The majority of Oregon's AVAs are in the Willamette Valley, which should be a tasting destination for every wine enthusiast. It is a breath-taking area that does not have the glitz of Napa. The natural beauty of the Cascade, Oregon, and Calapooya mountain ranges, lush valleys, and shimmering waterfalls is the perfect back drop for sipping a glass of the region's unique Pinot Noir on your favorite winery's patio.
Oregon is not just about Pinot Noir anymore, though. While it's still the most-planted varietal in the state, there are hearty Cabs, Syrahs, and Merlots coming out of the Walla Walla Valley; spicy, complex Syrahs and Bordeaux style blends from the Rogue Valley; and zippy, refreshing Pinot Gris from throughout the state.
May is officially Oregon Wine Month and we tip our hats to all the hardworking wine makers who have led this erstwhile Lake Missoula flooded area to compete with the likes of their 45th latitude neighbor, Burgundy, France.
To celebrate, stop into Buy-Rite and pick up a bottle of each of Sammy’s favorite Willamette Valley Pinots. The Pinot Gris is perfect for end-of-the-day sipping on the patio and the Pinot Noir pairs well with roasted chicken, ham, pork and salmon. Enjoy it with your BBQ's over the Memorial Day weekend!
2019 Panther Creek Pinot Gris, Winemaker’s Notes – “Our Pinot Gris is refreshing and crisp in style. Aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit, and bright green apple fill the glass and the lively acidity rounds out the palate. On the finish there is a hint of ripe peach and yellow pear with a touch of minerality. A classic representation of Oregon Pinot Gris, enjoy on its own or with light salads, seafood, and pasta. Only 800 cases produced."
$17.99/btl
2019 Cloudline Pinot Noir, Winemaker’s Notes – “The 2019 Cloudline color is a bright garnet that deepens at its core, with a medium body, bright acidity, and excellent balance. Aromatics include red cherries, cranberry, a touch of vanilla, and various dark fruits. Tannins are soft, and the finish is pleasing and complete."
$19.99/btl
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Of course, many evolutions of the event have occurred since its first race in 1875, including the length of the race, the betting process, and the addition of radio and television broadcasts. However, tradition has not been lost along the way.
Winning horses are still celebrated with roses, which Meriwether began by awarding a bouquet of the red beauties to the jockey. Stunning hats, which started appearing with the television cameras, the singing of My Kentucky Home as the horses hit the track, and Mint Juleps are the signature attractions for this heart-racing equine competition.
At Sammy's Buy-Rite, we have everything you need to create your own Kentucky Derby celebration, including a huge selection of barrel-aged Bourbons, simple syrup, and Finlandia Vodka (official Vodka of the Derby).
We would surely be remiss if we did not provide the recipe for the Derby's Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep! For those at the party who are not Julep fans, we've included two more Derby-sponsored cocktail options.
Woodford Reserve - $37.99/750ml, Simple Syrup - $4.99/12 oz $32.99/750ml $26.99/1.75ml
Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside a tall glass. To the same glass, add the simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice. Stir. Garnish with more ice and fresh mint.
In an Old Fashioned glass, add sugar and water. Stir and dissolve sugar. Add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters and 2 oz. Bourbon. Stir, add ice and garnish with Cherry and Lemon Peel.
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher, cover and chill for 24 hours. Serve over ice. Garnish with celery sticks, asparagus spears, green onion, etc.
I am very lucky to have a cousin who lives in the vibrant town of Yountville in the Napa Valley. Last week he shot a video of nearby vineyards that are located about 10 minutes from the Silverado Trail. Not only do we get to enjoy the beauty of these grape-growing plots, we can also learn a bit about what occurs during this season of renewal.
At this point, the vines have been pruned, but bud break has not yet begun. The new plants will start to pop within the next week or two. But, before that exhilarating growth occurs, the very critical process of pruning is done. Pruning is essential to maintaining healthy vines and requires a very specific strategy because the pruner is actually directing where the food and energy from the vine goes to ripen the grape clusters.
In Napa, a popular vineyard ground cover is the mustard plant. Its yellow flowers certainly provide a stunning blanket of sunshine as you drive through the valley. More importantly though, ground cover, which is plowed under just before bud break, is used to replenish the soil while the vines are dormant in the winter and for repelling damaging pests that live in the soil. This sustainable practice of planting ground cover eliminates the need for pesticides. If you don't see a ground cover amongst the vines, more than likely chemicals are being used - certainly something to take notice of when visiting your favorite wineries.
To celebrate this exciting process of growth and rebirth during the season that also renews our spirit, Sammy's Buy-Rite has a number of delicious Napa and Sonoma wines to enjoy as we shed the weight of winter.
$31.99/btl $22.99/btl
$18.99/btl
The company actually started out as a hotel and restaurant that was opened by German immigrant, Andrew Heublein, in 1859. To help celebrate a Governors Footguard event, the restaurant mixed up a gallon each of Martinis and Manhattans. That led to a new company that produced pre-mixed cocktails, called Heublein Club Cocktails, and also distributed liquor.
When prohibition began, Heublein (now under ownership by Andrew's two sons) began producing A-1 steak sauce to help the company survive the dry spell. However, while it helped, due to the depression the company was in dire straits.
What does all this have to do with National Moscow Mule day? Well, John G. Martin, Andrew's great-grandson, made a magnificent deal to purchase the rights to producing Smirnoff Vodka, which was the beginning of improved financial health. And, to put Smirnoff on the map, he came up with an ingenious marketing plan that included creating several cocktails made with the Russian spirit, one of which was the Moscow Mule.
Below is a wonderful video of John Martin, himself, telling the Smirnoff story and how the Moscow Mule was created and marketed.
I'm fascinated by the video, perhaps because the interview was conducted at the Martin farm in Burlington, CT, where some very dear friends currently reside. But, being a marketing person I'm impressed with Mr. Martin's business acumen.
In honor of the National holiday, I say mix up the original Smirnoff Moscow Mule recipe, watch the video, and toast to John's genius!
Be sure to stop at Sammy's Buy-rite to pick up the ingredients you need to make this unique and very tasting cocktail. It's truly a refreshing sipper and certainly celebratory-worthy!
$12.99/750ml, $17.99/liter, $19.99/1.75 liter $3.99/btl
1.5 oz Smirnoff Vodka
3 oz Ginger Beer
Squeeze of fresh lime juice
Mix vodka and ginger beer in a copper mug over ice. Add the squeeze of lime and garnish with a lime wedge.
Don't have a copper mug? A rocks glass will do nicely.
Just as important is the feast that will be served up as the battle rages on, and of course, the drinks to pair with all that excitement.
No doubt beer, of which Buy-Rite has a huge selection, will be the most significant beverage of choice. But since most of us will be safe in our own homes, how about kicking it up a notch with a delicious fruity, sparkly winter Sangria (excellent recipe follows) or a well-made pre-mixed cocktail?
For those who are still sticking to their New Year's resolutions, Buy-Rite has a number of lower calorie seltzers to enjoy with the food favorites that will grace your snack tables during the game.
2 cups no-pulp orange juice
Recipe courtesy of Sunny Anderson, Food Network
$19.99/750ml $9.99/750ml
On The Rocks pre-made cocktails are exceptionally well done. I was very pleasantly surprised at how much they tasted like something I would prepare myself. Made with quality spirits, there is nothing wimpy or 'fake' tasting about these cocktails. All you do is open, pour over ice, and enjoy. Couldn't be any easier and there are several mixed cocktails from which to choose. A must have if you just want to relax during the game!
$11.99/375ml
Such a healthy option! Michelob Organic Ultra Seltzer comes in a variety of refreshing, lip-smacking flavors, only has 80 calories per 12 oz. can, and has no sugar or carbs!
$16.99/12-pk
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I, for one, will be celebrating National Bubble Bath Day on Jan 8th. Yes, it's a recognized holiday! And, given that getting healthy also includes relieving stress and replenishing our body, mind and soul, I'm thinking it's a perfect way to help restore what the holiday season has depleted. Imagine a lovely, hot tub full of bubbles with a bit of bubbly in your glass. I forsee the beginning of a new tradition!
Visit Sammy's Buy-Rite to pick up a delightful bottle that will pair perfectly with soothing your weary spirit.
Bellini cocktails are made with prosecco and fresh peach puree. Two wonderful winemakers have made it easy to enjoy this delicious, gluten-free, low calorie delight. Just chill and pop the cork!
$11.99/btl $13.99/btl
There's something about pink bubbles that appeals to all of our senses. Nothing refreshes the palate, and our sense of equilibrium, better than these stress-relievers - 90+ Sparkling Rose, Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato, and Barefoot Bubbly Pride Brut Rose.
$9.99/btl $9.99/btl $11.99/btl
2 cups good vodka (I use Stoli or Grey Goose)
1 cup orange liqueur (I use Gran Marnier, but be sure to try the all natural Triple Sec from Stirrings)
1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup pomegranate juice (Pom is good for this)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
Thinly sliced limes, for garnish
Frozen cranberries, for garnish
Run a lime wedge around the rim of a martini glass. Pour sugar onto a plate. Roll the limed glass rim in the sugar and set aside.
Combine everything except the sliced limes in a large pitcher. Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice, pour in the cocktail mixture, and shake for a full 30 seconds. Pour into the sugar-rimmed martini glass, drop in 3 frozen cranberries and garnish with a slice of lime.
Note: I always make this ahead of time and keep the pitcher, covered with plastic wrap, in the fridge.
4 shots of orange liqueur (I use Grand Marnier)
4 teaspoons honey
4 fresh strawberries
1 bottle chilled Champagne (I use Monsarrat Grande Reserve Brut)
4 chilled Champagne flutes
Add the orange liqueur, honey and strawberries to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Fill the chilled glasses halfway with the strawberry mixture and then fill the rest of the glass with the Champagne.
My suggestion: wet the rim of the glass with water before adding the ingredients to the glass. Pour some sugar onto a plate and dip the rim into the sugar. Garnish the poured cocktail with a small strawberry that's been partially sliced to sit on the rim of the glass.
Yields 4 drinks. Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay.
Over time, the gifting tradition was used to gain favor from rulers, increase wealth in the afterlife, ensure benevolence from the gods, optimize one's good luck, and to get women married off. Most importantly, though, it became a way for us to honor the type of relationship we share with others.
Whether for a boss, an employee, a service provider, a loved one, or even for yourself, during this holiday season, Buy-Rite Liquors offers a myriad of gifting options for everyone on your shopping list.
Beer lovers will get a kick out of the many local and national-brand holiday brews in the store (I always marvel at the names given to hop juice!).
Spirits are a very special gift for many, especially the artisanal, cask strength and small batch styles.
Who among us does not have a wine-lover in our lives? Buy-Rite's wine shelves are packed with bottles perfect for the newly-enamored or the aficionado on your list.
Themed gift baskets and gift sets that include a variety of tantalizing goodies are always fun to give and even more exciting to receive. Call us at (860) 529-3535 to order a custom-made basket or stop by the store to pick up everything you need to create your own.
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A predominant varietal in the Rioja region of Spain, Tempranillo does find its way throughout that country and into Portugal. Just as the four aging classifications (Tinto/Rioja, Crianza, Reserva, & Gran Reserva) affect the flavor profiles, the climate in each of its regions changes the mouth feel and the tannic structure of this Noble Grape.
Younger Tempranillo will maintain the lively, cherry fruit profile already mentioned. But, as you get into the Reserva's and Gran Reserva's that have at least 3 years total in the barrel and bottle, and well over 5 for the top classification, the aging develops the earth and leather notes that are prevalent in Tempranillo. More tannic structure makes the Gran Reserva wines extremely age worthy.
When in Rioja last year, I drank Tempranillo every day and found that it pairs perfectly with beef, lamb (with roasted vegetables), and Serrano and Iberico ham. It's also a wine that pairs well with hearty pasta dishes.
Spanish wines, I think, offer some of the best values in the wine world. Easy to drink, with or without food, the bottles coming out of the Iberian Peninsula surprise me with a complexity and quality that surpasses many higher-priced domestic wines.
At Buy-Rite we celebrate this beautiful grape with a highly-rated selection of Tempranillo blends and Rioja's.
In honor of International Tempranillo Day, throw together a quick antipasto platter and do a Rioja tasting. Compare at least two of the four classifications and experience how aging changes the flavor profiles in wine, all while enjoying Tempranillo's delicious zippy style!
]]>Contrary to popular belief, Dom Perignon did not invent Champagne. He definitely contributed greatly to refining the process and to improving the quality, starting in 1668 when he became the cellar master for the Abbey of Hautvillers. However, the first recorded sparkling wine in France was made by the Benedictine Monks in 1531, which was done by finishing its single fermentation in the bottle.
Even more interesting is that in Winchcombe, England in 1662, a scientist named Christopher Merrett first documented 'how to put the fizz into sparkling wine' and is credited with creating a second fermentation in the bottle by adding sugar and yeast to wine that had completed its initial fermentation. The English also had the technology at that time for making the glass bottles that could withstand the second fermentation, which the French did not. This process is now called the Methodé Champenoise and was not actually used in France's Champagne region until 200 years after Merrett published it.
No matter who takes credit for being the creator, Champagne is a delight that enhances every party experience. The bubbles express the joy we feel when celebrating the milestones in our lives while the citrus-y at the front, and the toasty, almond, brioche flavors at the back tantalize our palates.
Personally, I think Champagne pairs nicely with just about any type of food, but have you ever tried it with potato chips or French Fries? I did so after attending a presentation by a Champagne rep from France who exclaimed over how well bubbles taste with fried foods. He was so right...total harmony!!
Of course, there are more sparkling wine options that are less expensive than Champagne, i.e. Italian Prosecco, Moscato d'Asti, Spanish Cava, U.S. domestic sparkling wine, to name a few. But, given all the wonderful celebrations enhanced by the presence of Champagne, join us for a toast to the time-honored bubbles that bring out the 'party-ness' in all our parties with the very affordable Monsarrat Brut Champagne we're offering at a very special price!
Champagne Monsarrat Grande Reserve Brut
Special Pricing - $29.99, Regular - $34.99
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Hard to believe, but we are heading towards the unofficial end of summer. I thought for sure this season would go by slower than most with all the Covid restrictions. NOT!!
Now it's time to celebrate the end of a season we will not soon forget, sharing a break from our labors with friends and family. Let's stoke up the grill, take advantage of the late summer harvest and enjoy our favorite adult beverages.
Barbecue to me means ribs with a tangy sauce, fresh corn on the cob, and native tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and home grown basil. What will I be drinking?
A fruity, crisp, perfect-for-summer rosé to start with. The strawberry/watermelon notes of rosé pair well with salads, grilled salmon, teriyaki sauce and spicy foods. But, with it's crisp acidity it's also the perfect starter for invigorating your palate...or for sipping all day long! Let Buy-Rite's knowledgeable staff help you make a great selection.
With ribs my go-to pairing is red Zinfandel. The slight sweetness of Zin, balanced nicely with mouth-watering acidity, pairs well with red meats and melds beautifully with a spicy BBQ sauce. It's medium body and soft tannins make it an easy drinking summer wine.
Seghesio Family Vineyard's Sonoma Zinfandel is a huge favorite of mine. Juicy raspberry and blueberry fruit perfectly balanced with spice flavors is an excellent choice! 90 pts Wine Enthusiast
Of course, Chardonnay is the perfect accompaniment to corn on the cob. It's creamy buttery-ness elevates the rich, sweet flavors of the corn. Throw the cobs on the grill with hickory wood chips and the Chard's oak will highlight the corn's smokiness. Our extensive Chard selection offers a flavor profile to fit everyone's palate. Ask for one that isn't overly oaky, but has that pop of butter. But, if you prefer unoaked, no worries...the acidity will highlight the sweetness in the corn.
Not a wine drinker? Buy-rite offers a huge selection of seltzers sure to please those looking for lighter refreshment.
For those of you who prefer to stay home, take advantage of our online ordering service at www.drizly.com, or download the app to your mobile phone. We'll deliver the order within an hour! An adult over the age of 21 must be on the premises to accept the delivery.
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Since this pandemic still has us restricted, and it looks like we won't able to do in-store tastings for a while, we are going to reach out to our valued customers in other ways.
To start with, we'll be offering beverage news to you in a weekly blog and newsletter. We will be sharing product specials, wine tidbits, cocktail recipes and assorted other gems to keep you informed on the happenings in our store.
In addition, you'll find Sammy's Buyrite on social media. Please be sure to follow us, like us, and share us with all your friends.
Instagram - sammys.buyrite, Facebook - @buyritewethersfield
If you'd like to receive our weekly newsletter via email, please email us at buyritewethersfield@gmail.com and provide your email address.
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