Wine, Beer and Restaurant Reviews

Two Very Special Wines For Spring and Summer Sipping. South African Chenin Blanc & Austrian Gruner Veltliner

We chose these two wines for a recent wedding party we sommeliered*. The bride was buying the wine and we had not actually tasted these before, our research was positive, and they turned out to be exceptional.

I find that, while relatively unknown here in the US, Chenin Blanc & Gruner Veltliner have universal appeal. Everyone loves these wines.

ECCOCIWINE, New World, Old World, or the Best of Both

When I envision wines from Spain I usually think Old World, yes there are a number of forward thinking winemakers that bring a New World perspective to the wines of Spain. But, when I see La Rioja, Castile and León, Aragon and so on, I picture castles and old Marquis and Countesses, ancient wine cellars and traditions. I love the old world culture.

In the picturesque north east corner of Catalonia, not far from the French border is the province of Girona, a place with a long history in wine. Here an exciting new vineyard Eccociwine is making wines that wake me right up from my nostalgic slumber. Wines with qualities that embrace the best of both worlds and an enchanting mix of French and Spanish viniculture.

Aria Wine Bar NYC, Ombre e Cicchetti at a new favorite in Greenwich Village

ARIA is open for business again, after the storm. Applausi, Congratulazioni....

Tanya Hira's exceptional wine bar, Arai, has become our new favorite downtown wine bar. Her international wine list consists only of wine by women wine makers or directors and it is exceptional.

We love Tonya's other two places Xai Xai and Braai up on 51st street and have been meaning to get here for some time. We drank a lot of wine and had a little food. We're looking forward to getting back soon to taste more wine and some of the very tempting dishes on the menu. What they call Ombre e Cicchetti . A Venetian custom of the  “ombra” (a glass of wine)…that you just can have without some cicchetti…"small snacks or side dishes." We learned a lot more about this on a recent trip to Italy.

Arrivederci Estate, Goodbye Summer, with a Toast and a Perfect Dinner

Well this is it, last day, last evening, of the wonderful summer of 2012. We toast and say goodbye with some wonderful "Italian" wine from Barboursville Virginia and a delightful summer feast.

We of course started with a cocktail.

Virginia Wine Country – Barboursville Vineyard - Virginian History Meets Italian Tradition

In August of last year we toured the Virginia wine country surrounding Charlottesville. It was a beautiful introduction to many of the fine vineyards there.  I just realized a couple of days ago that I never wrote about one of our favorites Barboursville Vineyard.

It is a perfect time to share our experience as October is a great time to visit Virginia. On the weekend of October 27th and 28th Barboursville is hosting their annual Autumn Barrel Tasting, an event not to be missed.

Thank You Stacey - Dinner Tonight Was Fabulous

My good friend Stacey, AKA Stacey Snacks, posted this recipe Summer Pleasures: Grilled Squash w/ Burrata & Olive Puree that Diana made for dinner tonight. Wow.

We accompanied the dish with a grilled Balsamic Chicken Breast and a lovely Grillo from Tenuta Rapitala in Scilli.

Now I've Seen Everything - Volere Wine-In-Purse - No Need to Pack a Flask Anymore

 

Ok, here is a great way to sneek some wine onto the beach, senior prom, or just show at your next party "fully loaded."

Volere wines has just launched their ‘wine-in-purse’ filled with Volere Pinot Grigio, Volere Rose, and Volere Merlot Pinot/Noir.

A Perfect Summer Dinner with a Vino Called Falerio by Saladini Pilastri, Actually Being in Italy, is Really The Only Thing That Could Have Made It Better

By Saturday evening the rain storms had passed but the cooler air remained. It was a perfect summer evening for dining al fresco.

We made a wonderful Italian dinner and I happened to have just the wine to pair with it. 

The wine called Falerio from the vineyard of Count Saladini Pilastri, embodies all that is so truly exquisite in Italian white wines.