Great restaurant by-the-bottle- Etna Rosso

If you've never tried a Mt Etna Rosso wine, think about the red fruit, elegance & acid of Pinot Noir, along with an intense volcanic minerality and exotic floral notes. They can be deep and profound, and are typically accessible from a price standpoint.

Azienda Girolamo Russo is an organically-farmed family estate in Mt. Etna, Sicily producing three Etna Rosso bottlings, and one Etna Bianco. The Azienda Girolamo Russo 2010 'a Rina, Etna Rosso DOC is their introductory bottling - a multi vineyard blend from volcanic soils. The grape is Nerello Mescalese, with small percentages of Nerello Cappuccio. 

I found this on the wine list at the wonderful new SY Kitchen Restaurant in Santa Ynez, CA. Its broad range of flavor and solid acidity married well with opposing entrees - a duck ragu pappardelle, and a shellfish pasta with a garlicky white wine sauce. The flavor of the wine was a nice blend of sharp red fruit notes and exotic earth and floral accents. This is a deep and enjoyable wine that can be found in stores for around $25.

 

Home for the holidays with Atlanta Wine School's new Vino Venue

I’m closing out the year back home in Atlanta visiting friends and family, where The Atlanta Wine School’s new Vino Venue provides a nice diversion from the usual holiday fare.

Vino Venue came together late in 2012 after much planning and preparation. The results are spectacular. It’s a beautiful spot with literally everything wine under one roof – a wine bar; an enomatic pouring system; a nice retail selection; service for small-plates and tapas; and an educational room with a gourmet kitchen. This is a must-visit if you live in or visit Atlanta. Between education (including WSET & CSW), shopping, or a leisurely evening out – all of the bases are covered!

 My stop was for a tasting featuring several highly rated wines from California, France, Spain and Italy. The tasting featured fine cheeses and charcuterie and was hosted by local Master Sommelier Michael McNeill. Wine highlights included a 2008 Bucella from Napa and a beautiful 2007Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano. Click here for notes on all of the wines tasted.

Retail-wise it was a good spot to pick up a great little entry-level Etna Rosso for holiday dinner. A 2011 Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso, which is made from the Narello Mascalese grape and is from the unique soils of the active Mt. Etna volcano in Sicily. Think lightness and elegance of Pinot Noir with bright red fruit and crazy floral/mineral qualities, tidied up with sharp acid and firm tannins. I’m probably selling its uniqueness a little short with that description, so check it out for yourself.

 And with that here’s to a Happy New Year and more great wine and times in 2013. Cheers!