Whine About Wine Earl-Ray
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Take a trip through the stories of more than 150 wines distributed by Di Vino Wine Wholesalers and the exclusive food and wine products offered at www.pastaandvino.com.
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The First Kiss and the First Glass of Wine are Always The Best!
Join us for a survey of three wines from Tamburini and a wonderful recipe featuring DOMA Roasted Red Pepper Strips!
TAMBURINI Il Castelluccio, Italy
Here is a fun fact! This crisp combination of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes was an original Chianti blend. Straw yellow in color with greenish highlights, it has an intense and aromatic bouquet reminiscent of broom, banana, orange blossom and rose. It has a full-bodied taste, with a lingering aroma and a good level of acidity. Enjoy with light cheeses, fresh fruits, shellfish and light pasta or risotto. The colder this wine is when drinking it, the more tart it will taste so experiment with the flavor at different temperatures and tell us your preference!
TAMBURINI TJ Rose, Italy
This is the first wine produced by Emanuela and Michele. TJ Rose was created as a celebration of their marriage and the birth of their daughter, Miriadele. There is so much symbolism in this wine: the T for Tamburini; the J for Jermann; and the 3 hearts linked with each of their initials as a forever tribute to their family. This 100% Sangiovese rose displays a velvety bouquet reminiscent of fresh strawberries and a hint of violets. It has a full-bodied, harmonious and soft taste. We suggest to open it about an hour before serving to really give the wine a chance to “breathe”, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavors to become more pronounced. Enjoy with Focaccia, cold meats and fresh cheeses, first courses with white meats, crustaceans and fish (mixed cooked and raw), or a classic simple pizza. It is delicious served lightly chilled or at room temperature.
TAMBURINI Il Massiccio, Italy
Massiccio means big and strong so it is only fitting that we make it our featured wine this month. This big wine comes from our familiar Tuscany winemaker, Emanuela Tamburini, and is a blend of 85% sangiovese and 15% merlot. In this big and powerful wine you will smell aromas of figs, dried plums, vanilla, and a little pepper. Enjoy with red meats and red sauces or lasagna. The high tannins of this red combined with a fatty meat or an acidic red sauce will tone down the acidic nature of the Sangiovese grapes and create a very well-rounded meal. -
The Good, the Better and the Organic...
WINE
MAISON ALBERT WINERY
Like most of the vineyards we have shared with you, the vineyards of Maison Albert have a
deep desire to create a truly organic wine. Only natural methods are used to cultivate the
grapes. For instance, wild plants are grown in an effort to maintain a rich biodiversity and
balance the structure of the soil. Each root generates different micro-organisms which allow
the vine to fully grasp the essence of the terroir. Pesticides, herbicides and other synthetic
chemical fertilizers are prohibited. In addition, sheep roam the vineyard and are responsible
for weeding and preparing the best organic manure. Their grazing also helps to aerate the
soil, thereby protecting it from fires. Maison Albert focuses on estate wines from the family’s
properties of Château Auris and Château Les Bugadelles in the Rhone Valley.
MAISON ALBERT CHARDONNAY
The Chardonnay grapes in this wine are organic and mechanically harvested which helps
to quickly gather the grapes (protecting them from oxidation) and transfer them to the cellar.
Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and is allowed to mature on the lees. The modern
cellar is computerized to perfectly control the temperatures during fermentation and avoid
any oxidation of the harvest. This Chardonnay is fresh with powerful notes of citrus fruits and
white flowers.
MAISON ALBERT PINOT NOIR
The Pinot Noir grapes in this wine are organic, harvested by hand, and carried in small crates
to avoid any damage to the grapes during transit from vineyard to cellar. The modern
cellar is computerized to perfectly control the temperatures during fermentation and avoid any
oxidation of the harvest. This slightly sweet and fruity pinot noir is fruit-driven with notes of
raspberries, cherries, and strawberries. It carries delicate floral flavors with a silky mouth-feel
and gentle tannins.
GOURMET FOOD
DOMA STUFFED PEPPER
DOMA in the Macedonian language means “My home” and is representative of the highest
quality and processes developed over centuries in the villages of Macedonia. DOMA cheese
stuffed red peppers are made with a traditional homemade recipe using only 4 ingredients.
These cherry peppers are ready to be consumed as an appetizer or as a complimentary addition
to your meal. It is 100% natural and contains NO preservatives!
TRUFFLE BUTTER ITALIAN BREAD
Oh my…one word…YUM! This recipe is going to be your next go-to for entertaining. The truffle
butter is simple enough to make (and make ahead to have on hand when needed). Not only is
this truffle butter melt-in-your-mouth delicious on bread, but once you try it, you’ll imagine the
possibilities of enjoying it on steak or potatoes, and other vegetables. -
Getting Back to Buttonwood Grove...
From a spacious multi-level deck, you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the beautifully landscaped grounds. The well-established vineyards produce classic European vinifera grapes including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling. Vines planted more recently are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer.
Savor a tasting from your choice of many award-winning wines, then browse the extensive gift shop for the perfect item for yourself or a friend.
Enjoy live music all summer long on the spacious deck while enjoying a favorite wine or trying something new! Meet fellow wine enthusiasts and enjoy the summer outdoors. The complete schedule can be found on the Winery Events page.
Looking for a longer visit? Stay overnight in one of our cozy log cabins, available from April through November. Drink in the ambiance of the Finger Lakes at Buttonwood Grove! Once you visit you won't be able to wait to get back to Buttonwood Grove.... -
When in Rome....
Welcome to our September 2022 edition of the “A Casa” food and wine club by Pasta and Vino
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
WINE
VINEA DOMINI
The first words pronounced by Benedict XVI, immediately after his election (2005), were: “after the
great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals elected me, a simple and humble worker of the vineyard of the
Lord.” From this came the idea of giving the name “Vinea Domini” (latin for the master’s vineyard) to
a new range of wines that represents the excellence of the production of one of the largest and most
historic wineries in the Castelli Romani: Gotto d’Oro or “golden glass”.
The winery is located in Rome and has been in existence since 1945. In 2017, the Vinea Domini line
of their wines was introduced to showcase the best grapes of Lazio. It is now the top brand among
their wines, producing 50,000-60,000 bottles.
ROMA BIANCO
The Roma Bianco is produced with Malvasia Puntinata grapes, a semi-aromatic varietal that in the
Castelli Romani area fnds a perfect harmony. You will notice aromas of white flowers and exotic
fruits with intense notes of ripe fruit, particularly apricot and melon, and soft sensations of citrus and
aromatic moss and a touch of mint.
ROMA ROSSO
The Roma Rosso (red) is produced with Montepulciano grapes. Montepulciano wines are typically
fruity, spicy, well-balanced, and fuller bodied. This particular wine will showcase notes of ripe red
fruit, particularly cherry, blackberry and plum. Maturation in wood gives it Spicy scents with notes of
vanilla.7th Edition Page 2 September 2022
GOURMET FOOD
ASTORINO RIGATONI
The debate is out on which pasta is the best shape for Pasta Carbonara. It is usually served with thick
spaghetti or rigatoni. Both pasta shapes are excellent at holding the creamy sauce of this dish.
PASTA CARBONARA
What goes better with Roman wines than a Roman dinner? We’ve got that. Pasta Carbonara is a
typical Roman dish that blends pasta, cheese, eggs, and guanciale (which is a bacon-like meat). So,
technically, you are eating breakfast AND dinner in one sitting! While the truest Roman recipe calls
for Guanciale (also known as pig cheek), it can be difficult to find. The next best option is pancetta
(pork belly), which is a lot like bacon – salty but unsmoked. You can also substitute either guanciale
or pancetta for your favorite bacon. Chances are that you have had Pasta Carbonara before, however
the typical Roman way is to create a very creamy dish with pasta water, eggs, and Pecorino Romano
cheese. You can thank us later.
WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO
Here’s our protip. If you ever take a trip to Rome, do yourself a favor and eat at a fantastic restaurant
called Flavio al Velavevodetto. The name translates to “I told you so”. Be sure to order their Pasta
Carbonara and when you say “this is the best pasta carbonara I’ve ever had”, remember that we told
you so! -
Not Your Granny’s Jam!
Potzinger Sauv Blanc
• Winery in southern Styria has existed since 1860
• Styria is a mountainous, forested state in southern Austria, known for its wine, spas and castles.
• The Sauvignon Blanc is a cross between Traminer and Chenin Blanc.
o The name is composed of the two French words sauvage (“wild” or “natural”) and blanc (“white”). And wild is quite apt when it comes to white wine and its characteristic bouquet.
o The Sauvignon Blanc impresses with its unique freshness, the taste is often reminiscent of gooseberries, currants with a citrus note, and usually has a rather slender body and crisp freshness.
o The fresh white wine is also considered an excellent culinary companion and goes well with fish and seafood, light starters and cheese
Torre Aragonese Ciro Rosato
• The historic Capoano family boasts a range of illustrious figures, dating back over thirteen centuries, in the fields of science, history, law, art and religion.
• Their passion for wine production, to delight their own palates as well as those of their guests, is equally ancient.
• The estate extends between centuries-old olive groves and native vineyards for about twenty hectares. From these lands DOC wines and oils are born that have given, for over two thousand years, authority and prestige to the true Cirò, just think that it was offered as a gift to the winners of the Athene Olympics.
• CARDINAL OF AMALFI PIETRO CAPOANO TO HIS BROTHER RAFFAELE (circa 1180):
o “Brother, I ask you for that nectar for his holiness that asks me for a commission."
• 100% Gaglioppo Grape
o What is Gaglioppo Grape? A delicious, rare find from Calabria that is the child grape of
Sangiovese and sibling to Sicily’s Nerello Mascalese. Wines often deliver dusty fruit
flavors.
o Fresh bouquet with hints of wild berries.
Lemon Spina, limoncello calabrese
• The La Spina Santa farm-holiday farm is located in Bova Marina, a small tourist center about 40 km from Reggio Calabria. Located 500 meters from the sea and its beautiful beaches, immersed in a circle of hills among the green of the bergamot plantations, it enjoys an excellent position in the center of the Grecanica area.
• The farmhouse “ La Spina Santa”Is the ideal place for hikers and for those who love a holiday in direct contact with nature. Ideal for those who want to live healthy and immerse themselves in nature without giving up the comforts of life.
• The characteristic environment with its folkloristic evenings will allow you to spend a stay of excellent quality. At the "Spina Santa" you can relax and have fun going around the farm in direct contact with nature and with all our animals; like Ginger and Fred, our cute donkeys that you can easily meet while running free around the farm or the horse Thor always proud and
haughty but available if you hand him a candy. prepared with genuine products and according to
the recipes of the most classic Calabrian cuisine.
• Lemon spina Liqueur obtained with the infusion of the peels of lemons ripened in the sun of
Calabria. bt 50 cl 28% vol.
Miglarese Mulberry Jam -
Red, White & Bubbly - July A Casa'
Welcome to our July 2022 edition of the “A Casa” food and wine club by Pasta and Vino
We’re celebrating July 4th this month with red, white, and bubbly wine!
WINE
REVEL OTR URBAN WINERY
What began as a hobby of wine making by Anthony Maieron and John Coleman is now a boutique urban winery with a full bar and event space. Located in Cincinnati’s historic and progressive OverThe-Rhine neighborhood, they specialize in handcrafted small-batch wines including their Cabernet Sauvignon *Silver Medalist* 2020 Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Other featured wines include
the Malbec, Sangiovese, Carménère, Black Sheep Blanc, Black Sheep Rosé and Black Sheep Red Blend Rouge. Revel wines are made 100% onsite with fruit sourced from CA, WA and Chile using a process that originated in Italy by the Maieron family which has been passed down generation to generation.
Their 3000 sq ft historic building houses up to 60 barrels of wine in the basement with the first and
second floor being used year-round for patrons to enjoy wine, food and friends. The second floor
is popular for corporate and private events and features live music during the week and weekends.
Their environment is very welcoming and hip in an artistic space which invites customers to relax with
friends. This month’s Revel wine selections are perfect for the summer heat. They are in cans and can be
enjoyed at pools, golf clubs, and lazy day trips to the lake without the risk of glasses, cups, and
bottles. Black Sheep Rosé is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Gris made with grapes
from Columbia Valley, WA. Aged only in steel tanks, you’ll notice flavors of fresh watermelon and
raspberry notes with subtle mineralty and a zesty finish. A patio crusher that is perfect for some spicy
and fried foods.
Black Sheep Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris made with grapes from Columbia
Valley, WA. You’ll notice bright citrus notes and crisp acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc while the
Pinot Gris contributes hints of ripe melon and a round texture to the mid-palate. This wine is another
patio crusher and is perfect to serve with charcuterie of soft cheeses or seafood drenched in butter.
DOMAINE ROSIER
The Rosier House was established in 1982 by Michel and Renza Rosier. They began the vineyard
by planting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin, and Mauzac grapes. Still very much a small family
production, they grew from producing approximately 600 bottles of their first vintage to producing
650,000 bottles per year in their modern cellar. Their son, Nicolas, now manages the estate with a
handful of dedicated team members to assist in the production of their wines.
This French sparkling wine, Cremant de Limoux, will make you think of champagne, but it’s not. The
word Crémant originated in the Champagne region. It was used to designate sparkling wines made
in Champagne that were less effervescent than ‘fully sparkling’ Champagne. Since 1985 Crémant
is no longer associated with Champagne when an agreement was created to end the use of the
term ‘methode champenoise’ (the method by which champagne is produced) by producers of nonChampagne sparkling wines. Champagne agreed to give up the term Crémant. Since then the word
Crémant would designate sparkling wines from other French regions made using the traditional
‘second fermentation in bottle’ method.
This Crémant is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. A refreshing bubbly to
celebrate summer, Crémant is very balanced and fruity with notes of toast and a touch of sweetness,
as well as scents of white flowers, apricot, and candy.
GOURMET FOOD
MURACA RED PEPPER INFUSED EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Another olive oil from a small producer is sure to please your palate for summertime favorites. We’re
adding a little spice with this one, courtesy of Calabrian chili peppers. Drizzle over salads, grilled
vegetables and meats, or add to your favorite homemade salsa. In your p