LYRA MAG.

Holiday fare with something ' pumpkin-spice ' -or peppermint chocolate  -match well with Octoberfest beers and schnapps-but earthy aromatic red wines as well as balanced white wines-can also pair off well. via GIPHY At- Il Gattopardo -several rich red wines made from Romagna Sangiovese regional grapes were paired perfection with the elegant rustic southern Italian appetizers served. The new to us  Sangiovese red wines-sharing the characteristic rich berry garnet color of Brunellos - are helpfully subject to the new Romagna appellation regulation (12 sub-zones) that safeguard and promote these delicious aromatic sips to consumers on this side of the Pond. One of our favs.. .Il Nespoli (Poderi Dal Nespoli S.r.L. Soc. Agr. ) Romana Sangiovese Superiore Riserva- a red wine with fine, elegant tannins with characters reflective of the medium textured terroir. Pair with hard cheeses, meaty entrees-or we think, spicy autumnal fare-like warm up pumpkin squash soup. Anot...

Sparkling Wines From France (Le Grand Courtage) Red+CavaWines From Spain (Clos de  Tafall, El Mirac, Parès Balta), Hard Cider (Hazlitts Cider Tree), Beer (Catskill Brewery)+Bourbon ( Taconic Distillery) From New York, Ryes/Bourbons (Mad River Distillers) From Vermont, Home Brewed Pico Systems, NUMI Organic Teas, Honey Stinger Honey, BOKU Superfood Parties-gatherings are numerous in December..for festive reasons-or to commiserate.. ...at any rate-guests expect beverages-maybe even more than eats-offered up for sure. SO why not mix up the offerings from the usual...even on a budget-there are so many small craft wineries and distillers these days-that provide unique tastes-guranteed for palate pleasers...alcoholic and not. via GIPHY Wine Spectator anointed 90 points!!! Wines from Spain...ahhh-Clos de Tafall 2014 produced by Clos Berenguer....aged 12 months in French Oak-is an aromatic red wine with floral, currant, kirsch and dark chocolate-cola flavors with lively tannin...

IAC BUILDING HQ/NYC Utiel-Requena Wines benefit from a Mediterranean climate-with vines 75% Bobal grapes-pictured Tharsys Unico 2008 ZOLLO:   Senorio de Astobiza  's white from Basque region made with native grape 80% Hondarrabi Zuri, 20% Hondarrabi-affordable fruity-smooth white pairs well with-meats and ripened cheeses Biodynamic Wine---we asked what that was-organic grapes and harvesting methods...Pablo Claro  Graciano-Cab. Sau.-tasty dark cherry, vanilla, spice fruity-sweet tannins-full bodied.From Terroir WIne Group Men de Mencia 2009, Soto del Vicario, DO Bierzo A fav...and the last wine we tasted--- Marquis de Riscal Gran Reserva  2005, DOCa Rioja deep dark cherry-black fruit, spicy and elegant with long finish, firm tannins, fresh and balanced. NICE. DO La Mancha Wines Oristan Crianza 2012, Bodegas Lozano, DO La Mancha-Tempranillo 70%, Cab. Sau. 15%, Shiraz 15%-good for a crowd-deep ruby red with coffee-tobacco -in...

one side of spacious IAC HQ lobby                                                   SPAIN'S GREAT MATCH                                                     wine food design One side of the spacious, light filled IAC HQ Building's lobby... IAC HQ Building, West 18th Street, NYC Codorníu Raventos Bodegas Y Vinedos-Scala Dei Prior 2013, Cellars de Scala Dei, DOCa Priorat -Barca based company owns Codorníu Raventos founded in 1551-17th generation family owns 11 winer...