We've uncovered one of the Pinot world's real secrets. But be warned, there isn't much to go around, so if you're a real fan of the greats of this grape, jump now. Don't hesitate. Similar to one of Oregon's best or a great Volnay, this limited edition comes from a winery known for its mediocre every-day whites. Fritz Allendorf makes some of the best value whites anywhere in Germany. And that may be why this one superstar, a real passion of his, doesn't show up in any of the national reviews of Europinot. Check Parker or the Spectator, and this is nowhere to be found. Yet we've been stunned at how good this is. With a medium-deep color and a great nose, Allendorf has packed in a whopping 14% alcohol. We had to offer this second vintage after last year's rave success.

 

Fritz Allendorf is one of the largest estates in the Rheingau with over 140 acres of vineyard. They deliver good quality wines, mainly Riesling and Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir), for a good price.

 

But why would you buy a Pinot from Germany? What about Oregon, Sonoma or even Burgundy? Two answers: quality and value. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

 

ALLENDORF QUERCUS PINOT NOIR 2005, Rheingau, Germany $39.97 (regular $47.95)

The question most asked around the store last week: "Is this stuff any good?" It's great! And it's proof that if you trust your local independent wine merchant you'll find some of the season's best values right here. We do the hard work for you. And of course, if there's ever a problem, you know you can bring it back. But you won't with this one. Guaranteed. We've carried this entry-level Shiraz from Penfolds for years and have watched the price creep up year after year. But when we were given the chance to buy a truckload at a ridiculously low price we jumped at it. Soft, full-fruited, spicy. Order this by the case. Click the easy link below.

 

PENFOLDS KOONUNGA HILL SHIRAZ 2005, South Eastern Australia $4.97 (regular $10.95)

In a country dominated by male winemakers, Susana Balbo stands out not only for her gender, but for her incredible skill and experience. She's been making wine since she earned her enology degree in 1981, and she has probably produced a wider variety of wines than any other winemaker in Argentina. Susana was the first Argentine winemaker to be hired as a consultant to make wine outside of Argentina. She has made wine in Australia, California, Chile, France, Italy, South Africa, and Spain. Susana's pet project is her Crios label, and we were really excited to get our hands on her Rose of Malbec. If anybody can handle this grape, she can! The rose has plenty of fruit and complexity; close your eyes and you'll swear it's a really light red. Dry and supple at the same time. Call the butcher! Order the ribs. Now you've got the wine.

 

CRIOS ROSE OF MALBEC 2007, Mendoza Argentina $13.95

Grilling season is definitely here. Maybe it starts on Mother's day at your house, some say the Fourth of July, plenty of us grill year-round. But whatever your calendar says, the search for the best gear and materials is a year-long one. Gas or charcoal? You decide. I confess I don't always take the time to fire up the coals, but when I do, I do not want the food I cook to have the taste of the chemicals the big charcoal brands use for quick lighting. There's only one coal - Chef's Select. We guarantee you won't find any better anywhere.

 

CHEF'S SELECT 100% HARDWOOD CHARCOAL, USA 20 pound bag $10.99

Let's agree that France is famous for its cheese and wine. Those are copied the world over and almost never surpassed. But ask any beer lover and they'll wince remembering their last French beer. They'll go on and on about Germany, or the U.K. or Belgium. But hold on, let's get it straight. The northern parts of France share more with their neighbors than they do with Bordeaux or Paris. The town of Jenlain is in the northwest, right on the border with Belgium, and the brewery here makes a perfectly quaffable summer-weight brew, their "blonde." I'd put this up against any of the macrobrews from the States on an 80-degree afternoon. Sante!

 

Due to shipping limitations, we are unable to sell this item online, but you can order it via email and we will hold it for you to pick up in our store.

 

JENLAIN BLONDE FRENCH FARM-COUNTRY ALE, France $14.99 / four-pack

We continue our summer-long love affair with great light reds and whites, but this Saturday we'll also be showcasing a good selection of dry roses. Several countries will be highlighted - north and south of the equator. You'll be amazed. As always, beer and plenty of warm-weather deli treats will round out our party! It's all free, 11-5.

That's all for this week. If we may be of any further service, please stop by our store at 9965 Gross Point Road in Skokie (for directions, click here), visit our website at http://www.schaefers.com, give us a call at 847-677-WINE (9463), 800-833-WINE (9463), or click here to contact us.