French Broad

In stock now! and online

Asheville North Carolina.

A new seasonal from French Broad...

French Broad Zepptemberfest....$4.99 / 22oz
Zepptemberfest — We do a lot of seasonals, and this is one we do every year. Available from mid-August through February, this classic fest-style beer is delicious. We hope you enjoy!

In the Zeppelin style, this beer has a big malty body with a hop wonder that will shock the world.  Carefully chosen yeast gives the beer both a clean lager smoothness and estery ale characteristics, all in one explosive package.


Plus all back in stock of these now...

French Broad Gateway Kolsch....$4.99 / 22oz

While known for their lagers, German brewers also produce terrific ales. French Broad’s Kölsch is faithful to the great German ales found in Köln. Golden in color, with a refreshing crispness, pleasantly sweet malt finish, and distinctive German hopping.

French Broad Anvil Porter....$4.99 / 22oz

A very drinkable session Porter, French Broad’s oh-so-quaffable interpretation of this classic English ale. 6% ABV

French Broad IPA....$4.99 / 22oz

From the brewers who gave you E-Z IPA and SuperHero IPA, the much-anticipated, long-awaited, first-in-history year-round India Pale Ale from the French Broad Brewery.

French Broad Rye Hopper Ale...$4.99 / 22oz

The Ryehopper began as a fall seasonal and has now found it’s way into our regular line-up. The brewers noticed a lack of rye beers in the Asheville area and wanted to fill that gap. This beer represents assistant brewer Chris Richards’ first recipe released by the brewery. The malted rye contributes both a rounded maltines and a sharp earthy flavor, bridging the maltiness of the barley and the bitterness of the hops. In essence, the Ryehopper is a hoppy rye beer. Seriously, what else did you expect?

French Broad Wee-Heavy-Er Scotch Ale...$4.99 / 22oz

Our Wee Heavy-er Scotch Ale is based on our Wee Heavy Scotch Ale recipe, but with a little more-er alcohol. This traditional Scotch Lowland ale is one of our most popular brews. Some of you may remember the original Wee-Heavy from the days when North Carolina brewers could not brew beers containing more than 6% ABV. We would like to take a moment and thank the people of Pop-the-Cap for all their hard work. Gold Medal - 2002 World Beer Championships, Chicago.

French Broad 13 Rebels E.S.B. Ale...$4.99 / 22oz

French Broad Brewery’s interpretation of the classic UK Extra Special Bitter. A bright copper color with a complex malt palate is complemented by traditional British hops, notably East Kent Golding. French Broad has made this classic public house session beer a cult classic with its skull and crossbones artwork.

95 Point Tuscan

In stock at Rock Hill, Forsyth and online

2011 Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana...$27.99
Impressive aromas of blackberries, currants and flowers follow to a full body with super fine tannins and a long, long finish. Super classy. Best ever Crognolo. Always great value. 90% sangiovese and 10% merlot. Better in 2016.
Rated 95/100 James Suckling


Who is James Suckling?

He was the reviewer for Italian wines for the Wine Spectator until 3 years ago.  Check the reviews you will see his initials "JS" behind most of the reviews.  You know him from his 29 years of reviews as a senior editor of The Wine Spectator. He has one of the most trusted and respected palates in the wine industry.
James Suckling retired from The Wine Spectator back in 2010 after 29 years of reviewing wines in order to start his own rating site.
"I worked for 29 years as an editor of the American wine magazine The Wine Spectator as well as its sister publication on cigars, Cigar Aficionado. I have probably tasted about 150,000 wines in my career. Read Wikipedia for my full, more detailed biography." -- James Suckling

93 Points from Robert Parker and only $15

In stock at Rock Hill and Forsyth or reserve it online

2011 Cva A Portela Mencia...$14.99
From vineyards planted in pure granite soils, the 2011 A Portela is an amazing, unoaked, naturally made 100% Mencia. Opulently styled with copious notes of blueberry liqueur, crushed rocks, spring flowers and a hint of camphor, it exhibits fabulous intensity, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, superb ripeness and an ethereal lightness in spite of its intensity and richness. This stunning effort from Jose Luis Murcia should be drunk over the next 5-10 years.

Rated 93/100 The Wine Advocate

New from Evan Williams - 1783 Small Batch Bourbon

In stock and online

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch Bourbon...$15.99 / 750ml

Named for the year Evan Williams first established his distillery in what is now Louisville, Kentucky, Evan Williams 1783 is a small batch Bourbon that is extra-aged and pulled from no more than 80 hand-selected barrels. This Small Batch Bourbon is full of flavor and has earned the “Highest Recommendation” from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

86 Proof
COLOR:  Brilliant honey
NOSE:  Oaky vanilla, sautéed butter & buttered sweet corn
TASTE:  Semi-sweet, oaky & honeyed
FINISH:  Lean, off-dry & regal

Twenty Grand Vodka infused with Cognac

In stock now at Forsyth

Twenty Grand Vodka infused with Cognac...$26.99

Twenty Grand is a lifestyle that transcends the normal boundaries and takes it to a whole new level. Capturing the true essence of style, sophistication and class, Twenty Grand is all about being you and setting yourself apart from everything. Combining the finest French spirits, Twenty Grand is mixing two distinct spirits into one unique experience.
From the first sip to the last drop,  Twenty Grand is truly as good as money!

Perrier Jouet Nuit Blanche - a new Champagne!

In stock now at Forsyth and online

Perrier Jouet Nuit Blanche....$69.99

44% Pinot Noir:, 39% Pinot Meunier, 17% Chardonnay

A brand new Champagne from Perrier Jouet, just released about 2 weeks ago at its worldwide premier in New York.   Right now it appears to only in New York and St. Louis at this point.

Bunnahabhain Darach Ur Single Malt Scotch

Very cool gift set.....

In stock at Forsyth and online

Bunnahabhain Gift Set....$74.99 / set of 3 200ml bottles
Amazing gift set includes a 200ml bottle of each...

• Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old 200ml
• Bunnahabhain Toiteach 200ml
• Bunnahabhain Darach Ur 200ml (only available in this set)

This one is only available in duty free stores and in this limited set!

Bunnahabhain Darach Ur
Darach Ùr (pronounced Dar-ach oor) means ‘New Oak’ in Scots Gaelic and is named after the new oak barrels used to mature this perfectly balanced mix of Bunnahabhain single malts.
Darach Ùr is a limited edition compendium of the Bunnahabhain tales only available in Travel Retail.  Darach Ùr is available exclusively in World Duty Free.  [now available at The Wine and Cheese Place in this great gift set]

The closely guarded recipe was created by our Master Distiller, Ian MacMillan. A first in over 125 years of tradition at Bunnahabhain, it uses oak barrels from a family run cooperage in Bardstown, Kentucky - the first time they have been lent their character for the purposes of maturing single malt Scotch whisky. Darach Ùr is unchill-filtered and retains its natural colour, with a higher strength ensuring the fresh sweetness of the oak isn’t lost from barrel to bottle. Enjoy this intriguing twist in the story of Bunnahabhain; the welcoming taste of Islay.

Tasting notes:
The nose tells tales of lovely spicy sweet oak, heather blossom, pencil shavings and hints of pine, cloves and nutmeg.
The taste is a wonderful balance of sweet vanilla oak with dried fruits and creamy nutty toffee. Smooth and creamy with citrus flavours and a hint of cinnamon.
The finish has a lovely texture of vanilla gingerbread spiciness and toasted cereals.


Bunnahabhain Toiteach
Toiteach (pronounced Toch Chach) embraces a powerful proposition: the foundation for a variation on the famous Bunnahahain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. What if a touch of smoke from our peated malted barley was introduced in the distillation process? The Islay character is quite distinctive from that of the Bunnahabhain single malt, known for its gentle taste. Toiteach means smoky in Scots Gaelic, reflecting the seeming contradiction that this peaty paradox represents.  This bottling offers the connoisseur an opportunity to try something truly unique and beguiling in nature. The liquid has been masterfully distilled and quietly matured at the distillery, never for a moment leaving Islay during this process.Tasting notes:
The nose has a charming subtle peatiness with prickling strength emanating from the dram.The taste has immediate warming flavours drifting towards a slightly sweet sherry influence with delicate peppery notes.
The finish has a good robust length with an extremely pleasant aftertaste – beautifully peated Bunnahabhain single malt for the discerning palate.

Angel's Envy Bourbon

As many of you know, we have been trying to get Angel's Envy here at The Wine and Cheese Place for a long time now.  Well, we have just met with Angel's Envy and tasted through some samples and created our on special blend that they will bottle for us with our name on it!!!  

Watch for Angel's Envy to arrive at The Wine and Cheese Place mid October.

Stay tuned for details!

You are going to love this bourbon!

96 Point Chianti for $21.99

This has consistently been one of our favorite Chiantis and the 2010 over delivers!

It is the highest rated Chianti from 2010 Decanter Magazine.

In stock now - reserve it online

First 96 points from Decanter, 
now coming in the October 1st issued of The Wine Enthuiast
Rated:  96/100

2010 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico....$21.99
This stunning Chianti Classico has an intense perfume of violet, rose and iris accented with scents of truffle and forest berry. The wildly delicious palate presents a core of juicy cherry layered with sweet pipe tobacco, mint and spice with a hint of well-integrated oak. It has great energy, with vibrant acidity and bracing but refined tannins. Drink 2016–2025. — K.O
Rated 96/100 The Wine Enthusiast

Cellar Selection, Editors Choice

"Dark fruit and pressed flowers on the nose. Tight, young and grippy palate with racy plum and cherry fruit, touches of pepper and an aromatic, herby finish. A wine of depth and fascinating complexity. 19pts/20 (96/100)"

Rated 96/100 Decanter Magazine

Recipe of the Week: Welsh Rarebit

Welsh Rarebit

(adopted from the FoodNetwork.com)

• 2 tablespoons butter    ***
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (not whole grain, for a smooth sauce)   ***
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt     ***
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper     ***
• 1/2 cup Porter beer  (Founders, Bells, Schlafly)    ***
• 3/4 cup heavy cream 
• 6 ounces (approximately 1 1/2 cups) shredded Cheddar (Tilamook for the correct color)   ***
• 2 drops hot sauce (D.L. Jardines texas Champagne)    ***
• Sliced toasted rye bread or baguette    ***

  *** In stock at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth

In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, being careful not to brown the flour. Whisk in mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add beer and whisk to combine. Pour in cream and whisk until well combined and smooth. Gradually add cheese, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and sauce is smooth; this will take 4 to 5 minutes. Add hot sauce. Pour over toast and serve.

Wine Education: Chablis

Wine Tasting at all FOUR locations

2011 Domaine Servin Les Pargues Chablis at all four of our locations this Saturday, 

September 14 from 11am-4pm.

(each store will also have other wines out to taste)

A little more education: We are going to try to feature either a grape or a wine region each week at our stores. We will give you some background information on the grape or region and feature a wine that highlights what we are featuring. We will taste that wine on Saturday at all four of our locations. We will post it here in our blog and send it out in our emails - click here to sign up for our emails

On our blog, click on the  label "Education" and you can read all of the education articles (see the right column under the heading "labels".

Wine Region: Chablis
Chablis is located in northern Burgundy (Bourgogne), although the town and its vineyards are located a considerable distance (more than 60 miles/100 km) north-west of Burgundy's main wine-producing areas around Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saone and Macon. They are in fact closer to the Loire Valley and Champagne). Consequently, Chablis has a cooler climate than the rest of Burgundy, which contributes significantly to the style of wine its vineyards produce. The effects of terroir on wine can be seen more clearly in Chablis than almost anywhere else.

Despite Chablis’ reputation suffering from the generic use of “Chablis” during the ‘70s and ‘80s to refer to any white wine, sweet or dry, imported or domestic, true Chablis remains one of the great and purest expressions of Chardonnay.

Chablis wines are made in a style rather different from those produced elsewhere in Burgundy. They are drier and fresher, rather than more weighty and richly flavored. Unlike typical Burgundian white wines, which are barrel fermented, Chablis is usually entirely free of any oak influence. Very few Chablis producers use oak barrels in their winemaking and the exceptions are restricted to the higher-quality wines, whose extra complexity and depth mean that the wines are not overpowered by oak flavors.


Featured Wine: 2011 Domaine Servin Les Pargues Chablis…..$21.99

Sassicaia 2010 in stock now!!

In stock and online

On sale, intro price!

2010 Sassicaia Bolgheri...$159.99 net

The 2010 Sassicaia Bolgheri Sassicaia brings back some of the brambly rosemary and wild Mediterranean brush that was missing in 2009. This will greatly appeal to enthusiasts of Sassicaia’s trademark elegance. The wine shows extreme purity that brings its many beautiful aromas into startling focus and clarity. Lingering tones of black fruit and Oriental spice add subtle shades at the back. The wine mostly certainly shows its pedigree in the exciting and beautifully balance manner it evolves in the glass: It tells a new story each time you return to observe the bouquet. This is the harbinger of cellar longevity. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040.
Rated 96/100 The Wine Advocate
The 2010 Sassicaia is intensely saline, savory and energetic. Rosemary, sage, plums and black cherry notes meld into graphite, crushed rocks and a host of other more mineral-inflected nuances. Beautifully persistent and chiseled in the glass, the 2010 is ultimately all about energy. This is going to be a fascinating vintage to follow.
Rated 96/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media
Rated 94/100 The Wine Spectator
Rated 94/100 James Suckling

Evesham 2012 Pinot is here

In stock now and online

2012 looks to be the best vintage since 2009 in Orgeon, only problem is yields were down and there will not be as much to go around.

2012 Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir....$19.99 

Evesham Wood was founded by Russ and Mary Raney in 1986. After a comprehensive search throughout the Willamette Valley, they chose a site for the estate vineyard, "Le Puits Sec" (French for "the dry well" which we have in the vineyard). There they planted eight acres, three of Pinot Noir (Pommard clone), two each of Chardonnay (108 clone) and Pinot Gris (Colmar clones) and one of Gewurztraminer....It was also in 1986 that Evesham Wood first produced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, using grapes purchased primarily from Temperance Hill & Seven Springs vineyards, two fine Eola Hills sites very near (and with similar soil composition) to our own."

The Wine Spectator
The good news: Dry summer led to an early harvest and full ripeness.

The bad news: Cool spring limited yields; mid-October rains washed out the few vineyards that hadn’t been picked.

Promising grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris

Analysis: After two vintages with some of the coolest temperatures on record, 2012 presented Oregon winemakers with warm, consistent weather. A dry summer produced Pinot Noirs of deep color and rich fruit character. “Our more established sites came through with their personalities completely intact,” said Dave Paige at Adelsheim, “big, delicious versions of the wines we know them to be.” Although alcohol levels could be high, the grapes retained plenty of acidity to create zesty tension. “Storybook weather,” said Harry Peterson-Nedry of Chehalem. “The Pinots are not fruit bombs. They have a nice balance. It’s hard to imagine improvements.”
—Harvey Steiman, The Wine Spectator