LYRA MAG.

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...

 NYC-IAC Building VIAS IMPORTS GRAND PORTFOLIO TASTING Hundreds  of delicious wines, liqueurs, and spirits/cordials -from 91 wineries+ several countries including Italy (mostly), France, Spain, USA (CA, WS, NY, VA), Argentina, Austria, and even Colombia and Lebanon..brought out crowds of industry insiders, restaurant owners, distributors and media...for a six hour professional tasting. We'd say the producers and event staff -helping with the sampling of sips-got an arm workout, for sure...but -seemed very happy to be there. All that good wine... DUH. via GIPHY Highlights were numerous...there are indigenous grapes (83!!!) as well as found around the world grapes -all with their own unique characteristics (terroir, weather...)...and of course, each vintner imparts knowledge and  specialness onto production/blends/aging...vintages typically from 2008-2014 with most 2011+. Pleasant surprises include-the variety of Prosecco s -the sparkling Italian white w...