Proper Wine Serving Temperature
Maximize the Flavor

As many of you who read the email know, some of our articles stem from customer questions and discussions while sitting at the bar. This past week, a customer asked about red wines and proper serving temperature as he noted that we serve our red wines slightly chilled.

Red wine is best stored, poured, and enjoyed when it is served at "cellar temperature," a term that comes from the old European tradition of storing bottles in the cellars of older homes that did not have central heating. Not only did this help preserve the wine, but it also helped with the enjoyment of the wine in the glass.

Generally speaking, red wines are best stored and served at a range between 55 and 60 degrees. This chill helps red wines to retain their flavor balance and lessens the impact of the "hotness" or alcohol in the wine, which can diminish the fruit flavors of the varietal. As the wine warms in the glass, it releases a greater bouquet and the palate becomes smoother and more fruit forward.

White wines are best stored and served between 40 and 45 degrees. Most refrigerators are set around 35 degrees, so removing the white wine about 20 to 30 minutes before serving is a good idea. Over-chilling the wine suppresses the flavors as well as the natural bouquet of the wine. Again, as the white warms in the glass, fuller flavors and aromas are released, allowing for greater enjoyment of the wine.

If you are dining out and order a bottle of red wine to enjoy with your dinner and it is too warm, do not hesitate to ask for it to be chilled in an ice bath for 15 minutes. Also, wine chills faster if the cork has been removed, so ask your server to open the bottle before he or she places it in the ice bath.

The ultimate key is to enjoy the wine you have ordered in all its glory!

Another great red blend.
Watch the Rooster!

Victor, CA, is a small town with 290 residents. It is the home of Victor Vineyards, a small winery that crafts elegant wines representing the best traditions of small town famers. Wine Enthusiast magazine recently score Victor Vineyards' Roadside red blend as 88 pts.

Roadside Red is a Zinfandel based blend that deliver big on the palate. Noters of violets and currants tempt the nose, and the palate is rewarded with flavors bleuberry, spice, mocha, and ripe red fruits. A great wine to enjoy on its own, it is equally at home with creamy to firm cheeses, chicken dishes, and grilled entrees.

Try this interesting red blend. . .look for the running rooster on the label!

Don't Forget 50% Off Flatbreads
Everyday during Happy Hour!

Enjoy a little nosh with your favorite wine by selecting your favorite Flatbread from our regular menu, and then enjoy it for half the price. We are offering this deal throughout the summer during Happy Hour, which lasts from opening time until 7:00pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Stop in after work or plan to meet a friend or loved one on the way home and relax as you sip and nibble.

DoYou Need A Cheese Plate?
We'll Do It For You

Having a dinner gathering or cocktail party? Want to serve a cheese plate as an appetizer or as a dessert course. Let us do it for you. Bring you own platter or serving dish, and we will arrange it beautifully, including all the extra accompaniments and garnishes that you love when you come to the bar; all you need to do is serve it.

Drop it off the day before or early in the afternoon, and we will have it ready for you to pick up when you arrive. Running sort of last minute? We can do it while you wait, but take in to account how busy we may be when you arrive. We can select the cheeses for you; just tell us what you are serving or which wine varietals will be accompanying your cheese course. Or you can select your favorites.

Many of our artisan and farmstead cheeses are unique and not available for purchase in retail locations. This is a great opportunity to let your guests try something very special and different. When you serve it, just be sure to let them know where they, too, can find an amazing array of cheeses!

New This Week: Special Pricing on Happy Hour Tapas
Stop in after Work

As a special summer promotion, this week we will be beginning some special offers on Tapas and snack items during happy hour. From open--4pm Tuesday through Friday and 2pm on Saturday---until 7pm, you can select any Flatbread from our regular menu for half-price. In addition, we may have a daily feature or two of a special "Happy Hour Only" menu item for around $5.

Combine this offer with our Happy Hour pricing on house varietals and sparkling or half-price on-premise bottles on Tuesday and Wednesday and you can't beat it.

Grab a friend or co-worker or date or partner or spouse, and take advantage of our great summer features!

New Times Readers' Poll
Can We Count on Your Vote?

New Times of Broward/Palm Beach has just informed us that we are in the final running for best wine bar in their annual readers' poll. We are in great company with some other fine establishments that believe wine adds to life's pleasures. We would be honored if you, our loyal customers, would vote for us.

Have You Liked Us on Facebook?
Special One Night Facebook Only Deals

As we move into the warmer summer months, we are going to occasionally offer special "Facebook Only" features. Last week, some of you who have already liked us on Facebook took advantage of feature pricing on our flatbreads. We highlight something on Facebook each day that we are open for business. We will randomly select wine or food features that will be posted on our daily blurb. You must say you saw it on Facebook in order to receive the special pricing.

So, if you have not already liked Naked Grape's Facebook page, do so soon. You may find yourself able to take advantage of some great features. Click on the link at the bottom to join!

Revised Friday Summer Hours

Beginning this Friday, May 3, 2013, we will open at 4:00pm rather than 2:00pm. As the cooler, comfortable afternoons give way to the heat of summer, our patio will be more inviting in the shade at 4:00pm during the hotter months.

Weekly Feature Reminder

Don't forget that Tuesdays and Wednesdays continue to bring half-price on-premise bottles all evening. It's a great opportunity to try something new and, perhaps, find a new favorite. This feature applies to all current bottles on our list for on-premise enjoyment.

Thursday we offer Happy Hour pricing on our Stickybeak house varietals and our Veuve du Vernay Brut and Rosé house sparkling all night, You can enjoy any one of them for just $5 per glass all night long. We also offer Native Lager beer at just $2.50 each as well.

Don't forget that Happy Hour pricing is offered each day that we are open from the time we open until 7pm.