The Hills Market Blog

 

Zanon Zinfandel 2012 is here | The Hills Market Worthington

We are pleased to announce that local yokel Scott Zanon has released his new vintage of Zinfandel, and we are the first in the city to have it in stock.
 
The Zinfandel vineyards are located on the hillsides in California's scenic Dry Creek Valley. This region has long been considered a mecca for great Zin, and the 2012 vintage was no exception. Warm weather and mild temperatures brought the grapes to full maturity, and yields and fruit quality were outstanding. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine was aged in American oak barrels for 11 months.
 
As with the inaugural vintage, this is classic Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel exudes ripe cherry and raspberry notes with a touch of pepper. A long elegant finish is framed by a kiss of vanilla oak.  The blend is 92% Zinfandel, 6% Petite Sirah, and 2% Merlot.
 
To help kick off this new vintage release, Scott will be here pouring his 2012 Zanon Zinfandel this Saturday, February 28 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in our wine department! 

Check out their review in The Columbus Dispatch.

 

New Closeout Deals In Our Wine Department | The Hills Market Worthington

If you shop with us regularly, you know we love to find a good closeout bargain.  Here are the newest great buys we have to offer.
Il Palagio 'Casino delle Vie' 2009  $19.99 (WAS $34.99)
This is from the Tuscan estate owned by Sting (the pop star) and his wife.  This deep, rich, and concentrated red is comprised of native varietals Sangiovese, Canaiolo, and Colorino.  The nose boasts aromas of sweet cherries, crushed flowers, and licorice, with supple tannins and a smooth texture on the palate.  Find this one on our value wall.
Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc 'Aconcagua Costa' 2012  $8.99 (WAS $17.99)
This single vineyard offering from the sustainably farmed Errazuriz estate in Chile is still drinking remarkably fresh.  Aromas of grapefruit and passionfruit are followed by flavors of lime, minerality, and herbs, finishing with great acidity.  This should drink well through 2017.  Neil Martin of The Wine Advocate gave this wine 90 points! 
Dona Paolo Malbec 'Los Cardos' 2013  $8.99 (WAS $18.99)
A gorgeous Malbec from Dona Paolo in Lujan de Coyo, part of Argentina's famed Mendoza wine region.  The influence of oak here is subtle, if any, to preserve the varietal characteristics.  Sweet, spicy, and intense aromas, with hints of red fruits and Herbes des Provence, are followed by a soft, velvety, fresh, and well balanced palate.

 

Unique Wine Gifts for your Valentine | The Hills Market Worthington 

 

 

Is your love a wine lover?  We've got plenty of great gifts in our wine department, sure to please any palate (and budget).  Here are three new and unique bottles to try.

Humberto Canale Malbec Rosé 2014 Patagonia, Argentina  $13.99
If your Valentine loves Rosé, surprise them with the very first of the 2014 Rosés to arrive to our store.  This is a rich and dry style made from 100% Malbec grown in the Rio Negro Valley in Patagonia, one the most southerly wine regions in the world.  With concentrated notes of fresh fruit and medium to full bodied structure, this wine will pair beautifully with date night pizza and a movie.
Hexamer Spätburgunder Weissherbst 2013  Nahe, Germany  $21.99
Buying for a Pinot Noir lover?  Look no further than this unique 'white Pinot Noir' from the Nahe region of Germany.  This wine is made by pressing the juice from the grapes and immediately removing the skins so that there is no color or texture saturation.  The result is a white wine that has delightful citrus and stone fruit notes with a terrific balance of sweetness to zippy acidity.  This is truly the most interesting wine we've tasted in months, and would make a great match for lobster.
Rockwell Cabernet Sauvignon 2010  Napa Valley, California  $49.99 (was $99.99)
Treat the Cabernet lover on your list with this amazing 2nd label bottling from a well known winery that we can't name, but it rhymes with 'caliente'.  If you 'get it', you will understand why this is a terrific value!  Using Oakville fruit, this is a plush and rich style that is drinking great right now and will match beautifully with that fancy steak you'll be serving for dinner.

 

We're Hiring at The Hills Market Downtown! 

The Hills Market Worthington, a locally owned specialty grocer is looking for an outstanding part time person to join our kitchen team. 

We are open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You must be available to work any shift and reliable transportation is a must. This position will mostly be night weekend shifts.

The Hills Market offers competitive pay, a team work ethic, and we promote from within whenever possible.

This person does not need to be a prep-chef. Prepared foods experience is a plus but what we really need is a manager that can refill product, clean, lead, and be a customer service ambassador. 

  High School Education or Higher

  Basic Computer Skills Such as Typing and Email

  Basic Accounting Skills

  Able to Lift at least 35 - 50Lbs

  Able to work/stand for long periods of time

  2 – 3 years of Retail Experience or Food Service Experience

Position Specific Responsibilities

Responsible for the supervision and direction of the Back of House team in the absence of the department manager or managers. Team Lead will work in collaboration with the Director of Food Service and the department leads, to determine priorities in scheduling the work to be performed as well as supervising that work is done in the absence of the department leads. 

Team Lead will be responsible for monitoring inventory levels of product available for purchase i.e., “Hills Own” products, Chefs Case, Grab & Go, Bakery & Deli and will be responsible for expediting the restocking of those as needed. Team Lead may perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Food Service, BOH Manager, Store Management  and ownership.

Click here to apply.

Zaca Mesa Syrah | The Hills Market Worthington


Zaca Mesa was founded in the early 1970s by a group of friends who purchased a bit of land in Santa Barbara County and decided to plant vineyards there. Without many other vineyard properties in the area to learn from, several varietals were planted, including Cabernet, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. After 2 decades of trial and error, the Zaca Mesa team decided that Rhone varietals (Syrah, Viognier, Grenache) grew best on their property. Today, Zaca Mesa only grows these Rhone varietals, specializing in Syrah.  
 
Right now, we are offering Zaca Mesa's signature Syrah at a terrific sale price. This is 99% Syrah and 1% Viognier sustainably grown in Zaca Mesa's estate vineyards. The grapes are hand harvested and sorted, then placed in small open top bins and left to cold soak for several days. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French oak for 16 months.
Zaca Mesa Syrah 2009 displays rich blackberry, cassis, espresso, mocha, and signature sage spice flavors and aromas. The silky finish lingers from the ripe tannins and smoky oak. This wine is drinking great now and should hold up well for at least another 5 years.  Pair with grilled lamb with rosemary and garlic, or bold cheeses.

 

RING IN 2015 WITH THE BEST BUBBLES FOR EVERY PALATE (& BUDGET)

It's no secret that we love our sparkling wines here at The Hills Market. Stop in to see what our wine experts have in store for your New Year's Eve celebration. Our top recommendations:
 
Varnier-Fanniere Brut Grand Cru Cuvée St-Denis NV  $72.99
A deep and rich offering with dried flowers, nectarines, peaches, a hint of nutmeg and a round creamy finish.  Farmer Fizz at its finest.
 
Jean Milan Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne Special NV  $58.99
Aromatics of spring blossoms and smoke, followed by plums, apricots, biscuits, and lemon-zest on the palate all wrapped up in a spicy finish.
 
A. Margraine Brut Premier Cru NV  $45.99 (or a 1/2 bottle for $28.99)
Balanced and harmonic with white flowers, crushed rock, and green pear on the nose and complexly layered throughout the palate.
 
Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV  $17.99 (WAS $19.99)
A perennial favorite from New Mexico, it is elegant and focused with creamy vanilla and apple notes on the nose, with rich, yet crisp, flavors of baked pear and cinnamon.
 
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige NV $19.99 (WAS  $23.99)
Apple and ginger aromas lead to crisp and layered flavors of raspberry and a hint of spice.  This one is so good that it made the 2014 Wine Spectator Top 100! (#54)
 
Tommasi Prosecco Tenuta Filadora NV  $15.99
A single vineyard Prosecco of unique quality with acacia and wisteria flowers on the nose, and a pleasant and dry palate with an almondy finish.
 
Anna de Codorniu Brut Cava NV  $10.99 (WAS $12.99)
An expressive nose of apple, honey, candied citrus, and vanilla carry through to the palate, which has juicy acidity, a creamy texture, and a lingering finish.
 
La Malfa Vin Mousseux Blanc de Blancs Demi-Sec NV  $9.99
A delightful French sparkler that has nice bubbles, is fruity and easy to drink, and has an ever so sweet finish.
 

Ohio Wine for the Holidays

Looking for a unique gift for the wine lover on your list?  Look no further than the Ohio Wines Section at The Hills Market Worthington.
Ohio has a rich grape growing history dating back to the 1850s, and its wines have improved exponentially over the last decade.  Wines produced in Ohio continue to bring home prominent awards from well known national and international competitions.  We are proud to carry some of these world-class beauties, made right here in our backyard.  Here are some of our favorites.
Firelands American Brut 'Champagne', Lake Erie  $13.99
Great for celebrations, this Brut style sparkling wine made from Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay grapes grown on the shores of Lake Erie is sure to please.  It is classic, crisp, dry, and very bubbly.
River Village Cellars Traminette, Ohio River Valley  $9.99
Traminette is a new world hybrid grape with characteristics similar to Gewurztraminer.  Fruity, spicy, and nutmeg flavors, floral aromas, and a refreshing finish make this a perfect match for Southwest and Asian cuisine.  Offered at a fantastic bargain price, this one makes a great stocking stuffer.
Kinkead Ridge Viognier Roussanne, Ohio River Valley  $16.99
A gorgeous Rhone-style blend with kiwi, guava, orange blossom, and golden raisin notes.  This is an excellent dry white to pair with any kind of fish, shellfish, or poultry.  A truly world-class wine that has become a perennial favorite of our wine department staff and customers alike.
Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Ohio River Valley  $20.99
Kinkead Ridge uses all estate fruit grown in the ridgetop vineyard site in ancient limestone soils.  This wine displays classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, plum, and black cherry, following through to a well structured palate with soft tannins and great length.  Having garnered critical acclaim and international awards, this wine makes a great Ohio gift for any Cabernet lover.
Firelands Ice Wine, Lake Erie  $29.99
This dessert wine is made from Vidal Blanc grapes grown on the shores of Lake Erie, and is quite possibly the finest ice wine we have ever tasted from anywhere.  With plenty of sweet honey and apricot characteristics, this is the perfect gift for the sweet-tooth on your list.

 

Versatile, Low-Alcohol Wines Best for Your Thanksgiving Feast | The Hills Market Worthington

Versatile, Low-Alcohol Wines Best for Your Thanksgiving Feast | The Hills Market Worthington

With all the recipes for Thanksgiving turkey and the multitude of sides prepared to go with it, it's no wonder that picking wines for the meal becomes a daunting task.  Don't stress over it.  Our wine experts are at the ready to offer these helpful tips and suggestions to make your Thanksgiving experience as easy as, well, pumpkin pie.
Versatility is key.  Make sure the wines you pick are versatile enough to go with a wide range of foods.  A wine that is nicely balanced with good acidity makes pairing seamless.
Low alcohol wines are a must.  Wines that are lower in alcohol often have good balance (see above), and can act as good palate refreshers rather than being heavy and tiring.
If you are having an intimate gathering, perhaps you will want to splurge on some special bottles and break out the crystal.  If your gathering tends toward 'the more, the merrier' side of things, you may need some more budget friendly options.  Whatever the case, we've got you covered.
Here are a few to try:
L'escale Muscadet, Loire Valley, France  $8.99
This dry, clean, uncluttered white is immensely refreshing.  12% alcohol and a budget price tag make this one a no-brainer.

Terre d'Oro Chenin Blanc/Viognier, California  $12.99 (WAS $14.99)Chenin Blanc dominates the blend of this wine, providing delicious stone and tropical fruit and spice notes, while the addition of Viognier gives expressive floral aromatics.  This is a versatile choice to serve with appetizers and cheeses, as well as throughout the meal.

Terredora di Paolo Falanghina, Campania, Italy  $15.99
Italian whites beg to be enjoyed with food, and this offering from this historic southern Italian wine producing region is no exception.  It is at once rich and intense on the nose with hints of apple, quince, and pear, and juicy, fresh and clean on the palate finishing with a touch of minerality.

Gerard Bertrand Cotes des Roses  Languedoc, France  $19.99Hints of grapefruit and red fruits, along with persistent floral aromas, make this wine delicately balanced.  This one is new to the store, so it gets the mention here, but really just about any dry Rosé will do and we still have a great selection on hand.

 

River Village Cellars Cabernet Franc, Ripley, Ohio  $13.99
Lifted cherry and spice notes accent this wines harmonious complexity.  This is a second label for Kinkead Ridge, arguably Ohio's best winery, so it's a great locally made option.

Gran Passione Rosso, Veneto, Italy  $12.99 A well structured and heartier red, made from Corvina and Merlot, that still has great acidity and a smooth texture.  This is a killer bargain and a great match for roasted meats of any kind.

Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Normale Piedmont, Italy  $36.99
A complex and elegant wine that shows aromas of dried fruit and savory spice on the nose, with more savory tones, licorice, dried cranberry, and mint on the palate.  A very impressive and beautiful food wine for pairing with all Thanksgiving fare.
Manus Dei du Chateau Sixtine Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley, France  $49.99
Nothing says Fall like red wines from the Rhone Valley.  If you plan to break out the good crystal this year, this wine is a must.  A crowd-pleaser of a serious wine, this wine is loaded with blackberry and peppery spice, with medium body and the right amount of minerality.  A relative bargain for quality Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Of course, we also have plenty of the traditional pairings, like Riesling and Pinot Noir.  Stop in today and let our wine experts guide you to the perfect pairing, no matter how you'll be celebrating.