NewsletterNovember, 2007
TASTING CALENDARCOALTRAIN’S DECADENT CHRISTMAS SALE TASTINGDecember 5th, 5:30-8 pm : at THE BRIARHURST "Try before you buy" might be the most accurate description for this tasting. Dozens of carefully selected wines from our Christmas wine sale will be opened for your delectation. You can pick out your favorites and later come by the store to snag them at the sale price. And, to enhance the wines, an array of hors d’oeuvres and other small plates will be provided by the Briarhurst’s talented kitchen. The tasting date is Wednesday, December 5th, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with wrap-up at 8 p.m. The charge is $35 per taster. Call us to reserve your slots (475-9700). BEST OF THE BEST WINE DINNERDecember 13th, 6:30 : at LA PETITE MAISON This might be our favorite tasting of the year because we enjoy the finest wines we have tasted in the previous year. Normally these are wines are rare and, at times, costly. Better yet, La Petite’s brilliant chef, Henri Chaperont, prepares just the right foods to maximize the wines’ flavors. We are already salivating. The dinner will take place on December 13th. The first canapés will be served at 6:30 p.m. Space is severely limited (to ensure top quality), so you should reserve your seats as soon as possible by calling us at 475-9700. The tariff is $100 per diner (plus tax and tip). Past dinners have proven that Henri’s stellar cuisine paired with the sensational wines will provide an unforgettable gastronomic experience. RARE BIRD BOURBON TASTINGDecember 17th, 6 pm : at THE WAREHOUSE This should be interesting, we don’t often do bourbon tastings. The motivation is that we have just acquired access to some of the rarest and finest bourbons in existence. In the line-up will be the 10 and 17 year old Eagle Rares. Rare birds indeed. Among the other rarities will be Buffalo Trace, Van Winkel 12 year old, George T. Stagg (cask strength), and Sazerac Rye 6 year old, Weller 12 year old and the old "benchmark," Blantons. We have enlisted the "Whiskey Professor," Buz Dabkowski, to shepherd us through these sublime spirits. Buz has conducted whiskey tastings and seminars around the world. So, we all will be in knowledgeable and experienced hands. The tasting/seminar will take place at the Warehouse on Monday, December 17th. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. The cost per participant is $30 (plus tax and tip). As usual, call us (475-9700) to secure your places. Thanksgiving FeastingThanksgiving, America’s celebration of eating, is a sad day for turkeys. More often than not the magnificent fowl is the centerpiece of all the gourmandizing. Actually, a turkey should be proud of the immense pleasure it provides for Americans. From a wine perspective, a turkey is even greater. This is because its meat is receptive to many different kinds of wines. The wines can be white or red, dry or off-dry. In truth, there aren’t all that many wines that won’t pair happily with a turkey. We’ve heard people say that you should make your wine selection according to the stuffing. For instance, if the stuffing is oyster you should serve a dry, white wine. If the stuffing is herby or full-flavored, like Andouille sausage, you should use a red. So it goes. Of course there are many dishes other than turkey in a Thanksgiving feast that match with different wines. And some people don’t have turkey at all. That’s where we might be of some small assistance. We’ve been through Thanksgiving enough times to have a few tricks up our sleeves. So, following are some of our staff picks to handle the complete Thanksgiving feast, and the turkey as well. Pre-BirdRustico Prosecco, Nino Franco, $14.99: Prosecco, the sparkling wine from the Veneto of Italy, is a wine for those vamping in the living room or for those doing the "heavy lifting" in the kitchen. It’s dry, light and revitalizing. This is one of the finest Proseccos you can find! Rene Mure Cremant d’Alsace, Regularly $16.99/Sale $14.99: A sparkling wine, like above, but with more weight and broader shoulders. There are some yeasty aspects here that may appeal to true Champagne lovers. People could carry glasses of this to the dining table too. 2006 Craftsman Kirolyleanyka, Hungary, Regularly $9.99/Sale $8.99: One of the "darnedest" wines we’ve seen this year. It’s from Hungary from the Kirolyleanyka grape. Yeah, we never heard of the grape either. It’s like a cross of a Sauvignon Blanc and a Viognier. Thus, it’s refreshing, yet round in the mouth. Definitely a new experience. 2006 Sergio Carlei Rose, Green Vineyards, Australia, $20.99/$18.99: This is produced by one of Australia’s finest winemakers, Sergio Carlei. It’s pretty big for a rose; bountifully flavored. You could match it with the main courses. Ham would be a brilliant possibility.
The Gobbler and Other Tasties2006 Taburno Falanghina, Cantina Taburno, $15.99: This comes from near Naples. It’s made from the Falanghina grape which is thought to have come from Greece. It’s the finest we have tasted in America. It’s a medium bodied white with mesmerizing layers of flavor, and a fetching floral nose. It will handle the bird or even pork or a ham. 2006 L’Ecole No. 41 Chenin Blanc, Washington, $12.99: One of the best whites from Washington we have tasted this year. It’s in a demi-sec Vouvray-style meaning that is not completely dry. It could be the perfect link between the turkey and side courses, like cranberry salad. 2005 Russian Hill Chardonnay, Gail’s Vineyard, Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley, $29.99: Boy, what a mouthwatering Chardonnay here. It has no malolactic fermentation which makes for a delicacy in its flavors and lively freshness. It is fermented with 50-50 stainless steel and French Oak giving it great balance and nuances. 2005 Russian Hill Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $32.99: An agile Pinot Noir with plum, cherry and Asian spice aspect. Hefty, but imbued with an ethereal finesse. How do they do it? A fine example of what Russian River Pinot Noir can achieve. This is one of those rising stars whose price will soon catch it’s quality. 2005 Beaux Freres Pinot Noir, Beaux Freres Vineyard, Williamette Valley, Regularly$72.99/Sale $64.99: Oregon’s Pinot Noir classic! Intensely scented and flavored. Bushels of cherries and berries in sublime equilibrium. It can handle turkey and all the "fixins." Made by Mike Etzel, one of the world’s masters of Pinot Noir. 2005 Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir (Louis Latour), Vin des Pays Coteaux du Verdon, Regularly $13.99/Sale $12.99: A hefty Pinot Noir from the south of France. Normally, Pinots from that area worry us (too hot a climate), but this turned out fine. Its dusty, cherry flavors will complement both white and dark bird meat. 2005 Cotes du Rhone, Mon Cour, J.L. Chave, Regularly $18.99/Sale $16.99: Of the myriad of Cotes du Rhone in Coaltrain, this is our favorite. A paragon of balance, it’s pretty big so you might try it with a smoked turkey, red meats or with the cheese platter (depending on the cheeses, of course). 2004 Montebuena Rioja, $10.99: For us, this is the most significant Spanish value we have. We say this because it’s not "over the top" with alcohol and extraction like so many from the Iberian peninsula. There is a charming, red fruit aspect with a most agreeable mouthfeel. It should cover most aspects of a turkey and veal or pork roast as well. 2004 Quinta dos Aciprestes, Douro (Portugal), $12.99: A pretty big boy here, but not obese. It’s one of the dry reds coming from Portugal’s Douro valley, where Port is made. Some of these can be rather pricey. Not this, it’s a steal. Not per se a turkey wine. We would rather direct it to wild game or beef roasts. 2005 Waters Syrah, Columbia Valley, Washington, $25.99: Not as effusive as an Australian Shiraz (Syrah), but fuller than most French Syrahs. It would be most interesting to try this with a deep fried turkey. The winery is owned by great Colorado Springs’ guys. So, support our "hood" with this beauty. 2003 Hans Igler Blaufrankisch, Burgenland (Austria), $19.99: Austrian wines, like this, are among the hottest food wines in the world today. They have an ineffable grace. This is a medium, to full-bodied red that would marry delightfully with virtually anything, other than seafood. Thus, if in doubt, go with this.
Dessert and Beyond2006 Elio Perrone Moscato d’Asti, Sourgal, $15.99: No matter what the meal, we like reviving the palate with a lightly sparkling Moscato d’Asti. There is a touch of sweetness, but not too much. It’s one of the most versatile after dinner wines. 2004 Carmes de Rieussec Sauternes, Regularly $19.99/Sale $17.99 (375 ml.): Utterly amazing for its delicacy, style and charm. Gee, where do we come up with this? But it is true. It calls for a delicate, stylish and charming dessert. Please bring one by for the Coaltrain staff on Thanksgiving Day. (Yes, we’re open —10 am to 4 pm) Cossart Gordon 5 Years Old Malmsey Madeira, $22.99: The house of CG was established in 1745 on the isle of Madeira-not quite in time for the pilgrims-but in time to toast the Declaration of Independence. This is a rich, nutty fortified wine with a finish that lasts until you’re ready to have another for a nightcap. It is a splendid after dinner drink taken on its own or with a pumpkin or pecan pie perhaps. Have another Madeira, my dear.
Featured Beers2007 Avec les Bons Voeux de la Brasserie Dupont, Tourpes-Leuze, Belgium $9.99: This brewery is situated in Tourpes, incorporated in an old farm dating from 1759, and brewing since 1844. The original beer was a ‘Saison Beer’, meaning it was brewed in the winter, to be drunk the following summer by the workers in the fields. This beer was first brewed in 1970 to give as a new year’s present to their best clients. ‘Avec les Bons Voeux’ means ‘With the Best Wishes’. Popular demand has now drawn it into commercial production. The beer is coppery blond, with fine hop aromas, and tastes bitter, fruity and mild. Secondary fermentation in the bottle will continue to sculpt the beer as it ages in your cellar. The final product is a well-balanced brew possessing complex aromas. Presented in a cork-finish champagne bottle, this beer is perfect to enjoy at the holiday table and to ring in the New Year! 2007 Scaldis Noel, Brasserie Dubuisson Frères, Leuze-Pipaix, Belgium, $4.49- 8 oz. Btl: This beer is from the French-speaking region of Wallonia in a province called Hainaut. Hainaut means ‘Land of Groves’ and is the richest agricultural province in the country. The brewery is located in the hamlet of Pipaix, and has been in operation since 1769. This beer carries an alcohol content of 12%, which can translate to heavy and sweet, however, Scaldis is quite dry with a pleasant nutty finish. The Scaldis Noel does have a touch of sweetness, but it is well balanced with hoppiness. This beer is best enjoyed before or after dinner, and should be served close to room temperature (60º). At this temperature the clean hop finish, kettle-seared sugar flavors, and the roasted quality of the barley can expose themselves. Also available in very limited quantities: Scaldis Noel Premium, 13% ABV, $17.99- 750mL; and Scaldis Prestige, Oak-Aged, 13% ABV, $44.99- 750mL.
Celebrate with Beer this Holiday SeasonIn the true spirit of Thanksgiving, stand proud and enjoy a beer. It’s been documented in voyage journals that the Mayflower abandoned its voyage and landed in Plymouth due to running out of beer (http://beeradvocate.com/articles/240). Chances are they were enjoying a tasty beer at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Following are a few suggestions to enjoy on ‘turkey day’ and beyond. Pre-Bird—Save your palate by keeping it light early. Lagers are the best choice here. Polestar Pilsner, Left Hand Brewing Co., Longmont, CO $7.99- 6 Packs Blue Paddle Pilsner, New Belgium Brewing Co., Ft. Collins, CO $7.69- 6 Packs Snake River Lager, Snake River Brewing Co., Jackson, WY $7.99/ Sale $6.49- 6 Packs
|
Printer Friendly Version
COALTRAIN
Wine & Spirits
330 W. Uintah
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
719-475-9700