Branch Out, Warm Up

 

 

We may have arrived at the point in winter where we feel a bit blah. The holidays are over, but it's still cold. It still gets dark at 5:00, and routines can seem all the more routine and grinding when paired with consistently overcast skies.

 

However, the point of this missive is not to emphasize your mid-winter blues, but to suggest ways to alleviate them! Shake up your routine with some left-field wines and beers, which conveniently enough, will also warm you physically. 

 

And since staying in might be a better option than braving mid-20 degree temperatures, we'll also throw in an interesting (well, in our opinionated opinion, anyway) media pairing with each item, just for fun! Send us your favorite wine/media pairing, and we'll feature our favorites in our next email.

 

 

 

Port That Isn't Port

 

 

Portugal's most famous wine export? The appropriately named Port, that luscious fortified wine that brims with raisins, plums, prunes, as well as nutty characteristics in its tawny form. Often approaching 20% alcohol, it will definitely warm you up, but overindulging usually does not end well (we can say this from experience).

 

We want to tell you about the other "port," Portugal's dry table wines. Imminently more sippable, and usually way more affordable, you'll get some of that lovely sun-baked quality that graces port, but without the sweetness or the oft-crippling potency.

 

Lavradores Duoro Red

was $13

SALE $11

 

We look for wines that make us say "oh! That's notable!" It may not even be good (that judgement comes after), but anything different, and we're paying attention. This wine got our attention. And it was more than just different: it was delicious and approachable, very fresh and lively. Refreshing acidity accents elegant yet exhubarent fruits. Plum, baked cherry and a distinct grapiness are topped off with cleansing violet notes.

 

 

Media pairing: "Viva Vaia"on 91.1FM, WRVU (Saturdays, 8-10pm)

How cool is it that here in Nashville we have access to a wonderful weekly radio program focusing on Brazilian pop, rock and (of course) bossa nova? One of the more professionally-produced shows on Vanderbilt's student radio station, "Viva Vaia" is the perfect accent to a great glass of this easy-drinking red wine. Singing along to Astrud Gilberto or Os Mutantes is also the best way to practice your Portuguese. And thanks to technology, you don't even have to wait til Saturday night: listen to the most recent show via real audio archive.

 

Slovenia? 

 

A part of the former Yugoslavia until 1991, and having been divided between its neighbors (which include Hungary, Austria and Italy) for centuries, Slovenia has only recently begun to form a national identity. However, the production of wine has been a constant throughout their history. Slovenian wine shares much with those of their Italian neighbors in Friuli, and in fact one of our favorite Slovenian wineries, Movia, actually has vineyards on both sides of the border.

 

Movia is serious wine: along with more well-known varietals like Pinot Nero [Noir], Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, they also grow cool grapes like Tocai and Ribolla Gialla. Their winemaking methods further distinguish them from the sea of more-of-the-same: the whites are oak-aged, but rarely reflect oakey flavors (instead taking on rich, supple bodies while maintaining great acidity), and are bottled unfiltered and without added sulfites. In fact, the whole winery is strictly biodynamic, which is organic taken to the furthest extreme. The wines reflect a unique terroir, and are often of a fascinating, savory nature, which makes them great "winter whites." Check out a cool blog entry by Eric Asimov of the New York Times about Movia. 

 

We have the Tocai ($18) and the Ribolla ($24) in stock, and you will have the chance to taste the Ribolla paired with traditional Friulian cuisine at our wine dinner at City House on February 4 (still spots open! Call City House (615-736-5838) to make reservations. $63/person, 6:30pm; this is not to be missed!).

 

 

Media Pairing: Monocle Magazine (http://www.monoclemagazine.com/). Tyler picked this up while stranded at the airport recently (imagine that!). The current issue is all about travel and luxury, and the magazine itself is quite luxurious, with nice paper stock and beautiful design. There is even an article about Slovenia, the new seat of the EU and an up-and-coming travel hotspot. There are some great articles about politics, business and culture as well. The magazine is perfect for people adventurous, wordly and curious enough to try a wine like Movia.

 

 

 

 

Asian Beers

 

You're all over the Belgian Abbey ales. You've had that quadruple IPA from California. For those looking to try something new, we have some fantastic beers from Japan and Sri Lanka that have your name all over them.

 

Hitachino Nest (Japan; $5 for 330mL)

 

Kiuchi Shuzou Ltd. was established in 1823 in the tiny hamlet of Kounosu ("Nest") as a producer of Japanese Sake. In 1996 the company started brewing beers and have received much critical acclaim as well as taking many awards at international beer competions. They brew a wide vareity, stylisticly, from light, bright, refreshing (Ginger Brew) to super dark and filling (Espresso Stout). They also brew several seasonal ales that take cues from many Belgian styles, utilizing an array of different herbs and spices in the brewing process. This process adds lots of complexity and character to the beer, of which their Japanese Classic Ale is an excellent example. We also stock the Red Rice Ale which, with its slightly pinkish hue and fruity berry nuances, make it extraordinarily unique.

 

 

Lion Stout (Sri Lanka; Sale! $10/6pack (was $12))

 

Super dark color, even for a stout. Lots of roasted coffee and malt aromas, with nuances of toffee and chocolate. Softer carbonation lends a very rich and creamy texture, yet the beer remains surprisingly drinkable. Nice sweet molasses and chocolate flavors are balanced by a slightly bitter coffee bean edge.  Superb, very affordable stout from a very unexpected locale.

 

 

Media Pairing: In The Mood For Love. One of the leaders of the Hong Kong cinema, the title of Wong Kar Wai's 2000 film In The Mood For Love may sound really cheesy, but nothing could be further from the truth. The cinematography is utterly captivating, with intereiors bathed in warm muted jewel tones and rich shadows, capturing the feeling if one were to dream in early technicolor. The story of neighbors in 1960s Hong Kong brought together out of mutual heartache is touching, genuine, restrained and never trite. It will warm you as much as either of the stouts mentioned above, just beware if the subtitles start to get a bit slanty! And look out for Wong's upcoming film, My Blueberry Nights, starring Norah Jones and Jude Law: his first film made in America.

 

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PS - Our Chilean tasting at Marche this coming Wednesday is full, but as mentioned above, we still have spaces for the City House Italian wine dinner (February 4, 6:30pm, $63. call 615-736-5838).