Vinho Verde is from the Minho region in the far northwestern part of Portugal. It can be red, rosé, or white, although most arewhite. The name literally means “green wine” but translates as “young wine,” and is meant to be drunk young, preferably within a year of bottling. So if you find a 1999 Vinho Verde tucked away in a forgotten corner somewhere, it’s more like finding a 1999 Bud Light than a white Burgundy.

These wines are fresh and have fruity aromas and flavors. They are injected with carbonation much like a soft drink. So while not sparkling, they are “fizzy.” The official term is the French word pétillant (pay tee ya[n]), or slightly sparkling. Although the bubbles die fairly quickly, the nice acid zing keeps the wine refreshing.

Vinho Verde is great by itself on the back deck or by the pool, and is absolutely wonderful with shellfish. It’s also great with spicy food because it is low in alcohol (8-12%). Alcohol enhances the effects of hot spices, which is why a nice juicy Zinfandel from Lodi causes spicy to become painful, and why beer is the beverage of choice with Indian food. The final reason to buy lots of this wine is that it is ridiculously cheap, often in the $7.00 or $8.00 range. Low alcohol plus inexpensive means buy several bottles.

Thousands of producers of this wine exist, and often a dozen or so can be found in a single store. Here are a few that are particularly good:

Gazela is pale straw color with hints of brassy green and simple white fruit flavors with a hint....

Click Here to Read Full Article

All you macho types keep in mind these words coming from Charles and Charles (a joint project between Charles Smith and Charles Bieler). It’s spring...the beginning of Rosé season.

Rosé wines are made from red grapes. The grape skins have very limited contact with the juice which gives the wines a pink color. The shorter the contact, the lighter the color. While Rosé can be sweet, off dry, or bone dry, today I'm talking about the beautiful decidedly dry type.  The flavors of Rosé wines tend to be subtle versions of their red varietal counterparts—strawberry, cherry, watermelon, citrus, and raspberry.

These wines are perfect for spring and summer, as they are served chilled and are probably the most food friendly and food versatile wines on the planet. The light body and delicate flavors make them ideal picnic wines that go well with roast beef, chicken or ham sandwiches, egg or potato salad, and even chips and dip. They are great for backyard barbeques, easily handling burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and even steaks. And nothing is better than Rosé to drink with nothing at all on a bright summer day. They are also great values, most being in the 10 to 20 dollar range.

Rosés got a bad rap after the winemaker at Sutter Home invented White Zinfandel completely by accident (an arrested fermentation).  This started the flood of sweet wine cooler-like blush wines from California. Consequently, in the past I've had people run from the tasting bar when I did a Rosé tasting. Dry Rosé, though, is a wonderful wine, and sales are going up. People are finding pleasant surprises at store tastings even if all the wines are pink.

There are hundreds of Rosés on the market. I'm going to mention three that are reasonably priced, fairly easy to find, and outstanding.

Domaine du Salvard Cheverny Rosé 2011 screams “Loire Valley” with its strong minerality and beautiful acidity. It is a  blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Gamay. The nose and palate are full of rose petals, strawberries, bell pepper, and a bit of peaty earth. The finish is lingering and perfectly balanced.

Bieler Pere et Fils Rosé 2011 is from Provence, a renowned area of Rosé production. This deeply colored Rosé is Syrah driven (50%), blended with 30% Grenache and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is cranberry red in color with a nose of raspberry, cherry, and wild strawberry. It is crisp....

Click here to read the full article!

Click here to view Thatcher's Organic Artisan Liquers In Our Online Store!

Interview with Dave Racicot, master distiller and founder of Thatcher's Organic Artisan Liqueurs:

1. Where did the idea to create Thatcher's Organics come from?

Dave- First, I wanted to do something which has never been done before. Second, I believe- and others support- that the best fruits, veggies, and botanicals come from organic farms. Third, too many liqueurs have a lot of sugar or use the lab to create their liquids. I start with the bounty of the harvest and craft my liqueurs from there.

2. Where do your ingredients come from?

Dave- All over the world. Italy, France, California, Washington, Maine, Michigan, Brazil, Kentucky, Canada, Central America, and a host of others. It is pretty fun on the sourcing side as we have some great people who are dedicated organic.

3. Do you use sustainable practices?

Dave- Yes, we have non-bleached boxes, very lightweight glass to reduce shipping costs, and waste nothing as it is recycled at the distillery.

4. When was Thatcher's Organics created?

Dave- I started it in March 2008 and took the first 13 months to figure out how to source, then craft, the liqueurs. I launched April 2009 and have been growing pretty fast ever since. It has been a pretty wild ride.

5. Does Thatcher's give to any charities or environmental organizations?

Dave- Yes, and I am thrilled to be a part of 1% for the Planet with other like minded companies such as Fat Tire and Patagonia. We donate 1% of our revenue to great causes. I love it!

6. We love the design of the bottles! What was the idea behind the concept?

Dave- I believe in simple yet purposeful design, clean lines, show the fruit/veggie/botanical and describe what you can make with it on the front label. People want to know what they should do with a cucumber liqueur, and to have us say "great in a martini" just makes it easier for everybody.

7. What can people look forward to when tasting Thatcher's artisan organic liqueurs?

Dave- In all my expressions you will get great aromatics, forward flavor and a very clean finish. By only using USDA certified organic ingredients you will enjoy a great cocktail as nature intended. We like to say, "We make one Mother nature of a cocktail."

Here are a few of my favorites!

Cucumber:

Dave sources the cucumbers to make this liqueur from Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Cucumber is one of my favorites because it tastes incredibly fresh. The cucumber taste is not overwhelming, but definitely has a presence that is unlike any other cucumber liqueur I have tasted. It's like the cucumbers have been freshly cut and added to your glass. We mixed the cucumber liqueur with sparking water and ice, and I instantly pictured myself by a pool with sun shining down while enjoying this crisp refreshing cocktail. This is a must try! Another way to try the cucumber liqueur is to add Freshies Margarita Mix, tequila and ice. It gives the margarita an exciting new twist!

Blueberry:

The blueberries come from Dave's 4th generation family blueberry farm in Maine. This is also a great liqueur because again, the blueberries are so prounounced and fresh. It's not an overwhelming taste yet it melodizes on the tongue without being too much. A great way to try this liqueur is to mix it with ginger beer and bourbon. A fantastic cocktail for spring and summer!

Coffee:

If you are a coffee lover, then this liqueur is for you! I love coffee, and I must say this one is a real treat. This is the first coffee liqueur on the market that doesn't have caramel flavoring added to it. This liqueur would be great on the rocks (this is definitely how I will drink it!). It's also a great liqueur to make a coffee martini and to add to coffee desserts.

Dark Chocolate:

The chocolate used to make this decadent liqueur is sourced from Belize. It a perfect treat when you are having a chocolate crave. It is very silky- it feels like you have dark artisian chocolate melting in your mouth. This one is beautiful on its own with ice, and would be perfect in a chocolate martini.

What Defines a Certfied Organic Wine?  

Made with Organic Grapes:  

• Grapes have been grown in accordance to the organic standards established by the USDA's National Organic Program.  
• The wine has been produced and bottled in a certified organic facility.  
• No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides are used in the vineyards.
• Sulfite content must not exceed 100 ppm.

Organic Wine:  

• Grown, produced and bottled as above.  
• No sulfites have been added during the winemaking process.  
• Must contain under 20 ppm sulfites.  
• Naturally occurring sulfites may be produced during the fermentation process so although wines labeled 'organic wine' have no added sulfites, sulfites may still be detected.

99.99% Organic:  

• Because wines made with organic grapes must contain less than 100 ppm sulfites (translating to 0.01 percent), the final product has to be and actually is 99.99 % (or more) organic grapes and 0.01% (or less) sulfites.
• Wines made with organic grapes are required to be virtually 100% organic and can't use the USDA organic seal. 

SULFITES:  

WHAT ARE THEY AND WHAT DO THEY DO?  

What are sulfites?  

• Sulfites, or sulfur dioxide (SO2), are the salts of sulfurous acids. They are a commonly used preservative found in foods, alcoholic drinks and even medications. Sulfites occur naturally in table and wine grapes, as well as in all fermented foods and beverages. Sulfites have both fungicidal and antioxidant properties.  

Why are they used in the making of wine?  

• Winemakers have historically added sulfur dioxide to wine to help protect against damage to the wine by oxygen. It has been part of the craft of winemaking, much like yeast is used for bread. After the grapes are harvested and crushed, sulfur dioxide is used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and wild yeasts... as well as to prevent spoilage or oxidation in the final wine. Sulfites are also naturally-produced during the fermentation process of winemaking.  

How do wines made with organic grapes differ from conventional wines?

• Conventional wines in the United States are permitted to contain sulfite levels up to 350 parts per million (ppm). Wines made with certified organic grapes are required by the USDA's National Organic Program to contain no more than 100 ppm.

Information Provided by Organic Vintners at www.organicvintners.com   

For more information regarding the Federal Regulations please visit http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html and more specifically at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_07/7cfr205_07.html 

ORWIN SWIFT MACHETE

Many of you are familiar with Orin Swift's "The Prisoner" which has gone from a small-batch cult wine to a nationwide phenomenon. Some of you might have been lucky enough to snag a bottle of his super-limited production 2009 Southern French inspired Red Blend called Abstract. We are lucky enough to have a few cases of Orin Swift's newest label Machete. Don't miss out on tasting this delicious addition to the Orin Swift line-up.  

Like Abstract, Machete is the product of Dave Phinney's love affair with the Pyrénées-Orientales region of Southern France. Abstract being the feminine seductive soft blend of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah; whereas, Machete is the brooding masculine chewy red dominated by Petite Sirah with a backbone of Syrah and Grenache. Machete like Abstract is a super-limited production wine sourced from Dave's favorite vineyards of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino.  

2009 Machete, $40.99  

"Beautiful notes of just picked warm, ripe blackberry with licorice and cedar box on the nose. The wine is structured and complex, saturated with smoky, dark, ripe brambly black fruit. It is bright and brooding, rich and powerful showcasing the intensity of Petite Sirah, the elegance and complexity of Grenache with the seriousness of cool climate Syrah." - Dave Phinney

That the co-creator of Paul Mitchell products is also  the co-creator of Patron Tequila.

360 degree vodka was the world's first eco-friendly vodka.

Jameson is currently the fastest growing premium spirits brand in the United States.  

Maker's 46 is the first new Maker's Mark product in more than 50 years. 

The makers of Baileys only use Irish milk chosen from specially chosen Irish farms. They do this because they say Irish cows are the happiest.
 

Pabst Beer is now called Pabst Blue Ribbon beer because it was the first beer to win a blue ribbon at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.

Dry Fly Whiskey is the first whiskey to come out of Washington State since prohibition.

Bourbon is the official alcohol of the United States, by an act of Congress.

It's a new year, and a new you. Many of us are busting at the seams from all those wonderful holiday cocktails, foods and desserts. Even though we are all cutting calories, we still want to be able to enjoy a cocktail or two with friends and family, right? In this Simply Served edition we are going to give you some great alternatives to keep your calorie cutting goals on track, while still being able to enjoy a cocktail or two!

Let's start with calorie cutting basics. If you prefer:

Beer

Instead of going for your typical heavy beers, give some of the light beers a try. They are about half the calories! The average regular 12 oz beer is anywhere from 140-200 calories.

Wine-

If you love wine, try smaller portions. A 5oz glass of red or white wine is around 120 calories. You will find the high alcohol reds and sweeter white wine's will have a few more calories than that. A great alternative would be a white wine spritzer. This is the choice of many celebrities and fashion models, when they want to cut their calories in half. A white wine spritzer is half white wine and half club soda. If you would like to mix it up, you could use a blush wine or add a squeeze of lime.

Liquor-

When it comes to cocktails its usually the mixers that are included with your liquor that is loaded with calories. Some options for those of you who don't really care for sweet cocktails and are looking to cut calories, get your liquor of choice in 1oz shots. You could also mix them with club soda or diet soda with a lime twist. A standard 1.5 oz pour of 80-proof alcohol has about 96 calories.

If the above options don't work for you, here are some healthier cocktails to consider:

Bloody Mary- A Bloody Mary is a great source of vitamin A and Lycopenes, but watch the sodium! Tomato juice is five calories per every 5 ounces. You can add extra tobasco sauce to give it an extra kick, this will not only add flavor, but it will keep you from gulping your drink down and having seconds. A 5 oz Bloody Mary is around 118 calories.  

Mimosa- A mimosa is a great source of vitamin c. I would have to disagree with the stereotype that this cocktail is only good in the morning, I feel like it is good any time of day or night. This half orange juice, half champagne cocktail will be around 100 calories for a 5 oz glass.

Skinny Girl "ready to drink" Margarita- Who doesn't love a good Margarita? I'll tell you who, your waistline! A regular margarita can be anywhere from 400-700 or more calories! Don't worry, the Skinny Girl Margarita has gotten all of you margarita lovers out there covered. A 4oz skinny girl margarita is only 100 calories. It gets better that that, it has no preservatives, no artificial flavoring, and all natural ingredients! Not only that, but its easier than making a margarita, you just pour over ice and enjoy! Click here to learn more>>

Health Benefits to drinking red wine:

1. Reduces your chances of getting heart disease. The skins and seeds of red grape's have antioxidants in them called flavanoids, which helps your body lower your bad cholesterol and increases more good cholesterol into your body. It also helps to reduce blood clotting.

2. There are studies that show it may inhibit tumor development in some cancers.

3. When alcohol is drank with food it slow's the stomach's emptying time and has the potential to decrease the amount you eat. That's always a good thing!

4. There is evidence that women that enjoy a little alcohol increase their brain power!

What red wines are better for you?

Cabernet Sauvignon, petite Syrah and Pinot Noir have the most antixodants. The basic rule to follow is, the sweeter the wine the least antioxidants it has.

How much do you drink to stay healthy?

A four ounce glass a day is a typical serving. Women should only have one serving a day, and men can have two servings a day to reap the maximum benefits.

Cheers to your health!

For more information follow the links:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/wine-how-much-is-good-for-you

http://www.ynhh.org/about-us/red_wine.aspx

Looking for new cocktails? Be sure to check out our Cocktail Corner. We will be giving you new cocktails to try out each month. If something looks appetizing, just click on the cocktail and it will direct you to a page that will let you add all of the ingredients in to your shopping cart.

Looking to expand your knowledge on wine? Be sure to check out our Wine Wisdom page. Each month we will be highlighting a different grape and teaching you about all of the information that surrounds that grape including history, wine and food suggestions. Also, we will be including a video that teaches more about the grape we are featuring.

Looking for more news on our beer selection? Check out our Brews News page and you will find seasonal suggestions to try in our beer selection along with all news and videos related to beer.

Thanks for checking out our new website, we hope you are as excited about it as we are!