Red Food Pairing
| 2001 Torre Quarto Rosso $9 This spunky, fleshy full-bodied red is packed with a powerful blend of Southern Italian grapes, unctuous aromatics with layers of mint, black currant, vanilla and licorice. Great value—big bang for your buck! |
2000 La Nunsi Barbera d'Asti $10 Light and lovely, wild cherry fruit aromatics, light-bodied, silky-smooth palate with subtle berry fruits-uncomplicated wine with a fresh Beaujolais style. |
2001 Valle dell'Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria $10 Excellent value. Juicy berry fruits with delicate floral aromatics, medium-bodied, fruity palate of mixed berries, plum and fresh strawberry, a touch of pepper and licorice, satisfying length. |
| 1998 Dessilani Spanna Riserva $15 Spanna is the local name for Nebbiolo in the Novaresi hills of Piedmont. This is a tasty smoky, violet-cherry red, light to medium- bodied, with interesting earth tones, notes of tar, mineral and dried herb-smooth, delicate finish. Great little wine! |
1999 Librandi Cirò San Felice Riserva $17 Deep, dense black fruits, enticing spicy aromatics, full-bodied, ripe mouthfeel of wild cherries, firm tannins, herb, vanilla and spice-full, long finish. |
2000 Volpaia Chianti Classico $19 Dense, earthy, ripe wild-cherry fruits, medium-bodied, smooth-full palate, spicy berry fruits, toasty oak with delicate notes of vanilla-silky, enjoyable finish. |
| 2000 Bottega Vinaia Merlot $21 Velvety layers of black currant and dark cherry fruits, full-bodied, well-balanced, supple earthy tones, dried cherry, cocoa and vanilla-smooth, satisfying finish. |
2002 Pio Cesare Dolcetto d'Alba $24 Bright, supple fruits with soft aromatics of violet, plum and spice, light- bodied, slightly grapey palate with good acidity and soft tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon is bright and fine, with fresh fruit, mild spices and no earthy drawbacks. |
1999 Terrabianca Campaccio Selezione Riserva $32 Smoky, earthy blend of ripe Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, medium to full-bodied, scrumptious palate of black fruits, dried currants, tobacco, cocoa and toasty oak-graceful finish. |
White Food Pairing
| 2001 Rapitalà Casalj $11 This lively, full-flavored, full-bodied spicy white from Sicily is a blend of native Catarratto and Chardonnay grapes. It has a rich, creamy mid-palate with a smooth finish-a terrific winter white. |
2002 Villa Simone Frascati Superiore
$12 This is the best Frascati in town at an unbeatable price. Attractive aromatics, zesty, light-bodied with ample fruits of pineapple, apple and pear; balanced palate with a crisp finish. |
2002 Marisa Cuomo Costa d'Amalfi
Ravello Bianco $14 Excellent value—delicious ripe fruits, medium-bodied, creamy, fruity palate of pear, citrus and tropical fruits-lovely medium finish. |
| 2001 Torrita Vernaccia di San
Gimignano $15 Lush aromatics of honey, crisp green apple, nuts and fennel, medium to full-bodied, mouthwatering lime and bitter almond cross a well-balanced palate-nutty, citrus finish. |
2002 Pierpaolo Pecorari Pinot
Grigio $17 Fresh orchard fruits with an attractive floral bouquet, light-bodied, full of pear, mouthwatering citrus, mineral notes and a hint of almond-clean, refreshing finish. |
2002 Ceretto Blange $20 Graceful, dry bouquet of pear, apple and nuts, medium-bodied, made of 100 percent Arneis, a native grape of Piedmont. Excellent acidity, wonderful layers of fruits, toasted bitter almonds with a clean, citrus finish. |
| 2001 Folonari Cabreo La Pietra
$23 Elegant vanilla aromatics and plump fruits, full-bodied, creamy Chardonnay with graceful notes of butterscotch and toasty oak; smooth, lingering finish. |
2002 Girolamo Dirogo "Buttrio"
Ribolla Gialla $22 Gorgeous lemony white with delicate aromatics, light-bodied, fresh citrus fruits with a long, satisfying finish-a stunning combination with raw fish. |
2002 Schiopetto Tocai Collio $46
Elegant white with complex layers of delicate fruits, clean, nutty, medium-bodied, with notes of fennel and citrus fruits, beautifully balanced with a lovely long finish. |
