Greetings Club Vino Members

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. Having taken a break over the summer, we'll be recommencing our free Saturday tastings from this weekend. Our evening tastings will resume next month - see below. We are looking forward to catching up with many of you again as we taste our way through 2012!

French Summer Wines
Saturday 18 February 11.00am - 2.00pm

Free tasting in store
We'll be opening 3 wines from the South of France on Saturday - all grown close to the Mediterranean Sea and perfect for summer sipping:

Felines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet 2010 (Languedoc) Special $19.99 (Usually $22)

This unique French white is made from the Picpoul grape variety. It's dry and deliciously tangy with hints of flowers, green apples, citrus and herbs. Picpoul means 'lipsmacker' and it's the fresh acidity that makes this wine such a perfect match with seafood.

Domaine Houchart Côtes de Provence Rosé 2010 Special $20.99 (Usually $22.95)

Originally founded in 1890 by Aurelien Houchart (a good friend of Cezanne and Zola!), Domaine Houchart is well known for this classic dry Provençal Rosé in a traditional skittle shaped bottle. It's a vineyard blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Château Roubine Côtes de Provence Rosé 2011 Special $29.95 (Usually $34)

Roubine is one of the leading domains in Provence, classified as one of only 13 Cru Classé properties in the Côtes de Provence. The Château's Rosé is widely regarded as a benchmark for the appellation. A blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Mourvedre with great elegance and length.

Great Summer Buys

New stocks of these great value wines have just arrived:

Russian Jack Pinot Noir 2011 (Martinborough) $19.99 (case price $17.99)

Made by one of the country's top Pinot Noir producers - Martinborough Vineyards. Delicious, succulent red berry favours, a hint of chocolate, gentle tannins and a long juicy finish. Now served on Air NZ international flights - hard to find better at this price!

Kaimira Estate Brightwater Pinot Gris 2009 (Nelson) Special $15.99 (RRP $22)

This Romeo Bragato Gold Medal winner is a terrific buy. "One of the best yet. Richly fleshy and mouthfilling, in an Alsace style with fresh flavours of ripe peaches, lychees and spices showing good harmony and richness, and a finely textured, dry (4.5 gms/l residual sugar) finish." Michael Cooper

Kaimira Estate Iti Selection Riesling 2011 (Nelson) Special $15.99 (RRP $22)

Trophy for Champion Riesling at the 2011 NZ International Wine Show. "Perfectly balanced acidity hones this medium sweet wine to perfection. A juicy, lower alcohol style with zesty apple, honeysuckle and a long, refreshing and lingering finish."

Half Bottles (375ml)

Half bottles have become increasingly popular at Casa del Vino over the last few years and we have recently extended our range. Have a browse next time you're in store - there are half bottles from top producers such as Te Mata, Craggy Range, Ata Rangi and Astrolabe, plus French Champagnes and other French wines from Burgundy, Alsace and the Rhone.

Upcoming Tastings

Sat 25 Feb

Saturday tasting with Patrick Stowe - details next week

Wed 28 March
Alsace with Jean-Christophe Poizat $45 pp details soon

Remember every 13th bottle (excluding specials) is free to Club Vino members - ask to join up in store.

Have a great weekend! - Cheers, Ann