93 Points from Wine Spectator
Wine SpectatorA beautiful expression of cherry, strawberry,
rose and light spice flavors is buoyed by dusty, linear tannins.
Tense and energetic, with a long, resonant finish. Best from 2022 through 2040.
$39 for a high quality Barolo of which you own 100%, a better deal!
TICKETS HERE!
News Release: Wednesday, August 7th, 2019
A walk through the Andes
A Vine Connections Wine Dinner
Course 1-Chile
Wine - Boya Rose
Course 2-Chile
Wine- J. Bouchon, Canto Sur Valle del Maule 2017
Food- Grilled Pork Tenderloin with milcao and garnished with tomato, feta, olive pesto
Course 3-Chile
Wine-Casa Silva, Carmenere, Los Lingues Vineyard valle del Colchagua 2017
Food- Beef Tenderloin crudo, with a small salad with seasonal vegetables and a blackberry vinaigrette and flatbread
Course 4 Argentina
Wine-Luca Syrah Laborde double select Uco Valley
Food- Asado 1- Roulade and pork chorizo and provoletta, roast purple potatoes and cherry tomato asado sauce
Course 5-Argentina
Wine-Tikal Jubilo Mendoza 2014
Food-Asado 2- Grilled assorted steaks, grilled eggplant, with onions and chimmichurri
Course 6-Argentina
Food- Bittersweet chocolate éclair filled with Dulce de leche creme Chantilly
Asado is an Argentinian BBQ over fire and coals
News Release: August 6th, 2019
Antonio Sperone is the son of Giacomo Sperone, founder of the Giacomo Sperone Company. Founded in 1960, the Giacomo Sperone company is one of the most relevant producers of Vermouth and sparkling wines in Italy. Antonio joined the family business in the seventies after obtaining a degree in chemistry.
In 1983 the family opened a second winery, Tenute Neirano (producer of the Franco Serra wines), in the Asti area. Tenute Neirano produces and bottles high quality wines from the Piedmont area. Antonio became CEO in 1995. Currently he is also the director of production of both Tenute Neirano and Giacomo Sperone companies. His daughter, Francesca and son, Andrea have since joined the family business.
Franco Serra is produced by the Sperone family who have been making affordable premium wines for four generations. In 1920, Antonio Sperone opened a small wine shop in Torino where he sold bulk wine directly to consumers. Unsatisfied with the quality and price of the local wine, Antonio started his own winery in Puglia where land was inexpensive and produced good wine.
He built a bottling facility in Torino and was soon able to offer his customers quality wines at prices everyone could afford. Sadly, it was destroyed when the city was bombed in WWII. The winery in Puglia survived the war and enabled Antonio’s grandson Giacomo to open a new facility near Milan where he produced vermouth, sparkling wines, spirits and fine wines. With the help of his sons Paolo and Antonio, the company grew quickly and achieved distribution throughout Italy and expanded into foreign markets.
In 1965, the family purchased 75 acres of prime vineyards in Piedmont and built a new winery in the small town of Mombaruzzo just outside Monferrato. Even as prices fetched for wines from this increasingly fashionable region continue to climb, the Sperone family proudly focuses on value. Franco Serra provides everyone with the opportunity to drink thoughtfully crafted, distinctive wines from Italy’s most renowned region.
Tickets HERE!
News Release: August 5, 2019 (updated from May 4, 2019 release)
About: "Low Pressure" Italian Language Classes
Ciao Asheville presents Italian Language Classes @MetroWines with Dr. Valeria Tezzon. This introduction to the Italian Language will be a total of 10 low-pressure classes that focus on conversation and communication. Classes will be organized by topics, such as ordering at a restaurant, traveling within the country, shopping, and enjoying an afternoon in a piazza!
"The goal is to teach students what they will need to enjoy and successfully navigate a trip to Italy," says Valeria Tezzon. "The classes, sprinkled with Italian history and culture, are designed to be both fun and informative."
A "kick off" introductory party will be held for attendees on Thursday, September 26th, from 5:30-7pm @MetroWines. We'll all get to know each other and Dr. Tezzon will review the class series and topics. A glass of wine and snacks will be provided "on the house". The 10 language classes will run from October 3 through December 12, every Thursday from 5:30-7pm. Note that there will be no class the week of Thanksgiving. The cost for the series is $150 (plus tax).** Each class will build on the previous classes so you must purchase the entire series to ensure continuity and that everyone can move at the same pace.
Classes will be limited to 25 students to ensure personal attention. You can register by calling (828) 575-9525 or shopping online here: https://
"Ciao Asheville had so many requests for language classes that focus on communication over conjugation." says Gina Trippi, Outreach Coordinator for Ciao Asheville, "We are delighted to offer what Michael Scardaville, Ciao Asheville Travel Consultant, calls Survival Italian!"
Parking is free, close and easy @MetroWines.
Jancis Robinson is described by Decantermagazine as "the most respected wine critic and journalist in the world". She is the co-author, along with Hugh Johnson, of the eighth edition of the World Atlas of Wine, a major new version of the landmark wine book that has now sold over 4.7 million copies worldwide. Since the publication of the first edition in 1971, The World Atlas of Wine has been widely recognized as the essential and most authoritative wine reference work available.
Robinson, who writes on wine daily for JancisRobinson.com and weekly for the Financial Times, has authored and edited many books on the subject, and even advises Queen Elizabeth on her cellars. In a conversation with Dave McIntyre, the Washington Post’s wine columnist, she shares her valuable expertise and insights on what’s new in the world of wine.
Afterward, raise a glass as you sample a generous selection of wines representative of today’s trends, and have Robinson sign a copy of the substantially revised The World Atlas of Wine (Mitchell Beazley), available for purchase. Cheers!
As published in 50+ Living by Gina Trippi
"Put a Chill on It!"
Thinking it’s too hot for a room temperature Cabernet Sauvignon? You’re probably right! Put a chill on your red wines. The optimal serving temperature for most red wines is about 62-65F. But some red varietals really come alive served a little cooler. Many of the best wines to chill are made from Italian varietals. So let’s take a trip through Italy and chill out!
Starting in the northeast corner of Italy just north and west of The Veneto, is Alto Adige. We find Schiava! The grape prefers shade and produces a fresh and light wine with rounded tannins and moderate alcohol at about 11%. Ruby red in the glass with a purple shimmer, Schiava is floral including violets on the nose with a fruity palate and a hint of white pepper. Perfect for warmer days and lighter fare. Schiava from Alois Lageder is leading the way putting this forgotten grape solidly on the wine map. The suggested serving temperature is 54-57F.
Going just south from The Veneto, we pass through Emilia Romagna where they are serving Lambruso! What we call Lambrusco is a family of old grape varietals native to the region, a part of ancient history. Cato spoke of these grapes in Agri Cultura in 160 BC, humanity’s oldest farming manual. Lambrusco styles range from very dry to sweet to sparkling. The four most popular varietals, Sorbara, Maestri, Grasparossa and Salamino pair with a wide range of summer dishes. Served Lambrusco between 50 and 55F.
The Trentino-Alto Adige Region in South Tyrol is home to another native varietal, Lagrein. A dark garnet color in the glass, the grape offers aromas of violets, bilberry and blackberry with hints of dark chocolate. Spicy and smooth on the palate with a long finish. Colterenzio, a popular producer of Lagrein, recommends you serve this bottle at 58-60F.
From Alto Adige, we travel west across northern Italy to Langhe in the Piedmont . Here we find a wine from GD Vajra, Langhe Russo, a fruity blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. Beautiful violet hues spring from the purple in the glass. Concentrated flowers and fruits on the nose give way to a plate of intense berries, hay, tobacco and spices. Serve at 58-60F.
And way down south in Sicily is the indigenous grape Frappato! Flavors are strawberry, pomegranate, white pepper and clove. Frappato is perfect for summer pasta with sun dried tomatoes or a dish with roasted red peppers and works through fall with turkey and cranberry sauce. Valle dell’Acate frappato is a shop favorite presenting all the varietally typical flavors plus raspberry and cherry. Experts say to serve Frappato between 55 and 60F.
Other varietals available at bottle shops to consider for the cool are Dolcetto, Neurella Mascalese, Corvina and Ruche.
How can you tell if you have hit the cool? Wine Spectator recommends a temperature control cuff!
The cuff wraps around the bottle giving you a reasonably good reading of the temperature inside.
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. ***
$79 (including tax and gratuity)
Call Celine&Company at (828) 254-9902
Details and Menu here: https://
"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!
Naples, Campagna
NYT says: "A city of glorious but battered beauty, known for its vibrancy and,
yes, a frisson of menace, Naples is now humming with visitors."
You will see this work by El Greco at Museo di Capodimonte.
And you will probably see a bottle of Fiano on the dinner table!
Montesole Fiano Campania
Very limited distribution in US. $16.99 @Metrowines!
The Vitis Apiana grapes from Irpinia hilly landscape make Montesole Fiano, an impressive white with unforgettable delicacy, extraordinary taste of great elegance. Straw yellow color, fine floral scents of sage, whitethorn, racy pear, ginger introduce a crisp and refreshing sip, rich in minerality as well as graceful body and perfect balance. The ideal companion of seafood and Mediterranean dishes.
Planning a trip? https://www.
BIG RED of THE WEEK
*** The Fableist ***
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Spending 10 months in American Oak, The Fableist is a blend of 84%Cabernet Sauvignon, 6%Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Tempranillo.
Winery Tasting Notes: Vibrant black currant, cedar and vanilla hit your tongue,
as you're warmed by the comforts blackberries and cherries.
About the Winery: A strong finish wraps you in a fond embrace.
Two winemakers who were already producing some serious Central Coast wines, Curt Schalchlin founder of Sans Liege and Andrew Jones who started
Field Recordings, teamed up to launch The Fableist Wine Co.
$22 on the shelf @MetroWines
And Speaking of Rose,
while guests loved all the wines presented at "Aperitivi" Rose Tasting,
the most popular was Girolamo Russo, Mt. Etna Rosato, 2018 Sicily.
A unique pink in color with orange hues, the wine is 100% Nerello Mascalese.
The bouquet recalls notes of pomegranate and wild strawberries that alternate
with hints of broom; the sip is supported by a big boost savory and mineral,
with a lingering finish and great freshness. Can go 2 to 3 years in bottle!
This wine is $27 to $28 on West Coast and $25 at Vivino. Sad.
$23 @MetroWines Everyday ALL Day.
Read more about the winemaker, winery and this wine on SommSelect here:
https://www.sommselect.com/?
The Blind Tasting League is moving on and moving up. "Expect wines to be higher quality and the commentary to be more in depth than our last series," says Andy Hale. "but we will keep the causal, no pressure comfortable, atmosphere that makes it work!"
Passed Bites
Piquello Peppers, Smoked Goat Cheese and Edible Flower Petals GF
Atlantic Coast Oysters, Steamed on the Half Shell, Cured Chorizo Butter GF
Soup Course
Traditional Spanish Gazpacho, Charred Ciabatta
From the Sea
“Gambas al Ajillo”
Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Entrée
Lamb Meatballs
Spanish Paprika Spiced Fresh Tomato Sauce
Poached White Asparagus, Saffron Aioli & Preserved Lemon
Simple Sweet Ending
Churro with Dark Chocolate Fondue
** CASTING CALL **
The First Annual Thanksgiving Wine Tasting
and Customer 2 Customer Arts and Crafts Bazaar!
Saturday, November 9th from Noon to 5pm
@MetroWines!
** 6 Tables Left! **
If you have something to sell, avante garde encouraged!
call Hayley at (828) 575-9525
Give the Unique! Locally Made.
Erbaluce from Cieck is Here!
The New. The Old. The Different.
Piedmonte, Italy
Founded in 1985, Cieck is overseen by Remo Falconieri. The winery was one
of the original five producers in San Giorgio Canavese, and a number
of other top estates in the area consult with Remo today. Now in his eighties,
Remo labors daily in the cellar alongside his daughter, Lia, and Domenico Caretto, producing some of Alto Piemonte’s most elegant Erbaluce.
This ancient, indigenous grape, Erbaluce, is derived from two words: dawn (“erba”) and light (“luce”). Its name alludes to the striking copper color the grapes assume as the sun hits them on traditional pergola-trained vines. $22
"Your Drink it With" Suggestion is:
This BBC piece on Italian Author Andrea Camilleri,
creator of the Inspector Montalbano Series
https://www.bbc.com/news/
Camilleri died last week at 93. He was 69 when his first novel was published.
Shop one of his many novels at Malaprops here:
https://www.malaprops.com/
BIG RED of THE WEEK!
Trouchard "The Shepherd" Estate Red 2014
The Estate Red is a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo.
These grapes were sourced from distinctly different sections of our Estate Vineyard. Each wine was vinified separately and aged for 12 months in French Oak barrels (30% new). Syrah was chosen for structure; Zinfandel contributes bright fruit flavors; and Tempranillo adds a unique spicy element. Combined, these varietals produce a playful, easy drinking red that is both fruity and complex.
Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of blackberry and red currants with a hint of vanilla
and cedar. The mouth is filled with juicy flavors of cassis, boysenberry, cherry,
and plum jam. Round tannins provide an opulent finish of red fruit and spice.
Vivino only found one online retailer selling this bottle. Price? $19.97.
Price @MetroWines: $18.99
"Not Your Parents' Provence"
Wall Street Journal says Provence went trendy and cutting edge.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
quaint-to-uber-chic-
Maybe so, but a provencal Rose is still PROVENCAL!
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.
Straight Talking Vermouth to MountainX
UNIQUE SPIRIT: Vermouths are fortified wines with added herbs, spices and sometimes sugar, all of which provide distinctive characteristics. A primary goal of vermouth in a cocktail, says John Kerr of Metro Wines, pictured, is “to add flavor without overpowering the drink.”
https://mountainx.com/food/
John suggests you try:
Caperitif, South Africa, $30
This question asked by an adventurous Danish mixologist lead to
a meeting with a maverick South African winemaker and the rebirth of South Africa’s once-famous vermouth. Caperitif is handcrafted by infusing Chenin Blanc with the flavours and aromas of some 35 natural botanicals, many of which are unique
to the insane biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
All About Caperitif: http://caperitif.
Follow on Instagram: https://www.
We Also Carry These Vermouths:
Antica (Italy)
Dolin Rouge, Blanc and DRY (France)
VYA (California)
Lillet (France)
VErmut Lustau (Spain)
Acha (Spain)
Cardamaro (Italy)
Carpano Bianco (Italy)
Berto (Italy, Kermit Lynch Import)
Great Rose Tasting August
6 Bottles "on the taste" and "on the house"
Saturday, August 3rd from 10am to 7pm @MetroWines
Stacy Strong of Empire Distribution will join us from 1 to 4pm
https://metrowinesasheville.
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!
Wall Street Journal says some retirees are retiring to yachts!
With a LOT of money to spend, drink of choice?
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
ditch-life-on-land-for-the-
