LYRA MAG.

MORE Highlights...Brunello di Montalcino -New Releases MUSICO poured a suite of vintages of its Brunelle Di Montalcino DOCG (2013, 2014, 2015-producing about 5000 bottles per year on 25 year old vines) and Rosso di Montalcion DOC (2017, 2018 producing about 3000 bottles per year). The highlight-2015 -with red fruit, leathery- dry tannins well balanced... MastroJanni -owned by Gruppo Illy-is imported by Selected Estates of Europe LTD,  is popular, with  well distributed wines here....plus it's winery terra firma is a destination- for tourists visiting Tuscany. The ruby tone fragrant Rosso di Montalcino 2017 which is a great pick for parties- has a bold structure, distinct tannins and fruity taste-AND is friendly -priced around  $26-$30 online-and ready drink now. IMO-...works with a range of food including spiced up Asian and Super Bowl party fare-not just typical Italian fare or meats -the usual suggestions.  Family owned  Plan delle Querci ...

Vino-Fabulissimo Part 1 Gotham Hall NYC The exceptional wines from Montalcino, Italy (40 kilometers south of Siena-in beautiful Tuscany) are acclaimed . WHAT: Exceptionally luscious Sangiovese grapes-crafted into that area's wines-include the regulated reds ... primarily the cellar worthy Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (for 2015-give them 2-3 years imo) and the fresh fruity (drink now or cellar) Rosso di Montalcino DOC. Recently available-a NYC showcase of the aforementioned sips was joyously sipped- including the excellent 2015 releases (an exceptional year-five star rated) and 2017/18s for the Rossos...(and some Sant' Antimo plus surprise -a few Cabernets + Chardonnays + dessert wine Moscadelio di Montalcino DOC )- all gloriously sipped. The packed wine tasting was sponsored by the  Consorzio Del Vino Brunello Montalcino . A fan fave for industry and restaurant reps...this tasting tour's offerings epitomized the importance of place (terroir-low and higher al...

In case you're better prepared for Black Friday-Cyber-Monday -than the regular holiday get togethers...beverage -wise...written below are some tips for liquid cheers-that enhance the usual cold weather fare. TRY WHITE WINES: Go for the fuller-bolder-more mineral -acidic -kind of white wine...made easier by selecting from certain regions. Our go to is typically from the Rhone area, or-for wood-buttery leanings- California Chardonnays-but  Italian whites-from-the Lugano DOC Lake Garda-Lombardy region -noted for its clay soil are drink now worthy and slowly being discovered here. Added Plus: MANY  good values exis t-all made from the Turbiana white grape- aged in steel-some with oaky hints (with added wood cask time)= fresh, approachable wines, At a recent tasting-BROLETTINO Cà dei Frati-Reserve 2017 (we found online $26.99) was the FAV of  several restaurant owners  (and us-bottle pictured up top)."Deliciously complex" -with of oak  courtes...

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 ...

P art ONE In the wine industry (food-too), producers haven't been waiting around for any New Deal...responding to customer demands for 'cleaner' grape cultivation methods ( native yeasts, spontaneous fermentations-respect for the land and environment-including weed control + plant protection)  and sustainable-recyclable packaging (think screw tops, renewable cork growth)... for years, delivering the wines to a well informed clientele. Highlights From Recent Wine Tastings: Slow Wine is a moniker-describing many of the delicious Italian wines available-made by vintners using old school hand-labored methods-vs chemical sludge. Includes fertilizers too. No GMO worries here, Recently-a few USA vintners-from California and Oregon, and Slovenia have 'joined' the Slow Wine fold. A Euro Embrace. Delightful discovery- SMALL VINES ' growers Kathryn and Paul Sloan-embrace France's winery practices-of ...exactly small wines (low yield high density plan...

R ed Wine made from the glorious Sangiovese grape- are sipping delights of any Tuscan trip. Benvenuto Brunello NYC 2019 And since the early 2000s, affordable and trophy bottles of this Italian  wine produced in an area 80 km south of Florence- are readily available here too. For consumers-the DOC (aged one year Rossi di Montalcino) and  DOCG designation (aged 2 years in oak- typically 5 years-with 6 years for Riserva)-appear on the bottle labels assure inhibiters of the origins of Brunello di Montalcino sold. WHAT TO EXPECT: With clay to rocky shale-limestone soils depending on elevation, southern/northern slopes, and weather that reflects sea and mountain breezes not too far way...the samples we tried had finishes ranging from bold-sometimes balsamic tastes to a more refined elegance (5-6 years aged in oak), notable tannins for all -some with balanced acidity (how aged) -and really there black berry flavors -that also varied, depending on age and vintage. ...

Off season travel-to the typical summer hot spots-are enjoyable NOW, especially mild winter destinations. Always popular Italy  is convenient to get to from this side of the Pond-via the country's signature airline, Alitalia . Direct flights from the USA East coast are frequent with this year's addition of flights from  Dulles/DC adding 5 weekly jaunts (to+fro') in May 2019. Currently attainable seasonal fares for the leisure travel sections and the awesome plush premium business class, are available to Rome or Milan area airports. BONUS: Getting to the city centers are hassle free too- via user friendly efficient trains connections- in addition to other flights/train connections-to many domestic + exotic intercontinental locales like  the holiday bucket list go to-the Maldives. And -no hassle meaningful stopovers are easy to arrange. CHECK OUT: Tuscany-off season doesn't mean off  -as the beautiful countryside near Florence-always beckons with scenic by...

Pale or bold, shades of yellow are back into year round everyday...stuff. Home and restaurant decor... San Fran does not lack for fab places to eat-but Brazilian street food leaning Café De Casa -has a perpetually popular branch a mere five minutes walk from tourist packed Fisherman's Wharf...that's a brunch destination, for a reason. Bonus points-the laid back atmosphere, excellent strong coffee, and cooked to order crepes (so relax). Bright retro plates-a warm egg yolk yellow-ideal backdrop for food that is home made, fresh and delish/delight ... outerwear (we predict), footwear -beyond the darker tones...and as mainstreamers all NOW should know- courtesy of The Devil Wears Prada/ Yves Klein 'Blue' lecture... via GIPHY it probably all started with fashion (not Pantone)...with inspirations from Vincent Van Gogh's glorious sunflowers. Porsche 911 GT3 RS...bright yellow-debuted at NY Auto Show last spring. No worries-already sold out...! Marcel O...

The (new) modern/conceptual art destination PRADA Fondazione -designed by star architect Rem Koolhaas Open seven days a week ...former distillery plus new buildings...featuring site specific and collected conceptual/modern art, sculpture, videos...  The wine-Italian grape-100% Nebbiolo DAMILANO Barolo   Riserva Cannubi "1752"intense ruby garnet, dry robust -red fruits cherry-licorice-cocoa-leather-tobacco intense flavors The eats-hunks of Parmigiana and fresh fruit or...Nutrella Grilled Cheese -at Bar Luc e (Prada Foundation designed by film director Wes Anderson, seriously ) The footwear...high glamor sneakers by luxe wedding dress designer  Antonio Riva Milano ...comfortable enough for all day walking...  or limited edition drops-Adidas Falcon (if/when)

A new season...a good a time as any to replenish a few stand-byes! via GIPHY Reboot drinking + hauling options... Summer staple sip Pinot Grigio-gets a sophisticated upgrade that not only pairs well with light summer fare (ceviche, fresh fruit salads, grilled fish)...but also heartier cold weather soups+stews. Dessimis Pinot Grigio Fruili Isonzo DOC 2016 (Vie Di Romans) by the 3rd generation of Gallo family members (and no that those Gallo  ) is a way more polished wine than our previous palate memory of what that wine tastes like--- This one is refreshing yet has a memorable minerally palette-with some fruits that made us rethink pinot grigio period. (around $39). Actually say this is a Chablis competitor.   And while changing beverages-it might be time to ditch the beach bound hauler for game day ORCA coolers -decked out in your fav NFL/NCAA team's moniker. Tail gate alerts!

Del Posto/NYC A focused wine tasting featuring a selection of AMARONE Red Wines...from Veneto-Italy area-was a revelation. THINK: Drink ready intense ruby-deep berry wines-with enough complexity, balanced acid, velvety tannins-full flavored fruity-spice hints...AND fantastic food pairing potentials with today's "IT" global cuisines! Impressive. And good values---ranging from around $20-$75. indigenous grapes  Top Pick: Yummy-Deep ruby red-ripe berry+hints of cinnamon+cocoa=silky tannins, smooth silky finish-full bodied and structured,,,MASI (Gargagnago) RISERVA DI COSTASERA AMARONE DELLA Valpolicella DOCG Classico with vines face Lake Garda....made of 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and 5% Molinare-aged 38-40 months in 600 liter Slavonian + Allier oak casts. Info: www.kobrandwineandspirits.com