Thursday April 2, 2020
Celebrating small victories.
This week: Well we're all in this together at least until May 1. Well, kind of together.. quarantine is definitely separating the introverts from the extroverts, the real blondes from the fake blondes. Those who have learned how to make homemade pasta and those who are getting by on cereal and takeout.
At least we all agree on wine. So, just a reminder to relax and don't panic! We've all figured out by now that liquor stores aren't closing. Be patient, be kind, and don't worry about your booze supply. We're here for ya.

We have some ideas for lazy Coping Cocktails below. Remember, no back table tastings for the time being. We've said it once and we'll say it again... no crowding in the shop, don't touch stuff, use curbside pickup or delivery. Keep your germs to yourself and please don't come see us if you even think you might not be feeling well. Watch this moving message from the Vajra family in Barolo (with the closed captions on for English) to feel a little better about the day.

Cheers,
The Team at NL
Here's to You: (Lazy) Coping Cocktails
We had a few ideas for things you can try at home if you don't feel like spending 12 hours learning how to make bread and if you just don't care to make those noodles from scratch. These are for the "less involved" - things you probably thought of yourself but maybe you just need a little instigating nudge.

  1. The Bloody Mary: This seems obvious but when was the last time you made one at home instead of paying $11 for one at brunch? Upgrade your vodka, upgrade the results - try Referent's Horseradish Vodka for a spicy kick (made locally!) or Gamle Ode's Dill Aquavit for a major flavor upgrade. You'll never use plain vodka ever again. And don't skimp on your mix! DIY with this awesome recipe. Garnish at your own discretion.
  2. Not really a cocktail but when was the last time you put Irish cream in your coffee? Feeney's Irish Creme is one of our favorites here. There's also a pretty decadent cinnamon creme liqueur made by Cinnabon. The real winner though: from the maker's of famous Belle Meade bourbon, Louisa's Liqueur is so much pecan, caramel, and praline flavor you'll feel like you're sipping that coffee in the deep south on a wraparound porch.
  3. Mimosas, but with anything except OJ. Peep the bubbly non-alcoholic flavored juices from Gavioli on our shelf, in peach, blood orange, and mixed berry. A bit of prosecco with Peach Gavioli feels classy enough to put on your good sweatpants. If you're feeling desolate... there's always White Claw? Remember, there's no rules in social isolation.
  4. Hello, we sell pre-mixed cocktails! Buy margaritas, mules, and greyhounds by the can from Cutwater or Joia (pre-portioned for self control). Or grab a bottle of Crooked Water Spirits' pre-batched Negroni or Manley's Old Fashioned. High West's 36th Vote Barreled Manhattan also comes with our highest recommendations.

For some really great (not so lazy) Coping Cocktails, check out bartender extraordinaire Jon Olson from Libation Project's Instagram for daily tutorials on making delicious things.
NEW ARRIVALS: Some Highlights

It is Rosé Season Afterall: 2019 rosés just keep comin'.
-Ameztoi 'Rubentis' Rosado, Getariako Txakolina
-GD Vajra 'Rosabella' Rosato, Piedmont
-Dom. De Pallus 'Messanges' Rosé of Cab Franc, Chinon
-Elk Cove Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
-Pares Balta 'Rosé de Pacs', Penedes
-Beckstoffer 'Hogwash' Rosé, California
-Klinker Brick 'Bricks & Roses' Rosé, Lodi
-L'Oliveto Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
-Prisma Rosé of Pinot Noir, Casablanca Valley Chile
-Fableist Rosé of Blaufrankisch, Central Coast
-Villa Wolf Rosé of Pinot Noir, Pfalz
-Scaia Rosato, Veneto
-Mourgues du Gres Rosé, Costieres des Nimes
.. to name a few.

Some allocated stuff: Our August Clape allocation should be arriving any day now.. stay tuned. We were able to snag a few bottles of the Cote du Rhone and a few of the Cornas. If you're familiar with Clape, these wines hardly need an introduction. If you aren't, Clape is the icon of Cornas and a standard bearer for traditionally made Syrah in the Northern Rhone. In short, the wines are delicious (but a little time to age is recommended, even for the Cotes du Rhone), highly sought after, and in short supply.
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.
Last But Not Least...
Just some good dogs that visited us this week.
(We hear dog photos are a great way to spread cheer)
Cheers everyone!
-The Team at North Loop Wine & Spirits