Wine Cellar

While Makasi Wine made in the San Francisco Bay area of California may be a newcomer to the wine market, (the brand launched in April 2022), Winemaker Danny Sullivan has been making wines for over 10 years for private label clients, family, and friends. Now the rest of us get to enjoy these stellar wines from the boutique Makasi label, produced and bottled by Treasure Island Wines in San Francisco, California. We loved the M-19CH-SLV-CNV, shorthand for Makasi 2019 Chardonnay …

Since 1905, Ottella wines from Lugana, Italy have been winning awards. Their Ottella Le Creete Lugana DOC 2021 received 92 points from Wine Spectator and is a crisp, white wine with luscious pineapple and grapefruit notes on the nose, and intense minerality from the white clay of the terroir. This is a wonderful wine to enjoy on its own or to pair with a variety of food. We paired it with pasta as well as with seafood, and the wine …

After the excitement of the November and December holidays, there is always a bit of a slide into the January doldrums and the need for a bit of decadence to ease into the new year. Riserva wines are always special, and we found that the Il Grigio Da San Felice Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2019 from the San Felice Estate in Siena, Italy was especially so and just what we needed with its tradition of excellence. This intense, deep ruby …

Looking for something different to serve your guests? We recently “discovered” Lustau Manzanilla Papirusa Sanlúcar de Barrameda and loved how this extra dry sherry paired with “tapas” making it perfect for easy holiday or anytime entertaining. While new to us, Bodegas Lustau was founded in Spain in 1896 where they continue the tradition of crafting world-class, award-winning sherry expressions. Salud!

I attended a wonderful Ottella Italian wine luncheon at the restaurant Il Fiorista in New York City to have a better appreciation of these outstanding wines from the Lugana region of Northern Italy. Mariano Sansone, Wine Consultant at Vias Imports, Ltd. gave an interesting presentation on the history of Ottella founded in 1905 and the four wines that paired exceptionally well with Chef Rae Kramer’s exciting cuisine. Mangia bene et saluti!

On November 17, 2022, we attended the 31st Edition of Benvenuto Brunello, the Benvenuto Brunello Anteprima 2022: Tasting the future: Brunello 2018 and Riserva 2017. Held at The Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City, the unveiling of these incredibly exquisite future wines also occurred simultaneously in London, Toronto, and Los Angeles, making it an international grand-scale event with 68 wineries presenting their wines. Saluti!

Michele Chiarlo Le Orme Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2020 is a delectable red wine made from 100% Berbera grapes from the Piedmont region of Italy. This award-winning vineyard consistently receives high point ratings and their Michele Chiarlo Le Orme Barbera d’Asti DOCG 2020 is a delectable and versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of cuisine including Pasta with tomato dishes, pizza, Livorno-style fish, and white meat. The wine is imported from Italy to the United States by Kobrand Corporation. …

Summer and juicy steaks and the burgers on the grill, rich tomato-based dishes, and cheeses pair especially well with Luigi Bosca De Sangre Cabernet Franc 2018. We loved the depth and complexity of this dry red wine with its deep purple color with dark fruit and spices notes, and lusciously lingering finish. With 14.4% alcohol, Luigi Bosca De Sangre Cabernet Franc 2018 is a rich, bold and powerhouse of a wine perfect to drink now or cellar for a few …

It is Summer and if you want to lighten up on your alcohol choices without sacrificing taste, Poema Pura Cava, a Brut-style Cava, made from certified organic grapes from the Penedès region of Spain is perfect. With only 11.5% alcohol, lively bubbles, and lovely mineral, citrus, and floral notes, this Cava may become your new favorite beverage to pair with tapas, seafood, charcuterie, or serve as an aperitif. Imported from Spain by Kobrand Corporation. Cheers!

It was a spectacular evening of wine and food at the kosher restaurant, Wolf & Lamb Steakhouse located at 16 East 48th Street in Manhattan, New York learning about the excellent kosher wines from Barkan Winery in Israel presented by Barkan’s Master of Wine and Head Winemaker Ido Lewinsohn. Paired with Wolf & Lamb Steakhouse’s delicious food, the one-night special event dinner was a night to remember.