DEC ‘22 Newsletter #1
X-MAS PAIRINGS, ARRIVALS & TASTING ARTICLE
The season is in full swing and Bottivino is bustling with holiday goodies for family, friends and colleagues. What makes a gift from my little shop special? Access to high quality Italian wines from small producers, selected and demystified by a wine professional who cares about the experience you will have in the glass. I love the challenge this time of year provides: what hits the table should reflect more than just a good pairing, but a centerpiece to bring folks together.
HOLIDAY PACKS
Check out three Holiday Packs I am immensely proud of. In the past, I have focused on regional comparisons and wild native grapes to entice. This year is a little different, with each pack containing wines exhibiting seamless progression from one bottle to the next, following a through-line of flavor and expression instead of location. It has been a blast to conceptualize meals and pair wines with similar characteristics and qualities: Winter Wonderland is all about clean lines and crisp alpine-like aroma for a lighter, fresher approach to the holiday. Tinsel & Spice is for the hearty palate, full of earth-driven aroma and baking spices for an evening lasting well into the wee hours. White Christmas is all about making memories, with wines ready to pair with a special cut of meat, dish or a meaningful toast with loved ones. Each pack has been discounted and also make for great gifts!
VISIT: HOLIDAY PACKS >>
ARRIVALS
This week was my big drop, with 4 deliveries landing yesterday and today. Since I took this picture the other day, this happy mess of boxes has doubled in size! I have a new Prosecco, alpine Nebbiolo, 3 Champagne, Sardinian reds, skin contact whites, Sangiovese, to mention a few… This is the reason for a two-part Newsletter this month, too many great bottles to talk about :)
Let’s set aside the new bubbles for later this week, and make way for: honeyed Albana from Emilia Romagna, earthy Monica from Sardegna, crisp Nebbiolo from Novara, and single-vineyard Barbera and Naschetta from prestigious vines in Asti. Most of these selections are the result of working with two celebrated Italian importers here in CA: Giuseppe from Lucidity and Christian from Lyra. Apart from being cool, and slightly crazy, guys, they are 100% dedicated to promoting exciting new wines from small producers in celebrated appellations all across the boot.
VISIT: NEW ARRIVALS >>
TASTING ARTICLE
I recently executed a 30 person tasting for local real estate/architectural firm located along the Embarcadero in SF. It was such a fun and inspiring concept to work with, I wanted to share the details with you in a brief article. My tastings are always anchored by a grand spread (photo below), which I feel sets the tone for where wine education should truly be found, around the table with friends and family.
READ: TASTING ARTICLE >>
AND…
About a week ago I was inducted into the ruling council of the Bay Area delegation for the Cavalieri del Tartufo e Dei Vini di Alba. This is an organization based in Piemonte since the the early 1960’s and charged with the preservation of the wines of the Langhe, Roero and Monferratto, as well as the white truffles of Alba. I became a knight a few years ago and have been hoping to create a series of Cavalieri-inspired classes. Now that I am a member of the ruling council, I am poised to finally make this happen. Look out in 2023 for a series of classes inspired by this organization.
Stay tuned for Part #2, where I go deep into my sparkling wine options. The line-up this year is pretty awesome. Also, if any of you are interested in adding white or black truffles to your holiday festivities, please reach out to me directly. I have a solid connection at Urbani Truffles and would be happy to facilitate an order. Don’t hesitate to call or email me for tailored gifts, recommendations or pairings.
Have a great week!
-PR