Perman Wine Selections Chicago

Hello and Happy Friday!

It’s back! The “Six for $120,” my brand new sampler that offers six exciting wine values for $120.
In May I introduced this new sampler to all you out their in e–mail land. The feedback has been really great, and I’m excited to keep it going with some new finds.

As with the “Six for $60,” sampler, this is a tremendous way to learn about wine you may not normally pick off the shelf. Order your “Six for $120” today by simply telling me “hey Craig, really hook me up.”
All of these wines are also available by the bottle or case, but for maximum pleasure you should be trying the whole sampler. As always, I am willing to sub something out if you really can’t stand it, but c’mon, how do you know you don’t like it if you didn’t try it?

For maximum wine learning print out the descriptions below, and keep it with your wine. You will have a mini–wine lesson on your hands every month.

These are in stock and ready to go!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2007 DOMAINE GAUBY CÔTES DU ROUSILLON “LES CALCINAIRES”
The most inspirational award goes to Rousillon producer Gerard Gauby of Domaine Gauby! (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

I’m back in action here at Perman Wine Selections, and this week I tasted lots and lots of wine. Of course there was lots of good and lots of bad.

Yet since I’m a glass half–full kind of guy I like to focus on the positive and each week I bring you a Friday Feature that offers one or more of the true highlights.

This weeks Friday Feature is entitled “Everybody love Joe, ” which refers to Joe Dressner, an importer of some of the most delicious and eccentric wines of France. Two excellent values stood out in my tasting of some of the Dressner portfolio.

These are wines that are very unique from what you might normally drink, but that is why you should try them! As the world of wine becomes more homogenous, it is nice to offer wines that truly speak of their terroir!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2008 CLOS TUE–BOEUF TOURAINE GAMAY “LA BUTTE”
Brothers, Jean–Marie and Thierry Puzelet own the historic property of Clos Tue–Boeuf in the Touraine, the heart of the Loire Valley. (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

As many of you know, this past January I went back to Oregon, visiting a few wineries and also a few friends. I’m a Duck, having attended the University of Oregon, and lived in Portland for six years after that.

Starting my wine career in Oregon was a fabulous experience as not only did I learn a lot about wines from all over the world, but also had access to local wineries and saw many winemakers on a daily basis.

When I traveled to Oregon this January, I tasted many of the truly outstanding 2008 vintage Pinot Noir’s. This very complete vintage is going to be enjoyed by a broad range of Oregon wine fans, and just Pinot Noir fans in general.

At the time I promised some of my fun finds would make their way to Illinois, and today on my Friday Feature, you will be the only ones in Chicago to have access to the wonderful Willamette Valley release from a small, artisan producer, Marcus Goodfellow of Matello.

This wine is sold out at the winery, and it was my long–time relationship with Marcus that allowed me to source the only 10 cases coming into Illinois.

This is a terrific value Pinot Noir, so get some while it lasts! For those who are drinking more white wine this summer, I have also included a couple of Marcus’ delicious white wines.

Cheers,
Craig

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MATELLO – A SMALL PRODUCTION OREGON WINERY YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT!
Marcus Goodfellow, is the young, dynamic winemaker behind the wines at Matello. 2002 was his first year of production, making his first wines at Westrey Winery. Today, Marcus makes his wine at Adea, a winery located outside of Gaston at the end of North Valley Road. Adea rents space to 4 other winemakers, which allows small producers to use equipment that they would normally not have access to. (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

I know you miss me, but never fear, I will be returning this coming Tuesday, June 29th. I’m excited to get back and share my stories with you!

In the meantime a reminder that the store is open today from 4 to 7 PM. Tomorrow, Saturday, June 26th, Candid Wines will be in the house from noon till 6 PM to watch the store. As a special treat they will be pouring the delicious new Sangiovese blend from Cosimo Maria Masini – and it is a fabulous value!

Now, back to business. It is the last Friday of the month, and most of you out there in e–land know what that means! It is “six for $60” time! Don’t know what that means? It is pretty simple, a monthly sampler featuring six recently tasted and Craig approved wine values. Together these six individual bottles cost only $60 (excluding tax).

The “six for $60” is highly recommend to those learning about wines, trying to stock their wine rack with affordable and tasty adult beverages, or wanting to bring a gift to someone hosting a party.

So how does this work? To order simply e–mail me back and say “Hey Craig, hook me up.” To join the devoted legions of fans who receive them every month you can just say “and keep ’em coming!” All of the wines are available by the bottle or case, but for total jubilation just do the whole sampler. Some people are challenged by some of the wines that I put in to my sampler. If you do not drink Lagrein because it reminds you of your college days, Tannat is too hard for you to pronounce, or you just simply hate something I am offering, I will substitute and try to get the sampler as close to $60 as possible.

A suggestion to those folks trying to learn from this as well as get a buzz, print out a copy of the newsletter to keep with your sampler. That way when you are in the mood for a bottle you have your own mini wine lesson on hand. So what are you waiting for? Order yours today!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2009 DOGA DELLE CLAVULE VERMENTINO
Earlier this month I had a white wine tasting in the store entitled “A White Wine Tasting: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc you aren’t invited!” (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

Hope you are getting ready for a fun holiday weekend! I know I am – and as a result, I will be closed this Monday, May 31st for Memorial Day. I will return to my regular schedule on Tuesday.

Also as a reminder, this coming week will be my last full week in the shop for some time as I get prepared to take a work trip that will last from Sunday, June 6th to Monday, June 28th. The store will have limited hours during that time. Next week I will send an e-mail with my hours of operation while I am gone.

Now, back to business. It is the last Friday of the month, and most of you out there in e–land know what that means! It is “six for $60” time! Don’t know what that means? It is pretty simple, a monthly sampler featuring six recently tasted and Craig approved wine values. Together these six individual bottles cost only $60 (excluding tax).

The “six for $60” is highly recommend to those learning about wines, trying to stock their wine rack with affordable and tasty adult beverages, or wanting to bring a gift to someone hosting a party.

So how does this work? To order simply e–mail me back and say “Hey Craig, hook me up.” To join the devoted legions of fans who receive them every month you can just say “and keep ’em coming!” All of the wines are available by the bottle or case, but for total jubilation just do the whole sampler. Some people are challenged by some of the wines that I put in to my sampler. If you do not drink Bianchello during June, Ugni Blanc brings back bad memories, or you just simply hate something I am offering, I will substitute and try to get the sampler as close to $60 as possible.

A suggestion to those folks trying to learn from this as well as get a buzz, print out a copy of the newsletter to keep with your sampler. That way when you are in the mood for a bottle you have your own mini wine lesson on hand. So what are you waiting for? Order yours today!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2009 EL COTO RIOJA ROSADO
Who doesn’t drink pink? Seemingly every wine region in the world makes rosé, and that includes one of my favorite Spanish wine regions, Rioja. (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

Earlier this week I had one of the really great experiences in recent memory, having lunch with Giampiero Bea of the legendary Italian estate, Paolo Bea.

While not widely known in the wine world, Paolo Bea is one of Italy’s most revered producers, and the gem of the Umbrian wine scene. The 15 hectare estate is traditional in every sense of the word. Only 5 of those hectares are vineyards with the rest used for the Bea farm where they produce, olives, vegetables, fruit and raise cattle. The Bea’s produce almost entirely what goes on their table to eat and drink. The namesake of the winery, Paolo Bea is still involved in the winery, while his sons Giuseppe (the oenologist) and Giampiero (vinification and commercial) have assumed leading roles.

Sagrantino is the great grape of the Montefalco DOCG, but Sangiovese and Montepulciano play major roles in the reds. Aside from their reds are two exceptional, world–class whites that will challenge the way you think about the white wines of the region. One can also not fail to mention the Passito, this is one of the most spectacular dessert wines I have ever had. Very difficult to make, it is something that anyone who loves sweet wines should try once in their life.

The quality and consistency of these wines is amazing. So much so that I decided to offer almost everything we tasted on today’s newsletter.

These wines have so much soul, that if you are a lover of Italian red wines no matter where they come from, you need to have some of these for drinking and cellaring.

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2007 “SANTA CHIARA, ” UMBRIA BIANCO
Santa Chiara is a blend of local varietals like Grechetto and Malvasia, along with Garganega, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The grapes sit on their skins for a long time, which gives the wine its deep golden color. This is about as full–bodied as any white wine will get without the use of oak. (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

If you haven’t heard of the “six for $60” it is about time you did! It is pretty simple, a monthly sampler featuring six recently tasted and Craig approved wine values.

Together these six individual bottles cost only $60 (excluding tax).

The “six for $60” is highly recommend to those learning about wines, trying to stock their wine rack with affordable and tasty adult beverages, or wanting to bring a gift to someone hosting a party.

So how does this work? To order simply e–mail me back and say “Hey Craig, hook me up.” To join the devoted legions of fans who receive them every month you can just say “and keep ’em coming!” All of the wines are available by the bottle or case, but for total jubilation just do the whole sampler. Some people are challenged by some of the wines that I put in to my sampler. If Grenache makes you tremble, Grechetto causes memory loss, or you just simply hate something I am offering, I will substitute and try to get the sampler as close to $60 as possible.

A suggestion to those folks trying to learn from this as well as get a buzz, print out a copy of the newsletter to keep with your sampler. That way when you are in the mood for a bottle you have your own mini wine lesson on hand. So what are you waiting for? Order yours today!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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N.V. CASAL GARCIA VINHO VERDE ROSÉ
There is refreshing wine – and then there is wine that you want to swim in because it is so thirst quenching. This rosé falls into the latter category! (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

People are always asking me during the Spring, “when are your new rosé’s coming in? ” Many of the ’09’s have just started to trickle in, including today’s feature.

Keep in mind that rosé’s come in all shapes and sizes. Varietals, production styles and most importantly geography can make a huge difference in the way your rosé tastes. Also keep in mind that not all rosé needs to be drunk practically straight out of the vat. Many taste good with a little bottle age, while some, like today’s offering, you want to drink fresh. (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

If you haven’t heard of the “six for $60” it is about time you did! It is pretty simple, a monthly sampler featuring six recently tasted and Craig approved wine values. Together these six individual bottles cost only $60 (excluding tax).

The “six for $60” is highly recommend to those learning about wines, trying to stock their wine rack with affordable and tasty adult beverages, or wanting to bring a gift to someone hosting a party.

So how does this work? To order simply e–mail me back and say “Hey Craig, hook me up.” To join the devoted legions of fans who receive them every month you can just say “and keep ’em coming!” All of the wines are available by the bottle or case, but for total jubilation just do the whole sampler. Some people are challenged by some of the wines that I put in to my sampler. If Sangiovese makes you have nightmares, Carménère makes you tell bad jokes, or you just simply hate something I am offering, I will substitute and try to get the sampler as close to $60 as possible.

A suggestion to those folks trying to learn from this as well as get a buzz, print out a copy of the newsletter to keep with your sampler. That way when you are in the mood for a bottle you have your own mini wine lesson on hand. So what are you waiting for? Order yours today!

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2007 CHONO CARMÉNÈRE RESERVA
Who are you? That is what the wine world has often asked about the varietal now known as Carménère. (more…)

Hello and Happy Friday!

Remember that kid that used to get sent to the corner of the class and forced to wear a dunce cap? Maybe it was you, maybe it was me, or maybe it is a fictitious image in my head. Regardless it is going to help with my analogy of the day.

There is a wine equivalent to the dunce cap. Wines that were once popular, but now are forced into a permanent “time out” as consumers look to new areas.

As a defender of that wine in the corner, I have decided to spin that kid around, knock off that dunce cap, and show you all what you have been missing!

The spring temperature has got me craving white wine, and today, three white wines are featured that deserve all the love you can give them.

Have a great weekend,
Craig

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2008 DOMAINE DE LA LOUVETRIE MUSCADET “HERMINE D’OR”
Muscadet is one of France’s greatest white wines. Made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape, it is a highly expressive grape easily painting a picture of its terroir, climate, and even producer style. (more…)