Chilean Wine of the Month

With the current global economic situation, many wine consumers have now branched out from their usual wine regions and gone searching for new wines that can be considered more of a "value". Consumers often make the mistake of assuming that the lower priced wines lack in quality. Many buyers making this assumption should try some of the wines being produced in South America. Producers in both Chile and Argentina are making very quality wines for very reasonable prices. One Chilean producer, Concha y Toro, produce a line of wines named Casillero Del Diablo, or Celler of the Devil en Ingles. This name was given to the cellar that held these wines by Don Melchor, the founder of Concha y Toro. He gave this name to the cellar to discourage his vineyard workers from sampling to much of the wine being held there. Today these wines are growing in popularity because of their affordable cost and high quality.
Being that Cabernet Sauvignon is the most famous red grape being produced in Chile, we will discuss Casillero del Diablo's Cabernet first. The grapes for this Cab are sourced from the Maipo growing region in Chile. It has a dark, deep red color accompanied by flavors of ripe cherry, black currant, vanilla and toasted oak. It is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carmenere. 70% is aged in American oak for 6-8 months. A classic Chilean Cabernet!
Some of you may be wondering, What is Carmenere? Carmenere is another red Bordeaux varietal being produced in Chile. Like Malbec in Argentina, Carmenere in Chile is becoming a unique wine on its own. Originally thought of as more of a blending grape, Carmenere has now become a flagship varietal for Chile and its unique flavors a favorite among the Chilean consumers. Diablo's Carmenere is from the Rapel Valley in Chile and is comprised of 85% Carmenere, 10% Cab. Sauv., and 5% Syrah. Black fruit, chocolate and coffee are present on the palate as well as firm tannins making a very well balanced wine. 70% is aged in American Oak for 6-8 months.
Being a generally Bordeaux producing country, the line would not be complete without Merlot. Diablo's Merlot is from the Central Valley and is made up of 90% Merlot and 10% Carmenere. Fruity taste but full bodied; well structerd with notes of chocolate and herbs. 70% is aged in American Oak for 6-8 months as well.
The last red in the line is the Pinot Noir, the only non Bordeaux Varietal featured. This Pinot is fruit forward, but balanced as well. A real surprise in the ever increasing prices of the Pinot Noir market. If you are looking for cheap, good Pinot, do not overlook this wine!
The two white varietals featured will be the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Both are100% of the varietals. Chile is known for its red wine, but now has been producing some very high quality whites that are quickly gaining recognition worldwide. Give these a try being that summer is near and the prices of these wines are only going up with the notoriety they are receiving.
The Casillero Del Diablo wines will be featured during the month of April at West Vail Liquor Mart. Give these wines a chance, and if you have any questions about them or any other wines, any staff member is more than willing to share their knowledge with you. It is our goal to find a wine that you enjoy!

Nick Agnew
West Vail Liquor Mart

WVLM presents Great Divide for Beer of the Month!

West Vail Liquor Mart presents Great Divide Brewery for March's beer of the month! Great Divide Brewery has a beer to please every palate, and West Vail Liquor Mart has a price to please every budget. From the classic pale ale to your Scottish inspired ales, Great Divide knows how to brew it.
First on the list is the Great Divide Denver Pale Ale. This is your classic pale ale beer with a hint of malt in the body and a complex hop aroma. This beer has both a bitter hop finish and distinct flavor. The Denver Pale Ale pairs great with burgers and lamb, or pastas with rich hearty sauces. $7.49
The next gem to come from the Great Divide Brewery is called the Titan India Pale Ale. This beer is hopped to the max. The hop flavor bursts with pine tree aromas and citrus zest. The finish provides a lingering hop bite with malty rich sweetness. Pair with grilled fish or a cheese and cracker plate. $7.49
For those of us who love an easy drinking ale after a long day on the hill, a Samuri has your name on it. Samuri ale is an unfiltered ale brewed with the addition of rice. This lends to a frutiy, clean and crisp tasting beer that is the definition of refreshing. Pair with seared fish, sake, and blue cheeses. $7.49
If your looking for a Belgian style beer, look no further than Hades from Great Divide. This Belgian style ale is comprised of a rare yeast strain that gives this ale a complex aroma and hearty flavors of spice. This Belgian has a medium body with a fresh balanced finish. A perfect pair with shellfish, hard meats and cheese. $8.49
To round out the table, Great Divide has come out with a seasonal beer called, Claymore Scotch Ale. Named after a medieval Scottish sword, Claymore ale is a tribute to the "Wee Heavy" beers of Scotland. This beer has a lot of warming characters. Sporting a dark ruby tint, this beer starts with a mouthful of caramel malt and a slight hint of hops, and finishes with the pride of Scotland in the back of your throat. Enjoy this brew with roasted measts and smoked fish. $8.49
Can't decide which flavor to endulge yourself with? Then try the Great Divide Sampler 12 pack which includes four different styles of beers. Your sure to find a favorite! $13.99

Chris Kormanicki
West Vail Liquor
Manager/Beer Buyer

Wine Needs To Breathe

WINE NEEDS TO BREATHE
Wine which has been allowed to breathe tastes better. As wine breathes, it opens up, and releases its intended aromas and flavors. Traditionally, decanters were used to aerate wine. However, decanting is time consuming, cumbersome, and inconvenient.
Vinturi's patent pending design speeds up this process with ease and convenience. Perfect aeration in the time it takes to pour a glass.

ALL THE TASTE WITH NONE OF THE WAIT
Simply hold Vinturi over a glass and pour wine through. Vinturi draws in and mixes the proper amount of air for the right amount of time, allowing your wine to breathe instantly. You'll notice a better bouquet, enhanced flavors and smoother finish. It's that fast. It's that easy.

Pick up the Vinturi wine aerator at the West Vail Liquor Mart. One cool gadget to impress your friends. You can purchase this high-tech piece for $32.99 at West Vail Liquor Mart.