Fancy Pants Wine Tasting

With the weather taking a turn for AWESOME, it’s time to pull out the big guns! It’s time for a few tastings that will knock your socks off! It’s time for The Noble Grape to give a little something for YOUR effort! It’s time for some special tastings.

The double header this Wednesday starts at 5:30 with a Vinho Verde sampling featuring the tried and true Casal Garcia! Vinho Verde, the most popular white wine from Portugal, is a deliciously refreshing, light wine. Verde, meaning green refers to the hints of lime color. It is an ideal warm weather wine, excellent for lunch and picnics, or an evening aperitif. It makes a brilliant pairing with any fish, shellfish and poultry. Then, beginning at 6, The Noble Grape will be pouring Purity Vodak, winner of 2011, 2012, and 2013’s Grand Vodka Master Award and the most awarded Ultra-Premium Vodka in the world.

On Thursday, Greg from Wirtz will be pouring several truly special wines including Wind Racer Chardonnay, Cenyth Cabernet Sauvignon blend, La Jota Merlot, and La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon. La Jota Vineyard was founded in the 1890s by Frederick Hess, an immigrant from Locarno, Switzerland, who established a German-language newspaper in San Francisco. No doubt influenced by other European immigrants involved in California's nascent wine industry, Hess purchased 327 acres of a Mexican land grant—Rancho La Jota—high on Howell Mountain for his vineyards. In 1898 he built the winery from volcanic ash rock quarried right on the property; his first fermentation tanks also came from the estate—from a stand of nearby coastal redwoods. While growing grapes in the nutrient-lean, volcanic soils of La Jota estate is challenging, the rewards are undeniable. Highly concentrated flavors and muscular tannins slowly mature to perfection, while the cool winds, diurnal temperature swings and high altitude keep the grape acids impeccably balanced, revealing the distinctive voice of their estate. This is a must attend event!

Then, on Friday, Andrew from Eagle Eye will sample out several of his favorite wines while in the back of the shop there will be an in-house tasting of Une Année Brewery beers. Une Année focuses on making great beer with an emphasis on Belgian and French styles. Founded early 2012, Une Année’s approach is to make a few beers, very well. Their flagship beer and initial release is Maya a Belgian IPA, followed by Life Beyond Death Black Saison Ale, Tripel Abbey Ale, and Quad Abbey Ale. For anyone interested in the local craft brewing game, this is a tasting you cannot miss!

Sales on Sales on Sales

It’s official, The Noble Grape has too much wine! There is an overabundance of loose, single bottles floating around, and we don’t know what to do! Desperate times call for desperate measures. Therefore, starting tomorrow all single bottles by the register will be marked 10-15% off. Furthermore, all single bottles of white wine in the back refrigerators will also be 10-15% off! Our loss is your gain, and by selling these stragglers we will be able to bring in exciting, new wines for your tasting pleasure! So really, it’s a win win...   

This Wednesday, Brian from Compass Wine and Spirits will be pouring several of his favorite wines including La Galope Sauvignon Blanc, Le Salse Verdiccio, La Galope Rosé, Duxoup Charbobo, and Legar de Bezana Cabernet Sauvignon.  If you haven’t had a chance to try Duxoup Charbono yet, do it! Duxoup Wine Works is the creation of two free-spirited, inquisitive winemakers: Deborah and Andrew Cutter. They built their small winery themselves, on a hillside at the northern end of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. The two person operation is designed for small production and gentle, gravity flow winemaking. Deb and Andy specialize in producing silky, fruity wines from grapes grown in venerable vineyards.

Friday’s tasting will feature wines from Maverick Wine Companies portfolio sampled by James. Gessami Gramona, Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc, Paul Cluver Gewurztraminer, Rudi Weist Pinot Noir, and Creta Roble Tempranillo will be served for your tasting desires. Creta Roble Tempranillo has an opaque purple color, offering up a brooding bouquet of pencil shavings, espresso, Asian spices, incense, and assorted black fruits. Structured on the palate with layers of succulent fruit, this concentrated, lengthy effort admirably reflects the strength of the superb vintage.

California/French Mashup

It feels like a primetime for The Noble Grape to square off two fantastic wineries. One is New World, the other Old World. That’s right, Californian winery Dry Creek Vineyard and French winery Château de Gayon are the highlights of this weeks tastings! Both wineries are very special, and should not be missed!   

Dry Creek Vineyard was the first new winery established in the Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition. It was David Stare’s vision to plant Sauvignon Blanc that firmly cemented the winery’s legacy as one of California’s most important wineries. This Wednesday, The Noble Grape will be tasting out their Chenin Blanc, Fumé Blanc, Zinfandel, and The Mariner.  

Château de Gayon is an estate located in Southwestern France, near the Pyrenees Mountains. The castle dates back to the 13th century, years before the birth of Henry IV. It belongs to the small Madiran appellation. On Friday, David Ebert is sampling their ‘Goutte d'Soleil’ Gros Manseng, ‘Goutte d'Or’ Petit Manseng, ‘Dou Hauret’ Cabernet Franc blend, and ‘dou Barrinquet’ Cabernet Sauvignon blend.  

The Noble Grape is excited to team up with Drink Fly to deliver wines to you. Drink Fly is a free app for both iPhone and Android users which allows you to find local stores that carry your favorite alcoholic beverages, order you booze online, and then either pick up your purchase or have it brought to you in 60 minutes or less! Go to: www.drinkfly.com

to begin your experience and don’t forget to use the promo code “fly5” to receive 5% off your first order.

But What Does It MEAN?

Cat-pee? Graphite? Barnyard? These are words which might not conjure up mouth watering libations, however, they are useful when describing the flavor profiles of different wines. To help navigate through the wacky vocabulary wine geeks use, Wine Enthusiast was kind enough to help define 12 of the more commonly used “oddball” descriptors. Checkout their list at: http://www.winemag.com/Web-2014/12-Esoteric-Wine-Terms-Defined/.

The Noble Grape is excited to team up with Drink Fly to deliver wines to you. Drink Fly is a free app for both iPhone and Android users which allows you to find local stores that carry your favorite alcoholic beverages, order you booze online, and then either pick up your purchase or have it brought to you in 60 minutes or less! Go to: www.drinkfly.com

to begin your experience and don’t forget to use the promo code “fly5” to receive 5% off your first order.

This weeks holds two tastings in store for you. First, on Wednesday, Gary from Southern Wine & Spirits will be pouring a fantastic selection of wines from France and Italy. The wine selection that evening will be perfect for pairing at any of the multiple BYOB restaurants in the vicinity. Then this Friday, William is tasting out several of his favorite wines. The tasting will focus on wine that is perfect for the upcoming season of spring (if it ever arrives). And while you’re here, be sure to take a peek at our bombastic beer collection. Playoff season is underway and what better to help celebrate your victories (or down your sorrowful losses) than a cold, crisp beer?      

Can’t Stop. Won’t Stop… The Tastings

Another week is upon us and with it brings another set of tastings. Our tastings are designed to introduce wines, beers, and spirits, which you might not try on your own. Whether they are from smaller wineries or regions unknown to you, The Noble Grape strives to provide interesting tastings every week and this week is no exception!

On Wednesday, Dave, from Pure Wine Company, is sampling out Jax Y3 Chardonnay, Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc, Simple Life Pinot Noir, Battle Axe Malbec, and State of Art Red.  Battle Axe Malbec has an attractive, dark cherry-red color with violet hues. It displays  intense fruity aromas of cherries, blackberries and plums, which stand out against a background of fine toasty notes from ageing in top-quality oak. Warm, intense and well-structured on the palate, this Malbec carries an explosion of fruit flavors underscored by light oaky notes. The wine's robust tannins make it perfect for pairing with steak. Did someone just mention, “Spring barbeque”?

Then on Friday, Phil from Vino et Spiritus will be pouring Domaine de la Motte Chardonnay, Domaine Delsol Picpoul, Chateau Laval Costieres de Nimes, and Monte Ocijo Tempranillo. Domaine Delsol Picpoul has a golden color with green tints. Dry, light, and refreshing; the nose is fruity and floral, with hints of rose petal and lime. In the mouth it is lively and fresh with well balanced acidity. Ideal with shellfish, grilled fish and artisanal cheeses, this would work out well for… anything this spring!

  In the back of the shop Friday night, The Noble Grape will taste out a few of Biercée Distilleries liquors. Located in Belgium, the Biercée Distillery has been distilling top quality eaux-de-vie and liqueurs since 1946. Swing by and taste their fantastic Lemon, Cherry, and Chocolate liquors!

Passover & Easter

We have a couple of big holidays this week and what better way to celebrate them than with friends, family, food, and (of course) libations! For those of you looking for some Kosher grapes, look no further than Golan Cabernet Sauvignon. Made in Israel, Golan exhibits pleasing cherry and berry fruit notes, layered with hints of spice, herbs, vanilla and American oak. This flavorful and drinkable medium-bodied wine is a perfect addition to any meal! However, anyone searching for a little humor this Sunday needs to check out Pipeworks Easter Bunny vs. Unicorn Wheat Wine. This hoppy American style wheat wine, has a nice, full body, with a huge wheat base. It is hopped with a surprising combination of Amarillo and Hallertau Blanc for really nice, funky aroma. Citrus and white grape aromas abound with this one.

On Wednesday, Don from Original Wine Company is back and pouring some of his best wines yet! Castellroig Brut Cava, Labbe Vin de Savoie Abymes, Fouquette Provence Rose, and Domaine La Blaque Red blend will all be opened for your tasting pleasure. Castellroig is a small producer who is so careful with their production and so caring for the land that they were the first winery in Spain to be given the designation Vi de Terrer. It signifies that they go above and beyond organic and sustainable agriculture. All of the TLC really comes through in the wines too. The Brut has incredible clarity and intensity of flavors. Light straw-colored with an attractive nose of mineral, biscuit, and apple. On the palate it has a solid core of fruit, crisp, racy flavors, and a refreshing finish. Get ready for a preview of what you will be drinking all this spring and summer!   

This Thursday, The Noble Grape is very excited to be hosting Brooklyn Brewery’s MASH! From 6 - 8, Andrew will be tasting out Brooklyn Brewery Lager, Summer Ale, and Sorachi Ace. Mix all these awesome beers with some of The Noble Grape’s coolest staff members and we are guaranteed to have a most excellent night!

Finally on Friday, Chris from Raya Imports will hold a Chilean themed wine tasting. Aylin Sauvignon Blanc, Botalcura Crazy Quail and Botalcura Syrah/Malbec blend, as well as Chucaro Cabernet Sauvignon/Malbec shall all be there, just begging to be drank… and if you have any brains in your cranium, you WILL drink them up!   

Tastings Galore!

When the breeze is warm and the nights aren’t quite as cold, what’s a person to do? Staying inside won’t cut it, what do you think we have been doing for the last four months? Going out to the local watering holes has become too repetitive, again, where do you think we have been this whole winter? But wait. What if there was a place to go and sample wines, beers, and spirits before you begin your night? What if that place had several BYOB’s restaurants  within a four block radius? What if that place had a knowledgeable staff which could provide you with assistance for all your libation needs? Well, wait no further, The Noble Grape has all of these things available for you. With tastings every Wednesday and Friday, multiple BYOB restaurants in walking distance, and the best damn staff money can pay for, The Noble Grape is the one stop shop for all your boozy-beverage requirements!

This Wednesday, Andrew from H2Vino will be sampling out Mas Carlot Rose, Gougenheim Torrontes, River's Edge Gewurztraminer, Boxhead Shiraz, and Mas de Gourgonnier Rouge. Boxhead Shiraz is a lush, ripe, full-bodied example of a solid South Australian Shiraz. Playful, fun and balanced, the ripe raspberry, blackberry, plum and peppery spice make this a great pairing for burgers and pizza. BBQ anyone?
 

On Friday, Sean will be pouring Salmon Run Chardonnay blend, Black Ridge Pinot Grigio, L.A. Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zellerbach Syrah. Black Ridge Pinot Grigio has a sweet, citrus bouquet, followed by tastes of white peaches and orange blossoms finishing with a hint of acidity. Perfect for an evening picnic in the park.

Also on Friday, Nick will be tasting out Lagunitas Brewing Co.’s Sucks and IPA. These guys will soon be opening their satellite brewery in Chicago’s South Side, so get ready for their beers to be the freshest ever available to the Windy City!   

EAT.DRINK.CELEBRATE LOCAL!

We live in a wonderful city, full of excitement and adventure. One of the best parts about spring and summer in Chicago is exploring all of the different neighborhoods. Each has it’s own unique personality and every year there are new shops, bars, and restaurants popping up begging to be visited. It is with attitude in mind that The Noble Grape is very proud to team up with Ugly Mug Cafe Saturday, April 12, for an evening which will celebrate several local industry newcomers! Join us for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience with an amazing food menu designed by Red Butter and paired with complimentary tastings of locally brewed craft beers from Une Annee Brewery. Coffees prepared by Half Wit Roasters and tasty treats from Tipsycake complete a deliciously fun evening. Mix and mingle with foodie producers from Bucktown to the West Loop in the heart of Noble Square. Visit: http://eatdrinkcelebratelocal.brownpapertickets.com/ today and order your ticket for the event which promises to be the highlight of early spring in our fair city!

We have three killer tastings this week starting with several wines on Wednesday including Hi! Prosecco, Domaine Ballard Chapuis Sancerre, Villa Bel-Air Bordeaux Blanc, and Domaine Magellan Grenache blend. These wines are great for afternoon picnics and evenings barbecuing with friends. Be sure to check out Villa Bel-Air Bordeaux Blanc, it’s ripe and focused, with racy-edged grapefruit, white peach, quinine and straw flavors backed by a deft toasty edge on the finish. Yum.

This Friday, we will have two tastings for your drinking pleasure. In the front of the shop, Brian from Compass Wines will be pouring his portfolio favorites, which are always a treat. Meanwhile, in the back, Rob from Firestone Walker Brewing Company will be sampling out two of their best beers, Easy Jack Session IPA and Opal Farmhouse Ale! Easy Jack Session IPA is the newest passion project from Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. This is the direct result his vision for a different kind of Session IPA, one that would be brewed and dry hopped with a globetrotting selection of new hop varieties from Europe, New Zealand and North America. He foresaw a beer that would deliver massive hop aromas, a signature malt balance and an empty glass before you knew what hit you… and now it is here! Opal Farmhouse Ale is an unfiltered interpretation of the classic saisons that originated from the farmhouses of southern Belgium’s Wallonia region, dating back to the 1700s. In true agrarian beer fashion, Opal is loaded with rustic grains and spicy Belgian yeastiness, with a hazy namesake opalescence in the glass. Into this mix comes a dimension of dry-hopped brightness, layering in notes of fragrant citrus and tropical fruit. Good beers and good times are in store for us Friday night, so swing by and share in the revelry!

New Season & A New Reason… To Drink

It’s time! It’s time! Time to break out the grill. Time to get your winter coat. Time to put your winter coat into said grill and LIGHT IT ON FIRE! It’s also time to branch out from the stouts, whiskeys, and big red wines that we have been using to help us hibernate. NOW is the time for delectable saison ales like local brewery Une Année’s Austere. NOW is the time for delicious margaritas with terrific tequilas like Astral. NOW is the time for delicate rosés like 90+ Cellars Rosé from Languedoc. Now is the time for spring. Go home Winter, we are drinking with Spring now!

The Noble Grape has two great tastings this week, starting on Wednesday with Wendy from Distinctive Imports. Wendy will be pouring Greece’s Tselepos Rosé, as well as France’s Domaine Sauger Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine du Pre Baron Touraine Malbec, Le Tristan Cab Franc, and Italy’s Corte Gradoni Pradica. All these stellar wines are perfect for the shift in seasons. All these wines are perfect for you!

  On Friday, the hits keep coming at The Noble Grape with another tasting featuring wines from Stoller Wholesale! Stoller always brings the best of the best when they come-a-knockin’ and this Friday’s tasting will be no different. Wines and spirits galore shall be at your beck and call. So let’s greet spring with open arms, delicious barbecues, and damn good drinks! Just remember to chew your food guys…   

Journeyman Pride!

“Love makes the world go round? Not at all. Whiskey makes it go round twice as fast.”

― Compton Mackenzie

The Noble Grape was lucky enough to sample through several barrels of Journeyman Distillery’s finest Whiskeys recently and chose what we considered to be the crème de la crème of their Private Barrel Selection. Now we are proud to be the sole seller of Journeyman’s Featherbone Bourbon Whiskey Noble Grape Label! This Whiskey has a nose of butterscotch; the smooth body contains flavors of honey, blackstrap molasses and a hint of spice on the finish. Grab this delightful libation while it lasts!

This Wednesday, Carrie from Vibrant Rioja will be tasting several wines from… you guessed RIOJA! Located in north central Spain, Rioja is the most famous of Spain's wine-producing region. The relatively long growing season allows the fruit to ripen thoroughly without undue loss of acidity, permitting intensely flavored, complex wines with medium weight, moderate alcohol, and plenty of structure for aging. Carrie will be sampling out Ostatu Rose, Cepas Antiguas, Cortijo Tinto, and Lan Rioja Crianza. Swing by and try the best wine Spain has to offer!

Then on Friday The Noble Grape will be sampling out several wines from Minu Imports, including Murola Una Gamba, Le Pianure Pinot Grigio, Murola Due Gamba, Salvano Maestrale Barbera d'Alba, and Murola Montepulciano D'Abruzzo. Also on Friday we will be tasting out Citizen Cider! If you enjoy cider, this is an event you cannot miss! From the hopped Full Nelson to the ginger laced Dirty Mayor these are some of the best ciders available in Chicago. Don’t miss this tasting!

The Noble Grape is proud to announce we were voted as one of The Best Wine Stores In Chicago by CBS! Thank you all so much for supporting us!

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!

This seems to be the recent theme of our unending winter. But just like House Stark in Game Of Thrones, Chicagoans are made of hearty stock and know that winter is always coming. Therefore, we here at The Noble Grape will continue to celebrate this consistently cold climate with a pair of paramount tastings designed to delight the denizens of our district. But first, are you familiar with Cyser’s?

Cyser is a type of Mead made with apples, honey, and yeast. In essence, it is a Mead/Cider hybrid. This is one of the oldest fermented drinks in history and has been said to bestow upon the drinker good health, virility/fertility, and even special powers! It also tastes great. Vander Mill Cider & Wine Co. teamed up with New Holland Brewing Company to make their own version called, Puff The Magic Cyser. Made with Michigan apples and wildflower honey and aged in New Holland Brewing Company Dragon’s Milk Barrels, this Cyser has an added richness from the stout barrels which is balanced out by the honey and finishes with a hint of acidity from the cider. This is perfect for an early spring picnic or to sip on after dinner.
  On Wednesday, Anjelle from Stoller Wholesale will grace us with her presence and bring a few bottles of wine along with her. The tasting will consist of JP Chenet Sparkling Rose, Elsa Bianchi Torrontes, Restivo Malbec, Lan Rioja Crianza, and Oops Carmenere. Oops Carmenere is full of blackberry aromas that are underscored by notes of ground white pepper, spices, and leather. Rich and mouthfilling, black currant and plum flavors explode on the palate, with spice and herbs. The tannins are surprisingly smooth and silky for a wine with such body and flavor. This is a lovely wine, perfect for a richer BYOB dinner!

  Friday night will feature Stephanie from Connoisseur Wines and her favorite wines. The bottles being poured are the Bellafina Prosecco, Ventana Chardonnay, Ventana Pinot Noir, and Jason Stephens Estate Merlot. Merlot is back, baby! And it is better than ever. This grape is versatile enough to work well in red blends and can stand up to heavy food pairings on it’s own. The Jason Stephens Estate Merlot has a dense mouthfeel which is still silky smooth with velvety tannins. Concentrated fruit flavors are heightened with slight sweetness. Get on board The Merlot Train!

  Also on Friday The Noble Grape will be featuring the Enterprise CarShare promotion. Sign up for a membership at The Noble Grape and receive a $10 Noble Grape Gift Card.        

If the wind’s a blowin’...

...then the wine’s a flowin’. Which works out well for a city credited with an abundance of breeze. We’ve got three wine tastings this week, each special in its own way. So let’s get down to it.

  On Wednesday, Dan from Wine DOC is in the shop sampling out several of his stellar wares including The Ned Sauvignon Blanc, Roccafiore Rosso Melograno, Durigutti Malbec, and Musella Valpolicella. The Durigutti Malbec is bright, dark red in color with perfumed aromas of blackberry, currant, violet, licorice and menthol lifted by hints of herbs and pepper. Supple, ripe and nicely concentrated, with sweetness restrained by vigorous, harmonious acidity. It finishes thick, with fine-grained tannins and lovely lingering fruits and herbs.

Then this Friday, Heather from Rootstock will be pouring Colli Euganei Prosecco, Slang Rosé, Dupond Pinot Noir, and Luccarelli Primitivo. Luccarelli Primitivo has a youthful ruby color with purple highlights. Black-cherry, plum and spice aromas with a dry, medium body and ripe black fruit flavors with balanced acidity and fresh finish. This is the perfect wine for a cold night and some pizza.

  Finally, on Saturday, Kelly, from Fresh Coast, will have several bottles open throughout the evening starting at 4 and ending at 7. The tasting will consist of LCS Riesling, Domaine Berian Pinot Noir, LCS Cabernet Sauvignon, and everyone’s favorite, Cherry Wine! Swing by and say hello to us!

Longer Lasting Wine

I like wine, you like wine, EVERYONE LIKES WINE! But sometimes I only like a little bit of wine, a glass, maybe two. And therein lies the problem, I don’t want to waste half a bottle of delicious wine! What to do with a bottle after it has been opened? Well, there are a few options: First, recork that bottle and keep it in the ‘fridge for a couple of days. Second, buy a wine pump, remove some of the oxygen from the bottle, and keep in the ‘fridge for a few more days. Third, buy some really nice wine in a pouch, keep it for up to six weeks, and feel just a little smug in the knowledge that your wine uses highly sustainable packaging that has fewer raw materials, less Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and an improved product to package ratio than a bottle of wine! Wine Pouches, yeah! But more on that later.

This Wednesday, Freddy from Robert Houde Wines is having an Italian Wine Tasting for the ages, and it’s happening here! Freddy will be tasting out Bortolotti Lagrein Rosato Brut, Gini Soave Classico, Guelfi Montepulciano, and Pardi Montefalco Rosso. Pardi Montefalco Rosso has an intense and brilliant ruby color, a fine and vinous nose dominated by red fruits and especially cherries, a full and generous palate with big tannins and a persistent finish. This wine is perfect for food, particularly lamb or a carbonara. Freddy will also be tasting out an Austrian Gruner Veltliner. It’s good.

On Thursday, The Noble Grape will close at 8 for a private party. Be sure to grab your booze beforehand. That is all.

Friday night, Eric from Bonfire Wines will be sampling out their Pouch Wines! Founded by Eric Steigelman, Bonfire Wines was created to provide a solution to wine drinkers who wanted a wine along with the ability to take it with them wherever their “Bonfire” experiences led them. Stop by and try their floral delight, Ignite as well as their velvety Ember!

...But is it good?

 A question we here at The Noble Grape hear all too often, “Is it good?”. The wines we carry at our humble establishment are all hand picked (and tasted) by our knowledgeable wine buyers. We strive to have a selection of wines which are perfect for any occasion, be it a night in, cozied up with a book or a special event which calls for the best wine money can buy. These are the wines which we believe will suit you best. Some are old friends to you. Some are from grape varietals you may not be familiar with. But all are special in their own way (just like you)! This is why we encourage any and all to come to our free tastings every Wednesday and Friday, so you too can learn all about our great wines. And don’t forget, if not for you, we wouldn’t be around! Please let us know if there are any wines you’d like to see in the shop and if we can order some we will!

 We’ve got two great tastings for you this week and both are sure to be crowd pleasers. On Wednesday, Haus Wines will sample a Chenin Blanc, La Bastarda Pinot Grigio, Schug Pinot Noir, and Peterson Zero Manipulation Red Blend. Zero Manipulation is a Rhone-style blend, built on the strong structure of old-vine Carignane, with small percentages of other varietals. It's easy-to-drink with clean vibrant fruit aromas and flavors, and has just enough structure to make it interesting without needing cellar aging. The name Zero Manipulation comes from the Peterson Vineyards philosophy: “Our definition of Zero Manipulation is using the gentlest wine-making techniques possible to maximize flavors, aromatics and the original essence of the wine. The less you do in the course of a wine’s tenure in the cellar, the more of the grape's and vineyard's essence you’ll have to bottle.”

Then on Friday, Brian from Compass Wines is pouring Der Pollerhof Grüner Veltliner, Husch Gewurztraminer, Finca Andrade Malbec, and Flying Cloud Cabernet Sauvignon. Looking for a white wine that pairs well with just about everything? Look  no further than Grüner Veltliner. A refreshing, medium-bodied, peppery white wine with stone fruit flavors, Grüner Veltliner goes with everything from green salads to cold poached salmon to roasted chicken. Enjoy Scallops? Then pair them with a Grüner Veltliner. You can thank me later.  

We Deliver & Valentine’s Day

Yup, it’s that time of year again. The time when we tell our special someone how much they mean to us. The time of year when we get reservations for that really nice restaurant. The time of year where we buy chocolates and wine for an evening of romance and decadence. The time of year when… wait, you haven’t gotten your wine and chocolates? Well fret not, We Deliver, Chicago’s premium delivery service for small businesses is here to save the day. With several great packages created for Valentine’s Day (including one with a spa day and a gift card/truffle 4 pack from The Noble Grape) you can’t go wrong with We Deliver! Check out their promotion at: http://www.wedelivervalentines.com/.

This Wednesday The Noble Grape will have two tastings. In the front of the shop we will be tasting out CraftHouse. If you have not tried CraftHouse yet here is a little primer: Chief mixologist, Charles Joly, is world renowned and has an extraordinary palate and attention to detail. While there are thousands of bars out there, only a handful make thoughtful, fresh drinks. Charles wanted to create something that would be the closest thing you could get to having a craft cocktail specialist at your disposal. Come by and try their Moscow Mule, Southside, and Paloma cocktails! At the other end of the shop, Mike Kush will be sampling out two of his Chasing Harvest wines, a Pinot Noir and a Port. Chasing Harvest was created by husband and wife team, Michael Kush and Jennifer Kingen Kush. ‘Chasing harvest’ is a wine industry term that describes travel between the northern and southern hemispheres for extra vintage seasons in one year. After Mike’s first vintage in Sonoma, friends suggested they chase harvest, 20 harvests later, the rest is history. Their journey has taken them all over the world from the vineyards of Burgundy and Cahors, France; to the slopes of the Mosel; the Western Cape of South Africa; Sonoma, California; Italy and Argentina; historic Douro Valley, Portugal and its antipodes Central Otago, New Zealand. These guys are the real deal!

On Thursday we will be serving Love CorkScrew wineries Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Based out of Michigan, their Riesling is fragrant nosed with a distinct lemony-grapefruit character, a supple body and cleansing crispness make this perfect for pungent cheeses, and dried fruit desserts. Their Pinot Grigio is a medium-bodied, flavorful wine with a crisp and clean apple and pear character. This robust flavor makes the perfect companion to light seafood, meat, and cheeses. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is smooth yet complex with aromas of dark ripe cherries and dark berries. Great with a thick dish like a beef stew, pot roast, grilled veal or lamb.

Finally on Friday, Matt Bonanno from MF will be pouring his Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Matt Bonanno and Fritz Stuhlmuller joined forces to create Matthew Fritz, MF, with the mission to consistently deliver premium wines from top notch appellations at outstanding prices. In the back of the shop we will be tasting out local Chicago brewery, Baderbrau’s Pilsener and Red Velvet, yum!