by whitney on April 13, 2012
Ever had vermouth from Spain?
You should! It’s not just a France and Italy only club. Primitivo Quiles in Alicante is producing a stellar and affordable red vermouth made from mostly monastrell. It has made its way to the US via Jose Pastor and we should thank him for this fine juice and one of the BEST labels I’ve ever seen. Right?
How to drink your vermouth? Especially with red and sweet vermouth, leave it alone and let it be the star. Pour it over some ice and let it percolate. Perhaps some citrus peel would be nice. Maybe some soda water. But, you don’t need to know how to make a Manhattan or be a master mixologist to enjoy it. Remember- even though it is fortified, it is a wine based product, so keep it in the fridge after opening for a longer life.
by whitney on January 13, 2012
by whitney on August 22, 2011
The fun fest that was all of last week (with visitor Christina) kicked off with a gal’s dinner at Terroni. There was laughter, arancini, hugs, many an Aperol spritz, seared tuna, gossip, octopus, lamb ragu and of course…wine. First up to bat: 2007 Alberto Tedeschi Spungola Bellaria (100% pignoletto, pronounced peen-yo-leh-toe, from Emilia-Romagna). Yes, I just wrote peen. Get over it.
In keeping with the Label Love criteria- I not only seriously love what’s inside the bottle, but what’s on the outside. I know, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. But dang I sure do enjoy something pretty to look at. Look at that slightly textured paper, the watercolor-esque flower print and that strong Art Deco inspired font.
And it not only gives good label, but good GLASS as well! Check it.
This wine, as with many skin contact whites, was really versatile in terms of pairing ability. It was rockin’ with many of our first courses like the crispy/soft arancini (fried risotto studded with peas, cheese and meat) and a beautiful seared tuna over little bits and pieces of corn and cicerchie.
There was lots of talk of umami between us gals and how well skin contact whites do with the umami flavors present in some foods like parmesan, tomatoes, mushrooms/truffles, etc. There’s just that magical rainbow connection ya’ll.
One more shot of that wine. So beautiful. I could use a little bit of that golden glow for my Monday morning.
Bottom 3 photos by Marisa Q