October 2009

Great Wines Under $15 - October Edition 2009

Hi All! October has finally arrived after a long hot summer!!! I hope some of the summer wine selections helped see you through (the bubbly Rosés where my favorites)! In my mind, October has always been a "magical" month. Cooler weather, leaves changing from green to gold, the prospect of little ghosts and goblins knocking on your door participating in the much anticipated "candy harvest 2009"!

Wineries located in the Northern hemisphere are also finishing up their own much anticipated, "magical", harvesting of the grapes. Also known as "crush" in the new world, referred to as "vintage' in Europe. Depending on the weather and ripeness of the grapes, harvest months in the Northern Hemisphere are August thru October. A "Late" harvest can go on thru early November. The grapes being picked now will be bottled as 2009 vintage. The Southern Hemisphere has already harvested their grapes (February-March). Some of the young 2009 wines meant to be consumed now are already on the shelves. Other 2009 grapes are in vats fermenting someday to be wine.       

I Like Beer: October Edition

"I like beer. it makes me a jolly good fellow,
 I like beer. it helps me unwind
 and sometimes it makes me feel mellow (makes him feel mellow)..."
  --Tom T Hall, "I Like Beer"

My name's Duke, and I like beer.
     Oh, don't get me wrong, I like wine and spirits of most kinds as well. But when it comes right down to it, when I come home after a long day, when I want something that's familiar and friendly, I'm likely to drink a beer or a cider. Beer is something I'm passionate about; it makes me feel connected with all the history that has gone before me.

      Beer is one of the world's oldest beverages. The earliest Sumerian writings include the Hymn to Ninkasi, which was both a prayer and a way of remembering the recipe for beer brewing. (Now that, my friends, is multi-tasking). Beer has been food and fellowship and libation and good times, and while Twin is known for its excellent wine and spirits selection and prices, I'm here to tell you we also have some pretty tasty beers.