Menu for July-August
Wines by the Glass
Naveran 2007 Cava
I adore Cava. There’s just something about all those bubbles that just screams “PARTY”. I don’t mean party like it’s 1999, I mean celebrate, appreciate, give thanks. So relax, breath and have a glass of Cava.
Bottle 24. Glass 7.
LIOCO 2009 Chardonnay Sonoma
Maybe I’m jaded, but it takes an extraordinary wine to get me hyped up about California Chardonnay. Well folks, I can honestly say LIOCO is that wine. This is 100% unoaked Sonoma Chardonnay that’s harvested early to retain a natural acidity. The wine has beautiful lemon peel and tangerine elements along with a deliciously creamy finish.
Bottle 28. Quartino 10.25 Glass 7.
Argiolas 2008 Costamolino
Sicilian wines may be all the rage internationally, but the wines from Sardinia are not far behind in popularity. This is another ancient wine growing region with indigenous grape varietals. Vermentino is the grape and it produces a wine hard to compare with anything else. It’s very crisp and somewhat light, but has a signature aromatic quality said to come from the herbs that grow wild on the island. There is also a distinct saline quality of this Sardinian wine that pairs well with all sorts of fish, shellfish and many vegetable dishes.
Bottle 23. Quartino 8.75 Glass 6.
Mercer Estates 2008 Riesling
This Washington State producer is a collaboration between the Mercer and Hogue family, both long time farmers in the Yakima Valley. If you are thinking super sweet German Riesling, think again. Mercer’s version is tangy with juicy apricot, lemon zest, and fresh ginger flavors. It’s the ultimate summertime refreshment.
Bottle 22. Quartino 8. Glass 5.5
Mas de Bressades 2009 Rosé Costière de Nimes
If there is one rosé I could drink all year round, Mas de Bressades would be the one. Full of beautiful strawberry and floral elements and a restrained elegance, the cuvée is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. I’ve found it’s a wonderful aperitif and pairs nicely with grilled fish, garlic and just about any fresh vegetable dish.
Bottle 21. Quartino 7.75 Glass 5.25
Kathyrn Kennedy Winery 2006 Lateral
Kathyrn Kennedy was a true pioneer, planting 8 acres of vines in the Santa Cruz mountains in 1973. Kathryn passed away in 2009, but her son, Marty Mathis, has taken over and preserved the traditions of the winery. Lateral is a Bordeaux-styled blend of 54% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec. The wine is made in a very food friendly style. It is rich and extracted with beautiful black cherry fruit, silky tannins and long, luxurious finish.
Bottle 47. Quartino 14. Glass 9.5
Volver 2007 Tempranillo
This delicious 100% Tempranillo from La Mancha will be just the wine to get you through those last few days of work before your summer vacation. The lushly textured wine is full of dark cherry fruit with soft tannins, made for an American palate, but with a distinct Spanish vibe. Think Napa Cabernet made with Tempranillo. You might consider watching the Spanish film Volver by Pedro Almodóvar with this wine. It will make you feel a whole lot better about your own family dynamics.
Bottle 27. Quartino 10. Glass 6.75
Cru Club Co. 2005 The Rivals
This blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon was put together by Kirby Anderson, of Gainey Winery and former Yellow Springs resident, Joel Williams. The wine has bright red cherry and plum fruit followed by soft tannins and a light oak finish. Delicious with every red wine dish on our summer menu.
Bottle 23. Quartino 8.75 Glass 6.
Montaribaldi 2007 Lange Rosso Tre Stelle
I love the wines of Piedmont, but jeez Louise, they’ve become so expensive. What’s a poor wine geek like me to do? Thank the goddess for Montaribaldi’s Tre Stelle, a very affordable blend of the main three grapes of the region, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. Tre Stelle has a beautiful garnet color, exquisite red raspberry fruit and a compelling floral element. It pairs with virtually everything…especially lovely summer evenings.
Bottle 21. Quartino 8.5 Glass 5.75