This week we will explore some new Italian wines. MOSCATO di TERRACINA SECCO OPPIDUM - $20.99 - An aromatic dry wine made from Moscato grapes grown in the Terracina hills. The grapes are hand harvested followed by carefully controlled fermentation to preserve aromas and flavors. Straw yellow in color with golden reflections and a complex bouquet with tropical fruit, apricot and rose petal aromas. Rich and full on the palate with tropical fruit and bitter almond flavors and a long lasting finish. Suitable as an apertif or with hors d'oeuvres or fish dishes. (if you are like us you thought this would be sweet so it will be fun to try)

FATTORIA LAILA VERDICCHIO - $10.99 - Verdicchio is commonly passed up for it's more famous Italian sister, pinot grigio. Verdicchio has elements of peach and pear on the nose, a medium to light-body with a silky texture and tastes of almonds and minerals. So what to eat with this wine? It is one of those rare few wines that pairs perfectly with fennel. Also hard pecorino cheese is a great and simple accompaniment. Or, crack it open alongside the more expected light pork and seafood dishes and for very little money, you've elevated your meal to another level.

MICHELE REVERDITO BARBERA D' ALBA - $13.99 - My search came up with a web site that was under construction for this wine so we will explore and decide on our own tasting notes.

SALADINI PILASTRI ROSSO PICENO - $15.99 - (70% Montepulciano & 30% Sangiovese) This wine exudes grace and harmony. On the nose you will find subtle notes of ripe red cherry and jammy plum set off by cinnamon, sweet tobacco and licorice, Silky and suave is the best way to describe the way the wine feels in your mouth. Ripe velvety fruit and perfectly balanced acidity and tannins provide structure and length.

MONTARIBALDI MOSCATO D'ASTI - $14.99 - Slightly spritzy and off dry selection from Piedmont is an ideal summer apertif wine. Enjoy with fresh fruit, shellfish, or a range of cheeses.

So, we are bringing in more Rose's. These are great for afternoon sipping, having with a salad or appetizers with the neighbors.

Check out the new white wine we found. Ric and I have dubbed it 'picnic wine' because there are ants on the label! A blend of 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Welschreisling. (this wine will be on our Friday night tasting this week)

Talking about picnics don't forget to check out the picnic stix and insulated totes and picnic baskets we have.

Wow, when a vintage changes it can change quickly! Last week when we had Kestral here for our tasting we had the sixth edition of Lady in Red. When we ordered this week we recieved the seventh edition of the "Lady".

If you need a number six we have a couple left.

We also kept some of the "For Sake of the Vine" Melot Murder Mysteries books. Featured in the book are Kestral winery, Prosser, Flint (the winemaker) and Jacques (better known as JJ). Enjoy a bottle of Merlot and curl up with a summer read that has local roots!

We just got in some more of the bottle cheese platters. It's been awhile since we have carried these but with Benson's Best Bites providing all of you with such wonderful cheeses you need a unique platter to serve them on. There are six labels to choose from. We found them on the internet for $36.00 a piece and we are offering them for $25.99.

OH BOY - we went to the gift center again! That is a dangerous place. We found some new cocktail napkins and cards by an artist from Seattle. They should be arriving soon and are really alot of fun.

Another thing we found were some painted glass pieces that were wine related. Watch the newsletter for when they arrive.

Get ready for the ninth CorkyCrush. Help us CRUSH HUNGER this year by putting a team together and getting pledges for the amount of juice you think you can stomp. Money raised will go to the Des Moines Food Bank. Pick up an information/sign up sheet any time.

We will be crushing on July 18th at 4 pm in our parking lot. This is right before the parade so plan on having your friends join you and spend the day in Des Moines having fun.

Another event you want to pick a date for is the newest production by Breeders Theater "The Last Magician". Tickets are $20 and include wine tasting at E.B. Foote Winery in Burien, hors d'oeuvers, and the original play by T.M. Sell.