We had a great showing at our recent
Winter Grand Wine Tasting 2013.
Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the wines with us!
Out of nearly 40 wines, a case of
Twelve wines shone through as the victorious winners…
Try a bottle of each to receive a special case discount of 20%*
Or get 10% off on 6 wines from the tasting for a limited time only!*
*Offer expires Saturday, 2/9/13
Without further ado, here are the winning wines:
Feraud-Brunel 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone Villages … $16.99
One of the top Rhone producers, Feraud-Brunel has crafted one of our favorite Cotes-du-Rhones from the 2009 vintage. It is at once quite ripe and yet very focused, with a graphite edge taking over quickly and harnessing the ample core of cherry, loganberry, and blackberry fruit flavors. The long, lavender-tinged finish courses along nicely with ample drive. 91 Points from Wine Spectator.
Ontanon 2009 Ecologico Rioja… $12.99
This certified organic 100% Tempranillo comes from a third generation winemaking family in the southern part of Rioja who have pioneered organic winemaking in Spain. Bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors combine with a subtle element of sweet spice. The well-structured mouthfeel and fine-tuned acidity give it some ageing potential but it is incredibly drinkable now. This wine is food-friendly and pairs well with a variety of cheeses and cured meats as well as roasted pork, chicken, and vegetable dishes.
Pradio 2010 “Priara” Pinot Grigio… $16.99
This Italian gem comes from a single vineyard in the Grave del Friuli where major yield reduction and meticulous grape selection have created a very classy expression of Pinot Grigio. Totally unoaked, this straw yellow wine carries the beautiful mineral overtones from the gravelly soils of the vineyards through to the glass. The nose is inviting and complex with notes of apples, pears, and flowers. Several different yeasts were used, and this combined with partial malolactic fermentation (converting tart malic acid into softer lactic acid) and a long resting on noble lees (spent yeast cells) imparts the wine with a supple roundness. This fresh, well-balanced wine with a very long finish is a wonderful example of Pinot Grigio from an excellent vintage.
Santa Cristina 2010 Toscana… $12.99
This Tuscan blend of Sangiovese and Merlot is approachable and fruit-laden. Boasting cherry, raspberry, and floral aromas and flavors. The finish on this straightforward red is not too complex, but it is tasty, refreshing, and moderately long.
Covitoro 2011 Cermeño Tinto Joven… $12.99
With a red vivid cherry color, this is a structured and well-balanced wine from Toro in Spain. This young wine (“Joven” means young) is 100% Tinta de Toro, a local clone of Tempranillo. There is ample fruit and structure here with tasty and persistent aromas and flavors of black and red fruits. It‘s the perfect everyday wine that comes to life when paired with tapas, lunch, dinner, and good company.
Murietta’s Well 2010 “The Spur” Red Blend… $23.99
A big, bold blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petit Verdot, 23% Malbec, 5% Syrah, “The Spur” celebrates the art of blending by combining the best grapes the vineyards have to offer to handcraft the most interesting and sumptuous blend possible. This wine displays aromas and flavors of black cherry and blueberry, with hints of chocolate, anise, spice, and toasted oak. Mature tannins and balanced acidity lead to a smooth, lingering finish. Pair with roasted or grilled meats, red sauces, or rich cheeses.
L de Lyeth 2010 Merlot… $12.99
Sonoma County’s maritime proximity provides the stable, mild climate that is perfect for the production of premium Merlot. This medium-bodied Merlot fills the front of the mid palate with fresh summer strawberries, blackberries, and plums. The fine tannins are nicely integrated into the wine, making it approachable upon release and ready to drink now.
Li Veli 2010 Primonero… $10.99
An Italian blend of handpicked Primitivo (50%) and Negroamaro (50%) grown in clay and limestone, this is an incredible value wine. It shows a deep ruby red with purple nuances in the glass. A delicate flowery bouquet follows fine and intense aromas of fresh fruit. The hint of sweetness is balanced by the fresh acidity creating a soft and rich mouthfeel. Soft tannins and ripe fruit linger on the long finish.
Cantina Zaccagnini 2011 Pinot Grigio… $15.99
This classic dry Italian Pinot Grigio is pale yellow with green nuances and a very delicate bouquet. The aromas of fresh citrus and peach pit are extremely pleasant. This is a very fine, elegant wine with excellent freshness and a well-balanced finish.
Donati Family Vineyard 2007 Merlot… $17.99
This award winning Merlot has aged for a few years and is developing into an incredibly complex and beautiful wine. Aromas of coffee and cocoa lead to cherry and cassis notes. Aged for 20 months in barrel, this is a mocha and cinnamon-inflected Merlot with cherry fruit on both the nose and palate, plus hints of leather and cedar box on the finish thanks to the few years of bottle age. The tannins are well integrated and balanced by bright acidity.
Marchesi di Barolo 2011 Barbera del Monferrato… $12.99
This amazing value Barbera is a dark, succulent red wine that exudes black cherry, blackberry, and violet aromas and flavors. It is pure and focused, with a long aftertaste of sweet fruit, flowers, and spice. Drink now through 2016. 90 Points from Wine Spectator.
Tonjum Cellars 2011 “Different Drummer” Pinot Noir… $14.99
This palate-friendly, crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir has dark berry, cherry, and ripe plum aromas. It has delicious flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry cola on the full and rich palate, picking up savory hints of oaky spice on the lengthy finish. An easy-drinking and affordable Pinot Noir not to be missed!
Cheers!
Our Favorite Wines of 2012
So many wines, so little time!
At the end of each year we put together a list of some of the best wines that we have had the privilege of tasting over the course of the year.
Given the abundance of great wines out there, it’s never easy to decide on a few favorites,
and with more and more fantastic wines available on the market every day, it’s only getting harder to narrow down the list.
But we put our heads together, made the tough calls, and came out with a phenomenal list! We hope that our wine notes will inspire you to stop in and try some of the wines for yourself, and get for your loves ones this holiday season.
To check out the list, Click Here!
Buy one of each and you’ve instantly got a mixed case of our favorites and you’ll receive a 15% discount!
Cheers, and Happy New Year!
Andrea DiFiore, Wine Manager & Store Manager
Maggie Griset, Assistant Wine Manager
Andover Liquors’ Fall Grand Tasting: The Winning Wines
A big thanks to everyone who came out to our Fall Grand Tasting!
The lineup was fantastic, but six wines stood out as the top sellers.
Over 400 people cast their votes, and the Top 6 Wines Are…
#6- Laporte “Le Bouquet” Sauvignon Blanc…$15.99
#5- Foppiano “Lot 96” Petite Sirah…$11.99
#4- Chateau Les Arqueys Bordeaux…$11.99
#3- Lechuza Garnacha…$10.99
#2- Saint Andre de Figuiere Rouge…$12.99
#1- Penya Vin de Pays Rouge…$10.99
All these wines (and more gems from the Grand Tasting) are still available at Andover Liquors. If you didn’t make it to the tasting or can’t remember what these wines were like, come on down to Andover Liquors! Our knowledgeable staff is more than happy to help you find the right wine for every occasion.
Cheers, and thanks for tasting!
Andover Liquors’ Thanksgiving Highlights
Here are a few of Andover Liquors’ favorite wine picks for Thanksgiving!
White: Ponzi 2011 Pinot Gris: $14.99
Quince, magnolia, nutmeg, pear, vanilla and green apple are just a few of the layered aromatics in the nose. The palate is key lime pie, white peach, honey and minerality within a brilliant frame of acidity. Honeysuckle and orange blossom waft throughout and carry through to a satisfyingly juicy & persistent finish. A perfect companion for turkey, appetizers, and a wide variety of cheeses!
Red: Walnut City 2010 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir: $21.99
This small production Oregon Pinot Noir is a great addition to your holiday table. Purple flowers, dried herbs and wet earth open the bouquet, gradually giving way to tart cherry, raspberry and rhubarb. Bright acidity and tart red fruit dominate the palate, with hints of dried herbs and nutmeg. Pair with your main dish, apple pie, turkey leftovers, or enjoy it by itself!
Something Special: Robert Sinskey 2011 Abraxas Vin de Terroir: $39.99
This very special white wine vibrates with life; It is a pure, true, and honest representation of the cool 2011 vintage from Robert Sinskey Vineyard’s organic and Biodynamic Sonoma vineyards. The wine has vibrant and bright notes of lime, Asian pear, lychee and minerality with a beautiful mid-palate weight that sings with a broad range of cuisine. This blend is the sum of beautifully crafted parts – full-bodied pear scented Pinot Gris, crisp, melon kissed Pinot Blanc, stone fruit Riesling, and a delicate, aromatic hint of rose and lychee from Gewürztraminer all come together for a wine that satisfies all the senses. Enjoy with anything!
Cheers, and Happy Holidays!
The Lowell Sun’s “Wine Novice” Pays Andover Liquors a Visit
Andrea has the knowledge & passion to find the perfect wine for your next occasion!
We are proud to announce that Andover Liquors’ own Andrea DiFiore, Wine Manager & Store Manager, is featured in this installment of the Lowell Sun’s “Wine Novice.” The fantastic video & article highlight Andrea’s passion for wine and committment to helping customers find wines that inspire & delight…
Stop by the store for more words of wisdom from Andrea DiFiore & the Andover Liquors’ staff in person…We’re always happy to help!
To watch the video, Click Here!
Andrea hits the nail on the head when she says, “Our philosophy at the store is to give everyone a pleasant experience. I love it when people ask questions about wine. No one should be shy about it. It’s a great learning experience.”
To read more of the Wine Novice’s interview with Andrea,
Cheers!
Refresh Your Taste Buds: Our Wine Picks of the Week
This week’s wine selections from Andover Liquors are sure to refresh any palate in this summer heat. We’re featuring a classic (and amazingly affordable!) New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc as well as a full-bodied Tavel rosé to quench the thirst of over-heated red wine drinkers. There’s nothing quite like Sauvignon Blanc and rosé is the summertime… Cheers!
Sunday Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2011:
Made by the original winemaker of Cloudy Bay, the winery that put New Zealand on the map for Sauvignon Blanc, this typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is beautifully crisp and refreshing. Bursting with citrus fruits and balanced by herbaceous qualities and minerality, this amazing value has gentle yet firm acidity with a delightful subtlety… $10.99
Chateau de Manissy Tavel Cuveé des Lys Rosé 2011:
This beautiful tangerine-pink blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Clairette and 10% Cinsault is a must-try for any lover of red wine looking to branch out into the world of rosés. The nose boasts spice-accented aromas of redcurrant and cherry. The palate is dry, full-bodied, and showcases classic French minerality against a backdrop of fleshy red fruit and a hint of orange zest. It finishes firm and dry, with lingering spiciness and excellent structure. Pair with a wide range of dishes from grilled scallops to burgers… $17.99
Wine Picks of the Week: Stay Cool, Drink Spanish Wines
In Spain during the summer months, heat and humidity are par for the course. With centuries of practice behind them, Spain has lots of ways to beat the heat; From afternoon Siestas, to refreshing citrus-filled cuisine, and crisp, fresh wines Spain knows how to handle the heat.
With summer in full-swing here in New England (this is New England, not Spain, right?), I think it is time to offer Spain the sincerest form of flattery and drink what they are drinking. There are loads of fresh, fun, unique, and well-made wines coming out of Spain today so it wasn’t an easy choice but we have chosen one white and one red wine that exemplify Spain’s winemaking style.
Vevi: This fresh, fun white wine from Rueda, Spain is a blend of the local white grapes Verdejo and Viura. Lively, pungent aromas of lemon, grapefruit and mineral salts lead to zesty citrus and orchard fruit flavors accented by notes of herbs and white pepper. This refreshing summer sipper will please Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio drinkers alike! Enjoy on its own or pair with light cuisine like salads, pasta, poultry, or seafood……….. $12.99
Gaba do Xil Mencia: This Spanish red, made from the indigenous grape Mencia, displays an excellent perfume of Asian spices & wild black raspberry aromas and flavors. The palate is dry & savory with lush black fruit flavors and hints of violets & spice. This is an outstanding value, and a terrific introduction to the Mencia grape. Try a bottle with your next burger, BBQ, or pizza!………. $18.99
Stay cool, and Cheers!
Keeping it Local with the CBC
What makes a great brewpub? Interesting and innovative beers are an obvious plus. But then there are those subtler aspects that are
sometimes overlooked, but which contribute to the culture of craft beer. Community engagement, local and sustainable beer and food, an inviting and original atmosphere. These are the often intangible qualities that distinguish great brewpubs from the pack, and the Cambridge Brewing Company has them in spades.
Founded in 1989 in Kendall Square (where it is still inconspicuously located), the Cambridge Brewing Co. has since become internationally recognized as one of the foremost craft brewers in the U.S., and their reputation for exceptional brews speaks for itself. The CBC has long had a local-only focus, proudly sourcing their food and ingredients locally, and selling their beers exclusively from their Kendall Square location. While their local focus hasn’t changed, the CBC recently came out of its shell (with the help of the Craft Brewers Guild) and have begun distributing some of their “greatest hits” in 22 oz. bottles to stores throughout Massachusetts. Here are a few reasons why that’s a great thing.
The CBC is currently offering two year-round brews as part of their new bomber series: The Audacity of Hops, and Tripel Threat. The Audacity of Hops is a Belgian-style Double IPA at 8% abv, which pairs five hop varieties with spicy Belgian yeast to bridge the gap between old world Belgian beers and modern, hoppy American brews. The generous hops provide some tropical fruit and grapefruit bitterness, which is softened by a hint of Belgian yeast in the background. The CBC’s other year-round offering is their Tripel Threat, a Belgian-style Tripel at 10% abv, which has the distinction of being the first Belgian-style beer ever commercially produced in the U.S.. Like most Tripels, it’s soft, spicy, fruity, and strong, with layers of complexity that get better with every sip. Tripel Threat was initially brewed in 1990 by Head Brewer Darryl Goss, whose vintage motorcycle is immortalized on the label. Darryl has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Tripel Threat will promote research for a cure.
In addition to these exceptional year-round offerings, the CBC will also be regularly releasing some single-batch brews as well. Back in the fall, they released their Great Pumpkin ale, which is actually one of the first pumpkin beers ever commercially produced in this country (and in my opinion it’s still the best). Two of their currently-available single-batch brews are their Bannatyne’s Scotch Ale (a rich and warming Scotch ale at 9.2%, easily one of my favorite examples of the style) and Sgt. Pepper. I had the chance to try Sgt. Pepper on tap at the brewpub and loved it, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it on our shelves a few weeks later. Sgt. Pepper is a Farmhouse-style ale at 6% abv, brewed with four kinds of peppercorns (which really show up in the flavor), spicy hops, rye malt, and Belgian yeast.
For anyone who’s been to the CBC location in Kendall Square, I don’t really need to explain why it’s exciting that they are finally making their beers more widely available. They’re already a veritable institution in the world of craft brewing, and one of the few places around where you can get a beer tower full of peppercorn beer and a locally-sourced appetizer of poutine (which gets my vote as the best thing to ever come out of Canada). With their focus on local and sustainable beer and food, combined with their long track record for strange and innovative brews, the Cambridge Brewing Company is a hidden gem in Massachusetts, and it’s about time they get the recognition they deserve.
Hidden Gems: Ballast Point Victory At Sea
“O Captain! my Captain! Our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring…” -Walt Whitman
I couldn’t pass up a chance to throw in some Whitman. The ship in this poem is supposed to represent America (the “Captain” is Abraham Lincoln), but for the sake of this blog post we can pretend that he was talking about craft beer.
The craft beer movement is a strange and wonderful phenomenon, one that continually defies the odds. Take for example the fact that despite overall beer sales declining this past year, sales of craft beer in particular went up by about 16% according to most sources (CNBC claims 17.5%), with new breweries seeming to open up every day all over the country. Weathering the storms of a shaky economy and other troubles (like the recent ABCC fiasco), craft brewers continue on towards that dream on the horizon, combining the best aspects of small local business and a collaborative, do-it-yourself attitude. Which brings me to the beer in question: Ballast Point’s Victory At Sea.
The first time I tried this, I was floored (not literally, though it does pack a punch). It’s an imperial porter brewed with coffee and vanilla extract for a velvety, just-sweet-enough concoction that will keep you on your toes. It has a great depth of flavor and strength (it weighs in at 10% abv), but is exceptionally well-blended with roasty undertones and coffee bean flavors taking a back seat to rich chocolate and vanilla. The coffee beans come from San Diego-based Caffe Calabria, one of the finest coffee roasters on the West Coast, who advocate sustainable practices and a community-oriented business approach.
In a sea of beers and breweries, integrity and quality will always win out in the end, and Ballast Point is at the top of their game. This is a seasonal brew, which means that it won’t be around for much longer, so grab Victory while you can.
Chocolate Stout Shout-Out
When the holiday rush starts to wear me down, all it takes for me to remind myself that I actually love the holiday 
season is to imagine that I am surrounded by friends and family, lounging next to a toasty fire, and sipping on a tall, frosty glass of Chocolate Stout. The fire warms me from the outside while the stout warms from within; drawing me into is darkly seductive depth.
While out with some friends at a pub in Cambridge recently I ordered a Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout, a highly sought-after product at the liquor store and a personal favorite of my own for its ability to help take the edge off those dark winter months. One of my cohorts thought the brew sounded like the perfect choice to finish off the cold night, but was shocked by how thick and intense it was (and by the 10% abv).
If you tuck into this beer expecting a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar in a glass, you’re going to be surprised when you find how wonderfully rich, dark, and exotically luscious it actually is. This is a beautiful example of an Imperial Stout, a style once brewed exclusively for Catherine the Great, herself; and this beer fit for greatness is a seasonal release from Brooklyn, so give it a try before it’s all gone!
Another knock-out Chocolate is Southern Tier’s Choklat Stout, an Imperial Chocolate Stout which traces its roots to an ancient Mayan beverage of the gods called xocoatl (ch-co-atle). Available in 22oz bombers and 1/6 kegs upon special request, this gem from western New York is sure to wash away even the worst case of the winter blues. Weighing in at 10% abv and pouring a deep dark black in the glass, this brew will turn even the most adamant hater of flavored beer into a believer with its rich chocolate and caramel malts.
Afraid of the dark? If these deep dark stouts are making you shake in your winter boots, never fear! Sam Adams Chocolate Bock is here! While sadly not available in 6 packs (only available in the winter variety 12 pack), this creamy chocolate charmer is a real delight that appeals to the milk chocolate lover in all of us. Slightly lighter and sweeter than the stouts, the chocolate bock manages to strike a delicate balance between
strength and finesse making it an impeccable wintry nightcap. And if you’re in the mood to try something really different, check out Sam Adam’s new Chocolate Chili Bock “The Vixen,” brewed with cinnamon, chilies, and cocoa nibs (available in single pints.)
Chocolate stouts (and bocks!) pair perfectly with a wide variety of deserts including cheesecake, fruit pies and tarts, ice cream, and anything chocolate-based. Or, try sipping a chocolate brew alongside your favorite strong cheeses and watch it work its magic!
Whether you’re trimming the tree, sitting by a fire waiting for the electricity to kick back on, enjoying desert with loved ones, or just craving a nice refreshing something to sip on, chocolate brews are surprisingly versatile and satisfying. They have a way of mesmerizing me with their decadence; They found their way into my heart and–if you let them–they could warm your’s this winter, too.
Andrea
Deron
Maggie
Message In A Bottle 