From the Winery, Kokomo Pét Nat, short for Pétillant Naturel, is French for “natural sparkling.” This method of making sparkling wine pre-dates the traditional champagne method, where one takes a fully fermented dry wine and adds yeast and sugar to cause a secondary fermentation. Instead, the Pétillant Naturel method transfers wine that is still in its first fermentation to the bottle. This allows the native yeast to continue fermentation within the bottle and produce carbon dioxide which creates the delicious bubbles we all love.
Passion fruit and Bing cherry come off the nose of this wine with a distinctive, wet gravel minerality. As you look at the wine in your glass it continues to dance and open up to its more complex flavors and aromatics. The palate on this wine evokes a traditional Champagne in weight and fineness of bubbles; however the easy-drinking, fruit forward youth of the wine makes it very quaffable.
Very Limited Distribution. $26 at Kokomo Winery. $24 @MetroWines
Friends, wedesperately need your help!! With the uncertainty of COVID-19 Asheville Humane Society is doing our best to proactively prepare. In an effort to keep our volunteers and staff healthy, we have suspended all volunteer jobs on our animal care campus. As a result, our staff is working even harder to maintain our high standards of care for the animals on our campus.
We need our community's help!
We are requesting emergency foster homes to provide a respite for our cats and dogs for a minimum of 3-4 weeks. Our priority is to find foster homes for medium-to-large dogs and adult cats. Taking a foster animal home will not only help that individual animal, but it will also help the next animal in need by ensuring we have an open space in the shelter for them. With the new recommendation of social distancing, we anticipate seeing a decline in adoption. If you can't adopt, fostering is the next best way you can help!
We are so fortunate to be part of such an amazingly supportive community in Asheville. Every time we have reached out asking for emergency assistance, your responses have been overwhelming! We would be so grateful for your support now by registering to become an emergency foster parent, TODAY!!!!
If you are willing to foster an adult dog or adult cat for the next 3-4 weeks (minimum), please follow the linkbelow and fill out our emergency foster application *Even if you are already a current Foster for AHS!
Please understand we will be working as hard as we can to respond to everyone and schedule pick-up appointments as quickly as possible, but there may be a delay in our response to your offer of help. Due to the nature of the circumstances, we ask that you please DO NOT arrive without an appointment to pick-up a foster animal. While we greatly appreciate everyone's offer to help, we are asking that all emergency foster homes be within an hour drive of Asheville Humane Society. We urge any potential fosters outside of this distance to reach out to your local shelter to offer help - we are all in desperate need!
Can't Foster?
Please consider donating to our emergency fund to aid us in caring for the animals during this crisis. Any amount helps!
About: Wine Tasting with Cape Classics Imports from South Africa
Join us on Thursday, April 9th from 5 to 6:30 for a tasting of South African Wines imported by Cape Classics, the Wine Enthusiast 2018 Importer of the Year. This "on the house" event will be hosted by Regional Sales Manager Zingo Munger.
"If you shop @MetroWines, you know Cape Classics Wines including RAATS, DMZ, Glenelly and Indaba," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of MetroWines. "And Zingo Munger brings stories from the families and winemakers that produce these great wines for the price."
About Cape Classics:
Behind every farm, winemaker, bottle and grape lies an untold story. Collectively, we discover these tales and share them with our customers. Demanding authenticity, Cape Classics operates the “old-fashioned” way, with relationships and social responsibility at the forefront of our business. The wineries we represent embrace sustainable eco and social practices, doing their part to help preserve lands for future generations while improving the human condition now. Our wines are expressive, crafted with passion and perspective, and delivered with the same hallmark levels of service and professionalism since 1992.
Monthly Great Rosé Tasting @MetroWines commences on Saturday, April 4th from 10am to 7pm with bottles from around the world. The event is "on the house" and staff will be pouring and discussing the wines.
"We start this year with a comparison of Rosé with a year of age and current vintages," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of MetroWines. "Much like any varietal, some bottles of Rosé are built to last and offer a more subtle, refined and sophisticated nose and palate than the just released vintages full of bright fruit."
Rosé is arriving on a daily basis. MetroWines already has new vintages of Rosé from Italy, Corsica, France and Greece.
Find the country, grape and style you like! There is a Rosé for everybody all year.
Selecting wines for your wedding can be daunting. So many choices. Let us help you manage the situation with "not more choices just better ones!" Call Kristen at 828-575-9525.
(Edina on the left. Patsy on the right) A while back, there was a BBC Show about two aging, hedonistic groupies that spend their days drinking and shopping. While being driven to Harrod's to buy milk, Edina, abundantly familiar with choices, says "I don't want more choices, I just want better ones." And that is what you get @MetroWines! A curated collection of wines from around the world that fits every interest, price point, occasion and recipe. We are Absolutely Fabulous Approved!
To prove the point, a better choice among the many, we suggest "E" from España, one of the Locations Wines. According to John Kerr of The Asheville School of Wine, "E is a rich, full bodied wine with European flavors." $21.
Winemaker, Dave Phinney says: An alluring cast of blooming crimson and deep red shades are immediately present in the glass. Complimenting the appearance is an impressive intensity on the nose with elevated dark cherry and exotic spice notes. The entry is rich with youthful berry compote, floral, and plum flavors, complimented with bright acidity. The finish is expansive and pleasing with a persistent mocha tinge and silky tannins.
Robert Parker says 93 Points: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate If you judge wines on how they taste and the degree of pleasure they offer, they are all incredible efforts. The three new cuvees I tasted are among the finest wine values one could hope to find. Moreover, there are 50,000 cases of each, no easy feat given the grapes Phinney has accessed and the quality he has turned out. As of now, Dave Phinney might be my “value winemaker of the year” candidate. P.S. It’s too expensive for this report, but I am including it as an hommage to what Dave Phinney has achieved. If there are better wines for under $20 a bottle in the world today, please share that information with The Wine Advocate.
The phenomenon of friendship is universal and elemental. Friends, after all, are the family we choose. But what makes these bonds not just pleasant but essential, and how do they affect our bodies and our minds?
In Friendship, science journalist Lydia Denworth takes us in search of friendship’s biological, psychological, and evolutionary foundations. She finds friendship to be as old as early life on the African savannas when tribes of people grew large enough for individuals to seek fulfillment of their social needs outside their immediate families. Denworth draws a link from primate relationships to scientists at the frontiers of brain and genetics research and discovers that friendship is reflected in our brain waves, our genomes, and our cardiovascularand immune systems; its opposite, loneliness, can kill. At long last, social connectionis recognized as critical to wellness and longevity.
I asked Brett Watson to select a bond building bottle! "Nothing will induce and keep conversation going more than a unique bottle of skin-fermented (orange) wine from legendary winemaker Elisabetta Foradori. More known for her Northern Italian "Dolomite Mountain" reds, she brings us her Ampeleia label from the brambly seaside hills of Maremm, a in Southern Tuscany. A blend of mostly different strains of Trebbiano mixed with a dose of Malvasia and rare Ansonica. The bio-dynamic bottling ferments on skins for 7 days, then ages in concrete tank. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Also, just tastes really realllllly good."
Nancy McKeon as Jo Polniaczek on "Facts of Life" in 1982. Everybody loved Jo. With her mane of brown hair and disdain for convention, the Tomboy who spoke her mind and had no need for high society, was adored by little girls across America.
Jo inspired generations of early feminists to be forthright and assertive rejecting traditional, passive femininity. If encouraging the return of the Tomboy is of interest to you, this book is a full examination of what was, what is and what could be.
How about shedding something old and trying something new for your nuptials?
Experts say couples are committing to putting their personal touch on their wedding day, forgoing things that were once seen as traditional for what feels true. Rethinking registries, white dresses and wedding parties are among this year's trends. There is also a focus on the health of the planet and guests.
Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson deemed 2020 "the year of purpose" as she sees shoppers "making choices that stretch beyond just a pretty thing. It really has meaning and has a deeper purpose."
Lauren Kay, executive editor at The Knot, describes those preparing to walk down the aisle today as "really thoughtful," adding "they feel less pressure to have that kind of traditional wedding, the one we imagine when watching 'Father of the Bride.' They’re really looking to do it on their terms."
What you'll be seeing at 2020 ceremonies unveiled:
Kay advises not to be intimidated by this trend, as "You don’t have to have a carbon-neutral footprint wedding."
Some of her suggestions include recycling flowers, nixing an RSVP card in lieu of an online response, upcycling decor or working with bartenders who utilize reusable straws and avoid single-use plastics.
Efforts toward sustainability can also be made when purchasing fashion accessories like cufflinks from recycled materials or vintage veils and rings, says Isom Johnson. "Purchasing vintage is an act of sustainability because you’re not adding more to the world, you’re simply breathing new life into something that was once popular from decades past," she says.
The '70s are coming back
Isom Johnson says the essence of the decade may be seen in a color palette, lettering or in disco-inspired decor.
"This is where that nature-inspired moment can happen as well," she adds, mentioning the possibility of a flower crown "that has really been modernized and kind of amplified."
Suiting is here to shine
Isom Johnson sees power suits, which may be donned at the rehearsal dinner, reception or ceremony, as "a nod to feminism" and a "very fashion-forward" choice. It's also another opportunity for a bride to inject her personality.
Kay has noticed a shake-up for suiting when it comes to color and fabric selection, noting people are choosing bold colors, fabrics such as velvet and unexpected patterns.
Wedding parties depart from tradition
"This is when you’ll see them incorporate every single person and potentially a pet that’s close to them," explains Isom Johnson, mentioning gender-bending titles like groomswoman or man of honor. Having a best dog is also a possibility.
Searches on Etsy for bridesman items saw a 171% increase in the past six months, according to Isom Johnson. Queries for bestwoman items jumped 72%.
The food and beverage menu gives couples another opportunity to add personality. Kay says food offerings may reflect heritages or commemorate special occasions like a first date, or be a dish they consistently prepare at home.
*** Pre-Tariff French White of the Week *** 2018 Domaine Adele Rouze QUINCY $19.99 A Charles Neal Selection
Quincy is characterised by its freshness and notes of ripe citrus, grapefruit, white flowers and freshly-cut herbs. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine shows flavors of grapefruit and lime, with a touch of citrus pith and a crisp, mineralled finish.
The Winemaker Adèle Rouze Farming and winemaking is in Adèle's blood. Her father, Jacques, is a respected vigneron in Quincy & Reuilly, while her brother, Côme, is a well-known oenologist. Adèle is a certified agricultural appraiser, and after completing her wine studies in Bordeaux, she returned to Quincy in 2003 to launch her eponymous domaine. Her vineyard holdings are only 5 hectares, but many parcels consist of old vines, some of which were planted in 1920, 1930, and still others in the 1950's. She farms with minimal spraying, using only natural products to work the siliceous, gravel and clay soils. Domaine Adèle Rouzé is the quintessential familial estate; the type we are delighted to support @MetroWines.
I asked Brett Watson of The Asheville School of Wine what a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc is all about? And he said:
"Extremely small wine producer and local female winemaking legend Adele Rouze farms 80+ year old vines in Loire Valley's Sancerre neighbor of Quincy. Farming everything by hand in a traditional organic, true to the land style, Rouze showcases the stone and granite soils of Quincy, Frances 2nd AOC in 1936, to absolute perfection. Think crystal clean Sancerre'ish Sauvignon Blanc at a heavy discount with a touch more visceral and ripe stone fruit-like texture. An absolute steal of a deal at $19.99 here @MetroWines will make your friends like white wine again in the winter."
Vinous Says: Shimmering orange. Fresh pit fruit, red berry and floral qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with suggestions of dusty minerals and orange zest. Juicy, focused and lithe on the palate, offering intense nectarine, red currant, strawberry and candied lavender flavors supported by a spine of juicy acidity. Shows outstanding clarity and mineral cut on a very long, sappy finish that strongly echoes the floral and pit fruit notes. Kermit Lynch Import: 55% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 20% Cinsault
$49.99 at wine.com and (all together now) unavailable! *** $44 @MetroWines ***
Saturday, December 28th from 10am to 7pm @MetroWines and, as always, on the house!
Forbes Magazine Says: "Step up to sparklers. You get the same advantages, since these wines are served chilled, and in many cases they pair even better with food, rosé champagnes are one of the world’s great food wines. Well, when it comes to celebrating, there is no more time-honored beverage choice than sparkling wine. Best of all, you don’t have to stop when summer ends, as sparkling wines are well suited for many other occasions, holidays, brunches, and year-round enjoyment."
Kristen Calloway is the Weddings & Events Coordinator @MetroWines in Asheville. Wines, Kristen says,
are becoming more and more important to the wedding and creating lasting memories. Kristen works with couples
to pair the best wines for the best price with the menu, select wines that almost everyone can love,
and the perfect sparkling for that special toast!
Kristen is also the co-owner of Doll Box Beauty where she offers her services as a make-up artist. Kristen's work
in make up began in department store management. In 2005, her customer service skills, commitment to getting the job done and creativity convinced the Cosmetic Department Manager to recruit her to oversee and work a brand counter. Kristen says she instantly fell in love with the world of make up and has been making women beautiful ever since that day!
In 2008, Kristen worked her first wedding party. She realized that makeup has the power to make a woman feel her best, to make her feel great, to give her the best day of her life! Those who have worked with Kristen say she listens, really listens, and works closely with you to bring your vision to life. "Kristen puts her heart into it."
Kristen's goal @MetroWines is to be as big a part of the wedding or event as the customer needs, to do whatever she can to help the customer tamp down the stress and enjoy to occasion from selecting just the right wines and beers in just the right amounts to just the right make up to make you feel confident and beautiful.
Call Kristen at (828) 575-9525 @MetroWines for wine, beer and sparkling.
First published in 1931, the 9th edition of "Joy of Cooking" will be out on November 12th. Much has changed in available ingredients, cooking techniques, and international influences on our tables. Wine pairing have changed as well. With access to nearly every wine producing region in the world, varietals and styles that were not even in our dreams in 1931 on our the shelves. Pick a recipe and shop a "revised" wine partner @MetroWines! https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-ultimate -thanksgiving-guide-revisited-11572448769
Your "Peruse it With" Wine: Lumos 2016 Oregon Pinot Noir
* Double Gold at the Oregon Wine Awards * * 91 points from Prince of Pinot*
"A blend of fruit from Wren and Temperance Hill vineyards, this is showing its oak at present in a salted-caramel scent and in a smooth, firm edge of tannins that finishes the wine. In between, a splash of red cherry saturates the flavors. Give it time to knit." 90 Points from Wine & Spirits
John Kerr of The Asheville School of Wine says: "This wine comes from the highly regarded Five Blocks Vineyard and, to be honest, the shelf price is less, way less, than it is worth!"
This masterpiece of Chinese porcelain is an important example of early blue-and-white ware from the imperially sponsored kilns of Jingdezhen. Four energetic fish—mackerel, whitefish, carp, and freshwater perch—are depicted swimming along the hips of the vessel; their Chinese names form a rebus for the phrase qingbai lianjie, meaning “honest and incorruptible.” The twisting leaves and stems of the eelgrass, blossoming lotuses, and other flora elegantly frame the fish and re-create the teeming pulse of a lush aquarium. The visual wordplay suggests that the jar may have been made for an elite clientele who, it was hoped, would be inspired by the rebus’s message of rectitude while drinking their wine.
So this wine is 100% Cinsault. You know this grape. Yes you do! Cinsualt is the foundation for most Rose' from Provence. But you rarely see a bottle of 100% Cinsualt Red. The truth is that much like Tannat and Cabernet Franc, when you produce a bottle that has only one varietal, you better be right because you can go so very wrong. HOMS gets it right. Again, the entire staff tasted this bottle and love it. A lighter red, this bottle would sit well on your Thanksgiving table. Flavorful yet versatile, a wine that will complement and not overwhelm food flavors.
Teaching Moment: From Jancis Robinson: Also spelled as Cinsaut. Widely planted throughout southern France and Corsica. With its lighter skins and soft perfume it is particularly suitable for rosés and fruity, early-drinking reds, although low yields are needed to eke out much flavour. It has the advantage over Grenache of being easy to pick by machine. Cinsault is used to add perfume and fruit to wines such as Minervois and Corbières. The variety withstands drought well and has been important in North Africa, Lebanon, Israel and South Africa where it is most famous as a parent of Pinotage. In southern Italy it is known as Ottavianello.
But Where Can I find it? Vivino says again: "Vivino doesn’t sell this wine. Also, we searched other online shops, but couldn’t find it for sale anywhere."
(Vivino is looking for love in all the wrong places!) $18.99 and on the shelf @MetroWines!
This wine is all over Europe and hugely popular but very HARD to find, if you even can, in USA.
"Vivino doesn’t sell this wine. Also, we searched other online shops, but couldn’t find it for sale anywhere."
Because of Euro domination, notes and reviews are in foreign languages! Ce Chardonnay est un vin séducteur qui distille de subtils arômes minéraux et floraux. La bouche est gourmande, tendre et justement équilibrée. Sa finale, d’une belle fraîcheur, s’achève sur une agréable sensation de légèreté.
OK. I don't know what that says. But what I do know is that the entire staff tasted this wine and we though it was lovely. We thought HOMS Chardonnay would please palates that prefer heavy oak to no oak at all. All this for $16.99 @MetroWines
