We’re excited to announce that two wineries we are fortunate to represent will be attending the 11th Annual Washington D.C. International Food & Wine Festival this February. Coto de Gomariz located in the D.O. Ribeiro region of Spain and Alana-Tokaj located in the Tokaji region of Hungary will be presenting their wines this year and we hope many of you will be able to attend and taste the amazing wines these two wineries are producing.  While the event will be featuring more Spanish wine than any other region (the Kingdon of Navarra is a major sponsor) there will be wineries from all over the word, including France, Africa, New Zealand and right here in the U.S. Many local restaurants will be holding cooking seminars and tastings as well, including local celebrity chef José Andrés who lives in the D.C. area. If you happen to live in or be visiting our nations capitol the weekend of February 12 through the 14th, I encourage you to attend the event and be sure to visit and taste the amazing wines Coto de Gomariz and Alana-Tokaj will be pouring- I can assure you they won’t disappoint!!

Cheers,

Michael

Often overlooked, misunderstood, and unknown, it seems as if Tokaji is making a comeback. With most of the big name publications featuring articles and reviews on these amazing wines, I can only hope that they help to grab some attention and encourage people to go out and but these incredible wines. Of significant importance to us, Decanter Magazine recently published an article “Discover the Magic of Tokaji Tasting” which saw the Alana-Tokaji Furmit 2006 listed as one of the top wines from the tasting. We are very happy and encouraged to see that not only are Tokaji wines receiving much deserved attention, but one of the wineries we are proud to represent has been included among the best. The Furmint, as well as two other outstanding wines from Alana-Tokaji, are available in Utah and Pennsylvania at your local wine store. Please call ahead for stock as these have limited quantities!!

Also encouraging for us is the continues focus on the Cotes du Rhone region of France. Often overshadowed by its more “prestigious” counterparts of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Alsace, Cotes du Rhone has become a heave hitter for incredible wines at competitive prices. With the continued economic troubles worldwide, the region offers quite an array of different styles and varieties to suit any palate. Echoing the high quality and great values available, especially from the Southern Cotes du Rhone, here is Mr. Robert Parker’s take on these amazing wines-

“Last year, after tasting the 2007 southern Rhônes…I stated it was “the vintage of a lifetime.” Tasting the 2007s out of bottle has confirmed my thoughts – this is a truly historic and profoundly great vintage. As the following tasting notes and commentary suggest, this may be the most compelling vintage of any viticultural region I have ever tasted. I say that because the quality of a vintage is not only measured by what the reference point estates produce, but also by how well the generic appellations fare. I have never tasted better Côtes du Rhônes, Gigondas, or Vacqueyras than the 2007s. Moreover, the profoundly concentrated, vividly aromatic, and remarkably fresh, yet substantial, full-bodied, and flawless 2007 Châteauneuf du Papes I tasted in the southern Rhône in late August and September were unforgettable…

…To the extent they are still available, these wines will disappear fast – even in these hard economic times. If you love southern Rhône wines, which are the most underrated great wines of the world, you need to move fast, or forever hold your peace.”

We’re very excited about the recent hype not only from Mr. Parker himself, but also from the various other publications form the US and worldwide. We’re not sure if it’s coincidence or just good luck (but hey, we’ll take either!), but we just recently placed an order for the “2007 Cuve Sabine” from Domaine du Gros Pata, a wonderful family owned and operated winery we have been representing for some time. This beautiful wine is currently available in Utah, Pennsylvania and select stores in Wyoming (the 2005 vintage) and readily available for the upcoming Holiday season, and would be a great wine with your Turkey and cranberry sauce!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers,

Michael

After along and anxious wait, Alana-Tokaj wines have finally hit the shelves in Utah and Pennsylvania. It was quite the ordeal getting the shipment out of Hungary and clearing not only Hungarian customs, but also US customs. It was well worth the wait, however, as we recently sat down for a wonderful dinner at Fresco to celebrate with Andras and Allison of Alana-Tokaj and enjoyed the first bottle opened in Utah!!

We enjoyed just one of three different wines being imported from Alana-Tokaj, the 2006 Furmint. It has an incredible nose of intense pear, delicate quince and wild herbs. On the palate it has characteristics dried stonefruits, mandarin and lindenblossom.

The 2006 Cuvee “Autumn in Tokaj” is another beautifully made wine, with notes of tropical fruit and floral touches on the nose. A pure, elegant wine, this wine has all the characteristics of a late harvest Tokaj wine.

Last but not least, the 2005 Betsek has already raised some eyebrows in its home country, as well as in Austria where it scored 94 points by Peter Moser of Falstaff Magazine. Here are his tasting notes-

“Glowing yellow gold. On the nose subtle nuances of nutmeg, a little cumin, anise and marshmallow, a very welcoming bouquet. On the palate, juicy, racy, pure yellow Muscat fruit, beautiful balance, with a convincing length, marked by terroir; spicy finish, very very big presence and great aging potential. So balanced that the residual sugar is perceived no more than a fine touch; fascinating wine.”

If you’d like to purchase any of these fantastic wines, they are currently available in select stores throughout Utah and Pennsylvania. Here is a list of their respective PLCB or UDABC codes- 

2006 Furmint- UDABC: 916992 /  PLCB:10762

2006 Cuvee- UDABC: 916994 / PLCB: 10735

2005 Betsek- UDABC: 916995 / PLCB: 10699

If you’re interested in learning more about Alana-Tokaj and Tokaji wines in general, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Egészség!!!

 –Michael