The 2013 harvest season is here!

In This Newsletter...

The Harvest Has Begun..

As the temperatures cool down and grapes begin to reach their optimum ripeness, growers dive head first into their busiest time of year: harvest season.  Depending on the grape varietal, growing region, and weather patterns, grapes can be picked any time from August through October.

Try visitng your local winery this weekend for a wine tasting and ask them about what they're picking now and how the 2013 vintage was for their vineyards.  Some may even let you join in on the action! (Hey, less work for them, right?)

Read more about this year's harvest season in Napa Valley here.

Tasting Tonight!

Clotilde Davenne Cremant de Bougogne Brut Extra

Bottle: $24.99 - Mixed Case Price: $21.24

91 Pts John Gilman - View from the Cellar
"Clotilde Davenne is a full-time winemaker at a well-known Chablis estate, but she moonlights on her small, 8.5 hectare Crémant de Bourgogne project in the Yonne. Her non-vintage Extra Brut is really very fine, offering up a very Champagne-like nose of green apple, pink grapefruit, warm bread and a touch of lime peel.  On the palate the wine is bright and bouncy, with a fine core of fruit, impressive complexity, and a long, crisp and soil-driven finish. This is truly outstanding sparkling wine and an absolute steal! 2012-2020."  

2012 Lumos "Rudolfo Vineyard" Oregon Pinot Gris

Bottle: $24.99 - Mixed Case Price: $21.24

Wine & Spirits Magazine "Best Buy" - 92 Points

Winemaker Dai Crisp has drawn from this well-established vineyard just south of the Eola Hills since 2001, and his latest release has an ease to its leesy marzipan scents and broad contours. It has a generous air, before the grape-skin grip draws the wine toward a harmonious finish. For salad niçoise. (Only 1,022 cases made)

2010 Altesino Rosso di Montalcino

Bottle: $29.99 - Mixed Case Price: $25.49

Rosso di Altesino is made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are hand-harvested from estate vineyards. Crafted for accessibility, the fresh fruitiness of Rosso di Altesino is ready to be enjoyed upon release. The wine has a vibrant ruby red color and inviting aromas of  ripe berries and forest fruits. Incredibly supple on the palate, with excellent body and balanced structure, Rosso di Altesino is an excellent value. A perfect choice for rich, creamy pasta dishes, stuffed roasted game hens or barbecued chorizo or artisanal sausages.

Cheese of the Week: Humboldt Fog

The subtle, tangy flavor and distinctive layer of edible vegetable ash are a prized combination in this iconic American original. You'll enjoy buttermilk and fresh cream, complemented with floral notes, herbal overtones and a clean citrus finish. As Humboldt Fog matures, the layer of proteolysis just under the rind will increase developing a more intense flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Drizzle with honey and serve with prosciutto, tart apple and marcona almonds, or crumble atop a bed of baby mixed greens and roasted beets and serve with a simple vinaigrette.  Enjoy!

Come by and taste this cheese with us tonight!

 
Welcome September, and Happy Friday..

-From all of us at Tewksbury Fine Wines