and cultivation techniques, RASPANI, has been able to grow Superior grapes. The 30 year old vines that make up this indigenous wine include Xinomavro (33%), Krassato (33%) and Stravroto (33%). Aged in oak barrels for three years, RAPSANI RESERVE 1996, is a complex, elegant wine that is deep purple-red in color. This velvety, lush wine has hints of blackcurrants and licorice echoing nicely on it's graceful finish.

This is a wine for Special Occasions. 93 PSK

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++Ask your local wine merchant to carry these wines, if he is not doing so.++
++Please tell your Retailer that FANTIS Imports is a great resource for Greek Wines http://www.fantisfoods.com/ ++

PHILIP S. KAMPE

The top 10 players of our weekly wine quiz - August Edition

Congratulations to Rodolphe Boulanger and to the other top 9 players of the weekly wine quiz.
Great job!

1st
BOULANGER RODOLPHE
4750pts - 00:16:51

2nd
ROSS RICK
4250pts - 00:18:04

3rd
UTANO LISA
4125pts - 00:19:30

4th
COCHARD MARK
4100pts - 00:11:21

5th
DEMARCO ANTHONY
4000pts - 00:15:11

6th
GOODMAN RICHARD
4000pts - 00:17:02

7th
CHILCOTT JEFF
3975pts - 00:15:33

8th
MULLEN COSMO
3925pts - 00:13:15

9th
CROSLEY JOE
3900pts - 00:19:25

10th
WILKES CATHY
3775pts - 00:17:39

To play our quizzes, please go to www.thewinehub.com and click on "Test you Knowledge"

JOSEPH CARR WINES..."A NOTCH ABOVE THE REST" by Philip S. Kampe

I met JOSEPH CARR several years ago at the TANGLEWOOD WINE AND FOOD CLASSIC in Lenox, Massachusetts. Joseph was a "CELEBERITY WINEMAKER" at the Event, recruited by Nantucket's own wine personality, DENIS TONER and his wife, SUSAN.

At the event, I tasted JOSEPH CARR Wines for the first time. I figured they would be the normal, typical wines from Napa, Sonoma and Carneros....wines that we love, but, the majority equal to the terroir.
Many, do, rise to the TOP and stand out...

ADD the wines from JOSEPH CARR to the list. Although, I did not sample his complete wine portfolio, which consists of Sauvigon Blanc; Chardonnay; Pinot Noir; Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the two I sampled stood out as fine examples of wines from the West Coast.

The 500 case production of the 2008 SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY RESERVE is a tribute to the Cote d'Or, where Joseph spent his early days in the wine industry. This 100% Chardonnay Dijon Clove is barrel fermented in French Oak for 11 months,unfiltered and aged for an additional three months. 14.1% alcohol.
The RESULTS: Complex and very compelling aromas and structure: vanilla, lemon zest and pineapple. Medium acidity and minerality dominate this "BEST BUY" $24.99 wine.

The 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON takes the Classic Bordeaux approach, concentrating on Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (10%) and Cabernet Franc (10%).
The 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON was handpicked and barrel aged for 18-22 months in American and French Oak. Deep purple in color, this unfiltered wine displays the scent of smoke, blackcurrants and leather. At 14.1% alcohol, the flavors of vanilla, dark cherry, plum and cocoa explode onto your palate, followed by tannins. At $16.99 a bottle, this interesting wine is a bargain.

JOSEPH CARR Wines are family owned.
Eric Asimov proclaimed JOSEPH CARR as a producer to Watch for.
I agree!!

Read about JOSEPH CARR Wines and Joseph Carr's background at: http://www.josephcarrwine.com/

PHILIP S. KAMPE