Menu for june
Wines of Summer
Pomelo 2006 Sauvignon Blanc 10.99-A delicious 100% Sauvignon Blanc made by California Sauvignon Blanc aficionado, Randy Mason. What a delicious, juicy mouthful of wine. It’s full of lime zest, tangerine peel and of course, grapefruit flavors. It just screams summer. So get yourself some fresh shellfish, shrimp or oysters come to mind, or make a spicy Thai dish and grab a few bottles of Pomelo.
Veglio 2005 Dolcetto d’Alba 13.99- I’ve had a love affair with Dolcetto for a number of years It’s no coincidence my love affair coincides with my real–life love affair that happily continues. Earthy, seductive aromas, but refined with a silky texture... This wine is like a woman with big biceps… intimidating at first but beautifully powerful. It’s substantial enough to pair with grilled summer fare, but accessible enough to wrap yourself around when you need a little summer comfort. Truly, truly adorable. Dolcetto is particularly versatile for summer dishes. Put a little chill on this deep garnet wine and enjoy it with sharp cheeses, antipasti or simply grilled meats or vegetables. Pay attention, you could be starting a long term love affair as well.
Cascina Ca’ Rossa 2005 Roero Arneis 14.99- There’s a reason Arneis is termed the “little rascal” of the grape growing world. The grape is hard to grow and although there are smatterings of it planted in the new world, the only place it truly thrives is the Piedmont region of Italy. The wine is a straw gold color and perfumed with fresh apricots and honey. Does that sound like the wine is sweet? No, this wine is illuminated with zingy minerality as well. Serve with your first of summer risotto or with something salty. Gabrielle, I’ll have the shrimp with anchovy butter, please.
Zuani Vigne 2005 Collio Bianco 19.99- This wine from the Collio region is an unlikely blend of Tocai, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. White wine is king in this region, where the Austrian-Slovenian influences are apparent. The wine is golden in color and rich in fruit flavors but is all balanced by a brisk acidity. If you’re looking for a starring wine for a big event main course, and you don’t want generic, heavy-handed Chardonnay, try Zuani.
Bricco de Sole 2004 Chardonnay 13.99
Bricco 2005 Moscato d’Asti 13.99
These are two incredible values from Italy. This unlikely Chardonnay is 100% stainless steel fermented, is organically and biodynamically produced and boasts crisp, apple flavors. Bright, lively Chardonnay like you’ve never tasted before.
I just love Moscato d’ Asti, but find I sell the lion’s share of this wine as a table wine to sweet wine drinkers. I don’t get it. Sure it’s sweet, but it’s not sugary sweet, it’s sweet like a juicy peach, just dripping with minerality. Moscato only has ?% alcohol making it perfect for brunch (think salty bacon or ham) or a refreshing lunchtime quaffer. It’s also a perfect light ending to a summer meal. Just add some fresh fruit, a spoonful of mascarpone a few biscotti for a dessert that’s out of this world.
Anne Amie 2005 Pinot Gris 16.99
This one of the wines, aside from Pinot Noir, that Oregon really does right. We featured the Anne Amie Pinot Noir last year and everyone went wild. The Pinot Gris is a beautiful rendition and is stylistically Alsatian in it’s flavor profile. The wine has a gorgeous copper color along with a creamy, succulent texture. Flavors of ripe pear and sweet lemon peel make my mouth water. Pair this wine with grilled sausages or maybe some Copper River Salmon if you’re lucky enough to eat some this season.
Domaine de Ménard 2005 Colombard/Sauvignon 9.99
Talk about a wine that just shouts summertime, this very affordable wine from Cotes de Gasgogne is one of the best values I’ve encountered this season. A 50/50 blend of French Colombard (yes, you heard me right) and Sauvignon Blanc, Ménard offers up a tangy, zippy, grapefruit laden wine that’s sure to go with any garlicky thing you’re planning to cook up now that warm weather has arrived.
Loimer 2005 Grüner Veltliner 11.99 – We just had a great little write up in the June issue of Cincinnati magazine. It struck me that when the woman writing the article called she was so nonchalant about the whole thing. “I ate at your restaurant, really liked it, was thinking about writing an article.” The usual questions. Then a low key photographer comes up to take pictures, nice chit chat. Then a call from a Cincinnati customer…”Do you know there’s this great… no fabulous article about the Winds in Cincinnati magazine?” Wow, totally unexpected. Loimer’s liter bottle of Grüner Veltliner struck me a similar way. This chubby bottle with a screwcap will rock your summer wine drinking world. It’s full of lemon, peachy goodness, ready to be your “go to” wine when you get home from a long day at the office. Just make sure you have a copy of Cincinnati magazine to read while you’re relaxing.
Chateau Cotes de Brouilly 21.99 -It always bothers me that Beaujolais has such a bad reputation. That blasted Beaujolais Nouveau ruins the whole category. I love the cru Gamay wines from Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent and Cotes du Brouilly. This wine from Thivin is always one of my favorites. An old style hand crafted wine with lovely cherry flavors and a violet, lilac perfume. This beautiful bistro styled wine is best served with a slight chill with cheeses, salami or simple chicken.