Tuesday, August 25, 2009

2008 Domaine Wilfrid Rousse Rose' Chinon, France ($14.00)


This is a jovial wine from a very--very serious domaine in the Loire Valley of France. Annually since the late 1980's, they have been producing classy, long-lived wines. In each sniff I sense breed and nobility. Wait you ask, is it even possible to smell breed in a wine?! We think so. And it's just more entertaining to attach such adjectives to God's natural beverage. So while those eternal reds are shedding some baby fat in your cellar, try the ebullient rose' from Wilfred Rousse. This is a simple wine that offers abundant pleasure. All wine doesn't need to be nuanced and esoteric--how about juts plain good and delicious! We envision a cool bottle of the Wilfrid Rousse rose' next to a fresh summer salad. Try this: in a bowl, toss a few bunches of spicy arugula with freshly cut peaches, toasted pine nuts, shaved pecorino, and a pinch of homemade vinaigrette. Now that's living well on the cheap! Ahhhhhh.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

2008 Di Giovanna Rosato Nerello Mascelese, Sicily, Italy ($16.0)


Where do you find shelter from the oppressive summer humidity? Well, one place we run for safety is in a cool glass of the Di Giovanna rosato from Sicily. Made with the Nerelllo Mascelese grape, this gulper(and that's what you will want to do when this beauty touches your tongue) is all you want in a summer quaff: it's direct, featherly, and makes a wonderful marriage by the pool or on the table. The wine is so drinkable and delicious that sometimes we want to eat it.
Serving Suggestions: Try this..... Grill up a swordfish steak....... While it's cooking over the coals, prepare a simple Mediterranean vinaigrette. In a bowl mix red wine vinegar, olive oil, capers, shallots, chopped parsley, and salt/pepper to taste. Once the Swordfish is complete, drizzle the sauce over top the steak and serve next to a few roasted peppers. Squirt a lemon over the dish, garnish with leftover parsley, and voila! Don't forget to tear yourself a nice chunk of bread in order to mop up the left over sauce. Simple. Affordable. Honest. And Healthy.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

2008 Cucao "PX" Elqui Valley, Chile ($12.00)


PX is short for Pedro Ximenez. No, Pedro is not an aged farmer living in the Chilean countryside, but rather, it's the grape variety found in the 2008 Cucao. The Perdo Ximenez grape is most often associated with the sticky sweet Sherry's of southern Spain. However, a different expression exists in the wild, arid region of Elqui Valley. Here, the Cucao estate produces a dry white with lip-smacking acidity and exhilarating aromas reminiscent of springtime. Hey, who doesn't love the smell of springtime?! The 2008 Cucuao 'PX'(the locals abbreviate) doesn't need food....just pop a bottle bottle in an ice bucket and imbibe its innocent charms with vigor and delight. There is a profound sense of joie de vivire one senses in each sip of the Cucao.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

2008 Chateau Graville- Lacoste, Graves, France ($19.00)


Graves is French for a gravelly terrain--and so you shouldn't be surprised that the vineyards of Graves, Bordeaux are slathered with rocks. Gravelly soil can imbue wonderful minerality and nuance into the wine. Such are qualities which we adore. White wine from Graves comes in two distinct styles: one version is drenched in new oak which can mask the soul of the terroir or place. Expression two is transparent, refreshing, and muscular......it's also terribly flexible at the table. We prefer the latter of the two. And so does Chateau Graville-Lacoste.

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Saturday, August 1, 2009

2007 Senorio de Alange Tempranillo ($12.00)


Just arrived! This baby Tempranillo is not a wine for thinking or pondering. Instead, it’s what we like to call a,”GLUG-GLUG” red wine from southern Spain. Pour it in a tumbler, and vigorously slurp down its youthful spice. Here’s an idea: gather a few comrades, and situate a bottle next to a board of grilled lamb chops, marinated Spanish olives, and a generous chunk of Manchego. Now that’s good and simple living! Serve cool not cold.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

2005 Annie and Philippe Bornard, Savignin, Jura, France


The Jura is an ancient wine growing region situated west of Burgundy; and the close proximity between the two regions incites comparisons. There are a few, but most notably, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir(the dominant grapes found in Burgundy) accounts for fifty-five percent of the plantings in the Jura. However, there are several local varieties which thrive on the Jura soil; and one of these noble varieties is Savignin. The grape is cultivated on a very small scale, and rarely seen outside the region of Jura….. And that alone, makes it special and worth trying. The variety produces wines with subtle aromas of green apple, minerals and a marked nuttiness. The palate is harmonious—round, yet well defined and refreshing. The wines from the Jura have an old-fashioned taste. Many of the producers, including Annie and Philippe use low-tech, time honored methods to make wine. We applaud that sacrifice. This is not a wine which is subject to fads and trends. It trancends such trivial matters...... If you are a traditionalist and want to know what wine tasted like 300 hundred years ago, then begin here.

Serving Suggestions: The beauty of Savignin is reticent and best revealed over a protracted meal. In other words, give the wine a little air before imbibing; and make sure not to serve freezing cold. Too low of a temperature will arrest the nuance and the polite intensity of the wine. Serve next to a simple white fish drizzled with olive oil, beurre blanc, chopped garlic, sea salt and fresh provencal herbs. Now that’s healthy living!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

2005 Chateau La Roque Coteaux du Languedoc Vielles Vignes de Mourvedre($22.00)


La Roque is located in the tiny hamlet of Pic St. Loup, one of the several grand cru wine villages in southwestern France. The estate was founded nearly over 700 years ago; and records show that vines were planted at the estate dating back to1259. Now that’s what we call history; and their experience shines in each glass. Basking in this warm terroir or climate, the late ripening noble variety of Mourvedre has found a home growing in the south facing vineyards of Chateau La Roque. The old vines cuvee of Mourvedre is remarkably approachable for such a young pup. The perfume is full of savory notes and dried herbs. Not fined or filtered in order to preserve the natural integrity and flavor.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

2007 Tenuta San Francesco--IGT Amalfi Coast




The vineyards of Tenuta San Francesco are picturesque. Their green, steeply terraced vineyards are located in the sunny hamlet of Costiera Amalfitana—known by locals as a classic winegrowing region. Tenuta Francesco’s white is a charming blend of Falanghina, Biancolella, Pepella— if you concentrate enough, it smells like the Mediterranean sea mixed with a basket of stone fruits and freshly cut flowers. Absolutely gorgeous to nose and imbibe. A stunning value at only $18.50.




Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Vestry Wines Blog



Welcome to the Vetsry Wines blog.
Come up and see us sometime. We are located at 65 Vestry Street in Tribeca. We have a tasting bar thats always open and the atmosphere here is tranquil. So stop by and relax!