The two main types of Scotch whisky sold by whisky stores (that’s whisky store, not whiskey store when talking about Scotch) are malt whisky, produced from 100% malted barley, and grain whisky, which is typically distilled from corn or wheat but must also include a smaller percentage of malted barley. Your typical black label whiskey is usually a blend of both. To be legally recognized as Scotch, this spirit must be aged for at least three years. Cheaper Scotch will usually only hit that three year mark, but the good stuff is often older. Whisky labeling requires the youngest batch in the bottle to be the stated age on the package, meaning your 12 year old expression might be blended with casks substantially older. But probably not. All of the Scotch you drink comes from Scotland, and all of that Scottish Scotch from Scotland is made by distilleries traditionally grouped into distinct regions. The five regions producing the majority of the Scotch you’ll find when you’re waist deep in options during your local whisky shopping trips are Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, Campbeltown, and the island of Islay. Campbeltown is frequently counted as part of the Highlands region, while the oft-cited “Islands” sixth region is comprised of every island that isn’t Islay. Confused? Great! Knowing these regions can help you make good whisky buying decisions, but they don’t tell you much about what’s in the bottle on their own. Typically, the area where a distillery is located might be an important signifier of what to expect once you pour a dram, such as the well-known peatiness of Islay Scotch, but as more and more distilleries enter the fray and begin experimenting, this becomes less true. It’s best to consider them a starting point before setting out on your own whisky adventure.

The short answer is that Prosecco is a sparkling wine made from the grape Glera utilizing the charmat process (Metodo Italiano), with a fun and fruity flavor profile and bigger bubbles than what you’ll find in a flute of champagne. The slightly longer answer is that, up until recently, Prosecco was just Prosecco. The name of the sparkling wine was used as a synonym for the grape (Glera), you had a reasonable expectation that it came from the Prosecco region (though not always) and there was no Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita handwringing about heritage and cultural identity. That all changed around 2009 when the elevated profile of Prosecco led to stricter regulation and suddenly producers making their wines outside of DOCG specifications were left out of the brave new world of Italian bubbles. If you were a stone’s throw away from one of these newly protected areas, but not technically within its boundaries, no longer would you be able to call your sparkler Prosecco. How terribly confusing! If you’re looking for a simpler explanation, we refer you to the first sentence in this FAQ. And the next time you have yourself a glass, consider raising a toast to all the Italian winemakers left out in the cold.

Picture the traditional Thanksgiving table; roasted vegetables, some pies that will rattle around in the refrigerator for the next three months, cranberry sauce, and at the center of it all, a gigantic bird with stuffing (or dressing, if you’re a weirdo) spilling from its hindquarters while your dad struggles to carve it with a dull knife in one hand and a beer in the other.   With such a diverse array of flavors, you should consider the fact that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to Thanksgiving food pairing, or any food pairing where the mission statement is to prepare as dramatic a spread as possible and serve it all at the same time. It’s easy to picture some poor soul standing over the table, his eyes locked on the green bean casserole, wondering if he should bring up a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from the cellar.   The best advice is to go with the bottle that makes you happy. Of course, a little guidance goes a long way. For example, Sauvignon Blanc might taste great with that green bean casserole, but before long something on your plate will clash hard with what’s in your glass. Check out our blog for some of our favorite Thanksgiving suggestions!

Gates Circle Wine & Liquor has been named the best liquor store in Buffalo, New York by Buffalo Spree magazine.   Gates Circle Wine & Liquor carries an excellent selection to accommodate all tastes with both efficient and friendly service at reasonable prices.   Buffalo Spree awards local retailers based on public polls and an expert panel, ensuring the community’s involvement in selecting the most deserving winners. The winners represent a premium selection of local merchants that have worked hard to earn your business.   Gates has been a long favorite in Elmwood Village and Delaware district communities and is glad to be serving you and providing you with your favorite beverages for over 70 years.   “We wanted to thank and those who voted as well as the panel of judges. We are looking forward to giving back to the community with the events that we support, such as Buffalo Zoo’s Wines in the Wild fundraiser” said Lesle Heubach, owner.   Buffalo Spree is an award-winning monthly magazine written for the community of Buffalo and Western New York. They provide articles and features on arts, entertainment, fine dining, as well as information about local history, events and people.

Lesle Heubach, owner of Gates Circle Wine & Liquor has been named the best off premise retailer of the year, at the American Beverage Licensees Annual conference. This award was presented to the licensees who have demonstrated excellence in responsible and innovative sales and service of alcoholic beverages. 21 retailers from all over the country received this award for their outstanding contribution to both the industry, as well as their communities by having a solid bottom line while maintaining their professional responsibilities.   American Beverage Licensees initiate, promote and support laws and freedoms of responsible alcohol retailers. They are in charge of communicating the laws, supporting innovation, and educating the stakeholders of the industry including both the retailers as well as the customers. Their conferences have been supported by Brown-Forman for 13 years consecutive years.   Brown-Forman located in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies and is among the top 10 largest global spirits producers. Brown-Forman has more than 25 brands of wines and spirits. Founded in 1870, Brown-Forman has been responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, to enhance the experience of life and to support the growth and sustainability of deserving brands. Their vision consists of five behaviors of curiosity, courage, collaboration, creativity and excellence which is displayed with this award.

Arrowhead Spring Vineyards will be at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, in Buffalo, New York, to introduce some of their top wines to our local customers. Founded in 2005, this winery creates 5,000 cases of wine annually, several of which have are highly acclaimed according to the Wine Spectator.

The Soil:

The soil they use is limestone based clay, originally a sea bed with neutral acidity. The limestone ridge is the same as the one that runs through the Great Lakes. The limestone synergizes with the Great Lakes to create a maritime microclimate ideal for a vineyard. The soil is reminiscent of Burgundy and combined with the local weather, helps Arrowhead grow a larger variety of grapes.   We have selected a few of their Red Blends, a few Charonnay and a Riesling to give you a taste of this vineyard.

The Wines:

The Cool Terrior is a 2012 medium-bodied red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Syrah. It is a velvety smooth wine and easy drinking wine. The Red Meritage is a 2010 reserve a medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This wine has been aged for 23 months in French, Eastern European and American oak barrels. The Semi Dry Riesling, is a white wine made using Finger Lakes fruit. It is a fruit cocktail  of green apple, peach and citrus flavors. The Unoaked Chardonnay is a white wine with citrus and earthly notes blended with lemongrass. It has an apple blossom nose and a soft fruit palate. The Reserve Chardonnay is a white wine with a marvellous acidity that is mixed with soft subtle cream and vanilla flavors. It tastes like a nectarine slices on toasted creme fraiche. Join us on Friday, August 19th at 4 P.M. in the store to taste these wines for yourself. James Susice of Arrowhead Spring Vineyards will be there to meet you and pour your favourite Arrowhead wine.

Get excited about the 21 Brix special tasting at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, in Buffalo, New York. Come in this Friday September 2nd, 2016, to try out and learn about this excellent local vineyard and some of the tastes they offer. These will include Ella’s White, Ella’s Red, Marquis, Noiret, Riesling, Syrah and the Thirty Elephant. About The Winery: 21 Brix Winery is one of Lake Erie Wine Country’s newest additions. Their doors opened at the beginning of September 2011, but the story starts several years earlier around the Jordan kitchen table, when Kris Kane discussed his dream of opening a winery with his parents, Mike and Marion Jordan. Armed with Kris’ winemaking experience, Mike’s grape farming knowledge, and Marion’s business skills, the winery slowly began to take shape. Despite its young age, the winery has already earned a shelf full of medals, including:

• Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition: Gold, 2014
• Finger Lakes International Wine Competition: Silver, 2014
• New York Wine & Food Classic: Silver, 2014

About The Wines: 21 Brix Ella’s White opens with a fresh, fruity aroma of white grape with hints of pear. The fruit mixture lingers onto the palate and sets up a long, smooth finish that makes you want a second sip. Ella’s White is the recipient of a number of awards, including:

• Riverside International Wine Competition: Chairman’s Award (Unanimous Gold/Best of Class), 2014
• Pacific Rim International Wine Competition: Double Gold (Best in Class), 2012
• Amenti del Vino International Wine Competition Double Gold, 2012Ella’s Red

Aromas of fresh, fruity grapes introduce you to 21 Brix Ella’s Red. Delicious flavors of jam and grape juice fill your mouth and lead to a satisfying finish. Ella’s Red is perfect for an evening sitting on the porch watching the sunset with close friends. Ella’s Red is the recipient of a long list of awards, including:

• New York Wine & Food Classic: Double Gold, 2014
• Long Beach Grand Cru International: Double Gold, 2012 (Best in Class)
• Pacific Rim Wine Competition: Gold (Best of Class), 2014

Fresh aromas of white pineapple make 21 Brix Marquis a unique classic. The pineapple hangs on through the palate and refreshing finish.Marquis has earned a shelf full of medals, including:

• Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition: Gold, 2014
• Finger Lakes International Wine Competition: Silver, 2014
• New York Wine & Food Classic: Silver, 2014

21 Brix Noiret reveals notes of black pepper and pine resin in the nose and on the palate. Toasted oak aromas step forward thanks to the six months this wine spent barrel aging. Enjoy with a variety of strongly-flavored dishes, expecially chili. Noiret is the winner of several awards, including:

• New York Wine & Food Classic: Double Gold, 2014
• Indy International Wine Competition: Silver, 2014
• Oakland Comm. College Great Lakes Great Wine Comp.: Silver, 2014

21 Brix Sweet Riesling (coming soon) has aromas of peach and pear flavors with undertones of honey and citrus that carry over into the flavor, followed by a sweet, easy finish, 4% residual sugar. The Sweet Riesling is a winner of several awards, including:

• Gold – Indy International Wine Competition (IN, 2014)
• Silver – American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition (NC, 2014)
• Bronze – New York Wine and Food Classic (NY, 2014)

Light floral aromas of violets and rose petals in the nose of 21 Brix Syrah are followed by subtle notes of cocoa. Hints of toasty oak are contributed by the six months this delectable Syrah spent in oak barrels. The Syrah was the winner of a Bronze Medal at the New York Wine & Food Classic in 2014. 21 Brix Thirsty Elephant Rose  is a delicious blend of varieties that provide aromas of jam and cotton candy, flavors of fresh cherry and sweet red fruits, and a refreshing finish. Thirsty Elephant is the recipient of a number of awards, including:

• New York Wine & Food Classic: Double Gold, Best Native Blush, 2014
• Indy International Wine Competition: Double Gold, 2014
• Amenti del Vino International Wine Competition: Gold, 2013