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Metro Wines Blogs
This blog is dedicated to learning Italian La Dolce Vita, that is, fashion, food and wine! We will focus on the words and phrases you need to get by in Italy. We will learn by translating facebook posts from some of our favorite winemakers including Gaetana Jacono Gola of Valle dell'Acate and Giampaolo Tabarrini, "Menu Italian" from...
This blog is dedicated to learning Italian La Dolce Vita, that is, fashion, food and wine! We will focus on the words and phrases you need to get by in Italy. We will learn by translating facebook posts from some of our favorite winemakers including Gaetana Jacono Gola of Valle dell'Acate and Giampaolo Tabarrini, "Menu Italian" from Ristorante Trippi in Valtellina as well as text from the winery websites for some of the many Italian Wines on the shelves @MetroWines. Andiamo! (let's go!)
From The Wine Tariff Department @MetroWines
*** Wine In the Time of Tariffs ***
The Wine Tariffs take aim at France, Germany and Spain.
but NOT NOT NO wine from Italy!
@MetroWines, sales of wines from Italy
have always exceeded each of these other countries.
Might be a good time to find out WHY!
And This One is a Good Place to Start:
The 2017 is a blend of 55% Corvina, 30% Rondinella
and 15% Molinara from Campiano, Veneto, Italy. $18.99
Plum bouquet with mild tannin, touch of charcoal, raspberry and plum.
Tart on first day. If you prefer smoother palate, wait a day!
Tariffs Be Damned!
What Wine Goes IN a Villa?
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
tuscan-livinghomes-for-sale-
100% Syrah fermented in stainless steel and aged in small barrels. Deep ruby in glass, intense aromatics of blueberry, plum, cherry and spicy notes. Warm and soft with round tannins, this wine is powerful yet delicate. Ciacci Piccolmini is one of the most sought-after producers in Montalcino.
The vineyard is organically farmed. Limited Distribution: $26.
Frizzante! The word means only slightly sparkling.
"Generalising a bit, you could say frizzanti are a good choice when you want a joyful, quintessentially Italian, democratically priced wine that you can cheerfully polish off a bottle," said Baudains of Decanter.
Read more at https://www.decanter.com/
Meanwhile ........
Meanwhile, 10 years in the making, Leonardo is all the rage at Louvre!
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
to-mount-the-biggest-leonardo-
********* NEW ********
LOVO Blossom Rosso Veneto 2018
Light style blend of organic Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc and the indigenous Carbinare. Aromas of violets, sage and whiffs of brown sugar. With red fruit and hints of vanilla on the palate.
$17.99 in Fredericksburg, VA. With 10% Case Discount: $16.19
Always $15.99 on shelf with a 15% Case Discount
With the guidanceand patience
of Chef Roberto Stragiotti,
we made pasta!
This was the begining of our hard target "Cucina" workshops.
Stand by for Risotto!
"Bread and Tulips"
Presented by Ciao Asheville
Sunday, October 27th from 1 to 4pm
In Italian with Subtitles
Robert Formento, Ciao Asheville Film Coordinator,
introduces the film and leads a discussion at the conclusion. The event and popcorn is on the house.
A glass of red or white Italian Wine is $7.
Reserve Your Seat Here:
https://metrowinesasheville.
bread-and-tulips-film-
Dining Solo
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
alone-loses-its-stigma-
Food companies are beginning to cater to the single serving. Dining solo does not need to be dining without wine! In addition to single serve bottles and double serving cans, easy screw top bottles work well and stay fresh for days.
Two of our all purpose favorite screw tops are from Valentina:
La Valentina is located in the rolling Abruzzo Hills,
just inland from the port of Pescara on the Adriatic coast.
The area benefits from a special microclimate, taking advantage of cool breezes from mountains and maritime winds from the Adriatic.
The owner of La Valentina, Andrea di Properzio, was recently @MetroWines to pour his wines for our customers. He explained that what sets La Valentina apart is that every bottle is 100% varietal. Often, a bottle labeled Trebbiano contains other grapes such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
* Valentina Trebbiano 2018, $13.99 *
Vines grown in clay soil. Stainless steel fermentation.
Straw yellow with green reflections in the glass.
The nose presents intense notes of exotic fruits, floral sensations, notes of aromatic herbs and mineral tones. And the palate is dry, refreshing, harmonious and balanced. $13.99
* La Valentina Montepulciano *
Pretty depth of dark fruit in this with hints of flowers
and fruit tea that follow through to a medium to full body,
soft tannins and a juicy finish. Drink or hold. $13.99
Dionysus is Bacchus. Bacchus is Dionysus.
(although the Greek depiction is a little more stately, same god!)
The intersection of Greek snd Roman Cultures is ancient
AND alive and well in Asheville.
Ciao Asheville hosts a fundraiser for UNCA Celebration of Dionysus
on Tuesday, December 3rd from 5:30 to 7pm at Golden Fleece!
$35 for appetizers that span the cultures with Greek and Italian Wines.
Reserve by Calling (828) 575-9525 or online:
https://metrowinesasheville.
fundraiser-for-unca-
Meanwhile, revisit the pleasure principle and indulge
in "How to Be an Epicurean"
By Catherine Wilson. Reviewed by Wall Street Journal here:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
revisiting-the-pleasure-
Book at Malaprops here:
https://www.malaprops.com/
Your Read it With Wine @MetroWines!
*** Agyros Santorini 2017 ***
100% Assyrtiko, Stainless steel fermentation, volcanic and sandy soil.
Founded in 1903, Argyros Estate is on the island of Santorini,
famed for its spiraling vines and white washed churches. Yiannis Argyros, 3rd generation owner of the estate took over in 1974 and today, Matthew Argyros the 4th generation of family winemakers continues his father's legacy using traditional techniques
The estate vineyards are primarily in Episkopi and Pyrgos,
prime locations for Assyrtiko. The ungrafted vines range in age
from 30 to over 150 years, and are trained into basket-shaped bowls, a traditional technique called "kouloura".
The soil of Santorini is naturally immune to Phylloxera and other vineyard pests, reducing the need for synthetic herbicides & pesticides. Estate Argyros practices sustainable viticulture, using composted grape must as fertilizer, and plowing the vineyards with mules.
Assyrtiko is known for its high natural acidity.
This wine is true to character, with flavors of citrus, lemongrass and stone. It is medium-bodied and elegant with great finesse.
$29.99 at wine.com and, you guessed it, unavailable.
$29.99 at Vivino
$28 @MetroWines
Bertoldo, Medici, Chianti !
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
in-medici-florence-review-out-
La Due Arbie is a blend of 80%Sangiovese and 20%Merlot.
2016 was the 300th Anniversary of the most famous Italian Wine in the World,
from the ancient recipe by Barone Bettino Ricasoli (1716).
Chianti Superiore Le Due Arbie by Dievole has fresh
and fruit forward with tannins that are youthful yet harmonious and rounded.
An elegant wine, with a long finish pairing easily with foods.
The Dievole estate has a long standing history in Tuscany,
dating back as far as 1090. Dievole does not use herbicides and pesticides, they swapped the use of cultured yeasts for wild, and they replaced international varietals with indigenous varieties. The result is is varietal purity and authenticity.
$18.94 in New York. $16.00 @MetroWines!
Bertoldo, Medici, Chianti !
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
in-medici-florence-review-out-
La Due Arbie is a blend of 80%Sangiovese and 20%Merlot.
2016 was the 300th Anniversary of the most famous Italian Wine in the World,
from the ancient recipe by Barone Bettino Ricasoli (1716).
Chianti Superiore Le Due Arbie by Dievole has fresh
and fruit forward with tannins that are youthful yet harmonious and rounded.
An elegant wine, with a long finish pairing easily with foods.
The Dievole estate has a long standing history in Tuscany,
dating back as far as 1090. Dievole does not use herbicides and pesticides, they swapped the use of cultured yeasts for wild, and they replaced international varietals with indigenous varieties. The result is is varietal purity and authenticity.
$18.94 in New York. $16.00 @MetroWines!
Dionysus is Bacchus. Bacchus is Dionysus.
(although the Greek depiction is a little more stately, same god!)
The intersection of Greek snd Roman Cultures is ancient
AND alive and well in Asheville.
Ciao Asheville hosts a fundraiser for UNCA Celebration of Dionysus
on Tuesday, December 3rd from 5:30 to 7pm at Golden Fleece!
$35 for appetizers that span the cultures with Greek and Italian Wines.
Reserve by Calling (828) 575-9525 or online:
https://metrowinesasheville.
fundraiser-for-unca-
Meanwhile, revisit the pleasure principle and indulge
in "How to Be an Epicurean"
By Catherine Wilson. Reviewed by Wall Street Journal here:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/
revisiting-the-pleasure-
Book at Malaprops here:
https://www.malaprops.com/
Your Read it With Wine @MetroWines!
*** Agyros Santorini 2017 ***
100% Assyrtiko, Stainless steel fermentation, volcanic and sandy soil.
Founded in 1903, Argyros Estate is on the island of Santorini,
famed for its spiraling vines and white washed churches. Yiannis Argyros, 3rd generation owner of the estate took over in 1974 and today,
Matthew Argyros the 4th generation of family winemakers continues
his father's legacy using traditional techniques
The estate vineyards are primarily in Episkopi and Pyrgos,
prime locations for Assyrtiko. The ungrafted vines range in age
from 30 to over 150 years, and are trained into basket-shaped bowls,
a traditional technique called "kouloura".
The soil of Santorini is naturally immune to Phylloxera and other vineyard pests, reducing the need for synthetic herbicides & pesticides.
Estate Argyros practices sustainable viticulture, using composted grape must
as fertilizer, and plowing the vineyards with mules.
Assyrtiko is known for its high natural acidity.
This wine is true to character, with flavors of citrus, lemongrass and stone.
It is medium-bodied and elegant with great finesse.
$29.99 at wine.com and, you guessed it, unavailable. $29.99 at Vivino
$28 @MetroWines
RESERVE YOUR SEAT HERE!
News Release: Saturday, October 5th, 2019
*** Friday ***
Friday, October 4th from 5 to 6:30 @Metrowines
Hosted ny Andrea di Properzio
About our Host: Andrea di Properzio was born and raised in Pescara (Abruzzo). He is a Graduate in Business Administration from University of Bologna and University of Virginia Darden School of Business. A former management consultant, Investment Banker and working within the family’s business since 2002. Andrea, along with his brothers Sabatino and Roberto, Co-own Fattoria La Valentina. The winery was founded in 1990 in Spoltore, a village nestled amongst Pescara Hills on the central coast of the Adriatic. Today, La Valentina is a member of Grand Cru D’Italia and is regarded by Italian and international critics as one of the best cellars in Abruzzo.
Presented and Hosted by Ciao Asheville!
Pasta Making Class
Believe it. We're Doing it!
with Roberto Stragiotti @MetroWines
Sunday, October 20th, 1-3pm
$25 includes ingredients, glass of wine and instruction!
*** TICKETS ***
https://metrowinesasheville.
Class is Limited to 15 Students
Follow All Things Italian at Ciao Asheville
https://www.facebook.com/
(historic Sky Club)
Ciao Asheville Presents a Discussion of "Bicycle Thieves" lead by our Film Coordinator Robert Formento.
Sunday, September 29th from 1 to 4pm @MetroWines
Event and Popcorn on the house. $7 for a glass of italian Red or White Wine! Summary from Robert:
Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di Biciclette)
Our next film discussion, Bicycle Thieves (released in 1948), tells the story of Antonio Ricci, a long unemployed man in postwar Italy who finally finds employment putting up cinema posters around Rome. But, the job requires him to have a bicycle. His wife Maria pawns all her dowry bed linens to redeem their already pawned bicycle. Antonio’s elation quickly turns to despair when it is stolen on his first day of work. Antonio and his son Bruno desperately search the city to find the bicycle which is so important to their family’s day to day survival. Although the story could not be more simple, it draws you emotionally into the conditions of the poor and lower working class and their daily despair and in this case, the relationship of the father and son as they search for the bicycle, the family’s lifeline.
Bicycle Thieves is one of the best examples of a filmmaking movement called Italian Neorealism. The genre only lasted from 1943 to about 1951, but had a major impact on film makers throughout the world. In fact, Roger Ebert quotes Martin Scorsese as saying that the films of this era were some of the greatest influences on his work.
These Italian neorealistic films were a dramatic change from the “happy”, romantic, Hollywood type films of Mussolini’s rein which were highly censored and did not at all represent the true conditions in Italy at the time. The neorealistic films were shot in the run down parts of the city or countryside, employed mostly amateurs and dramatically showed the conditions of the poor and lower working class. This new film genre would show the “new reality” of Italian life.
Among its many awards, in 1949, Bicycle Thieves was voted by the Academy Board of Governors as the most outstanding foreign language film released in the United States.
Run time 90 minutes.
REGISTER HERE!
Tickets HERE!
News Release: Friday, September 6th, 2019
50% Grecanico 30% Chardonnay 10%Viognier 10% Fiano
Vibrant and aromatic with notes of citrus fruits, lychee, pineapple and peach complemented by hints of minerals, herbs and mint. Full and dry, smooth with balancing acidity and a long, minty finish.
La Segreta takes its name from the woods which surround our vineyard at Ulmo. This young fresh wine principally produced from Grecanico grapes gains personality and style with the addition of some international variety grapes. All grapes are knowledgeably cultivated in the vineyards owned by Planeta.
La Segreta is a versatile companion for everyday drinking and appropriate for many different occasions. It is the perfect approach to Sicilian wine, with its excellent relationship between quality and price, guaranteedby the Planeta family’s patient input, from vine to wine
MORE ABOUT PLANETA: https://www.
planeta/la-segreta-ii-bianco-
New York Times talking a summery, grilled event in Sicily.
"batch of arancini, made with saffron and sushi rice and packed with as much mozzarella as the baseball sized mounds could hold."
"This wine is our take on the Nerello Mascalese from young vineyards. There are terraces, surrounded by chestnut and downy oak groves, a typical biodiversity that gives the wines their personality. Soft tannins, good drinkability and freshness. Aged in large oak barrels, an ideal and non-invasive wood for Nerello Mascalese." Red wine grown on a volcano in Sicily! 100% Nerello Mascalese tastes volcanic in its minerality and vivacity. Pinot like in body, but full of pure aromas and flavors of cranberry, licorice, olive with some grippy tannins.
92 Points from James Suckling
Limited distribution. On the shelf @MetroWines, $19.99
