The Empty Bottle Wine Club is a great way to access some of the best small boutique wineries around the world. Wine Club is a great gift for any wine enthusiast.  The wines are carefully chosen and come packaged with a wine information sheet, information on the winery, wine tasting notes, and recommended food pairings.

Cost:   $25 per month

Description: Wine club members will receive two bottles, one red and one white, each month selected for value, quality and diversity.  Each Pair of Wines comes with great descriptions and a fabulous recipe pairing, which is usually individually tested by the owner family--the father of this wine/foodie family especially loves this aspect and your family will love it too.  Wine club is designed for members who wish to explore some of the greatest values available from all over the world.  Wine Club can be pre-paid in 3, 6, or 12 month increments OR paid each month at the time of pick-up.

Wine Club Makes a Great Gift Year Round!  *Fed Ex delivery is available for out of state shipments (if state is reciprocal).  Cost of shipping is not included in Wine Club purchase.  Ask for a quote

JANUARY WINE CLUB- Portuguese Wines: Alentejo

SOUND SMART, DROP SOME KNOWLEDGE ON YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

 Alentejo is a Portuguese wine region located in the Alentejo region of the country. The entire region is entitled to use the Vinho Regional designation Alentejano VR, while some areas are also classified at the higher Denominação de Origem Controlada (DOC) level under the designation Alentejo DOC. VR is similar to the French vin de pays and DOC to the French AOC. Located in the southern half of Portugal, the Alentejo region covers about a third of the country and is sparsely populated. The region is noted for it vast cork production but has in recent years garnered attention for its table wine production.

WHITE = Alandra Branco

The origins of the Herdade do Esporão and its winemaking activities, date back to the prehistoric times of the megalithic cultures and the Bronze Age. Already during the Roman occupation, the wines of the settlement of Esporão were exported to the whole Empire. The boundaries of the estate were established in 1267 and have remained practically unaltered since then.

Herdade do Esporão has concentrated a lot of their efforts on environmental matters. We are the only Portuguese wine company to take part in the European "Business & Biodiversity" initiative; in 2007 we initiated a study into the installation of a biomass power station, which would make use of the waste from the municipality’s agricultural activities.

This Portuguese white is crystal clear in color. It has floral aromas and citrus fruit. It has a youthful palate, clean, fresh, and well balanced. It is served best with grilled fish, shellfish and the smoothness of cheeses. It is an excellent option to appreciate during a picnic.  The grapes in this wine are Antão Vaz / Perrum / Arinto.

The 075 Carati Rose Cuvee is a blend of 85% Raboso del Piave and 15% Pinot Nero. The color is purplish-pink with aromas of flowers with hints of rose, raspberry, cherry and wild violets. Full and agreeable on the palate with smooth acidity.

Recipe Selection:Truffled Lobster Risotto

RED =  2004 Casa dos Zagalos

Coming from the dentistry, Miguel Louro is quite an eccentric winemaker who created 20 years ago one of the Alentejo's most renown wineries - even though in a more 'garage' style. He is rather famous for his irreverence and this is reflected in his wines.

The 2004 Reserva Casa Dos Zagalos is flavorful, softly textured, elegant and beautifully balanced, it has just enough intensity and verve to be interesting. The succulent finish drives home the flavors. Drink now-2011.

Recipe Selection: Shrimp Mozambique