Beer? On a Wine Blog?

Absolutely!

Hand-crafted beers have come a long way recently, and here at 518 West we are proud to offer a selection of outstanding brews! Whether you are in the mood for a lighter Jever Pilsner, or a hearty Duck Rabbit Milk Stout, 518 is your spot. Our bar is open all afternoon 6 days a week, and serves as a perfect spot for meeting friends after work. If you have a passion for great beer (we do), then take the time on your next visit to sample our large-format options.

Belgian-style ales are immensely popular throughout the world, and have gained a new appreciation in the United States. Careful crafting and bottle conditioning work together to produce some of the most aromatic and flavorful beers on the market. 518 West is proud to offer both the Westmalle Trappist Ale as well as the Dupont Saison Farmhouse Ale. They are both available in large-format, perfect for sharing. Remember: consume Belgian beer responsibly - ask your bartender for the perfect glass to enjoy your beer!

Rogue is a familiar name around North Carolina, as their fine beers from Oregon have a strong following here. Perhaps the most popular locally is the "Dead Guy Ale", found in a larger 22 oz size ($12.25). A full bodied ale with robust flavor, it is the perfect introduction to the entire Rogue lineup. An affordable price is nice too!

Take the afternoon off - head out early, grab a friend, and come on in to 518 West for a chance to relax and drink great beer!

Step into Spring!

Spring is just around the corner, and 'tis the season for great white wines! Recently our "wine committee" took an afternoon away from the office to sample fine wines from the best of German winemakers. Cordially sponsored by two of our purveyors, the tasting event provided a showcase for over 60 different wines from a group of more than two dozen of Germany's very best producers. Wine production in Germany is predominantly that of white wines, and Riesling is easily the most popular grape planted. Finding a favorite can be an adventure - here's a quick guide to some of the most common label questions for German wines.

Ripeness of the grapes at harvest is a major determinant in German labeling. Indicators such as "Kabinett" and "Auslese" describe how late in the season grapes were picked. Grapes left later on the vine will generally produce more sugars, and will often result in a sweeter final product. However, exceptions occur, and some late-harvest grapes are used to produce drier-style wines also. Tips for understanding labels:

Kabinett: grapes are ripe; often the lightest of wines on this scale
Spatlese: late-harvest grapes; more intense flavor and sweetness
Auslese: very late-harvest; hand-selected; very intense flavors
Beerenauslese: "incredibly" late harvest; showing signs of "Noble Rot" (bitrytis fungus - no worries - it's a good thing that adds complex flavors!)
Eiswein: grapes are allowed to freeze on the vine, then are picked and pressed while still frozen. Not produced every year, only when the perfect conditions allow. These wines are absolutely delicious, with a depth and complexity of sweetness unrivaled in other styles.

Confused? Perfectly normal - the German wine rules & classifications are rivaled only by those of France for their complexity!

Here at 518 West we offer two fabulous examples of Riesling Kabinett, from Reichsgraf von Kesselstat and also the Haart Goldtropfchen. Both are listed at under $40, and are an even better value at half-price on Mondays! Enjoy them simply as an apertif, or with lighter fare from our menu. Either way, we feel they are great examples for any wine drinker.

Go ahead - break routine and "step into spring" with German Riesling!

Go Head to Head with a super California wine...

It's pouring buckets of rain outside, which we desperately need to help alleviate the drought conditions we are under here in Wake County, North Carolina, and pretty much the whole southeast. The rain reminds me that sometimes we need to struggle a little to get ahead...I was buying some grass seed yesterday thinking that I could throw a little seed down in my now very brown lawn just to see what will happen...perchance it may grow, and talking to the very helpful owner of the North Ridge Ace Hardware...she advocates letting your grass struggle so it will develop deeper roots, thus becoming more drought tolerant.

Well, that is what will sometimes help grapes become full flavored...letting the vines stress a little....this helps to develop the sugar in the grape...Now I am hard pressed to believe that the grapes that make this delicious wine have to struggle too awful much, being located in the somewhat Mediterranean climate of the Sierra Foothills. Yes, they get some snow there, and when it rains, it really rains, but is is over and done with (just like the rain we are now getting), not like Seattle where it rains all the time.

So what is this wine? ..and yes, I can get off on a tangent...but back to the wine...Terrre Rouge Tete a Tete. We are offering this wine on our monthly glass pour feature list. This wine was on our bottle list about a year or so ago. We are glad that we had the chance to revisit this Rhone style blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, and Syrah. These Mediterranean varietals are no accident. These grapes excel in the Sierra Foothills climate. This is a very enjoyable everyday drinking wine. Flavors of boysenberry fruit suggestions and a smoky/meaty/gamey flavor with a great texture.

So pull on your favorite pair of rainboots, grab an umbrella and go head to head with a glass of Tete a Tete.