2019 Friuli-Venezia Giulia | medium-bodied; red fruit with herbaceous and mineral notes| excellent food-pairing wine; delicious with tomato-based or spicy dishes, meat in general, and perfect when matched with venison
Cabernet Franc
Darioush Signature
2013 Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley | plums, sandalwood, and vivid berry flavors with subtle minerality; lush finish of raspberry liqueur and plum compote with silky tannins | wonderful with food; especially good with tomato sauces; pair with steak, lamb, porkchops, veal, sausage, or meatballs
Cabernet Sauvignon
DAOU
2022 Paso Robles | currant, black cherry, cedar, &
eucalyptus | delicious as a cocktail wine or paired with steak, lamb,
and mushrooms
Frank Family Vineyards
2021 Napa Valley | black cherry, cocoa,
hazelnut, baked plums, and cloves | pairs well with steak, short ribs,
portobello mushrooms, and lamb
- Nick's Favorites
Peju
2021 Rutherford | black cherry, dark fruit, and cocoa powder with notes of anise, clove, and tobacco | wonderful as a cocktail wine or paired with red meat dishes
Shafer “One Point Five”
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon | Stags Leap District, Napa Valley | elegant and silky with lush, vivid, abundant fruit and cashmere-like soft tannins | wonderful as a cocktail wine; or enjoyed with red meat – especially game
Flanagan “Beauty of Three”
2020 North Coast | mountain fruit with great structure and concentration; great aromatics; site driven fruit, new French oak | pair with red meats or other full-flavored dishes
Kendall Jackson “Jackson Estate Hawkeye Mountain”
2019 Alexander Valley | cassis, plum, tobacco leaves, violet, cedar, and sage; an elegant wine that does not shy away from structure and power | pair with ribeye steaks, lamb chops, and other full flavored meats
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Artemis”
2020 Stags Leap District, Napa Valley | full-bodied with rich fruit flavors of boysenberry, plum, currant, chocolate, and baking spice | enjoy with grilled steak, braised short ribs, and pasta with mushrooms or prosciutto
Central Italy
Tenuta di Nozzole
2019 Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG | Toscana |
macerated cherries & fresh fruit with soft tannins | pairs well with
steak, red sauces, olive oil, and beans
San Felice “Il Grigio”
2017 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG |
Toscana | sweet violets and spicy tobacco leaf; full-bodied and
round with smooth, ripe tannins harmoniously integrated with
the acidity | perfect with meat dishes, game, red sauces, and cheese
- Nick's Favorites
Castello Banfi “Poggio alle Mura”
2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG | Sangiovese | Toscana | violets, sweet ripe red fruit & berries, as well as cigar box and spices | perfect pairing for ossobuco; pairs well with red meat, game, red sauce, and aged cheese
Castiglion del Bosco
2018 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | Toscana | ripe red currant and morel cherry perfumes along with notes of thyme and turmeric; well-balanced with firm tannins | pairs well with meat dishes and dishes in a mushroom or cream sauce
Frescobaldi “Ripe al Convento” di Castel Giocondo
2012 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG Riserva | Toscana | complex and intense on the nose; alternating between red and black fruits with mineral notes of spice and incense | wonderful with slow-cooked meat dishes
Giodo
2013 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | Toscana | plenty of dried fruit with fig and mushroom undertones; full body, silky tannins | best paired with rich dishes, red meats, and creamy risottos
Ridolfi “R”
2017 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG | Toscana | blackberry, cherry, violet, spices, and a final balsamic note; elegant and rich with savory tannins | best with red meat, especially when cooked rare and with hard cheeses; perfect with carpaccio
Silvio Nardi
2017 Brunello di Montalcino | Toscana | aromas of red berries, leather, & incense with firm, elegant tannins | pair with tomatoes, red meat, or rich fish dishes
Frescobaldi “Tenuta Perano”
2018 Chianti Classico DOCG | Toscana |violet notes with red berries, blackberries, cloves, and pepper spice; dry and savory | wonderful with meat and tomato dishes such as lasagna or bolognese
Alfredo Bertolani
NV Amabile Reggiano Lambrusco DOC | Emilia-Romagna | a wine that brings Lambrusco into the modern era; not sweet and not dry, a pleasure (not a guilty pleasure) | excellent with Parmesan cheese, Bolognese, lasagna, duck and other rich meats
Fattoria Le Pupille
2021 Morellino di Scansano DOCG | Sangiovese Blend | Toscana | bright ruby with notes of cherry and red berries, sweet spices, and delicate floral notes; smooth tannins and a long finish | best with dishes in a red sauce
Marotti Campi “Orgiolo”
2020 Lacrima di Morro d’Alba DOC Superiore | Le Marche | highly aromatic with notes of rose, blackberry, pink pepper, and juniper berries with hints of exotic spice; smooth tannins | wonderful with first courses, duck, lamb, pork, and rabbit
Antinori Badia a Passignano
2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG | robust, powerful, and elegant wine with black cherry compote, earthy mushrooms, smoky spice flavors, and cool herbs | enjoy with an equally meaty dish such as lasagna or bolognese
Chardonnay
Stemmari Chardonnay
2020 Sicilia | Tart & Fresh | slightly
ripened peach & pear with notes of yellow flowers | enjoy with
antipasti, shellfish, and fried appetizers
- Nick's Favorites
Ferrari-Carano
2022 Sonoma County | citrus, peach, orange blossom,
vanilla, and graham cracker | pairs well with butter and cream
sauces, basil, & nuts
Pio Cesare “Piodilei”
2019 Langhe DOC | a layered an beautiful wine; cooked apples, pineapple, hints of vanilla and cream | pair with branzino, veal chops, butternut squash ravioli, scallops, lobster, and roast chicken
Freemark Abbey
2021 Napa Valley | pear, mandarin, tuberose, brioche, vanilla, and oak spice | very food-friendly; goes perfectly with anything in a cream or butter sauce especially when served with chicken, veal, fish, or shellfish
Frank Family Vineyards
2021 Carneros, Napa Valley | full-bodied with citrus and white peach, succulent stone fruit flavors and buttery pastry dough | pairs exceptionally with rich seafood such as scallops and crab; or with buttery sauces such as scampi, fettuccine alfredo, or dishes prepared with a piccata sauce
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Karia”
2022 buttery aromas and flavors infuse this nicely fruity wine with mild lemon and pineapple flavors; full-bodied in style with a creamy texture and butterscotch finish | pair with pork, chicken, crab, or goat cheese
Merlot
L’Ecole No. 41
2019 Walla Walla Valley | Bing cherry, fresh blackberry, cinnamon, cedar, and espresso completed with rose petals and a touch of sage | tastes great alongside roasted mushrooms or braised meats; the fruit notes especially compliment pork with a chimichurri sauce
Northeast Italy
MASI “Costasera”
2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG | Vegan | baked fruit, plums and cherries, with hints of coffee and cocoa | excellent as an after-dinner wine; or to go with red meat, game, or richly flavored dishes; very good with gorgonzola
Tenuta Luisa Cabernet Franc
2019 Friuli-Venezia Giulia | medium-bodied; red fruit with herbaceous and mineral notes| excellent food-pairing wine; delicious with tomato-based or spicy dishes, meat in general, and perfect when matched with venison
Zenato
2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG | bay leaf & cured cherries | pairs well with braised beef short ribs, wild boar, venison, and steak
Cesari “Mara”
2019 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC | Veneto |full-bodied with ripe fruit flavors and aromas; smooth and elegant with a persistent, warm finish | goes best with full-flavored risottos; especially those made with sausage or mushrooms
Peter Zemmer “Rolhüt”
2021 Pinot Noir | Alto Adige | fresh, elegant, and bright with aromas of raspberry, blueberry muffin, and dried cranberry | a light style that pairs well with most foods; particularly good with cream sauces, chicken, game, and mushrooms
Northwest Italy
Prunotto “Vigna Colonnello”
2013 Barolo DOCG Riserva Bussia | produced from one single prized hectare in the Monforte d’Alba area; rose petals, raspberries, and pomegranate with spicy and balsamic notes; supple tannins with a long, dense finish | pairs best with osso buco, steak, veal chop, and dishes made with egg pasta
Michele Chiarlo “Reyna”
2019 Barbaresco DOCG | Piemonte | complex and elegant with notes of small red fruits, rose petals, and tea leaves; fine tannins with a long, balanced finish | accompanies risotto, veal, or lamb
Ca’Rome’ Barbaresco
2014 Barbaresco Chiaramanti DOCG | Piemonte | intense garnet red. Complex aromas with hints of licorice. Velvety and full-flavored | pair with risotto, veal, and lamb | Large format; 1.5L Magnum
Pio Cesare “Fides” Barbera
2020 Barbera d’ Alba Superiore | Piemonte | blackberry, plum, black cherry, tobacco and mineral notes I pairs with rich dark meats, blue cheese, mushrooms, root vegetables, and braised greens
G.D. Vajra Nebbiolo Langhe DOC
2021 Piemonte | varietal truth, purity of aromatics, and depth with notes of rose, violet, fresh berries, red and dark fruit, lavender, and mint | this elegant wine pairs very well with meat, risotto, and cheese
Poderi Luigi Einaudi “Vigna Tecc” Dolcetto
2019 Dogliani Superiore DOCG | Piemonte | black fruit, plum, blackberry, cocoa, violet, and a bit of black pepper | best with richer, darker meats and vegetable dishes with tomatoes, eggplant, and garlic
Ceretto
2018 Barolo DOCG | Piemonte | rich notes of red fruit with hints of tobacco on the nose; soft tannins and balanced acidity | very food-friendly; delicious on its own and with either rich or simple foods
Palladino
2019 Barolo DOCG Del Commune Di Serralunga d’Alba | Piemonte | the nose is characterized by a variety of aroma,s from rose & violet to fruit & spices, licorice, and nutmeg | best with roasted and braised meat dishes and with strong cheeses such as gorgonzola
Cascina Adelaide “Vigna Preda”
2019 Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC | single vineyard; fruit, floral, and plum jam tones edged with vanilla | pair with red meat, game, and strong cheese
Other Italian White Wines
Occhipinti “SP68” Bianco
2020 60% Zibibbo, 40% Albanello | Sicilia | featured on “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy” | Biodynamic | Skin-Contact Wine; fermented with indigenous yeasts | dry; floral and aromatic | excellent with shellfish, delicate pastas, and fish
- Nick's Favorites
Castello di Titignano “Rigogoli”
2021 Umbria | Viognier & Grechetto di Todi | medium-bodied, oak aged, dry white wine | peach, almond, and sweet spice | pair with simply cooked fish, scallops, chicken, or mushrooms; goes with anything in a butter white wine sauce
I Custodi “Aedes” Etna Bianco
2021 Carricante | Sicilia | delicious and natural white wine from famed wine guru Salvo Foti; white fruit, yellow apple skin crunch, green olives, mineral finish | pairs superbly with pork, chicken, or anything from the sea
Elena Walch Gewürztraminer
2021 Alto Adige DOC | dry; characterful and elegant with charming notes of lychee, flowers, and spices | wonderful as a aperitif, with spicy dishes, or with dishes based on fish and shellfish such as cioppino
- Nick's Favorites
Bruno Giacosa
2021 Roero Arneis DOCG | Piemonte | a richer and rounder Arneis with medium to full body; lemon, apricot, and spicy pear; some cooked apple, too | really delicious; pairs amazingly with beef carpaccio, zucchini, and eggplant dishes
Pieropan
2021 Soave Classico DOC | Veneto | fresh and bright with notes of crunchy pear, blood orange, stony minerals, and almond blossom | excellent aperitif; pairs wonderful with soups, fish, egg-based dishes, and with vegetables such as peas, asparagus, and cucumber
Villa Sparina
2022 Gavi del Comune di Gavi DOCG | Cortese | full and rich yet mineral and refreshing; dried pineapple, peach, and white flowers | perfect with fish and vegetarian dishes
Merlettaie “Ciù Ciù”
2021 Pecorino | Offida DOCG | Le Marche | barrel-fermented and lees aged, peach/ apricot aromas with a hint of mountain herbs; full and lush on the palate | wonderful with any pasta dish with pecorino cheese, or with grilled seafood, chicken, or vegetable dishes
San Felice
2021 Vermentino | Toscana | crisp & zesty with notes of citrus, pear, and green apple flavors | great with salads, poultry, and pesto sauce
Marisa Cuomo “Fiorduva”
2020 Fuore Bianco | Costa d’Amalfi, Campania | summer peach, honeydew melon, preserved lemon, and tropical fruit with a smooth taste and considerable aromatic persistence | perfect with all seafood dishes; with gorgonzola cheeses; or alone to finish a meal
Gravner
2015 Ribolla Gialla | Fruili-Venezia Giulia IGT | fermented in amphorae with indigenous yeasts; bottled without fining or filtering; a distinct and vibrant orange color; roasted nuts, quince paste, white truffles, honey, tangerine zest, and floral notes | an outstanding food wine, both tannic and acidic; wonderful with pork, anchovies, rich seafood, and red meat
Pinot Grigio
Venica & Venica “Jesera”
2021 DOC Collio | Friuli-Venezia Giulia | Skin-Contact Wine | brilliant copper color, notes of white flowers, ginger, pink pepper, pear, and apple | pairs especially well with charcuterie, grilled fish, and risotto
- Nick's Favorites
Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio
2022 Friuli | crème brûlée, and custard are perfectly balanced with citrus, white flowers, apricot, melon, and peach | pair with fish, shellfish, risotto, and baked vegetables
Kettmeir
2021 Alto Adige DOC | pear and white apple with floral, citrus, and tropical fruit notes | a very versatile companion to many different foods; seafood starters, fish, soups, and white meat dishes in particular
Pinot Noir
Stemmari
2021 Sicilia DOC | blackberries, wild strawberries, cherries, and spice | pair with pasta Bolognese, red meat, and cheeses
Merry Edwards
2020 Sonoma Coast | bing cherry with licorice, forest floor, rose petal, vanilla, and baking spices | enjoy with mushrooms or other vegetarian dishes; delicious with salmon or pork
- Nick's Favorites
Peter Zemmer “Rolhüt”
2021 Pinot Noir | Alto Adige | fresh, elegant, and bright with aromas of raspberry, blueberry muffin, and dried cranberry | a light style that pairs well with most foods; particularly good with cream sauces, chicken, game, and mushrooms
Nicolas-Jay
2016 Willamette Valley | this wine makes a statement on how extraordinary the Willamette Valley can be; outstanding aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, savory spices and chalk, and enticing earth and stones | delicious with most foods, especially chicken, mushrooms, and duck
Paul Hobbs
2021 Russian River Valley | violets, wild cherry, and scents of sage; an elegant and graceful wine with bright acidity and a long, pure finish | incredible with veal, lamb, chicken, & pork; but also pairs surprisingly well with shrimp, scallops, and even salmon
Red Blends
Ferrari-Carano “Trésor”
2021 Sonoma County | Bordeaux Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc| plum, blueberries, cedar, and mocha | enhances roasted lamb and beef dishes, filet mignon, mushrooms, and gorgonzola cheese
DAOU “Bodyguard”
2021 Paso Robles | Petit Verdot & Petite Sirah | blueberry cobbler, cherry pipe tobacco, dark chocolate, and espresso | pairs with red meat such as short ribs or bolognese sauce
Orin Swift “8 Years in the Desert”
2021 Napa Valley | Zinfandel blend | ripe blueberry, black plum, wild raspberry, espresso bean, sweet oak, and a hint of crème de menthe and cedar | pair with steak or lamb; also great with pasta with a meat sauce
Riesling
Kiona Vineyards
2021 Columbia Valley | melon and floral notes, spice and citrus; a delicious off-dry wine that really showcases the region | perfect for food pairing; especially delicious with spicy arriabiata sauce, the orecchiette, and with cioppino
Rose
Carpineto “Dogajolo”
2021 Rosé of Sangiovese | Toscana Rosato IGT | fresh flowers, apple, currants, & sour cherry | excellent aperitif wine; pair with fresh tomatoes, mild meats, and peppery dishes
Tiberio
2021 Cerasulo d’Abruzzo | Rosé of Montepulciano | Abruzzo | deeply-colored and full-bodied; ripe cherries and small red berries |very food friendly; pair with fish to pasta to red meats
Sauvignon Blanc
DAOU
2022 Paso Robles | classic aromas of wet grass, pineapple, lemon chiffon, and gooseberry | pairs beautifully with delicate fish, zesty salads, or green vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, and artichokes
Venica & Venica “Ronco delle Mele”
2022 DOC Collio | Friuli-Venezia Giulia | tropical fruit, citrus, lime, and garden fresh tomato leaf; intense aromatics translate to a soft and silky approach on the palate | appetizers, truffles, asparagus risotto, fish, and shellfish
Southern Italy/ Islands
Stemmari
2021 Nero d’Avola | Sicilia | currant, wild strawberries, and pomegranate | pairs well with risotto, cheese pastas, eggplant, & lamb
COS “Nero di Lupo”
2021 Nero d’Avola | Sicilia | made in amphorae (large terra cotta pots) | pure expression of Nero d’Avola; round and delicious; with bright red cherry fruit, Mediterranean scrub, orange zest, and sunbaked earth | pairs best with eggplant or rich, “meaty” meats such as steak, meatballs, lasagna, Bolognese, and lamb
Pietradolce “Barbagalli”
2017 Nerello Mascalese | Mt Etna, Sicilia DOC | gorgeous red with elegant aromas of blue flowers, crushed mint, wild berries, and wet stone | pairs extremely well with steak and lamb; yet is versatile enough to go with most dishes, including seafood
- Nick's Favorites
Punica “Montessu”
2021 Isola dei Nuraghi IGT | Sardegna | Carignano | intense aromas and flavors of black fruit and oak; full-bodied with velvety texture and balanced tannins | pair with rich pork or lamb dishes
Pietradolce “Archinieri” Etna Rosso
2016 Etna Rosso DOC | Nerello Mascalese | Mt. Etna, Sicilia | ripe and fruity on the nose, with distinct spicy and balsamic nuances | pairs well with eggplant dishes and with red meats
Gulfi
2020 Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG | Sicilia | red fruit and peaches with flower notes | excellent with white meat, tuna, and more elaborate fish dishes
Donnafugata “Bell’Assai”
2021 Frappato | Vittoria DOC Sicilia | intense floral notes with aromas of fresh red fruit that enhances its immediate pleasantness | extremely good with grilled vegetables; a red wine that pairs well with fish dishes
Pala “Centosere”
2021 Cannonau (Grenache) | Cannonau di Sardegna DOC | fresh and fruity red berries with blackberry and hints of pepper; dry and smooth | especially good with lamb; pairs equally well with both white meats like chicken and red meats
D’Antiche Terre “Il Viccario” Riserva
2014 Aglianico | Taurasi DOCG | Campagna | aromatic, savory, & leathery with rich black fruit and black licorice notes | pair with red meat, game, and strong cheeses
Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi
2017 Aglianico | Taurasi DOCG | Campagna | maraschino cherry, cinnamon, and nutmeg, vanilla and anise; full and balanced with soft tannins | best with braised or roasted red meats or poultry
Marisa Cuomo “Fuore”
2015 Costa d’Amalfi Riserva DOC | Campania | intense aromas of black forest fruits, blackberries, black currants, and blueberries; smooth & well-balanced with an aromatic finish of spice | this wine goes well with pastas in a rich sauce, lamb, pork, and other roasted meats, especially those in a dijon sauce
Baglio di Grìsi
2021 Syrah | Terre Siciliane IGT | an intense wine with hints of cherry and raspberry; full-bodied | goes best with main courses featuring red meat or with Parmesan risotto
Sparkling
Marchesi Incisa “Felice”
2021 Moscato d’Asti DOCG | Piemonte | elegantly sweet with light effervescence; light and clean finish | perfect to start or end the meal; delicious as an aperitif or with dessert
- Nick's Favorites
Rosa Regale
Brachetto d’ Acqui | Piemonte | Unique & Festive | sparkling sweet red wine with strawberry, raspberry, and rose | delicious aperitif or pairs well with spicy foods, pork, bitter greens, cheese, desserts, and chocolate | 187mL
Moët & Chandon Impérial Reserve Brut
NV Champagne, France | dried pineapple, biscuit, salted almond, white peach | pair with rich or fried food
Chandon Brut
NV Brut Sparkling | Napa Valley | apple, pear, and citrus flavors with a hint of spice; finish is soft and dry | pair with Caesar salad or calamari | 187mL
Alfredo Bertolani
NV Amabile Reggiano Lambrusco DOC | Emilia-Romagna | a wine that brings Lambrusco into the modern era; not sweet and not dry, a pleasure (not a guilty pleasure) | excellent with Parmesan cheese, Bolognese, lasagna, duck and other rich meats
Graziano Merotto
2022 Cuvée del Fondatore; Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut | Veneto | silky perlage with a texture of fine bubbles; aromas of white and citrus fruits with pleasant floral undertones and a mineral verve | wonderful as an aperitif; delicious with fried or creamy rich foods
J.P. Chenet
NV Blanc de Blancs Brut | France | crisp, dry, and fresh with notes of citrus and tree fruits | deliciously paired with fried appetizers or as an aperitif on its own
Villa Sparina
NV Brut Metodo Classico Blanc de Blancs | Cortese | Gavi, Piemonte | a pure, rich, sparkling wine with a full body and a round texture | wonderful with appetizers, salads, and fried foods
Val d’Oca
NV Prosecco DOC | bright citrus, white stone fruits, apple, and wild flowers with a soft finish | ideal aperitif; pair with pasta or fresh seafood
Val d’Oca Rosé
NV Prosecco DOC | an abundance of floral scents and a generous palate of red berries | ideal aperitif; fantastic with tomato bruschetta or chicken caesar salad
Super Tuscans
Antinori “Tignanello”
2019 Toscana | Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, & Cabernet Franc | blackberry, plum, red cherry, toasted vanilla, and baking spices | pair this with red meat and veal dishes such as osso buco or short ribs
- Nick's Favorites
Tenuta Guado al Tasso “Il Bruciato”
2022 Toscana | Super-Tuscan | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, & Petit Verdot | dark fresh fruit, spices, and tobacco | pairs exceptionally well with wild boar, short ribs, and other rich braised dishes
- Nick's Favorites
Tenuta Sette Ponti “Crognolo”
2021 Toscana | Sangiovese & Merlot | ripe cherry and berries well blended with spicy notes| pairs well with braised meats, game, and aged cheeses
Tenuta San Guido “Sassicaia”
2020 Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC | Toscana | Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc | black fruit and spice flavors | perfect wine to go with rich meaty dishes of lamb, braised meats, pasta bolognese, or creamy risottos
- Nick's Favorites
Aia Vecchia “Lagone”
2020 Toscana | Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, & Cabernet Franc | Mediterranean wood and vanilla with deep red fruit and red cherries | delicious with pasta with red sauce
Banfi “ASKA”
2020 Bolgheri Rosso DOC | Toscana | Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc | red berries, blueberries, and plum jam; followed by tobacco and licorice | superb accompaniment to red meats, game, and cheeses
Cabreo “Il Borgo”
2019 Toscana | Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon | red cherry, violet, plum, and earth with a polished, velvety character | pair with full-flavored dished with red meat and red sauce
Zinfandel
Frank Family Vineyards
2019 Napa Valley | elegant, complex layers of crushed clove, fresh blackberry, and creamy mocha | perfect with roasted meats, chicken, and pork