A tasting to benefit Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County

Happy Summer! We're celebrating the change of season with a special tasting to benefit Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County. Please join Ancona's Wines of Wilton on Saturday, June 21, from 3-6pm to support this wonderful organization. Proceeds from the sale of tasting wines will be donated to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County. Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County has served the community for more than 100 years and has one of the oldest hospice programs in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Founded in 1912, this non-profit agency provides professional nursing and support services, senior care management, physical rehabilitation, health education, community wellness programs and compassionate hospice care for adults and children in the heart of Fairfield County.

Tasting highlights for this Saturday's event include:

2013 Pikes Riesling "Hills & Valleys" is clean, precise, and full of green apple and lemon/lime citrus flavors that have beautiful persistency coupled with subtle hints of mineral and wet slate. This is a fantastic, mouth-watering, bargain riesling at a mere 11.5% alcohol.
2012 Domaine Du Salvard Vin de Pays du Val de Loire Pinot Noir "Unique" is a delicious Pinot Noir that is medium-bodied, cherry-driven, earthy, and fresh. We often hear from both customers and distributors that it is difficult to find really good Pinot Noir under $20 a bottle. This wine is the answer. Simply everything I'd hope for in a Pinot. A spectacular little value.
2012 "Sentinelle" cuvee is the more precocious of the two reds produced at Massiac.  The tannins are more supple and the fruit a touch "sweeter", more forward and less rustic than its companion. The wine is bottled within a year of the harvest.  The blend is usually two-thirds Syrah and one-third Carignan.

Ancona's Thursday Night Six Wine Tasting with Lieb Cellars

Drink local! Please join Ancona's Wines Thursday, June 19th at 7:30pm, as we welcome Lieb Cellar's brand ambassador, Madison Fender, to Ancona's Thursday Night Six w/ Mitch & Codey. Lieb Cellars is a sustainably farmed vineyard located on the North Fork of Long Island. Their commitment to delivering high quality, local, estate grown wines is reflected throughout their impressive portfolio. We cannot get enough of their vivacious and energetic wines! This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. To RSVP please call (203)544-8958 or contact jackie@anconaswines.com.

Tasting highlights at Ancona's Thursday Night Six include these fabulous local wines:

2010 Lieb Cellars Blanc de Blanc was named as a top American Sparkling Wine by Wine Spectator. This 93 Point brut sparkler boasts comes alive with delicate, refreshing, tiny bubbles, which creates opportunity for classic pairings with caviar, oysters, and smoked fish, or with rich desserts like chocolate mousse, and creme brulee.

2012 Reserve Pinot Blanc is fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks to display the true varietal character featuring notes of lemongrass, lime zest, and rose petals. As the wine opens, notes of pear and honey begin to emerge. The palate remains crisp and vibrant with elegant balance. After a finish of star fruit and green apple, there is a touch of sea spray.

2013 Lieb Cellars Bridge Lane Rose is Light-bodied, dry rosé wine with jolly rancher, strawberryand rosemary flavors.

2012 Bridge Lane Red Blend is a medium-bodied, dry red wine black cherry, cedar and spice flavors. 46% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec.

2008 Lieb Cellars Merlot Reserve is rich with plum, black cherry and cedar that comes through a smooth, supple mouth-feel, finished with soft, round tannins. While delicious to drink now, it should age well for many years.

2012 Bridge Lane Merlot Blanc is made from the red Merlot grape, the fruit is harvested early in the season and delicately crushed to extract the most concentrated juice. The juice has no contact with the red skins of the grape, resulting in the wine's light color. It shows bright grapefruit and lemongrass aromas accented by flavors of citrus and apple with a crisp finish and racy acidity.

 

Top Summer Value Wines Under $20

As temperatures rise we seek invigorating wines to energize and refresh our palates. Lucky for us, Ancona's Wine Director, Codey, has been busy tasting day and night to bring us cheerful new bottles to help beat the heat. These terrific summer values are full of life, sporting fresh aromas and flavors that make them impossible to resist. This week we're featuring an animated sparkler from Jura, a mouthwatering Riesling from Australia, a heavenly white blend from Kermit Lynch (one of our favorite importers), an aromatic and flavorful Oregon Pinot Noir, and a lush Zinfandel from Chacewater Winery. Speaking of our friends at Chacewater Winery -- their winemaker,  Mark Burch, will visit Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield for a very special open-house style Chacewater Wine Tasting on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30pm. Mark's exposure to many different wine making techniques over the years has helped him develop his own personal style. Chacewater wines are exceptional because of Mark's creativity and vision. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to meet the winemaker! This is a free event, to RSVP please call (203)544-8958 or contact jackie@anconaswines.com.

Francois Montand Brut Blanc de Blancs is an unrivaled value. It is a wine with intense aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit. The flavors are creamy and smooth, with lingering aromas, freshly baked bread, golden delicious apples and Meyer lemons. A harmonious wine to start any meal or to enjoy with ceviche, white fish, seafood, or salads.

Pikes Riesling "Hills & Valleys" comes from the cool climate of Clare Valley in South Australia. It is clean, precise, and full of green apple and lemon/lime citrus flavors that have beautiful persistency coupled with subtle hints of mineral and wet slate. This is a fantastic, mouth-watering, bargain riesling at a mere 11.5% alcohol.

Kermit Lynch Vin de Pays Vaucluse Blanc is a made from equal parts Chardonnay and Viognier. The grapes are hand harvested and cool fermented to retain optimal white wine flavors -- Think creme brulee and honey suckle. This little dry white has it all: round-bodied texture, yet tart, stony crispness and a knockout aroma of pear, sun-baked apples, and spicy hints of anise.

Wildewood Wine Company Pinot Noir comes from the low yielding, late ripening 2010 vintage that produced highly aromatic and flavorful Pinots. Cherry, strawberry and rhubarb notes define the aromatics of this wine and are backed by hints of cinnamon and oregano. Bright flavors of cherry, raspberry and ripe tomato are balanced by a layer of earthy mushroom.

Chacewater Zinfandel is a rich, rustic Zinfandel packed with strawberry, red cherry, white pepper and laced with smoky vanilla oak. The lush midpalate is fat with berry characters, finishing with expansive fruit, lingering sweet oak and complex ripeness.

BBQ Friendly Wine - Ancona's top Red, White, and Rosé wines for Summer 2014

Ignite your senses with Ancona's collection of Grilling Greats! These palate pleasing varietals are an ideal match for your favorite Summertime recipes. Fire up the grill and pop the cork on one of these amazing new wines this weekend!

2012 Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is light straw in color with a greenish tint. The aromas are fairly intense with an elegant fragrance of white flowers and pears. It has a light/medium body with flavors of yellow plums, pears and apples. Pair this neat Trebbiano with Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp.

Max Ferd Richter Signature Riesling shows just a touch of residual sugar, but it is impeccably balanced by vibrant acidity and a pleasantly low alcohol. Flavors of lime zest, peach, candied lemon, and pure slate mineral all make an appearance on the palate. I juicy and irresistible summer sippin' white. Pair this off-dry Reisling with Lemongrass Barbecued Pork.

2013 Torii Mor Pinot Gris has a rich, forward aroma, with a mix of peaches, ripe pears and smoky-floral notes. The flavors show a nice, refreshing acidity, followed by a sweet and rich quality that frames the same peach-pear fruity notes. Its lush texture is complemented by a long lasting finish. Pair this mouth-filling Pinot Gris with Chili Lime Chicken Kabobs.

2012 90+ Cellars Lot 8 Garnacha is a complete wine, with aromas of forest fruit shrouded in chocolate, vanilla, milk, coffee, nuts and wood spice. The wine has a broad palate of earthy blue fruits and integrated oak; well put together, ripe and nicely open with a lingering spicy finish. Pair this value Grenache with a refreshing Gazpacho.

2011 Klinker Brick Zinfandel exhibits a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and Satsuma plum, intermingled with cedar shavings. Filling the palate with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, supple tannins support good structure. The finish is smooth and long. Pair this fierce Zinfandel with juicy Cheddar Bacon Hamburgers.

2012 Sexual Chocolate is a unique blend of Zinfandel, Syrah & Petite Sirah. The Zinfandel presents a rich, warm feel that could be confused with biting into a chocolate covered cherry, while the Syrah adds a finish that does not linger after the party is over. The Petite is blended perfectly to display aromatics of magic and love. Pair this sinfully delicious blend with Barbecued Pork Ribs.

2013 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado has super fresh fruit aromas; on the palate it is full, expressive, and elegant with crisp acidity and a long aftertaste. Pair this delightful Rosé with an endless variety of tapas.

2013 Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Rose is considered the finest of the Loire Valley. It is made from 100% Cabernet Franc. This Chinon Rose has a brilliant, pomegranate-red color, bright red-berry and red-citrus fruit, and a long, fresh and succulent finish. Pair this pleasantly tart Chinon Rosé with a fresh Nicoise Salad.

2013 Heitz Cellars Grignolino Rose is perfection on a Summer day. The luminous pink hue and seductive bouquet of this delightful wine remind us why it is known as "the little strawberry" in its native Italy. This is an invigorating, fruity wine with zippy notes of mandarin on the finish. Pair this fresh and flirty Rosé with Grilled Salmon.

Mix and mingle at one of our tasting events! Join us on Wednesday, June 11 as we welcome winemaker, Mark Burch, to our open-house style Chacewater Wine Tasting. Mark's exposure to many different wine making techniques over the years has helped him develop his own personal style. Chacewater wines are exceptional because of Mark's creativity and vision. This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. To RSVP please call (203)544-8958 or contact jackie@anconaswines.com.

Don't miss Ancona's Father's Day Single Malt Tasting! Join for a taste of Islay on Thursday, June 12. We will taste through Bruichladdich's impressive selection of exquisite Single Malts and Gin. This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. Space is limited, an RSVP is required. Please call (203)544-8958 or e-mail jackie@anconaswines.com  to reserve your spot today.

Quintessential Wines for Memorial Day Weekend

Raise a glass and toast the red, white, and blue! In preparation for Memorial Day our Wine Director, Codey, curated an enticing selection of new wines to fill your glass this weekend. These lighthearted summer sippers are must-haves for the warm months ahead. Their enticing flavors and refreshing qualities make them absolutely irresistible. If you're stocking up for the weekend, Ancona's Wines is open regular hours Friday May 23 (8:30am-8pm), Saturday May 24 (8:30am-8pm), and Sunday May 25 (10am-5pm). On Memorial Day, Monday May 26 Ancona's is open 9am-5pm.

2013 Pascal Janvier Jasnieres dry Chenin Blanc is some of the finest in the world. It is more refined and high-toned than Savennieres but just as structured and just as age-worthy. On the nose this wine shows off a brilliant mineral profile with accents of black powder, musket flint, and granitic quarry dust--all accompanied by a green apple and and a perplexing herbal quality unique to this vintage. The palate is punctuated by remarkable acidity, as it characteristic of fine Chenin (or Pineau de la Loire as it is called locally). And with such acidity will come great longevity. This is a gorgeous wine right now but anyone with enough patience and a deep enough cellar will be well rewarded.
2013 Pascal Janvier Coteaux du Loir Rouge "Cuvee du Rosier" is produced from a grape variety called Pineau d Aunis (sometimes also called 'Red Chenin'). A tart cranberry and cherry fruit profile dominates along with hints of black pepper and the signature mineral/stone components that are also present in Janvier's whites: black powder, musket flint, and granitic quarry dust. This is both a gorgeous and sophisticated red wine that is a quintessential Summer Sippin' Red.

2012 Hofer Zweigelt is a crowd-pleasing 1 liter bottle made from 100% Zweigelt - a red grape varietal from Austria. It is ripe and savory, with fresh red fruit notes and a pleasing roundness. The cool pop-top is perfect for alfresco dining, and the light to medium bodied red pairs well with summer foods, including grilled chicken, seafood, and salad.
2011 Wieninger Wiener Gemischter Satz intense nose has a fresh fruitiness combined with mineral components. Gemischter Satz can be made from as many as 13 different varieties at one time, yet here the most significant contributions are made by Grüner Veltliner, Weissburgunder, Welschriesling, and Chardonnay. It pairs perfectly with light summer dishes, and fresh seafood.
2013 Gobelsburger Rose is a blend of Zweigelt and St. Laurent grapes from the cooler sites of Langenlois and Gobelsburg. The wine shows a brilliant clear rose color. Decadent fresh cherry fruit on the palate is accompanied by refreshing acidity. This invigorating rose is the perfect wine to enjoy on a warm sunny day.

2006 Weinert Malbec isn't like any other Argentine Malbec we've ever tasted. This is an old school and traditional--shamelessly earthy kind of Malbec. Perhaps it is this wine's bottle age that lends it such brilliant tertiary aromas. Mature red and black fruits are interwoven with aromas of Truffle di San Gimignano, morel mushrooms, crushed leaves, and spice. This is the way Argentine Malbec should be made--a style that harkens back to Malbec's original stomping grounds in Bordeaux and Cahors.
2013 Palacio de Fefinanes Albarino is an attractive white that showcases the splendor of the great Albarino grape. Fresh fruit, floral notes and a subtle herbaceous element combine magnificently to produce this enticing silky white with pleasing minerality and refreshing acidity. Balanced, distinctive and elegant. It has a long life ahead in which to be enjoyed.

The best wines for your Memorial Day BBQ

Ancona's is your Memorial Day BBQ headquarters! Whether you are looking for warm weather spirits, Craft Beer in cans, or BBQ friendly whites and reds -- we have all of your party needs covered. Don't forget, Ancona's offers FREE wine tastings every day from 12-8pm. Stop by Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield or Wilton and taste your way through a wonderful assortment of white, rosé, and red wine -- who knows, you may discover a new favorite!

Ancona's Wines is open regular hours Friday May 23 (8:30am-8pm), Saturday May 24 (8:30am-8pm), and Sunday May 25 (10am-5pm). On Memorial Day, Monday May 26 Ancona's is open 9am-5pm.

2012 Mandolin Pinot Noir is an outstanding value wine that has balance, finesse and distinct Pinot character. This cool-climate Pinot Noir has full, forward cherry and raspberry fruit flavors with ideal acidity. It is a smooth, sensual and mouth-filling delight for a moderate price. A true bargain for the quality!

2009 Fat Cat 420 is made from Carignan, a sometimes under appreciated varietal that produces brilliant dark-fruited reds. Jamie Peterson, the winemaker has certainly adapted his fathers old school/Old World style of wine making and it  shows through in this bottling.

2011 Klinker Brick Old Vine Zinfandel is a delicious wine exhibiting a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and Satsuma plum, intermingled with cedar shavings. Filling the palate with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, supple tannins support good structure. The finish is smooth and long.

2012 Benziger Family Winery Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and enduring, providing a good, but not heavy, volume. This Sauvignon Blanc offers subtle minerality and notes of grapefruit and lemon. The wine's acid is both balanced and integrated, giving it an elegant softness.

2012 Flora Springs Chardonnay has forward fruit that marries beautifully with new French oak, which imparts a wonderful vanilla flavor to the wine. It has wonderful balance and length of flavors, including apple and peach, with the creamy after tones of oak. a wine with superb direction and character.

2013 Torii Mor Pinot Gris has a rich, forward aroma, with a mix of peaches, ripe pears and smoky-floral notes. The flavors show a nice, refreshing acidity, followed by a sweetness and richness framing the same peach-pear fruity notes. The texture is rich and mouth-filling followed by a long, rich and bold finish.

2013 Chacewater Rosé is a dry, elegant rose that starts off with bright, red cherry, ripe strawberry and dried rosebuds. Soft and round on the edges with a rich, fruity core that yields to a long and complex finish of wild berries, spice and dried cranberry.

2013 Pomar Junction Rosé is a serious, broad shouldered rosé. Red berries and mild citrus unite in a flavor profile that suggests just a hint of jamminess but is still refereshing a crisp.

2013 The Withers Sierra Foothills Rosé has a beautiful rose color, penetrating, but light flavors, and a lingering finish. This is a European-style Rose, focused on over-delivering for the price and producing something with evocative flavors and a sense of place.

Foolproof Brewing Backyahd IPA is the ultimate suburban brew, Backyahd is an aggressively hopped American IPA with a tantalizing hop aroma. The beer's bitterness pairs perfectly with spicy foods coming straight off the grill. Enjoy it with friends, family, or whomever you choose.

Two Roads No Limits Hefeweizen is a version of the classic Bavarian wheat brew that is perfect for the warm weather enjoyment. Beautifully cloudy with a generous head of foam, it has a wonderful fruit aroma and a nice, dry finish. This Hefeweizen is a refreshing version of the original.

DC Brau the Public Pale Ale is brewed in the classic American Pale Ale style. Assertive bitterness backed by C-60 and Vienna malts which lend notes of rich, yet semi-dry caramel. Then followed up with a nice white grapefruit and citrus aroma that begs for a follow up sip.

It is Huckleberry Lemonade season! Enjoy the tartness of fresh lemonade and the deep, rich tangy flavors of 44 North Huckleberry Vodka this Memorial Day weekend. Combine 4oz 44° North Vodka (Huckleberry) and 6oz lemonade in cocktail shaker. Shake and serve over ice.

Greenhook Ginsmiths American Dry Gin is a true testament to artisan spirits. Distilled in a custom-made copper pot still, Greenhook has a delicate fresh, fruity nose with notes of juniper and elderflower. On the palate flavors of juniper and citrus are followed by hints of cinnamon and camomile. Everything about this Gin is oh-so-right; mix with Q-Tonic for the ultimate gin & tonic.

A Portonic is a great way to enjoy Port wine during the warm Spring and Summer months. Portonics are perfect for parties, Memorial Day BBQ's or sunny afternoons with friends. In a highball glass filled with ice combine 1 part Dow's Fine White Port and 2 parts Tonic. If you are feeling adventurous add a splash of pomegranate juice for a special twist.

Sip and Support Wilton's Relay for Life - Free Wine Tasting at Ancona's

Sip and support Wilton Relay for life! Please join Ancona's as we raise a glass and funds for The American Cancer Society on Saturday, May 17th, from 2-5pm at Ancona's Wines in Wilton. Proceeds from the sale of tasting wines will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Tasting highlights include: 

2013 Gobelsberger Rosé - This Rosé is a blend of Zweigelt and St. Laurent grapes from the cooler sites of Langenlois and Gobelsburg. The wine shows a brilliant clear rose color. Decadent fresh cherry fruit on the palate is accompanied by refreshing acidity. This invigorating rose is the perfect wine to enjoy as we welcome warm sunny days.

2013 Weingut H.u.M. Hofer Gruner Veltliner - This organically run family farm run by Herman Hofer makes top quality Gruner's.  It is bottled in a traditional one  liter bottle with a beer bottle style crown cap.  It is a refreshing in-oaked sipper with a lovely mouthful of flavor.  Citrus and crisp acidity backed by boney dry minerality makes this wine versatile, food friendly spring/summer white wine to pair with fish, chicken, or vegetable dishes.

2012 Joel Gott Oregon Pinot Noir - This Oregon Pinot Noir has aromatics of raspberry, blueberry, tart cherry, and violets with hints of sweet cedar and spice. On the palate, lush fruit flavors lead to soft, velvety tannins on the mid-palate and a well-balanced finish.

2011 Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon - This Cab has penetrating aromas of black currant and red berries, graphite and spice meet a classically Bordelaise palate with nuance and structure. Resoundingly dry and elegant with fine purity of flavor and a lingering, balanced finish.
 

- - - - - - - - - - - SAVE THE DATE - UPCOMING EVENTS - - - - - - - - - - - -

Mix, mingle and taste through a superb selection of beer on Thursday, May 22nd, from 7:30-8:30pm. Ancona's Thursday Night Beer Tasting with Justin & Julia will be a fun evening full of good music, great company and six exciting new brews! This event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. Space is limited, an RSVP is required. Please call (203)544-8958 or e-mail justin@anconaswines.com to reserve your spot today. Click here to see what we're tasting.

Please join Ancona's Wines on June 10th at 7:30pm as we welcome Chacewater Winery to our Tuesday night tasting event! This family owned winery only uses the finest natural ingredients to produce their award winning wines. This event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. Space is limited, an RSVP is required. Please call (203)544-8958 or e-mail jackie@anconaswines.com  to reserve your spot today.

Just in time for Father's Day! Join Ancona's for a taste of Bruichladdich's exquisite selection of Single Malts. This event takes place on Thursday, June 12th at 7:30pm at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. Space is limited, an RSVP is required. Please call (203)544-8958 or e-mail jackie@anconaswines.com  to reserve your spot today.

Wine Spotlight: 2011 Continuum

Great estates, when combined with intensive farming practices, have an advantage in that they produce superior wines every year. Continuum, an estate winery started by the Mondavi family, is no exception to this rule. We're offering the exceptional 2011 Continuum at $155.99 -- that's a savings of 16% ($30) OFF the usual $185 price tag.
 

For generations the Mondavi family have grown and produced wines among the world's finest. In 2005, Robert, Tim, and Marcia Mondavi set out on a new venture to produce a single estate wine. The result was Continuum, an estate winery that celebrates excellence and tradition in wine making. The Mondavi family utilizes over 40 years of wine making prowess to produce outstanding wines that set the benchmark for California Estate wines. Every vintage since 2005 vintage has landed at the top of rating charts, boasting consecutive scores of 93 points or better.

2011 is the current release from Continuum estate and promises to be one of the finest yet. The 2011 has a deep red robe, black highlights, and a vibrant violet rim. Primary aromas of black cherry, mulberry, rose petal and coffee develop greater nuance as the wine breathes, revealing red cherry, chocolate, fig, and cardamom. On the palate, ripe damson plum, savory aged beef and allspice infuse the wine's silky tannins and rich velvety texture. The 2011 is full yet supple, with a long and complex finish and a vibrant core of minerality.
 

If you want to enjoy Continuum now, we recommend decanting the wine for the fullest sensory experience. Decanting awakens the wine's pure fragrant expression and enhances the suppleness of the palate. There is no hurry to pop the cork on this fine specimen, as it will truly shine with time. Perhaps the best route is to purchase a few bottles. Enjoy one now and save a couple for later. This vintage can be held in your cellar for the next 10-15 years. 

How do you take advantage of this incredible opportunity to own a bottle of 2011 Continuum? E-mail mitch_ancona@anconaswines.com. Please include your name, address, and telephone number. Remember, we are offering the stunning 2011 vintage at $155.99 per bottle. It is an extremely limited offering and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
 

Continuum Ratings:

We are committed to providing you the latest wines, beers, and spirits for online and in-store purchase, as well as outstanding personal service. If you have any questions about our offerings or wish to see something on our shelves, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach Mitch Ancona by phone (203)544-8958 or e-mail mitch_ancona@anconaswines.com.