Good Morning Gloucester

Shh….I might actually be missing the snow a little bit. I am definitely missing the sunshine. Thanks to those who stop in at the shop bringing doses of sunshine along with you! Open today at 44 Main from 11-5.

THIS SATURDAY, January 27, 2 – 4 pm

Oz Wines with Chris Hoffman

This Saturday, January 27, Chris Hoffman from Oz Wines, a local Rockport native, will be pouring some great wines: 2 new – a French Chenin Blanc and a Spanish Treixadura for the whites, then 3 favorites: a luscious Pinot Noir, a classic Portuguese red from some of the oldest European vines we know of, and a deep, earthy, full-bodied Crozes Hermitage from the Northern Rhone Valley.

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WINES

Les Pierres Ecrites Montlouis-sur-Loire Petits Boulay, Loire, France

Varietal: Chenin Blanc Alc. 13.8%

Originally from the Loire-Atlantic part of France, Coralie and Anthony Rassin worked in various wines regions in France and abroad before settling in the appellation Montlouis. Here they took up the challenge to run their own vineyard and winery. In late 2015, they acquired the Montlouis estate Domaine Flamand Deletang in St Martin Le Beau in its entirety. They renamed it Domaine Les Pierres Ecrites to make a new start while also giving a nod to the prior owner, whose grandfather was a famed archeologist of prehistoric drawings on stones in North Africa. Their main cuvée was called “Les Pierres Ecrites.” The Rassins practice minimal intervention winemaking: indigenous yeasts, no fining, minimal or no filtration. Organic certification came in 2021. The wines are vegan. Petits Boulay o­ffers classic Chenin aromas of sweet pear, apricot, and peach fruit imbued with crystalline clay-chalk minerals. Buoyed by laser-like acidity and riveting tension, suggestions of crisp quince, bee pollen, honeysuckle, and fennel appear on the fore-palate before broadening and gaining flesh mid-palate to add notes of pear and apple. Long, zesty, and bone-dry finish. Pairs well with seafood, charcuterie, and cream sauces. $21.99

Bodegas El Paraguas Atlántico Blanco, Ribeiro, Spain

Varietal: 92% Treixadura, 8% Albariño Alc. 13%

Launched in 2011 by Galician wine professionals Felicísimo Pereira (enologist) and Marcial Pita (grower), Bodegas El Paraguas is located in Ribadavia, where the Pereira family has cultivated their 1-hectare vineyard since 1892. The old vines lie next to the Avia River, a favorable setting which naturally shelters them from extreme weather conditions, hence the winery name “El Paraguas” (“umbrella”, in English). Felicísimo and Marcial work with a mix of high elevation sites and conduct vineyard work manually while using a minimalist approach to their winemaking. One of Pereira’s specialties has been mining the countryside for nearly forgotten grape varieties and bringing them into the conversation of Galician wines. Bodegas Paraguas works exclusively in Ribeiro and principally with the white grape variety Treixadura. They veer on the side of picking early and working with a mix of high elevation sites. They also work to respect nature by not using herbicides or pesticides, and doing everything by hand (or horse, in the case of plowing). The stunning results of their high-elevation and early picked wines closely resemble a wine from Burgundy’s Côte d’Or in weight and complexity, but remain true to the taste of the Ribeiro, with honeyed citrus blossoms, saltiness, and white fruits. The Blanco has notes of honey, sweet citrus, stone fruit, dried herbs, and wet stone. Pairs well with bacalao, sushi, and salads. $34.99

Barrique Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California

Varietal: Pinot Noir Alc. 14%

Barrique’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir encompasses cool-climate vineyards in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Carneros AVAs. The blend also includes fruit from the Roses Estate Vineyard on Olivet Road, which is near icons like Martinelli. Once harvested, the fruit is gently transferred by gravity to open-top fermenters, where it was fermented with 33% whole clusters for added depth and structure. The resulting wine balances brightly focused and intriguing fruit, with velvety yet firm tannins and lovely acidity. Deep red in the glass, the nose is full of ripe huckleberry, cedar, and vanilla spice. The texture is plush with a broad mouthfeel. Flavors of blackberry compote, fig jam, and caramelized sugar round out a long finish. Pairs well with pork, stews, mushroom dishes. $24.99

Domaine Des Hauts Chassis Crozes-Hermitage Les Galets, Rhone, France

Varietals: Syrah Alc. 13%

Domaine des Hauts Châssis is a 12-hectare estate in the middle of Les Hauts Châssis” in the south of the Crozes Hermitage appellation area. It has been in existence for three generations. The current owner, Franck Faugier, has been the winemaker since taking over the family’s vineyards in 1998 and making the decision to leave the local co-operative and go out on his own. He is the fourth generation of his family to tend to their vines in the commune of La Roche-de-Glun in Crozes-Hermitage, however all the previous generations sold their grapes to either Paul Jaboulet Aîne or the Tain Cooperative. Franck’s 12 hectares of Syrah vines grow on the stony, red-clay and sandy soils of Les Châssis — one of the most prized plots of land in all of Crozes-Hermitage — with three hectares planted in the 1930s and another four planted in the 1950s and 1960s. He works his vines as naturally as possible, using biodynamic farming methods to ensure the health of his soil and plants. From these stony soils, Franck is able to craft expressive, juicy Syrah that drinks with fabulous freshness, complexity and fruit intensity. Les Galets has a bouquet of black cherries, violets, licorice, smoky nuances, and black olives. The palate is wonderfully mouth-filling, juicy, fresh, and youthful with good-bodied tannins. Pairs well with roast lamb, winter soups, and grilled ribs. $34.99

Adega Regional de Colares Chão Rijo Tinto, Lisboa, Portugal

Varietals: Castelão and Tinta Roriz Alc. 12.5%

The Colares Regional Winery, founded in 1931, is the oldest cooperative winery in the country. It currently comprises the majority of growers in the Demarcated Region of Colares, which is a very tiny region just west of Lisbon in the town of Sintra. It is run now by oenologist Francisco Figueredo, who has done more than anyone in the last few years to keep (or put back) Colares on the map. The region has a long history and is the second oldest demarcated wine region in Portugal, dating back to 1908, with records of wine production dating back to the days of the Roman Empire. The region has gone from being the center of the wine world in the early 1900s with several hundreds of hectares under vine, to having less than 20 hectares of vines today. Urban sprawl has been the main contributor to this devastation as real estate for development has influenced many growers to sell their plots since their kin are disinterested in carrying on with the farming. Farming here is extremely labor intensive. There has never been a proper trellising systems in place. Vines were, and still are, planted individually by digging several meters below the sand to reach the clay, allowing vines to settle and grow as they are planted 300 meters away from the Atlantic Ocean. The vines grow in a circular way out of the ground. When the grapes form, canes sticks are used to elevate the grapes, preventing them from touching the ground. Colares is famous for the red grape Ramisco, which is capable of aging for several years, as well as the white grape Malvasia. The Tinto is light bodied, high in acidity, firmly structured, and very mineral, with flavors of tart red fruit and saline. Pairs well with paella, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. $14.99

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Class Update

We started off our class schedule with a great class on Burgundy. Now, Morgan will go on to our class on Champagne, Tuesday, Jan. 30 and Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 6 – 8 pm. (We still have room so join us if you can)! Go to the Events page of our website – www.savourwineandcheese.com to see our updated schedule – https://www.savourwineandcheese.com/events.

Also – Susan Richards is offering a one-night seminar on the wines of Piedmont as well as a group tasting club to meet regularly on Sunday afternoons. We are all looking for something fun and interesting to do in winter – so check these out!

Italy Wine Region of Piedmont Class

The wines of the Piedmont are world famous and home to some of the most iconic wines of Italy. Come learn about the history of Piedmont, the viticulture, and the wines it produces, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Gavi, and Arneis. The class will be led by Savour Wine Consultant and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Susan Richards, who has recently traveled to the region. While tasting through five to six wines from this region, Susan will share her knowledge and experiences with you in this engaging, interactive, and educational class. For more information contact the store or stop by the shop.

Where: Savour Wine and Cheese, 46 Prospect Street, Gloucester

When: Wednesday February 7th , 6-7:30 pm

Cost: $75 per person

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Blind Wine Tasting Group with Susan

Tasting wine blind, meaning the wine’s identity is hidden, is a wonderful way to learn about wine and enhance your wine-tasting skills and ability to describe the characteristics of a wine.

Whether you consider yourself a wine novice or an expert, spend an evening in an informal and supportive setting with Savour’s knowledgeable wine consultant, Susan Richards, to taste blind.

Susan will lead you through the structured process wine professionals use to taste and discuss color, aroma, flavor, acidity, tannin, body, and finish, along with how these components of a wine can help you discern its identity. Blind tasting can help you define what types of wine you enjoy and describe to a waitperson or sommelier at a restaurant the kind of wine you want to order.

Where and When: At Savour one to two times a month (interest dependent)

Starting: Sunday, January 28, 3:30 -5:00 pm

Cost: $20 per session; advance registration preferred.

The five wines being tasted will be offered at a discount of 10% for six or more bottles.

Who: Minimum of four participants with a maximum of eight to allow for lively discussion

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

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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 Chris 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. (We have just changed 18 of the wines on the machine, so come in and try something new)!

Welcome Your Donation in any amount for Pathways for Children.

Thank You! …Kathleen

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

JANUARY 26, 2024 ~ GLOUCESTEREDUCATIONFOUNDATION 

These two beloved community events return this spring! Follow the Gloucester Education Foundation‘s website, Facebook, and Instagram for updates on activities, schedules, locations, and more.

(And if you need a reminder about how wonderful these events are, check out this video and this one!)

Power of Play + Arts Fest 2024: Save-the-Dates

Available for purchase $120 16×20 contact goodmorninggloucester@yahoo.com

Evening Walk…

What a day to be on Main St Gloucester!

JANUARY 25, 2024 ~ GLOUCESTEREDUCATIONFOUNDATION

Elementary Band Concert on Monday 1/29!

For more info- www.foodpantry.org

This year, with 34 community partners, 10 ice sculptures, and two full days of activities, we’ve officially established Gloucester’s So Salty as an annual tradition. The Museum counted 1,600 attendees just through our doors, and we estimate that closer to 2,000 people headed downtown over the weekend despite being in the teens and twenties both days!

This is truly a community event and we couldn’t do it without every volunteer, business partner, community partner, and attendee. We’re so proud to get a little saltier with you every year. Attached are pictures of just a few of the fun things that happened around town this past weekend.

Mark your calendars and get your creative juices flowing for the 4^th Annual Gloucester’s So Salty on January 25 & 26, 2025! Until then, stay salty!

Warmly,

Miranda

Jackie Bennett Submits:

This is from last week.  I think about how many generations have enjoyed it.

Inside the Bar…

Annual AVP Winter Cabaret Show Feb. 10

Tickets are now on sale for the annual Winter Cabaret being held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Annisquam Village Hall, 36 Leonard St. in Gloucester. Hosted by the Annisquam Village Players, one of the country’s oldest community theatres, the evening will cast a spotlight on some of the local gems that make up Cape Ann’s deep musical theatre talent pool.

It’s a great option for a pre-Valentine’s Day date.

Wine, beer, light refreshments, and hos d’oeuvres will be served as friends and neighbors attempt to make you smile, laugh – maybe even cry (or roll your eyes!).  Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.annisquamvillageplayers.org.

Each winter the Annisquam Village Players, whose history dates back to 1863, entertain the community with an engaging Cabaret show.  For many years, the event has warmed and delighted sold-out crowds with songs and skits performed by local thespians and musicians.

This year’s Cabaret 2024 show will feature veteran AVP’ers, familiar faces, and a few up-and-comers. Some of the talent appearing on stage will include Gordon Baird, Bobby Kerrigan, Monica Geraldo, Carol Cox, Nadia Robertson, Caitlin Dahlberg, Thom Smoker & Andrew Hankinson, and many more!

For more information about the Annisquam Village Players and its history, visit www.annisquamvillageplayers.org.

JANUARY 22, 2024 ~ CHAMBERCACC

Don’t Miss Out on Cape Ann Big Band and BrassFed Nation Youth Swing Orchestra this Friday at Shalin Liu Performance Center

All are invited to join the Greater Cape Ann Chamber’s 102nd Annual Celebration at Shalin Liu Performance Center on Friday, January 26 from 5 to 9 PM as we welcome incoming 2024 Board President Karen Ristuben and thank 2023 Board President Loran Caputo. Tickets may be purchased online at bit.ly/AnnualCelebration2024 or by calling the Chamber at 978-283-1601. Ticket options include Program and Cocktail Reception plus Live Performances for $100; or Live Performances Only at $45 for adults and $20 for youth under 18. See below for a list of the talented performers (there will also be a surprise guest performer!)

With the 2024 theme of Creativity, Culture & Commerce: Stronger Together, our goal this year is to inspire new synergies between greater Cape Ann’s arts, culture, and business communities. This unique Annual Celebration represents the visual and performing arts – music, painting, drama, poetry, and dance – from all five of our communities. 

The Program and Cocktail Reception will be held from 5 to 7 PM (heavy appetizers). The Live Performances begin at 7:30 PM.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

• Cape Ann Big Band with featured vocalists: Alexandra Grace, Emily Grace, Rhiannon Hurst, Scott Parisi, John Rockwell, and Nathan Seavey
• BrassFed Nation Youth Swing Orchestra with featured vocalists: Scarlett Berge, Jessica Cote, Alexis Geary, and Alessandro Schoc 
• Spoken Word: Luce Wren Brandt and Kaley Fantasia
• Dancer Performance: Sarah Slifer Swift and Carey McKinley, Movement Arts Gloucester MA (MAGMA)
• Lanes Coven Theater Co: Lily Narbonne and Justin Genna
• Live Art: Loren Doucette, Seven Suns Gallery. Pastel Artwork*

ADDITIONAL ARTISTS

• Wood Carving Demonstration by Harold Burnham*
• Live Painting Demonstration by Joli Ayn Wood*
• Centerpieces: Chubby Clay Bodies by Miranda Aisling, filled with beautiful floral arrangements by Betsy Morris Quinn (Dirt Floral Works). (Flat-fee purchase price of $40 each – first-come, first-served)
• Life-sized Portrait of “Captain Kyle Nelson, Pigeon Cove Lobsterman” by Leslie Heffron, in the Lobby. (Available for purchase from the artist.)
• Photography Display by Melissa Cox. (Available for purchase from the photographer.)

* Finished artwork to be sold via Silent Auction. Silent Auction bidding sheets are available in the Lobby.
Additional art pieces by Loren Doucette will be on display and available for retail purchase.

My name is Samantha Jones, I am a born & raised Gloucester girl just like my mom, grandma, and great grandmother before me ☺️ I started a new local party business called Rent the Pretty and I am running a promotion for Valentine’s Day rental bundles that I’m offering free delivery for Cape Ann residents!

It would mean the world to me if GMG would help me promote my new business and push this Valentine’s Day promotion I’m running as a way to introduce myself to the community that I’m really excited about!

This is the link to my post I hope you’ll consider sharing on your platform through Valentine’s Day with me.❤️ 

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02u8zb9gGUNMdHgHqxsqaxUjjuUVYiXuN1dLcgTWpxFubrrHRbHk1qGMAveNujBEsql&id=100094342221602&mibextid=qC1gEa

Instagram.com/RentthePretty