About last night...

Quite often, customers ask us "What's in your glass?". Our response -- just about everything! Ancona's staff fully embrace the educational side of the industry and make every effort to expand their horizons and learn about products in the store. Our vests may not be as flashy as one of Evel Knievel's tracksuits, but our daredevil palates reflect an unwavering desire to share the very best the wine, beer, and spirits with you. 

So, about last night...

 One way Ancona's team gets to experience wine, beer, and spirits is at staff meetings. After we turn down the lights and lock the doors Ancona's Brew Crew dabbles in wine and the Wine Nerds explore beer nirvana. Here are a few snapshots (thanks, Codey) of what we tasted last night:

Marguet Pere et Fils Grand Cru Brut Champagne - In true Ancona fashion, we sabered this sucker. It is a very rich and powerful bubbly with plenty of yeasty, toasty flavors. Simply fantastic.
2009 Cazin Cour-Cheverny le Petit Chambord Vendanges Manuelles - Ah yes, no staff meeting would be complete without a trip to Loire. This sensational white offers soft tropical fruit flavors with nice acidity. It is a great wine to pair with shellfish.
2013 Hippoyte Reverdy Sancerre - Hellooooo gorgeous! This elegant Sancerre has fresh, pure aromas that lead to an expansive, flavorful palate. A must-try for Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts.

2013 Lapierre A Ville-Morgon - Best described as "palatable joie de vivre", this silky smooth Gamay hosts bright fruit flavors and a satisfying lip-licking finish. It's like candy in a glass and is one of my new favorite wines. What can I say? I wear my palate on my sleeve and am easily wooed.
2011 Tue Boeuf Touraine Rouge 'La Guerrerie' - Codey describes this gem as "a combination of a fresh Loire red with the elegance of a fine Red Burgundy and the dusty, dirty, earthiness of traditional, well-aged Spanish and Italian reds. It is a wine packed with complexity, character, and finesse. A perfect alternative for the Bordeaux and Burgundy drinker alike."

Stone Smoked Porter with Chipotle Peppers - Okay, so here is where the tasting required a sense of adventure. This unique porter offers a nice blend of roasted malts with a pronounced chipotle smokiness. It's a smooth beer with a nice kick from the peppers.