Fall is the seasons of warm colors and soft and subtle flavors. It is time we turn to fall fruits like apples and pears, roots and winter squashes. All of these thrive with the fragrant and sweet spices like cinnamon, fennel, cardamoms, and cloves. It is not surprising that we… Read More →
A to Z, Oregon Rosé Wine 2013: Red fruit notes, ripe red apple, raspberry and cherry with a mineral finish. Region: Oregon. Price: $12.74. Goes with: Pasta salad with green vegetables and grilled shrimp. Why I chose it: What makes this wine special, is that it’s not pinot noir, it’s… Read More →
When John Sarofeen was 22 — just barely old enough to legally drink — he tore into a Christmas present and found, to his delight, a case of wine. In a photo taped to a support beam near the cash register at his wine shop, Grape Expectations in Tarrytown, you… Read More →
Clos de la Grange Touraine Sauvignon 2013: Fresh citrus, stone fruits, and flinty chalk on the nose, followed by bright acidity, mineral undertones, a rich soft texture, and ends in a long, lingering and refreshing finish. Price: $13.99. Region: Touraine, Loire Valley, France. Goes with: As an apéritif, with seafood,... Read More →
Reichsrat von Buhl Riesling ‘Armand’ Kabinett 2012: Ruby grapefruit, green apple, peach and lemon curd flavors. Ample minerality, which gives it that big, powerful finish. Region: Pfalz, Germany. Price: $21.99. Goes with: Spicy foods, such as Thai, creamy cheeses, and summer salads. Why we chose it: This great example of… Read More →
The Prisoner Wine Co. ‘Blindfold’ 2012: A blend of Viognier, Rousanne, Marsanne, Chardonnay, Sémillion and Riesling, this medium- to full-bodied white explodes with honeyed notes of Anjou pear, mandarin, and lemon zest, and finishes with a creamy and balanced acidity. Region: California. Price: $34.99. Goes with: Your favorite shellfish, Tilapia,... Read More →
Hermann J. Wiemer Dry Riesling 2013: Orange and lime on the nose, with grapefruit and apricot on the palate. A minerality typical of the region and grape varietal, with a creamy texture and a long and lingering finish. Region: Finger Lakes, New York. Price: $17.99. Goes with: Poultry, shellfish and… Read More →
Marco Felluga Pinot Grigio “Mongris” 2012: Golden in color, with floral notes on the nose, combined with notes of apple and citrus. Elegant mouthfeel, nice body and structure with a long, fruity finish. Region: Collio, Italy. Price: $15.99. Goes with: Seafood, salad and grilled chicken. Why we chose it: Forget… Read More →
Montes Alpha Pinot Noir 2010: Dark cherry, plum, and notes of strawberry jam form a nose that jumps right out of the glass. Smooth in texture, with pleasant a pleasant gripping finish. Region: Casablanca Valley, Chile. Price: $19.99. Goes with: Grilled beef, chicken, and hearty fish dishes. Why we chose… Read More →
Sassetti Livio ‘Colle Argento’ Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry NV: A sparkler with pear, apple, and floral notes followed by a lingering, fruity finish. Well structured with fine bubbles, balanced acidity, and a very long finish, especially for Prosecco. Region: Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy. Price: $13.99. Goes with: Cured meats such as… Read More →
Niepoort Docil Loureiro Vinho Verde 2012: Clean and crisp with dashes of lemon and green apple complimented with fresh, floral notes, terrific minerality, and lots of crisp citrusy fruit flavors. It’s made from the indigenous Portuguese grape varietal Louriero. Price: $14.99. Region: Vinho Verde, Portugal. Goes with: Terrific on its… Read More →
*Hot dogs are sort of the last vestige of cheap, gooood eats. From BBQs to beachside to ball games, they’re arguably the quintessential summer food and our region has no shortage of iconic places to find ‘em. With a toddler in tow, I’m on a kid-friendly quest to taste the… Read More →
Dominique Piron Coteaux Bourguignons 2012: A Burgundy made from 100 percent Gamay. Beautiful black cherry, coupled with a touch of firmness that finishes with a refreshing dollop of red and black fruits that will linger until you take your next sip. Price: $11.99. Region: Coteaux Bourguignons, Burgundy, France. Goes with:... Read More →
A few weeks back, when I was reporting on our newest Mixed Case expert, Tracy Maxon at Varmax Liquor Pantry, I got to meet Toto, the resident African Grey parrot. I thought you’d like to meet him, too: Here’s JJ Berlingo, a wine expert at Varmax, with Tracy: ... Read More →
Crios de Susana Balbo Rosé of Malbec 2012: This displays a deep vibrant color, with notes of fresh ripe strawberries and red cherry on the nose. The palate has surprising amount of weight and ripeness, with notes of ripe strawberries, red cherry and spice flavors, which all linger on your… Read More →
lohud Wine of the Week Karine Lauverjat Sancerre Rose 2013: This delicate rosé, made from 100 percent pinot noir, offers notes of bright, fresh strawberries, red apple, and raspberry on the nose followed by a hint of salinity. The palate reveals a soft texture, bright acidity, and notes of strawberries… Read More →
Roger Maxon opened Varmax Liquor Pantry on Putnam Avenue in Port Chester, on Easter weekend in 1980. It was a small shop that stocked a few popular labels — Gallo, Mondavi, wicker-basket Chianti — but it was probably better known for the whistling and meowing African Grey parrot in the… Read More →
lohud wine of the week Pataille Sylvain Marsannay Rosé 2012: Onion-skin color. Remarkably fresh, vibrant wine with astonishing intensity and length. Drink this year and next. Region: Burgundy, France. Price: $26.99. Goes with: Grilled chicken and salmon. Why we chose it: Rosés are the best wines to welcome in summer… Read More →
lohud Wine of the Week Box O Birds Sauvignon Blanc 2013: Refreshing, soft grapefruit and tropical notes, finishing with bright acidity. Region: Marlborough, New Zealand. Price: $13.99. Goes with: Mexican dip, Chilean sea bass. Reason for Choice: “This is a beautiful expression of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, that works well… Read More →
LoHud Wine of the Week Feudi Di San Gregorio Falanghina 2012: Dry, light, easy drinking Italian white, with tropical fruit notes and great minerality. Region: Campania, Italy. Price: $13.99. Goes with: Popcorn shrimp, fillet of sole. Why we chose it: Now that May is finally here and warm weather is… Read More →
LoHud Wine of the Week Julian Of The Seasons Cabernet Sauvignon 2010: The private label of the famed Four Seasons Restaurant in New York. Bold, lush and elegant with bordeaux-like fruit, finishing with rich, soft tannins. Region: Sonoma County, Calif. Price: $32.99. Goes with: Steak. Why we chose it: “It’s… Read More →
LoHud Wine of the Week Mount Eden Chardonnay Wolff 2010: Medium-bodied, with light oak flavors, finishing with notes of honey, pear and almonds. Region: Edna Valley, Calif. Price: $21.99. Goes with: Onion quiche, lobster fettucine. Why we chose it: When people say it’s hard to find a full-bodied Chardonnay for… Read More →
Vieille Julienne Chateauneuf du Pape 2008: A perfect blend of a big and robust wine, showing lots of plums and blackberries, while still being soft and approachable. Region: Rhone Valley, France. Price: $54.99. Goes with: Rack of lamb, short ribs. Why we chose it: A big, soft Chateanuef is the… Read More →
When it comes to serving wine with brisket for your Passover Seder, you want to look for a Bordeaux varietal, says Scott Wunderlich of Bedford Wine Merchants. In other words: a cabernet sauvignon or a merlot. “If you like wines with a little more weight or structure, you can do… Read More →
LoHud Wine of the Week Ella Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010: This wine opens up beautifully with some areation and offers a medium to full-bodied Cab. Region: Judean Hills, Israel. Price: $31.99. Goes with: Brisket, flank steak. Why we chose it: After drinking this wine, you won’t believe that it’s kosher,... Read More →
LoHud Wine of the Week Bouchard Pere Bourgogne Rouge 2011: Light and delicate right off the bat, with elegant red berry fruit flavors taking this Burgundy the rest of the way. Region: Burgundy, France. Price: $14.99. Goes with: Barbecue pork, chicken. Why we chose it: This is proof that you… Read More →
LoHud Wine of the Week Backstory Chardonnay 2012: A ripe, round white wine with delicious aromas and juicy flavors of fresh apple, peach, pear and lemon. Region: California. Price: $11.99. Goes with: Chicken wings, butternut squash soup. Why we chose it: One of the best value Chardonnays we have ever… Read More →
LoHud Wine of the Week Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir Carneros 2010: Cherries and raspberries are apparent on the nose, as this medium-bodied Pinot drinks beautifully right out of the bottle. Region: Carneros, Calif. Price: $21.99. Goes with: Barbecue chicken, ham. Why we chose it: Time to drink some lighter wines,... Read More →
St. Damien Cotes Du Rhone La Bouveau 2012: Medium-bodied with nice forward fruit, spice on the mid-palate, finishing with dark berry flavors. Region: Rhone Valley, France. Price: $16.99. Goes with: Baby-back ribs, beef stew. Why we chose it: Last chance to sit by the fire and drink a big, bold,... Read More →
LoHud Wine of the Week Alpamanta Estate Malbec 2010: Beautifully balanced with tobacco, smoky flavors and a spicy finish. Region: Mendoza, Argentina. Price: $24.99. Goes with: chunky chili, Argentine rib-eye. Why we chose it: Never a bad idea to enjoy some hot chili and a soft Malbec on a cold… Read More →
