Owen Roe’s Corvidae Wine Co. ‘Mirth’ Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2012

Recommending a summer white that will please all of our customers is a serious challenge.

Firstly, there is the issue of Old World versus New World. Wine lovers from each group can be equally passionate.

Secondly, some New World aficionados are looking to go light in the summer, while others wouldn’t give up an ounce of precious body no matter how much heat comes their way.

The key is to find a wine that combines richness and refreshment in equal parts, something that’s bright and crisp enough to take to a picnic or the beach, but has enough substance to satisfy the demands of more formal gatherings. Continue reading Owen Roe’s Corvidae Wine Co. ‘Mirth’ Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2012

Rosé is serious

With winter a distant memory and spring quickly turning into summer, you’ll notice more rosé in the store.  I am a self-proclaimed rosé freak, and therefore I always buy plenty of it for the store.  Rosé consumption and production is on the rise as people realize its potential.  Depending on the style, it can pair with just about any summer fare and will stand up just as well if not better than any of your favorite white or red wines.  Rosé works well in the heat and pairs indiscriminately with the wide range of foods we enjoy indoors and out (particularly out).

Over the past few years I’ve increasingly bought more rosé–and not just from Provence, but also places like the Languedoc, Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Loire Valley, Italy (both north and south), Spain, Portugal, South Africa…the list goes on.  In France alone, production of rosé accounts for over a quarter of total wine produced (26%) which is a good deal more than white production (at around 17%).  Production and quality have increased, so it’s only a matter of time before the style captures the full attention of all wine amateurs.

But why is it not taken more seriously now and by all?  How much more will the derisive attitude towards this wonderful style of wine continue?  When will it find its rightful place and no longer be considered some sort of enological half-breed?  I’m not sure, but I believe it’s on the way to being accepted as serious wine. Continue reading Rosé is serious

The Colonial Crier – Your Source for the Best Summer Deals

Colonial Spirits’ Summer Magazine…

Expect your free copy to be delivered to your mailbox inside the Globe Direct advertising packet on May 23rd and enjoy articles, recommended products, Holiday sales, food pairing advice and more! Continue reading The Colonial Crier – Your Source for the Best Summer Deals

Colonial Spirits’ Jefferson’s Bourbon Selection

Jefferson's single barrel for Colonial Spirits

Jefferson’s small batch bourbon is part of a line up of exceptional bourbons including a reserve batch at over $60 and a 21yr at well over $100.  So, getting a true small batch product for $34.99 is a real value.  Jefferson’s doesn’t disappoint, so when we were offered the chance to taste through several single barrels of Jefferson’s in order to choose the one that we would have bottled for Colonial Spirits we were thrilled. Continue reading Colonial Spirits’ Jefferson’s Bourbon Selection

Remember When We Fought the Black and Tans?

Some of you may know that in addition to being a wine nerd and a beer geek I also hold dual citizenship, I have passports from both the United States and the Republic of Ireland.  I was born in Dundrum, a suburb of Dublin, and although my family didn’t live there long enough for me to acquire the accent (I wish!) I do take pride in my heritage and try to educate myself about it. Continue reading Remember When We Fought the Black and Tans?