La Dolce Vita
(A life of indolence and self-indulgence, thank you, Merriam-Webster.)
My current life of indolence and self-indulgence is still going strong…
Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday
10am to 6pm
Calendar 🗓
Sept. 17 - Mortadella Pizzas and Sandwiches with Truffle Mayo all day long, celebrating my return!
Sept. 24 - Oktoberfest Dinner (SOLD OUT) — Party on Main St. all day and dine here that evening.
Store News 🏬
I was lucky enough to pay a visit to the one and only Dario Cecchini, the Mad Butcher of Panzano, and it was everything I could have imagined. I’ve been extra inspired on this trip, and when I get back next week, I hope to start working on sharing some of that inspiration with all of you.
Wine News 🍾
We’re starting to look ahead to the holidays and all the special events coming up in the last quarter of the year and bringing in some very special bottles. We’re doing our best to keep our eyes peeled for all the good wines and good deals.
Dan’s Feature ⭐️
I’m obviously in Italy mode this week, so of course my feature for this week is Ruffino Reserva Ducale 2017 Gran Selezione because in the world of Chianti, you can’t get much better. This newest designation, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, was decreed in 2014 within Chianti Classico and was developed to denote wines of superior quality. The designation requires wine to be 100 percent estate fruit, with at least 30 months of maturation in oak barrels. Before the wine can be released, it must pass a strict Italian tasting board to confirm that the wine deserves the designation. In addition, not every vintage will qualify to declare as Gran Selezione. As you might imagine, it’s rare and perfect for special occasions. The winemaker describes this wine as, “Ruby red with garnet hues. The wine expresses a distinctive Tuscan bouquet of violet, cherry, and plum, with aromas of chocolate and spice. Intense aromas of violet, blackberry, cherry, and ripe plum with intriguing notes of cinnamon and clove. Classic elegance and structure in which the fruit, tannins, and spices form a tightly woven balance, with a lingering finish of chocolate and coffee.” Pairing suggestions were simple, best with Bistecca alla Fiorentina or Tagliatelle al Tartufo. This roughly translates to a big steak, or fresh pasta done in a cream and truffle sauce, both which happen to be available down here at the Wine Merchant. OK, it’s $45.00, but believe me, it’s a lot cheaper than a trip to Italy.
Dan’s Pick 🥂
Yep, it’s another Italian. My pick for this week is Tenuta Regaleali 2020 Grillo from Sicily. Grillo is a traditional Southern Italian/Sicilian white wine. It’s an ancient grape variety which is a cross between Moscato and Catarratto, resulting in a wine that has a concentrated and complex aroma. It is cultivated at Regaleali on the hills next to Case Vecchie. It is produced by blending grapes from different harvest periods: the early harvested grapes imbue freshness and hints of minerals, while the later harvest provides structure. According to popular fables, the cricket, or grillo, would carry the fairies on its back as a horse would its rider, hence the name Cavallo delle Fate (the horse of the fairies). No idea what, if anything, it has to do with fairies, but I do know that this mineral-driven, dry, and crisp white wine is something new for any Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc drinker. It’s always fun to try something new, and priced at $19.99, it won’t break the bank.
Food News 📰
Well, we tried to get Cod this week for all of you who were asking for it, but there wasn’t any available. We did get in more beautiful, fresh Loch Duart Salmon out of Scotland. With fish stock and prices lately, it is always a gamble what, if anything, we will be able to get in. Which I realize is ironic for me to say as I feast on all the fresh seafood the Mediterranean has to offer. When in Rome.
Food Feature 📣
This week we want to feature our Ribeyes. Fresh Choice Hand-Cut Ribeyes, fresh in and gorgeous as can be. At $18.99 per pound, we can cut as many as you'd like at any size for you to grill out in this gorgeous weather. Though I’m sure your weather is not as gorgeous as mine… sorry, low blow. Believe it or not, I have been eating lots of Ribeye on my trip. I even cooked it in the pizza oven. Desperate times call for desperate measures, but it turned out great.
Market Items 🍤
*Fresh Choice Hand-Cut Ribeyes - $18.99/lb
*Fresh Dry Aged Prime Creekstone Farms 12oz Ribeyes - $36.99
*Fresh Dry Aged Prime Creekstone Farms 12oz Strips - $39.99
*Fresh Wagyu Burgers 2pk - $8.99
*Fresh Double Cut Pork Chops - $12.99 per chop
*Fresh Summer Love Oysters PEI - $24 a dozen
*Fresh Loch Duart Salmon - $18.99/lb
Frozen Icelandic Anarlax Salmon - $17.99/lb
Frozen Wild-Caught Canadian Halibut - $27.99/lb
Frozen Prime Whole Beef Tenderloins - $23.99/lb
Frozen Center Cut 8oz Filets - $16.99
Frozen Pre-cooked frozen BBQ Ribs - approx. 3lb racks $29.99
Frozen 8oz Pork Ribeyes - $8.99
Frozen Bacon Wrapped 5oz Pork Filets - $5.99 per filet
Frozen Merguez Lamb and Beef Sausage 4-pack - $9.99
Frozen Rinaldi Italian Sausage 4 per pound - $6.99
Frozen Beef Brisket Sausages 5 per pound - $15.99
Frozen Nueske Cheddar and Bacon Sausages 5 per pound - $9.99
Buddy’s Detroit Style Pizzas Original (Cheese) - $17.99
Au Gratin Potatoes 4-pack - $9.99
Frozen Chilean Sea Bass 6oz - $16.99
Frozen Ahi Saku Block Tuna AAA Sushi Grade avg. 14oz - $29.99
Frozen Lobster Tails - $12.99 each
Frozen Snow Crab - $22.99/lb
Frozen U-16/20 Raw Shrimp deveined (1lb package) - $19.99/lb
Frozen U-10 Scallops - $29.99/lb
Frozen Fontinini Fully Cooked Meatballs - 6 2oz balls for $8.99
Fresh/Frozen Bacchini Paparedelle from Italy - $9.99/lb (serving for 2)
Fresh/Frozen Bacchini Strozzapreti from Italy - $9.99/lb (serving for 2)
1932’s Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce - $7.99
1932’s Pomodorina with Fresh Basil Pasta Sauce - $7.99
1932’s Pomodorina with Barolo Pasta Sauce - $7.99
Fusco Mezzi Rigatoni Dried Pasta from Italy - $6.99
Maurizio Spaghetti Chitarra Dried Pasta from Italy - $5.99
Fusco Casarecce Dried Pasta from Italy - $5.99
Drakes Jumbo Ravioli (Veal or Butternut Squash) 1lb - $12.99
Tribeca Bakery Bread (Asiago, Sourdough, or Rosemary) - $5.50
New Wines 🍷
Quintessa Napa Valley Red 2019 - $229.99
Drappier Carte d’Or Champagne Gift Box NV - $49.99
New Beers 🍺
Founder’s All Day Chill Day IPA 6pk cans - $8.99
Maine Beer Co. Little Whaleboat IPA 1pt bottle (back in stock) - $7.99
Maine Beer Co. Woods & Waters IPA 1pt bottle (back in stock) - $7.99
Maine Beer Co. Lunch IPA 1pt bottle (back in stock) - $7.99
Kegs - 1/6 Barrel 🛢
Schlafly Oktoberfest - $109.99
Duck Rabbit Milk Stout - $109.99
North High Lager - $109.99
Fathead’s Groovy Juice - $134.99
Final Thoughts 💬
Decided it was appropriate to send a few photos. Anytime you’d like to take a trip like this, let me know. Giani is running trips of course to Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and now Spain! Me, I’m going to Italy and Spain next year, why not, once you’re over there you’d better plan on staying awhile and get yourself some of that indolence and self indulgence. It feels pretty good…
Cheers from all of us here at The Wine Merchant!
📞 419-424-0391