"ON and OFF Beat Thanksgiving Wines"
Saturday, November 16th All Day
from 10am to 7pm @MetroWines
"on the house"
And we use real glasses @MetroWines!
Our sommeliers @Metrowines have selected some traditional choices as well as wines you may not have considered that pair pefectly with Thanksgiving flavors. Join us!
Juniper Cooper of Mutual Distribution was our host for the evening. For consideration, Juniper submitted wines that would complement a Thanksgiving Table including an Pinot Blanc from Alsace, a French Minervois, California Red Blend and a California Zinfandel.
News Release: November 5th
Chef Todd Ritter is doing something a little different this time.
Chef is preparing a table in the dining room
and plate dishes for everyone in there while talking with everyone.
COOL !
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Princess Anne Hotel
Bacon wrapped caramelized water chestnuts
Fried Brussels sprouts
Gougères pastry
Slow roasted turkey with brown butter and sage
Ham with maple bourbon glaze
Fresh grouper baked with a creamy artichoke
Green bean casserole
Corn pudding
Cranberry sauce
Garlic chive mash
Sweet potato casserole
Stuffing
Apple pie with bourbon ice cream
Pumpkin pie with pretzel crust
Homemade eggnog
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Princess Anne Hotel
(vegetarian menu)
Fried Brussels sprouts
Gougères pastry
Mushroom pot pie
Green bean casserole
Corn pudding
Cranberry sauce
Garlic chive mash
Sweet potato casserole
Stuffing
Apple pie with bourbon ice cream
Pumpkin pie with pretzel crust
Homemade eggnog
!)
Gueissard, Provence $11.99 $10.49
Salmon color with nuances of dark pink. Red fruit aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry and notes of litchi. Fresh, rich and long-lasting on palate. Blend of Mourvèdre(25%), Syrah(25%), Cinsault(25%), Grenache(15%), Cabernet-Sauvignon(5%), Rolle(5%)
Chateau Soucherie 2017 $21 $17.99
incredibly delicate and pale, elegant and light. Made from 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Gamay from a schist-dominated vineyard called “l’Astrée.” Direct pressing with no maceration, hence the pale pink hue. The acidity is clean. the wine presents typical Cabernet Franc varietal typicity but without any herbal or earthy smudginess. 2016 was an incredibly challenging vintage for Soucherie, with painfully reduced yields, but they managed to create a classic and beautifully balanced rosé.
Depueble Beaujolais Rose' 2017 $14.99 $12.99
In the hamlet of Le Breuil, deep in the southern Beaujolais and perched above a narrow creek, Domaine Dupeuble has been operating since 1512. The name of the domaine has changed just three times in its history, most recently when the last heir, Anna Asmaquer, married Jules Dupeuble in 1919. Kermit first met Ghislaine and Stéphane’s father, Damien, for lunch in Paris in the late 1980s. Aged for three months in barrel, this smooth, rounded rosé is both fruity and rich. It has good acidity from the attractive red-currant fruit and an orange tang of zest at the end. Kermit Lynch Import
Backsberg Pinotage Rose, South Africa $14.99 $12.99
Red fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry give way to minty freshness gleaned from earlier picked fruit. Lightly tinted from red grape skins, this salmon hued wine is fruity and juicy on the palate. Low in tannins, it displays delightful notes of melon, ripe tropical fruit and strawberry.
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| A Call for an End to Drabness! Wall Street Journal Says add a little color to your wardrobe. https://www.wsj.com/articles/ and-the-secret-to-pulling-it- "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power and a fuchsia waist coat" OR Just DO the Different |
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| GINI Soave Classico, Veneto
Gini says: "This wine brings together the best expressions of our vineyards, 100% Garganega, the wine is straw yellow with green-gold reflections in the glass. The nose is intense and fragrant, fresh white flowers including hawthorn, elder, and cherry, together with white peach and tropical fruit. The palate is all this plus blended in an elegant and harmonious way with almond notes and a balanced minerality. But don't ask me! Wine Spectator Says 90 Points: |
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| Laurence Vuelta of Avenui Brands Presents "Spain Meets California: An International Holiday Table" 5 Wines Paired with Small Plates from Local Establishments including Gan Shan Station. Oh yeah! https://metrowinesasheville. $25 plus tax. Event Credit Only for Cancelations "If you haven't been to a wine tasting with Laurence Vuelta, |
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| Port and Sherry What's the difference? What's it all about? Andy Hale , Director of The Asheville School of Wine @MetroWines, tells you everything you need to know about these holiday wines! $20. Class with pairings limited to 20 Participants https://metrowinesasheville. |
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| Capitalizing on the move toward natural wines, farms in Tuscany are embracing nature and going biodynamic. "To the mystification of skeptics, the farming calendar is determined by heavenly bodies. Growers harvest when the moon is full and sap rises in plants, mirroring the tides." New York Times Can't go to Tuscany? Shop Ampeleia! (Personal Note: "Kepos" from Ampeleia ($26) is my 2018 favorite wine |
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| Thanksgiving Great Rose Tasting
ALL Day Long on Saturday, November 3rd Wine Spectator reports that sales of Rose are up over 59%! And see Amazon Review of book by Elizabeth Gabay, Master of Wine |
 "This wine bucks the trend toward heavy, overbearing Cabernet that too often shuts down on palate. Instead, this wine has texture and fruit bound by tannin and acid to perform in glass and on palate. Seductive in its freshness and fruit definition." $33 James Suckling, 93 Points Robert Parker for Wine Advocate, 92 Points |
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN Play a TRICK on the Gamblers and Breeders who have shamelessly used Greyhounds to make a buck. Shut them all down. Florida Voters Have the Power! Vote "YES on 13" in Florida Information: https:// |
News Release: November 1, 2018
What a delightful guy! Alessandro Cellai (https://wineinsicily.com/en/
First, let me say that I hope Alessandro is not shining me on! He is mighty charming and could do some shining with ease but he seems like a real and nice guy. And I could see he was visibly taken aback when I gave him my business card. He says his mother's name is the same as mine, Trippi. She was from the Tuscan village of Civitella Della Chiana in Arezzo. "It is not a common name and I have only heard it around the Florence area." How cool is that?
Are we cousins, I ask with great hope? Alessandro says, "Probably, up the line somewhere." That works! A world class winemaker for a cousin, even if it is several generations back in the old country and a little light on connectivity, is good enough for me. Alessandro says he will send me something that his mother signed. WOW! I am all over town today telling everyone about my cousin. But enough about my excellent adventure. Back to Alessandro...
I was determined to make sure that I got to the bottom of this "Rock Star" designation. What's that all about? Turns out Alessandro was chosen by Decanter Magazine as the Best Winemaker Under 40 in the World! The WORLD I say. Read: "Rock Star." Yeah, that's my cousin!
But do you believe it? The RockStar thing, I ask? Alessandro hesitates a bit. Ok, I say, put another way then, can you name a better winemaker? "No." He believes it. And well he should. After tasting the wine, I know I do!
Alessandro says he entered the wine world through his uncle. A Catholic priest at a church in Tuscany, Alessandro's uncle made the sacramental wine with Sangiovese grapes he planted and farmed on the church property. A not so little divine intervention! And from there, the wine gene took over.
Alessandro has two children. His son, Lorenzo is 18 and studying economics. His daughter, Barbara is 16 and, Alessandro hopes, his winemaking successor. Barbara is already studying viticulture and is hands on at the winery.
Do women in wine have a tough time in Italy? Do you have any concerns about your daughter pursuing a career in winemaking? Alessandro says "No." He does not see discrimination against women in the wine industry. "Women have always been winemakers in Italy." About this time, I am wondering why I am not in Tuscany! I have the Mary Tyler Moore boxed set of 7 seasons. I can go anywhere now.
Now the important stuff. Favorite actor? "Bruce Willis." So I guess "Die hard" is your favorite movie? Alessandro says, without a hint of equivocation, "Si. All of them."
Actress? "Julia Roberts." Movie? "All of them. Any of them. I like Pretty Woman but, really, all of them." It is clear that Alessandro really, really, really likes Julia Roberts!
And if you are kicking back to watch a Julia Roberts movie, what wine in today's lineup that included Grillo, Frappato, Nero d'Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, and his most awesome dessert wine, do you pour. "Nero d'Avola." That might have been my favorite too.
Vineyard Dog? "Si, due cani." Alessandro has two Black Labs named Tom and Jerry.
Finally, what music did he want us to play for the tasting? "I like music from the 60s and 70s but if I have to pick just one, The Beatles."
I write this through the haze of wondering why I am not in Firenze. My cousin is a rock star winemaker! And a real nice guy.
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| Vote in Florida? Have Friends and Family Who Vote in Florida? Please ask them to support Greyhounds. Vote YES on Prop 13 to end greyhound racing in Florida |
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| Laurence Vuelta of Aveniu Brands presents "Spain Meets California: An International Holiday Table" November 15th from 5:30-6:30 @MetroWines Wines include selections from Artesa, Vina Pomal and Scaladei! paired with Small Plates from a popular LOCAL restaurant! $25. More Information and Tickets at (828) 575-9525 or here: https://metrowinesasheville. You Know What We Say @MetroWines If you have not been to a wine tasting with Lawrence Vuelta, you have NOT, NOT I say, been to a wine tasting! |
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Beaujolais Blanc, Kermit Lynch Import A Little Heavier White for Soup and Cooler Day Menus... |
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| *** Dark Side of Wine *** Tuesday, October 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 @ and ONLY @MetroWines Wall Street Journal asks What's in Your Food? https://metrowinesasheville. dark-side-of-wine-part-deux Andy Hale of The Asheville School of Wines @MetroWines $20 plus tax. Event Credit Only for Cancelations |
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| Yeah Baby!! This is a Real FIND!! $12.99 Ramos Reserva 2016, Un-oaked This hand-crafted wine is a blend of native Alentejo grapes, Ruby red in color, this wine has aromas of ripe red fruit and dried herbs. took the path of agronomical studies. He has won international acclaim and many prestigious awards during the last 30 years. |
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| *** BREAKING NEWS *** "Rock Star Winemaker" Alesandro Cellai Fuedi del Pisciotto Thursday, October 25th from 3 to 5pm @MetroWines 4 Wines and Presentation "on the house" https://metrowinesasheville. entry/rock-star-italian- |
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*** LAST CALL *** Seated Washington State REDS Tasting: *** The Menu *** Gramercy Syrah- Smoked Tomato Bruschetta - Gramercy Cab – Duck Prosciutto on Herb Lavash Will Cab- Blackened Apple Brandy Farms Denver Steak, $25 plus tax. Event Credit Only for Cancelations |
A blend of Gargenaga, Trebbiano, Trebbianello, Cortese and a small percentage of other white grapes for pizzazz! Sustainable farming. Imported by Kermit Lynch.
When on the hunt for crisp everyday whites, it is natural to turn to appellations like Chablis, Mâcon, or Sancerre—the tried and true old reliables. But with yields down in Burgundy and prices for good Sancerre slowly creeping up, why not branch out and travel off the beaten path to find real value and experience new flavors?
That road leads right to Corte Gardoni, the Veneto farm run by the Piccoli family just south of Lake Garda. Founder Gianni Piccoli, who is all but retired and has handed the keys to the kingdom to his three sons, is something of a local legend. Having resisted the wave of globalization that saw native grape varieties uprooted in favor of international ones, this man is a hero to like-minded peers. And Gianni is an outlier in more ways than one: he has also proudly refused to raise his prices over the years, allowing us to continue offering his wines at bargain cost.
Piccoli’s Custoza is incredibly complete—it is hard to think of anything out of place or missing—spring-fresh bouquet, complex flavors, good body, pleasant acidity, and a stimulating finish. Garganega is the secret weapon in the blend, while a number of other local grapes combine to complete the experience. This charming little Venetian white will dance a jig along with any platter you place in front of it. —Anthony Lynch
News Release: Thursday, October 18th, 2018
News Release: Thursday, October 18th
"Word is that Michele is serving her Maz Caz Wines for Thanksgiving with her family in Raleigh," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of MetroWines. "Michele tells us that this vintage of the Rose is especially perfect for the holiday table!"
About Michele d'Aprix in MountainX: https://
Philippe Bourgeois Goes "Behind the Bar @MetroWines" for a Thanksgiving Wine Tasting "on the house."
News Release: Wednesday, October 17th, 2018
When Megan and Steve Long's Rottweiler mix, Rocky, started having digestion problems, the couple needed a way to help him keep his food down.
Megan scoured the internet looking for remedies, but none seemed to do the trick.
"I'm not a crazy dog lady. I just really wanted to prolong my boy's life," she said.
Then she stumbled up a solution she could brew: "Beer" for dogs – a nonalcoholic beverage packed with healthy ingredients for pooches. Fast forward almost a year, and Good Boy Dog Beer company sells three different beers throughout Houston in more than 20 dog-friendly restaurants and bars.
And they're not alone. Across the U.S., dog "breweries" have sprouted up in the past 10 years crafting beverages for dogs that allow owners to share a cold one with their pet while also giving them with a nutritious treat.
From The Wall Street Journal
These days, every neighborhood bar celebrates Oktoberfest, but the original fall beer festival is the one in Munich, Germany—still the largest of its kind in the world. Oktoberfest was started in 1810 by the Bavarian royal family as a celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Nowadays, it lasts 16 days and attracts some 6 million tourists, who guzzle almost 2 million gallons of beer.
Yet these staggering numbers conceal the fact that, outside of the developing world, the beer industry is suffering. Beer sales in the U.S. last year accounted for 45.6% of the alcohol market, down from 48.2% in 2010. In Germany, per capita beer consumption has dropped by one-third since 1976. It is a sad decline for a drink that has played a central role in the history of civilization. Brewing beer, like baking bread, is considered by archaeologists to be one of the key markers in the development of agriculture and communal living.
In Sumer, the ancient empire in modern-day Iraq where the world’s first cities emerged in the 4th millennium BC, up to 40% of all grain production may have been devoted to beer. It was more than an intoxicating beverage; beer was nutritious and much safer to drink than ordinary water because it was boiled first. The oldest known beer recipe comes from a Sumerian hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer, composed around 1800 BC. The fact that a female deity oversaw this most precious commodity reflects the importance of women in its production. Beer was brewed in the kitchen and was considered as fundamental a skill for women as cooking and needlework.
The ancient Egyptians similarly regarded beer as essential for survival: Construction workers for the pyramids were usually paid in beer rations. The Greeks and Romans were unusual in preferring wine; blessed with climates that aided viticulture, they looked down on beer-drinking as foreign and unmanly. (There’s no mention of beer in Homer.)
Northern Europeans adopted wine-growing from the Romans, but beer was their first love. The Vikings imagined Valhalla as a place where beer perpetually flowed. Still, beer production remained primarily the work of women. With most occupations in the Middle Ages restricted to members of male-only guilds, widows and spinsters could rely on ale-making to support themselves. Among her many talents as a writer, composer, mystic and natural scientist, the renowned 12th century Rhineland abbess Hildegard of Bingen was also an expert on the use of hops in beer.
The female domination of beer-making lasted in Europe until the 15th and 16th centuries, when the growth of the market economy helped to transform it into a profitable industry. As professional male brewers took over production and distribution, female brewers lost their respectability. By the 19th century, women were far more likely to be temperance campaigners than beer drinkers.
When Prohibition ended in the U.S. in 1933, brewers struggled to get beer into American homes. Their solution was an ad campaign selling beer to housewives—not to drink it but to cook with it. In recent years, beer ads have rarely bothered to address women at all, which may explain why only a quarter of U.S. beer drinkers are female.
As we’ve seen recently in the Kavanaugh hearings, a male-dominated beer-drinking culture can be unhealthy for everyone. Perhaps it’s time for brewers to forget “the king of beers”—Budweiser’s slogan—and seek their once and future queen.
News Release: Friday, October 12th
We had a rollicking, rollicking I say, night at the October Wine Focus Group @MetroWines. Stacy Strong of Empire Distriution hosted presenting four wines and Any Hale, Director of The Asheville Shool of Wine, added commentary on fining, filtering as well as describing what "biodynamic" is all about. We leaned. We laughed. We left with confidence.
Yangarra PF Shiraz from McLarenvale, Australia, was the wine that nearly everyone agreed upon. Made more in the old world style than other popular versions of Shiraz, Yangarra has returned to the tradition of Shiraz. Rather than a big, let's be frank here, fruitbomb, Yangarra presents complexity in flavors and aromas in a slightly lighter body. Comments of leather and chocolate were common. And this is what we like to hear when a wine is presented, that the wine is so well made that you can actually identify flavors!
The Focus Group was of the opinion that this wine stood in a class of its own. Yangarra is a new world wine made with old world traditions and minimal, if any, interference from vine to bottle. The Group thought this wine coudl be served chilled and could handle a concoction of flavors that you might find on a holiday table. Shop Yangarra @MetroWines!
Winery Notes:
PF (Preservative Free) Shiraz is made from grapes grown on our certified biodynamic single-estate vineyard, grown without herbicides, fungicides or synthetic chemicals. It is made without additions of any kind: sulphur (preservative), acid, tannin or finings. It’s medium bodied, fresh, fruit driven wine that is delicious enjoyed as a young wine. With that in mind, we do have PF shiraz back to our first vintage of 2013 that is still showing some of lovely vibrant characters.
WINE COMPOSITION: 100% Shiraz
REGION: Estate grown in Kangarilla, McLaren Vale, SA
WINEMAKING: Cold soaked, wild yeast ferment, pressed after 10-12 days on skins, no additives, no fining, only filtration.
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