Mano a Vino

Domaine Gilbert Picq Chablis - Amanti Vino June Goda Wine Club Selection

I was excited receive two good looking white wines this month, a Chablis and a dry Riesling.

I have always loved Chablis, a wine with a very long history. First planted by the Romans over 16 centuries ago, it is made of Chardonnay grapes that thrive in the terroir of this beautiful region of Burgundy, France.

Chablis was the US white wine of choice in the 70's but as the wine production has evolved over the years the wines of Chablis have been overshadowed by the New World expressions of the Chardonnay varietal. I still prefer the classic nature of Chablis.

Domaine of Gilbert Picq et Ses Fils is a wonderful, small, yet up-and-coming producer of this fine wine.

Hob Nob Pinot Noir

Wouldn't you know it. I find a cheap Pinot Noir I like and it turns out to be the last bottle in New Jersey.

During our trip to Flemington, NJ we stopped by Little Brothers Beverage Outlet.

I was originally drawn there because they had an incredible price on the Majito Zinfandel Panorama Blend, which I love, but I was out of luck they were sold out. 

I picked up a dozen wines to try including this one called Hob Nob Pinot Noir which I opened with some delicious Chinese take-out, from T.S. Ma.

Languedoc Roussillon Wine

Languedoc Roussillon is an area of France that I have paid very little attention to, luckily the great French wine importer Cynthia Hurley has. My friend John Finkel owner of Magnolia's Wine and Spirits recommend this Cynthia Hurley import, Ancestrale, Saint Chinian,  2005 from Domaine Des Jougla.

It is a delicious wine from start to finish.

Bargain Bordeaux Wines

Bordeaux is the land of the most exquisite and most expensive wines in the world.

Yet since 2005, which ended up being one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages of the last 100 years, and by some accounts since 2001, Bordeaux has been suffering from a glut of product and world competition. In some cases this has resulted in wine makers digging up vineyards and turning excess wine into ethanol.

Top tier French wines still prevail on the high end of the market. But some producers and Negociants are competing globally by producing lower cost good Bordeaux wines.

Here are two I tried recently.

Montclair French Wine Tasting

New Jersey Chapter of Women for Winesense present "A Night in France" taking place in Montclair.

Wednesday, Sep 24, 2008 - 7:15 PM until 9:30 PM

Restaurant Passione

77 Walnut Street Montclair, NJ  Register Here

Cuvee de Pena - Good Inexpensive French Red Wine

Cuvee de Pena is a "Vin De Pays" (country wine), a step in the French wine classification which is above table wine, produced in Pyrénées-Orientales in the South of France near the border of Spain.

It is imported by Hand Picked Selections, who Robert Parker says is "Perhaps the top importer in the United States for specializing in wines that sell for less than $10."

Burgundy Wines in Wayne, NJ

If you happen to be near Wayne, NJ today, don't miss this special tasting.

This Saturday at Gary's Wines new store in Wayne

Join us him to taste the wines of Thierry Pillot of Domaine Paul Pillot

Terre de Neptune Picpoul - Wine Discovery

I was at Frog and Peach in New Brunswick, NJ today for the presentation of the EdibleJersey Local Heros awards.

While there i disovered a new wine, a new grape, that is very worthy. This always makes me happy.

The wine is 2006 Terre de Neptune Picpoul. A perfect wine for summer or all year round. It is a rather rare wine, produced only in the province of Languedoc.

Thanksgiving Wines

T'day is right around the corner.

Here are some suggestions on wine to serve on this special day.

But before you read on please promise that you will take a moment this year with your family and friends to share sincere expressions of gratitude for all that we have to be thankful for.

A Great Wine Store in Boonton

In the valley below the hilltown of Boonton, NJ lies a great wine store called Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars.

Ok I admit I am waxing poetic, but tooling my Saturn Sky up the steep drive into Boonton I couldn't help but reminisce of rides into Panzano, a hilltown in Tuscany, in our Alfa Romeo.

Boonton is a charming with many cafes and pubs. That's Panzano on the right. Boonton is below.

Liquor Outlet Wine Cellars is away from Main Street in a warehouse and factory area on Myrtle Avenue, close to Interstate Route 287. It stood out as a bright oasis.