We just received a new wine in the store.  It's a Malbec from Argentina called Ombu made by Roca Wines.  And it's quite good. Roca fully understands how fortunate he is to be based in San Rafael, a high-desert oasis in the southern sector ofOmbu Malbec - Argentina Mendoza. There, low rainfall, intense sun and mild nights all contribute to slow maturing of the grapes, which consistently are well balanced and complex.

Roca works in the cellar to preserve the wonderful fruit flavors of the grapes, eschewing oak barrels for aging in “neutral” stainless steel tanks that impart no additional flavors to the finished wine.  The 2008 Ombu Malbec was crafted from grapes grown in a 45-year-old vineyard which is farmed, Roca explains, “to get a balanced yield for the best quality.” Experience told Roca that the wine would benefit from limited aging in oak barrels, and his instincts were spot on. The finished product is rich, ripe and brimming with fruit flavor — another in a long line of Roca family success stories.

Rich and ripe, this wine offers notes of blueberry, blackberry, chocolate and sweet vanilla. We'll be tasting it in a week or two.

We are excited that soon we will have a new look at Ruth-Anne's!  The city of West Bend has approved our application for a new sign and awning for the Main Street store front.  Finally it will be easy to recognize us as you are driving through downtown West Bend. Stay tuned here, we'll mention when they are both up.

Yahara Bay is one of the new breed of micro-distilleries to come on the scene in recent years.  They are located in Madison and distill a selection of spirits including vodka, extra dry gin, rum, apple brandy, lemoncella and apple liqueur.   Their product offering includes more than just Yahara Bay spirits, but they are the key ingredient used in creating divine Chocolates and Jams made from the best products Wisconsin has to offer.  Yahara Bay Lemoncella/Cranberry Jam and Rum TrufflesAll of Yahara Bay's products are created using Wisconsin ingredients.  Ruth-Anne's is proud to introduce their Rum Truffles.  Made from thick, sweet molasses, Yahara Bay Premium White Rum is the star of this luxurious dark chocolate truffle. Mixed with velvety chocolate ganache, the rum imparts subtle flavors of fresh sugar cane and chewy molasses cookies that are sure to delight every taste bud! 9 pieces per box.  But just so you jam and preserve lovers aren't left out, we are also carrying Yahara Bay's Lemoncella Cranberry Jam. Imagine a mix of the tartness of fresh Wisconsin cranberries with the sweet lemon explosion of Yahara Bay Lemoncella for a fresh and flavorful jam that’s great for more than just toast. Whip with heavy cream to make a one-of-a-kind topping for cakes, tarts, or cupcakes.  Or use as the base of your next home made BBQ sauce for chicken or pork. It's available in a 9.5 oz. jar, and a 2.7 oz. jar is coming soon.  Both of these great Wisconsin products are available at Ruth-Anne's today!  And check out Yahara Bay's website.

New Cranberry TreatsIf you like cranberries, then we have some new Wisconsin-made products for you.   For you salsa lovers, the cranberries of the North have joined the spicy flavors of the South. 12 oz. of garden fresh ingredients, including sweetened dried cranberries, combine for a Salsa that has medium heat and is mildly sweet. A decorative wide mouth jar is perfect for chip dipping. And look under the label for great serving suggestions.  Next up, our homemade and elegantly packaged gourmet Cranberry Jelly turns an ordinary piece of toast into something extraordinary. Excellent as an appetizer served over brie cheese with crackers.  And if you love pancakes, you've got to try our Cranberry Syrup.  It has a rich red color and thick smooth texture; a perfect balance between sweet and tart aspects of the cranberry.  Besides pancakes, it's perfect on french toast, waffles, ice cream, or in your fruit smoothie.  And there's no corn syrup in this product.  Moving along, do you need something very different the next time guests show up unannounced?  Add a little excitement to your snack bowl...fill it with Cranberry Pepper Crisps! Baked stone ground whole grains, cranberries, cracked pepper, sea salt crystals, and other natural flavors combine for a taste that will have everyone talking. (No trans fats or preservatives to be found in these guys)  Last but certainly not least, we have a premium blend of sweetened dried cranberries, peanuts, diced pineapple bits, and white chocolate morsels. Cranberry Trail Mix is an elegant gourmet snack for any occasion. Our Gourmet Trail Mix contains more fruit and less nuts then most of the others you've tried.  Once again, Ruth-Anne's is bringing you the best from Wisconsin.