J.J.’s Package Stores Sells To Spec’s
For Immediate Release
Contact: J.J. Ruffino
November 1, 2010

After 38 years in the alcohol beverage industry, JJ Ruffino is transferring ownership to family owned Spec’s Wine Spirits and Finer Foods. His three-store, family owned and operated J.J.’s Package Stores, located in Bryan-College Station, changes hands effective Monday, November 1, 2010. Bryan native, Joe Johnny Ruffino attended local schools and graduated from Texas A & M University Class of ‘73. That same year, his new bride, Cherry, along with his parents Luke and Jobey Ruffino provided the financing to open their first store in North Bryan at 1219 N. Texas Avenue.

In 1983, the second location of J.J.’s Package Store at Texas Ave and Harvey Road in College Station was opened.

Realizing that there was an opportunity to further serve the community south of his Harvey store, JJ opened the third location at the Kroger Center in College Station in 2000.

Ruffino reflects over his nearly forty years in the industry and states:

“The cornerstone of my many years of success has been a passion to build relationships and foster friendships with my customers, with my community and with my suppliers alike; friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

JJ has served leadership positions on the St. Anthony Catholic Church Finance Council, B-CS Chamber of Commerce, Brazos County Crime Stoppers, St. Joseph Foundation Promise Campaign and Brazos Bash, Mark Dennard Celebrity Golf Classic benefitting The Boys and Girls Club of the Brazos Valley. He has also volunteered his time and offered services for The Cattle Baron’s Ball, The Junior League of Bryan-College Station, MSC OPAS, The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, KAMU-TV, Brazos County Go-Texan, The Bubba Moore Memorial Group, The Family Promise, The College Station Independent School Foundation, and many other organizations and fundraisers.

“Along with my wife Cherry, I look forward to continued service to my friends and community thru our affiliation with Richard Smith Coldwell Banker United Realtors.”

visit: http://www.cherryruffino.com/

We will not have our regular wine tasting on Wednesday the 29th instead we will have a champagne tasting on Friday the 31st. We will be tasting two different champagnes:

The first is a Conti Neri Prosecco from Italy that is very good. The retail price is 19.59 a bottle.

The second is also very good and a little less expensive. Charles Lafitte is a sparkling wine from France and it is priced at 12.29.

All champagne will be 20% off all day Friday. Come by and try both of these featured wines at the J.J.’s location in the Kroger shopping center at the corner of Rock Prairie and Longmire.

Wednesday Wine Day
J.J.’s Rock Prairie
12-7pm

Joseph Carr Cabernet Sauvignon: This wine displays deep purple hue, and has great clarity for wine that is traditionally unfiltered. The bouquet offers scents of ripe black currant, smoke and saddle. Flavors include dark cherry and ripe plum with a hint of vanilla and coco dust. Firm yet approachable tannin structure accents a balanced and long finish.

Chateau St Michelle Horse Heaven Sauvignon Blanc: Horse Heaven Vineyards gently rolling southern-facing slopes are warmed by the sun and swept with steady winds from the Columbia River. This combination adds character to our Sauvignon Blanc which is aromatic with grapefruit flavor and crisply textured.

2009 Nouveau Beaujolais

Just in time for the holidays and every other excuse we can think of for a great party, the first cases of Nouveau Beaujolais will arrive at J.J.’s Package Stores Thursday, November 18, 2010.

In October of each year, the Beaujolais producers gear up to bottle their fruity “primeur” wines, the Beaujolais Nouveau, for release to consumers on the third Thursday of November at precisely 12:01 a.m.  Each year the ballet starts with the first day of hand harvest in the effervescent and flowery Beaujolais vineyard, where part of the crop is going to be reserved for Beaujolais Nouveau production, and finished in the glass of happy wine drinkers worldwide and at J.J.’s Package Stores.

When you are looking for the perfect food pairing wine for your Thanksgiving Day celebration, Nouveau Beaujolais is an excellent choice. It will work well with the variety of flavors and textures on your holiday table. The wine’s flavors are fresh, lively and fruity, with strawberry, cherry, berry, and banana, with a little pepper spiciness on the finish. The noticeable absence of tannins, which typically produce some bitterness, makes this an enjoyable wine for those who habitually drink white wines.

This year we will feature George Duboeuf, Joseph Drouhin, and Laboure-Roi.  Holiday foods will be served at this event.Please stop by JJ.’s Package Stores 3505-G Longmire Drive on Thursday, November 18, 2010 for a taste of the Nouveau Beaujolais.

The tasting will be held from 10:00 noon until 7:00pm.  For more information or to be added to our mailing list log on to www.jjspackage.com.

Enjoy in Moderation!

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Time: 12:00 noon until 7:00pm

Place: J.J.’s Package Stores on Rock Prairie and Longmire in the Kroger Center

Wines & Tasting Notes:

Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva
Produced from grapes grown in the “Classico” region of Chianti, between Siena and Florence, this chianti has reached new heights as an aristocratic Tuscan wine. After a minimum of two years of aging, one of which is in Slavanian oak barrels, this well balanced wine has flavors of cherry, vanilla, cocoa and spice. An elegant accompaniment to roasted meats, pastas and cheese.

White Oak Chardonnay
Classic Russian River Chardonnay exhibiting aromas of vibrant tropical fruit married to toasty oak. Full bodied, round, good depth of fruit, medium long finish. Flavors of citrus fruit, apple, lime, roasted nut and toasted oak.

JJ’s will continue to offer 20% off all wines and in store tastings every Wednesday. Please stop by the Rock Prairie location and ask Patrick for all of your wine needs.

J.J.’s Package Stores Sells To Spec’s
For Immediate Release
Contact: J.J. Ruffino
November 1, 2010                                            

After 38 years in the alcohol beverage industry, JJ Ruffino is transferring ownership to family owned Spec’s Wine Spirits and Finer Foods.  His three-store, family owned and operated J.J.’s Package Stores, located in Bryan-College Station, changes hands effective Monday, November 1, 2010.  Bryan native, Joe Johnny Ruffino attended local schools and graduated from Texas A & M University Class of ‘73. That same year, his new bride, Cherry, along with his parents Luke and Jobey Ruffino provided the financing to open their first store in North Bryan at 1219 N. Texas Avenue.

In 1983, the second location of J.J.’s Package Store at Texas Ave and Harvey Road in College Station was opened.

Realizing that there was an opportunity to further serve the community south of his Harvey store, JJ opened the third location at the Kroger Center in College Station in 2000.

Ruffino reflects over his nearly forty years in the industry and states:

“The cornerstone of my many years of success has been a passion to build relationships and foster friendships with my customers, with my community and with my suppliers alike; friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

JJ has served leadership positions on the St. Anthony Catholic Church Finance Council, B-CS Chamber of Commerce, Brazos County Crime Stoppers, St. Joseph Foundation Promise Campaign and Brazos Bash, Mark Dennard Celebrity Golf Classic benefitting The Boys and Girls Club of the Brazos Valley. He has also volunteered his time and offered services for The Cattle Baron’s Ball, The Junior League of Bryan-College Station, MSC OPAS, The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, KAMU-TV, Brazos County Go-Texan, The Bubba Moore Memorial Group, The Family Promise, The College Station Independent School Foundation, and many other organizations and fundraisers.

“Along with my wife Cherry, I look forward to continued service to my friends and community thru our affiliation with Richard Smith Coldwell Banker United Realtors.”

visit: http://www.cherryruffino.com/

Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Time: 12:00 noon until 7:00pm

Place: J.J.’s Package Stores on Rock Prairie and Longmire in the Kroger Center

Wines & Tasting Notes:

Ravens Wood Chardonnay Vintners Blend `08-Sonoma, California @ $9.27 after discount
Ravens Wood Chardonnay has aromas of sweet wood and apple, it is a refreshing and food-friendly wine. Succulent layers of peach and citrus fruit with balanced acidity and hints of toasted oak complement the long, smooth finish of this full-flavored wine. The versatile flavors offer many pairing possibilities. Try Vintners Blend Chardonnay with roasted turkey dishes or pan-roasted scallops.

Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon `08-Colchagua Valley, Chile @ $9.99 after discount
Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon is bursting with ripe flavors, bold intensity and a smooth rich finish. It comes to life with BB-Q and good friends.

Date:  Wednesday, October 20th

Time:  12noon - 7pm

Place:  J.J.’s Rock Prairie

Wines & Tasting Notes:

Bliss Cabernet Sauvignon
Bliss cabernet has flavors of blackberry and brambly spice with a juicy finish. Partner with bbq ribs, lamb chops, or your favorite steak.

Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay
St Michelle chardonnay showcases a rich classic style with harmonious flavors of apple and citrus integrated with subtle oak through traditional barrel aging. Sur lie aging creates a soft appealing mouthfeel.

Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Time: 12:00 noon until 7:00pm

Place: J.J.’s Package Stores on Rock Prairie and Longmire in the Kroger Center

Wines & Tasting Notes:

Baguala Torrontes `07-Valles Calchaquies, Argentina @ $7.99 after discount
Crisp and refreshing with flavors of apricot, pear, and nectar with a light palate and soft finish.

Montecillo Reserva `05-Rioja, Spain @ $12.79 after discount
Montecillo Reserva: Made from 100% Tempranillo grape. A full-bodied wine, rounded and fruity with flavors of liquorice and fruits.

Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Time: 12:00 noon until 7:00pm

Place: J.J.’s Package Stores on Rock Prairie and Longmire in the Kroger Center

Wine & Tasting Notes:

Penfolds Wines

(click here for tasting notes)