Thursday June 25, 2020
.. just a very cute dog celebrating Pride.
This week: We're back on our chill-your-red wine campaign with great advice from Mary K on chilling, serving, and drinking reds (yes, you read that right). Getting the temp right on wine really makes a difference - especially in the summer heat! A few new, exciting, "affordable" Burgundies have arrived.

And, most exciting of all, it's officially Pride Week! There might not be a parade but the spirit and celebrations are still going strong (in masks and from a 6ft distance).

Check out the staff reviews if you need some drinking inspiration. Per usual, the team here is working hard to taste and approve everything fit for consumption and throwing out some good recommendations. Also, if you haven't signed any petitions or called any congressman this week, get that on your to-do list as well.

Cheers,
The Team at NL
NEWLY ARRIVED BURGUNDY ALERT
& Other Exciting Things.

2018 Dom. Guillemot Bourgogne Rouge
2018 Dom. Guillemot "Vieilles Vignes" Savigny-Les-Beaune
2018 Dom. Guillemot Savigny-Serpentieres 1er Cru

Savigny-les-Beaune might not have the same cachet as the more famous villages of the Cote d'Or, but for us that means there's still values to be found here at realistic price points.

Located near the historic wine center Beaune, Savigny sits in a valley with an ample amount of south-facing slopes and excellent land for vines. As in any region, in the hands of the right producer, magic can happen even in "simpler" terroir. Enter the Guillemot family.They've been tending vines here for 8 generations, now producing a scant 2500 cases a year. The wines are full of that classic Burgundian elegance and finesse, but with a charming rustic element typical of its place. Get these while you can. They are well-priced and limited.

Other Things New, Exciting, and Notable

2017 Dom. Francois Raveneau, Montee de Tonnerre 1er Cru, Chablis
2018 Frank Cornillissen, 'Susucaru', Etna Rosso
2015 Paolo Bea, Pagliaro, Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco
2015 Yves Cuilleron, Madiniere, Cote Rotie
2016 Bernard Levet, Cote Rotie

All wines listed here are scarce - first come, first serve.
Get them while the gettin' is good.
Mary's Do's and Don't of Chilling Red Wine
A "how to" from a Hawaii transplant. As a former sommelier at some of the top beachside restaurants on the island, you can trust Mary for good advice on managing proper serving temps in the heat.

During these hot summer days it is important to chill your red wine for optimum drinking pleasure. With days reaching the high 70's, 80's and even 90's it is important to make sure your wines are not too hot. Wines that are too hot will taste off: over alcoholic and out of balance. 

Option 1: If you have the time let your wine chill overnight in the fridge. When you are almost ready to enjoy, take it out of the fridge and let it sit. I recommend letting your wine warm up - 20 - 30min for lighter bodied red wines such as Gamay or Pinot Noir. For fuller bodied wines such as Merlot and Cab Sauv, let them warm up for 45 to 60 minutes.

Option 2: Strapped for time? Throw your wine in the freezer. Caution* don't let the wine freeze! SET A TIMER! I typically will set a timer for 20-30min. Fuller bodied reds at 20min and lighter bodied reds at 30min. Everyone's freezer is different. If you are unsure I would recommend starting off at 10min and then tasting the wine to see if it's cold enough. If it needs more chilling, stick it back in the freezer for another 10min.

Trust your senses, if the flavors seem muted or nonexistent your wine needs to warm up a little more. Don't be afraid to explore temperature ranges. If you want to get specific and nerdy about it there are plenty of online resources. 

Wine too cold? Don't microwave it! With days as hot as they are your wine will warm up fast. Sip slow and enjoy experiencing your wine unfold more nuances of aroma, flavor and texture as it warms up.
STAFF PICKS
Things our staff "taste tested" this week. Tough job, but someone's gotta do it.

2019 Commanderie de Peyrassol 'La Croix Templiers' Rosé', Mediterranée 
This is about the time each year when we winos find our go to roses' that will take us through the heat of Summer. Believe me, you could do worse then Peyrassol's 'La Croix'. Made from contracted fruit, none the less, this is classic Provincal rose' in every way. It's light and fresh with bold and vibrant fruit. Wild strawberry and watermelon rind dominate and leave no doubt of their presence but the fruit is matched by a clean cutting finish. This is your new go to.
-David M.

2018 Au Bon Climat, Santa Barbara County, Pinot Noir - $28.99
One of my favorite Pinot Noirs of all time. This wine has a lovely lift and brightness to it, which is characteristic of Santa Barbara's ancient seabed soils. Complex notes of crushed strawberries, ripe cherries and subtle clove notes intertwined. Winemaker and owner of Au Bon Climat, Jim Clendenen, is a true master of his craft. In 2007 Jim Clendenen was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's, "Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America." Just one of many accolades that Jim has received over the last few decades. 
-Mary K.

2018 Livio Felluga, Pinot Grigio, Fruili - $28.99 
As these summer temperatures rise, everyone should be increasing the amount of refreshing white wines in their fridges! This wine is a step away from the traditional style of pinot grigio and is classified as denominazione di origine controllata. With amazing eloquence and minerality, this will pair quite well with grilled prawns on the patio with some friends! 
  -Samuel P.

Sans Wine Co. Zinfandel (375ml can) - $10.99
Finally, a wine-in-a-can option to be excited about! We now carry three delicious natural canned wines from Sans Wine Co., but the Zinfandel is a standout as the perfect summer BBQ accoutrement! This Zin is delicious with a chill on it (hear me out), because of its surprisingly light and lively body that is wrapped in tantalizing notes of red fruit and smoke. 
-Katrina B.

2017 Apolloni Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Willamette Valley - $21.99
This chardonnay is a great choice for summer! Fermented entirely in stainless steel, it also sees no secondary malolactic fermentation. It is all about crisp aromatic fruit, without a heavier buttery and oaky height holding it down. And from the cool climate of Oregon's Northern Willamette Valley a refreshing acidity is retained. The tropical fruit nose is followed by hints of tangerine, lemon, and a touch of apricot going to a long clean finish. It is great with a summer salad on the back porch or a rich dish of Columbia River salmon.
-Patrick D.
ALSO VERY IMPORTANT...
Just some good dogs that visited us recently.
(We hear dog photos are a great way to spread cheer)
CALL AHEAD FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP,
SOCIAL DISTANCE WITH DELIVERY.
... remember to have faith that it won't be long before we can take this message outta here :)

Call in your order: Give us a ring or send an email .. tell us what you'd like, and pay over the phone. Call as you're pulling up and just let us know front door or back door and we'll wash our hands and drop your goods in the trunk or the backseat. Easy, just like that.

Don't know what you want? Ask for help, take our recommendations. Tell us what you like, what you're interested in, and your budget. We'll put something good together for you. Pull up and pick up. Again, easy, safe and sanitary.

Call for delivery: The most responsible thing you can do is stay home and let us leave your goods outside your door. C all in your order and have us deliver. Delivery is free for orders over $25 (pre-tax) for anyone within a 5 mile radius. We will deliver outside of this radius for a small surcharge. Of course, with higher volume of delivery demand, we need your patience and understanding that your order's ETA may be longer than usual. Don't forget to tip your driver.. they are going out so you don't have to.

For delivery and curbside.. email northloopwine@gmail.com or call 612-338-5393.
Cheers everyone!
-The Team at North Loop Wine & Spirits