In which Vino pays homage to our medal-winning heroes in Beijing
USA swimmer Michael Phelps won a record eight gold medals in Beijing, beating the seven Olympic golds Mark Spitz's won seven in Munich 1972.
Unless you’ve been living in a self-imposed lunar exile the last two weeks, you’ll probably be more than aware of a little something called the Olympic Games, currently taking place in Beijing. The United States’ athletes have excelled at these games, which will no doubt forever be remembered for Michael Phelps’ record-shattering performances in the water cube.
Jamaica's Usain Bolt comfortably beat Richard Thompson of Trinidad & Tobago to win the 100 meters final in a record 9.69 seconds.
This weekend has seen more spectacular action: from Usain “Lightning” Bolt’s breathtaking victory in the 100 metres final, to more impressive display by the United States’ young gymnasts. Italy has also wone its share of medals, especially in fencing, where the Azzurri have once again dominated.
Italy's Valentina Vezzali (left) and Margherita Granbassi (right) took gold and bronze in the Women's Individual Foil.
This week Vino honors these great olympians with our own selection of champion wines. And don’t forget — Vino will now be hosting its free tastings on Thursday and Friday! For the rest of August, Vino will be pouring five wines each Thursday and Friday, all of which will be available at a special 20% discounted price through Labor Day!
This week’s tasting
Vino will be pouring the following wines this Thursday and Friday afternoon between 5:30 and 7:30pm.
Clic Bianco 2007 Ronco dei Tassi
A great value and perfect “party” wine, this light and tasty wine bursts out of the blocks faster than a Jamaican sprinter. This 100% Friulano is vinified and aged in stainless-steel vats, thus allowing the grape’s noble character to shine through, while retaining a crispness and freshness that make it very approachable and food-friendly. The name “Clic” was inspired by a Friulian dialectal term meaning “a small glass of wine shared with friends.”
Pagliano 2006 Enzo Mecella
While Verdicchio di Castelli di Jesi is perhaps the more noted appellation, Verdicchio sourced from vineyards in the lesser-known Matelica appellation is coveted among Italian wine connoisseurs, not unlike those obscure Olympic disciplines you become hooked on for two weeks in August. Marche producer Enzo Mecella does not use barrique for his Verdicchio and he only releases it when he feels it has achieved his personal best.
Lagrein Rose 2007 Castel Sallegg
The screw-capped Nives is made from the same Lagrein grapes as those sourced for Count Kuenberg’s velvety Lagrein Riserva. The tannic Lagrein gives this wine complexity and structure while the enologist at Castel Sallegg ensures that the wine expresses the pillars of rosato: refreshing, easy-to-drink, adaptable, with all the poise and delicacy of Nastia Liukin on the balance beam.
Chianti Rufina 2006 Travignoli
A true Tuscan great from the subzone of Rufina, considered by many to be produce the most elegant Chianti wines. Chianti Rufina is fermented and aged in steel for eight months, and then spends a further two months in the bottle. Smooth, refined, with a super-toned body, Chianti Rufina has all the hallmarks of an Olympic champion.
Dolcetto d’Alba 2004 Monchiero
Always near the top of Vino’s podium, from one of Piedmont’s most respected Barolo producers comes this Dolcetto d’Alba. Monchiero is one of the few producers in the region which continues to use the most traditional winemaking methods. Its wines continue to set the pace and have a longevity which even 41 year-old swimming silver medallist Dara Torres would struggle to match.
FREE Olympic Champions Tasting
Thursday, August 22
Friday, August 21
5:30-7:30pm
Vino
121 East 27th Street
New York, NY 10016
For more information call (212) 725-6516 or visit our website, VinoSite.com.
