Further Adieu -- Friday, January 4, 2008

Start 2008 with a bang by joining us at The City Wine Sellar for an evening of great music, dinner, and wine/beer. Further Adieu is a group for all ages. As versatile as they come, these guys can play anything! They'll entertain with some great cover tunes, some Beatles tunes, a little Bob Dylan, as well as a few originals. JJ Jernigan, Nick Simmons, Josh Quidley and Robbie Raper -- a group to remember! Check them out at furtheradieu.com. Entertainment from 7-10 pm. Regular deli menu items served from 6-9 pm.

Jazz & Blues with Cool 21 on Friday, December 28, 2007

It's the last Friday night of 2007! Can you believe it?! What better way to spend it than with Jazz & Blues tunes by Cool 21 at The City Wine Sellar? I sure can't think of one! Baxter Smith and a friend or two will start the entertainin' at 7:00 pm and will keep on playing until 10:00 pm. You can fill your belly until 9:00 and sip a liquid till at least 10:30 pm. Don't miss out!

Chuck Hodges Friday, December 21, 2007

'Twas the Friday before Christmas, and all through the house
People were whispering "The Hodgi's" coming, Wow, wow, wow!"
The preparations are being made, tables moved here and there
In hopes that Chuck and his friends soon would be here.
The wines are all nestled, the whites and the reds
The sandwiches are prepped, made with homemade breads.
So, come on out to the City Wine Sellar on Friday night
We guarantee a great time at this holiday highlight.
Music 7:00-10:00 pm; Dine until 9:00.

Joe Gosman -- December 14th

Joey's playing on Friday night, December 14th! Joe Gosman is a crowd-pleaser from the Tidewater VA area and performs at many venues in Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. He has become a very popular regular at the City Wine Sellar. He'll be here from 7:00-10:00 pm. Come early and have dinner with us (served 6:00-9:00 pm). The Sellar Wine Bar is a non-smoking inside venue; however, smoking is allowed in the cafe seating area.RSVP nice, but not necessary.
Come help celebrate Granny's Birthday!!!!

December 5th Tasting Notes. Guest Pourer Jennifer Palestrant

Preview the tasting notes for the December 5th Sparkling Wine Tasting at The City Wine Sellar. 6:00-7:30 pm. $10 per person. Please RSVP!

In Champagne, France it’s called Champagne; in other areas of France it’s Vins Mousseux; in Spain it’s Cava; in Italy it’s Spumanti; in Germany it’s Sekt; and in the US, it’s Sparking Wine. At our tasting, we’ll simply call it “bubbly.” So, you ask, why isn’t it ALL considered Champagne? Because wine makers are only allowed to label their bubbly “Champagne” when it is produced in the Champagne region of France and made in the classic “methode champenaise” tradition (two fermentations, with the second taking place in the bottle).

You should stop considering bubbly to be only a special occasion or holiday wine. It can certainly be enjoyed any time, any place, and for any occasion. In comparison to traditional “still” wines, bubblies have slightly higher acidity, are more delicately flavored, and have a lower alcohol content. If you like a sweeter bubbly, you should select a Sec (noticeably sweet), a Demi-Sec (very sweet), or a Doux (extremely sweet). If you prefer dry, choose an Extra Dry (slightly sweet), a Brut (dry, no sweetness), or a Brut nature (bone dry). With bubbles, size does matter. The smaller the bubbles and the longer they last in your glass, the higher the quality.
Special thanks to Jennifer Palestrant, our Guest Pourer for this evening, and to Lisa VanCuren from Empire Distributors. --Debbie

--Domaine St. Michelle NV Frizzante, Washington State – Fruity and lively taste, ending with a tinge of grapefruit. Notes of apples, pears, and candied apples. Try it with spicy Asian or Southwest fare. Also complements various egg dishes and desserts. Brunch anyone? Regular Price: $ 11.99 Tasting Price: $ 10.99
--Yellow Tail Sparkling, Australia – Yes, we’ve included one of those “critter” wines. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you must try this sparkler. A blend of Semillon (72%), Traminer, Viognier, and Trebbiano, it is fresh and tropical, with a medium sweetness, and a refreshing, crisp finish. Perfectly paired with salads and light pasta dishes. Regular Price: $ 11.99 Tasting Price: $ 10.99
--Star Black Bubbles Shiraz, California – The oddity in our group, this bubbly is made with a Syrah grape in both French and American oak barrels. It is not fermented, but infused with bubbles. Be prepared for bold berries. Taste cherry pie and blackberry, with a strong nose of berries. Enjoy it with a variety of hors d’oeuvres. Regular Price: $ 17.99 Tasting Price $ 16.99
--Cristalino NV Brut Cava, Spain – This wine received a 91 Wine & Spirits rating. From the Cava region of Spain, it is clean, dry, medium-bodied, and crisp, with fruity tastes of citrus & apple, honey & toasty oak. You may even taste hints of cinnamon. Enjoy as an apéritif or with light seafood such as sole or grilled shrimp, chicken salad, and fruity desserts.
Regular Price: $ 9.99 Tasting Price $ 8.99
--Wolf Blass Yellow Label Brut, Australia – Another wine from “down under.” Described as having “complex aromas of fresh fruit and creamy yeast” which are “perfectly balanced on the nose.” On the palate…”green apple chardonnay flavours and strawberry Pinot Noir characters are complemented with a crisp, lively acidity.” Regular Price: $ 15.99 Tasting Price $ 14.99
--Nicolas Feuillatte, Champagne France – Made with a blend of Pinot Noir (50%), Pinot Meunier (30%) and Chardonnay (20%), this Champagne has a depth that only true Champagne can provide. Your palate will sing with the tastes of fruity pears and peaches and you’ll taste subtle hints of almond and vanilla. Regular Price: $ 34.99 Tasting Price $ 32.99

Be sure to ask about our future wine tastings…held monthly in The Sellar Wine Bar. $10.00 per person. Light hors d’oeuvres. Call 252-335-1163 for more information.***Special Holiday Gift – 2008 Wine Tasting Gift Certificates.***

Sparkle into December at our Wine Tasting on the 5th

It's official. It's a tradition. For the 3rd year, we've made the 12th month "sparkle" with our selection of sparkling wines at the City Wine Sellar's December wine tasting. We know you are busy at this time of year with all of those holiday parties, shopping, and decorating, but you definitely should make time to attend this popular tasting. At least six, maybe seven, different sparklers will be served. And if you know me...you know chocolate will be part of the equation.

A special bonus -- Our December Guest Pourer is none other than the new President of the Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Palestrant.

Dr. Tom Vinick on Friday, December 7, 2007

Don't miss super-entertainer, Dr. Tom Vinick, on Friday, December 7th. Dr. Tom hails from the Moyock area and plays "cool baby" 70s cover tunes. Come out for a night of entertainment that will have you singing and shimmying.

Wetting Down Mark Bruyere and Jim Martin

As a non-Coastie, I was unfamiliar with a "Wetting Down" event, but I am glad I was able to host one at The City Wine Sellar on November 16th. In the Coast Guard, when an officer is promoted, there's a big party! So, when Jim Martin was promoted to Captain and Mark Bruyere was promoted to Commander, friends and family gathered to congratulate them. Tons of fun!

Ron Nicodemus -- Friday November 23, 2007

You know you're itchin' to get out of the house. Come on, admit it. We promise we won't make you eat turkey leftovers, although you know we serve a mean Tom Turkey sandwich! We're simply inviting you out for a good time at The Sellar Wine Bar. Talented artist from the Outer Banks, Ron Nicodemus, will be playing at The City Wine Sellar this Friday, November 23rd, from 7:00-10:00 pm. In addition to some original songs, Ron's repertoire includes almost a hundred cover songs from the sixties to modern tunes. Check him out at www.myspace.com/ronnicodemus.

Ricardo's Birthday

Ricardo Rojas, his beautiful wife Eli, and the gang from Alliance Nissan recently celebrated Ricardo's birthday at The City Wine Sellar. As you can see from some of the photos, a good time was had by all!

Kosmos at the Wine Sellar -- Friday November 16th

In the mood for something new? Friday would be the perfect night to visit The City Wine Sellar, Bakery, Deli & Wine Bar for the cool sounds of Kosmos. Kosmos is an instrumental quartet that includes acoustic guitar, acoustic archtop guitar, acoustic gypsy guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, stand up acoustic base and percussion. Now, I personally don't know what all those instruments are or exactly what sounds they make, but I can assure you everything will come together for some wonderful music. The band will wow you with jazz, swing, blues, rock, some original stuff and maybe even some blue grass tunes. Oh, and they sing, too. As usual, music will be turned on from 7:00-10:00 pm. We'll feed ya until 9:00 pm. Come on out...there will be plenty to drink.

Tasting Notes for November 7, 2007 Wine Tasting

City Wine Sellar Wine Tasting – November 7, 2007

Oh, the possibilities!!! With all of the aromas, flavors, textures (and personalities!) combined during holiday dinners, it is the perfect opportunity to be creative with your wine service. You can choose one wine that will take you through your entire dinner, from appetizer to dessert, or you can pair a different wine with each course. At first glance, our November tasting seems to be a hodgepodge of wines. Fear not! There is rhyme to our reason…reason to our rhyme…theme to our season.

Three reds, three whites, and a sparkler are on our tasting menu for tonight. For holiday pairings, reds should be big and earthy so as to pair well with turkey, as well as boldly flavored side dishes. Whites should be lighter, more crisp, and less complex.

Whites: Sauvignon Blanc is usually crisp, bloomy, and a good match for salads, turkey and herb dressings. Viognier (one of my favorite whites) is a bit dry, light and flowery, usually with soft hints of pears, peaches, apricots or mangos. Viognier goes great with an oyster dressing or a butternut squash risotto and fruity dishes (from fruit salads to cobblers and pumpkin pie). Riesling is usually sweet (though a few can be dry) and pairs well with turkey and dressing, as well as those dishes made with holiday spice.

Reds: If there was ever a perfect Thanksgiving wine, the Pinot Noir would be it. It is one of the most popular wines in the world, described by Master Sommolier Madeline Triffon as “sex in a glass.” Traditionally, medium-bodied with a broad range of bouquets, flavors, and textures, it pairs well with almost any flavor. Zinfandel is a bit more intense than a Pinot, yet still provides a balance, especially well-paired with side dishes. Syrah/Shiraz is perfect for those of you who like something a little peppery. This wine complements turkey (both white and dark meat) and stuffing. Although a brut sparkler or a sparkling rosé can take you through your entire dinner, our sparking red is recommended as an aperitif, a complement to lighter salads/appetizers or dessert (most especially chocolate).

Robertson Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 (South Africa) – “Full bodied wine with powerful varietal flavours of pineapple, granadilla, melon & green apple. Good structure with lovely balancing acidity.” This white could easily take you through the entire dinner.
Regular Price: $ 10.99 Tasting Price: $ 9.99

Smoking Loon Viognier, 2005 (CA) – “Medium straw color with seductive floral aromas of narcissus and jasmine. The palate is ripe with apricot, white peach and guava nectar, while the honeyed finish includes a kiss of clove spice.” Nicely complements vegetable side dishes, especially sweet potatoes!
Regular Price: $ 11.79 Tasting Price: $ 10.79

Shelton Riesling, 2006 (NC) – Slightly dry, this wine “shows hints of peach, honey, and apricot and finishes with a crisp hint of Granny Smith apple.” Pairs well with turkey, potato salad, ham, glazed carrots, squash.
Regular Price: $ 13.99 Tasting Price: $ 12.99

Beaulieu Vineyard Coastal Estates Pinot Noir, 2006 (CA) – Youthful and aromatic, “this vintage showcases black cherry, anise, and dried herb aromas reflecting its cool-climate origins and outstanding fruit maturity. On the palate, it is already quite rich in fruit, with medium body, a round velvety texture meshed with balanced acidity and lots of spicy-cherry, cocoa and mineral flavors.” Another wine that will take you from start to finish!
Regular Price: $ 14.99 Tasting Price: $ 13.99

Peter Lehman Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre, 2003 (Australia) – “This exciting, richly-flavoured wine is made from a blend of the three oldest and most established red grape varieties grown in the Barossa Valley.” It is both soft and sweet on the palate with superb richness and structure. The Mourvèdre grape adds a spicy, peppery wildness. A great main course wine.
Regular Price: $ 16.49 Tasting Price: $ 15.49

Fetzer Zinfandel, 2005 (CA) -- A deep ruby color with concentrated aromas of black pepper and spice; balanced with an intensity that fills your mouth with wonderful dark berry flavors. It’s a rich, soft wine when you drink it. Great with meatballs, bread pudding, veggies/side dishes.
Regular Price: $ 11.98 Tasting Price: $ 10.98

Banfi Rosa Regale Sparkling Dolce Red Wine, 2006 (Italy) -- “A soft and deliciously luscious Red Sparking Wine with charming hints of rose petals and raspberries. Ideal as an aperitif or elegant dessert wine.”
Regular Price: $ 19.99 Tasting Price: $ 18.99

Entertainment for Friday, November 9th -- Acoustic Sativa

It's been quite awhile since we've seen the likes of Drew Sablon and Lee Crumpler at The City Wine Sellar on a Friday night. No more waiting, we'll be seein' them this Friday, the 9th. The ever-talented duo will dazzle us with a variety of classic, southern, and alernative rock tunes, as well as a little bluegrass, adult contemporary, pop and folk music. Don't miss 'em. Check them out at myspace.com/acousticsativa

November 7 Tasting -- What in the World Do I Serve with Holiday Dinners?

Wow. Can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving?! Christmas is just a blink away! I'm not trying to make you panic, but you should be thinking about those holiday dinners. To be sure, you will also be pondering the perfect wine to serve with all that yummy food! For our November wine tasting, we'll help you by offering a selection of wines that pair well with those traditional holiday dinners. 3 reds, 3 whites, and maybe even a sparkling raspberry dessert wine as a bonus. RSVP to d_malenfant@yahoo.com or call 335-1163.

Feel free to post your favorite holiday recipes, stories, and follow-up thoughts on the wines we taste.

Guest Pourer this month: Mayor-elect Steve Atkinson.

Friday Night Jazz with the Kurt Juergens Trio

Tell me, really. When was the last time you had the opportunity to listen to traditional and freestyle Latin Jazz in Elizabeth City? The Kurt Juergens Trio will have you tappin' your toes on Friday, November 2nd, from 7-10 pm. Guaranteed to create a great memory. Kurt will be on piano, Jeremy Ellis will be on drums, and Ian McCarty will be the percussionist. Contact us for more info. 335-1163 or d_malenfant@yahoo.com

Chuck Hodges this Friday (October 26th)

Chuck has just released a brand new CD entitled "Rainin' Again." Come on out for a great time at the Sellar Wine Bar. Check out Chuck's web site: http://www.chuckhodges.com/