Wine-Gallery

What's New In The Jukebox?!

2010-03-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Welcome to our brand new, weekly publication, "What's New In The Jukebox?!" As the name, er, directly states, this is where you can read about what we've just put in for your tasting pleasure. Or you can just come on down* and taste for yourself.

Anywho, here's what's new this week.

Caligiore Grazioso- For those of you that have been basking in this spring time weather, I thought I'd put in something special. Made with 100% organically grown Torrontes grapes, this wine has captured that spring-time weather, liquidized it and put it in a bottle. A very fresh wine, with peaches, pears, kiwi and lemon. A delight at $11.99

Marquee Chardonnay- From s super solid Australian producer, this unoaked Chardonnay has lively notes of citrus and tropical fruit. No vanilla oak here, so if you prefer a brighter, livelier style wine, this is the one for you.

Talamonti Tre Saggi- Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Medium bodied with dark notes of blackberry and jam. Looking at it in the glass, you'd expect it to be a big, dark, tannic wine, but taste it and you'll see. It's actually very silky and friendly. Rachel Ray just recommended this wine with a penne, ricotta and pesto dish. Sounds pretty good to me.

So you could read my reviews here (kinda boring) or you could just come to Wine Gallery Brookline and taste the wines and see how you like them yourself. See you here.

Cheers,
Louis

*R.I.P Rod Roddy and, CBS, please don't sue us.

Wine Classes

2009-11-15T11:28:00.000-08:00

Hey!

Tired of not knowing the difference between Brachetto and Barolo?

Annoyed with being the victim of countless jokes by your enophile friends?

Just looking to lord over your boss, co-workers, employees, in-laws, neighbors?

Well have I got the answer for you!

Take a wine class!

With three different instructors, and classes constantly being held, you'll be spouting off different appellations and soil types before you know it! Nothing is better than a little knowledge and that is just what Jo-Ann, Ron and I will give you. Whether you take any of Jo-Ann's upcoming Italian classes, Ron's sparkler lesson or any of my themed crash courses, you're guaranteed* to become smarter, taller, more attractive and make more money within two weeks!

For more information on Ron and Jo-Ann's classes check out www.wine-gallery.com

For more info on mine go to www.thesecondglass.com.

Or if the www intimidates you, just send me an email at lkrieger@wine-gallery.com and I'll be happy to answer your questions.

Hope to see you there,

Louis

*Results are in no way guaranteed. With the exception of becoming smarter, results are, in fact, quite unlikely.

Gobble Gobble!

2009-11-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Fellow drinkers,

Welcome back!

Alright fine, I guess it's more of a welcome back to me because this page has been dormant for some time, but keep checking back because I am going to be constantly updating it with tasting info, special store treats and new and exciting product offerings.

This Friday and Saturday, like most people, we're going to be getting ready for Thanksgiving. Yay Thanksgiving! What is not to love about a holiday where eating and drinking like a pig is not only accepted but encouraged?! So this weekend we're going to be offering you free samples of some of our favorite Thanksgiving wines. Want to start the holiday off with a little bubbly? We'll be tasting Santome Prosecco. Want to try the old staple pairing of turkey with Riesling? We'll have two opened for you, St. Antonius Spatlese and Forster Halbtrocken. Want a light, peppery Pinot Noir? We've got Poppy. Whatever your fancy is, we've got an answer for it. And remember, we also have 48 wines open in our Jukebox, and with 10 new ones put in over the last week, there's a perfect pairing waiting to happen.

So come join us, taste, talk and learn.

See you then,
Louis

It's not copying, it's artistic expression

2009-08-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
Alright, look, let's get it out there. I know there haven't been tastings the last couple of weeks. But you know what, everyone is allowed a little me time. Myself included. We still cool?

Good... We're still friends. So, just like friends, let's drink some wine this weekend! I'll be pouring wines from Trace Cellars in California. They make a Chardonnay, a Cabernet, and a Merlot, so there is something for everyone. And, better still, they're only $9.99. Yup, quality wine from our west coast friends at affordable prices. Check the sky for flying pigs.

Also look for our Grab & Go stacks. It's a great way to save 25% on one red and one white wine each month. This month It's going to be Vina Antigua Malbec/Bonarda and Ripa Marchetti Verdicchio. Better still, they are both in our tasting machinese so before you commit, come by and try a free sample.

But the good things don't stop there. We're continuing our Crash Course series with our pals at the secondglass (www.thesecondglass.com) Last time we talked about the killer wines coming out of Italy, the time before that we hipped you guys to the Rhone Valley and this week we're going to be pouring and talking about some great summer reds. Keep checking in for further details.

That's all for now, see ya!

Louis

You want a tasting, you can't handle the tasting!

2009-07-12T10:30:00.001-07:00

Yeah, yeah, I know. It's corny. So what?

So, sorry guys, but there is not going to be a special tasting this weekend.
However, before you storm the storm, torches and pitchforks in hand, know that I have just put some new wines in the Jukebox and they are always up for tasting.

Also stop by and check out some of the new changes that we are implementing in the wine department. Check out the "Grab 'N' Go" stacks. Each month we will feature one red and one white wine. By taking an unopened 12 pack from the stacks, you will receive 25% off that case. This month we have Ripa Marchetti Verdicchio and Sur Bonarda. Just come on in, grab a case and save 25%. It's that simple. Just grab and go.

Next week we'll be back on track with tastings. I'm thinking Alsace. Thoughts?

Happy trails,

Louis

From Oregon to Georgia, wine from around the world.

2009-06-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Howdy,
We've been having a lot of rain lately, haven't we? Call me gloomy, but I really like it. Know where else they have a lot of rain? You got it smarty, the Pacific Northwest! That's why, on Friday, we're going to be tasting the wines of the Willamette Valley Vineyards! (Alright, you caught me, the rain theme was coincidental, but I need all the credit I can get!) Back by popular demand, Kate from Boston wine will be here pouring their Pinot Noir, the Whole Cluster Carbonic Maceration Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. Yes, the wines are awesome. Yes, they are certified Salmon Safe, Organic, and farmed sustainably. They are good people who make good wine, so try it. As always, it's free.

On Saturday, we'll be showcasing the wines of Georgia. Nope, not the state famous for it's peaches and blue eyed girls, but the former Soviet Nation. And guess what?! They have rain there too! What a theme! We'll be tasting through some freaky, fun to pronounce wines like Mukuzani, Saperavi, Kindzmaruli and Tsinindali. WHAT?! You've never had Kindzmaruli?! Well, boy, you don't know what you're missing. See you then.

Also, don't forget that this Monday we'll be hosting a crash course with the Second Glass. This week is going to be a blind sparkler tasting, full of merriment, prizes, wine and good times. For more info check out the Second Glass website at www.thesecondglass.com

See ya,
Louis

Summer Whites!

2009-06-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Continuing on our theme of welcoming summer (seriously, where is it?!) this week we're going to have our good friend Kate from Boston Wine pouring some of her favorite summer whites. While she won't reveal the final line-up, she's hinted that it may include some sparklers, some Italian wine (and if I have anything to do with it, she'll be pouring Lugana- look it up it's fantastic)perhaps a domestic or two, and that's all she's saying. Stop by, see what she has up her sleeve, and drink the rainy days away.

Also, for those of you that were here for our latest crash course, "They grow wine there?!" it was fun wasn't it? Yup, sure was. And even if you missed it, we're going to be doing them every other Monday from now on, so stop by for the next one on June 29, it's going to be bubbly for the holiday. Check out www.thesecondglass.com for more info.

Bottoms up,
Louis

Poppin Bottles Version 2.0

2009-06-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow winos,
It's summer. Can you feel it? Breathe in deeply. Hold it. Bless you, bless you, bless you. Yup, that's pollen my friend, and it symbolizes summer as well as corn on the cob and clambakes. So in honor of our hot weather friend, we're going to dedicate this week to summer wines. On Tuesday, along side the Second Glass (www.thesecondglass.com) we're hosting our second crash course. This time around it's summer wines. I'm not going to give you the line-up but I do guarantee a good time. Go to their website for tickets. Also be on the lookout for future crash courses, we're going to be doing them on a bi-weekly basis.
Now for the free news. This weekend we're going to be pouring the wines from Gruet vineyards in New Mexico. I know, you hear New Mexico and you think deserts and big spiders. At least that's what I thought. However, after tasting these wines I was able to add a third descriptive term; amazing sparkling wines.
Go ahead, admit it to yourself, you don't believe me. Well tell you what, I dare you, no, I double dare you to come by and try them for yourself. Leave your fancy-pants Champagne at home and drink the sparkler that is rocking the lay mans (laymen?)world.
See you then,
Louis

Rhone if you want to

2009-05-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a while since I rapped at you and I could give a bunch of excuses, but honestly, not many of you are interested, so I'll save it. We've been having fun drinking and talking, and many of you have been joining us for it. Anyway, we've brought in tons of new products since our last update, and this week we're going to be tasting some of them, specifically the wines of the Southern Rhone Valley. Ever had Vinsobres, the latest region in the Rhone Valley to obtain it's appellation status? How 'bout good ol' fashioned Cotes du Rhone? What about some white Chateaunuef du Pape, one of my personal favorites and a truly under-appreciated wine. Even if you're a regular Rhone expert, come on by for a taste of the high-life (not to be confused with the Champagne of beers)
Until the weekend,
Louis

The name of this wine is beer.

2009-04-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Think less of the decisions between red and white, still and sparkling. This week, you need not worry about French wine vs. Italian. Forget about the complex regional laws and hard-to-pronounce grape varietals that surround the wine world. After many intellectual debates, and deep philosophical conversations (ie. thumb war) it was decided that our friends in the beer department will be pouring all weekend. Welcome folks, to the BEERSTRAVAGANZA!!!

On Thursday, from 5-7 we will have real life brewers pouring their real life brews, not just the fake stuffed ones we usually keep lying around this place. They'll be here from...
Nogne O
Jolly Pumpkin
High & Mighty

On Friday, we'll be pouring Aspall Cyder (it's extra cool because of the "y") This tasty treat has all of the British authenticity that you've come to expect from an authentic English Cider.

Drum roll please...
If you've never been to a drinkcraftbeer.com tasting before, well, then obviously you don't know what you're missing out on, but take my word for it, it's a lot. This weekend they'll be hanging out with us, drinking craft beer and eating craft cheeses, both of which have been paired together to enhance enjoyment. This guaranteed-to-be-awesome event is happening here on Saturday from 3-6. For more details check out their website (drinkcraftbeer.com)

So, that's all for now. Next weekend we'll have more wine, and in the mean time, broaden your horizons and come drink beer with us.

-Louis
P.S. Watch out for that beer guy, he has really strong thumbs.

Local Wine Tasting

2009-04-14T12:04:00.001-07:00

Everyone has heard about buying and supporting local food and industry. I think we ever spoke about it once before. Anywho, California is kind of far away. So is Oregon. And France. And Chile. Frankly, the list of wine regions that are far away goes on and on, and my wrists are beginning to hurt. So cutting to the chase, this weekend, we are going to be tasting some truly local wine. Like, within the state. Some within the greater Boston Metropolitan area. Also, there will be people from the wineries here talking about how the wine is made and all that good stuff. So please welcome...

Still River Winery- Harvard, MA
Turtle Creek Winery- Lexington, MA
Boston Winery- Dorchester, MA
Running Brook Vineyards- Dartmouth, MA

Perhaps other surprise guests? The only way to find out is to come by.

Until then,
Louis

Wine Riot

2009-04-14T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yeah yeah, we all know about the Wine Expo. Take 98,000,000 people and cram them into a room with too little wine, too many guzzlers and hope for the best. Well, our friends over at the Second Glass (www.secondglass.com) have decided that they are going to take all the good, leave out all the bad, and make their own event. Everyone, welcome to the Wine Riot! Two full days of totally excellent wine, wine experts, classes, food pairings, the largest wine tasting ever (we all knew twitter was good for something...) and tons more. Basically, it's going to be totally awesome.

So here's how you get in.

Step 1: Come to the Wine Gallery
Step 2: Ask one of our friendly employees about buying tickets
Step 2.5: If they give you a blank look, just ask for me
Step 3: Buy the tickets (VIP night, $65, Next day $45)
Step 4: Go to Wine Riot, have a great time, tell the lovely Second Glass people what a dynamite job they did.

Here's when you get in:
Friday, April 17, 6-10 PM---VIP night (Extra special with Champagne classes, biodynamic panel (yeah, what is biodynamic anyway) and biggest wine tasting ever (remember, we were just talking about twitter.)

Saturday, April 18th, 1-5 and then again at 6-10: Less special, but still totally excellent Wine Riot!

So go to it. Learn. Taste. Talk. Have a good time.

See you there,
Louis

Talk to me!

2009-04-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

People!

I need to know what YOU want to see at OUR tastings. Come on, help a brother out, tell me what you think. And I know what you're going to say, "but Louis, it's nice to have it be a surprise." Codswallop. Also, I'm almost out of ideas, so if you don't tell me what you want, next week we're tasting water.

Can't wait to hear what you've got.

Louis

Le Vin du Francais

2009-04-07T16:03:00.001-07:00

Common perception- the French make the best wine.

Now where did this come from? Word of mouth? Wine Spectator magazine? Good PR on behalf of the French Consulate? Is it fact or fiction?

Well, this weekend at the Wine Gallery, we'll be looking at just those questions. Jo-Ann Ross, our Certified Wine Expert, will be tasting and talking about some of the more famous French wines (yes, we will have a Sancerre open) and pointing you towards regions you may not know of yet (Entre Deux Mers)

Come on by, taste your way through old world wines, and make up your own mind.

See you then,
Louis

Don't Knock It Til You Try It

2009-03-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

I'm all about the underdogs. Name brand wines certainly have a place, and sometimes all you want is something simple and recognizable. Let us hope, however, that this is not the case this weekend because here at the Wine Gallery, we'll be pouring the hidden gems, the little known grapes, yes, the underdogs of the wine world. Come by for a taste of Lemberger. Or perhaps you'd like a little Muscat Canelli. What's that you say, you're in the mood for some Cserzegi Fuszeres? Well then, you're in luck because we will have all those and some others open for your tasting pleasure. So come on by, kick convention out the door, and drink some wine you've never heard of.

Bottoms up,
Louis

Poppin' Bottles

2009-03-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves Champagne. Yay Champagne! Everyone hates the price. Boo expensive stuff! So what is a celebratory person such as yourself to do?! Well, that's simple. Drink Cava! Yay Cava! This bubbly is a great alternative to Champagne, and at way less than half the price of your standard bottle of Champagne, you'll soon be singing it's praises. This weekend we'll be pouring Poema Cava-both the Brut and the Extra Dry. These light bodied wines, made up entirely of the Macabeo grape, have bright flavors of peaches and pears, with hints of toasted bread. Come on by for a sample, and see for yourself why the Champenoise are getting a little sweaty.

-Louis

And The Winner Is...

2009-03-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

First of all, I want to give a quick thanks to all who came out for the Grand Tasting. It was a really great time for all, and if you missed it, don't fret. We're having another one really soon! Well, not that soon. Actually, not soon at all, but we are having another one in the fall, so mark the yet unannounced date in your calendars!
Anyway, after opening over 100 wines, there is not much left that you people haven't tasted. So what we are going to do this weekend, is showcase the top sellers from the Grand Tasting. If you were here, you liked them so much that you are dying for another taste, if you weren't at the tasting, we're presenting you with a great opportunity to weed out the junk* wines and only taste the good ones! So in completely particular order I present to you the top five best selling wines

1) Ripa Marchetti Verdicchio
2) Val Vitis Cabernet Sauvignon
3) Val Vitis Syrah
4) Deerfield Sangiovese
5) Sosabe Chardonnay

So stop by Friday between 5 and 7 or Saturday between 3 and 6 for your (second) taste of these winners
See you then,
Louis

*obviously there was no "junk" wine, I mean, c'mon.

Que Syrah, Shiraz

2009-02-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

To be clear on one thing, there is no difference. Syrah/Shiraz Tomato/Tomato Potato/Potato (so the last two are tonal differences and the meaning is lost when written, but you get the idea)The only difference is where the grapes are grown. Syrah= France and California (among others) and Shiraz= Australia and South Africa (among others.) Come by Friday and Saturday for a chance to taste Shiraz/Syrah from all over the world. From 5-7 on Friday and 3-6 on Saturday we'll be tasting:
Juno Shiraz (South Africa)
Amadio Shiraz (Australia)
Alcina Syrah (California)
Jules Syrah/Grenache- I know it's a blend, but it's 80% Syrah ok, so let it go- (France)
Caligiore Syrah Reserve (Argentina)
Alvear PQ Syrah (Spain)
Marquee McLaren Vale Shiraz (Australia)
Slaley Shiraz (South Africa)

Come by for a little lesson on this is tasty grape and have a few glasses, guarenteed to be fun or your money back*

See you Friday
Louis

*Tasting is free, so even if you hate it, we're not giving you any money.

Don't cry for me Argentina

2009-02-23T14:04:00.001-08:00

Argentina, Argentina, Argentina. Everyone is talking about Argentine wine these days and why shouldn't they? No matter what your taste preference is, Argentina has something excellent to offer you. Be it the light and cheerful Torrontes, which has an amazing ability to capture the essence of summer with it's bright peach and mango fruitiness and an almost effervescent quality, or the dark and seductive Malbec, begging for snowstorms and steaks, with it's deep, rich and silky texture wrapped around hearty flavors of plum, smoke, dried figs and earth.

We now have five Argentine wines in our Jukebox, so come by, make yourself familiar with them, and understand what all the buzz is about. Even if you're already best buds with Argentina, come by and try our wines. After all, they are free.

Happy drinking,
Louis

Wine Of The Week

2009-02-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

In these tough economic times, everyone is being told to support local businesses. With regards to wine, that has always been a little tricky, seeing as how most wine producers fall into the "really far away" category. However, thanks to the people at the Boston Winery, that is no longer the case! Winemaker Raffaele Bruno brings his life-long experience in Abruzzi to what some people in the wine business are calling "The second Napa"--Dorchester MA! Vinted in the back of a restaurant, this surprisingly tasty treat is a blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. With bold flavors of currant, smoke and cigar box, this wine is both a conversation starter and a taste-bud pleaser. At $24.99, this wine totally delivers.

Love that dirty water,
Louis

Fact Of The Week

2009-02-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

Valued Readers,
First of all, thanks for reading. Second of all, I know our time is valuable, so I am going to try to keep our facts simple from here on out.

That being said, here we go.

In France, the grape/blend is almost never put on the label. Instead, the appellation, or place that the wine is made, is what is shown. You are simply supposed to know what the blend is. For example, Sauternes is a place, not a grape, as is Bordeaux and Burgundy.

If you want to know more about the French appellation system, just come on by and ask us, we'd be happy to help.

Louis
Wine Gallery

Weekly Tastings

2009-02-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow winos,

Friday

Welcome to the world of VDP. What VDP, or Vin de Pays, essentially means is that you will find a deal inside this bottle. So let's all welcome Le Petit Thou. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Carignan, this guy totally rocks. Big, with soft fruit, smoke and hints of tobacco, this wine is yet another perfect winter wine. And at only $12.99 it's also a wine for an economic recession.

Saturday

So keeping with our trend of trying wines from similar places, I introduce to you the Megier Cotes du Rhone. These two wines are both from the Rhone, but have two distinctly different flavor profiles. With the Corsee being more tradtional Rhone, with flavors of earth, spice, and leather, and the Fruitee being more new world, with brighter fruit and more supple tannins, they are two truly interesting and distinct wines. Come on by and let your taste buds enjoy themselves. And at $11.99, your wallet will have fun too.

So that's our tasting schedule, see you there and enjoy!

Louis
Wine Gallery

Wine Of The Week

2009-02-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all,
It's been an interesting week here at the Wine Gallery. After our trips to the Wine Expo, we have continued to bring in new wines by the day. This week alone, we've got over ten new wines, a few of which are making their way into our Wine Jukebox, so come on by for a free taste.

Anyway, for this week's Wine Of The Week, I have chosen for you, Domaine Olivier d'Auge, a super-interesting wine from Les Baux de Provence, in Southern France. This blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvedre and Grenache is a big, in your face style wine, with large amounts of strong tannins and a finish that goes on and on. While it would do with a little bit of breathing, that just means open it as you cook your steaks or roast beef, which incidentally, would pair perfectly with this wonderful winter wine.

Come on by, grab a bottle or two, and drink the rest of winter away.

Cheers,
Louis
Wine Gallery

Wine Of The Week

2009-01-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

So, let's face it, even the most die-hard winter fans (myself included) are beginning to tire of all the season. It's fricken cold outside, it seems like it is always snowing, and my hands are dry and chapped. So, this weeks Wine Of The Week is going to transport us out of late January Boston, and into Spring in the Carribean.

Sur Torrontes

For those of you not fortunate enough to have yet been introduced to this delightful little grape, well let me be the first to say, "you're welcome." Summer in a bottle, this can bring the sun out in the coldest and darkest of winter days. Bright flavors of melon, citrus and peach are balanced by the great acidity to create this light and refreshing sipper. Pairs perfectly with speghetti with sauteed tomotoes and asparagus, or, at the everyday price of $9.99, another bottle.

Hope you like it,

Louis
Wine Gallery

New Items

2009-01-27T10:46:00.000-08:00

Hey Gallery-ers,
It's been a big couple of weeks huh? New pres, lots of changes happening all over the globe, and more importantly, at the Wine Gallery as well. We have brought in so many new wines this week that it would almost be easier to list what is NOT new. In an effort to save my wrists from carpal-tunnel, I'm going to break it down by region, so check in for new wines from:
Souhtern Rhone
All of Italy
Provence
Bordeaux
California
New Zealand

Basically, what I'm saying is, no matter what your tastes are, we've got it.
Come down, have a glass of wine and I'd be happy to talk about any of them with you.

Cheers,
Louis
Wine Gallery