An inconvenient truth

Wine and global warming? The connection is powerful. As weather patterns shift, growing conditions affect wine quality and consistency. Not only does our beleaguered planet suffer from our carbon-producing energy habits, but the ancient traditions of wine can no longer be taken for granted.

Maybe you've seen the movie, An Inconvenient Truth. How about the daily news stories chronicling our carbon conundrum—not to mention the freaky weather (last week's tropical Tuesday flip to a frost bitten Friday)?
Something has to be done.

Dr. Bill tells all

Bottlerocket invites you to an extraordinary Earth Day event on Sunday, April 22 for an afternoon of awareness and action. We'll pour organic, biodynamic and local wines. Expert, activist special guests from America's leading environmental groups—including Environmental Defense's Chief Scientist, Dr. Bill Chameides (left)—will talk about what each of us can do in our daily lives to make a difference. Read more. Spread the word: come taste good wine and do something good!

	Hopping through vines

Upcoming Classes
– Our popular 4-week "Explore Wine" series, starts Tuesday 4/10, 6:30 to 7:30 pm. This class is filling up fast.
– A new and much-anticipated deep dive into the wonders of Australian wine, Monday 4/16 6:30 to 8 pm.

BYOB
Click here for a list of NY restaurants that let you bring your own wine. Splurge on a bottle at Bottlerocket. Bring it next time you go out to eat. Save a bundle and taste something new.

Number 1 spirit in the world

Exceptional Tasting
Cognac Tesseron is in a class of its own. Robert Parker gave it a perfect 100 points, calling it "ethereal." Wine Enthusiast named it "#1 Spirit in the World." Made by a perfectionist third generation winemaker, Alfred Tesseron, these aged cognacs must be tasted at least once in a lifetime. Now you can.

Join us for a rare tasting on Saturday, 3/31.
5 to 7pm. Free and awe-inspiring.

Latest & Greatest

	Wine lover and critic

Any of you who come in the store know Vanessa. She's the one who talks you into trying her favorite wines. She's an evangelist. Her elaborate, almost urgent, poetic descriptions of how a wine tastes make you want to drop everything and open a bottle. Preferably with her.

This week we showcase Vanessa's Picks. Wines she loves and wants you to love, too. Find them in the store on the Critic's Island. Here you'll also discover Robert Parker's favorites, as well as those of magazines Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator.

Chateau Tour Simard. Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 1999.
France > Bordeaux >> Saint Emilion. $30

Second wine of Bordeaux big boy, Château Pavie, this blend of younger and older vines is also made by Pavie's winemaker. Rich and voluptuous, it's a wine Vanessa recommends having with a home-cooked meal and someone you love. The 1999 vintage is ready to drink tonight.

Gilbert Picq. Chablis 2005.
France > Burgundy >> Chablis. $20

Clean, fine and focused Chablis from this vineyard-driven family winery. The winemakers understand that the best wine originates with the best vines. Wine critic Stephen Tanzer sings its praise: "Bright, pale yellow. Enticing aromas of lemon cream and white flowers. Supple and fruity but also quite bright, with citrus peel flavor, edgy acidity and good stony character." Oysters, anyone?

Paumanok. Cabernet Franc 2004.
USA > New York >> North Fork, Long Island. $22

Charles Massoud learned how to make wine in Lebanon, while his wife's family has its winemaking roots in Germany, so where else could they and their three sons build their family winery but on Long Island? Their signature Cabernet Franc is ripe and herbaceous, expressing the North Fork's unique terroir.

Descendientes de J. Palacios. Pétalos 2005.
Spain > Bierzo. $22

This biodynamically produced wine is made with the newly rediscovered Mencía grape. The producer, Descendientes de Palacios, has helped revive old Mencía vineyards, most between 30 and 100 years old. "Pétalos" is a great introduction to the luscious and intense wines of Bierzo. Enjoy now or cellar for up to five years. ¡Salud!

Hidalgo. Manzanilla "La Gitana" Sherry.
Spain > Jerez >> Sanlucar de Barramieda. $12

Family owned and run for over 6 generations, Vinicola Hidalgo owns an amazing 500 acres of Palomino Fino in Balbaína, the closest Jerez vineyard to the ocean. Their benchmark "La Gitana" is a classic Manzanilla, with aromas of salty sea air and a tangy, super-dry finish. Top ratings from all the critics, including our beloved Vanessa!

Call for delivery: 212-929-2323.

Is there a wine you wish we carried? Let us know and we'll see what we can do.

Happenings

Saturday, March 31, 5 – 7 pm
Extraordinary Tasting: Cognac Tesseron

A rare opportunity to taste the finest "eau de vie" in the world. We'll pour two cognacs: Lot 53, a blend of cognacs aged 50 years and older, and Lot 29, blended from cognacs made in 1929 and before. Lovingly aged for at least three generations. The Tesseron family also makes Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux wines Chateau Pontet Canet and Lafon Rochet. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to sip luxury cognac made by true artisans.
Free. Reservations not required.

Sunday, April 22, 3 – 6 pm
Eclectic Salon: Global Warming Discussion

An afternoon of awareness with environmental activists honoring Earth Day. Take away practical tips about how to make a difference in the urgent fight to save our planet. Sample wines from local, biodynamic and organic vineyards. Special guests will answer your questions about Global Warming: Natural Resources Defense Council's Dale Bryk and Jon Coifman; Environmental Defense's Dr. Bill Chameides; and Transportation Alternatives' Dani Simons. Free. Reservations not required.

Classes

Explore Wine: Four Week Introductory Series. $160
Four Tuesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, April 10 thru May 1
Lauren Bernardini, Instructor

A practical, fun, utilitarian workshop to familiarize you with the major types and styles of wine. You will learn how wine is made, how to taste and evaluate wine, and ultimately what you like personally. Our goal is to provide you with the information and experience to make you comfortable, confident consumers.

•	April 10 – Explore the Major Varieties Know the noble and notable wines of the world and a bit of history.
•	April 17 – Explore Old vs. New World Learn how a region, grape grower and wine maker can influence the final product.
•	April 24 – Explore White Dig deeper into the huge variety of white wines.
•	May 1 – Explore Red Taste through the world of red wine. Conclude with practical advice on continuing the adventure.

About Lauren Bernardini

An experienced teacher most recently affiliated with the Starr Restaurant Organization, Lauren directed the wine programs at Philadelphia's Striped Bass and Tangerine when both restaurants were awarded the Wine Spectator's Awards of Excellence in 2004, 2005 and 2006, as well as Food + Wine Magazine's "Top 10 New Wine Lists in the United States." She has completed the first level exams for both the Court of Master Sommeliers and the American Sommelier Association.

Lauren recently relocated to New York, where she represents Paumanok Vineyards, a small family-owned vineyard in North Fork, Long Island and is currently consulting on wine lists and beverage programs in both Manhattan and Philadelphia. She also teaches at the French Culinary Institute. Lauren lives in the West Village with 16 cases of wine and her famously demure pit-bull, Daisy.

All About Australia. $45
Monday, April 16, 6:30 to 8 pm
Michele Anderson, Instructor

Australia has 60 designated wine regions. Most of us have only heard of big names Barossa and McLarenvale. Experience the diversity of Australia, as you sample six boutique picks. From the exotic wines of Tasmania, to Shiraz and Viognier made by fourth generation Hunter Valley wine maker Keith Tulloch. From the legendary prize-winning Tarra Warra Estates pinot noir to Mirrabooka, a highly acclaimed newcomer from the famous Yarra Valley. By the end of the class you may need a travel agent.

About Michele Anderson: Beginning in 1986, Michele worked as Sommelier at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney, picking wines for the largest wine cellar in the Southern Hemisphere. Since then, she has launched Wine Angel, a wine import business introducing Australia's leading boutique wines to US consumers. She created Mirrabooka, her own brand, and started GreatAustralianWines.com, a specialty Internet business. Wine Angel was acquired in 2007 by McGuigan Simeon Wines Ltd. and Michele is now General Manager responsible for their North American business.

Classes start promptly. Only 18 lucky participants can be accommodated, first come, first serve. Full payment in advance required. No refunds possible.

Sign-up today for classes by calling 212-929-2323.
Or email us: info@bottlerocketwine.com

We Do

•	Delivery – Just give us a call and we'll take care of the rest: 212-929-2323.
•	Special Orders – Give us one day and we'll give you price and availability for a case of almost anything. Email: specialorders@bottlerocketwine.com
•	Gifts selected, wrapped, packaged and shipped.
•	"Find the Love" – Samplers to expose you to new tastes.
•	"The High End" – We serve collectors, too. Call for info.
•	Private in-store events: customized tastings, food & wine pairing parties.
•	Tasting events at your home or office.
•	Consultations and Gift Registry for weddings, parties, events.

Forward This

Spread the news that Bottlerocket is open. If you think we provide a good experience for wine lovers, please forward this to your friends, and tell them about our 10% discount on any purchase for all first-time customers who join our customer list. And thank you for your support!

Remember, we're a work in progress. We would value any suggestions you may have to help us create the best wine buying experience on the planet. Send us an email: myidea@bottlerocketwine.com. Thank you!