LYRA MAG.

T he Nebbiolo grapes that comprises collectible and more drink now variety of Barolos -in all of its chewy deliciousness---is made in the biodynamic-organic "slow wine" wineries in the Piedmont area of Italy. From the south east region -from the historic glorious single vineyards located in Monforte d'Alba-family owned Pecchenino produces a few Nebbiolo wines. Pictured above-the accessible + value priced medium bodied Barolo like Langhe Nebbiolo Briccco Ravera 2015 -fermented in stainless steel, aged in Austrian oak (2 years)-followed by 6 months in the bottle. Deep ruby color, ripe berry flavors, licorice, florals-roses+violets, and mint hints. Fresh balanced sip-pretty much ready now or next year-to drink. ($28) The Bussia Barolo DOCG 2013-back label pictured below---is worthy of seeking out and aged according to Barolo DOCG (38 months) requirements. ($75). Ruby red in color-and made in a traditional production style with a long fermentation with native yeasts ...

" SAVING THE WORLD ONE BOX AT A TIME" Part Two GIFT + PARTY CROWD ALERT: WINEBERRY BOX -with Château Tassin's Bordeaux-White, Red or Rosé doubles as a crowd pleasing drink-in eco packaging  THAT protects the wine from air and light ...ensconced in a collapsible sack-that keeps the wine fresh for 6-8 weeks . Bordeaux's Right Bank located  Château Tassin 's Bordeaux Blanc in a Wineberry Box (pictured)-PERC certified sustainably sourced wood holds 4 bottles worth...Sauvignon-Semilion blend -is a bright sip of citrus medium intensity+ acid--mineral balanced with lemon-grass  hints pairs well with goat +soft sheep milk cheeses, seafood-shellfish, non fiery Asian foods and  makes a nifty cocktail party statement at your next soireé. Found Online from Fresh Direct at bargain $31.49 -and elsewhere...p riced at $48 The Château Tassin Bordeaux style Red blend 2016-which we also tasted but out of an individual bottle  -delicious bargain too...

S amples From the Bernard Magrez Portfolio of Wines  Grand Crus Classés Bordeaux reds are Valentine's Day perfect -and relatively speaking-are good values vs the trophy red Burgundies. THE Highlight: Grand Crus Classés Bordeaux Reds  from the esteemed Bernard Magrez collection included our favorite-and imo-well priced 2009 blend from  Chateau Pape Clément . This "urban" winery-  dates back to the 13th century(!!!!!)..and is in the Pessac Leognan appellation not far from the center of the Bordeaux region. What we tried-the 2009 vintage-is terrific...a hand picked, earthy intoxicating aromatic blend - with a wonderful  elegant finish-  a complex fusion of deep fruits, leather, smoky-lovely pepper hints (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc). Many foods including  Asian...would pair well. Priced in the USA around $170+ FYI: this jewel in Magrez portfolio-has white gloved employees de-stemming berry ...

La Sirena /Maritime Hotel ( yes on the list)  Perfect weather, combined with a spacious outdoor setting (the Cabanas) -Rhone Valley wines (new releases, white, reds, rosés), Italian fare -and hosts Wine Enthusiast's celebratory best 100 restaurants issues= a pretty perfect Monday evening. Terroirs Press/professionals in the biz gathered for an interesting pre-tasting panel on trends in restaurants -and their wine lists-food, customer wants, and we would say updated attitudes about all of the aforementioned. WE Food Editor Nils Bernstein on far right hosted the round table...(l-r)  Four Horsemen (Brooklyn) and Executive Chef. Nick Curtola (from that borough's popular Franny's),  Victoria James, Chef Sommelier at Piora -a certified sommelier at 20 years old and winner of Ruinart Sommelier Competition  and  Best Sommelier of Languedoc-Roussillon - and an author-of a book celebrating Rosé (now 26!!!), and far left- Michaël Engelmann, MS, Wine Dir...

via GIPHY Oui, Oui...French Fries gone gourmet...by The Smith Restaurant...Fries with brandied mushroom aioli, white truffle, melange peppercorns Competition of sorts...but honestly---french fries cooked professionally are always  really good to great...especially when paired with selections of wines from southwest France.

via GIPHY source mylittleparis.com French Cheese Board 41 Spring Street, NYC  T he French Cheese Board-is a destination for cheese lovers...and a delicious boutique with the mission of making everyone who crosses the threshold-lovers of the delectable cheeses of France.  French cheeses are of the  'terroir' as wines are-with distinct tastings Events and classes...feature French wines that pair well with the specialties of the house. cheese boards...include mix of hard, soft-cow-goat milk cheeses fig jam-works well atop camembert cheese  Chateau Des Bormettes-is a family owned vineyard, located 50 meters from the Mediterranean Sea, near Nice, France. Selections from this vineyard-paired with three cheeses...

Tis' the season. via GIPHY Whether hosting or bringing beverages and eats for a playoff tv viewing crowd -chances are attendees have elevated expectations for sustenance-right along with their increasingly sophisticated palates. For a change from usual Buds: Sparkling wines with the elegance of French champagne-without the costs? We say stay within France for handy party sized splits...that are worthy alternatives- at half the price (at least) by Burgundy based Le Grand Courtâge -conveniently available online and in many states. Pictured-the delicious bubbly Grand Cuvée Blanc de Blancs (crips granny smith apples, honeysuckle, strawberry and heady bread-y hints that we love ) made from a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc (honey, citrus), Colombard (high acid, structured-mineral-y), and Ugni Blanc (fruit) and the Rosé Brut-a terrific fruity fresh sip of berries- strawberry-raspberry and floral aromas-courtesy of a blend of Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc and Gamay grapes. IMO-sparkl...