December 9, 2008

This Thursday December 11th, ~CORKAGE~ (the wine and sake shop next to Tsunami) is hosting a Champagne and sparkling wine tasting from 7pm–8pm. Space is limited, so come early—then you can walk around the neighborhood for the art walk! Here’s what will be poured: Deutz Champagne; Louis Roederer Champagne; Roederer Estate California sparkling wine; Varichon & Clerc Blanc de Blanc; and Bailly-Lapierre Brut and Rose sparkling from Burgundy. Corkage is offering the bottles tasted that night at 10% off. $15 at the door. 1304 Fulton St. at Divisadero, 415-567-6503.

This Friday December 12th is ~CASK’S~ grand opening. Starting at 11am, the Bushmill’s Pipe Band will perform outside Cask; Bourbon & Branch bartenders will be on hand to show you the store’s fine spirits, wine, beer, barware, books, and more; and noon is the “Champagne Blessing of the Cask Delivery Tricycle,” followed by the observance of its maiden voyage (hopefully up the hill to me in the Western Addition). Caskstore.com should also be up and running by then. 11am–7pm. 17 Third St. at Market, 415-424-4844.

~CAV~ has started Saturday afternoon wine tastings between 2pm–5pm. Each week will focus on a group of wines from a winery, region, or grape varietal; this Saturday is Champagne, and next Saturday December 20th is Wine Geek wines. 1666 Market St. at Gough, 415-437-1770.

~AME~ has some namazakes on their sake list for the first time. Produced in small batches, namazakes are eagerly awaited for by sake aficionados in the early winter. Here’s more, “Most simply defined, namazake is sake that has not been pasteurized. These sakes have a fresher, livelier, and zingier touch to the flavor, with a much more active aromatic aspect than their counterparts. These sakes were aged for at least six months before release. As a result, winter namazakes show a richness on the palate and great complexity.” Go check ’em out! Kanpai! 689 Mission St. at 3rd St., 415-284-4040.