Good Morning Gloucester

Reach for the Sky…

Get ready for the highly anticipated annual fundraiser, BIGtiny, hosted by the Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC). This year’s online auction event kicks off on Saturday, April 17 and runs until Tuesday, April 21.

If you’re eager to join in on the excitement, be sure to pick up your BIGtiny packet! Packets containing pre-cut paper are now available at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, located at 6 Wonson Street. You can grab yours during exhibition open hours, which are Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 PM. and Mondays from 1 to 4 PM.

Each packet includes three 6×6-inch squares of art paper for crafting your masterpieces. Remember to leave a ½ inch margin around the edge for matting (live area: 5” x 5””) and SIGN THE BACK OF YOUR ARTWORK – the point is to have buyers fall in love with the work not  necessarily the artist. Submissions are open to all artists. The drop-off deadline back at The Cultural Center is April 1 (no fooling!).

Annually,  hundreds of original works — all on a scale of 6 inches square – created by more than 100 artists are offered for sale through RNAC’s BIGtiny online fundraiser. Artists’ names are not revealed – each work is signed on the back, so participants buy what resonates with them. Featured artists may include Ruth Mordecai, Jon Sarkin, Barbe Ennis, Amy Sudarsky, Joyce Roessler, Barbara Moody, Lynne Sausele, Hans Pundt, Stephen LaPierre, Rokhaya Waring, Vanessa Michalak, Ken King and many more!  

RNAC extends its gratitude to participating artists and an extra big thank-you to members Sallie Strand, Ellen Garvey, Mary Ann McCormick, Laurinda Butcher, Judy Robinson-Cox, Brian Murphy and Mary Rhinelander for donating their time and talents in preparing for this event. Proceeds from BIGtiny go to support the many exhibitions and programs put on by the Rocky Neck Art Colony throughout the year. See the website, www.rockyneckartcolony.org, for up-to-date information on events and activities

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The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, nurtures excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, residencies and vibrant cultural events for its members and the public. On picturesque Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three exhibition spaces, open to the public for free, The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street); The Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.), a partnership gallery and café; and Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.), open seasonally in the former gallery of local artists Gordon and Judith Goetemann. Check the website, www.rockyneckartcolony.org, for hours, openings and special events. For more information, see the website or call 978-515-7004

Sharing information from Vee Chipperini and Brenda Leahy:

Mark your calendars… March 29th is National Vietnam Veterans Day. Please join us at 11am at the Vietnam Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the service and sacrifices of Veterans who during Vietnam Era hosted by Cape Ann Veterans Services and Vietnam Veterans Committee.

ALL Veterans and their spouses/partners are welcomed to join us following the ceremony for a Veterans Luncheon at the Gloucester MA Elks Lodge #892. Hosted by the Elks Veterans Committee members. Please call 978-325-5730 (Cape Ann Veterans Services) to RSVP.

I noticed these intriguing stone designs recently at Crab Beach. What a lot of patience those represent!

MARCH 7, 2024 ~ TODTHEOPENDOOR

From left: Appraisers Colleene Fesko, Bryan McMullin, and James Callahan. 

Tickets are available NOW for a special event this April at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door!

Second Glance is holding a “What’s it Worth” night this April featuring acclaimed appraisers who will assess the value of items brought in by attendees. 

WHEN: Thursday, April 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

WHERE: SG Home at Second Glance, 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930 

TICKETS: $10 each at whatsitworth.eventbrite.com 

Each ticket holder may bring one item to be appraised. Second Glance will also be open for shopping during the event.  

WHAT: Anyone curious to learn the value of an antique or vintage good can purchase a ticket to Second Glance’s What’s it Worth night. Proceeds will support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. 

Appraisers for the event will include: 

• James Callahan, Asian Art and General Antique Appraiser of Antiques Roadshow 
• Colleene Fesko, Art (Painting, Watercolor, Sculpture, and Print) Appraiser of Antiques Roadshow 
• Bryan McMullin, local Gemologist & Jewelry Appraiser 

“This is a rare opportunity for antiques lovers and novices alike to come together, bring in their special items, and revel in the historic and cultural stories of their objects,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “It’s a collision of history and art, all in the name of raising funds to connect local people to good food. We’re so very thankful to our appraisers for donating their time for this special event!” 

“Gloucester never disappoints — and has always been full of interesting people, places and things,” Fesko said. “My colleagues and I are so happy to be supporting the mission of The Open Door and their hunger-relief programs.  You never know what you’ll see (or hear!) at an appraisal event, and I encourage the community and beyond to support this event.” 

“Second Glance has created such a unique opportunity with this event to revel in the unique histories of local antiques all while raising funds for The Open Door. It’s a  community-centric event, and we’re looking forward to seeing what folks bring in for appraisal!” Callahan said.  

Light refreshments will also be available, and the main store at Second Glance will also be open for shopping for ticket-holders only during the event. 

Get one of my performance quick dry 50SPF Tuna hoodie at this link

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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.

Bright Spot…

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

We noticed new signs at the storefront next to Bananas on Main St. Looking forward to a new business just up the street from our shop. The new venture at 80 Main will apparently feature antiques!

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

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