Category Archives: Wine

All Posts, Wine

Maquam Wine Tasting & Bottle Sale | FRI 10/12 4:00-6:30 PM

FREE Maquam Wine Tasting & Bottle Sale | FRI 10/12 4:00-6:30 PM

Come by the Bevie, meet your VT-neighbor-maker, sample scrumptious wine, and get -10% off any bottle.

We are always delighted when Maquam comes over and brings their delicious, award winning fruited wines!

From maquamwine.com:

After 100 years and five generations, the family is legally producing wine in St. Albans, Vermont made with syrup from Fairfield, Vermont.

Located on 10 acres, at St. Albans Bay Vermont, this land has been in the Brook’s family since the 1600’s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. There is a mound of rock located on the land that contains chert, which the pre-historic Indians used to make their tools. Chert is a fine-grained silica-rich, sedimentary rock that may contain small fossils. The Paleo Indians used the chert for their stone tools and fire starting kits. Chert originating from our location has been found as far away as the Dakotas and Nova Scotia. This fossil rich piece of land is one of only a few sites of its type in North America.

Around seven acres is being dedicated to the production of fruit wines. The berries are grown along Maquam, St. Albans, and Lapans Bays along the shore of Lake Champlain, where the still water affords one of the longest growing seasons in the North East. The primary fruits grown on the property are blackcurrants and Haskap berries.

Maquam Pear Wine -

This award winning pear wine is fruit forward and highly aromatic with lingering tropical undertones. The pear continues on the palate with an exceptionally smooth and lingering finish. Its beautiful light golden color and layered, balanced body makes it a perfect appetizer wine to enjoy with friends.

Our pear wine matches perfectly with picnic fair, salads & sandwiches, Asian cuisine, fruity desserts, grilled chicken and mild cheeses (brie, Gouda etc.). It is also excellent on its own or as a spritzer. Serve chilled!

Maquam Black Currant Wine –

This full bodied award winning black currant wine is hugely aromatic and complex. This garnet hued beauty opens with notes of ripe wild berries and rich oak. Made with 100% estate grown fruit in the Green Mountains of Vermont and locally sourced Vermont Grade A maple syrup, this will be sure to please any discerning pallet. The ten months of French oak barrel aging adds layers of silky vanilla and caramel undertones.

Dry, yet silky and soft, pair it with a variety of foods including strong cheeses, game meat, pork & chicken, festive meals and even some light curries. Also, pairs well with light desserts.
The round jammy flavors of our black currant wine can be enjoyed on its own or as a spritzer. Serve chilled!

Maquam Blueberry and Pure Vermont Maple Syrup Wine –

This fragrant and well-structured blueberry and pure VT maple syrup wine was aged six months in oak barrels and made with Vermont pure maple syrup. It is off-dry, yet fresh tasting. It has notes of berries, vanilla and maple. Pair with any cheese, cream based dishes, white meats or enjoy it on its own or as a spritzer. Serve slightly chilled!

All Posts, Events, Wine

Complimentary Ferrari-Carano Wine Tasting Friday 9/28!

Founded in 1981, Ferrari-Carano, located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley in Calfornia, is the dream and hard work of Don and Rhonda Carano. Decades later, this family-owned and operated winery continues to make remarkable wines, vintage after vintage.

Drop by the Beverage Warehouse this Friday, September 28, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm and enjoy free tastes of wines in the fantastic Ferrari-Carano portfolio! Read on to check out more about the six wines that Cathy from Ferrari-Carano will feature this Friday.

Old vine Zinfandel at Ferrari-Carano
Old vine Zinfandel just starting to bud at one of Ferrari-Carano Estate’s vineyards

Ferrari-Carano’s many Italian wines honor the family’s spirit of Italy, their Italian heritage, and their philosophy of celebrating life. This tradition is carried on by a winemaking team that notably includes three female winemakers: Sarah Quider, Rebecca Deike, and Christy Ackerman.

Earlier this year, Jason and Kate from the Bevie visited Ferrari-Carano on their trip to Napa & Sonoma, and were treated to an incredible tour of the vineyard, winery and cellar…where the acoustics were fantastic!

Learn more about the Ferrari-Carano family, history and wine portfolio at www.ferrari-carano.com.

Jason and Kate enjoying a fabulous tour and tasting at Ferrari-Carano!
Jason and Kate enjoying a fabulous tour and tasting at Ferrari-Carano!

The famous boar at Ferrari-Carano's historic estate!

The famous boar at Ferrari-Carano’s historic estate in Sonoma County.

WINES AVAILABLE FOR SAMPLING AT THE BEVERAGE WAREHOUSE TASTING ON 9/27:

2017 Pinot Grigio
What’s the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris? Answer: nothing, it’s the same grape. In France it’s Pinot Gris and in Italy it’s Pinot Grigio. And Ferrari-Carano is Italian, so it’s Pinot Grigio the Ferrari-Carano label! Speaking of labels, this wine is one of the first wines to bear a new seal guaranteeing that it’s made from certified sustainable grapes grown in Sonoma County. This wine is created when you take grapes from the Ferrari-Carano vineyards right along the river in cool-climate Russian River Valley and ferment them only in stainless steel — a crisp, clean, refreshing, light-bodied wine with a lot of sass, and delicious with aromas and flavors of white peach, honeyed citrus, kiwi-lime, lychee, orange blossom, apricots and Meyer lemon. This Pinot Grigio’s concentrated aromas, flavors and refreshing acidity linger to the finish. Read more…

2017 Fume Blanc
One of the first two wines Ferrari‐Carano ever made over 35 years ago, this Fumé Blanc is comprised of Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Sonoma County. This wine has delicious aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit, lemongrass, lychee, peach, pear, honeydew melon, orange blossom, pineapple, guava and a touch of minerality. The Fumé Blanc has bright acidity and crisp freshness from the cool, stainless steel tank fermentation, while the subtle oak character from neutral French oak barrels adds body, complexity and depth. Read more…

2016 Chardonnay
This Chardonnay delights with aromas of pear, white peach, orange blossom, vanilla, graham cracker and buttercream, perfectly balanced by flavors of Fuji apple, cinnamon, apricot, quince and hazelnut. Lingering creamy and toasted oak notes round out the finish. Read more…

2014 Reserve Chardonnay
The grapes for this wine come primarily from Ferrari-Carano’s vineyard in Napa Valley Carneros. This wine entices with aromas of baked apple, white peach, cinnamon, butterscotch, hazelnut and marshmallow complemented by elegant, upfront flavors of pear, fig, orange blossom, creamy vanilla, graham cracker and caramel toast on the finish. The cool climate of Napa Valley Carneros and Russian River Valley impart their unique finesse to the wine, while the Alexander Valley component adds an intensely rich mouth-filling character. Read more…

2014 Pinot Noir
A beautifully-balanced, ample and refined wine made with grapes from three distinctly different Mendocino County Pinot Noir vineyards. With its velvety texture and bright acidity, this SF Chronicle 2018 Gold medal winner is a perfect representation of the land from which it comes. Aromas and notes of cherry, raspberry, cola, spice and a touch of toast fill the senses, followed by vibrant flavors of complex red fruits and pomegranate with spice notes of cinnamon, cardamom and anise. Warm toast notes of graham cracker and pie crust persist on the soft finish. A velvety texture and bright acidity distinguish this naturally-balanced wine. Read more…

2015 SIENA
Ferrari‐Carano’s Italian heritage is reflected in this 25th Anniversary SIENA, an easy‐sipping, Sangiovese‐based, red wine blend. SIENA has delicious aromas of raspberry jam, bacon, maple, leather and cardamom spice. Flavors of sweet plums and cherries are followed by graham cracker, with more plum on the finish. SIENA has supple tannins and a balanced mouthfeel with lively elegance and depth. Read more…

 

Cider, Wine

Vermont Vigneronne Krista Scruggs Named a Wine Enthusiast “Top 40 Under 40 Tastemaker” 2018!

We’re so proud that Vermont winemaker and vigneronne Krista Scruggs has been named to Wine Enthusiast magazine’s 2018 list of the “Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers”! Congratulations Krista, from all your friends at the Beverage Warehouse!!

Krista Scruggs 2018 apple harvest
Krista Scruggs, Vigneronne and Winemaker, and the Beverage Warehouse’s Kate Cartwright on an early (very early!) morning foraging windfall apples at Canamack Farms in Grand Isle, Vermont.

From Wine Enthusiast:

Krista Scruggs, Vigneronne, ZAFA Wines

Farm, forage and ferment

It may seem counterintuitive for a native Californian to open a winery in Vermont, but Scruggs specializes in work that lies outside the ordinary. After she assisted Deirdre Heekin at Vermont-based winery La Garagista, Scruggs ventured out on her own to develop this wholly original brand. She uses biodynamically farmed hybrid grapes and sometimes co-ferments them with foraged apples. Her wild-fermented, unfined and unfiltered bottlings debuted in March and drew raves. There seems no limit to her sustainable and delicious creations.

Read more about the Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers list published by Wine Enthusiast, and check out the other up-and-coming wine, cider and beer makers in America!

More about Krista:

NOTE: ZAFA Wines are currently extremely limited, and not available for retail sale, but stay tuned for more information when her next vintage is released!

All Posts, Wine

Slovenian Wine Review | Slavček Sivi Pinot & Rojac Refošk | Outstanding Flavor & Value

 

Slovenian wines have been extraordinarily popular this year, and for good reason!

Multifactorial, responsibly made wines, bursting with unique characteristics at everyday prices from a place not everyone is familiar with are inspiring us to buy every drop available in Vermont.

 

 

Today, we highlight two Slovenian wines (which both happen to be vegan) – Rojac Refošk (red) and Slavček Sivi Pinot (white/semi-orange).

Slavček Sivi Pinot – A slightly extended skin contact white (semi-orange) wine that primarily inspired us to create our ‘Native & Natural’ wine section. Semi-dry, medium bodied white that is not too acidic or oaky – very crowd pleasing for an eclectic wine.

Rojac Refošk – A robust, very food friendly wine (think BBQ, roast beef, game, Bolognese, anything rich!) bursting with old-world rusticness, deep earthiness, tannins, and a little acidity for balance.

 

 

If you haven’t taken a journey to Slovenia, Rojac Refošk and Slavček Sivi Pinot can take your primary senses away on ‘liquid trip’.

Na zdravje! (cheers)

 

 

Winery, and varietal information below compiled from slavcek.si & indiewineries.com

 

Slavček: Sivi Pinot –

  • Winery: Slavček
  • Wine Maker: Franc Vodopivec
  • Location: Dornberk, Slovenia
  • Appellation:  Vipavska Dolina
  • Altitude: 260’–560′
  • Soil:  Lime rich marlstone
  • Winery Process: Practicing Organic
  • Grape Varietal(s): 100% Sivi Pinot (a.k.a. Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris)
  • Vintage: 2017
  • Fermentation Vessel(s): 50 % oak barrel (10 years old), 50 % stainless steel
  • Yeasts: Natural
  • Maceration: 24 hours
  • Malolactic: Spontaneously during fermentation
  • Aging: 25% in the old acacia barrels (200 L), 25% in old foudres (200 L), 50% in foudres (1000 L, 1500 L & 2000L)
  • Aged For: 3 months of lying on sediments
  • Clarification/Filtration: After a month in a stainless tank, where the wine is exposed to ambient low temperature to become stable and ready for bottling by racking
  • Vegan: Yes
  • Alcohol Content: 13.5% vol.

 

 

About Slavček –
Slavcek is a family winery with a history of over two centuries in the Vipava Valley. It’s currently helmed by Franc Vodopivec. The historic winery runs as a traditional agrotourismo and inn. The Slavcek winery and inn only serve what has been grown on the land, everything prepared with centuries-old traditions, including the wine. The oldest records of the farm, from 1769, indicate that it was called “Slavčevih” (Nightingale).

In Vipava, the reputation of Slavcek is centuries deep for high quality wine, but only under Franc’s stewardship has the winery become world renowned for traditional Slovenian wine.

 

“Today’s task is to raise the quality of growth, to better express terroir, tradition and the essence of our family cultural values through the winemaking techniques of our forefathers.”

The vineyards are planted with environmentally friendly methods and with consideration and respect of the biodynamic force. All grapes are hand-picked and carefully selected. No pesticides or herbicides of any sort are used.

 

Even the barrels are local, made from acacia and oak that grow in the nearby forests. The lands are dutifully maintained. Just as much as much as the wines are the family legacy, so are the lands that surrounds them.

 

 

 

Slavcek’s wines are produced according to ancient Slovenian traditions with exteneded maceration for many bottlings which develops a richer taste and deeper color. Natural stabilization occurs at ambient temperatures, with racking only just before bottling.

 

 

 

Winery and varietal information below compiled from: rojac.eu &  indiewineries.com

Rojac Refošk –

  • Winery: Rojac
  • Winemaker: Uroš Rojac
  • Location: Gažon, Slovenia
  • Appellation: Slovenian Istra
  • Altitude: 650’–820′
  • Soil: Sandy Soil (Flysch)
  • Winery Process: Certified Organic
  • Grape Varietal(s): 100% Refošk
  • Vintage: 2015
  • Fermentation Vessel(s): Open Vats
  • Yeasts: Natural
  • Maceration: 10-15 Days
  • Malolactic: Spontaneously
  • Aging: 18 Months (Oak) + 6 Months (Stainless Steel)
  • Clarification/Filtration: None
  • Vegan: Yes
  • Alcohol Content: 14% vol.

 

 

Rojac Wine –

Uroš is the vivacious heir to one of the pioneering families in traditional honest winemaking on the Slovenian coast. Rojac has been making wine in Slokenska Istria since the 19th century. Uroš is considered the wild child of famed wine maker, Bruno Rojac. He’s known for playful antics and a free spirit, and has made a proud and enthusiastic protégée for his father. He rode (and sometimes crashed) motorcycles to school at the Bio-technical Faculty at the University of Ljubljana where he stirred controversy with his thesis about his native grape Refošk.

 

 

“There was a time when there was no wine industry. People just grew grapes and made wine…. We do all we can to make drinkable and ultimately healthy wine.”

What promised to be a dynamic father son team came to an unfortunate halt in 2005 with the untimely passing of Bruno at the peak of his career. Reeling from the heard news and pain, many assumed that Uroš would abandon his dreams of running the ancestral winery. Instead Uroš came back stronger than ever running the vineyard, making the wine and becoming one of the youngest and most notable winemakers in the region.

 

 

Channeling his energy and passion, he perfected the craft of his forefathers, and started a family of his own. Rather than capitalizing on his success through globalizing his wines, Uroš remained true to his fathers traditional wine methods and continued his approach in the vineyards and the cellar. His is the greatest comeback story in the region, and he’s earned himself the title: King of Refošk.

 

 

The Refošk Grape –

Indigenous grape varietal to the region.

Historical records show that the Roman Empress Livija Drussila who lived to the enviable age of 86 years (at that time) presumably by many references to her enjoyment of this “black grape” from river Timavo (Triest river from sea).

This came from a “rocky hill” which produced very little yields to fill only a few amphorae. These vineyard positions can be none other than the great refošk vineyards of the current Rojac Family Estate.

The grape was frequently referenced in Roman times for its health qualities.

The hills of Gažon give the great acidity and elegance for growing refošk, due to the poor soil, altitude, and positioning to
the sea.

 

 

 

All Posts, Beer, Cider, Events, Wine

Eden Specialty Cider Tasting & Welcome to the Winooski Neighborhood Event | Friday, September 7th 4:00-6:00PM

 

Eden Specialty Cider Tasting & Welcome to the Winooski Neighborhood Event | Friday, September 7th 4-6PM

 

Our Vermont maker friends Eleanor & Albert Léger have been transforming Vermont apples into complex and enchanting elixir’s for years.

Join us Friday, September 7th from 4:00-6:00 PM as we host an event for them in which you can sample a variety of still apple cider, exquisite and effervescent craft cider, Orleans Bitters (a bartenders favorite!) and whatever else they happen to serve from their amazing portfolio.

 

 

Featured and hailed by the New York Times, Condé Nast, Imbibe Magazine, Rachel Ray, Boston Magazine, Food & Wine and many others, our friends enthral international critics with their graceful beverages.

 

 

Be sure to check out their new tasting room in downtown Winooski, only a 2 minute walk from us!  You can indulge in savory hand pies, cheese & charcuterie, skewers, and enjoy cider not available anywhere else.

 

Read more about the orchards, ciders, and the Eden team at: edenciders.com

 

 

All Posts, Wine

60 Days of Rosé #16 | Joseph Mellot | Sincérité | Pinot Noir Rosé | Loire Valley | $14.99

 

60 Days of Rosé #16 | Joseph Mellot | Sincérité | Pinot Noir Rosé | Loire Valley | $14.99

When you think of the Loire Valley in eastern France, you don’t instantly think of Pinot Noir, your mind usually thinks of the predominant Sauvignon Blanc (there are many other varietals, of course).

Vivid and refreshing, this Pinot Noir Rosé has a brightness on the palate, and a crisp, proportionate grapefruit note.

 

 

Thai food, crispy chicken, grilled summer squash, fresh sheep or goats milk cheese are all great pairings for this lively Loire vin.

Beyond the bottle, the Joseph Mellot family has 500 years of history behind them and are keeping up with responsible, modern practices that include being the first domaine in the Centre Loire region to obtain ISO 14001 certification.

 

 

Only a few cases of Sincérité make their way to Vermont and at $14.99, they don’t last long – just like a Vermont summer.

 

From josephmellot.com:

 

 

 

VINE GROWING
Making good wines begins in the vineyard, working in harmony with the terroir to draw out its best.

 

 

The Joseph Mellot vineyards are managed according to principles of:

  • Sustainable pest control: prolonged observation of vine plots and climatic conditions and the implementation of environmentally responsible treatment programmes which take into consideration the real risk of disease development.
  • Yield management: systematic vine-pruning, disbudding, crop thinning if necessary and shoot thinning.
  • Vine plot traceability: all plots are monitored by computer to ensure complete traceability in production.

 

 

HARVESTING
From the beginning of September or even late August, grape samples are taken regularly to monitor levels of maturity. Grapes are harvested at full maturity and sorted carefully to ensure that the juice is of the best quality. Each plot is harvested and vinified separately, with the grape harvest lasting approximately a fortnight (14 days).

 

 

LOIRE VALLEY
The Loire Valley is the third largest wine-growing region in France. Designated a UNESCO world heritage site from Chalonnes-sur-Loire by the Atlantic coast to Sully-sur-Loire in the Centre, the Loire Valley offers exceptional land for viticulture and is a textbook example of a region with diverse terroirs. Seventy four appellations make up the mosaic of Loire Valley wines from Nantes to Sancerre, most of which are situated along the River Loire.