The fact these three wines rose to the top of an epically long list of compelling wines place them in a class of their own. One is from Sierra Foothills vineyards and a small young Berkeley, California winery while the other two are firmly ensconced in their old Barbaresco and Vouvray regions. A bonus to last month’s wine […]
De Forville Nebbiolo 2009 – Another Rosenthal Wine Value
Neal Rosenthal Wine Merchants was table #2 and (*** $20) 2009 De Forville Langhe Nebbiolo was wine #3. Rosenthal was one of nine importers and distributors showcasing 45 wines in total at the 8th annual Ball Square Fine Wines Grand Tasting. Without too much surprise, Rosenthal’s portfolio offered exciting moments at another chock-a-block event where sellers […]
Roagna Paje Barbaresco 2003 and Grindhouse Burgers
Last week I paired a really ugly hamburger with an indisputably pretty wine. The burger was just as delicious as it was ugly. The wine, on the other hand, was as graceful, balanced, and pretty as folks have come to expect from a Luca Roagna […]
Top Three Wines of October: Beaujolais, Barbaresco, and Champagne
In this second “wines of the month” summary report, here are October’s top WineZag recommendations. This autumn unveiled itself with vinous treats from Beaujolais, Champagne, and Barbaresco. 2006 Sottimano Barbaresco Pajore $50: This was my favorite wine in a blind flight of Barolos and Barbarescos spanning two vintages. I was taken by this wine’s smoky […]
Sottimano Pajore Barbaresco Pairs With Batali Rib-Eye Recipe
It took a recent Barolo and Barbaresco blind tasting and a new season for locally grown, organic, long-neck garlic to finally move me to share my not-so-secret, Mario Batali borrowed, dry rub Rib-Eye recipe. I say it is mine, even though it is not, because I have been consistently scintillating guests over the years deploying […]
The Long Road to Puglia
Our group of six moved purposely into Sportello a couple of nights ago, Barbara Lynch’s latest addition to her standout group of Boston eateries. Hosting dinner at Sportello for out of town guests on my first visit felt safe. I knew the space was invented to provide superior service and included twists (our New England […]