Supper Club: Southern Italian Style

The Supper Club is our after-hours, invitation only, private event, where we work with local chefs and pair some offbeat wines. This dinner we celebrated the flavors Campania and Southern Italy. We had a guest chef, Michael Young, formerly of Ombra in Studio City.

-Reception-
Arrancini (stuffed, deep-fried rice balls)
NV DeConciliis Selim Spumante

-1st Course-
Casatiello (Neopolitan stuffed bread with pancetta) and antipasti of caponata, pepperanata
2012 Terredora Greco di Tufo

-2nd Course-
Crudo di tonno ricciola e bottarga (Tuna, ricciola crudo with cured roe)
2012 Marisa Cuomo Ravello Bianco

-3rd Course-
Agnello Cacio e Uova (Braised Lamb Shoulder with Peppers and Eggs)
2008 Terredora Taurasi

 -4th Course-
Pastiera Napoletana (Ricotta cheese cake in Neopolitan-style)
Late harvest Malvasia (sweet)

Chi Spacca a Carnivore's Dream Spot

I suppose I could just write "wow" and post a few photos... but I'd like to elaborate a bit on the meat mecca Chi Spacca. OK, yes, it is part of the Batali & Bastianich empire, but, it has a small, chef-driven feel to it. And any restaurant that makes the claim that this is their ode to superstar butcher and personality Dario Cecchini (dariocecchini) can't be all that bad.

Service is well-informed and attentive without being intrusive. Everyone seems to have a sense of the excitement that is going on. Diners are completely engaged. The room is economical. Around the perimeter you have a wine library and then the large grill, wood fire oven and prep area. It all feels purposeful.

The menu is small but focused. Plenty of good choices but the meat is definitely the star. And specifically the beef cuts seem some of the most serious. Our strategy; order their house made specialties to start, so that means charcuterie and meats and balance that with their house cured pickles. Then meat and potatoes (and maybe some green stuff). 

Here is how it played out:

House made pickles with Falaghina off the menu

Charcuterie mixed plate

Together on the plate; great combination

The star: the Costata all Fiorentina

Paired with '04 Uccelliera Brunello Riserva from my cellar

Green stuff: butter lettuce with herbs

Chi Spacca potatoes

the carved beef; wow

on the plate; all food groups represented

All in all it was a fantastic experience. The food was simple and pure with loads of flavor that only top-notch ingredients can bring. Their corkage policy is fair; $30 per bottle with a 2 bottle limit but they will waive the fee if you buy something off of their list. And the list is well chosen. Yes, a good majority is Bastianich-driven but there some smart choices at a reasonable mark-up.

Get yourself to Chi Spacca.

Chi Spacca
6610 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038

website: chispacca.com

The Tasting Room with Tom Leykis - March 2014 Edition

We enjoy doing the Tasting Room with Tom Leykis; so much so, that we try and get in there at least 3-4 times a year. Sometimes we have a theme, sometimes, it is whatever I grab. Generally it is a great opportunity to talk about wine, wine trends, small business, the pulse of the wine market in Los Angeles, or stories of our wine travels, but it is always entertaining. I urge you to tune in and listen. 

There are many ways to get there: 

1) Click this link to the website and stream: Weekend of 03-01-14

2) Download the free Podcast on iTunes: iTunes Podcast

3) Stream it via Tune-In: Tune-In playlist

Tom is rapidly re-defining online streaming with both his regular Tom Leykis show and the Tasting Room with Tom Leykis. It is innovative and fast-moving towards the way of the future. He has put his money where his mouth is and he does not have to answer to anyone; the classic small business success story. Of course he had an advantage of being one of the most-listened-to radio personalities for close to three decades but that is just another reason to get on board with his new start-up, now just at two years old (as of April 2014). Though I should clarify the Tasting Room has been running for close to ten years, I believe.

This episode I chose some of my recent favorites in the shop. My buying strategy is a combination of keeping proven sellers and mixing in new discoveries. That percentage changes all the time as I pride myself on staying on top of everything new in wine. The wine world is very dynamic.

Here are the wines I chose to feature on the show:

2011 Marisa Cuomo Ravello Bianco $24.99 Italy
Ravello is the specific region within Campania (not far from Naples). The wine is a blend of Falanghina and Biancolella from vineyards terraced into the steep cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. The proximity of the ocean and the region's volcanic soils are apparent in the wine's salty minerality and firm structure. Subtle flavors of kiwi and melon grow profound and savory with air, their length propelled by elegant acidity.

2012 Terre Nere Etna Rosso Sicily $19.99 Italy
The Etna Rosso is a blend of two native Sicilian grapes; 98% Nerello Mascalese, and 2% Nerello Cappuccio. Ruby in color with a nose of candy and flowers and some dried fruit. On the palate you experience candied cherries, spice and earth. Unfiltered and unfined. Very pure with medium body, smooth tannins and lively acidity. Great balance.

2011 Lento Dragone Calabria $21.99 Italy
Cantine Lento is situated in the Lamezia DOC of Calabria and produces both indigenous and native varietals. The Dragone Rosso is generally a blend of Magliocco, Nerello and Greco Nero. Intense ruby red. A wide and enveloping nose, rich in red fruit notes with spicy and persistent finishing notes. Good structure with balanced tannins to make it round and velvety.

2010 Domaine Grand Nicolet Rasteau Vieilles Vignes $22.99 France
(92+ points Rhone Report) "The 2010 Domaine Grand Nicolet Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 70% Grenache (from 60-year-old vines) and 30% Syrah (from 30-year-old vines) that has the Grenache aged in tank and the Syrah in 10% 1 and 2-year-old barrels. Big, mineral-driven and firm, with black cherry liqueur, spice-box, and new leather aromas and flavors all showing in this full-bodied, concentrated Rasteau."

2011 Sans Liege The Offering Santa Barbara $26.99 California
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and just a touch of Viognier, using about 15% whole clusters, aged in a combination of new, once-used and neutral French oak. The resulting wine is complex and earthy, with a savory, meaty undercurrent from cooler climate Syrah and Mourvedre. There's also bright cherry and raspberry fruit, brambly blackberry and something evocative of a caramel hazelnut mocha spiked with black pepper.

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"Get in the game" - Tom Leykis on wine

And if you have read this far, here is a page that created with all of my appearances on the Tasting Room with Tom Leykis: Rosso Wine Shop on the Tasting Room

New Discoveries in Santa Ynez

Another excellent Santa Ynez visit. We have been going to the area for over 17 years now, and I have to say, it has really come a long way. And I'm sure long-timers like Jim Clendenon and Richard Sanford might say try going back 30+ years and see that difference, but I only have my frame of reference.

There are quite a number of newer wineries, a change in some of the local eating establishments and some real growth in certain areas. All for good.

Our winery visits at Alta Maria, Presqu'ile and Martian Ranch were all very enjoyable. We now have several of the wines in stock.



2011 Alta Maria Sauvignon Blanc Santa Barbara $17.99 California
from the winery: "Pale antique gold in color, dynamitic aromas of honeydew, gooseberries and tomatillos abound in the glass. Tropical fruit adds to the body of this moderately weighted wine which opens up on the palate to zesty acidity and slight minerality."

2010 Alta Maria Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley $27.99 California
(90 Points: International Wine Cellar) "Vivid ruby. Sexy red fruit aromas show good clarity and lift, with Asian spice and floral nuances adding complexity. The spicy quality carries onto the palate, which displays smooth raspberry and spicecake flavors and a touch of clove. Finishes silky and long, with lingering sweetness and soft tannins."



2012 Martian Ranch Grenache Blanc Los Alamos $21.99 California
from the winery: "Big almond and lemon verbena aromas greet the nose with hints of lemongrass and quartz adding complexity. Texturally it is really quite lovely; it’s bright, clear and moderately tense with a hint of white peach accenting a core of orange toned fruit." Biodynamic and sustainable farming.

2011 Martian Ranch Syrah Red Shift Estate $23.99 California
Farmed biodynamically and sustainable on their estate in Los Alamos, this Syrah Red Shift is very fresh. The nose is filled with spicy notes and red fruits with hints of herbs and spice. The palate shows a little meatiness, and some dark berry fruit with a long mineral-laced finish. Impressive.

On the food front, we were excited to discover Industrial Eats and Brothers Red Barn. Industrial Eats is quite new and very impressive. They serve wood fire pizza and flatbreads, along with gourmet cheeses, house-made specialties like terrines and daily items. All great. And Red Barn is the newest iteration of the Mattie's Tavern folks. A little slicker but still charming and the food is excellent. As evidenced by this steak snap.



Get yourself to wine country in Santa Ynez.

Industrial Eats 

181 Industrial Way
Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 688-8807

Brothers Red Barn
3539 Sagunto Street
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-4142

Goals for 2014: World Cup Year

There is some buzz in the air.

As a small business owner you can feel the ebbs and flows of your business (if you are really dialed into it). And given how 2013 progressed, there is some palpable momentum moving forward into 2014.

Like in our personal lives, businesses should set goals too. But as important as it is for a retailer to remain consistent by developing a trust and continuity, it is also important to grow, experiment and pursue new things. And in this coming year, I've set some modest goals that can be reached and also exceed, depending on the response.

1) Expand our sparkling wine picks.
Over the years I have observed other categories grow beyond where we started by simply adding more choices and exposing people to good quality for the price. This I will do with sparkling wine. So that means expect more Champagne, more Cremant from France and a few more choices in Prosecco and some Franciacorta from Italy. And that includes more opportunities to taste them at the bar.

2) Continue to build our Burgundy section.
A personal goal for me over the last 10 years has been to focus on Burgundy. I see it as one of the most alluring wine regions. But it takes some effort. I will happily make that effort so my customers don't have to. You can trust my picks. I've spent many hours doing "research."

3) Offer more food and wine events.
Everyone loves food. Well, almost everyone. And since we always get a great response for our Underground Supper Clubs and winemaker events we should do more. And we will.

4) Partner with more businesses.
We enjoy working with other businesses, whether they are restaurants or other retailers. As our area continues to develop expect to see more partnerships and events with said businesses.

5) Expand our reach.
Everyone says that but how do you do it? Well at least in the micro picture, we will continue to offer great value to being on our eNewsletter list. Get people to sign up. Make special offers. Continue to be forward-thinking with new weekly arrivals to the shop, special events and news.

To sign up for our mailing list, visit our website: rossowineshop.com and come along for the ride.

Oh, and the World Cup is this year; another great thing about 2014.

1990's Italian Wines 'Ova Here

As you all must know by now, we are fond of wines with some bottle age. Generally, I like the 10 year marker for a good majority of age-worthy wines but when you can get perfectly stored 15(+) years, now you're talking. 

 

We have sourced some impeccable selections in this category. Here are our five favorite selections at the moment. Prices range from $45 to $140. In the big picture for aged wines of this stature, not bad. Doesn't it make you want to splurge on a bottle or two for New Year's?? There is nothing like it; good food, aged red wine, good friends. Come on…

 

 

1999 Fattoria Paradiso Mito Emilia-Romagna $44.99
A luscious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Intense aromas of black cherry, cherry, blueberry, licorice and plum. As it is 14 years old the wine is still very fresh but well-integrated. Silky smooth. Well balanced. Good grip. Vibrant. Entirely impressive.

1997 Terreno Chianti Classico Riserva Tuscany $46.99
The Riserva is made of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo Nero. Harvested by hand, the must was cool fermented on its skins for 12 days to maximize flavour extraction and freshness of the fruit. Sinfully aromatic with deep black cherry and spice notes. On palate excellent depth of dark fruit with an earthiness that is tinged by tobacco leaf. Incredibly supple, with a finish that recedes gracefully in the distance. The winemaking was led by Franco Bernabei (who makes wine at Felsina and Fontodi among others).

1994 Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva Tuscany $59.99
(90 Points: Wine Spectator) "A serious red with superfine tannins and condensed fruit and earth aromas and flavors. Full to medium in body, with a medium finish. Needs time to open. Better after 1998." -- Having tasting this wine on multiple occasions recently this wine is fantastic. Remarkably fresh. Still plenty of silken cherry fruit and an elegance that only comes with age.

1995 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany $89.99
(91 Points: International Wine Cellar) "Full deep red. Captivating aromas of redcurrant, dried flowers and roasted chestnut. Silky and pliant in the mouth, with excellent depth of flavor and plenty of underlying structure. Quite backward despite its obvious richness. Finishes long, with slightly dry tannins that will require patience."

1998 Fontodi Flaccianello Tuscany $139.99 Italy
(93 Points: Wine Advocate) "The 1998 Flaccianello della Pieve reveals an exotic, intriguing bouquet redolent of flowers, spices and mint. This is one of the more delicate Flaccianellos in this tasting. Everything simply works. Raspberries, flowers, mint and spices are all woven into the highly expressive finish. The 1998 can be enjoyed today, but it also has the pedigree to age well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023."

Rosso Wine Shop

3459 1/2 N Verdugo Road

Glendale, CA 91208

818-330-9130

The Tasting Room with Tom Leykis

 In case you missed our most recent appearance on The Tasting Room with Tom Leykis, here is the link to the segment where we taste and discuss some of my new favorites.

Tasting with Tom Weekend-11-02-13

As usual, Tom and I talk about the wine biz and trends while we open bottles and discuss the merits of each wine. The wines I brought in to taste are listed below.

2010 Remoissenet Meursault Poruzots 1er Cru Burgundy $99.99 France
(93+ Points: Wine Advocate) "The 2010 Meursault Poruzots impresses for its gorgeous depth. Layers of fruit caress the palate in this sumptuous, layered Meursault. All the elements are beautifully balanced. The richness typical of the Remoissenet whites comes through in spades. White stone fruits, slate and spices are layered into an expressive finish buffered by veins of minerality. The balance of fruit, acidity and structure is terrific.

2012 Broc Cellars Valdiguiè Solano County $23.99 California
Berkeley-based winemaker Chris Brockway discovered Valdiguié grapes growing on a hillside in Solano County. Perfect for warm-weather drinking, Valdiguié is a grape with roots in the Languedoc-Roussillon. It is fresh and bright and light-to-medium in body. Serve it with a little chill. As always, the wine was fermented naturally with indigenous yeasts with no additives.

2012 Easton Zinfandel Amador County $19.99 California
The Amador County Zinfandel comes from 40-60 year old head pruned vines. The finished wine has full black cherry and blackberry fruit aromas with a beautiful balance and a big, sumptuous, and juicy mouth feel. It also presents complex spicy aromas, with a nice creamy texture derived from the 10 months time it receives in French oak barrels.

2009 Fontodi Chianti Classico Tuscany $37.99 Italy
(92 Points: Wine Advocate) "The 2009 Chianti Classico is a model of elegance and class. Firm yet well-integrated tannins provide the backdrop for expressive red cherries, licorice, tobacco and spices. The 2009 radiates across the palate with notable class. It has great fruit and plenty of structure."

2009 Renato Corino Barolo Arborina Piedmont $65.99 Italy
(92 Points: Wine Advocate) "The '09 Arborina shows dark characteristics of ripe fruit and dark cherry wrapped within extra layers of spice and tobacco. It flaunts a bold, fruit-forward side with soft layers and enormous richness at the back. Arborina offers more meat and pulp with full-bodied charm." 

As Tom likes to say "Get in the game," meaning get out there and taste; like at a wine shop like ours, where we seek out interesting wines and host regular tastings every weekend.

**Check out our library of Tom Leykis appearances here: rosso on leykis

And visit our site and sign up for our weekly email to stay in the loop:

rossowineshop.com