Toad Hollow WinesSeptember 3rd, 2010To commemorate National Toad Appreciation Week, we will have the following wines available for you to “try before you buy”. It’s not really National Toad Appreciation Week, but our tasting selections are from Toad Hollow winery in California. A couple are produced and bottled there and the two sparklers are made in France and imported by Toad Hollow. We feel these selections will enhance your Labor Day Weekend cook-outs very nicely. Tasting times-Friday and Saturday, Sept. 3 and 4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m
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”In the year 1531, the Limoux region in the south of France began producing a delicious sparkling wine that was much admired and acclaimed Even before the discovery of Campagne, the Blanquette de Limoux was well known and sought after as France’s first sparkling wine. That tradition continues today” A blend of Chardonnay, Mauzac, and Chenin Blanc. Live it up, and have it with grilled Lobster tails, a baked potato, (with lots of butter), and cold asparagus with balsamic vinegarette dressing. Yesssss!
Wait ’til you taste this Russian River beauty! It’s” the complete package” of compelling nose, rich fruit throughout, and a stellar finish. Oh, please grill up a salmon steak. Oh, alright, hamburgers and hot dogs will work with it as well.
You’ve got to try this frivolous little sparkler. Slightly sweet, with tiny bubbles, and a creamy finish. Great with cheesecake.
Yet another gem from the Russian River Valley. It has a lovely dark red color, a ”come hither” nose, and ripe, dark berry fruit that rounds out nicely in the finish. It has more than enough body to go with those juicy steaks you’ve got waiting.
Don’t forget to check out our 1/2 Price Specials located near the tasting area. So, come on in for a taste and a couple of laughs at Midway, the fun place to shop!
Pumpkin and Oktoberfest Beers are in!!!!August 31st, 2010We have gotten a bunch of tasty Pumpkin and Oktoberfest beers in recently. Here’s what we have:(we are expecting more to come) Post Road Pumpkin Ale by Brooklyn Brewery $9.99 6pk $32.99 case “Blended with barley malt, pumpkins became a commonly used beer ingredient. Post Road Pumpkin Ale brings back this tasty tradition. Hundreds of pounds of pumpkins are blended into the mash of each batch, creating a beer with an orange amber color, warm pumpkin aroma, biscuity malt cent and crisp finish.” - www.brooklynbrewery.com Smuttynose Pumpkin $8.49 6pk 29.49 case “Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale is our homage to the craft and heritage of America’s brewers. Recipes calling for the use of pumpkins in beer date back to early colonial times, when brewers sought to extend their supply of costly imported malt with locally grown ingredients, such as squash and “pompions.” In that spirit, we brew our ale with the addition of pumpkin to the mash, along with traditional spices to create a delicious American original.” - www.smuttynose.com Fisherman’s Pumpkin Stout $9.99 6pk $33.49 case “2007 New England Microbrew Champ and Silver Medal winner at the 2007 Great International Beer Festival! This very unique style is more stout than the usual “pumpkin pie” ales that are out there, with hints of real pumpkin & spice and a dark, coffee, stout flavor! *Seasonal* “- www.capeannbrewing.com Saranac Pumpkin Ale $6.99 6pk $23.99 case “Saranac Pumpkin Ale is brewed with Pumpkin, Cinnamon, Allspice, Cloves, Ginger and Vanilla. Look for a full-body and amber color. We’re sure you’ll enjoy this special brew!” - www.saranac.com Dogfish Head Punkin Ale $8.99 4pk $46.99 case “A full-bodied brown ale with smooth hints of pumpkin and brown sugar. We brew our Punkin Ale with pumpkin meat, organic brown sugar and spices. This is the perfect beer to warm-up with, as the season cools.” - www.dogfish.com Jack’s Pumpkin Spice Ale $6.99 6pk $23.99 case “Our fall seasonal is a subtle, well-balanced ale, copper in color, offering rich, full flavors and aromas of pumpkin and spices. ” - www.anheuser-busch.com Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale $7.99 6pk $27.99 case “This amber-colored flavored ale is brewed only in the autumn and combines the flavor of vine-ripened pumpkin pie flavor with traditional crystal malt.” - www.bluemoonbrewingcompany.com
Shiner Oktoberfest $5.99 6pk $21.99 case Harpoon Octoberfest $7.99 6pk $27.99 case “The character and complexity of Harpoon Octoberfest comes from the malt and hops. When looking at a freshly poured Harpoon Octoberfest, you will notice the garnet-red color with a firm, creamy head. The beer’s color is from a blend of Munich, chocolate, and pale malt. The thick head results in part from wheat malt added to the grist. The hop aroma of this beer is not overpowering but it is present. Tettnang hops add a subtle spice nose that blends with the malt character. This beer is full-bodied, smooth, and malty. Willamettehops are used to provide a gentle bitterness and to balance any residual sweetness present from the malt. The finish is soft and malty with a mild bitterness.” - www.harpoonbrewery.com
Spaten Oktoberfest
$7.99 6pk $28.99 case “Spaten Oktoberfest Beer is amber in color. This medium bodied beer has achieved its impeccable taste by balancing the roasted malt flavor with the perfect amount of hops. Having a rich textured palate with an underlying sweetness true to tradition. ” - www.spatenusa.com
Warstenier Oktoberfest $14.99 12pk $28.49 case Paulaner Oktoberfest $9.99 6pk $34.99 case; $19.99 5L $35.99 2-5L Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest $9.99 6pk $34.99 case Becks Oktoberfest $7.49 6pk $25.49 case Weihenstephaner Festbier $9.99 6pk $34.99 case A full rich bodied, hoppy, seasonal lager. Especially brewed for the Festbier season. This beer truly represents the Bavarian way of celebrating. Deep gold color, great mouthfeel and lots of flavor. Prost! - www.brauerei-weihenstephan.de Half Price Wines!!!August 27th, 2010In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve been coming up with quite a few wines, that are rather high caliber, that we are able to sell at half their suggested retail price. The following will be available to taste this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27 and 28 from 11 a.m.-7p.m.
2006 Wild Oak by St. Francis Syrah-Calif.Reg. $29.99 Sale $14.99 750 ml.A bold,husky red with ripe, dark berry fruit and a little spicy, peppery action going on, and a big, round finish.
2005 Conde de Valdemar Crianza-SpainReg. $13.99 Sale $6.99 750 ml.This is from Rioja and is made of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo. Ripe berry fruit and cherry flavors abound with a soft, lasting finish. Went very nicely with a grilled pork tenderloin with a blueberry sauce.
2003 Rocca Delle Macie Roccato-ItalyReg. $49.99 Sale $24.99 ml.Here’s a chance to pick up a “Super Tuscan” at a reasonable price and satisfy your curiosity. This full bodied beauty is made of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Sangiovese. Match it up with beef, bison, or venison. Or pick up some Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Italian olives.
2006 S. A. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese-GermanyReg. $29.99 Sale $14.99 750 ml.A classic “estate bottled” Riesling Spatlese with all the textbook features. Ah, the lovely balance of honey/nectar flavors and a dry finish. A sensational buy!
Come on in, and “try before you buy”! It only takes a few minutes and we’re sure you’ll be glad you did! Top 12 July/August 2010July 14th, 2010We offer our sampler of different wines from around the world. We suggest you get the whole case, because with our special Top 12 discount of 20% OFF on the sampler you get 12 great wines at an average of $10 a bottle. So expand your palette today! Top 12 price: $125.50 1. Tarima Monastrell 2009 Jorge Ordonez is one of the most famous (if not the most famous) importers of Spanish wine in the US, and he made his fame by providing us Yanks with great values like this 100% Monastrell. Aromas of dark chocolate, prunes, licorice and violets lead to a palette full of dark fruit, spice and more violets 2. X Winery White 2008 Top 12 fans will notice that our last sampler featured this Winery’s Red Blend, which we sold TONS of. So this month we bring you this lively and fresh blend of 48% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Albarino, 20% Muscat Blanc and 6% Chardonnay. It displays aromas of bright citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, and on the palate there are quenching flavors of apricot, orange blossom and white tea, balanced with a nice amount of acid and dry finish. 3. Chemistry White Alsace Blend 2009 Chehalem Winery has always been known for their outstanding Pinot Noirs, and we recommend trying one the next time you are in the mood for a well structured, mouth filling, silky textured, medium-bodied red. However, we are writing this little bit to introduce their new white blend that draws inspiration from one of the most famous white wine regions in the world, Alsace. This blend takes the old-world blend known as edelzwicker and adds a new-world twist; a Chardonnay base. 57% Chardonnay, 28% Pinot Gris, 12% Riesling, 3% Pinot Blanc. Aromas and flavors of apricot, green apple, wet stone and a touch of spice. 4. Fattoria ColSanto Montefalco Rosso 2007 A blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Sagrantino, it is an authentic Umbrian “vino di tavola” with huge dark cherry aromas, good minerality, healthy acid, and silky texture. Beautiful expression of Italian Wine making. Enjoy with strong salty cheese, like pecorino, and roasted pork tenderloin. 5. Les Grandes Vignes Muscadet 2008 Crisp, fruity, mineral, dry, refreshing, value. These should be the words synonymous with Loire whites. However, lately they have fallen in to the esoteric category. So to do our little part in the revival of this area in north-west France, we bring to you a lovely Muscadet that exemplifies all of the wonderful qualities of the Loire, and at a great price. When is the last time you had a single vineyard French wine for under $20? 6. Chateau Musar Jeune 2008 Taste it blind, we dare you to try to think of someplace other than France. A blend of unoaked 60% Cinsault, 20% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, that is rich, soft and well suited for food. The winery has been in business since 1930 and the current winemaker/owner has been making wine at the estate since 1959, when he completed his oenology education in Bordeaux. 7. Cline Cool Climate Syrah 2007 If you are a Midway fan, chances are you are a Cline fan. We love them not only for their quality and value, but also for their Rhone inspired wines. This Syrah, however is only related to the Rhone by varietal; it is truly California in nature, with huge jammy blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Pair this one with a Rib Eye generously dosed with pepper and grilled to perfection. 8. Aresti Gewurztraminer 2009 It is very unusual to find a Gewurztraminer from Chile, so when we tasted this delicate semi-sweet white we knew it was right for the Top 12. Elegant aromas of rose pedals and candied apricots lead to lovely flavors of honey and fresh peach. 9. Yamhill Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2007 The Pinot Noirs coming out of Willamette Valley are all the rage in the wine world, so we bring you a boutique, all estate-grown beauty that will turn you on to this appellation forever. Rich aromas of raspberry and strawberry laced with spice box and hints of leather will go nicely with a variety of cheeses and roasted meats and vegetables. 10. Home Grown Red Blend 2008 When Italian families settled in California, they created their own style of winemaking- the Italian field blend. It is from this style that Home Grown Red is made. Equal parts Syrah, Barbera, and Petite Sirah give this rich, round red a multitude of aromas and flavors. “Mulberry Jam, sweaty saddle, blueberry buckle, roll in the hay, tapioca pudding” That’s how they describe it. We describe it as downright delicious and satisfying. It goes with just about anything from pizza to burgers to standing rib roasts to fried chicken. You’ll want a case or two of this stuff! An unbelievable value at just under ten bucks! 11. La Tour Coste Cotes Du Rhone “Les Trencats” 2007 Note: This is a special bottling of the same wine reviewed by Robert Parker as “Le Ferme du Mont Cotes du Rhone le Ponnant 2007” “This small estate’s dedicated, conscientious, young proprietor, Stephane Vedeau, appears intent on making a top-flight reputation for himself. Even better is the stacked and packed, very concentrated, yet elegant, pure, and impeccably well-balanced 2007 Cotes du Rhone Le Ponnant. This big-time Cotes du Rhone exhibits loads of concentration as well as abundant red and black fruit characteristics intermixed with notions of incense, spice, pepper, and licorice.” Robert Parker for Wine Advocate: 90 points 12. La Vieille Ferme Rose 2009 Rule #27 of Wine Shopping: The wines from France with the roosters on the label are some of the best you can get for under $10. Yes we just made that rule up, but its true, and don’t ask us for the other 26 rules because we have yet to translate them from French to English. We digress, this rose made from Cinsault and Grenache is jam packed with those fresh strawberry and watermelon aromas that pair perfectly with a light lunch or sipping by the pool. First Ever 3rd Thursday Brew Tasting and SaleMay 26th, 2010Our first Third Thursday Night Beer Event will be this Thursday, May 27th, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Yes, we know it’s not the third Thursday of month, but is that going to keep you from coming down and tasting these great brews, and purchasing them at REDICULOUSLY LOW PRICES! THESE PRICES ARE FOR THURSDAY NIGHT ONLY! We will be unveiling two new beers from Baltimore’s own Clipper City Brewing company, and this could be your first and last chance to try and purchase these beers until next year. 3rd Thursday Brews: Maryland Night Heavy Seas Below Decks Barleywine (Barrel Aged) 2010 These two finely crafted brews are made from the same base: Heavy Seas Below Decks, a fully bodied Barleywine with flavors of caramel, chocolate, and spice. From there they have aged the beers in oak Barrels that once housed Cabernet Sauvignon Wine and Bourbon. Each barrel gives these beers a unique flavor, imparting flavors of vanilla, fruit, toffee, and of course, Bourbon. Heavy Seas Letter of Marque 2010 (Rye Porter) Winner of Clipper City Brewing Co’s 2010 homebrew competition, this beer is dark ruby in color, with aromas and flavors of sweet, citrusy hops, a bit of caramel, and a touch of rye. Stillwater Artisinal Ales Stateside Saison Maryland’s newest and most exciting craft brewery! Brewmaster Brian Strumke has created a Belgian-Style Saison with flavors of light citrus and a bit of brettanomyces. Stuck in Lodi, Again! Peirano Estate WineryMay 20th, 2010The title of the Credence Clearwater Revival song rings true for us, here at Midway, because we seem to run into winner after winner every week from this Northern California treasure trove of vineyards. The story of Giacomo Peirano should be made into a movie. It is full of adventure, romance, and tragedy. Giacomo, a grape farmer, emigrated to San Francisco, Ca. in 1879 from Genoa, Italy with fifty dollars in his pocket. He was hoping to strike it rich in the Great Gold Rush age, but as his fifty bucks began to dwindle, he realized the gold idea wasn’t going to happen and moved to a mining town called Lodi. There he opened a general store and made enough money to return to Italy to bring back his lovely bride to be, Maria. He also brought back Italian Zinfandel vine cuttings from his family’s vineyard. He bought 300 acres of land in Lodi, and, together, they created one of the first vineyards there. Through the years that followed they had five sons who all worked the vineyards. Sadly, at the age of ten, his son Fred was kicked in the head by a horse and later died from the injury. Not long after that, another son, Frank, succumbed to blood poisoning at the age of twenty. Through all this, WWI, the Depression and prohibition, Mama and Papa Peirano and the three remaining boys kept their store and vineyards going. Son Charlie married and they had a daughter, Charlotte, who later married Randy Randolph. They had a son, Lance, who now creates their award winning wines. There is plenty more to the story, but we’re here to talk about the wines that the Peirano family produces today. Wines of great tradition. Peirano Estate Winery Tasting Peirano Estate “The Other” Red 2007 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Syrah, this wine packs quite a wallop! First of all, the sexy label is very interesting. Secondly, the vibrant color will entice you. Thirdly, the aromas and flavors of blackberries, sweet black cherries, plum, and boysenberries will astound you! Peirano Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 The rich, dark color and fetching nose will lead you into luscious dark berry, black currant, and black cherry flavors that fill the mouth with a delightful, elegant experience. It can be enjoyed now and for the next 8-10 years. Peirano Estate Petite Sirah 2007 This is a wine for those who like boldness. Jam packed with various aromas and flavors of black raspberry, spice, coffee, cocoa, cola, and white pepper, you’ll want to hold it in your mouth for as long as possible. The warm, firm tannins finish it off in fine fashion. A fat, juicy wine that will stay on your palate for a lonnnng time. Peirano Estate “The Other” White 2007 An unusual blend of 65% Chardonnay, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, and 10% Viognier, and it works beautifully. The aromas of apples, pears, tropical fruit, and a whiff of bubble gum are accompanied by hints of coconut and vanilla. On the palate, you will taste all those things along with homemade lemon pie. Have fun with it! Peirano Estate “The Immortal Zin” O.V. Zinfandel 2008 Old Vine Zinfandel is the monarch wine of Lodi. Describing this wine is just too difficult, it is so overwhelming! Such an abundant array of aromas and flavors, well, it boggles the mind! Gee, let’s see, you get black cherry, red fruit, minerals, earthy rhubarb, sweet cherry, strawberry, cocoa, and a finish that goes on and on. Truly a “Zin lover’s Zin”. Peirano Estate Chardonnay 2009 This stunning white is 100% barrel fermented and 100% malolactic fermentation, thus bringing a buttery style with vanilla undertones. The multi-scented nose will arouse your interest, followed by layers of pear, apple, tropical fruit, and homemade lemon meringue pie flavors. The finish is long and silky. Have it with tossed green salads, grilled chicken sprinkled with fresh basil, or some delicious cheeses and apple slices. Peirano Estate Six Clone Merlot 2007 Aged for 12 months in all French oak barrels with hand harvested grapes, this red gem is full of ripe cherries, blackberries, and hints of toast and vanilla aromas. Flavors of cherry, plum, cranberries, sweet raspberry, and strawberry cover the palate. It all comes together with a round, lingering finish. A Merlot that you are going to fall in love with! Il Poggione Pre Sale & The Yard Shiraz Blow Out!May 14th, 2010Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli 2003 In our last presale of this wine, we sold our first few cases right away, and the demand was so high that our distributor offered us a couple more cases. Reserve one quick, because this stuff is hot hot hot. Usually $90+ per bottle. This Single Vineyard Australian Shiraz usually sells for upwards of $30 a bottle! We love this wine, but we have to part ways to make room for new stuff, so we are willing to give this big, fruit forward beauty for $12 a bottle. Grill a steak and let ‘er rip. All a”boot” The Beer: Italy’s craft brew scene comes to MidwayApril 30th, 2010We recently added a new singles rack to our beer section, that means over 60 new beers from around the world. We brought in some magnificent Belgian and American beers, but the craziest, most memorable brews that we tasted in the search to fill the rack, were from Italy! And you thought the Italians were just known for their impeccable taste in food, wine, fashion, design, art, and anything else that requires creativity. I guess it makes sense that they should be great brewers because they have mastered the grain in food. Don’t be put off by the prices, these beers are so unique and memorable, you will forget how much you payed. We Italian Beer Sampler 6 Pack $64.55 (2 of each, 15% off) (Limited Time Only, Limited Quantities) Birrificio Pausa Cafe Chicca How do Italians rehabilitate prisoners? They teach them to brew world class beer! Pausa Cafe crafted this beauty using gourmet Huehuetenango coffee beans and created a medium bodied, fruity, intensely dark malt, coffee and cocoa flavored brew. Birrificio Montegioco Demon Hunter This beer needs no selling, the packaging and name do all the work. However, I will humor all you brew fanatics with a description. Belgian Dark Ale style; aromas and flavors of ripe plum, raisins, chestnut, honey, caramel, and a slight herbaceous and pepper hop character on the finish. The Umbrian Grape: SagrantinoApril 30th, 2010Sagrantino is a native Italian varietal grown mostly in the
The Umbrian Grape: Sagrantino Fattoria ColSanto Sagrantino di Montefalco 2007 No. 5 on the Top 12, this 100% Sagrantino usually sells for Fattoria ColSanto Montefalco Rosso 2007 Fattoria ColSanto Ruris 2007 Another past Top 12 wine, it remains one of our favorite Rarities and SeasonalsApril 16th, 2010
Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus (Framboise Lambic) It was quite difficult to get our hands on some of this lovely brew! Nose of raspberry, rose petals, sour grapes, and a certain funkiness that is the norm in this style of brew. It leads to a crips mouthfeel, with flavors of sour grapes, raspberries, and sour cherries. Dry finish that will leave you wanting more!
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