Wine of the Month – Sangiovese

MARCH 2009
Wine of the Month –Sangiovese!

Sangiovese (san-jo-vay-zay) is a red wine grape originating in Italy. However, winemakers outside of Italy are starting to experiment with it as well. Vineyards of Sangiovese can be found in California, Washington, Argentina, Uruguay and Australia. It is the primary component of Chianti (a traditional wine of Tuscany). The flavor profile of Sangiovese is lightly fruity with a hint of earthiness and moderate to high natural acidity.

This medium-bodied wine pairs well with pizza (like the new Stumpjack Gourmet Pizzas), red meats and pastas.

Stop by to sample Captain’s Walk Sangiovese at our wine bar. It boasts a bouquet consisting of lusty aromas of black cherry, plum, and briar berry, followed by a hint of anise. Just a touch of oak adds complexity and character, while flavors of fresh raspberry and plum steal the show.

Did you know...

...that Pennsylvania state law prohibits a man from buying alcohol without a note of permission from his wife? Hmmmm...

Von Stiehl Winery

Von Stiehl underground cavern

As some of you may know, we are friends with the good folks at the Von Stiehl Winery in Algoma. Their wines were the first we carried in Stumpjack and have continued to be very popular with our friends and customers. This is just a brief shout out to Von Stiehl (VS) and a raise of the wine glass in recognition of their continued success and award winning wines. At this past year’s Wine Tasters Guild Competition Von Stiehl wines won several medals.

In a competition that judges a couple thousand wines the results were:

VS Cherry Kirche, was awarded a Double Gold Medal.

VS Stomey Creek Blush, Golf Medal (becoming the first wine made with grapes grown in Door County to win a Gold Medal).

VS Naughty Girl, Bronze Medal.

VS Apple Wine, Bronze Medal.

VS Chardonnay, Double Gold Medal.

VS Riesling, Silver Medal.

VS Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Medal.

Also, Von Stiehl's sister winery, Captain's Walk Winery (CW) in Green Bay won several awards in the same Taster's Guild Competitions:

CW Riesling, Bronze Medal.

CW Captain's White, Bronze Medal.

CW Sauvignon Blanc, Bronze Medal.

CW Sangiovese, Gold Medal.

CW Merlot, Gold Medal.

We carry a mix of Von Stiehl and Captain's Walk wines, and right now, for Valentine's Day we have the VS Valentine's Day White Zinfandel Love Wine. Looking for something for your sweetie? How about a card, a rose, and a bottle of VS Love wine?

Handy new pairing site

Checking out what cheeses go with my Cabernet.

What cheese loves your libation? What libation loves your cheese?

The answers to this age-old question can be easily and quickly uncovered on the very cool and visually appealing new "Wisconsin Cheese Cupid" site. Click here and bookmark the site for a handy guide to pairing cheese with various red wines, white wines, beer varieties or spirits. This is a fun new site from those creative and energetic folks at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.

Mouse over and click the cheese of your choice for even more great info, and keep the sound on your computer as your do so for the correct pronunciation tip.

Valentines Day Wine Tasting

Join us for

Valentines Day
Wine & Gourmet Pizza Tasting

Saturday, February 14th
Time: 6pm

Music to follow by West Lafayette, Indiana jazz trio SNORB!

We're finally unrolling the long-awaited pizza project. We've solved the special pizza crust challenge by having Pastry Queen Jennifer Pasquill of Uniquely Yours Pastry Shoppe come up with a tasty, thin, beer soaked crust, small and oblong and totally delish. These will be small gourmet pizzas with ingredients a little out of the ordinary. We will have several wines selected from our friends at Von Stiehl and Captain's Walk Wineries for you to sample as well. Make plans for you and your sweetheart. Stop in to buy your tickets and reserve your spot.

members $20 per person
non members $25 per person

Space is limited so purchase your tickets asap