We’re already in Meteorological Spring — pat morss

Astronomical Spring is based on the path of the sun, beginning on the Vernal Equinox. This year it is the earliest since 1896, at 11:06 pm on March 19th. Meteorological Spring always starts on March 1st and lasts exactly 3 months, and is based on temperature and a consistent calendar. I think I’ll side with the meterorologists.

Our Siren Seal of the Seas likes the thaw, on her customary rock in Brace Cove.
But ice persisted at the edge of Niles Pond, offering skate waddling for the Mallards.
Sally Scaup is perfecting her competition Forward Dive.
There was a bit of a splash on the entry, but I’ll give her a 9-1/2 score.
I guess we know who’s the boss here.
“I’ve told you a hundred times to stop pooping on our rock.”
Maggie Merganser is just back from the feather salon and looking for action.
Which comes in the form of another Mallard mating. “Is this the time”?
Yes, it is.
He celebrates with a victory lap.
She seems happy too, although aware of the family-raising challenges ahead.
Spring is happy time for dog walking. “Bruno – are you coming or going”?
And you know it’s Spring when you see your first crocuses.

THIS SATURDAY, March 9, 2 – 4 pm

COMPLIMENTARY

FINE WINE TASTING @ SAVOUR WITH LOCAL SOMMELIER, LAUREN DADONNA, DDS, OF AP WINE IMPORTS

Lauren Daddona holds her Advanced certification with the Court of Master Sommeliers and is a sales consultant for AP Wine Imports, a New York based distributor and national importer of European wines. Lauren was the Wine Director at L’Espalier in Boston for five years, as well as the opening Wine Director for both Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Back Bay in Boston and Les Sablons in Cambridge. Lauren’s wine career began with six years at Lower Falls Wine Company, a fine wine shop in Newton, MA. Lauren was named Boston Magazine’s Best Sommelier 2017 and is a Director Emeritus of the Boston Sommelier Society.

WINES

Chateau Greteau Medeville, Bordeaux, France,

Varietals: 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscadelle, 10% Sémillon Alc., 13.5%

Château Greteau-Médeville is a 17th-century estate that was originally a hunting lodge. Located in the commune of Haux in Bordeaux’s Cadillac region, it is gifted with clay and limestone soils and a maritime climate that works beautifully with the varietals planted there, sauvignon blanc, muscadelle, and sémillon. Stainless steel fermented and aged on the lees before bottling, the 2022 Château Greteau-Médeville Bordeaux Blanc is luxurious, complex, and mouth wateringly delicious! Richly textured yet infused with bright acidity, it offers aromas of floral-tinged stone and citrus fruits and a palate redolent with flavors of citrus fruits, Honeydew melon, and pineapple, with hints of guava and wet stone that linger on the long and satisfying finish. Pairs well with sushi, shellfish, and roast chicken. $14.99

Kientzler Pinot Gris, Alsace, France

Varietal: Pinot Gris Alc.13%

The Kientzler family has been growing vines for more than five generations in Ribeauvillé and the surrounding area. As early as 1866, Dominique Alphonse Kientzler had inherited vines from his father and grandfather and in 1895 was involved in the creation of France’s first winemaking cooperative in Ribeauvillé, in addition to running the local grocery shop. His son Alphonse carried on the grocery business while also tending to the vines; he eventually became the Mayor of Ribeauvillé. It was Alphonse’s son François though, who was the first to fully concentrate on wine production, going to Switzerland to study viticulture. By the 1970s, he was joined by his son André in the wine business and the pair undertook a massive replanting program to replace much of the old Chasselas with the noble Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer varieties. Today, the Kientzlers farm almost 14 hectares of vines in Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Hunawihr, and Riquewihr, including significant parcels in the Grand Crus of Geisberg, Osterberg, and Kirchberg. The Pinot Gris is ripe and exotic, with the smallest hint of honeyed sweetness. It has restraint and finesse on the palate, with fine citric and stone fruit flavors, hints of smoke, and ample acidity. Richly textured, yet fresh and vibrant. Pairs well with scallops, chicken curry, Fourme d’Ambert cheese. $29.99

Winzer Sommeracher Domina Trocken

Varietal: Domina Alc. 13%

As far back as the 11th century, wines from Sommerach were singled out in documents of the time for their exquisite quality. The winemakers of Winzer Sommerach have had one credo which they have abided by since the winery was established in 1901: Unity is strength. At the beginning of the 20th century, 35 families came together out of economic necessity and founded Winzer Sommerach. Since then, a common vision has determined the path of these wine-growing families. The winemakers of Winzer Sommerach are steeped in tradition, but at the same time, they are open-minded and innovative. The past is linked to the future at this winery. Fast-moving trends are passed over in favor of sustainable methods. Grape varieties grown by the community include Silvaner, Müller Thurgau, Riesling, Bacchus, Kerner, Scheurebe, Gewürztraminer, Rieslaner, Grauer Burgunder, Weißer Burgunder, Sauvignon Blanc, Schwarzriesling,Spätburgunder, Domina, Regent, Cabernet. The Domina has fascinating berry flavors, with cherries in the foreground. The mouthfeel is full and soft, with perfectly integrated tannins. Pairs well with wild game, braised beef, pizza, and pasta. $14.99

Domaine Coillot Marsannay Les Boivins, Burgundy, France

Varietal: Pinot Noir Alc. 14% 

Domaine Coillot was established in the village of Marsannay in the 1960s by Bernard Coillot, father of current owner Christophe Coillot. The estate is 11 hectares spread out over 12 different appellations. The vines range from 20-65 years of age, with yields that never exceed 32-40 hectoliters per hectare. Due to the low yields, production is small, with about 50,000 bottles of wine produced annually. Christophe’s philosophy is to make terroir-driven wines as naturally as possible, with the least amount of intervention in the vineyard. The estate practices sustainable farming and does not use insecticides, pesticides, or herbicides. Harvest is done by hand, and there is no addition of yeasts, enzymes, or any chaptalization during vinification. Fermentation takes place during a period of 20-30 days under strict temperature control. This is followed by 18 months of aging in oak barrels (some new wood used). Les Boivins is a melange of black olive and black cherry notes with a small amount of oak expressed on the palate, with a long finish that reveals lush fruit flavors along with a nice minerality. Pairs well with red meat, charcuterie, cow’s milk cheeses. $57.99

Valdifalco Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany, Italy

Varietals: 85% Sangiovese, 15% Syrah Alc. 14.5%    

Located near the sea, in the middle of the “Parco dell Uccellina” in Tuscany, there are 22 hectares of vineyards belonging to the Valdifalco winery, planted with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grapes, which are cultivated biodynamiclly. Sangiovese reigns supreme in the southern part of Tuscany. The local designation Morellino dates back to the Middle Ages. According to the etymology, the name of Morellino derives either from the Morello horses which towed the carriages, or from the dark-colored berries that are called “moro.” The Sangiovese grapes from Scansano are unique in that they had no contact with other vines for over 150 years. The Morellino di Scansano is grown close to the old Roman road called “Aurelia.” It is a red wine that displays spiciness and suppleness and is accompanied by ripe notes of cherry and blackberry. Pairs well with grilled meat, creamy pasta dishes, herbed chicken. $19.99

Chateau Sociando-Mallet La Demoiselle de Sociando-Mallet Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France

Varietals: 54% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet Franc Alc. 14.5%

Jean Gautreau discovered Sociando-Mallet in the village of Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne. It was love at first sight, despite the fact that the property was in a sorry state. The terroir was excellent and the domain afforded a magnificent view overlooking the Gironde Estuary. Jean immediately acquired it for 250,000 French francs. There were only 5 hectares of vines at the time. Jean Gautreau expanded the vineyard year after year by buying vines from his neighbors. Seeking the best possible quality, he also renovated the estate’s buildings, built a barrel cellar, and gradually improved the choice of grape varieties, matching the appropriate ones to each vineyard plot. Today, the property comprises 83 hectares producing nearly 450,000 bottles a year of Château Sociando-Mallet and the second wine, Demoiselle de Sociando-Mallet. The “demoiselle” is a sort of dragonfly found in the Médoc. Like the dragonfly, this wine of the same name is light and elegant. Sweet berries and cherries in the nose are accompanied by some tobacco and fresh herbs. It is medium-bodied with firm tannins and a juicy finish. Pairs well with beef, duck, lamb. $39.99

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Class Update

Morgan will be offering a class on Bordeaux for 2 nights: Tuesday, March 5, and Tuesday, March 12, from 6 – 8 pm, for $75.00 per person, $150.00 for the 2 classes.

Food and Wine Pairing Using the Insta-somm Method and App

Kathleen Powers Morgan

Wednesday, April 3

$75.00 per person

Go to the Events page of our website – www.savourwineandcheese.com to see our updated schedule – https://www.savourwineandcheese.com/events.

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Find out about new wine arrivals and other events at Savour by following us on Facebook and Instagram

And don’t forget to check out what’s new in our beer case, including two juicy NE IPAs and a clean, refreshing rice lager from East Regiment Brewing, a veteran-owned brewery in Salem and a crisp new lager from Rockport Brewing.

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Kathleen’s Price-Value Gems:

Unique to SAVOUR our three price-value collections, with

each category ($9.99ers – $14.99ers -$19.99ers) offering hundreds of wines

at one price, personally curated by Kathleen, some have limited availability.

9.99ers…the quality is taste delivering above-price enjoyment …Value!

14.99ers…exhibiting qualities of complexity…Elevating the Experience!

19.99ers…value laden wines by innovative vintners…Expect Exceptional!

Adding to this Saturday’s wine tasting with Lauren is Savour’s Everyday Tech Tastings at the North Shore’s Only Digital Wine Machine. Fun to use and enjoy!  Taste up to 20 wines with new selections regularly added…& yes, complimentary. Kathleen welcomes your questions for food pairings.

Welcome Your Donation in any amount for Pathways for Children.

Thank You! …Kathleen

 For Your Mobile Calendar

Savour Wine Tastings!

March 9 – Sommelier Lauren Dadonna – AP Wine Imports

March 16 – TBA

Grand Tasting – March 23, 1- 4 pm

March 30 – Anthony Sciarappa of Carolina Wines

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Continuing to offer a case discount 0f 10% on wines and all items purchased with the case to all customers. Wine Club members get 5% off on 6 bottles and all items purchased with the 6 bottles. Thanks again for your support!

 We continue using our 5 Molekule high performance air purification units that clear the air of 99.9% of viruses, bacteria and allergens every hour, store wide.

We are pleased to continue curbside pickup service

Savour Wine & Cheese l 76 Prospect St. l Gloucester l 978. 282 .1455

Artist Mary Ann Wenniger recently had her house/studio/ gallery burn down. She is a spry 92 and digging through the wreckage to salvage art.

She’d like to find a way to get some folks to help transport large wet prints to her temporary place on Rocky Neck so she can dry them and store them. Please contact her directly to help: 978-502-5193