East bay residents who are looking for the perfect wine to go with a special meal or get-together can count on 1776 Liquors and their friendly staff. Known for its superior prices, selection and service, 1776 carries a wide variety of wines from up-and-coming regions, many of them more affordable than one might guess. “We focus on value-priced wines, most of which are in the $10-$20 range,” Tom Sousa says, (The general manager of 1776). “The most expensive wines are not necessarily the best.”


A Customer Favorite:
AGUA DE PIEDRA MALBEC 2007 Gran RESERVA from Argentina
Winemaker Notes: The spaniards as early as the 16th century followed by the Jesuits and more recently European immigrants notably Italians, were all fascinated by the beauty of the country. The result is a combination of warmth, style, and tradition, Situated at the foothills of the Andes and fed by the purest water from melted snow, the vineyards produce grapes of outstanding quality. Made to enjoy this wine with spiced red plum flavors combined with this silky texture is ideal for meat or pasta dishes.

A 1776 Favorite:
LAYER CAKE Primitivo & Shiraz 2007
Tasting Notes:
"The most rustic of the three Layer Cake wines, with lots of pepper, roasted herbs, meat juices, charcoal, and scorched earth, this spicy wine has an inky ruby/purple color and lots of body. It comes across like a rustic Zinfandel, but with loads of character and personality, displaying an almost savage intensity to its flavors. This is a wild, adventuresome wine that should drink nicely for several years. Bring on the pizza!" 89 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

"A balance of elegance and power; inky black fruit, spice and white pepper, jammy black cherries, plums, blackberry fruit, truffles, tar, and espresso. Warm and rich in the mouth with a creamy texture; the ripe fruit is well supported by the deep structure of the wine. Sit back and travel through time…Relax on a hot summer evening, the fountain in the background, church-bells in the distance." Winemaker's Notes

"100% Pure Old Vine Primitivo from Salento, the “Heel of the Boot” of Italy; specifically the area of Manduria. The grapes are from within the Manduria Denominazione di Origine Controllata, but the DOC labeling requires 14% alcohol. We found the wine to have better balance below 14%; therefore it falls into IGT Puglia for area designation." Winery Notes

Food Pairing: Blue Cheese Burgers or Pizza

Vintage Date: 2007

Wine Score: 89, Wine Advocate

Just In At 1776:
BUD SELECT 55

Introduced: Aug. 10, 2009 in select test markets and nationwide Feb. 1, 2010

Beer Category/Style: Premium Light – American-style lighter light lager.