Summer of Riesling 2014 at Ancona's Wines

You may have noticed something happening in our Staff Pick section over the last few weeks. Our Wine Director, Codey, carved out an entire section for our new favorite varietal, Riesling! I am excited to announce 2014 marks Ancona's first year as a participant in the  SUMMER OF RIESLING. Now, you may be asking yourself, "What the.. What?! A whole season dedicated to Riesling?" -- You betcha! SUMMER OF RIESLING celebrates the great white grape, Riesling. SUMMER OF RIESLING is not just a celebration, but a monumental revolution changing hearts and minds about this remarkable (and often misunderstood) grape. Riesling is, what I like to call, a chameleon varietal. It can range it style from bone-dry to very sweet and can be enjoyed as an aperitif, paired with your favorite meal, or savored for dessert. Versatility is what makes us love this grape -- there is a Riesling to please every palate and suit any occasion. Cheers to Summer and Cheers to Riesling! 

 

"Donnhoff Riesling is impeccably balanced and simply profound. A touch of residual sugar is cut by wonderous acidity for such clarity and sheer pleasure. Magnificent minerality makes appearances between flavors like tart green apple, under ripe peach, lemon zest, and lemon candy. With the 2013 vintage, this iconic winemaker from the Nahe demonstrates how white wine should be made. For the love of indulgence and great white wine, grab a bottle to drink, and a bottle to stash--which will leave you asking just two questions. 'How am I going to forget where I hid the second bottle?' and 'why didn't I buy a third?'"
"Max Ferd Richter 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. Mouthwatering."
"Pikes Riesling "Hills & Valleys" comes from the cool climate of Clare Valley in South Australia. The Pike family continuously produce quality handcrafted Riesling that receives top accolades. 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."
"Monsters, Monsters Attack! Riesling is a sensational, off-dry Riesling from the Clare Valley that is sourced from two different vineyard sites. The resulting wine is laden with racing acidity, brilliant florals, ripe fruit and a noticeable crispness."

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.