Padron Peppers Are Here!
The first delivery of Padron peppers arrived in the shop yesterday, officially signalling the end of Padron pepper drought. Our crop is grown in West Seattle, and picked once or twice weekly as the season progresses; peppers don’t get much fresher than this! If you’re new to these wonderful peppers, they worth sampling as they really are a treat. Originally, native to Galicia, where they are known as pimiento de Padrón, these peppers serve as a delicious aperitíf; you simply sauté them in olive oil until all sides are blistered, and sprinkle with sea salt prior to serving. It couldn’t be easier. While not inherently a piquant pepper, you do encounter a fiery one from time to time; it keeps you on your toes!
4oz. bag, $5.99
8oz. bag, $10.99
Some Fun-To-Drink Wines for Summer.
NV Patrice Colin Perles Rouges Loire Valley Sparkling Wine $15.99
8th generation vigneron Patrice Colin makes a delightful range of wines from his old vine, organic vineyards in the northernmost reaches of the Loire Valley in the Coteaux du Vendomois along the Loire River. This fun, red sparkler possesses a hint of sweetness, with aromas of dried cranberries and strawberry. Very tasty, and similiar to a high-end Lambrusco. Made by “Methode Ancestrale,” an inexpensive but risky and difficult-to-control method of producing sparkling wine, and almost certainly the oldest, in which the primary fermentation is stopped before completing, and a secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, ending when the yeast cells deplete the supply of residual sugar. This method is still used in the French appellations of Coteaux du Vendemois, Limoux, Gaillac, Bugey and Cerdon.
2016 Domaine des Terres Blanches “BB Rosé” Loire Valley $17.99
A superb rosé that’s all natural, fermented with native yeasts, and comprised of 80% Gamay, and 20% Cabernet Franc. Has plenty of zip, with nice fruit flavors and a refreshing, dry finish. A medium-weight Loire Valley rosé that provides a lot of drinking pleasure. Really tasty!
2016 Chateau de L’ Aumérade ‘Cuvée Marie-Christine’ Cru Classé Cotes de Provence Rosé $21.99
The chateau is part of an exclusive group of estates that form the Cru Classé of Provence (the current number is 23), which was established in 1955 before the regional AOC was created in 1977. This Provençal rosé is a blend of Grenache (40%), Syrah (40%), and Cinsault (20%), made from grapes that were specifically cultivated for the production of Rosé. The nose is fruity, fine and delicate. On the palate, the wine is marked by strawberry and redcurrent flavors, with a rich aromatic complexity, and a long, persistent finish marked by elegance and finesse. This estate was the first to use the gorgeous Emile Galle-inspired bottle.
Spanish Hand-painted Ceramic Tiles.
Spain has a long tradition of ceramic artisanry; included in this group are hand-painted tiles which can be found embedded in masonry as street signs, or simply as decorations. They can be also used decoratively in the home, or as a coaster for a bottle of wine. However you choose to use them, they add a rustic, Spanish flavor. Our selection is sale priced at $9.99/ea.