Mark Your Calendars for Our Monthly Tasting!

Friday, February 20, 4-7 PM with Jack Scully from Easterly Wines

We just finialized the selections. Curious as to what? Make sure to read the next issue of M&C uncorked for all the tasty details!

What champagne is preferred by arguably the silver screen's greatest ladies' man - secret agent James Bond?

A)  Ruinart
B)  Moet et Chandon 
C)  Bollinger 
D)  Dom Pérignon

Answer at the end of the newsletter (no peeking!)

Wine: Pichon Pinot Noir is back in! I know many of you who make this wine one of the best selling bottles of any varietal in the store were disappointed that it was temporarily unavailable. Your prayers have been answered. And give the Viogner from the same vineyard a try as well!

Beer: Victory is ours! Victory Brewing of Pennsylvania is now available for enjoyment in Maine! Being originally from the Keystone State I am very familar with the Victory line. They are all solid (and in a few cases world class) examples of their genres. We currently have in Hop Devil India Pale Ale, Golden Monkey Tripel and the amazing Storm King Russian Imperial Stout. Their Prima Pils Imperial Pilsener will be in later this week. And yes, those naughty Ridgeway Elves are still here & causing much havoc! Contact Todd "The Beer Guy" at info@mckeanandcharles.com for some amazing specials on these tasty seasonal offerings from Ridgeway!

Spirits: Highland Park 12 and Oban 14 return to the single malts. 2 different Grappas (Sassacaia and Alexander) are here as is good ol' Sazerac Rye bourbon. Making Black Forrest Cake? We are one of the few places in Maine you can get Arrow Kirsch.

Cigars: Want to treat that cigar lover on Valentine's Day? It doesn't get a whole lot better than the Fuente Fuente Opus X ($29.99). These are very hard to come by & we only have 5 left.

This is an exciting opportunity for our customers to try a new wine at exceptional value.

Each month McKean and Charles is working with our distributors to find an excellent wine to be offered at a special price to club members.  Each wine will cost members just $15.00 but will always be valued at more (sometimes much more!).

Members are advised of the wine by the 5^th of each month and the wine will be available on the 10^th of each month.  Wines have complete tasting notes and space for members to record their impressions on the wine.  Members have a membership certificate kept at the store with each month’s selection.  If you lose your notes or just forget, we can look it up for you.

To join the club, simply stop by the store and complete a Wine Club Membership Agreement.  The agreement will be for a period of 1 year.  By signing the member agrees to have his/her credit/debit card charged $15.00 (plus tax & deposit) on the 10^th of each month.  If you cannot pick up your wine by the 10^th it will be held in your name.  This is a great way to try new wines. We realize there may be a month you truly do not want the selection, therefore you will be allowed to “opt out” up to two times during the year, if you so choose.

For more information or to join the Wine Of The Month club, email us at info@mckeanandcharles.com today!

...  that there’s a little story behind the champagne glass, dating back to Greek mythology? The first champagne “coupe” was said to be molded from the breast of Helen of Troy. The Greeks believed that wine drinking was a sensual experience, and it was only fitting that the most beautiful woman take part in shaping the chalice.

Centuries later, Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, decided it was time to create a new champagne glass. She had coupes molded to her own breasts, which changed the shape of the glass entirely since Marie was, how shall we say, more "gifted" in the coupe molds department than Helen!

Anne's Pick:  It's all about the bubbly...

“Come quickly. I am tasting the stars!” – Dom Perignon, at the moment he discovered champagne.

With the official Day of Romance arriving this month, my pick this time has to be the sparkling wines…all of them!  We have some great selections for you special evening.

We were lucky enough to obtain one bottle of the famous Cristal ($275.00) which is perfect for a special Valentine surprise.  We also have a beautiful gift box containing one bottle of Dom Perignon with two flutes to keep as momentos of the evening ($187.00).

Other champagnes include:  Egly-Ouriet Extra Brut ($101.50) and Egly-Ouriet Brut ($76.99); Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label (special priced at $51.99); Gosset Brut (special priced at $46.99).  And for something elegantly different, we have a few Rose Champagnes: Aubry Rose Brut ($63.99); Pommery Rose ($62.50) and Nicolas Feuillatte Rose ($50.75).

Of course, we can’t forget the lesser known, but equally yummy sparklers: Cava (from Spain), Prosecco (from Italy) and the Methode Champonoise (from California).

If you would like some special arrangements, please call or email us at info@mckeanandcharles.com. We would be happy to help you create a basket or gift bag. We will also gladly chill your bottle to help with your special plans.

Todd's Pick: The "Breakfast Wine"...Moscato d'Asti

I admit that I am biased about these in that it is the ONLY wine Mrs. Beer Guy will drink. Its nice to be able to sit back with your soul mate and enjoy a glass (or more) of wine. This variety allows me that.

Produced from Moscato Bianco grapes, its sweet and low in alcohol (typically around 5%), which is not necessarily bad in that there are far worse things than being able to share a bottle (or two!) with a loved one. Aromas typical of most dessert style wines dominate here (peach, melon, apricot) and translate to the palate as well. This is one wine that is actually encouraged to be consumed as young as possible and also in gulps! Refreshing, it would pare well with any number of fruit or caramel based desserts, or just enjoyed all by itself.

My wife likes to quarter whole strawberries, fill a large wine glass with them and after the Moscato has been enjoyed eat the freshly mascerated fruit. Do you see where I'm going with this? *wink wink, nudge nudge* Don't make me spell it out.

Among the ones I can recommend are Brico del Sole ($22.59), De Forville ($19.99), Tintero ($17.99), La Caliera ($19.59) and Primobacio (16.99).

Want any of these selections held for you as a Special Order? Email your request to info@mckeanandcharles.com and let us know what you want!

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