From MetroWines Newsletter, July 29th, 2018
"Four on the Floor"
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| The FIRST Wine Critic was a Woman Ruth Ellen Church of The Chicago Tribune http://www.chicagomag.com/ The-Tribunes-Ruth-Ellen- Writing during the 1960's Ruth Ellen Church recommends: |
Register HERE!
News Release: Friday, March 13th, 2020
Tracking Beethoven from Bonn to Vienna
"Starting out in Bonn, Germany, where he was born to a family
of downwardly mobile court musicians, I set out on a Beethoven odyssey,
from the scenes of his upbringing to the places in and around Vienna
where he lived and worked, despaired and triumphed."
Entire Story here: https://www.nytimes.com/
vienna-bonn-beethoven-250th-
Travel Restrictions Have You Bunkered Down? No Problem!
You can get your Beethoven on right here!
with The Asheville Symphony Orchestra
https://ashevillesymphony.org/
And a bottle of home grown German Style wine!
Teutonic Pinot Noir, Bellpine 2017, $33
Barnaby Tuttle, Winemaker and Owner
MetroWines Interview with Barnaby for UNFILTERED here:
https://metrowinesasheville.
entry/barnaby-olga-lexi-and-
(out of stock at wine.com)
Teutonic Wine Company is a small-production winery that strives to make
the finest German and Alsatian-style wines in Oregon. The climate in Germany’s Mosel region, famed for producing some of the world’s finest Rieslings, is ideal because of its cooler growing climate which allows the fruit to hang longer on the vines without over ripening. A longer hang time gives the fruit more time to pull up complex flavors from the soil. Therefore, the vineyard sites, Teutonic sources its fruit in Oregon are located in cooler areas and at higher elevations.
This is NOT a Book Suggestion but rather a Book FYI.
The MetroWines Book Review Department found this book bizarre,
as you might expect from Dali, and mid to full blown upsetting,
as you also might expect from Dali. But we thought you should know.
Again, You are NOT Hallucinating.
This IS a cookbook by surrealist painter Salvador Dali.
These are classic French recipes accompanied by Dali illustrations.
"Les diners de Gala is uniquely devoted to the pleasures of taste ...
If you are a disciple of one of those calorie-counters who turn the joys of eating into a form of punishment, close this book at once; it is too lively, too aggressive, and far too impertinent for you."--Salvador Dal
The Review says: Food and surrealism make perfect bedfellows: sex and lobsters, collage and cannibalism, the meeting of a swan and a toothbrush on a pastry case. The opulent dinner parties thrown by Salvador Dal (1904-1989) and his wife and muse, Gala (1894-1982) were the stuff of legend. Luckily for us, Dali published a cookbook in 1973,
Les diners de Gala, which reveals some of the sensual, imaginative,
and exotic elements that made up their notorious gatherings.
I asked Brett Watson to get surreal and pick a wine for this book, both to read and pair with recipes. And he said................
"The only thing I can think of to play with the oddities of food produced by Dali is naturall,y a bottle of Corsican Niellucciu and Sciaccarellu from Domaine Vetriccie. Who wouldn't automatically come to that conclusion?? Native to Corisca, those 2 grapes are very close cousins to Italian Sangiovese and French Grenache. Pair that with the rugged and mountainous landscapes of the Ile de Beaute in eastern Corsica and the result is pretty fantastical. Similar to Salvador himself."
On our shelves @MetroWines for $12.99!
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In more Surrealism News from Wall Street Journal
"Midnight in Paris: Surrealism at the Crossroads,
1929 Review: More Than Melting Watches"
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
at-the-crossroads-1929-review-
Dali is all the rage all over again. Better get cooking!
Ciao Asheville Presents
"Olive Oil and Wine Tasting"
Thursday, March 26th from 5:30 to 6:30
@MetroWines
Hosted by Jessica Gaydos of "Olive This" on Biltmore.
Different Olive Oils have different tastes and purposes.
Taste for yourself!
*** RESERVE YOUR SEAT ***
https://metrowinesasheville.
In Memoriam: Anna Julia Cooper
Out of 13 quotes on the US passport, only one is from a woman, Anna Julia Cooper.
After a receiving a degree from Oberlin College, Cooper received a PH.D from
The Sorbonne in Paris. The author of numerous books, Cooper was a tireless advocate
for civil rights and equality in education for African Americans and women.
The PassportQuote:
"The cause of freedom is not a cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class -
it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity."
All about: https://en.wikipedia.
Let's celebrate her life and French education
with a French Wine made by a Woman Winemaker:
Chateau Coupe Roses 2018 Mervois
BASTIDE
48%Carignan, 46%Grenache and 6%Syrah. $15.99
Made by Francoise Le Calvez, Bastide is bottled with no oak.
Vibrant red with notes of red cherries and a touch of bitter plum.
The palate is dry with bright, fresh acidity, soft tannins, and a round texture.
Complex with notes of minerals, graphite, herbs, and leather.
Those who are interested in leveling the passport quote field,
consider this most prescient caution from Abigalil Admas to her husband:
"If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined
to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which
we have no voice or representation."
Wall to Wall Carpet is Back
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
design-pros-love-and-hate-it-
Chardonnay is back too!
I know some of you probably hold Chardonnay
in the same regard as wall to wall carpet but winemakers are making
great strides in bringing up the true taste of the varietal
without bulking up the grape with oak and malolactic acid.
I asked Brett Watson to pick one that makes the case and he said...
Poco a Poco 2018 Mendocino County Chardonnay
"The incredibly fresh and lively, fully biodynamically farmed side project of Russian River Valley legend Porter Bass comes Poco a Poco. Thoroughly French burgundy in style due to the cooler and more coastal sites in Mendocino, this gorgeous little lady see's 7 months of old neutral oak to give it some backbone. Luscious freshness of lemon, orange zest and honeydew melon drive the show with jussssst enough minerallity to carry the whole package home!
The new California Chard.....made the old way!" $19.99
Dinner with Paul Giamatti?
https://www.charitybuzz.com/
with-billions-paul-giamatti-
This auction item is advertised as dinner with the "Billions" star.
But we know who this guy IS!
He's the guy that made Merlot a dirty word!
If you win the dinner, order Merlot!!
Bidding was up to $3500 the last time I looked.
If you would rather sit this one out but still want to make the point...
Watch "Sideways" with a bottle of Merlot
Tellus Vinea Bordeaux 2018, $17.99
Imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchants
Mostly Merlot, this Biodynamic Bordeaux is earthy, medium bodied,
dry, cherry in balance with earthy flavors.
*** Bunker's Dozen ***
Financial Publications are busy suggesting stocks you can "take to the bunker."
Consider shares of survival stuff like Campbell Soup, companies who make
crackers, canned beans, batteries, dog biscuits and baby wipes.
But let's get real. What you REALLY need is wine!
I asked Brett Watson to put together
"The MetroWines Bunker's Dozen"
and he said.....
1. Ventriccie Rosé ( Corsica 2018) $12.99
2. Quinta de Chucapalha Arinto, (Portugal, 2018) $14.99
3. Giocato Pinot Grigio (Slovenia 2018) $12.99
4. Visintini Bianco (Italy 2018) $13.99
5. Capitelles Chardonnay (France 2016) $8.99
6. Chemins De Bassac Isa Blanc (France 2081) $13.99
7. Luzon Blanco (Spain 2018) $8.99
8. Estemas Bobal (Spain 2017) $13.99
9. Fuso Barbera (Italy 2016) $14.99
10. Cantine Pourrro Barbera D'Asti (Italy 2017) $9.99
11. Bodan Roan Pinot Noir (California 2018) $13.99
12. El Libre Cabernet (Argentina 2018) $8.99
13. Casabianca Chianti (Italy 2018) $10.99
First things first as they say!
But here is some other stuff you might need in the Bunker.
https://www.businessinsider.
Now, you got your stuff BUT
what are you going to do in that Bunker?
Add a hard cheese and a soft chees to your shopping list.
In the dull days of the Bunker,
test Lettie Teague's theory that red wines
may not be the go-to choice for most cheeses!
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
And in Other Bunker Related news:
Virus concerns and precautions have resulted in congested crowds in front
of The Mona Lisa at Louvre.
Better idea: Add a bottle of Casa Emma to your Bunker Bag List
and enjoy it over this article about Mona Lisa in Laurel of Asheville:
https://thelaurelofasheville.
Price Gouging on Amazon
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
as-coronavirus-fears-grow-
Shop the Bunker LocalLY!
News Release: Monday, March 9th, 2020
News Release: Monday, March 9th, 2020
Ciao Asheville Presents
"Rome Open City"
Sunday, March 29th, 1pm @MetroWines
Notes from Robert Formento
Ciao Asheville Film Coordinator
This next movie, Rome Open City, was directed by Roberto Rossellini and is considered a film classic. Filming started in January 1945, only a few months after the Allies forced the Nazis to evacuate Rome. There was destruction in the city from Allied bombs, Cinecittà was turned into a homeless camp for thousands of Italian refugees and therefore not available to film makers. Money for production was hard to come by. Even film stock was difficult to find. As a result, filmmakers were forced to become creative. But, Italian filmmakers were ready to leave behind the happy, Hollywood type movies that Mussolini favored during his regime. “Necessity is the mother of invention” and thus began the Italian Neorealism era. Directors would show the reality of Italy without Cinecittà, with very little money and mostly with unprofessional actors. As a result, neorealism films would have almost a documentary feel to them. In fact, Rome Open City shows wartime Italy though the eyes of those who actually lived through it, starting with Rossellini (Director), the screen writers, and all of the actors. (including German POWs as the occupiers)
Rome, Open City is considered the first of this new style of film making. The story takes place in Rome during the 9 month occupation by the Nazis. (The occupation took place after Mussolini was deposed and the new government sided with the Allies.) Hitler was furious with Italy and vowed to make life miserable for Italy, especially the resistance leaders. They would go to any length to smash those in the resistance or anyone providing them assistance. And this is a story based on true events of the resistance.
Although Italian neorealism films used mostly non professional actors, this film has two professional actors who provide standout performances; Aldo Fabrice who plays the priest Don Pietro and Anna Magnani, who plays the fiancee of one of the resistance leaders both lived through the occupation and this is the film where Anna Magnani became a star. She would go on to work with Visconti, Jean Renoir, Pasolini, Fellini, Tennessee Williams, etc.
This is Rossellini’s tribute to Italy’s resistance fighters and it is a masterpiece. Given that the film was shot a few short months after the occupation, while the rest of Italy was still occupied, it is highly realistic. There are some scenes with violence, but those scenes are hardly gratuitous.
Film time - 105 minutes
Event is "on the house"
$7 for a glass of Red or White Italian Wine
Save your seat by calling (828) 575-9525
ONLINE HERE!
The AGRITURISMO is comprised of four country large houses for holiday rental, positioned in pristine locations amid cypresses, olive groves and vineyards, views that have escaped the passage of time, and are reached by unpaved country roads. Their restoration has maintained, with the exception of modern kitchens and baths, the original structures of beamed ceilings, open sit-in fireplaces and large, airy rooms. Situated in this classic Tuscan landscape, near fields of our grazing sheep, the houses overlook the verdant valley that lies between the two distinctive hills of the farm.
The restoration of the buildings was undertaken by the architect Wendelin Gelpke himself, who tried to change as little as possible in the layout of the structures and to integrate modern facilities unobtrusively.
Florence 32 km – Siena 56 km – San Gimignano 37 km – Pisa 104 km – Lucca 101 km
Additional information concerning each house or flat can be found by using the links of the specific house/flat page in question.
General Facilities: Fireplaces, DVD, BBQ, washing machine, iron board, hairdryer, dishwasher, free parking, pools, equipped garden, microwave, toaster, wine and cheese tasting, fans, farm shop, reception, wi-fi area outdoor,mosquito screens, cot, highchair, toaster. Pets welcome
Services included in the price: Bed, bath and kitchen linens, water, gas for the kitchen, electricity, weekly change, final cleaning, welcome basket, wine and cheese tasting at our farm
Extra costs: from 1 March Local Tourist Tax, 1,50/pax/night up to max. 7 night
Children under 14 do not pay
Extra costs to be paid according to use: heating upon consumption
Upon request and not included in the price: domestic help, cook, cooking classes, baby sitter, taxi service, welcome dinner, horse riding, watercolour lessons, massages. Bookings can be secured by credit card. A deposit is required for larger groups.
Six hectares of the farm’s one hundred and fourty were planted with vines in the very best positions around Corzano. At the altitude of three hundred meters they form a natural amphitheatre facing south-southwest in soil gravely in structure and rich in clay and lime. The farm’s herd of milk sheep supplied the natural manure; traditional local wine making techniques were modified and enhanced by the skills learned by the young winemakers in the Swiss wine school at Wädenswil, near Zurich.
Our first wines were bottled in 1972. Today we have seventeen hectares of vineyard and produce more than 80.000 bottles. Grapes varieties run from the usual Chianti selection of Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Malvasia, Trebbiano, to the foreign varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. In a normal year the farm will produce one white wine, four reds and a sweet wine.
The vineyards and cellars are the domain of Aljoscha Goldschmidt and Arianna Gelpke, both enologist, the nephew and daughter of the founder Wendel Gelpke.
You should try Corzano e Paterno! You won't be disappointed. But get your mind off the basement thing. You have a very long line ahead of you!
Reprinted from The Laurel of Asheville:
https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/grapevine-300x119.jpg 300w, By Gina Trippi
March is Women’s History Month. That made us ask what wine one of the most famous women, the Mona Lisa, might have preferred. It is hard to know for certain but we have scoured historical resources!
The Louvre, where the Mona Lisa hangs, says the portrait is likely that of Lisa Gherardini (1479-1572), the wife of a Florentine cloth merchant, Francesco del Giocondo, from which the alternative name of the painting, The Gioconda, is derived.
The ancestry of the Gherardinis, an ancient family of landowners, can be traced back to the 10th century in Tuscany. While Gherardini owned land in Tuscany, the family was neither aristocracy nor nobility. With constant economic and political uncertainty along with frequent wars, land ownership was not a guarantee of wealth.
By 1479, the Gherardini family, struggling financially, sold their land and moved to Florence. Lisa was born June 15, 1479, in a modest house at the corner of Via Squazza and Via Maggio. When she turned 16, she was married to Francesco del Giocondo.
Records show that the portrait was begun by Leonardo da Vinci in Florence around 1503. Research indicates that the situation was not that Leonardo asked Lisa to sit for his painting but that Lisa’s husband commissioned the portrait, perhaps, some suggest, to commemorate the upcoming birth of their second child.
Although Francesco was a very prominent silk merchant, securing Leonardo, an established painter who was already working for the likes of The Medici, to paint the portrait of his wife was still considered quite the achievement. There is no evidence that Francesco ever took delivery of the painting, as Mona Lisa stayed with Leonardo until his death.
Back in Tuscany, the history of making wine in what we now know as Chianti dates back to the 13th century. The grapes were growing, but it was not until 1716 that Cosimo III de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, issued an edict declaring the boundaries of Chianti.
While there is no evidence that Lisa Gherardini ever lived on a wine making estate, there is documentation that her family lived in Chianti for generations back and that Lisa spent time at a villa-turned-winery. Chianti, the region and the wine, are part of her heritage.
Chianti, despite its glorious roots, suffers from a decades-old image in this country as a low-quality wine in a bottle enclosed by a straw basket, appropriately called a “fiasco,” that is used for candles when the bottle is empty. But Chianti is actually a traditional red wine made from Sangiovese grapes generally tasting of dried cherries and oregano, a little aged Balsamic, a touch of espresso and sweet tobacco. Chianti Classico means the vines come from the oldest and most genuine areas of Chianti in Tuscany.
So after a tough day of dealing with the kids and sitting for portraits, our best guess is that Lisa Gherardini kicked back with a glass of Chianti. But which Chianti? While Casa Emma, a small, woman-owned winery outside Florence, was not in business in 1495, its Chianti Classico is the type that would have probably been available to Lisa. Made in a century-old Tuscan stone house with traditional methods from grapes grown organically, the wine has no modern-day additives and is, in that sense, historic itself.
Bring Women’s History month forward by sharing a glass of Chianti and a toast to Lisa Gherardini, Mona Lisa!
Gina Trippi is the co-owner of Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Committed to the community, Metro Wines offers big shop selection with small shop service. Gina can be reached at gina@metrowinesasheville.com or 828.575.9525.
In Memoriam
Katherine Johnson. August 26th, 1918 - February 24, 2020
Katherine Johnson, a NASA Mathematician who calculated
precise trajectory for early space missions, was one of a small cadre
of black women who worked the "computers" featured in the 2016 film,
"Hidden Figures."
https://www.nasa.gov/content/
Celebrate the life of Katherine Johnson with a classic bottle,
a wine that is timeless and suitable to honor this woman and her accomplishments.
Only Bordeaux with a little bit of age and a lot of integrity in the bottle will due!
Chateau Ruat Petit Poujeaux Moulis Medoc 2010, $25
John Kerr of The Asheville School of Wine says:
"This is an excellent price for a Bordeaux with 10 years of age."
Teaching Moment: There is a widespread belief that all wines get better
with age but the truth is that fe actually improve. Generally speaking according
to Marnie Old, a Philadelphia Sommelier known for straight talk,
Reds including Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo (that which will be Barolo!)
and Shiraz have long term potential. Far fewer shite varietals can stand age but Riesling and Chenin Blanc can go years in bottle! Ask staff @MetroWines.
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And carrying on the standard of excellence set by Katherine Johnson,
the first woman is set to become a Green Beret!
https://www.armytimes.com/
first-woman-expected-to-
The "Rembrandt" is REALLY Rembrandt
https://www.artnews.com/art-
news/rembrandt-reattributed-
The Rembrandt is for real. As labeled! But what about wine?
Most countries allow wineries to label bottles as single varietal when the content
is not 100% of that grape. For example, Australia says a wine cannot be called Cabernet unless it is 100%, whereas in California 75% Cabernet content will do.
The law: https://www.ttb.gov/wine/
If you are searching for a 100% varietal. Check the label or ask staff.
Some of you may be asking if <than 100% means the wine is a "Fake."
No. To label a bottle as Pinot Noir when it is loaded with sugar and Syrah does not mean it is "fake" but it also does not mean it is varietally correct, honest Pinot Noir.
Another reason to shop localLY and ask staff!
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But "fakes" are showing up everywhere, in the news and in every product.
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton ruled out working with Amazon
citing the "fakes" sold on its marketplace.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
of-alibabas-luxury-look-
And NYT reports that Elmyr de Hory, one of the most notorious 20th century
art forgers in is now believed to have forged over 1,000 works by major artists!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
But this Wine is Real! Vinaccio100% Grillo, $13.99
The idea of Vinaccio is to source old varietals from Italy but to treat them
with innovative techniques and natural winemaking methods, without following
any convention or tradition. Using Vino da Tavola appellation for the wines
which frees a winemaker from having to follow any rules regarding typical winemaking or aging for those areas. Made from 100% Grillo, the calcareous limestone soil
gives the wine verve and mineral undertones with typical fruit blossom aromatics.
Selecting wines for your wedding can be daunting. So many choices. Let us help you manage the situation with "not more choices just better ones!" Call Kristen at 828-575-9525.
"Purchase Paralysis"
This is the condition that results when you are faced with too many choices.
Bed Bath and Beyond seeks to cut the clutter:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
tries-to-declutter-its-stores-
(Edina on the left. Patsy on the right)
A while back, there was a BBC Show about two aging, hedonistic groupies
that spend their days drinking and shopping.
While being driven to Harrod's to buy milk, Edina, abundantly familiar with choices,
says "I don't want more choices, I just want better ones."
And that is what you get @MetroWines!
A curated collection of wines from around the world that fits
every interest, price point, occasion and recipe.
We are Absolutely Fabulous Approved!
To prove the point, a better choice among the many,
we suggest "E" from España, one of the Locations Wines.
According to John Kerr of The Asheville School of Wine,
"E is a rich, full bodied wine with European flavors." $21.
Robert Parker says 93 Points: Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
If you judge wines on how they taste and the degree of pleasure they offer,
they are all incredible efforts. The three new cuvees I tasted are among the finest wine values one could hope to find. Moreover, there are 50,000 cases of each, no easy feat given the grapes Phinney has accessed and the quality he has turned out. As of now, Dave Phinney might be my “value winemaker of the year” candidate. P.S. It’s too expensive for this report, but I am including it as an hommage to what Dave Phinney has achieved. If there are better wines for under $20 a bottle in the world today,
please share that information with The Wine Advocate.
"Love Drunk" and OPP Winemaker Tells ALL!
Congratulations Andre! We LOVE you.
https://www.malaprops.com/
Other People’s Pinot is classic Oregon Pinot from Willamette Valley.
It is accessible, a great value and stays true to the character of the vineyards
from which it was born. Earthy, spicy, floral, herb-framed flavors of cherry
with gingery wood spice tones. $24
Personal Note Alert: When I logged onto Andre's Facebook page to say congratulations, I found his friends including Lettie Teague.
Long time supporters of Andre and his wine, we are in good company!
*** Trip to Italy ***
Ciao Asheville is Partnering with The Sister Cities
in Saluda and Hendersonville
to present the first program in our Travel Series
"Italy Off The Beaten Path"
Sunday, March 8th from 1 to 2:30
$15 for Presentation, Glass of Italian Wine and Light Appetizers
https://metrowinesasheville.
In other Italian News:
2018 "Due Amici"
90% Montepulciano and 10% Sangiovese
Click to image to check availability and price online. $13.99 @MetroWines.
Maurizio Marchetti is a charming character leading a charmed life.
He lives near the Adriatic coast of Italia in a region that sees nearly 3,000 hours
(200 days) of sun each year! Also, his wife is a cardiologist (so she brings home
the pancetta, as we like to say), leaving Maurizio free to pursue his two art forms: painting and making wine. Since he needn’t rely on wine to earn an income,
Maurizio can afford to be as picky with his grapes as he wants. He is so selective
that he sometimes produces as little as a half bottle of wine per plant!
Maurizio’s great-great-grandfather was an exotic spice trader,
sailing to the Far East over 250 years ago. He was quite successful,
allowing the family to buy the land that is now the Marchetti estate.
On their property, they have a castellino (‘little castle’) whose interior walls
have murals of Chinese sailors loading ships with the highly prized spices.
Also In Memoriam
Pier 1 Files for Bankruptcy due to online competition from Amazon and Wayfair.
This is heartbreaking. Pier 1 was a coming of age store. First time on your own store.
Affordable furniture store. Introduction to the rest of the world store!
Many of us of a certain age bought a lot of "firsts" at Pier1, pots, lamps, rugs, tiki bowls,
and learned about foods from other countries, shades of chocolate and wine!
And you continued to shop there because they always had the right bowl, cloth napkins or pillows!
Soft Wine to Sit, Think and Sink into Memories
Glenelly Cabernet 2016 $14.99
A Bordeaux Blend from South Africa
Rich with concentrated cherry, cranberry, bell pepper,
paprika, graphite and freshly cut grass and herbs.
Explore the world affordably just like we did at Pier 1 !!
You Can't beat Our Price: $14.99 @MetroWines
