Bodegas de Los Herederos Del Marques De Riscal Reserva Rioja 2003

Exhibiting a wonderful freshness, this red wine from Spain is made from 90% Tempranillo grapes and 10% Graziano y Mazuelo then aged 24 months in American oak. Showing colors of deep red and warmer amber hues around the edges, this Rioja has medium body and soft tannins.

On the nose are delicious aromas of black cherries behind layers of herbs and another of dark berries and intense vanilla.

On the palate are ripe, exotic flavors, as unique as coconut, licorice and black currant leading up to a long tobacco, oaky finish.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Curtis Heritage Series Santa Barbara County Cuvee 2005

This California red is influenced by the style of the Southern Rhone valley with a blend of 46% Syrah, 23% Mourvedre, 17% Grenache and 14% Cinsault.

On the nose, an intense flashback to cherry flavored Jolly Ranchers, morphing into roasted marshmallows on a campfire, and hints of smoked meats, leather and petrol. Noticeably high in alcohol, 14.9%, and a palate of blackberry, herbs & spices, rhubarb pie and white pepper. The tannins are a little tight, but still a good wine.

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2006 Argentina

From Mendoza comes this wonderful Malbec that seems to be thriving in the dryer climates of Argentina. Deep purple hues preview aromas of violets, figs and chocolate with faint layers of green peppers. Then revealing chewy blueberry flavors and ripe plums with a creamy, syruppy thickness that finishes into a fruity lushness that stays with you.

Concha Y Toro Casillero del Diablo Merlot Reserve 2006 Chile

Smooth but with decent structure, this Chilean Merlot (a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Carménère) brings aromas of plums mingled with berries and pencil lead... then plays on the palate with spices, currants, cherries and a smokey chocolate. In the $8-9 range, this is a workhorse of a good everyday food wine or enjoyed on its own. I had it with home-made pasta and cannelloni beans with a cream spinach sauce.

Lamùri Nero D'Avola 2005 IGT

Along with a delicious dinner, we had this wine as our second bottle at Il Poeta this weekend.

Lamùri, which means “The Love” in the Sicilian dialect, reflects its name very well. With aromas of toasted oak, ripe red and black fruits, and a floral bouquet, followed by waves of cherry pie, jam and spice cascading on the palate, then settling with ease into a solid, balanced fruity finish. I thought it was sweeter than most Nero D’Avolas that I’ve tasted, but in a good way… reflecting the perfectly timed ripeness of the fruit.

This wine was well matched with short ribs over potatoes in a brown sauce, cutting the richness with ease and at the same time complimenting the flavors.

Producer's notes:

First vintage bottled in 1967, 
900 acres, produce 2,500,000 bottles annually


No wine purchased

No grapes purchased


Winemaker: Giuseppe Tasca and Laura Orsi

Lamùri Nero d'Avola IGT Sicilia
Intense ruby red in color, Lamùri offers a lush bouquet of blackberry, mulberry, cherry and sour cherry jam, spices, laurel, cinnamon, vanilla, coffee, licorice and chocolate. On the palate, this wine is incredibly rich, intense and supple, with velvety tannins framing a refreshing acidity and a medium body. Recommended with mediterranean fare, such as pasta, tagines, roasted lamb, kebabs, and ribs.

Made from 100% Nero d'Avola


First vintage bottled in 2002, 150,000 bottles produced annually.

Production area: Piana Margio, Piana Gelso and Ex Conti, located 1,650 ft. above sea level, with varied exposure and a mix of sand and clay soil composition

Vineyard characteristics: 69 acres planted in 1990-1995 with a density of 1,600 vines per acre. The vines are planted in the espalier method and yield 2.4 tons per acre.

The harvest was carried out in September/October

Vinification & Aging

Type of Press: pneumatic


Method of extraction: pump over


Length of Maceration: 10 days
 fermented in stainless steel at a temperature of 77-82 degrees



Aging Container 
Type: Allier and Troncais barriques

Age: 20% new

Size: 225 L

The wine is aged 12 months followed by an additional 3 months in bottle prior to release from the winery.

Analytical Data

Total Acidity: 6.3 gram(s) per liter
pH: 3.53


Dry Extract: 36.70 gram(s) per liter


Alcohol Content: 13.5 % alc. by volume

Residual Sugars: 2 gram(s) per liter

Santa Rosalia Nebbiolo d'Alba Brezza 2006 Piemonte DOC

The following Nebbiolo was one of my favorites out of 4 flights of 3, sampled at a blind tasting at SNOOTHdotCOM hosted by Greg Dal Piaz.

From Piedmont comes this classic Nebbiolo d'Alba showing a simplicity of style and reflecting its unique form and balance. Exhibiting freshness and ripeness at the same time, there are faint flowery aromas, like violets or roses, contrasting with flavors of chocolate, toast and tar.

Notes from the Brezza site:

Production process
The vinification is designed to maximize the freshness and elegance of the wine. The fermentation and maceration last 6 to 10 days, with the temperature about 18-20°C to encourage malolactic fermentation. In December, the wine, already quite clear, is put into oak for 6 months, after which in undergoes bottle-ageing for a similar period. Once the wine is released, it is ready for consumption; a further year in bottle, however, will further enhance quality.

Serving recommendations
Both terroir and estate philosophy dictate a wine quite different from the more famous Barolo wine. This Nebbiolo d'Alba typically exhibits fruity aromas (peach and wild berries) and medium body, being ready to drink relatively young. With respect to the more austere Barolo, it is more suited casual summer meals. It is best enjoyed young, but will improve with a brief cellaring.

WHAT'S YOUR PREDICTION

... for the new wine trend of 2009?

Il Poeta Ristorante

Sunday night, our favorite night out for dinner, we spent at the newly opened Il Poeta Ristorante on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills, New York. A family owned spot with northern Italian cuisine and a crack staff that knows their stuff. In the front of house is Luca, who makes you feel right at home and in the kitchen is Chef Mario DiChiara, formerly from Harry's Bar (owned by cipriani in Venice, Italy), Cipriani (NY), and Il Corso also in NYC.

We started with a bottle of the Chiante Superiore 2006 from Poggiotondo, Tuscany, Italy. Licorice and cherries accented the nose with smooth silky tannins, pepper, oak and cherries on the palate. There are 40-50 wines on their menu, mostly Italian but a few from California, New Zealand, France, Chile & Argentina.




First appetizer was Carciofi in tegamino, baked artichokes served with shrimp and smoked scamorza cheese.


Next was Burrata, a fresh Italian cheese, made from mozzarella and cream at room temperature with arugula, mushrooms, capers and olives in what I believe was a brown reduction sauce.


My wife had Tagliolini del Poeta, a home made pasta in porcini mushroom sauce wrapped with smoked prosciutto, which I tasted and unsuccessfully tried to switch with my wife... delicious.

And I had Risotto with veal in a rich fresh mirapoir sauce.


For dessert was a creamy pana cotta with ground pistaccio and a raspberry coule.

Overall it was a close to perfect night out and I can't wait to go back to try some fish dishes, which looked good. Prices were reasonable and service was excellent.

Corinne Couturier Vin de Pays de la Principauté d'Orange 2005

From France's Rhône region comes this red wine, Vin de Pays de la Principauté d'Orange from winemaker Corinne Couturier made from the grapes of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre and Carignan. There are certain country aromas at work here, making for a nice complexity with a redcurrant, tarry, vegetal blend on the nose, and a mushroom minerality to contrast the robust flavors of tart cherries, spice and white pepper. The finish is spicy with the lingering of pepper and currants and a satisfying earthiness that I really enjoyed.

Il Borro and Castiglion del Bosco

A few weeks ago I sat with Gary Grunner and tasted the wines of Il Borro and Castiglion del Bosco, the wineries owned by the Ferragamo family, the well known Italian fashion house. He was really excited about presenting their wines and was proud to say that they are found in some of the best Italian restaurants, steak houses and fine wine shops in the USA.

The six wines I tasted were:

Il Borro Lamelle Chardonnay 2006 IGT

This Chardonnay has a pale yellow color, fruity rich aromas of apple and peach with notes of floral & lemon. Flavors of pear and vanilla balanced with nice acidity.

Notes - The Chardonnay grapes for ‘Lamelle’ are carefully selected from vineyards within the Il Borro Estate in San Giustino Val d’Arno in Arezzo. The hand harvested grapes are immediately transferred to the winery and sorted manually. 50% of the wine is fermented in new French oak barriques & 50% in stainless steel for about 10 days.

Tenuta Il Borro Pian di Nova Toscana 2005 IGT

Another blend from Ferragamo's Il Borro, this blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese reflects a subtle nose of red cherries, currants and leather, with hints of vanilla and a finish of spices, namely cinnamon and cloves.

The wines simplicity make it an attractive blend that utilizes the best of both grapes, Syrah for a rich spiciness and Sangiovese for an earthy freshness.


Castiglion Del Bosco Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003

Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003 is a DOCG, single vineyard effort from Salvatore Ferragamo's Castiglion Del Bosco.

We start with a bouquet of smokey vanilla and red licorice candy, then subtle traces of dark chocolate and black cherries on the palate. Medium tannins give this a traditional style, not too sweet, but balanced and with an intensity that defines it as a classic Brunello reflecting the wonderful Sangiovese grape.

Tenuta Il Borro Toscana 2005 IGT

From Arezzo, Italy this blend is a balancing act of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and aged in French barriques for 12 months.

Nuances of violets, toast and roses on the nose and even a tinge of fresh baked pie... soft tannins preview the ripe flavors of blueberries, black cherries and a rich smokiness. The color is a cool ruby with medium weight, but the mouthfeel is a bit more substantial with rich textures and a satisfying finish.

Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2003

Castiglion del Bosco produces this Brunello di Montalcino which is aged in oak for 2 years.

It is a traditional 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, has ruby coloring and intense inviting aromas of vanilla with flavors of plum, orange peel and a sweet campfire smokiness. Initially slightly tight, I decanted and waited an hour before it opened to a very good balance of fruit and tannins, still it's a powerful red with 13.5% alcohol content.

24 hours later: Tried this wine again today, tannins way softer and overall feel was more velvety. A very nice wine.

Castiglion Del Bosco Dainero 2004 IGT

From the Tuscan region of Montalcino comes this mouthwatering blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese grapes.

Aged in barriques for 6 months, it puts on an aromatic show of violet, currant and chocolate all wrapped in a full bodied style. Deep purple and displaying a round, soft fruitiness, flavors emerge quickly of blackberries, cherries and a slightly smokey, vegetal quality at the finish.

Another BYOB one83

Here's another BYOB to add to your list... I found it this week on the upper east side of NYC and it's called one83 at 1608 First Avenue, between 83rd and 84th street.

With a contemporary Italian decor and Northern Italian cuisine, it was the perfect place to meet up with visiting friends with whom I cycled through Tuscany.

I brought a bottle of 2004 Antinori Chianti and ordered a whole wheat penne pasta with cubes of chicken and mixed assorted vegetables in a white sauce. We ate and drank at the bar, prices were reasonable, and the corkage fee was $15. Overall it was a good experience, I would like to go back and try their outdoor garden.

Full listing of BYOB's.

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1979

This opulent, deep opaque purple Cabernet has a softness that I savor so much. And there were lots of sensory memories from my past that I had to call upon in free association...

candy cane wrapper plastic toys mineral rubber bands dried herbs catsup vegetal green pepper blackberry chocolate

Greg Dal Piaz from Snooth organized this vertical tasting of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon's ranging from 1975 to 1979 and ending with a 2003 Pietra Santa thrown in for good measure. We gathered at Cafe Loup on 13th Street in NYC to sample these wonderful old Cabs from the Maestro of California wines.

All the wines were double decanted to lose any sediments and were opened an hour and a half before we got our hands on them.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Red Wine Blind Tasting

At snooth on Sunday afternoon I participated in a blind tasting of 12 red wines. Led by Greg Dal Piaz of Snooth, all the bottles' labels were covered and we sampled 4 flights of three each. Here they are along with my comments:

Flight 1 (Sangiovese)

2005 Perdroncelli Alto Vineyard Dry Creek valley, CA
color: cool rose; nose: bright cherries, violets, roses; palate: raisins, vanilla

2006 Terra d'oro Amador County, CA
nose: cassis, chocolate; palate: grapefruit rinds, sour cherries

2005 Pietra santa Cienega Valley, CA
color: deep purple; nose: smokey, concentrated not unlike Amarone, intense, violets, cherry syrup, cough drops, and vanilla; palate: red fruits, ripe cherries, white pepper

Flight 2 (Other Italians)

2006 Montevina Amador County Aglianico, CA
color: ruby; nose: vanilla, blueberries; palate: strawberries, blueberries, fresh fruit finish

2006 Bocella Rasott Campi Taurasini, Italy
color: dark ruby opaque; earthy, plastic wrap, Christmas gift wrapping, chemical cherries, sweet and sour cherries

2004 Pietra Santa Dolcetto Cienega Valley, CA
color: opaque inky deep purple; beatiful aromas of clean earth, simple and on palate ripe cherries, wood and green peppers

Flight 3 (Syrah/Shiraz)

2005 Shoo Fly South East Australia
bramble and underbrush on the nose, also hints of earthy blackberries and palate of sweet ripe fruitiness, bubble gum, violets with a candy finish

2006 The Lackey South Australia
nose: red fruits; palate: super ripe blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, smooth and fresh finish

2005 Valley of the Moon Sonoma County, CA
medicinal cherries

Flight 4 (Syrah/Shiraz)

2004 d'Arenberg The Love Grass McLaren Vale, Australia
nose: vanilla and high alcohol at first, but opened to a sweet fruit bomb (in a good way), blueberry, lavender, fruit rind with a finish of white pepper and a smokey undercurrent, refreshing, jammy, balanced

2005 Sixth Sense Lodi County, CA
nose: vegetal, sweet and spicey; palate: vanilla, violets, cherry orange liquore, oak

2005 Toasted Head Dunnigan Hills, CA
pleasing aromas of mild floral tones, preview a palate of soft, balanced and perfectly ripe bing cherries

Tenuta Il Borro Pian di Nova Toscana 2005 IGT

Another blend from Ferragamo's Il Borro, this blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Sangiovese reflects a subtle nose of red cherries, currants and leather, with hints of vanilla and a finish of spices, namely cinnamon and cloves.

The wines simplicity make it an attractive blend that utilizes the best of both grapes, Syrah for a rich spiciness and Sangiovese for an earthy freshness.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Castiglion Del Bosco Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003

Campo Del Drago Brunello di Montalcino 2003 is a DOCG, single vineyard effort from Salvatore Ferragamo's Castiglion Del Bosco.

We start with a bouquet of smokey vanilla and red licorice candy, then subtle traces of dark chocolate and black cherries on the palate. Medium tannins give this a traditional style, not too sweet, but balanced and with an intensity that defines it as a classic Brunello reflecting the wonderful Sangiovese grape.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

1975 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve... From A Vertical Tasting of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserves 1975-79

Greg Dal Piaz from Snooth organized this vertical tasting of Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon's ranging from 1975 to 1979 and ending with a 2003 Pietra Santa thrown in for good measure. Eight wine lovers (see photos) gathered at Cafe Loup on 13th Street in NYC to sample these wonderful old Cabs from the Maestro of California wines.

All the wines were double decanted to lose any sediments and were opened an hour and a half before we got our hands on them.

The first on the table was the 1975 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

Right out of the gate it was intensely aromatic and heavy with Earth, Funk and Barnyard (remember them from the 70's?) and layered on top of that were red cherries, saddle and vanilla.

This one showed such complexity that on the palate there were just as many layers: white pepper, smoked bacon, green pepper skin and raisins. The finish was an interesting amalgam of all of the contributing factors that constructed this grand California classic.

See another review by Greg Dal Piaz

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Photos from Snooth Mondavi Vertical Tasting 12/04/08

©photos 2008 by Dave Trieger

Mondavi Vertical Tasting Tonight

Well, it's finally here... I've been looking forward to this tasting for a while (see Sweetbreads post), it'll be a small group and we're doing our own food pairing at Cafe Loup.

MMMMM, I'm thinking STEAK.

Tenuta Il Borro Toscana 2005 IGT

Il Borro is part of a stable of wines introduced by Salvatore Ferragamo, whose grandfather built the famous footwear brand.

From Arezzo, Italy this blend is a balancing act of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, and aged in French barriques for 12 months.

Nuances of violets, toast and roses on the nose and even a tinge of fresh baked pie... soft tannins preview the ripe flavors of blueberries, black cherries and a rich smokiness. The color is a cool ruby with medium weight, but the mouthfeel is a bit more substantial with rich textures and a satisfying finish.

© 2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Astor Wines 15% OFF Beaujolais

Just got a heads-up from DrVino that Astor Wines is having a 15% OFF sale today on Beaujolais.

Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2003

Owned by the Ferragamo family, Castiglion del Bosco produces this Brunello di Montalcino which is aged in oak for 2 years.



It is a traditional 100% Sangiovese from Tuscany, has ruby coloring and intense inviting aromas of vanilla with flavors of plum, orange peel and a sweet campfire smokiness. Initially slightly tight, I decanted and waited an hour before it opened to a very good balance of fruit and tannins, still it's a powerful red with 13.5% alcohol content.

24 hours later: Tried this wine again today, tannins way softer and overall feel was more velvety. A very nice wine.
photo ©2008 by Dave Trieger

Fantinel Celebrate Life Merlot 2007

This red wine from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy is 100% Merlot and has rich tones of luscious cherries, like a band of red licorice candy and sweet red fruits. Hints of anise, glycerine and and an earthiness invade your senses as if you're walking through a bramble in a lush forest. And a portion of the proceeds help fight world hunger. See below:

Celebrate the gift of life with Celebrate Life Merlot. For every bottle sold, Fantinel donates $1 to IIMSAM, the Initiatives of the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition. Wine.com will also match the $1 donation to IIMSAM. Open this bottle of wine with family and friends and share the gift of life - and join Wine.com and Fantinel in the fight against world hunger!

Merlot is an intrinsic part of the history of this region and Fantinel's Celebrate Life Merlot is a classic example of the Friuli Grave DOC, an appellation widely considered a world-class expression of this noble grape variety.

Marco Fantinel, President of the Fantinel Group that includes the wineries of Fantinel and La Roncaia, was appointed as the goodwill ambassador for IIMSAM. IIMSAM (Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition) is accredited as a Permanent Observer Mission with the United Nations Economc Council to fight worldwide hunger. IIMSAM strives to counter malnutrition through the use of Spirulina: a micro-algae abundant in essential proteins, vitamins, nutrients and minerals equired by the human body. Fantinel and Wine.com will each donate $1 to IIMSAM for every bottle sold at Wine.com of it's Celebrate Life Merlot.

Source: Wine.com

Castiglion Del Bosco Dainero 2004 IGT

From the Tuscan region of Montalcino comes this mouthwatering blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Sangiovese grapes.

Aged in barriques for 6 months, it puts on an aromatic show of violet, currant and chocolate all wrapped in a full bodied style. Deep purple and displaying a round, soft fruitiness, flavors emerge quickly of blackberries, cherries and a slightly smokey, vegetal quality at the finish.

Il Borro Lamelle Chardonnay 2006 IGT

This Chardonnay has a pale yellow color, fruity rich aromas of apple and peach with notes of floral & lemon. Flavors of pear and vanilla balanced with nice acidity.

Notes - The Chardonnay grapes for ‘Lamelle’ are carefully selected from vineyards within the Il Borro Estate in San Giustino Val d’Arno in Arezzo. The hand harvested grapes are immediately transferred to the winery and sorted manually. 50% of the wine is fermented in new French oak barriques & 50% in stainless steel for about 10 days.

Podere San Luigi Super Tuscan 1998

On Monday evening, I attended a food and wine tasting organized by Grupo Ristoranti Italiani at Gotham Hall's Ballroom in NYC. There I met John L. Morace owner of Podere San Luigi vineyards located just south of San Gimignano in Tuscany. The wine I sampled was a 1998 SuperTuscan made from 85% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The aromas were earthy and on the palate were notes of ripe sour cherries and licorice. I found smooth tannins and nice acidity in this very good wine.

NEW WINES FROM ITALY

Not long ago Gary Grunner--a wine aficionado with a special interest in Italian wines—invited me over to his house for a tasting. He had just returned from the Newport Wine Festival and wanted to share some of his newest gems with a few other writers and friends. As usual, Gary prepared a generous plate of cheese, bread, olives and other tempting noshes to complement the flavors of his wines—always a surefire way to keep me interested.

The conversation that afternoon ranged from where Italy's wine business was heading to what Italian producers needed to do in the US market to keep ahead of the rest of the world. Gary has been in the wine business and selling Italian wines since the early 1980s, and has witnessed first hand the intense growth of the industry as well as the increased competition. But in spite of the obstacles he believes there is more opportunity than ever for new, great wines.

With that in mind, I was secretly thinking that he could be setting himself up for a fall if the wines didn't deliver. But he went down to his cellar and returned with 5 bottles, lined them up on a long wooden table, and simply smiled.

Here are my reviews:

Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2003 DOCG (Fattoria dei Barbi)

Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, this Brunello has a really interesting mix of aroma vs. palate. At first the nose reveals roasted meats, toast and ripe concentrated stewed prunes. Then you taste the intense ripe cherries, plums and spices and then a bit later chocolate, more spices and black pepper.

Fattoria Dei Barbi Morellino Di Scansano 2005 DOC

The Colombini family has owned property in Brunello di Montalcino since 1352, and they established Fattoria dei Barbi there in 1790.

Medium weight and bright ruby colors decorate this Morellino Di Scansano from Tuscany's Montalcino area. The first aromas are apparent immediately in a verdant dense forest, mushrooms and barnyard, then on the palate comes the sour cherry. Slightly tannic, but opening nicely within a hour or so with a finish of raisins and cola.

Fattoria dei Barbi Toscana Brusco dei Barbi 2006 IGT

Fattoria dei Barbi uses a patented technique of fermentation developed by Giovanni Colombini to make this Sangiovese Tuscan red wine. The process involves the extensive soaking of the grapes with their pomace which results in an intensity of flavors, softness, color, and complexity.

The initial fermentation lasts 10 days, transforming the sugars to alcohol. Then the stainless steel vats are sealed, the temperature dropped and the wine left in contact with the skins, continuing to ferment slowly. After three months the skins are then removed and the wine remains in the stainless steel vats until bottling.

The color of this wine is a ruby red with aromas of raspberries and spices while on the palate are earthy autumnal tones of underbrush. There is a smoothness in the tannins and a good balance overall with a finish that's full circle back to red berries.

Galarej Barbera D'Alba

Made from 100% Barbera grapes, this red wine is deep ruby-red with aromas of raspberry, flowers and vanilla, and flavors of violets, cedar and pepper spices and a medium-body.

Excellent with grilled meat, steaks, burgers, pizza, red sauce pasta dishes.

Galarej Barolo 2004 DOCG

This Barolo is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes with colors of deep garnet and a nose of cherries, raspberries, herbs and spice. There's a full, rich, ripe palate of dark berries and leather, along with a warm, smooth finish that reverberates an earthiness. 13.5% alcohol content.


What I have come to appreciate about all the wines Gary represents is his preference for wines that generally over-deliver in quality as compared to the market price. That afternoon he particularly enjoyed discussing wines such as Fattoria dei Barbi, and he beamed with pride as he inducted his new brand Galarej into his portfolio.

Gary also talked about his newest endeavor with importer, Pietro Cavallo called 'Wine Project', as well as 'Grapes on the Go' his new consulting company that offers expert advice on wine, as well as restaurant and fine wine shop ventures.

It's clear that his favorite wines are those that not only best represent their grape variety and region, but also reveal a sense of passion that can only come from family-owned wineries with a joyous commitment to the wine business.

Cantele Primitivo 2005 IGT

This ruby red Primitivo from Salento in the Puglia region of Italy shows a cherries and plum nose but with a touch of a light mineral edge. The soft tannins give way to a thick chocolate and coffee character and is easy to drink because of its good acidity. Finishes with flowers and spices. Good everyday wine.

10 WINES FOR THANKSGIVING

Montes Classic Series Chardonnay 2007
Curico Valley, Chile

Badger Mountain Reisling,
Washington state

Lenz Gewurztraminer 2005
Estate Bottled, Long Island

Primus Casablanca Valley 2005
Chile

Arnaldo-Caprai Sagrantino Di Montefalco 2003 DOCG
Italy

Cote De Loach Zinfandel 2006
California

Chateau Mas Neuf Costieres de Nimes Tradition Red 2006
France

Bigi Vipra Rosa 2007
Rosso dell’Umbria IGT, Italy

Lirac Domaine Du Joncier 2005
France

Halter Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Paso Robles Estate Bottled, California

Borsao Crianza Campo de Borja 2005

From Spain, comes this very nice blend of 50% grenache, 25% tempranillo and 25% cabernet sauvignon. Aged in oak 6 months, it shows pronounced oak with leathery aromatics and floral bursts of black cherries and a smokey cinnamon finish.

Brought this bottle to My Kitchen, one of the restaurants on my new BYOB list and paired beautifully with delicious fall-off-the-bone short ribs.

LIST OF BYOB'S IN NYC

With the new economic climate the way it is, it makes sense to try to cut corners wherever possible. You can save about 40% on your dinner bill by eating and drinking at restaurant's where you can bring-your-own-bottle. With that in mind, I'm starting a list of BYOB's in NYC and will be updating it as I discover more. Please, if you find any new ones or have any additional information about the ones on my list, just chime in. Enjoy!

Bella Donna
307 E. 77th St, New York, NY 10021
Corkage Fee: None, Italian food, reasonable, no frills.
Phone: (212) 535-2866

Cafe A
973 Columbus Avenue & 108th Street, New York, New York 10025
Corkage Fee: None
French
Phone: 305-972-3358

Café Henri
French Cuisine
10-10 50th Ave., at Vernon Blvd.
718 383-9315

Café Loup
105 W. 13th St.
212-255-4746
West Village landmark. $2 per person corkage fee.

Cherin Sushi
306 E 6th st, NY, NY 10003
Corkage Fee: NONE
Hours: 5 pm to 12 , closed on monday
Phone: 212-388-1348

Cube 63
63 Clinton St (Between Rivington & Stanton), New York, NY 10002
Corkage Fee: None
sushi and japanese cuisine
Hours: 5PM - 12AM; 5PM - 1AM Fri/Sat
Phone: 212 228-6751

De Mole‎
Mexican
4502 48th Ave, Flushing, NY‎
718 392-2161‎

Dolce Vita
181 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013
Corkage Fee: $0
Hours: Mondays: Closed, Tuesday thru Sunday 5pm to 11pm, Saturday Brunch 12 noon to 4pm, Sunday Brunch 11am to 4pm
Phone: 646 688-4110 01221

Il Bambino‎
3408 31st Ave, Long Island City, NY‎
Panini, cupcakes, $5 corkage fee.
718 626-0087‎

Ivo & Lulu
558 Broome St, New York, NY 10013
Corkage Fee: NONE
Near Varick st. Cash only. Organic French food, limited menu, but good and inexpensive $12-$15 range.
Hours: Daily, 6pm-11pm
Phone: (212) 226-4399

Kitchenette
1272 Amsterdam Ave., New York City, NY 10027-5035
Corkage Fee: ? Small, no frills.
Hours: M-F 8:00am - 11:00 pm, Sat &Sun 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
Phone: Tel (212) 531-7600

La Pizza Fresca Ristorante
31 East 20th Street, New York, New York 10003
Corkage Fee: $25 rustic Italian Neapolitan pizza. Over 500 wines.
Hours: M-F 12-3:30 Lunch, 5:30-11 Dinner, Sat. 5:30-11, Sun. 5-11
Phone: 212-598-0141

My Kitchen
A reincarnation of a popular Queens Mediterranean restaurant/wine bar that was on Austin Street in the 80's.
106-17 Metropolitan Ave., nr. 72nd Dr. Forest Hills
917-374-7495

New Orleans Sno-Ball Cafe
1590 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10029
Corkage Fee: none
Hours: M-F 10-8pm Sat 11-8 Sunday 2:30-6pm
Phone: 646 423-1596

Nick & Stef's Steakhouse
9 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Corkage Fee: 0
BYOB Friday and Saturdays Through August
Hours: 11:30am-9:30pm
Phone: 212-563-4444

one83
1608 First Avenue, between 83rd and 84th street.
Corkage fee: $15
212 327-4747

Phoenix Garden Restaurant
242 E 40th St, New York, NY 10016-1732
Corkage Fee: ?
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-9:45pm, Sat -Sun 12:30pm-9:45pm
Phone: 212-983-6666

Poke Japanese Restaurant
305 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028
Corkage Fee: 0
Hours: 5pm - 11pm Close Sun
Phone: 212-249-0569

The Riverdale Garden restaurant
4576 Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale (Bronx), NY 10471
Corkage Fee: $15. No corkage on Tuesday nights
Hours: lunch and dinner

Kai
131 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Corkage Fee: 0
Thai food very reasonably priced.
Hours: 7 Days from Noon to 11 PM
Phone: 212-420-5909

Kaleidoscope
212 E. 10th Street, New York, NY 10003
Corkage Fee: None
Hours: 5pm-11pm Sun-Thurs, 5pm-12am Fri & Sat, Brunch 11am-5pm Sat & Sun
Phone: 212-420-8822

Tartine
253 W. 11th St., NYC - West Village, NY
Corkage Fee: None Small but cute place on treelined e vill block, affordable French fare, excellent value.
Phone: 212-229-2611

The Orchard
162 Orchard street, New York, NY 10002
Corkage Fee: none on Sundays
BYOB on Sundays
Hours: wed-sun 6- 11pm
Phone: 212.353.3570

Wai? Cafe
583 Ave. of the Americas (6th Ave), New York, New York 10011
Corkage Fee: none, new American lean cuisine, low prices.
Hours: 10 A.M.-12 A.M.
Phone: 212- 414-2003

Bigi Vipra Rosa 2007 Rosso dell’Umbria IGT

A blend from Umbria, this red wine is made from 70% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese with aromatics of chocolate, blackberry and cedar over layers of ripe sour cherries and violets and 13% alcohol. Opened nicely within an hour for a soft and smooth attitude. In the $12 range at WRFH.

WINE PRICES FALLING

Last month I wrote a short post about the economic crisis driving higher end buyers into the lower end market trying to find bargains...

...well, it seems like I may not have been too far off base, see link to BBC News:

"...Aldi had seen a 21% rise in the number of shoppers from the ABC1 higher socio-economic groups".

J.M. da Fonseca Periquita 2005

This was my first Portuguese wine and I really enjoyed it.

Made from grapes grown on the Setubal Peninsula, it's the oldest Portuguese table wine. The blend of 70% Castelao, 20% Trincadeira and 10% Aragonez (another name for Tempranillo) is aged for a short time in oak (4 months).

Ruby in color, with aromas of blueberries, strawberries and violets, this red has an intriguing complexity. There are flavors of licorice, plum, pomegranate, raspberries, and cedar... and as if that's not enough, a spicy cinnamon finish. There's an overall smoothness on the tongue combined with very soft tannins to make for a surprising value at $10 bottle from The Wine Room of Forest Hills.

Bonello Cabernet Sauvignon/Primitivo 2004 Sicily, Italy

I found this Bonello red wine blend from Sicily (An Italian branch of the Beringer Blass Wine Estates) for a mere $5.99 at a local wines/ liquor store. I checked on line and it usually goes for $10-11. They are targeting younger consumers and offering old world wines blended in a new world way... even the label has a more contemporary look.

The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo displaying intense ruby red color with aromas of blueberries and plum along with flavors of black cherries and notes of black pepper and spice. Sweet, juicy and full-bodied with a fresh acidity and round tannins, I liked this wine for it's very good finish and freshness. It's a great deal even at the $10 range.

winemaker's notes:
The fruit for this wine was sourced from valley and hillside vineyards on the Salento peninsula located in Puglia of southern Italy. The red soils of Salento, consisting of a calcareous base overlain by topsoils rich in iron, create an ideal viticultural environment. The Adriatic and the Ionian seas that border the peninsula bring a welcome cooling influence at night, tempering the hot summer heat. Primitivo, a native Italian varietal is the same as Californian Zinfandel. It is still grown on low, individual, bush-like training systems that create robust, fruity and strongly spicy red wines.

I have to admit I'm not sure whether this wine is made in Sicily or Puglia. If anyone has any info, please inform us.

5 wines by Cameron Hughes, Then Dinner With Old and New Brunellos

What follows is a post to the snooth.com website made by Gregory Dal Piaz, regarding a tasting of 5 new wines by Cameron Hughes, then a great Italian dinner at Il Corso paired with a half dozen or so bottles of old and new Brunello's di Montalcinio and Chianti's:

The start with Cameron Hughes and the end with Vin Santo

by Gregory Dal Piaz


I had a great afternoon on Sunday as I met with Eric Guido and Dave Trieger in the Snooth conference room to try a line-up from Cameron Hughes. I was really interested in these wines and glad I ended up popping them on Sunday, since I was fortunate to have the time on Monday to go through them again... and as well as they showed on Sunday, they were singing by Monday night.

Just briefly the line-up included;

The "fruit bomb" Campo de Borja that was ok but I can see it being a crowd pleaser
http://www.snooth.com/wine/cameron-hughes-grenache-campo-de-borja-lot-98-2007/

The tough, austere Tempranillo that exploded in the glass by day 2
http://www.snooth.com/wines/cameron%20campo/#cameron+tempranillo:1:0:0:125:sr

The effusively good old vine zin that everyone liked, and I do mean everyone
http://www.snooth.com/wine/lot-86-lodi-zin-80-year-old-vines-2006/

The easy going, soft and plummy Meritage that stayed the course over 2 days
http://www.snooth.com/wine/cameron-hughes-lot-72-napa-valley-meritage-2005/

The classic Napa Cabernet, rugged yet polished with excellent cellaring potential, a killer value!
http://www.snooth.com/wine/cameron-hughes-lot-72-napa-valley-meritage-2005/

We then went out for a great dinner and met up with Dave's friend Allen, and Ben Goldberg for a fine repast including Tuscan delights!

We began with a pair from Chianti, the 1990 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico and the San Giusto a Rentennano Chainti Classcio Riserva.
http://www.snooth.com/wine/badia-a-coltibuono-chianti-classico-1990/
http://www.snooth.com/wine/san-giusto-rentennano-chianti-classico-riserva-1990/

The Riserva was a finer wine, fleshier and rounder though the Badia a Coltibuono was just so ready, so transparent and peaking that I found it irresistible. I have a soft spot for catching wines at their peak and it was an itch that this bottle scratched!

We followed these up with a pair of Brunello;

http://www.snooth.com/wine/col-dorcia-brunello-di-montalcino-1990/
http://www.snooth.com/wine/azienda-agricola-la-torre-brunello-di-montalcino-2001/

The Col d'Orcia was beautiful, almost fully resolved with remarkable freshness and detail, a bottle I could spend all day with. The La Torre on the other hand had just entered it's drinking window and should ultimately prove to be a better bottle than the Col d'Orcia, in some 10 years or so. Perfectly rich and ripe with great balance and structure it was a delight to try.

We ended the reds with a pair of youngsters, both still in the flush of youth.
http://www.snooth.com/wine/fattoria-dei-barbi-brunello-di-montalcino-riserva-2003/
http://www.snooth.com/wine/nando-chianti-classico-riserva-2004-3/

Both still benefited from the ample baby fat of youthful fruit, The Nando was a rich, oaky, fruit filled Chianti destined for early consumption while the Barbi offered good depth in a difficult vintage with just a touch of the tough tannins that so many wines of the vintage carry.

Finally with a nice array of dessert we shared a bottle of Vin Santo
http://www.snooth.com/wine/felsina-vin-santo-1990/

It was a gorgeous wine, rich yet balanced, complex yet fresh, absolutely smashingly good and much better than my last bottle. The finish was both lingering and ethereal. Hauntingly good stuff and worth the admittedly high tariff.

And that was it, the end to another Snooth dinner. Intimate and friendly, joining friends new and old. I enjoyed the wines, the discussions and the chance to spend some time with fellow Snooth members.

Until the next time...

Cheers,

Greg

CHAMARRE NOUVEAU UNCORKED AT AZZA LOUNGE

Wednesday, November 12, 2008, NYC.

The first official bottles were delivered to the event by horse and carriage in commemoration of the old tradition for Beaujolais Nouveau. It is one of the most popular wines in France, normally made from Gamay grapes and fermented for just a few weeks then officially released for sale on the third Wednesday of November. Chamarre slightly twists the concept with a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Syrah from different regions of France.

I had the pleasure of sharing a glass (or three) with the President/CEO of OWS, Hubert Surville. He gave me a brief history of the company and how they were able to take advantage of the new French wine appellation, "Vin de Pays Vignobles de France" which allows blending across regions. Founder Pascal Renaudat and winemaker Renaud Rosari have access to sources from cooperatives across the country and now can blend the best of each.

Evoking earthy, fruity aromas, along with flavors of cherries, bananas and strawberries and a nice roundness. There is a common thread relating this Nouveau to other style Chamarre wines.

Valdo Extra Dry Prosecco

Prosecco, the Italian version of champagne is not made by the methode champenoise in which the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in its own bottle, instead it happens in large, pressurized tanks.

Straw colored, with aromas like a fresh loaf of bread and, well, grapes... and flavors of grapefruit, melon, apple, stretching into a refreshing finish. We paired this with chicken topped with sauce of red curry and coconut milk, on couscous with sauteed broccoli.

Cameron Hughes Wine

This past Sunday Greg Dal Piaz from snooth.com had a sampling of some of the new Cameron Hughes wines. Here's their website's mission statement:

With an obsession for quality and innovation, Cameron Hughes Wine, founded by Cameron Hughes and partner Jessica Kogan, is dedicated to building a reputation for delivering the best domestic and international wine values in the marketplace today. Our focus is on buying at the high-end, small available 'Lots' of super premium wine. Because not all wine at the high-end is bottled, we rescue those 'Lots' do some stylistic blending and get it to you at a great price.

Our company produces and markets wine under Cameron Hughes Lot Series, Hughes-Wellman, RockRidge, and Evergreen. We do not own vineyards or ferment wine. Our business model is built around what we call in the industry the “spot” market for super/ultra premium bulk wines. Essentially, what this means in plain English is that we eliminate the middlemen. We use our own palates as guides to deliver delicious, super premium wine that is easily accessible price and style-wise.

Our company is founded on the concept that excellent wine should be available at a value price. We know that it’s hard for the wine lover to know how to navigate the scores, prices and hype about wine out there. By working with vineyards around the globe we bring our customers the finest values and new exciting wines that give them the unique status of truly being "wine insiders."

Sounds to me like a way to get really good wines for very low prices. I believe if purchased by the case (mixed) the average price per bottle is $10. I had the chance to try 5 red wines from Cameron Hughes new "LOTS":

Lot 98, a 2007 Campo De Borja 60% Grenache/30% Syrah/10% Mourvedre blend from Spain: 14% alcohol, jammy acohol on the nose, palate of cherries, pepper, black fruits and oak, mild tannins.

Lot 93, a 2004 Tempranillo from Spain: Deep purple, ultra fruity nose very nice aromas of violets and flowers and red cherries/ red fruit on the palate, really nice.

Lot 86, a 2006 Lodi Zinfandel from California: Nose: warm, wood, jammy on the sweet side of dry, juicy and chewy, also very nice.

Lot 72, a 2005 Meritage from California: Nose: sweet, earthy aromas with a Bordeaux model.

Lot 75, a 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa California:, Nose: oak, Fig Newtons (Eric G called it), raisins, slightly bitter on the palate.

All were very good, my 2 standout favorites were the Spanish Tempranillo and the California Zinfandel.

BEST WAY TO SAVE MONEY EATING OUT

BYOB.
(bring your own bottle)

With the economy in the state it's in, I find myself doing it more and more. Many restaurants in NYC mark up a bottle of wine by 100%, and that's OK, I understand a guy's got to make a living. BUT... I found one of my everyday Sicilian Nero D'Avolas (that I buy in my local wine shop for under $10) going for over $45 in a restaurant. Now that's just not right.

So here are a few guidelines and suggestions regarding BYOB's:

Some restaurants waive the corkage fee, and if they do it's generally a good idea to give the waiter/waitress a good tip.

But if you do have to pay a corkage fee, the range is usually from $10-30. And that's still saving you money.

You should also call in advance to make sure the bottle your bringing is not on that particular restaurant's wine list.

Some restaurants may have a "maximum" number of bottles you may bring in, once you go over that number you must buy from the wine list.

cent'anni

Fattoria Dei Barbi Morellino Di Scansano 2005 DOC

©2008 photo by Jill Ortenberg

The Colombini family has owned property in Brunello di Montalcino since 1352, and they established Fattoria dei Barbi there in 1790.

Medium weight and bright ruby colors decorate this Morellino Di Scansano from Tuscany's Montalcino area. The first aromas are apparent immediately in a verdant dense forest, mushrooms and barnyard, then on the palate comes the sour cherry. Slightly tannic, but opening nicely within a hour or so with a finish of raisins and cola.

Italian Wine Series: Part 4-The Wines of Campania: Lava Beneventano Aglianico 2006 IGT

The first thing I think about when I hear Campania is Aglianico. Being Southern Italy's signature grape, it was first brought from Greece over 2,000 years ago. It makes for a strong wine with an almost royal character.

Lava Beneventano Aglianico 2006 IGT

Grown in the lava-rich soil created by the eruption of mount Vesuvius, this wine reflects the minerality and unique flavors of the Campania region. The colors are a very dark, deep, opaque violet/ruby... on the nose displaying earth and black fruit, and firm tannins. On the palate hidden just below the surface, float hints of leather and mocha. The finish leaves white pepper or chalk on the back of the tongue and sour cherries. I'm amazed at the layers of aroma and flavor unfolding as I drink this interesting red wine. Found this at The Wine Room of Forest Hills.

Cote De Loach Zinfandel 2006 California

I have to admit I really haven't tried many Zinfandels, and enjoyed this one from the Russian River Valley. The color is a translucent dark ruby, and on the nose I'm getting warm, ripe red berries with violets and a hint of nutty oak. On the palate I get spices, nutmeg and cinnamon with a mild sweetness that rounds out the whole package very well, and finishes with a good balance of acidity and soft tannins. 14.5% alcohol. Works very nicely with red meats or cheeses. Another good value from The Wine Room at $11.99.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Sweetbreads: Is it brains or thyroid gland?

Don't bother answering, I know (it's thyroid), because I lost the bet.

It was back in the 80's and I was at a restaurant with friends, and the wager was a bottle of the wine we were drinking, a 1973 (or 74) Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Whichever it was, it was incredible, but it was really a chore trying to find it. At the time there were less wines available and even fewer wine shops. I did finally get in touch with Robert Mondavi's daughter Marcia and she was very accommodating, but there were no bottles of the wine to be had. Alas, I had to repay the bet with a wine of equal value.

Recently a new friend of mine, Greg Dal Piaz, from snooth.com invited me to a vertical tasting of some of the Mondavi wines from that period. I am so looking forward to the experience because even though I couldn't describe the aromas or flavors I experienced 20+ years ago... I know after one sip I'll recognize them, like a long-lost, old friend.

Organic Wine & Cheese Pairing (continued)

Last Saturday Dan Olson hosted an Organic Wine & Cheese Pairing at The Wine Room of Forest Hills.

Here are the reds continued from previous post:


Cuma Malbec. Argentina. Rich ruby color with full bouquet of boysenberry, blueberries and oak. Dry and full bodied with spicy cherry flavors.

paired with

Les Freres. Crave Brothers. Pasteurized cow's milk. Soft, washed and rind cheese developed in the Irish-French Style. Earthy, hints of bacon, wonderfully gooey.


Natura Carmenere. Chile. Deep crimson, hints of chocolate, cherry and cinnamon on the nose with powerful, velvety flavor and lingering aftertaste.

paired with

Snow White Goat Cheddar. Carr Valley. Creamy, white, cave-aged 6 months. Sharp, tangy with hints of citrus. 2nd place 2007, Best in Show 2008, American Cheese Society Competition


Luzon Verde Monastrell. Spain. Dark colored, full bouquet of dried ripe fruits, currants, cherries and raisins. Full in the mouth with a spicy flavor of berries, oak, toast and nuts.

paired with

Sole Gran Queso. Roth Kase. Pasteurized cow's milm. Small batches imitating Manchego. Cellared six months. Dry yet smooth texture with initial sharpness and sweet finish. 2008 American Cheese Society Winner.

Brunello Fellows Vote Status Quo

News from Tuscany is that Gaja and other producers voted to keep the rules in place for Brunello standards, namely that they must be made with 100% Sangiovese grapes. It's also alleged they voted that way ONLY because the vote was public and their intentions are to be able to blend whatever they like and still call it Brunello.

I realize these guys are businessmen and they have to think about the big picture and the bottom line. But I would like to think (perhaps naively) that they are craftsmen or even artists first. What probably got them where they are today is the attention to detail and passion for wine that they've exhibited over the years.

So why are they now so fixated on the gearing their wines to the American palate? There's nothing wrong with change, but if it ain't broke....

Chateau Cadillac Bordeaux 2004

Chateau Cadillac Bordeaux 2004 smooth cherries, nice... first impressions sent via twitter... more to come.

Here's more... made from 70% Merlot with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and a 12.5% alcohol content, this Bordeaux is aged in oak barrels for 12 months on one of the oldest properties in all of Bordeaux. Dark ruby red and medium-bodied with aromas of red berries, licorice, spice and white pepper. On the palate there are flavors of cherries, mocha and vanilla, and cedar finishing with smooth silky tannins. $21.

Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro La Planta Ribera del Duero Tempranillo Spain 2007

This Tempranillo by Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro from Ribera del Duero in Spain 2007 ... wafts of smoky bubble gum, toasted wood, jammy, dusty, cola and very fruit forward. Had this one at a new Turkish wine bar called Pierre Loti on Irving and around 17th street. It was $46 a bottle but can probably buy retail at around $10. This will be my first entry via twitter.

Organic Wine & Cheese Pairing

This past Saturday Dan Olson hosted an Organic Wine & Cheese Pairing at The Wine Room of Forest Hills. There were amazing pairings of six wines (three white and three red picked by Gary Grunner for The Wine Room) with six cheeses (Dan had help from cheesemonger, Leah Juhl). All of the cheeses were made in Wisconsin, Dan's home state, and from Murray's Cheese Shop, while the wines were from Spain, Chile, Argentina, and Washington.

Mike Jett and his band provided the musical background while Carolina from The Wine Room made her rounds to make sure everything was going smoothly.

Try these combinations (I'll list the whites on this post... stay tuned for the reds!):

Cuma Torrontes (Argentina) Perfumed bouquet of peaches, apricots and tropical fruit. Light dry and crisp with a delicate finish.

paired with

Dante. Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Cooperative, Sheeps milk, dry, firm, aged minimum 6 months. Rich, nutty flavor with hints of hazelnuts and spices. 2008 American Cheese Society Award Winner.

Natura Chardonnay Chile Pale yellow with an aroma and flavor of citrus, toast, butter, fruit and plenty of apples and pears. Great long finish.

paired with

Pleasant Ridge Reserve Upland Creamery Raw cow's milk in traditional French Alpine method. Firm, subtle yet complex flavors that change with the season. Nutty, milky flavors, long finish. 2008 American Cheese Society Award Winner.

Badger Mountain Reisling (Washington state) Lemon colored with perfumed aroma of spicy apples and fruit salad. Off-dry and quite pleasing with a crisp, lime flavored finish and minerally aftertaste.

paired with

Black River Blue Cheese. North Henderson Cheese Coop. Pasteurized cow's milk. Classic from an 80 year old company. Lovely soft texture complements the intense blue. An all around blue good for everything.

10 HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS FOR A WINE-GEEK

1. Bunch of Grapes (could be x-rated depending on where you put them on your body)
2. Bottle of Wine
3. Grape stomper (paint feet purple, and I might use this one)
4. Corkscrew
5. Grapevines
6. Wine Barrel
7. Cork
8. Wine Glass
9. Phylloxera
10. Wine Box

...please add to the list if you like.

Faustino VII Rioja 2005 with whole wheat pasta

This lively red from Rioja, Spain, 50% Tempranillo and 50% Garnacha, is a light red color with intensely fruity aromas and vanilla, and velvety cherry flavors and smooth slightly spicy finish. Again, this wine is very fruit forward but so smooth and light, an excellent food wine. I paired it with whole wheat pasta, steamed broccoli, prosciutto and (toasted) pignoli nuts with grated locatelli cheese.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Winemaker notes:
In 1861 Eleuterio Martinez Arzok set out on a journey, selling his Rioja wines direct from the barrel, working from the back of a horse-drawn cart. Thus began Bodegas Faustino, today Spain’s largest producer of Reserva and Gran Reserva Rioja wines. In the late 1950s, Eleuterio’s equally adventurous descendant, Faustino Martinez, launched the Faustino label. Source of over 25% of all Reserva and Gran Reserva Riojas sold abroad, Faustino is a proud custodian of the Rioja’s international reputation for world-class wines. A phenomenal nine million bottles of Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are stored in Faustino’s magnificent cellars.

Production Area
Grapes are harvested exclusively from Faustino estate vineyards in Spain’s Rioja region.

Vinification
It is aged 10 months in oak casks and in bottle for 6 months prior to its release.

Alcohol
12.5

Raul Calvo Tinto Roble Ribera Del Duero 2004

This red wine is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes from the Ribera Del Duero region of Spain... my wife bought this bottle at a charity auction for $5 and I was blown away by how good it was.

The color is a deep dark violet with intense floral aromas, bright black currants, and earth.

The palate is exploding with extremely ripe cherries and toasted oak, and a smooth tannic finish that reminds me very much of a Nero D'Avola from Sicily called Firriato Chiaramonte.

If I could find more of this wine I would be so happy.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Dinner with New (snooth) Friends

(originally posted on snooth.com by the author)

I'm fairly new to snooth, but since the beginning of 2008 I founded a wine blog and website and having a great time doing it. Had the opportunity to share dinner and some great wines (thanks to Greg Dal Piaz) with a small group of snoothians this past week. There was a chef, a lawyer, and a commercial artist, (but all with extreme interest in wines) exchanging notes with a super wine-geek.. a pretty diverse group.

Conversation ranged from "The new Great Depression" to "where can I get a wine fridge, cheap?" to "what's your favorite everyday wine?". We also talked about what snooth is (for one thing a HUGE wine database), and what we'd like to see it become.

And last but not least... the wines. Greg opened 3 beautiful California reds for us:

Joseph Phelps Backus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1985... extremely nice balance and beautifully smooth... my favorite.

Laurel Glen Sonoma 1985 Cabernet (blended w merlot & Cab Franc, I think) ...2nd favorite with cherries and herbs.

Fife Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon 1995... some heavy tannins on the nose but on the palate it sings with notes of licorice and white pepper.

It was a pleasure to meet you guys.

Dave Trieger

Italian Wine Series: Part 3-The Wines of Calabria

Calabria

Italian Wine Series: Part 3-The Wines of Calabria

Regions:
Cosenza
Crotone
Catanzaro
Vibo-Valentia
Reggio-Calabria

The Greeks seem to have been the first to introduce the wine grape varieties and winemaking techniques to Calabria. The indigenous people became so adept in the art of vine cultivation and fermentation that soon the wines produced in the colony were considered better than the ones made in Greece. The area was then called Enotria or Land of Wine.

Following are DOC regions:

Bianco- The DOC of Greco di Bianco is one of the few predominant white wine regions in Calabria. The area produces most sweet wine from the Greco Bianco grape that have alcohol contents of at least 17%. The wines are typically produced as straw wines with the grapes being partially dried prior to pressing and fermentation. Greco di Bianco is characterized by a deep amber color and aromas of citrus and herbs.

Bivongi-The DOC of Bivongi is one of Calabria's newest DOCs and produces red and rosé wines from blends of Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Nocera, Castiglione and Calabrese. The few white wines made in this region are dry wines made from a blend of Greco Bianco, Guardavalle, Mantonico Bianco, Malvasia Bianca and Ansonica as well as up to 30% of other available white grape varieties.

Donnici- The Domnici DOC is located south of Cosenza on the wester slopes of the the La Sila plateau. The production is mainly red wine made from Gaglioppo with some blending of Greco Nero and Mantonico Nero.

Isola di Capo Rizzuto- The DOC of Sant'Anna di Isola di Capo Rizzuto is located south of commune of Melissa. The region was once an island but overtime the marshland around it filled in and connected the region to the mainland. The DOC produces dry red and rosé wines from Gaglioppo, Nocera, Nerello Mascalese (and the related Nerello Cappuccio), and up to 35% of added Malvasia and Greco Bianco.

Lamezia Terme- The DOC of Lamezia is located on the plains and hill side regions around the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia near the Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte along the Tyrrhenian Sea. The region is very warm, allowing the grapes to fully ripen and develop body and alcohol levels. The region produces red and rosé wines from Gaglioppo, Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Greco Nero, Magliocco and Marsigliana. The white wines from the region are made from Greco Bianco, Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano.

Melissa-The Melissa DOC is located south of Cirò and produces wines of similar style, though not with the same international reputation of quality. The red wine grapes of the region are the Gaglioppo and Greco Nera with some blending of the white wine grapes Greco Bianco, Malvasia Bianca and Trebbiano.

Pollino- The Pollino DOC is named for the nearby mountain range that forms part of the Apennines. Located near the border with Basilicata, the region produces pale, cherry red wines that need 2-3 years to develop. The wines are made primarily with Gaglioppo and Greco Nero with up to 20% of white grape varieties permitted in the blend.

San Vito di Luzzi- The DOC of San Vito di Luzzi is located in the hamlet of San Vito near the commune of Luzzi. The red and rosé wines from this region are produced with Gaglioppo, Malvasia Nera, Greco Nero and Sangiovese. The white wines are produced from Malvasia Bianca, Greco Bianco and up to 40% of other local white wine varieties.

Savuto- The Savuto DOC is located south of the Donnici region in mountainous terrain that stretches to the coast. The vineyards located closer to the interior are cooler than other parts of Calabria, producing wines with lower alcohol levels. The red and rosé wines from this region are produced with Gaglioppo, Greco Nero, Nerello Cappuccio, Magliocco, Sangiovese and up to 25% of the white wine grapes Malvasia Bianca and Pecorello.

Scavigna- The Scavigna DOC is located south of Savuto on the western coast of Calabria. The dry red and rosé wines from this region are made with at least 60% Gaglioppo and Nerello Cappuccio with a blend of other local red wine varieties. The white wines are blend of Trebbiano, Chardonnay, Greco Bianco and Malvasia Bianca.

Verbicaro- The DOC are of the Verbicaro region are located in the Pollino foothills, west of Pollino DOC region and extends to the Tyrrhenian coast. The dry dry red and rosé wines from this region are made from Gaglioppo and Greco Nero with a small amount of the white wine grapes Greco Bianco, Malvasia Bianca and Guarnaccia Bianca blended in. Those same white grapes also produces the limited amount of Verbicaro Bianco.

(Wikepedia)

10 good wines for Under $10... wines for the NEW GREAT DEPRESSION

Here is a list of 10 good wines, mostly Italian, that you can get for under $10 a bottle:

Monte Antico Toscano 2004 IGT Italy
Colosi Sicilia Rosso Nero D’Avola 2005
Santa Carolina Reserva Carmenere 2006 Chile
Straccali Sangiovese Di Toscana 2004 IGT Italy
Bodegas Zabrin Garnacha de Fuego Old Vines 2006 Spain
Casal Thaulero Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2006 DOC Italy
Fattoria di Bibbiani Poggio Vignoso Chianti 2005 DOCG Italy
Rocca Delle Macie Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 (375 ML) Italy
Rocca Delle Macie Rubizzo Sangiovese di Toscana 2006 IGT Italy
Rocca Delle Macie Campomaccione Morellino Di Scansano DOC 2006 Italy

artiCHoke CHicken CHardonnay CHile

Here is Montes Classic Series Chardonnay in a 2007 vintage, from Curico Valley in Chile. Fermented in 75% American Oak and 25% stainless steel with colors of pale golden green, and scents of buttery pineapple and tropical fruits. On the palate is a fresh fruitiness (some lychee and ginger) mixed with vanilla ice cream.

While I watch Game 1 of the World Series I'm pairing this Chard with grilled breast of chicken, artichoke hearts and couscous with pesto sauce. Damn good... and $12 a bottle.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger

Boscaini Marano Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2000

This red wine from Veneto is a Valpolicella with light weight and a pale ruby color. On the nose is a fragrant cherry with mild glycerine aromas and on the palate waves of ripe fruit. It finishes with a silkiness that leaves me with a feeling of balance and maturity. It has a very mild alcohol content of 12% and it's in the $14 range. This is a good wine to pair with pastas, pork or poultry and is an excellent value.