TILIA TORRONTES - $10.99 (REG $11.99) ARGENTINIAN - Tasting Notes - Torrontés has a unique expression in Argentina and has often been called the country's signature white varietal. Tilia Torrontés captures all of the explosive aromatic character of this Argentine grape, with lively notes of citrus and peach fruit interwoven with delicate layers of jazmine blossom and fresh herbs. The wine is light and fresh on the palate with excellent balance and finishing with bright, crisp acidity.

LEYDA CHARDONNAY - $12.99 (REG $14.99) CHILEAN - Tasting Notes - Refined and complex nose. Ripe citrus character like lemons and tangerines combines with hazelnuts aromas and mineral notes. Fine and integrated oak notes add complexity to the nose. Fresh in the mouth, with a creamy texture in the mid palate and a lively acidity farther back where the minerality stands up providing freshness and length to the wine.

LEYDA PINOT NOIR - $12.99 (REG $14.99) CHILEAN- Tasting Notes - Bright colour. Clean and direct fruity nose with strawberries, hints of red cherries and a subtle wild herb note. Delicate and refined on the palate. Juicy with ripe flavors of berries combined with mineral notes and a lively acidity.

DOS LOMOS MALBEC - $10.99 (REG $11.99) - ARGENTINIAN - Tasting Notes - Of an intense dark red colour with violet hues, the nose is fresh, with ripe red and black berry fruit (red cherries, sour cherries and blackberries), mingled with subtle vanilla. On the palate, a strong attack leads to a full bodied wine with soft, round tannins and a long, supple finish.

CATENA MALBEC - $21.99 (reg. $25.99) ARGENTINIAN - Winemaker Notes - shows a dark violet color with deep bluish - black tones. The nose offers ripe, concentrated dark fruit aromas with delicate floral notes and traces of vanilla and mocha. The mouthfeel is rich and lush, with concentrated black cherry and red currant fruit flavors layered with sweet spices, tobacco and a touch of leather. The finish presents soft, supple tannins with bright, crisp acidity and a flinty minerality which gives the wine exceptional length. Alejandro Vigil, Winemaker

We found another obscure varietal for you to try this Friday. It is produced by ADEGAS GUIMARO in the Ribeira Sacra region, the hottest wine region in Spain. The grape is MENCIA.

From the 30 second wine advisor: ........ another grape and region obscure enough that even many serious wine geeks would have to look up. Mencia is the grape, an indigenous red variety of Northwestern Spain that was once thought to be a cousin of Cabernet Franc. It long had a lackluster reputation as the source of lightweight wines, but recent hillside plantings and serious vineyard management have demolished that myth, and DNA testing has ruled out the Cab Franc connection.

And for something different we have a French Grenache for you to try. This is one that the locals drink all summer long. It is by Cuilleras Domaine La Guintrandy and is a Vin d'Pay. The unique thing is that it is a BIB. Stop by and see what we mean.

We picked up a few of our new food focus items today.

A candy line by Sweet's - WINE STICKS - flavored wine gels in dark chocolate made with real wine. There is Champagne, Cabernet and Port. Pick up your favorite for $5.29 or a three pack for $14.99. Great for tucking into a gift.

BottleGreen Sparkling Drinks - The flavors include: ELDERFLOWER - The unique flavour of Elderflower Sparkling is achieved by blending fresh handpicked Elderflowers from the English countryside with pure spring water. Delightful any time of day, it complements a variety of fine foods. A deliciously refreshing non-alcoholic beverage. CRANBERRY & ORANGE - A blend of orange zest and pure, fresh juices extracted from Finnish cranberries, wild black rowanberries, blackcurrants and pure sparkling spring water. The fresh, natural orange flavour balances the tartness of the juicy cranberries. GINGER & LEMONGRASS Sparkling Pressé is prepared by combining the tender shoots of the exotic lemongrass plant with the fiery ginger root. Lemongrass is grown in Thailand and has a flavour reminiscent of the zest of the lemon fruit. Succulent and aromatic. POMEGRANATE & ELDERFLOWER - A mixture of fresh pomegranate extracts, pressed elderflower petals, and pure, carbonated spring water. This refreshing beverage is a great source of antioxidants and pleasing to the palate.

These will be great for those get togethers were you need a non-alcoholic beverage that is a step up for kids and adults alike.

And also new, PICOS DE PAN (mini toasted baquettes) from Spain. Picos (pee-kos) capture the essence of the tapas experience. In Andaluca, the home of tapas, these great crunchy bread sticks are on the counter of every tapas bar, without exception -- sort of like peanuts, but a healthier snack. Now that people are enjoying the concept of tapas throughout Spain, you will find picos everywhere.

We had such a good time at the gift show that we really need to make room for the new things we have arriving.

Check out the SIDEWALK SALE signs around and take advantage of some great price reductions.