Last month I hosted a barbeque for friends. One of the guests grabbed a bottle off the table and apologized to me because she thought it was a faux pas that there was a bottle of pink wine at my party. Of course, I started laughing and told her I had picked it out and that I liked it. Shocked and amazed that someone who works at a wine shop could consider pink wine good, my friends all gave it a try. Imagine that: they loved it. By the end of the evening, we had gone through an entire case of this pink.

 

For more than 100 years, the Catena family has been making rich and full-bodied wines that express the full potential of each of their vineyards. The Malbec grapes are grown on the low mountains of the great Andes. This wine has soft tannins and terrific complexity that will be sure to wow your guests. Recommended!

 

BORSAO ROSÉ 2007, Spain $7.97 (regular $9.95)

We love to mix up a big, beautiful pitcher of sangria to go with our summertime favorites. We use a traditional Spanish recipe as our standard. It is out of this world, but rather complicated due to its many ingredients and amount of slicing. In the spirit of taking it really easy this summer and doing something with a fresh new twist we've been using Borsao Rosé with a passion.

Last Saturday, the first Saturday of August, was the official release date of Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, intro-priced at $69.97. Since the first vintage in 1972, Silver Oak has been a favorite of wine drinkers around the world. The rich, complex and smooth style offers flavor and depth to those who want to enjoy it young, as well as offering fine cellar potential.

 

"88 points. The Alexander Valley cuvee is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new oak. Somewhat superficial and light by the standards of this winery, the well-made 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley lacks that extra layer of depth, texture, and fruit. Herbaceous, with sweet red and black currant fruit, spice box, and tell-tale oakiness, this is a wine to drink during its first decade of life. Drink now - 2015" - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Issue 162

 

SILVER OAK "ALEXANDER VALLEY" CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004, Alexander Valley $69.97 (regular $79.95)

Our most popular and most often requested cheese tray is what we like to call the Manchego Star. It's a real showstopper and a real taste of Spain. Sliced triangles of the famous sheep's milk cheese of La Mancha, Manchego, are arranged on a tray. Each piece of cheese is topped with a slice of the exotic pan de higo or fig bread. The fig bread is produced in the hilly terrain of La Vera in the Spanish region of Extremadura. Plump Spanish figs, walnuts and honey are blended and compressed into a deliciously sweet contrast for the salty, earthy Manchego. We garnish with a handful of crunchy Marcona almonds. The Manchego Star tapas tray serves 6-8 generously. (mary)

 

MANCHEGO STAR TAPAS TRAY $19.99 
MANCHEGO CHEESE 12 months old $13.97 lb

(regular $15.99)

MATIZ FIG BREAD $4.97 8.8 oz (regular $5.99)

Nestled in the quiet, rolling hills of southern Wisconsin, a small artisan cheese maker is hard at work producing an international award winning cheese. Roth Käse's Grand Cru Gruyère Surchoix (from the French, meaning "top choice") is made using old-world recipes and techniques and the freshest local ingredients. The cellar master and his team meticulously tend the cheese throughout the nine month curing process. This commitment to excellence has earned Roth Käse cheeses over 100 awards in local, national and international competitions.

 

Enjoy Grand Cru Gruyere Surchoix on its own, or maybe with a glass Riesling or Gewurtztraminer. Also, try pairing Grand Cru Gruyère Surchoix with dried apricots, almonds, cashews, melon, or whole wheat bread. (paul)

 

GRAND CRU GRUYERE SURCHOIX, Wisconsin $16.97

(regular $18.99)

Bell's is back! Bell's Oberon (American wheat ale) is the most popular out of all their different brands. The Michigan super-star craft brewer is back in the market. You read it in the paper last week. We have it in stock for you this week. This seasonal ale says goodbye to rain, clouds or even snow and says hello to summer, suntan lotion, and great summertime fun. Here's to your mental well-being, the sun is here!

 

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.

 

BELL'S OBERON SUMMER ALE $10.97 / six-pack (regular $11.29)

This Saturday in our tasting room, join us as we'll be sharing our seceret recipe rosado sangria, made with the incredible Borsao Rose from Spain. Cool off, enjoy the chill. Sample from a range of Spanish-inspired hot-weather bites and sips. We'll definitely have the music to put you in the mood. Dive into a glass of the best gazpacho in the land too, perfect for easy summer dinners. Then sample Spain's challenge to Italy's finest olive oils, the elegant and versatile Las Brisas!

 

Wine grape harvest under way in Sonoma

 

2008 California wine grape prices highest in seven years

 

Beer back to double-digit lead over wine as favored drink

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.