M.V. Wine and Spirits: New place with the same faces

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Brion McGroarty (left) with his son Brion McGroarty, owner and general manager, respectively, of M.V. Wine and Spirits. — Photo by Kaylea Moore

Many up-Islanders are happy to hear that there is a new liquor store closer to home. M.V. Wine and Spirits, located next to Flatbread at the Martha’s Vineyard Airport in Edgartown, opened its doors on October 26. Although it is a brand-new building, location, and name, you will recognize the familiar faces from Town Provision Company, the Edgartown package store, now closed, that it transitioned from.

“It was literally the only parcel of land in Edgartown that I could find where we could move out of town and have a larger space with parking and accessibility,” said Brion McGroarty, owner of the store. Mr. McGroarty runs the business with his son, also named Brion McGroarty, who is the general manager.

So far the duo has received only positive feedback. “People have commented on how they like how wide the aisles are and the breadth of the craft beer selection,” said the son, who has worked with beer, wine, and liquor distributors for the past 10 years. The last distributor he worked with had a split focus between craft beer and wine, which gave him an education in the production and variety of craft beers.

If the shop doesn’t carry what you are looking for, feel free to request it. “We offer discounts if people want to do special orders. If I don’t have to touch it and can call you on the phone and tell you it is here, you’ll be saving money,” he said.

Along with wine, beer, and liquor, M.V. Wine and Spirits will carry picnic items such as charcuterie and cheese. “I want to try to have better beers,” he said. “There’s enough Natural Ice on this Island.”

In addition to a handpicked selection of wines that covers the world, Mr. McGroarty wants to incorporate more craft spirits. “There is a lot going on in the spirit world,” he said. “Just because it’s not named Captain Morgan or Ketel One doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of being tasted and tried.”

If you are unsure what wine to buy, if you are a novice, or if you just want to try something new, ask Mr. McGroarty for recommendations. He will ask you questions such as, what price point do you feel comfortable in? Do you like sweet wines, dry wines? What are you eating? And then filter you into something you might like.

If you’d like to expand your horizons, ask about the wine and beer club. “Hopefully it will turn people on to things outside of their safety and comfort zones,” said Mr. McGroarty. Be on the lookout for regular tastings and make sure to stop by the grand tasting on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 2 to 5 pm to sample from a selection of beer, wine, and spirits. M.V. Wine and Spirits is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm; and Sunday, 12 noon to 6 pm. For more information, call 508-627-7557.

Holiday libations

What is the best wine to serve at Thanksgiving? “It’s such a loaded question, because of the amount and variety of sides that usually happen at Thanksgiving,” said the younger Mr. McGroarty. “I like Rhones, Gewurztraminers, and Rieslings, but really it depends on what you are having.” The one thing to stay away from pairing wine with is cranberry sauce.

“Cranberry sauce ruins your palate. Stay away from cranberry sauce with the exception of bubbly or Riesling,” piped in the elder McGroarty.

Brion’s Thanksgiving wine recommendations:

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc and Viognier, $13.99. This fun little blend is a good choice for Thanksgiving. It has a nice balance of acid and sweetness. The Viognier creates a nice body and floral quality while the Chenin provides a touch of acid and an interesting diversity of flavors. This blend will pair well with the variety of flavors that are on every family’s Thanksgiving table.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Riesling, $16.99. This is a dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York. It has a nice balance between sweet and acidic with the flavors of lemon peel, apple, and flower blossom.

Chateau de La Chaize, $16.99. This red is a Brouilly, which is located in Beaujolais. It is a classic pairing for Thanksgiving. Gamay is the varietal that powers this beautiful bottle of wine. It shows a bouquet of raspberries and strawberries with a nice balance of acid and floral.

Bogle Petite Syrah, $11.99. An inexpensive Petit Syrah that finishes quick and smooth. It pairs nicely with very rich foods.

Gruet Brut Rose, $17.99. A fruit forward, yeasty, bready sparkling wine. It has a touch of lemon peel, strawberry, and rhubarb without being sweet. We want to get people out of the idea that just because it has bubbles doesn’t mean it has to be for a celebration. Sparkling wines pair differently and just as nicely as other wines.

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne, $37. It’s not your traditional yeasty, toasty, Champagne. It has a foxy quality, a term that the wine elite use, meaning that you get the flavor of the grape.

M.V. Wine and Spirits, 17A Airport Rd., next to Flatbread, Edgartown. 508-627-7557.