Monday, May 31, 2010

Wine Of The Week at Maple Ridge

This wine comes from grape varieties of the Luberon and Ventoux area, located in the Eastern Rhone Valley in the heart of Provence, it is a blend of 80%  Syrah and 20%Grenache.
 It has a nice ruby red colour, with red fruits and floral aromas on the nose. On the palate, it is well structured and rich, with a long finish.

Pair with with meat, game and cheese.

Beer Of The Week

Belhaven St. Andrews Ale is a classic session ale in the style of a British Bitter.

There are aromas of light caramel and fruity hops, and it is light to medium bodied with caramel malt notes on the palate but they do not dominate or overwhelm. The hops are perfectly balanced for this style and give off a slightly fruity and grassy taste right through to the finish.

 It is a perfect session ale that would be right at home in a good pub, accompanying bangers and mash.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Ever wonder about Vinho Verde?

Vinho Verde



History

Vinho Verde is a Portuguese wine from the Minho region in the far north of the country. The name means "Green Wine", referring to its youthful freshness rather than its color. The Vinho Verdes are light and clean, and are intended to be drunk within a year. The white Vinho Verde is very fresh, due its natural acidity, with fruity and floral aromas that depend on the grape variety. Its four main varietals are the highly aromatic Alvarinho (also known as Albarino in Spain), the spicy Loureiro, the apricot-flavored Trajadura, and the apple-scented Avesso. These four varieties are blended differently in the diverse areas of production in the appellation, along with many other varietals. There are currently nearly 35,000 hectares of Vinho Verde vineyards, making up 15% of the total vineyards in Portugal.

Tasting/Food Pairing

It is also a light sparkling, which adds to the lightness of the flavor. Many fans of Vinho Verde say that it can be dangerous, because the delicate flavor and light weight of the wine can trick you into drinking more than you should. Vinho Verde is best served chilled, and it pairs well with seafood, spicy food, and cheeses, also a great pairing for sushi (try some pieces of nigiri without soy or wasabi with some Vinho Verde. It's an eye-opener.), bright fruits, or dishes with cream cheese (like mousses or some lighter terrines). Many people find this wine enjoyable during the summer months, when it can be a pleasant wine for a picnic or a garden party. If you are drinking Vinho Verde in the sun, watch out for the wine's hidden kick, which can take you by surprise in warm weather.

Geography

Vinho Verde is produced in the Minho region of Portugal. The Minho region is the largest wine-producing area in the country, covering 160 km from Vale de Cambria south of the river Douro to the river Minho forming the Spanish border.

Vinho Verde is divided into six production areas, each with its own specificities: Monção, Lima, Braga, Basto, Penafiel, and Amarante.

The region is mostly mountainous and rocky, composed of schist, granite and slate.

Climate

Rainfall and western Atlantic winds are the strongest influence in the region. They allow for intensive cultivation, despite the mountainous nature of the terrain.

Viticulture

The region is characterized by many small growers who train their vines high off the ground on pergola trellises, on trees and on fences.

The suspension of vines high off the ground was historically intended to leave room for farmers to cultivate other crops below the vines, in order to feed their families. Besides this economic benefit, it also reduces the risk of diseases as well as excessive heat.

There is no strict regulation regarding the blends. Along with the dominant Alvarinho, Loureiro, Trajadura and Avesso, many other varietals can enter the mix.



Visit our Maple Ridge Location and check out our selection!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

New Products this Week

New Wines

Nambrot Ghizzano Toscana IGT

Melini Chianti

Cortes Valencia Blanco

Sogrape Gazela Vinho Verde

Jose Maria Da Fonseca Twin Vines Vinho Verde

New Beers

Weltenburger Pils

Weltenburger Hefe Weissbier Hell

Central City Red Racer ESB

Pretty Things Beer Project Triple Hoppy

New Refreshment Beverages

Palm Bay Strawberry Pineapple

Grower’s Cider Passionfruit

Mike’s Raspberry Margarita

New Spirits

Tullamore Dew Irish Whisley

Beer Restocks

Desperados Tequila flavored Beer

North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner

Fischer Tradition

Chapeau Apricot Lambic





Monday, May 17, 2010

Wine of the Week - Cerelia's Pinot Gris




Cerelia Winery is located in the beautiful Smilkameen Wine Region.







Pinot Gris 2008

Fantastic wine with notes of fresh apples, juicy melons and a hint of liquorices

Try this with a brazed lemon chicken and an Italian tossed salad

“2nd place White Wine” at the Fairmont Hot Springs 2009 -8th Annual East Kootenay Wine Festival

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

New Products this Week

New Wines

Cortes Valencia

Tribal Sauvignon Blanc Colombard

Tribal Pinotage

Leopard’s Leap Lookout Cape Mountain Red

Pertaringa Verdelho

Pertaringa Shiraz over the Top

Pertaringa Shiraz Cabernet

Pertaringa Rifle and Hunt Cabernet Sauvignon

Pertaringa Gentleman’s Grenache

St. Hallett Faith Shiraz

Bleasedale Second Innings Malbec

Mapu Cabernet Sauvignon

Jean Jean Syrah Rose



New Beers

Jolly Pumpkin La Roja

Jolly Pumpkin Madruga Obscura

Jolly Pumpkin Bam Noire

Lighthouse Brewing Fisgard

Howe Sound Mettleman’s Ale

Binchoise Rose De Remparts



Beer Restocks

Belhaven’s St. Andrew’s Ale

Warsteiner Premium Verum Mini Keg

Chimay Grande Reserve Blue 750mL

Desperados Tequila flavored beer

San Miguel

Howe Sound Devil’s Elbow IPA

Howe Sound Bailout Bitter

Lighthouse Riptide Pale Ale

Central City Red Racer IPA

Wine Restock

Finders Seekers- Cabernet Sauvignon

Wither Hills Pinot Gris