Manoavino Taste!

Santa Rita, Carmenere, Medalla Real, Chile Ascending

Carmenere, like Malbec, was once a thriving wine grape in the Bordeaux region of France, but it was all but destroyed in the plague of 1867. Happily it has found an exciting new life in the fertile valleys of Chile.  It is fabulous fruit that makes rich, intriguing wines that are so very drinkable.

Santa Rita is one of Chile’s oldest vineyards, founded in 1880, over the last 30 years it has aspired into one of South America’s greatest wineries, one that is world known.

Having enjoyed Santa Rita’s “120” entry level wines on many occasions, you can find them everywhere, I was excited to have the opportunity to experience some of the winery’s higher echelon wines. We are tasting three priced between $20 and $70.

The Wine: Santa Rita Medalla Real Carmenere Grand Riserve 2009

The Food: A classic international American home cooked meal

The Place: Santa Rita began in the beautiful Maipo Valley and has grown with vineyards in the varied terroirs of Apalta, Casablanca, Rapel, Leyda and Curic. Which means the wine makers here can offer you a tantalizing diversity of wines to enjoy.

This Year's Favorite Fall Wine, Dolcetto

This Year’s Favorite Fall Wine is Dolcetto.

Truth be told my favorite fall wine certainly changes from year to year, but this year I am loving a wine I think is perfect for this season.

Fall is a beautiful transitional time, where we cherish lingering summer days and excitedly anticipate the late crops of the season at our farmers market. At the same time we are stoking ourselves up to endure the coming winter months. This year I am really enjoying a wine very well suited to foster this annual transition, Dolcetto.

Ariane Kitchen and Bar, a First Taste, Exceptional of Course

We are big fans of chef Ariane Duarte and were so excited when we heard news of her opening a new type of place after years of success at CulinAriane. We rushed to Ariane Kitchen and Bar a couple of days after they opened, enjoyed cocktails, some wine and small plates at the bar. AKB is everything we hoped for!

The Wine: Three from an exceptional wine by the glass list.

The Food: Delightful small plates and one badass burger

The Place: The new and exciting Ariane Kitchen and Bar – AKB – in Verona, NJ.

Villalobos brings Fabulous Nouveau Mexicano Cuisine and an Exciting Hip Scene to Montclair

The hip, electric ambiance of Villalobos, "wolf estate", is the perfect setting for Chef Adam Rose’s superbly creative nouveau Mexicano cuisine. His food has a vibrance that so delights the palate it deserves a vivid stage.

The Wine: A Unique Negroni Sangria

The Food: A Thrilling Tasting Menu

The Place: Villalobos, Montclair NJ, I think…

As you step in, you’ll probably feel like you landed in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, maybe Uptown, Minneapolis, or some other haven of hipness and culinary artistry. Know that soon you will be enjoying the best Mexican food that ever touched your lips.

You Know We Love Cocktails - Visit Our Newest Blog - 100 Negronis, A Quest to Discover, Craft & Taste 100 Unique

A Quest to Discover, Craft & Taste 100 Unique Negroni Cocktails

Nerello Mascalese a Wine from Sicily You're Likely to Love

Many a vista in Sicily spans grape vines for as wide as the eye can see. Wonderful wines are made there like this delightful Nerello Mascalese that we discovered at Donato Yannitelli’s astute wine and spirits shop in the the neighborly village of Cold Spring, NY.

The Wine: Branciforti Nerello Mascalese of Feudi Bordonaro

The Food: Goodness from the Cold Spring Farmers Market

The Places: Between Mount Erice and the Egadi islands, Sicily, Cold Spring, NY and Home.

Wine for Pasta and Meatballs?

Well almost any everyday Italian red will do, but if you want to make the meal spectacular try something like these two wines from Piemonte.

The Wine: Two well priced Nebbiolos, a Barbaresco and a Barolo $$$

The Food: Simple but very well prepared, Pasta and Meatballs

Places: Friends home in Little Falls, two famous Italian wine regions of Piedmont worth exploring.

Want Great Wine? Find a Great Wine Merchant!

We always advise, if you want great wine, especially if you are new to the game, to find a great wine merchant. Someone who will listen, understand your taste, and offer a bottle or three that will fit your budget and occasion. May we recommend Hortense Bernard.

The Wine: Three Fabulous Bordeauxs

The Food: Delightful Small Bites by Craig Hopkins, Chef, Beautique

The Places: Bordeaux, FR; Millesima NY on the Upper East Side & Beautique, NYC.