Happy New Year Corner

We'd like to wish you a Happy & Healthy New Year, from everyone on the team at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge. We work hard to make sure that you have a great place to shop for the best, freshest craft beer, and we appreciate seeing so many familiar faces stopping in every week.

While we have no brand-new craft beer deliveries this week, we do have plenty to discuss. First on the agenda is New Year's Eve. We know that you might enjoy some sparkling wine this Saturday night. Click here for a basic outline of sparkling wine types and a few staff suggestions. With all the college football bowl games coming up, we also suspect there will be pizza on many tables in the coming week. Click here for craft beer and wine pizza pairing suggestions.

Statistics show us that roughly 1000 people visit this blog every Friday, and we're glad that you do. We'd like to crowdsource some additional suggestions. Please use the Comment section below to let us know what your favorite craft beers were in 2016. We know that some of the allocated items aren't currently available, but maybe you can help someone find a new favorite from the year-round portfolio of Ballast Point, Lagunitas, River Horse, Stone, Weyerbacher, or any one of our other fine craft brewers.

Our distributors and the local brewers who self-distribute will continue to surprise us, so please ask a member of the beer team if you're looking for something that we might have to hide in the back. We hear that the Maine Beer Company might be a little more aggressive about deliveries in 2017, so we're hopeful on that.

Thank you for continuing to read our blog, and thank you for shopping with us at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge.

Welcome to Sparkling Wine Week

Not as dramatic as Shark Week, but we think that Champagne Sparkling Wine Week is much more delicious. With New Year's Eve just a few days away, we thought we'd offer some thoughts on the bubbly. How about some basic definitions to start?

Champagne is a specific type of sparkling wine, made a certain way, from specific grapes, in the Champagne region of France. There are still a few products that use the name "California Champagne" (like Korbel), to prevent any possible confusion.

Cremant is the name associated with sparkling wines from other regions of France, such as Alsace or the Loire. We have a nice selection of these sparkling wines, which are typically at a very affordable price.

Prosecco is Italian sparkling wine. Principally made from the Glera grape, from northeastern Italy.

Asti/Asti Spumante/Spumante are essentially interchangeable categories of sweet sparkling wines from Italy. Verdi and Martini & Rossi fit here.

Cava is Spanish sparkling wine, from Catalonia. Cava can be rose or white, and is made from indigenous grapes like the macabeu.

Domestic Sparkling Wine. Many of our domestic producers (Gruet, Mumm Napa, Schramsburg and others) do make their sparkling wine in "Methode Traditionelle," which mimics the way Champagne is made (secondary fermentation in bottle, etc.). There are a number of Champagne producers, such as Mumm, Roederer and Tattinger, who product Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines in California, in the $20 range.

With that brief outline, here are some sparkling wines that we think will rule this New Year's Eve. Or any time you want some bubbly.

Vollereaux Brut Champagne. "Rich and refined, with layers of pear pastry, black cherry, hazelnut, lemon cream, honey and floral notes. A spicy thread of minerality winds through this wine, as does the precise and seamlessly integrated acidity." - Wine Spectator, 92 points.

This is a very recent addition, and we have a limited supply. Only $28.99 in the Bottle Club®.

Isabelle Brut Classique. Lawrenceville Senior Wine Manager Brandon Bartfalvi's review: "A deliciously tempting sparkling wine from New Mexico. This full-bodied sparkler offer flavors green apple and pear with a bit of toastiness on the finish. Dry, crisp and refreshing!"

Isabelle is made in the traditional Champagne style. One of our Preferred Selection wines, Isabelle is available for only $16.97 in the  Bottle Club®.

Fioretti Prosecco. A classic prosecco showing a light and refreshing palate filled with apple and pear flavors and a hint of floral notes. The persistent bubbles are refreshing and delicate ending in a clean finish.

Please check our Bottle Club® email this week, as we'll have special offers on other sparkling wines in this lead-up to New Year's Eve.

It's The Last Minute

If you haven't started your holiday shopping yet, you either are very busy, or have nerves of steel. Maybe there are other options, but we're still going to tell you that it's time to get that list checked off. We still have quite a few choices in gift sets and other items that are holiday-appropriate, but some are running out. Here, we'll take a look at some new products, and some holiday specials, so you have even more options.

Bellissima Brut Prosecco, from Christie Brinkley, is now in stock-just in time for gifting or enjoying.

Given Christie Brinkley's commitment to creating and preserving beauty-in herself, in others, and in the natural world—it's no surprise that her line of 100% organic Prosecco and sparkling wines are imbued with her Bellissima spirit. As she says, "Dream big Bellissima dreams, and may they all come true!"
Brut is the driest (i.e. least sugary) version of Prosecco, and ours is aromatic and elegant, with delicate scents of green apple and freshly baked bread.

Uncorked at the very last minute, Bellissima Brut is fabulous to sip alongside seafood, particularly shellfish, sushi, and sashimi.

Made from 100% organic Glera grapes.

Acqua Della Vigna Pinot Grigio. Did we mention holiday specials? if you're having a party or other gathering, grab a case of this at under $5/bottle, priced in the Bottle Club®.

This refreshing Italian Pinot Grigio is one of the best values in the store!  Bright citrus fruit and subtle peach and pineapple flow seamlessly from nose to palate.  Medium-bodied with crisp acidity, grab a case of this to have on hand to enjoy with poultry dishes, seafood scampi, or fresh summer salads.  At this price, you just can't go wrong!

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon. Did you miss out on this spectacular wine earlier this year? Don't miss it again. It's due to arrive Wednesday or Thursday, and we'll have a very limited supply.

It’s about 2,500 miles from Kentucky Bourbon country to our Coastal California vineyards. But one sip will tell you, it’s one long-distance relationship that was always meant to be.

SEE: Deep cherry red
SMELL: Toasty vanilla, brown sugar
TASTE: Black cherry, blackberry
PAIR: Bourbon glazed grilled ribs, charcuterie board

Beelgara Estate Shiraz 2015. The Brolga (Grus rubicunda) formerly known as the "native companion", represents our Beelbangera origins with our proud Australian heritage.Originally situated in the village of Beelbangera, the place name derived from the local Aboriginal word meaning "native companion", the Beelgara Winery has a history that dates back over 80 years.

This Shiraz has generous plum fruit aromas enhanced with a hint of cracked pepper and sweet French oak. This full bodied wine is well balanced with sweet plum and elegant soft tannins on the finish. Enjoy with richer foods such as roast beef or mushroom risotto.

Holiday Shopping Primer

The calendar is moving pretty quickly now, so we can only suggest that you get your holiday shopping done at your earliest opportunity. Lets talk a little more about holiday shopping.

Store hours. We will maintain regular store hours until December 24, Christmas Eve. As a reminder, that means 9am-10pm Monday through Saturday, and 9am-7pm on Sunday. On Christmas Eve, we'll be open from 9am to 7pm. Looking ahead, we'll be open 9am-8pm on New Years Eve.

Some of our Beer gift sets

Gift Sets. We still have a great selection of gift sets in all product categories. And for most (not all) of our gift sets, the item is priced the same as that product is regularly. What's not to love about that? Most gift sets are available in limited quantities, which is another reason to get our holiday shopping finished (started?) as soon as you can.

Gift Cards. Visit any cashier for a Gift Card purchase, which are available in any denomination that you choose.

New Products. We'll continue to get new products on a regular basis, although there will be a bit of a slowdown through the end of December. Here's a look at some of our newest arrivals:

Clos du Bois Rouge. Deep ruby red in color, this charming red blend opens with aromas of black cherry and plum, with hints of sandalwood, vanilla, and brown spice. A mouthful of sweet fruit and full-bodied lushness follows, with a juicy, concentrated blackberry fruit entry balanced by milk chocolate and spice on the finish.

This rich, jammy blend will pair nicely with a wide range of foods, including steak, ribs, and hamburgers off the grill. 52% Syrah, 21% Zinfandel, 13% Petite Sirah, 7% Merlot, 7% Other.

Winery price is $15. Our regular price is $11.99, and our Bottle Club® price is only $9.99.

Calamares Vinho Verde. Calamares comes from the heart of the "Vinho Verde" wine region from a single estate of the "Quinta da Devesa."

The name "Calamares" was developed to create an association with the unpretentious and relaxed nature of the region and its wines. It is closely tied with the local cuisine and lifestyle.

The wines are young with high acidity and moderate alcohol, and are meant to be enjoyed at any occasion.

Crisp and refreshing, this white is the perfect accompaniment to all kinds of seafood, salads, mild cheeses, or simply on its own. The Bottle Club® price is too low to publish, so please take a moment to find this amazing value when you're shopping with us.

Not in the Holiday Spirit. Someone deliberately dumped the equivalent of 400,000 bottles of wine at an Italian winery. Click here for the story.

Come for the Pizza, Stay for the Turkey

According to the folks over at pizza.com, the night before Thanksgiving is one of the top 5 days for pizza sales. The others are, in no particular order, Super Bowl Sunday, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and Halloween. We thought we'd take a quick survey of our staffers, to see what recommendations they had for a pizza pairing. Please note that every product mentioned is linked to the Joe Canal's website page for that item. This will allow you to learn more about that product, and see the pricing as well.

Here are their suggestions:

Toni Carver, Lawrenceville Store Manager: "I love an imperial IPA with an extra cheese and garlic pie!! In general, an IPA will pair very well with cheese. The crispness of the IPA cuts the pizza grease and heightens all of the flavors."

Her recommendations:
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Elysian Space Dust IPA
Victory Vital IPA

David Rudd, Woodbridge Store Manager: "I love a Zinfandel with meatsapizza! The spicy, jammy character absolutely compliment the seasonings used in cured Italian meats and sausages. Like a party in your mouth, gotta gotta get up to get down."

"Try the Dashe Dry Creek Zinfandel or the St. Francis Old Vine Zinfandel."

Brandon Bartfalvi, Lawrenceville Senior Wine Manager: "No question, it's Poggio Anima Samael Montepulciano D'Abbruzzo. Ripe, flavorful and generous with ample spice notes. This is my comfort wine and it is awesome with a good tomato pie. Delish!!!"

Kevin Saunders, Woodbridge Wine Manager: "I am a firm believer in the idea of 'what grows together, goes together.' When I'm eating Italian food, I'm drinking Italian wine. One of my go to wines is the Cerro Manero Rosso di Toscana 2014. It's only $9.96 in the Bottle Club® and it's rated 90 points. How could you not?

General staff consensus also says that you should consider the following wines. The links will go to the Lawrenceville store page; for our Woodbridge shoppers, just note the item number when you toggle back to the Woodbridge page.

Tivo Primitivo. Zinfandel's Italian cousin. Well-integrated red and black fruit, with enough tannic structure to balance the cheese.

Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a really good example of an easy-drinking and affordable red from central Italy. Of course, that small grapevine they have tied to the bottle is one of the greatest marketing tools ever created !!! People come back looking for a delicious, nameless Italian wine 'with the stick'. Just to give representation to other worthy pizza pairings from elsewhere in Italy, Mastroberardino Aglianico - from the home of 'Napolitano' - is a mouthful of fruity, soft velvet.

Whether your choice is wine, beer, or something else (sangria, anyone?), you can find the best selections and lowest prices at Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge.

After This, Close the Computer

It's a holiday weekend and the unofficial start of summer. You have our permission to shut the computer down after reading this and leaving work, although your boss may think differently. From this morning's commute to the office, lots of people have already started their weekend, so maybe our permission wasn't even needed.

If you need some ideas for the weekend, click here for staff suggestions.

For both Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Joe Canal's in Woodbridge, our weekend hours are as follows:
Friday, 5/27: 9am-10pm
Saturday, 5/28: 9am-10pm
Sunday, 5/29: 9am-7pm
Monday, 5/30: 9am-6pm
That means regular store hours today, tomorrow and Sunday, with holiday hours on Monday.

In Store Events

Click here for yesterday's blog post, where we went in-depth on our upcoming events.

New Products

Knob Creek Bourbon, Father's Day Edition. We have some in-store engravings on the schedule, but nothing for bourbon. The metal plate on the bottle indicates the barrel number, along with a "Happy Father's Day" note from Fred Noe. This single barrel bottling is 120 proof, and was aged for 9 years.

Color: Our darkest and deepest amber and henna color
Taste: Deep and complex flavors of vanilla, nuts and oak
Aroma:Robust vanilla and caramel notes; slightly smoky
Finish: Long and full; perfect for easygoing sipping

Available in limited quantities.

Cline Cellars Cashmere Black Magic. Cashmere Black Magic is an alluring blend of grapes that were spirited away from ancient vines rising up from the dark, rich loam. You’ll be spellbound by the resulting libation with its notes of dark berries, chocolate, hints of black pepper and plum. Experience the dark delights of Cashmere Black Magic.

With the inaugural vintage of Cashmere Black Magic, we set out to build upon the fine, balanced flavors of our enchanting Cashmere Red blend and create a wine that was dark, rich and satisfying.

Food Pairing: Incomparable with grilled meats flavored with big sauces.

Flying Dog Numero Uno Agave Cerveza. This beer was originally released in the summer of 2014 as part of our Brewhouse Rarities series. It's the artisanal answer to the easy-drinking, south-of-the-border light lagers. Flaked maize makes up one third of the malt bill and highlights the distinctive corn and cracker flavor traditionally found in Mexican lagers. Agave is added at the end of the boil and the lime peel post-fermentation to impart a distinct, zesty character and a crisp, clean finish. Drink up; there's no beach required. 4.9% ABV, 20 IBU.

Looks like a little something for everyone today. Have a great weekend; please celebrate responsibly, and honor those who sacrificed for our freedom.

Catching Up

It's an odds-and-ends kind of blog post today. We need to clear out the inbox, but there are other things you should know about.

Dark N Stormy Tasting Event. Please join us at our Woodbridge store for this special tasting this Friday, 5/27. Sample the classic Dark 'N' Stormy cocktail, made with with Gosling's Dark Rum and Gosling's Ginger Beer. Then, sample Silvato Bros. Dark N Stormy cakes.  The cakes will be available for only $7.99/each. We added this event to our calendar late in the day last Friday, so we didn't have the chance to properly talk about it.

That's Friday-did we mention Thursday? Stop in to our Woodbridge location for a sampling of HABARITA habanero craft margarita mixes. Between the two tastings, you'll have some great new options for the Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day store hours. Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville and Woodbridge will be open from 9am to 6pm on Memorial Day Monday. We will have regular hours otherwise, which is 9am-10pm six days per week, and 9am-7pm on Sunday.

New Products

Wines like Apothic Red and Cupcake Red Velvet have been extremely popular because they arrive at the intersection of great flavors and exceptional value. With Bottle Club® prices that are under $10, they are accessible wines that can be enjoyed every day.

We've just introduced a new wine in that same category, The Industrialist. It's a crowd pleasing red blend filled with bold flavors of black cherry, juicy plum, cassis, vanilla and a dash of spice. The complex, medium-bodied palate is lush and round with the balanced acidity, smooth tannins and a long finish. Enjoy on its own, or pair with hamburgers, BBQ and pizza. At only $8.27 in the Bottle Club®, it's the low-price leader!

The movie Sideways came out in 2004, and the reputation of Merlot took a beating. Maybe it was deserved, maybe not. But in the decade plus since the movie's release, Merlot has staged a comeback.

We've been selling the James Wyatt Red Blend for a few months, and it's become a popular choice. We've just added the James Wyatt Merlot, and we think you'll enjoy this classic Bordeaux varietal even more.

James Wyatt Merlot is ruby red in color with a classic bouquet of Bing cherry, blueberry, mocha, vanilla and white pepper. Smooth and round on the palate with elegant fruit flavors, ripe tannins and a long finish. This wine will pair well with peppered steak, mushroom sauces and fragrant cheeses. It's available in both stores for the Bottle Club® price of only $14.97.

Special Events

National Cucumber Day. The folks at HENDRICK’S GIN have officially taken unofficial responsibility for this year’s Cucumber Season — 44 SPECTACULAR DAYS of events, amusements and botanically-inspired aerial transport, laddering up to the June 14th holiday.

Celebrate with Joe Canal's and Hendrick's Gin with a sampling of Hendrick's Gin Cucumber Lemondae. This will be at our Woodbridge store on June 4, 1-3pm, and at our Lawrenceville store on June 17, 5-7pm.

Since June 1 is next Wednesday, we wanted to mention this again. We take delivery of a brand-new Harley-Davidson motorcycle that day.It's not designed for home deliveries and, unfortunately, it's not ours to keep. But it is being raffled off. The HD will be on display all during the month of June, then it will be sent to only three other stores in New Jersey. At the end of the summer, there will be a drawing, and one lucky winner will get to take that bike home. Entries will be accepted at both the Lawrenceville and Woodbridge stores, and no purchase is necessary to enter the contest.

Memorial Day Shopping List

Since this is the last full weekend before the Memorial Day weekend, we thought we'd help you plan things out. Bring this shopping list to Joe Canal's, but be prepared to discover something new. Look for these great products in our stores, as they are sure-fire hits for your Memorial Day get-together. Please note that our stores will only be open from 9am to 6pm on Memorial Day.

This shopping list covers all of our product categories, and is a great place to begin assembling your Memorial Day event supplies. Our store staff will be happy to assist you further, and shopping this weekend will also help keep you out of the crowds.

Bols Genever. This had been available on a special order basis, but we now have a limited supply on our shelves, based on requests. Bols Genever is an award-winning classic cocktail spirit that combines the mixability of a white spirit and the complexity of a brown spirit, resulting in a flavor that is like nothing else out there. Rediscovered, it is renowned for its mixing qualities and for sipping; the original Dutch ritual of drinking Genever neat in the traditional tulip glass.

Bols began distilling genevers – The Netherlands' national spirit category – in 1664, a proud tradition that continues to this day. The smooth, subtle, malty flavor comes from using over 50% malt wine, which is made from long-fermented rye, corn and wheat, triple-distilled in copper pot stills.This malt wine – the heart of a good genever – is then infused with a carefully selected distillate of botanicals and

brought to 42% alcohol; a percentage carefully chosen by our master distiller for the perfect combination of aroma and mouth-feel.The attention to detail in the distilling process is comparable to a fine single malt Scotch.

River Horse Summer Blonde. We brought Summer Blonde to an event last weekend, and it was grabbed up pretty quickly. Summer in New Jersey means enjoying some of the great craft beer that's brewed right here. Summer Blonde is a light, refreshing Ale that is easy to drink yet complex. Available in bottles or cans.

Bieler Pere et Fils Sabine Rose 2015: The classic Provence Rosé profile is what every serious winemaker around the world attempts to mimic and for good reason. The delicate balance between floral, herbal, red fruit and acid is tricky to hit but

sensational when it lines up as it does with the 2015 Bieler Père et Fils "Sabine" Rosé. The aromas and flavors are all so finely knit together that it’s almost hard to write a tasting note at times: from the more savory lavender and rosemary to rose petal notes to citrus, wild raspberry, and tart cherry. There’s acidity on the tongue yet a hug of richness. Sleek yet full and inviting aromatics with a touch more red fruit than the 2014 make this my favorite rosé we’ve made in several years. Mid-palate is broad yet light and dynamic, and the color is a pale but vivid pink. A spectacular vintage in the hills surrounding the beautiful and ancient city of Aix en Provence.

The blend is the following: Grenache: 40%, Syrah: 25%, Cabernet Sauvignon: 25%, Cinsault: 7%, Rolle: 3%. It's just not summer without a great rosé. This wine is on the tasting menu on Saturday in Lawrenceville, along with three other outstanding summer wines.  Click here for more information.

Capriccio Prosecco. We know there will be plenty of brunch opportunities over the holiday weekend, so you'll need a sparkling wine for your Mimosas and Bellinis. Capriccio has a vibrant bouquet of apples, white peach and exotic fruits. The finish has hints of melon and gingerbread. In addition to brunch, it goes nicely with light summer dishes, sushi and shrimp.

We mentioned brunch, didn't we? The other classic brunch beverage, of course, is the Bloody Mary. We have a great new vodka that will help take your Bloody Mary to the next level.

Hammermill Vodka is available in 750ML and 1.75 L sizes. Hammermill's Small Batch style vodka is distilled five times for a supremely smooth flavor and clean finish, that can be sipped straight or used with a classic mixer like soda or tonic. Or, like we said above, in a Bloody Mary.

We also stock ice, along with a variety of mixers, plus cheese and other snacks that will make all of your shopping that much easier.

Cinco de Mama?

Your blogger loves a mixed metaphor as much as a mixed drink, and we certainly noticed the confluence of today's Cinco de Mayo festivities and Mother's Day. And if you're shopping for Mother's Day, click here for staff recommendations. We have suggestions on sparkling wine, whites, reds, and rose. Whether you're having brunch at home or you're going out to a favorite BYO, we have great selections for you.

If you're making margaritas for your Cinco party, we have plenty of Tequila choices for you, including 1800, Avion, Camarena, Don Julio, Hornitos, Kah, Siete Leguas and Milagro, along with Cuervo and Patron. Go old school with this traditional margarita recipe:

1 oz. Familia Camarena Reposado Tequila ($19.99 in the Bottle Club®)
2 oz. Freshly squeezed lime juice
½ oz. Orange liqueur
½ Cup ice (or more)
Salt
Lime wedge

Rub the rim of a chilled margarita glass with the lime and dip into salt to coat it. In a cocktail shaker, combine Familia Camarena Reposado Tequila and orange liquor lime juice and ice. Shake vigorously and strain drink into the garnished glass filled with ice.

You know the beer choices: Corona, Corona Light, Modello, Dos Equis, Presidente, Sol, Tecate, Victoria. We also stock several selections in the Bud Lite -Rita series.

Don't overlook the choices in the liqueur section. There are a number of cafe drinks that are perfect for after dinner, in coffee, baking, and anywhere your imagination takes you. We carry several Patron Cafe selections, as well as the new Cafe Del Mar ($13.97 in the Bottle Club®, 750ml). You don't even need it to be Cinco de Mayo to enjoy these. Café Del Mar is a blend of premium rum and coffee liqueur. This liqueur has flavors of roasted coffee beans, molasses, dark chocolate, and a touch of caramel. The taste is smooth coating the whole pallet with flavors, and a long pleasant finish.

With the chill we're currently experiencing, this Mexican Coffee recipe sounds about perfect:

1 oz. Café Del Mar Coffee Liqueur
1/2 oz. Tequila
5 oz. Hot Coffee

Stir in a coffee mug and then add coffee. Garnish with whipped cream and enjoy.

Please celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly.

Holiday Wine

If you're celebrating Passover, or if you're visiting someone who is celebrating, we're here to help guide you through the sometimes confusing world of Kosher for Passover wine. The Jewish holiday of Passover starts two weeks from tomorrow, at sundown on April 22.

For a wine to be Kosher, certain conditions apply. The wine must be created under a rabbi's immediate supervision, with only Sabbath-observant Jewish males touching the grapes from the crushing phase through the bottling.

Kosher for Passover wine, however, must be made with fermenting yeast that has not been grown on bread and must exclude several common preservatives. That's maybe a little technical, but you can look at it this way: All Kosher for Passover wines are Kosher, but not all Kosher wines are Kosher for Passover. For example, not all of our Manischewitz wines are Kosher for Passover, but they are all Kosher. You can see the difference in labeling in the photo at the left. Even though both bottles are the Concord Grape variety, the 1.75L size, on the left, is marked "Kosher," while the 750ML size is "Kosher for Passover." The label markings are circled in red.  If you're looking at this on a small screen, at least you'll know where on the label to look for the proper symbols.

There are other specific symbols to look for on the wine labels. Here are the most common:

The U in a circle is a kosher certification from the Orthodox Union. The P stands for Passover. A wine with these two letters, arranged this way, is Kosher for Passover.

This states in plain English that the wine is Kosher for Passover. Immediately above the English are the matching Hebrew words. You may also find the term "Mevushal" on some Kosher for Passover wines. That means the wine remains Kosher regardless of who handles it. Here's what that looks like on a wine label:

At Joe Canal's, we keep all of our Kosher wines in one section, so that they're easily found. But whether you're the host, or trying to be a considerate guest, please do seek out the appropriate Kosher for Passover wine. And, as always, our staff will be happy to assist you with your purchase.

To help you plan your shopping, the following wines are in stock, and are Kosher for Passover:

-Barkan wines (all varieties)
-Bartenura Moscato and Pinot Grigio
-Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
-Hai the Patriot Cabernet Sauvignon

And, as noted in the photo above, some of the Manischewitz wines are Kosher for Passover. You'll also find nearly every wine varietal available as a Passover selection. Please browse through our Kosher section, and you'll find additional choices.

For many years, Kosher wines did not enjoy the best reputation. If you notice the shelf tags in the photo at the right, you'll see that three wines there were rated 90 points or higher by Wine Enthusiast. These are all affordable wines, easy to enjoy on Passover or any other day of the year.

The popularity of Bartenura Moscato reinforces that point. At only $10.99 in the Bottle Club®, Bartenura is one of our biggest selling Moscato wines.

That was simply a select few of our Kosher for Passover choices. If your taste preference runs toward spirits, may we suggest a vodka made from potato (without any grain), such as Luksusowa, Blue Ice, LIV and Chopin. While they may not carry the Kosher for Passover symbols, there is no issue with enjoying them during Passover.

And if you need mixers, some Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Minute Maid Orange Juice (No Pulp and Some Pulp) and Simply Orange (Pulp Free and High Pulp) products may have the Kosher for Passover designation. The symbols tend to be hard to find, but we hope this primer can be helpful to you.

Please shop early for the best selection of our Kosher for Passover wines.

Busy Weekends

With so many people being so busy over the next few days, we wanted to make sure you knew about our tasting events this weekend, so you can better plan your schedule. Our stores will be open regular hours tomorrow, Good Friday, and we will be open 9am-4pm on Sunday.

Before we list the upcoming events, click here for our staff Easter wine recommendations. Some of the wines on the list will be available for sampling at our Woodbridge store. The links for the tasting menus will follow as well.

Events in Lawrenceville

Per our usual protocol, there will be no official wine tastings in Lawrenceville this weekend. If time permits, we'll have something unofficial at the Customer Service desk. Our regular wine tasting schedule will resume after Easter.

In addition to our weekend wine tastings, our Event Calendar includes a dozen other upcoming events. We just added a Cream Liqueur tasting for April 8, among other fun events. Click here for the full event calendar in Lawrenceville.

Events in Woodbridge

We will maintain our regular wine tasting schedule this weekend. The hours are Friday, 4-6pm, and 1-3pm on Saturday. Click here for the tasting menu.

Also on Saturday, we have a Captain Morgan custom labeling event, 3-5pm. We're approaching gift-giving season, so this is a great opportunity to cross a few off of your list.

For some time, we've been claiming the title of Best Events in New Jersey. With well over a dozen events on our schedule, in addition to our wine tastings, we have again proven that claim. Our newest event is a Bronx Brewery tasting on April 16. Click here for the full event calendar in Woodbridge.

Part 2, What to Drink for Easter

Let Joe Canal's help you make your Easter preparations a little less stressful (Easter is this Sunday, after all). Our wine team has offered some additional recommendations for you, so you can worry about other details instead. If you missed it, click here for our earlier suggestions.

Rack of Lamb is one popular choice for Easter dinner. Any of the following wines will pair perfectly with lamb.

Acre 21 Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium-bodied and round on the palate, with ripe currant and black cherry flavors framed with toasty oak and silky tannins. Aged for 8 months in French and American oak. This a great companion for other red meats, sharp cheeses and even dark chocolate. This smooth and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon is accessible to both the daily wine connoisseur or the occasional wine drinker. Only $9.97 in the Bottle Club®.

Infinity Cabernet Sauvignon. A favorite of Kevin Saunders, Wine Manager in Lawrenceville. His tasting notes: "Aromas of black cherry, chocolate, plum and

leather pop from the glass. Soft flavors of blueberry, espresso and black currant roll across the palate. A nice Cab with rounded tannins and sweet oak on the finish." Only $17.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Twelve Barrel Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon. Made in a fruit forward style with structure and balance, Twelve Barrel Ranch Cabernet is a crowd pleasing red wine that is perfect to pair with a host of meals from beef, to game, to grilled vegetables. Ruby red in color with an inviting bouquet of black cherry, plum and cedar box notes. Medium-bodied with a smooth palate boasting ripe dark fruits with hints of vanilla, balanced with firm tannins and a long finish. Only $9.97 in the Bottle Club®.

We understand that it's likely more of you will be enjoying ham than any other dinner

choice this Sunday. And we happen to have several recommendations that will be natural pairings with any style of ham.

Lazy Creek Pinot Noir. One of your blogger's favorites as well. "Lazy Day" Pinot Noir comes from Anderson Valley in Mendocino County where warm, sunny days and cool, foggy mornings and nights create the ideal microclimate for producing this wine. This sustainably-farmed Pinot Noir has attractive aromas of plum, raspberry, a hint of licorice and toast. Lush flavors of bright red cherry and plum, with a nice touch of spice on the finish are perfect complements to round out this medium-bodied, easy-drinking wine. $24.96 in the Bottle Club®.

District 7 Chardonnay. Each vintage, we strive to craft a Chardonnay that strikes a perfect balance between rich and refreshing. Through the judicious use of oak, we seek to complement the gorgeous tropical fruit flavors that are the hallmark of District 7. Our 2012 vintage has aromas of tropical fruit and butterscotch that lead into a lively blend of pear, pineapple and citrus flavors. It is a versatile wine, pairing particularly well with grilled seafood, roast chicken, or your favorite salad. Kevin Saunders adds, "I love this wine and its beautiful aromas of mango, melon and pineapple. These transfer to the palate, along with pear, citrus and hints of butterscotch." Only $10.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Our store team members will be happy to help you find these wines, the ones we recommended in that earlier post, or anything else you'd like.

What To Drink For Easter

Is it just us, or does it feel like Easter is a little early this year? If you're not watching the calendar, Easter is March 27, a mere 11 days away. And anytime there's a traditional family dinner, we're happy to offer some wine recommendations that will make the meal even more enjoyable. Our staff has weighed in with a number of suggestions.

Please note that our Easter Sunday store hours will be 9am-4pm.

Twelve Barrel Ranch Pinot Noir. We've always thought that a well-made Pinot Noir was hard to beat as a holiday wine. It pairs beautifully with so many different dishes, and helps bring together the different flavors that are found on a holiday table.

This California Pinot is fresh and fruity, with a warming bouquet of red berries, cherry cola, cloves and dark chocolate. The medium-bodied palate is smooth and balanced with fine acidity and soft tannins. Pinot Noir often appeals to both red and white wine drinkers, which makes it the perfect suggestion for special occasions. Only $9.97 in the Bottle Club®.

Twelve Barrel Ranch Chardonnay. We understand that some people will only drink white wine. We offer that option, as you know. Chardonnay is the best selling white varietal, and it's a choice that pairs perfectly with any ham or pork dish you might serve.

This bright Chardonnay displays aromas of buttercups, pineapple with touches of brown sugar scents. On the palate flavors are clean and balanced, with elegant notes of pear, Meyer lemon, citrus, and just a hint of honey. Also only $9.97 in the Bottle Club®.

You can serve this delicious and balanced pair of wines for under $20!

Dolciando. Maybe a little something different is on your agenda for this year. One of the wine industry podcasts that we listen to always talks about how Americans talk dry, but

drink sweet. Dolciando is a sweeter style, lightly sparkling red wine that is loved by many. This easy drinking wine is lower in alcohol with soft bubbles and pleasing flavors of sweet-dried fruit with a faint prickle on the tongue. Enjoy chilled on it's own, or pair with spicy foods or desserts.

Perfect for any newer wine drinker, it is sweet without being cloying. Only $7.97 in the Bottle Club®.

Moonbeam Sweet Riesling. This wine shows that Columbia Valley in Washington can produce amazing Rieslings. It's refreshingly sweet, with stone fruit aromas and layers of honeyed peach, ripe tangerine and hints of jasmine. The wine's natural acidity adds balance and structure with a

refreshing finish. Best of all for this discussion: it's a versatile food wine.

The wines natural acidity and stelvin enclosure help to keep the wine fresh. Only $9.97 in the Bottle Club®.

This is a nice start to our Easter recommendations. We'll have additional staff suggestions in the coming days.