NYT reports that "natural" is THE word in the wine world meaning wines that are produced with minimal intervention like chemical additives or commercial yeast. Check out our shelf of "Natural Wines" @MetroWines from around the world including this one:
Unfined. Unfiltered. Biodynamic. From Foradori, Tuscany, $26 Different Mediterranean grape varieties are fermented together and blended to produce this wine. The grapes are sourced in the older vineyards of the Mediterranean varieties, in Ampeleia di Mezzo, where the Mediterranean scrub dominates the landscape permeating the air with its fragrances. Kepos means garden in Greek.
Chiaretto is the local word for rosé on the eastern shores of Lake Gard, a land where the sun shines, the wine flows, and the prosciutto-slicer slices year-round. At Corte Gardoni, the Piccoli family specializes in making light, refreshing wines that don’t cost much. Their Chiaretto—made from grape varieties you’ll find only in the Veneto—is incredibly bright in flavor, with citrus and nectarine leading the way to the crispest of finishes. This wine exudes pure joy.
Documents show the Piccoli family has owned vineyards in Veneto since 1600. Many generations tended vines, but after phylloxera, the ravaged estate couldn’t support all 5 brothers. One left to become a fruit grower. Having grown up in vineyards, Gianni Piccoli had wine in his blood. He bought a vineyard estate in 1971. For several years Corte Gardoni grapes were sold to cooperatives, but Gianni felt their wines lacked soul and in 1980 he broke those ties and crafted his own wine.
Today Gianni is a well-known and highly respected figure in the region and a leader in the fight against homogenization of local wine. While local cooperatives push for laws that would force producers to plant only French grapes like Chardonnay and Merlot, Corte Gardoni is reserved for local varietals including Garganega, Corvina, Rondinella, and others. $16.99
Please join us on Saturday, October 5th for The Great Rose Tasting from 10am to 7pm @MetroWines. Four bottles of Rose from around the world that will stand up to the slightly cooler temperatures will be "on the taste" and "on the house."
"Rose works all year and, sometimes, Rose is the only wine that works" says Gina Trippi, co-owner of MetroWines. "The versatility of Rose, the celebratory atmosphere Rose can create, and the sheer pleasure of sipping a glass of Rose while reading a good book, puts it on the call list any time of year!"
Rose selections for the tasting will be offered at an event price all day.
** Saturday, September 7th from 10am to 7pm @MetroWines ** The selections this month are from Winebow! and Chris Curtis of Winebow will join us from 2 to 5pm.
14-18h, Greece Mont Gravet, France Regaleali, Italy Barnard Griffin, California "on the taste" and "on the house"
15+ Asheville wedding venues from farms to dance floors
So, you just got engaged. Or maybe you’re planning on popping the question, or you enjoy daydreaming of the perfect wedding. (Or, you’re just reliving your own wedding. Or, you’re not interested in weddings in which case just skip below.)
Asheville is definitely a destination location thanks to the scenery. But even for locals, one of the most daunting questions can be “where?”
So, to start of the start of “wedding season,” we’re starting a wedding series – from venues, planners, photographers, bakers + more – you will be served the full wedding 411 in mini-features throughout the summer. To kick if off, we’re featuring 16 unique venues in Asheville – for the small gathering to the giant party.
If open pastures + mountain views is your dream “I do” location, then check out this 500 acre working farm.This venue is about 15 minutes from downtown AVL which means total convenience for you, your guests, caters, etc.
Alright, Biltmore is a dream location – even I will admit to that.Best part: Biltmore offers 10 venue locations on the estate. Now the question is do you exchange vows at Diana, the Antler Hill Barn, or Cedric’s Garden??
Choose between indoor + outdoor locations in this elegant resort. Whether your wedding is small + intimate or full of guests, this venue can accommodate accordingly. Bonus:Mountain and the city views from the Mountain View Terrace.
This modern event space is lit – literally, with string lights + the whole shabang!! Perfect for a slightly smaller wedding, Asheville Social Hall is in the center of downtownAsheville.
Once home to a prominent doctor, this historic manor can house a wedding of about 150 guests. Located on one of the most special streets in Asheville, Homewood provides an eclectic + charming experience.
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way | Asheville | Garden
Imagine nothing but lush garden scenery. At The Arboretum, you and your guests can enjoy the ceremony + cocktails on the lawn, the Blue Ridge Court or even the Heritage Garden.
Old Edwards Inn screams “charming + enchanting woodlands theme.” While being surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your wedding will feel straight out of a fairytale.
There is something wonderful about celebrating your big day downtown, and The Venue makes your special moment even better. This French cottage setting in the heart of downtown with a balcony overlooking the mountains will make even your guests swoon in awe.
Calling all in favor of southern charm + rustic elegance. This family-owned property in the mountains of Asheville provide the perfect touch of country magic to your wedding day.
Now a beloved wedding destination, this family-owned farm has produced cattle, sorghum, tobacco + abundance for over 100 years. With mountain roots + southern authenticity, this venue will create the picture perfect day.
From riverfront spots to rustic farm locations, the Olivette provides the picturesque WNC scene. Experience your first glance among the trees or say your vows by the riverside, you can’t go wrong with the outdoor experience.
Mostly used as the perfect retreat center, OM Sanctuary can host a gorgeous wedding. With public venues such as the Serenity Garden + Outdoor Patio, this outdoor spot creates the lushest outdoor wedding.
10 Broadway (9th Floor) | Asheville | Hotel Restaurant
Looking for the perfect spot for your reception, rehearsal dinner, or bridal party? Capella on 9 has been named on of the best rooftop bars in the world by U.S. News and World Report. Your MOH or Best Man giving a toast while looking at AVL’s skyline? Yes. Please.
Located in one of Asheville’s most historic venues, this historic + elegant space is includes a dining room, foyer, theatre + auxiliary room creating the perfect vintage aesthetic.
41 North Merrimon Ave. #107 | Asheville | Event Space
Engaged Asheville is the perfect spot for smaller wedding after parties, or for your pre/post wedding photo shoot.
Currently, planning a wedding isn’t in my near future. All the single ladies, now put your hands up!
Despite how much I enjoy attending weddings, being a bridesmaid + writing about weddings, I don’t care to have a giant wedding myself. Who knows, that could change – I see you OM Sanctuary.
Pro-tip: Most of the venues are open to the public, like The Arboretum + Homewood, so plan a day to enjoy the scenery solo or with friends.
THIS IS BIG *** SAVE the DATE: September 18th *** for A Wine Pairing Dinner Collaboration with MetroWines and Grapevine Distribution at Celine & Company in The Historic Broadway Arts Building
*** And, as always, Chef Kim can accommodate any dietary restrictions. ***
"14-18h" from Greece The name refers to the length of time of skin contact with the Agiorgtiko grapes.
A pioneer of modern Greek wine, Gai’a Estate (pronounced Yay-ya) was established in 1994 by Leon Karatsalos and winemaker Yiannis Paraskevopoulos. Their mission is to capture the best that Greece’s indigenous grapes have to offer by merging traditional viticultural and production methods with innovative techniques. The estate is named after “Mother Earth,” in honor of its unique terroir.
About the Vineyard: The grapes for the 14-18h Rosé come from vineyards located on the slopes of the mountainous Koutsi and Asprokampos regions of Nemea, at 2,625ft. The climate is cooler at this higher elevation, producing grapes with higher acidity and berry fruit aromas. Ideal for Rose!
Wine Production: After harvest, the grapes are crushed and placed into stainless steel vats where they undergo a chilled maceration (50°F) for 14-18 hours in order to extract its suberb rosy hue.
Tasting Notes: This intensely-hued rosé has a fresh and fruity character, with flavors of cherry and gooseberry, typical of Agiorgitiko grapes from Nemea highlands. Medium-bodied and well balanced, it has a cool and refreshing finish. Food Pairing: This refreshing and versatile rosé pairs well with variety of flavors and salty dishes. Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine!
$18.99 at wine.com (OUCH) $14.99 on shelf @MetroWines!
Great Rose Tasting Saturday, August 3rd from 10 to 7pm!
6 bottles from around the world "on the taste" and "on the house" ALL DAY LONG! Stacy Strong from Empire Distribution joins us "behind the bar" from 1 to 4pm. Party! It's true, I look at the world through Rose colored glasses. BUT you really Should Join us!
In my head, I am there with a glass of: Peyrassol, Cuvee De La Commanderie Rose, $21 Rosenthal Wine Merchants
2018 Vintage Notes: Hermine Clermont, Peyrassol’s spirited young winemaker says this cute is a classic Provence rosé without being heavy or overly structured, but still offering good concentration. Varieties and parcels are all vinified individually.
Tasting Notes: A workhorse rosé, Commanderie shines in 2018, the best example of Commanderie in recent memory. Built around equal parts Cinsault and Grenache, with splashes of Syrah and Rolle, it is a chiseled rosé with pronounced salt component and a driving energy on the palate. The fruit is tight and focused. The finish is long and persistent. Dry.
New York Times suggests pairing a dry rose with a Charred Tomato Soup with Coriander and Cilantro.
This dry rosé made from Petit Verdot grapes exhibits elegant flavors of strawberries and rose water. Perfect for a Summer day! From Stellenbosch, South Africa, $13.99 @MetroWines Rustenberg is a favorite every year. But we will also have two new bottles of Rose on the taste. And event pricing on all featured bottles!
Pleas join us on Saturday, August 3rd all day long from 10am to 7pm for The Great RoseTasting @MetroWines.
"Our distributors and importers have been asking to show off their respective Rose portfolios," says Gina Trippi, co-owner of MetroWines. "This tasting will be hosted by Stacy Strong of Empire Distribution who will bring one of the shop favorites, Rustenberg Petit Verdot Rose from South Africa, and two from one of our top importers, Thomas Meunier, including the sparkling Rose Granit and Laurent Miguel."
As always, 6 bottles of Rose from around the world will be "on the taste" and "on the house."
Let's add history to the escape. One of the suggestions is Mazzorbo. There you will find the a wine villa owned by the Bisol Family making wine for centuries. And you knowtheir work well. Bisol makes Belstar!
A unique sparkler created by one of Prosecco's top producers, the Cuvee Rose is a blend of Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh, juicy, somewhat soft and sweet with citrus, licorice, melon and ripe strawberries. Clean, easy style with light, creamy mousse.
The history of Bisol dates back to 1542, when the Bisol family first began cultivating grapes. Today, Gianluca Bisol has assumed the role of president and CEO while his brother, Desiderio, holds the position of chief enologist and technical director. With 500 years of winemaking tradition, Bisol produces a range of organically farmed and internationally recognized Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG crus.
Sourced from vineyards in the premium wine regions of Victoria, this medium bodied wine has intensive aromas of plum, cherry and strawberry fruit with hints of spicy oak. The fresh fruit momentum continues on the palate with vibrant plum and dark stone fruits finishing with some firm acid, beautiful tannins and integrated oak.
Andy Hale, Director of The Asheville School of Wine, says he was prepared to dislike it. "I was ready to go full on Simon Cowell on it. I really did not think it was possible to get a decent Pinot Noir under $15.00. By decent, I mean somewhat varietally correct without being secretly doped up with Petit Sirah. MWC hasgood tart cherry cola and violets. MWC has done well in blind tastings." (Lettie, you would love this one!)
Not widely distributed in the U.S. $17.99 at Vivino
A Different Rose ! Brumant Cotes de Gascogne France 50% Tannat, 30% Syrah and 20% Merlot, $13.99
The Gascogne is an exceptional reserve of micro-terroirs offering a wide variety of quality wines. This original and bright pink includes 3 main grape varieties that complement each other perfectly: Tannat that brings energy and liveliness, Syrah with the mixture of fruity flavors of raspberry and currant and Merlot which gives this wine its velvety satin side. Vineyards located at the top of the hills, each parcel being separated by a forest, this in order to avoid contamination from one vineyard to another. Alain uses only natural spring water taken from his timbered hills, not polluted thanks to the ideal and privileged environment of Gascony
A blend of Aghiorghitiko 70%, Moscofilero 30%, Zoe is fermented in stainless steel vats. Short maceration, no malolactic fermentation and short aging over fine lees. Screw cap. DRY. Ripe cherries, raspberries, rose petals, full and complex palate.
$12.99 @MetroWines $14.99 at wine.com Skeptical? Click on the photo!
Hosted at a lovely covered pavilion at a private home in Asheville, you will taste 4 bottles of Rose' paired with Italian Finger Foods including cheese, melon, prosciutto and bruschetta. The event is hosted by Ciao Asheville and Mike Tiano of Haw River Wine Man $20 includes wine, food, fun and tax! Ciao Asheville events sell out so please shop now: https://metrowinesasheville.com/wine-blogs/blog/entry/aperitivi-italian-rose-tasting
Agriverde Piane di Maggio 2017 Trebbiano d'Abruzzo
100% Trebbiano grown in clay, sand and iron. Straw-yellow with greenish highlights in the glass. The nose is delicately scented with flower and fruit aromas And the palate is dry, crisp and well balanced it recalls fresh fruit and flowers with citrus hints.
Camillo di Carlo founded Agriverde winery in 1830. Two centuries have passed and the property has expanded to become an organic farming business. AGRIVERDE mission is to produce superior wines preserving what we inherited from Nature, in order to hand it down to future generations. AGRIVERDE philosophy is centered on the respect of Nature and Man himself. That is why the property is all organic farming and biodynamic. The tree in the center is the symbol of our commitment and it is transparent like us because there is nothing to hide at Agriverde!!!
A blend of Aghiorghitiko 70%, Moscofilero 30%, Zoe is fermented in stainless steel vats. Short maceration, no malolactic fermentation and short aging over fine lees. Screw cap. DRY. Ripe cherries, raspberries, rose petals, full and complex palate.
$12.99 @MetroWines $14.99 at wine.com Skeptical? Click on the photo!
2017 Golden Pinot Noir, Monterey County, from Folktale, $16.99
Pale Ruby in color, ripe cherries, strawberry preserves, floral notes of roses, earthiness, and a touch of oak round out this wonderful Monterey Pinot. The palate shows a great balance of fruit and oak on the palate which resembles cherry pie. A light, refreshing whip of watermelon on the finish. Richness mid-palate enhanced by floral notes indicative of Monterey. The smooth finish and bright acid begs to be enjoyed with food. and, oh yeah, "Big Little Lies."
Domaine de Chateaumar, $15.99 A blend of 90%Grenache and 10%Mourvedre
Chateaumar dates back to Roman Times. With a Rose Petal Color, the nose is strawberries, raspberries, and peaches. Soft and round on the palate with an elegant sweetness from the fruit. 30 year old vines. Sustainably farmed. Steel Tank.
