Complimentary Wine Tasting Saturday, Jan. 6, 2 – 4 pm at Savour with Susan Richards

Happy New Year!

We are excited to be starting a new year at Savour!

We now have a brand-new website – www.savourwineandcheese.com

Here are some highlights.

Classes at Savour

We are bringing back classes at Savour. Some of you have signed up for our first 2 series: Burgundy and Champagne, taught by Savour’s Morgan Downs (and I’ll help out too)! But we need a minimum of 6 people to cover the cost, so even if you are just thinking about it, send me an email – kathleen@savourwineandcheese.com or call us at 978 282-1455. This is one way for Savour to get through the winter and continue offering you the high-quality wines and service at a great price.

You can check for events, sales and classes (all new for 2024). Prices and scheduled times are on the “Events” page. If you purchase 3 or more classes, you will get 10% off and 10% off any purchases made after class. Try signing up yourself and purchase a series (from 2 – 5 classes) for a friend. People love taking the class together, especially when we are all looking for something fun to do during the winter!

Kathleen’s Food and Wine pairing App, Insta-somm™

“A Sommelier in Your Pocket”

(patent pending)

Insta-somm™ is the first objective systematic method of pairing food and wine, based on the science of molecular gastronomy. Foods are matched with the wines that share the same molecular structure. The dominant flavor molecule is represented by a color: green, yellow, red, orange, and blue. Each wine is assigned a number and then paired with foods that match their level of acidity, from bone-dry (level 1) to sweet (level 4).

Yearly subscription available for $39.00 (Click on Visit Now on the home page of Savour’s website). You can purchase a subscription as a gift and try one yourself!) We offer a free one-week trial when you sign up, so give it a go and explore. I will be teaching a series on the app in late February.

Complimentary Wine Tastings

Our schedule of up-coming tastings is on the ‘Events” page.

AND

If you would like to read our newsletter, we email out to our loyal customers every Thursday evening, go to the photo on our website “Complimentary Wine Tasting Every Saturday” and click on “Learn More.” You will get the full text of the email sent with a button at the top to directly join our mailing list. Send one along to a friend, invite them to come out and taste with us and buy them a special bottle you both enjoyed tasting together!

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In the New Year

Beginning January 2, 2024

Tuesday – Saturday, 11 – 6 pm

Sunday, 1 – 5 pm

Closed Mondays

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Saturday, January 6 Wine Tasting with Susan Richards

2 – 4 pm

Susan Richards has had a lifelong interest in and love of wine and knew that someday she would turn her passion for wine into a second career. In 2018 Susan began to make that dream a reality and while still working full-time in healthcare completed the Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wine and Spirits and Level 3 Award in Wine.

To gain practical experience Susan worked for the Tasting Company, running wine tastings, and Westport Rivers Winery as a wine educator and salesperson. In 2020 Susan achieved the Certified Specialist of Wine credential from the Society of Wine Educators and is currently a candidate for the Master of Bourgogne Certificate from the Wine Scholar Guild.

Today, Susan is a wine sales consultant at Savour Wine and Cheese in Gloucester, MA, and recently launched her own company, Always Sharing Wine, through which she offers private wine tastings, wine education, and wine and food writing. Susan has published over 50 articles for the online magazine “Recette” and currently writes for “NapaValley Life” Magazine. Susan loves helping customers with food and wine pairing for any occasion. Her passion for and knowledge of wine is infectious. We are so pleased to have her on our team!

WINES

Greywacke, New Zealand

Varietal: 100%v Sauvignon Blanc, Alc. 13.5%

Greywacke (pronounced Greywacky) is the Marlborough label of the Judd family and the name of New Zealand’s most abundant bedrock. These understated grey river stones are found throughout Marlborough’s rivers and alluvial vineyard soils. Established in 2009, Greywacke is truly a family affair and while the company now exports its wines all over the world, the ethos is very much ‘keep it simple and hands-on’ with a small, dedicated team running the company from Greywacke HQ in the heart of Marlborough’s Omaka Valley. The fruit is sourced from mature vineyards in prime viticultural sites to optimize the potential afforded by Marlborough’s sunny South Pacific climate.  All vineyards are sustainably managed with substantial and increasing proportions coming from organically farmed sites. Crop levels are restricted to enhance concentration of flavor and a long, cool growing season produces fruit with incredible varietal intensity and bright, natural acidity. Meticulous canopy management regimes are employed to provide sufficient fruit exposure to deliver ripeness of flavor, textural richness and optimum acid balance. Greywacke is accredited with AMW status (Marlborough appellation).

The fruit was sourced from several prime vineyard sites in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys and the central Wairau Plains (specifically Woodbourne, Renwick and Rapaura). Soil types vary from the young alluvial soils of Rapaura and Renwick, which contain high proportions of New Zealand’s ubiquitous greywacke river stones, to the older and denser clay-loams of the Southern Valleys. The wine has aromas of cassis and passionfruit, with guava, crisp pear and white peach adding a delicious fruit salad intricacy. On the palate, it’s generous yet refreshing, with ripe pineapple and a lime sherbet zing, layered with elderflower and hints of citrus blossom. A classic example of Greywacke’s interpretation of the famous Marlborough style – ripe, textural and scrumptious – with the volume turned well down. Pairs well with goat cheese, asparagus, herbed salads and pastas as well as Mexican food. $24.99.

2020 Kiralyudvar, Hungary

Varietal: 100% Tokaji Furmint Sec (dry), Alc. 13%

When Anthony (Tony) Hwang loaded his family in the car and drove northeast from Budapest in 1997, he could hardly have imagined where the road would lead. A Tokaji Aszú inspired the trip that a sommelier had recommended the previous evening. The wine made such an impression that Tony felt he had to learn more about it. For what Tony craved most in wine, this bottle offered in spades—a profound identity and razor-sharp balance.

Just a few months after his visit, Tony purchased what was perhaps the region’s crown jewel, Királyudvar (Kee-RYE-oohd-var)—which for centuries had supplied Imperial wine to the Hapsburgs. Tony also owned the Loire Valley’s greatest Vouvray producer, Domaine Huet. The deep well of institutional knowledge there began to inform many decisions at Királyudvar, particularly a conversion to biodynamic viticulture.

This innovative dry wine balances Furmint’s viscous intensity and bright acidity in an electrifying, versatile white wine. It exhibits delicate floral aromas, citrus fruit flavors and fine acidity that come together in a long focused mineral finish. Pairs well with Asian dishes, Mexican food, and spicy or salty dishes and cheese. $27.99

Giornata Il Campo Rosso, Pasa Robles California

Varietals: Sangiovese, Barbera, and Aglianico, Alc. 13%

Giornata is owned and run by Brian and Stephanie Terrizzi. They focus on making authentic, complex, and balanced wines in Paso Robles, CA, featuring Italian grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Fiano.

Brian’s love for Italian wine stems from his lifelong love of Italian food and fascination with his Italian heritage. After working for respected Zinfandel producer Rosenblum Cellars, he traveled to Italy to work with the famous Paolo DeMarchi at Isole e Olena in Tuscany. This experience led to a desire to make Italian wine in California. Stephanie Terrizzi’s interest in wine was sparked while working at a wine bar in Illinois. She moved to Sonoma County, and while managing and building the wine programs for Ca’Bianca and Sassafras restaurants, she obtained a certificate in enology and then headed to Fresno to pursue a degree in Enology, Chemistry, and Plant Science from Fresno State. There, she met and soon married Brian.

Giornata Il Campo Rosso is made with a blend of Sangiovese, Barbera, and Aglianico grapes. With aromas of black cherry, oregano, and slate and a similar flavor profile on the palate the wine is blended to display a signature house style. Il Campo Rosso marries bright fruit and fresh acidity with a richly textured, medium-weight body. Neutral oak and large Italian casks allow the bright fruit to shine. It has a food-friendly, easy-drinking style, and pairs well with dishes like pasta pomodoro, margarita pizza, and burgers. $24.99

2018 SHILDA Winery Mukuzani Red, Republic of Georgia

Varietals: 100% Saperavi, Alc. 12.5%

The Shilda Winery is a family owned and operated winery with the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The ultramodern winery constructed in 2015 is packed to the brim with the latest French and Italian winemaking technology, brought to bear on the ancient grape varieties and varied terroirs of the Kakheti region.  Shilda is a beautiful village dating to the 14th Century located on the foot of the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountain range, facing south into the valley of the Alazani River, on the northern flank of the Kakheti wine region, in the Kindsmarauli Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

Mukuzani (Saperavi) is from the Mukuzni micro-zone within Kakheti, grapes come from the best vineyards, selected for the terroir, vineyard age, and yield per hectare, among other factors. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand to ensure their protection and integrity. This wine is oak-aged for several months and develops greater complexity with time. The wine is dark ruby red, with pleasant aromas and a velvety palate of black currant and dried red fruits, followed by a long and balanced finish. Pairs well with hearty beef stew, Barbequed pork, pizza and cheese-stuffed pasta. $14.99

Edmeades 2019 Mendocino County Zinfandel, Varietal: Zinfandel, Alc.15%

In 1963, Dr. Donald Edmeades, a Pasadena cardiologist, planted grapes in the tiny hamlet of Philo, in the Anderson Valley, making him the first modern-day grower to do so in that remote stretch of western Mendocino County. His son, Deron, began Edmeades Winery in 1972. It quickly gained a reputation for lusty, mountain Zinfandels that won gold medals and high scores from critics. In fact, Edmeades helped launch the fame of these intense, hillside Mendocino Zins. The 2019 Mendocino County Zinfandel begins with concentrated aromas of baking spices including cinnamon and cloves, which give way to aromas of blackberries, black currants, and dried sage. The texture is round, and the fruit expression is focused and lush. Subtle and integrated tannins accentuate the richness of the wine, while pleasant acidity keeps it fresh on the finish.

Pairs well with barbecued chicken, eggplant Parmesan, winter stew, char-broiled burgers. $19.99

Savour Wine and Cheese

76 Prospect St.

Gloucester, Ma 01930

978 282-1455

www.savourwineandcheese.com

LARGE INDOOR YARD SALE AT 61A GROVE STREET TOMORROW! SATURDAY 1/6/24!! SOME GREAT ITEMS FOR SALE!!

Large Indoor Yard Sale THIS Saturday! 1/6/24!
8am-4pm
@ 61A Grove Street Gloucester MA 01930 (Grove Street Self Storage)Tools
Restaurant Equipment
Furniture
Office Furniture
And so much more!
Here is the link to the event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/384551690798333CLICK TO SEE SOME SNEAK PEEKS OF WHAT WILL BE FOR SALE!

Sal’s Pizza on Essex Ave

I understand Sal’s Pizza is well known to some and that people were looking forward to having Sal’s in Gloucester. Now that they have opened in the new Haffner’s gas station on Essex Ave, I thought we’d give it a try ourselves. For the benefit of the blog, of course…..

We are not familiar with Sal’s but we are somewhat familiar with various “gas station pizzas” as we travel the highways fairly often, so we made that our basis for comparison. We are not comparing it to storefront pizza although the set up inside Haffner’s very much appears to be a storefront. We got a slice (which was cut in two) which is a quarter of the 19″ pizzas they advertise, so the portion is large. It cost about $6 for the portion you see here. As expected, it wasn’t freshly made but it was warm and tasty. The sauce is more tangy tomato than sweet. The crust is thin with a crispy bottom. A variety of pizza toppings are available along with garlic knots and other items. We even noticed Haffner’s carries Virgilios sauce and bread which was a nice surprise on the Magnolia side of the bridge.

We did not order a freshly made pizza but the slice did the trick for a late afternoon snack. The staff was very friendly and helpful so that’s a big plus. Easy parking and close to home makes it a winner for us. Keep your expectations reasonable and I think you will be satisfied.

Let The Good Times Roll

~ MICHAELDEKOSTER ~

January 14th Fundraiser for Maritime Gloucester

Get your friends and family together and join us for a some strings of bowling, raffle prizes, and more — all for a great cause! Reserve a lane for up to six players ($120 per lane, teams of up to six people, includes 3 strings of bowling and shoe rental for all). Don’t forget to bring some extra spending money for raffles, games, food and drinks! Cape Ann Lanes has a great selection of food and beverages!

**If you want to participate but don’t have enough players to reserve a full lane, please choose the individual ticket to reserve your spot ($25/person) and we’ll place you on a team at the event (while space is available).**

Please email info@maritimegloucester.org with questions.

Not For Nothin But $2.99 For A Tube Of Travel Sized Toothpaste Is Robbery

What a racket.

On the other side of the spectrum Homegoods has great options to pack for inexpensive travel snacks.

Sushi Sang Lee February reservation is open!

sushisanglee February reservation is open!

We will open on Valentine’s Day.

Hurry book your sweet seats and have a romantic dinner with us. Book at Tock or visit www.sushisanglee.com

Hero John Handran Saga Expands

I have told the story of John Handran of Gloucester who was awarded the US Medal of Honor for saving the lives of fellow sailors in 1876 and later was lost in the wreck of the Schooner Cleopatra in 1885. He left behind in Gloucester a wife and 3 small children. (Here’s the link to one of the previous GMG posts: https://goodmorninggloucester.com/2021/09/12/join-us-for-the-john-handran-memorial-dedication/)

At the time, I was struggling to find documentation that my family’s John Handran was THE John Handran who was awarded the US Medal of Honor. I did find the evidence in old newspapers I was able to locate at the Cape Ann Museum Library and Archives. But I never stopped looking for more, so when the Sawyer Free Library announced it’s updated digital collection of Cape Ann newspapers, I was very excited to find additional evidence to support that one of the Navy’s heroes was a Gloucesterman.

I thought you might benefit from some step by step guidance in case you’d like to do your own research. If you find something cool, please share it! (Carol M I’m talking to you!) First you will search “Sawyer Free Library” for the link. Then you find Cape Ann History Digital Resources on the front page. Select whichever date timeframe interests you (if you select the current dates 2009 forward, you will need your library card number). I selected the older ones and searched the surname Handran. 

Scroll through the results until you find something that looks interesting. It’s a bit of a jumble at first but your search term is highlighted which helps a great deal. Click an article you find interesting and read away. You can download to review later if you prefer.

This is how I discovered that John Handran’s 12 year old son Herman saved a child from drowning in Newburyport in 1895. The story titled “A Brave Lad” hightlights the Handran search term and tells a pretty cool story which includes additional proof that we have the right John Handran in our family stories.

Gloucester Fishermen vs Newburyport Clippers Boys Varsity Hockey (Replay) 1/3/24

Gloucester Fishermen vs Newburyport Clippers Boys Varsity Hockey (Replay) 1/3/24
https://youtu.be/hHpwcZRvl64

Dutton Ranch Yellowstone Dinner 5 Course Dinner Event At Tonno Wakefield February 1st

If you loved Yellowstone as much as I do this is going to be awesome.

Tickets available here- http://Check out Yellowstone Inspired Dinner on Resy. http://resy.com/link?venue_id=4448&event_url_slug=yellowstone-inspired-dinner-2024-02-01

Yellowstone Dinner

5 course meal inspired by the Official Dutton
Ranch Family Cookbook

Homestyle recipes from character & real-life chef
Gabriel “Gator” Guilbeau

Reception drink included with additional

Yellowstone cocktails a la carte

Exclusive list of bourbons to wet your whistle