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VOLUME
3, ISSUE
3, JUNE 2008
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Don’t Forget Argentina
The wine-producing spotlight shines brightest on four countries: Italy, France, Spain and the United States. However, the world’s fifth-largest producer of wine, the South American country of Argentina, is oftentimes forgotten and left out of the mix. One reason that Argentine wine hasn’t had the same impact as wines from the “big four” is that Argentineans consume 90 percent of the wine produced in their country, leaving little stock left for export.
Argentina is best known for the Malbec variety of red wine, which is produced largely in the Mendoza region. This wine is characterized by its dark red color and a juicy, spicy, almost meaty flavor. It is a great stand-alone wine, but it is a wonderful accompaniment to a great piece of beef.
Other well-known wine regions in Argentina include San Juan, Rio, Negro and Salta. These regions produce red wines including Bonarda, Cabernet, Sangiovese and Tempranillo. Argentina should not, however, be pigeon-holed as only a red wine-producing country. They also make very appealing white wines such as Chardonnay, Torrontes and Viognier.
Wine production in Argentina is so successful, in part, because the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions help stave off problems with insects, fungi and other wine diseases. This allows producers to use very little or no pesticides, providing a truly organic growing environment.
Edina Liquor carries nearly 30 varieties of Argentine wines, so next time you’re in the store, don’t forget about the “forgotten” wine producer and take advantage of one of their great reds or whites.
By Greg Keehr, Assistant Liquor Operations Director and
Manager of Edina Liquor—Grandview.
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'Fat Tire' is No Flat Tire Beer
When it comes to breweries, most people are familiar with the heavy hitters like Anheuser-Busch, Miller Brewing Co. or even the semi-local Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. But one small brewery that has made a big impact in just under a year in this market is slightly more obscure. It’s the New Belgium Brewery, which reintroduced its “Fat Tire” beer to Minnesota in late June 2007.
The New Belgium Brewery heralds from modest beginnings, taking root in 1989 in the basement of a bicycle-loving, aspiring brewmaster in Fort Collins, Colo. Believe it or not, the brewery’s signature beer -- Fat Tire Amber Ale named in honor of the brewery founder’s bicycle trip through Belgium -- was sold in Minnesota in the early ‘90s. Unfortunately, in order to keep up with production, the company pulled out of this market in 1995.
For awhile, “Fat Tire” had the same impact as another more widely known beer that at one time could not be purchased in the state. Prior to 1983, before Coors beer was first introduced in Minnesota, people heading to Colorado were often asked by their friends to “bring back some Coors.” Jump ahead almost 25 years and New Belgium’s Fat Tire Amber Ale had much of that same appeal during its absence. Thankfully, after 12 years missing in action, it’s back in Minnesota -- and with a big bang. Last year, Edina Liquor only carried 22-ounce bottles of “Fat Tire.” This year, the store carries both six-packs and 12-packs.
If a heavier beer is more to your liking, try New Belgium’s “1554.” For a lighter style, try their great tasting summer beer, “Mothership Wit.” Also, check out their seasonal beers when they become available. New Belgium also makes a “sampler” 12-pack, which includes a variety of their beers.
Give Fat Tire Pale Ale a try this summer at a barbecue or other gathering. Don’t worry about it disappearing anytime soon; it looks like this time, New Belgium is here to stay.
By Steve Grausam, Liquor Operations Director
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Tops with Tomko - Great
Barbeque Wines |
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Bush Camp, Our Daily Red: Our best-selling South
African wine. A bright ruby in color, this medium-bodied, slightly spicy red
screams out for barbequed brisket! The primary flavors of raspberry and
strawberry are framed by very subtle tannins. $11.99
Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2004/05: A perennial
grilling favorite, the Guigal red is a superb match for barbequed ribs and other
strongly flavored red meats. It is a full-bodied, rich and intense wine, with
spice and darker fruit flavors. $14.99
Hey Mambo, Sultry Red 2006: This rich, full-bodied
gem from Don Sebastiani and Sons delivers in spades! This blend of Barbera,
Zinfandel, Syrah and other grapes is ripe with raspberry and blackberry aromas
and flavors, with a hint of oak evident. Pair with grilled burgers, bratwurst,
sausage or jerked chicken. $10.99
Seghesio, Sonoma Zinfandel 2006: Rich and supple
with typical briary raspberry and dark berry flavors framed with oak shadings.
Try with spicy barbecued meats or red-sauced pastas. $20.99
Cecchetti Wine Co., Line 39 Petite Sirah: Flashy yet
elegant, this ripe and fruity wine sports flavors of black cherry and black
currant, mild tannins and a lingering finish. Match this wine with grilled steak
or fajitas. $16.99
Dave Tomko is Assistant Manager of Edina Liquor – Southdale.
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It’s Not Rocket Science -- It’s Liquor Science
A lot of people tell me that I have an easy job. I am often asked, “How hard can it be to sell liquor, beer and wine?” Well, like any other business, there is a science to running a liquor store. While it’s not “rocket” science, I must always be aware of what our customers want to buy. For this column, I’ll give you a taste of “liquor science” and the trends that we currently see in the liquor business.
First, while consumers are drinking more wine then ever before, they are not as “brand loyal” as our parents or grandparents. With so many choices readily available, consumers are willing to try something new and different almost every time they purchase wine.
We are also seeing a shift in the types of wine people are drinking. White Zinfandel is on the decline, but American and German Rieslings have proven more popular. Red wines from Argentina, especially the dark red Malbecs, are very hot right now. People are also showing more interest in Spanish and Portuguese wines, Japanese Sake and South African wines. Blended red and white wines from multiple grape sources have also caught on with consumers.
With liquor, vodka is where the action’s at, but tequila and Irish whiskey keep showing steady increases in sales and popularity as well. Interestingly enough, consumers are currently more willing to spend money on high-end liquor than on high-end wine. Organic or organically made liquors have become very popular as of late, and, like wine, consumers of hard liquor are not as brand loyal as past generations.
Craft beer is currently making a comeback. The “regulars,” like Budweiser and Miller, have had declining market shares, but are making up for it by expanding their craft beer selection. Today, consumers are willing to spend up to $14 for a six-pack -- something unheard of not too long ago.
That’s just a brief introduction to “liquor science.” If you have any questions, please stop by the store or give us a call. We are here to help. Have a great summer!
Steve Grausam is the Liquor Operations Director. He can
be reached by sending an email to edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us.
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