We are proud of our authentically cured Jamóns, Chorizos, and Salchichón Ibéricos made in Spain, from European and Ibérico pigs. And we also carry a multitude of salamis, sausages and chorizos smoked or cured that are made in the western U.S. Making charcuterie is an old-world art; many American purveyors study salami making in Europe and elsewhere, then return home to make their own versions. We’ve just added Basque Salami from Denver’s Elevation Artisan Meats to our charcuterie case. Made with Basque Espelette Pepper, the salami has a mild spiciness with an earthy flavor that is exceptionally popular. Add it to your next charcuterie board!
More specialty cured meats from U.S. purveyors:
Elevation Artisan Meats was founded by a young butcher who brilliantly combines old-world techniques with new flavors. We slice their Basque Salami to order and carry whole Fennel Pollen, Black Pepper, and Barley Wine salamis in our grab & go case.
Zoe Meats – We struck up a personal relationship with Charlie, one of the co-founders of Zoe Meats about 10 years ago. We love the nitrate-free salamis with no antibiotics or hormones, made with minimal processing. We especially favor their spicy salamis which we slice to order and also sell whole. Absinthe Salami is an addicting combination of Hatch Green Chile Peppers infused with Absinthe liquor, slightly spicy with wormwood notes. Cacao Chile Salami is medium hot, with cocoa, cloves, smoke, and a bit of heat. Ghost Pepper Salami offers up serious heat which builds on the palate. Ghost Peppers are 500 times higher on the Scoville Scale than Jalapeños and it’s a favorite of customers who love it caliente!
Fabrique Delices: French pâté specialist Sapar established Fabrique Delices in Northern California in 1985 to bring artisan French-style meat production to the U.S. Their products are superb. We carry their Pâté Campagne, Duck Mousse and Chicken-Truffle Pâté which we slice to order. We also stock and slice cured Saucisson Sec, and Duck Salami. And as soon as our new freezer arrives, we’ll have their fantastic frozen sausages back in stock.
Spanish EVOO and cruets: We received these handsome Spanish ceramic olive oil cruets in December. They are practical, sturdy, and add a rustic beauty to the kitchen. Use a cruet to store olive oil that is sold in glass bottles to protect it from light and to preserve the flavor and quality of the oil. Always store olive oil in a cool location. We carry a large selection of Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Spain, Portugal and France that offer a range of flavors from fruity, leafy, spicy and more. depending on the variety of olive. We deliberately choose our oils by variety to offer a range of tastes and uses from cooking to salad dressings, dipping bread or drizzling over grilled foods. We also carry outstanding flavored oils – a spicy oil infused with Harissa pepper, Lemon and Orange infused oils. Our newest oil is made in partnership with Bodegas Lustau, who ages the oil in a used sherry barrel, imparting a subtle oak and nutty fragrance. We use it in salads and sprinkle it over pastas and poultry to add a fabulous pop of flavor.
WINE CORNER: 2019 was a dream vintage in France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. “2019 was an ideal vintage for Grenache, with healthy fruit making this a vintage that shows a strong Grenache character with greater than normal tannins.” (European Cellars) For those who prefer a richer and fleshier style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this is an excellent vintage for you. Pick up some bottles of these wines while they’re in stock:
Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau 2019 ($98.00) “Silky and refined, with focused cherry puree, plum reduction and raspberry coulis notes racing through, infused subtly with rose petal, warm stone and lavender hints. Features nice perfume through the finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault.” 93 points Wine Spectator
Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 ($55.00) This wine is delicious already, very elegant and drinkable. Shows excellent balance with very subtle oak influences. “This offers a core of warm plum sauce and cherry compote notes laced liberally with singed sandalwood, red tea and tobacco leaf flavors. Accents of perfumed fruit, singed chestnut and shiso leaf mark the old-school finish, with a lightly dusty structure.” 94 points Wine Spectator
Domaine du Pégaü Cuvée des Réservée Châteauneuf 2019 “Dark and brooding, this has serious heft, with tightly coiled plum reduction and black licorice offset by savory tea, menthol, smoked meat and iodine. A great example of an old-school style, with mineral intensity building and salty iron and grippy tannins carrying the finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.” 94 points Wine Spectator