Liquor Commission Launches Wine Tasting Series

Responding to a surge in popularity of premium wines, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is launching an exclusive wine tasting series featuring numerous varietals of fine wines, according to a press statement.

A “Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot from Around the World” tasting event is scheduled for Sept. 17, at Manchester Country Club at 180 South River Road in Bedford. It starts at 6 p.m.

The event will feature more than 100 fine wines that retail for a minimum of $45, as well as gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Ticket prices are $65, per person, with event proceeds benefitting Concord Hospital’s Payson Center for Cancer Care.

Click here for ticket info: nhliquorwine.ticketleap.com/cabernet-and-merlot-for-concord-hospital/

In May, NHLC tested the concept of a fine wine event series by hosting an exclusive Italian wine tasting event which drew a capacity crowd of 150 guests, generated nearly $14,000 in wine sales and raised more than $2,000 for Granite United Way’s Literacy Initiative. The success of that event prompted NHLC to formally launch this new series.

“The New Hampshire Liquor Commission is committed to creating new and exciting programs to engage customers, demonstrate the breadth of fine wines our NH Liquor & Wine Outlets have to offer and support sales, which reached a record $642 million in FY15, an increase of $21 million – or 3.4 percent – over the previous fiscal year,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “This new fine wine tasting series was created to capitalize on the popularity of several wine varietals and to specifically highlight the availability of premium products at our NH Liquor & Wine Outlets. We strategically chose to highlight cabernet and merlot because they are among our best-selling varietals. In FY15, which ended June 30, sales of cabernets priced $20 and higher grew 25% to $9.3 million, far outpacing the overall growth in wine sales.”

The cabernet and merlot tasting will feature 14 tables of exclusive wines, including a mix of wines currently available for purchase at New Hampshire’s 78 NH Liquor & Wine Outlets and others that are not yet available. Event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase wine via a state-of-the-art web ordering application – a first of its kind in the wine industry – which guests can access via their mobile devices. A discount of 15% will be offered for purchases of six or more bottles, allowing event attendees to stock their wine cellars at prices well below those which have made New Hampshire “the best state in America for wine drinkers” according to The Washington Post.

A sampling of featured wines include:

• Caymus Special Selection – The venerable Caymus Special Selection is the flagship wine of the Wagner family, compromised of the very best barrels of the vintage. The wine has flavors that can only be achieved through “hang time” – a technique which chances the loss of crop if early winter sets in. Leaving the fruit to “hang” on the vine unusually long develops suppleness, increases color, and matures the tannins of the grape.
• Opus One – This wine is joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baroness Philippine de Rothschild producing a proprietary Bordeaux-style blend. This vintage wine is a blend of 71% cabernet, 11% merlot and other varietals. It is characterized by fresh aromas of bright red fruits, bay leaf and cassis that give way to subtler notes of black tea and white pepper. Round tannins and creamy texture envelop the familiar flavors of fresh cherry and dark chocolate.
• Chateau Montelena – These are famous and classic high-end wines from the Napa Valley. Originally founded in 1882, cabernet is one of the exclusive winery’s top two varietals.
• Spottswoode – For more than 30 years this winery has produced a lush and limited edition Estate Cabernet Sauvignon that exudes elegant power, effusive blackberry fruit and spice, naturally refined tannins and extraordinary color.
• Château Mouton Rothschild – This cabernet sauvignon is rich, deeply colored, well-structured and very full-bodied.

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