We had a great tasting last night with Jess our new wine consultant from Massanois Imports, a boutique fine wine (and spirits)importer. As usual it was an eclectic blend of classic wines from around the world with a cool gin from the Riviera at the end!
Germany: Classic dry Mosel Riesling at a great price! zingy acidity, citrus, apple, beeswax and wet slate.

France: Domaine Chancelle Saumur-Champigny. A beautiful Loire Cabernet Franc with dark fruit notes and suggestions of herb and forest floor. Medium to light body with a smooth mouthfeel

Italy: Chianti Classico from Bibbiano. 2019 is wonderful! I’m luke warm about mid range Chianti but this really grabbed me. Must be the quality of the vintage and the 100% Sangiovese. It was bursting with crunchy black fruit and beautifully balanced and integrated acidity and fine tannins. Just begging for a great pizza

USA: Classic Cali Napa Cab. The Darms lane was one of the first wines we carried from Massanois and we love it! the 2018 was showing very well with ripe cherry and cassis, a creamy texture, smooth tannins and nice toasty, vanilla oak notes

“Extra Credit”

Lucchetti “Vino di Visciola” which translates to “sour cherry wine” Delicious, sweet and sour after dinner quaff. I’m going to find a way to corrupt it in a cocktail

Mirabeau Riviera Rose Gin delicous floral based gin made with fresh Provencal botanicals. great with ice, tonic, in a Negroni or in my famous rose cocktail

1 1/2oz THIS gin

3/4 oz pamplemouse liqueur

over ice in a wine glass, then top with 2-3 oz dry rose wine