Adams Hill Feature on Rosso Wine Shop

Our local Adams Hill Neighborhood Association wrote a nice feature on us and the fact that we have been Adams Hill residents for over 12 years.

Joe Selph got a little history on the origin of the Rosso Wine Shop and my background. Take a look. Link to the full article: here

"When shopping for wines in Glendale, there are numerous liquor stores throughout the city that carry large selections. But none can match the variety and customer service of Rosso Wine Shop on North Verdugo Road."

Look for Alto Piemonte Wines

The Alto Piemonte region is very well respected amongst the wine-obsessed, but not as well known among the average wine drinker. OK, you may have heard of (and had) Gattinara and Ghemme, but on the whole, these Nebbiolo-based wines can really be special under the hand of the right producer.

These are some really fabulous picks currently on the shelves. If you like and drink Barolo and Barbaresco you are sure to enjoy these wines.

2011 Luigi Ferrando Canavese Rosso La Torrazza $21.99
Produced predominantly from Nebbiolo with roughly 30% Barbera, this tastes-better-than-it-costs red is vinified in stainless steel and bottled 12 to 15 months after harvest. Full of wild berries (notably strawberry and raspberry), spice and a touch of warm earthiness. The tannins are delicate and fine which enables this wine to be consumed with pleasure in its youth. Maybe the best vintage of this wine in the last 10 years.

2008 Az. Ag. Bianchi Ghemme $29.99
The Bianchi Cantina was created in 1785 by Giuseppi Bianchi. This wine comes from several vineyards owned by the Bianche family in Ghemme. Of the pure nebbiolo wines made here at the estate this is the roundest most fruity though it carries about the same body weight as the two Gattinara wines. The wine spends about 18 months in large oak (50hl !!!) barrels.  Clay and higher acid soils.

2010 Massimo Clerico Spanna Coste della Sesia $35.99
The steep hillside vineyards planted to soils of glacial moraine produce a rigorous wine in Clerico’s hands that is aged gently and long in mid-size barrels. Further, the fascinating, and sometimes difficult, Vespolina grape plays a minor but intriguing role in the Alto Piemonte, providing brightness and spice to the mix. Clerico’s domaine is only slightly larger than two hectares so production is severely limited. The Spanna (local name for Nebbiolo) is from the Costa della Sesia appellation.

2006 Monsecco Gattinara $45.99
Monsecco is the creation of the Zanetta family, a clan with deep roots in the Alto Piemonte and its world of wine.  The objective of the Zanettas is to produce the finest versions of each of the appellations they present to the public as Monsecco. That includes for us their powerful Gattinara, the elegant Nebbiolo known as “Pratogrande” from the Novarese hills. Deep, rich and solid tannic structure.

2006 Rovellotti Ghemme Chioso Dei Pomi $45.99
Visiting the Rovellotti family in the heart of the town of Ghemme is a moment of deep immersion in the history of this area marked by its position just beneath the massive form of Monte Rosa, one of the highest Alpine peaks. Ghemme has been a crossroads for both trade and war and the ancient brick buildings in the center of town hold a trove of tales as well as much of the wine produced by the Rovellotti family whose cellars are within the walls of the old fortress. The Ghemme “Chioso dei Pomi” arrive with the advantage of having already experienced considerable barrel and bottle aging.

2008 Le Piane Boca $71.99
(96 Points: Wine Advocate) The 2008 Le Piane is more than a worthy follow-up to the gorgeous 2007. In this vintage, the wine is much more classic in style. The sweetest of black cherries, grilled herbs, menthol, spices and licorice all meld together in this beautiful, delineated, totally vibrant wine. The balance of focus and power is simply stunning. This is a dazzling effort from a small estate that seems to be ratcheting up quality with each passing vintage. One of the attributes of Nebbiolo-based wines from northern Piedmont is that they are often easy to drink when young, yet also age effortlessly for years, sometimes decades. That certainly appears to be the case here. This is magnificent effort.

Cured Meats in Los Angeles

In case you missed this list of great spots in Los Angeles to find quality cured meats (courtesy of the L.A. Times and S. Irene Virbila), here it is. Most of these we frequent already but there are a few we will now work into the routine. Remember the most important point: support independent shops whose sole focus is to find the best artisan products. You will be happier and they will continue to exist. 

Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery

Santa Monica's popular Italian deli has a good selection of salumi, including several kinds of prosciutto, speck and various salami.

1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 395-8279

The Cheese Store of Silverlake

A pretty big selection from a number of purveyors, including Fra' Mani (Berkeley), Creminelli (Utah), Zoe's (Sonoma) and Olli's (Virginia). Sold by the pound or, for smaller salami, by the piece. Convenient, especially if you're making a stop at Intelligentsia next door for coffee.

3926-28 W. Sunset Blvd. (at Sanborn in Sunset Junction), Los Angeles, (323) 644-7511.

Chi Spacca

Salumi master and executive chef Chad Colby says you can stop by Chi Spacca and order the various house-made salumi ($12 each) or an affettati misti (salumi plate, $24) to go. They're not set up to sell retail, but if you're willing to pay restaurant prices, you can enjoy his superb salumi at home. It would be a great item to bring to a dinner party instead of a bottle of wine.

6610 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 297-1133

Cube Marketplace

An extensive selection of top-quality salumi (see the menu online) sold retail by the ounce or the pound, whatever you want, but only during restaurant service hours, generally 11:30 a.m to 2 p.m., and 5 to 11 p.m.

615 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 939-1148

Garo's Basturma

Instead of prosciutto or speck for your salumi plate, why not pick up some of Garo's justly famous basturma, a cured beef coated in a secret spice paste. You can buy it with or without fenugreek, lean or fatty. You want it with the fenugreek and the fat for best flavor. Reasonably priced at about $12 a pound.

1088 N. Allen Ave., Pasadena, (626) 794-0460

Guidi Marcello

Well known to Italian expatriates, Guidi Marcello specializes in the real deal, everything imported from Italy and all top quality. Among the cold cuts: bresaola (cured beef), baby mortadella, prosciutto di Parma and San Daniele, sopressata, lardo, even San Daniele pancetta.

1649 10th St., Santa Monica, (310) 452-6277

La Española Meats
 

If you want to go Spanish for your cured meat platter, this is the place (you can also order online) with a great selection of jamon, top-grade Iberico hams and chorizo. You can even buy a whole jamón Ibérico de Bellota for … $1,220.

25020 Doble Ave., Harbor City, (310) 539-0455

Nicole's Gourmet Foods

South Pasadena's venerable French food emporium is where you can find rosette de Lyon (French salami) and D'Artagnan's jambon de Bayonne (a delicious French ham). They also stock various Italian salami, including finocchiona, mortadella and prosciutto.

921 Meridian Ave., South Pasadena, (626) 403-5751

Pascal Epicerie & Wine

This French spot from Pascal Olhats offers French hams and saucisson (cured sausage), along with Italian prosciutto and other cold cuts.

1000 N. Bristol St., Newport Beach, (949) 263-9400

Roma Italian Deli

This is where my friend Rafael gets his prosciutto di San Daniele — it's always sliced perfectly. If you go, pick up one of the simple sandwiches. Just one kind, a roll sluiced with olive oil sandwiching mortadella, salami and provolone. Good guanciale too.

918 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, (626) 797-7748

Rosé Sales on the Rise

We are happy to report from the retail "trenches" that rosé sales are up, way up. It seems to be the perfect storm of great weather (the norm in SoCal), the education (people realizing the joy of dry pink), the trend (people talking about it), and a slightly bettering economy (rosé aren't that expensive).

We for one, are very happy about this confluence of events. Here are some new rosé wines to hit our shelves. Try some.

2012 Grande Cassagne Costieres di Nimes Rosé $11.99 France
A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, and comes from tiny berries of 40+ year old vines. Fermented a short time on its skins, it retains an electric pink color, soaring aromatics, and fully dry palate.

2012 Sainte Eugenie Corbieres Rose $12.99 France
The estate is located within the foothills of the Pyrénées along the Mediterranean coast. Made from Cinsault, Syrah and Grenache. A wonderful, bright rosé displaying fresh raspberry notes with a slight touch of mineral and dried herbs with a dry finish.

2012 San Giovanni Chiaretto Rosato Lombardia $14.99 Italy
This bone dry rosé produced mainly from the Gropello Grape grown on the western shore of Lake Garda is a pure delight. Coral pink with bright red flashes. Floral primrose with sweet fruity notes of raspberry. Fresh, balanced and juicy, with a lingering flavor and crisp acidity.

2012 Bargemone Provence Rose $16.99 France
(90 Points: International Wine Cellar) "Pale peach skin color. Aromas of tangerine, pit fruit, lavender and chalky minerals. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering sappy nectarine and citrus fruit flavors sharpened by a kick of white pepper. Closes with very good energy, thrust and length, leaving notes of soft citrus and pit fruits behind. Made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon."

2012 Ameztoi Getariako Txakolina Rubentis $19.99 Spain
(92 Points: International Wine Cellar) "Pale pink. Potent mineral and floral aromas of raspberry, cherry pit and blood orange, with a touch of white pepper coming up with air. Dry, racy and precise, offering bitter orange zest and cherry flavors and a touch of honeysuckle. Very fresh and energetic on the finish, offering sexy floral and spicecake qualities."

2012 Mas Jullien Rosé Coteaux du Languedoc $22.99 France
Olivier Jullien is a talented vigneron. His Coteaux du Languedoc Rosé is a tour de force with power and spice that makes this a truly distinctive effort. Made from a classic mix of local grapes, including Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan.  Much like the formidable Rosés of Bandol, this effort from Mas Jullien will stand the test of time.

2011 Clos Cibonne Tibouren Rosé Tradition Cru Classe $23.99 France
This classic rosé is a wine destined for the food of Provence. Full of flavors, it makes a great pairing with red mullet fillets or tomato bouillabaisse. Aromas of orange peel with spicy notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh and vibrant with fruit tones and saline notes. Made with 90% old vine Tibouren and 10% Syrah. Fantastic!

And there will be more...

The Tasting Room with Tom Leykis: Spring Wines and Red Wines for Korean Style BBQ

This episode of the Tasting Room with Tom Leykis I brought a couple of my favorite, fresh Spring wines; a white from Umbria and a rosé from France. And I also brought some all-day marinated Galbi style Korean short ribs to grill. For these we paired a lighter Barbera from Italy and a heartier Chateauneuf du Pape from France. Both worked well for different reasons.

 

 

Listen to the show here; either through a browser, iTunes or TuneIn:

The Tasting Room with Tom Leykis

 

Assorted Banchan -- cabbage kimchi, marinated tofu, pickled cucumber, pickled daikon

2011 Scacciadiavoli Grechetto Umbria $15.99 Italy  
An impressive white from Umbria at a great price. Fresh, bright citrus on the nose. The juicy fruit follows through on the palate with a vibrant acidity. With time more minerals come through in the pleasing finish.

2012 Les Grands Bois Cotes-du-Rhone Rosé $16.99 France
A pale pink color with perfect brightness. The nose releases a fruity bouquet and late summer citrus and raspberry with a hint of a floral note. On the palate it's generosity envelopes the palate with a silky mouth feel with accents of crushed strawberries, grenadine and a touch of licorice. The finish is very nice and balanced with pleasant ripe fruit. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.

Korean BBQ -- Marinated Galbi Short Ribs

2011 Agostino Pavia Barbera d'Asti $14.99 Italy
Fresh acidity and berry flavors are the hallmarks of Barbera, but low yields and old vines give this wine very good depth and concentration. Fermentation is done in stainless (seeing no oak) and then straight to bottle. Aromas of red berries and mineral; palate is classic Barbera, bright raspberry/cranberry flavors with a very long finish.

2010 Clos des Brusquieres Chateauneuf du Pape $46.99 France
(93 Points: International Wine Cellar) "Glass-staining ruby. Intense dark fruit and floral aromas are given depth by hints of licorice and bitter herbs.  Brighter on the palate, offering potent red and dark berry flavors and a touch of cherry skin.  Smooths out with air, picking up a smoky note and finishing with firm but harmonious tannins and excellent persistence.  Let this promising wine age for at least five more years."

 

All of these wines available at rossowineshop.com

Three Bottles, One Shop: Rosso Wine Shop in Glendale

The L.A. Weekly's Besha Rodell came by Rosso Wine Shop to see what we do. And in case you missed the coverage from earlier this week, here is a direct link to the article. The feature covers a bit of our origin and then zeroes in on some of my favorite wines.

Article here: Three Bottles, One Shop: Rosso Wine Shop in Glendale

Besha Rodell

The wines I chose represent what I like to call "country" wines; and they are precisely what we like to turn people on to.

The Three Bottles

 And here is my "artsy" shot that didn't make the cut.

Raj Parr Pours Sandhi Wines at Rosso Wine Shop

In March we had a very special Supper Club with Raj Parr of Sandhi wines.

Sandhi is a small production California winery focusing on select vineyards from the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County and was founded in 2009 by Rajat Parr, the wine director for Michael Mina Restaurants, Charles Banks, the former owner of Jonata and Screaming Eagle, and esteemed winemaker, Sashi Moorman. Sandhi is dedicated to making wines of finesse, minerality, acidity, structure and balance.

The Los Angeles Times S. Irene Virbila was in attendance and wrote a review of the event. Click here for her feature story.

This was the menu paired with the Sandhi selections:

Reception with  

2010 Maison L'Oree Bourgogne Blanc (Raj's Burgundy Project)
croquette
potato/marrow/oveja/romenesco

Dinner Menu
halibut
chiles/capers/rhubarb/avocado
2011 Sandhi Santa Barbara Chardonnay
2010 Sandhi Rita's Crown Chardonnay

oyster
chowder/lemon thyme/celery
2010 Sandhi Bent Rock Chardonnay
2010 Sandhi Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay

crispy pork
beet/ramp/egg/pine-nut/parmesan
2011 Sandhi Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
2011 Sandhi Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir (Fall 2013 Release)

duck leg
chorizo/fava/anchovy/radicchio
2010 Sandhi Evening-Land Tempest Pinot Noir (Library Release)

A great evening.