Archive for the ‘jim hutchinson’ Category

Wines of Piemonte

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010


Whether it be an ageworthy Barolo, a distinguished Barbaresco, or a tough but sprightly Gattinara, Piedmont can lay claim to some of the world’s most revered wines from some of the country’s most esteemed wineries. While Nebbiolo is Piedmont’s undisputed champion variety, Dolcetto and Barbera play a greater role in the daily lives of most piemontesi. On March 10 sample some of this mighty winemaking region’s most representative product, including wines made from lesser-known varieties such as Erbaluce, Pelaverga, Grignolino and Ruchè.

WINES OF PIEMONTE
Wednesday, March 10
6:30-8:30pm
$65

For more information and reservations please contact 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

Start your engines…

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Time to fill up the cinquecento and slip on the driving moccasins as Vino takes you on a virtual tasting trip through Italy’s south, along the A16 highway. Often referred to as the “autostrada dei due mari”, the A16 journeys almost coast-to-coast across the width of the peninsula, from the bay of Naples to the Adriatic, up over the spine of the Appenines before grinding to a halt in the town of Canosa in the province of Bari. This famous highway cuts deep through wine country, roughly following the ancient Via Traiana across highlands of limestone and volcanic ash. This scenic wine tour will make scheduled pit-stops to sample some of southern Italy’s most celebrated grape varieties, including Falanghina, Fiano, Aglianico, Primitivo and Nero di Troia.

ON THE A16: NAPLES TO BARI
Wednesday, March 3
6:30-8:30pm
$45

For more information please call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

Nebbiolo class — this Wednesday

Monday, November 9th, 2009

nebbiolo blog

Famed the world over for its use in two of Italy’s most celebrated wines, Barolo and Barbaresco, young Nebbiolo is naturally high in tannins and thus at its best offers a remarkable potential for aging. Yet many forget that the variety actually goes far beyond these highly revered DOCGs, featuring in wines from some of Piedmont’s lesser-known winemaking zones, including Ghemme and Carema in the northern hills of the region. Though most closely associated with Piedmont, Nebbiolo is also cultivated in Lombardy where it’s known as Chiavennasca, and is the predominant variety in Valtellina.

A man who has worked the vines with his bare hands under Piedmont’s baking sun, few people know Nebbiolo like Jim Hutchinson, DWS (below: front row, far right). Join Jim tomorrow evening as as he guides you through this impressive exclusive tasting of some of his favorite expressions of this much-admired and unexpectedly diverse variety. Sign up now!

gruppo piccoloNEBBIOLO
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS

Wednesday, November 11
6:30-8:30pm
$65

For more information and reservations call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

Add this to your dairy — oops, diary

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

wine cheese blog

Much like the country’s wine, cheese is produced in every region of Italy, and for Italians invariably plays an integral part in their daily diet. While it is an essential ingredient in many regional dishes, it is also common in Italy to enjoy cheese by itself, or at the very most, paired with a glass of local wine.

Vino’s Jim Hutchinson has devoted the best part of his life to the study of Italian food and wine; join him on Wednesday for a tasting of six diverse formaggi from six of Italy’s greatest cheese-producing regions. Each cheese will be paired with a special wine selected by Jim’s expert hand.

jim_hutchinson smallWINE & CHEESE
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS

Wednesday, October 28
6:30-8:30pm
$65

For more information and reservations call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

So long to summer

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

It’s official: Fall arrives at I Trulli tonight, 6-8pm

enzo and nicola blog

Enzo Mecella and I Trulli owner Nicola Marzovilla photographed by Jim Hutchinson at the winemaker’s estate in Fabriano (AN) last Spring.

You may find it hard to believe after the summer we’ve had in New York, but this evening, September 22, marks the official arrival of Autumn in the northern hemisphere. Which makes our Summer Garden Party a Fall Garden Party, for which we’ve selected five wines geared to help you through this untimely seasonal transition.

Enzo Mecella is one of the most gifted winemakers in the central Italian region of Marche: a graduate from Conegliano’s famed Scuola Enologica, he’s been making wine in Fabriano for over thirty years. Blessed with prime sites in the Matelica and Conero zones, Enzo’s commitment to cultivating local grapes such as Verdicchio and Montepulciano, plus a deft touch in the cellar, allow his wines to show all the essential character of their varieties and terroir.

mecella party blog

Verdicchio di Matelica Pagliano 2008

Verdicchio di Matelica Casa Fosca 2006

Lacrima di Morro d’Alba 2008

Rosso Piceno Colle Malvano 2007

Rosso Conero I Lavi 2005

Join us at I Trulli tonight in the lush seclusion of our private back garden, where you can indulge in Chef Patti Jackson’s famous seasonal antipasti and taste five of Enzo’s delicately balanced wines. They’re perfect for these cool late-September nights, but we’re happy to bet you’ll still be drinking them after summer’s long gone.

FALL GARDEN PARTY
Tuesday, September 22
6:00-8:00pm
$35
plus tax and 18% gratuity

For further information and reservations please call 212-481-7372 or email info@itrulli.com.

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Meet winemaker Luca Ferraris

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Vino welcomes everyone’s favorite Ruchè producer to New York

Luca Ferraris in the vineyard at Castagnole Monferrato, photographed by Jim Hutchinson, October 2008.

Luca Ferraris in the vineyard at Castagnole Monferrato, photographed by Jim Hutchinson, October 2008.

The journey wine takes on its way from vineyard to bottle to dinner table is long and winding: when we sit down to open a bottle it’s sometimes easy to forget about the men and women far away whose talent and hard work has somehow directly led to the delicious enhancement of your meal. So naturally, when the chance arises to meet our favorite winemakers it’s a huge thrill. This week, we’re delighted to welcome to the Big Apple one of our youngest and most popular producers, Luca Ferraris.

jim-in-the-salotto-del-ruche

Vino's Jim Hutchinson in Luca's underground storage facility, also known as "Il Salotto del Ruché".

Since their introduction last year, Luca’s line of varietals have proven a massive success with all those in search of affordable wines from Piedmont made in a classic style. Ferraris specializes in local varieties indigenous to the piemontese province of Asti and its surroundings. As Vino customers have discovered, Luca’s Barbera d’Asti, Grignolino d’Asti and the emerging Ruchè, made from a grape grown solely in the hamlet of Castagnole Monferrato, offer some of our best values. This year we’re excited to introduce a new addition to the Ferraris range: Il Re is a rare blend of Ruchè and Syrah.

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Luca Ferraris will be bringing with him the 2008 vintages of his wines, which he’ll be pouring at Vino next Wednesday, May 13th from 5:30pm. For more information call 212-725-6516 or email contact@vinosite.com.

A Barbera bargain

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Barbera d’Asti aged up to six years in wood!

While the Langhe area is renowned the world over for its wine, such quality often comes at a price, which is why Piedmont may not be the first region that springs to mind when searching for affordable bottles. Yet this oft-celebrated winemaking zone offers many great values. Among these are the wines of Castello di Montegrosso, where winemaker Graziano Motta produces some of our favorite Barbera d’Asti wines of recent years.

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Vintage Barbera gathering dust (and more!) beneath the Castello di Montegrosso in Montegrosso d'Asti.

Montegrosso’s Barbera d’Asti is named “Ruleja“, after the historic vineyard from which the fruit is sourced. This two hectare site has long been a provider for quality wines; Motta’s vines were planted over sixty years ago.

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One of the 50 hectoliter fiberglass tanks at the Montegrosso winery.

Motta vinifies his cru Barbera d’Asti Superiore in fiberglass tanks. Like his father before him, he believes that fiberglass dissipates heat rapidly enough to allow fermentation without temperature control. He does however have an advantage where others do not. The thick walls of his cantina, the same that form the base of the 900-year-old Castello di Montegrosso, help maintain a cool and constant cellar temperature.

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Barriques inside which Montegrosso's Barbera begins its aging process.

After fermentation and pressing, the wine is racked into barriques of various age where it will spend eight-to-twelve months. Graziano allows enough oxygen contact during this process to begin the stabilization so vital to his method of lengthy maturation in wood.

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Graziano Motta samples his Barbera d'Asti in the cellars of the Castello di Montegrosso.

The photograph above was taken in October, 2008. You’ll notice that the chalkboard at left identifies the wine being aged in that cask as Barbera d’Asti 2001. It is a rare winemaker that would allow Barbera to age for six years in large Slavonian oak. It is a confident and talented winemaker that would arrive at the stunning results offered by Graziano Motta.

2-montegrosso-barberasTaste the 2003 and 2001 vintages of Graziano Motta’s Barbera d’Asti this Friday at Vino from 5:30pm!

Barbera d’Asti 2003 Castello di Montegrosso
$27

Barbera d’Asti 2001 Castello di Montegrosso
$30

For more information call 212-725-6516 or email contact@vinosite.com.

All photographs by Jim Hutchinson, October 2008.

Taste Wine & Cheese with Jim Hutchinson

Friday, May 1st, 2009

Say “Formaggio!” as Vino’s wine classes continue

Taste some of Italy's favorite cheeses at Vino on Wednesday, May 6th.

Taste some of Italy's favorite cheeses at Vino on Wednesday, May 6th.

Much like the country’s wine, cheese is produced in every region of Italy, and for Italians invariably plays an integral part in their daily diet. While it is an essential ingredient in many regional dishes, it is also common in Italy to enjoy cheese by itself, or at the very most, paired with a glass of local wine.

On Wednesday, May 6, join Vino’s Italian wine aficionado and cheese whiz Jim Hutchinson, DWS (below), for a tasting of six diverse Italian cheeses from six of Italy’s greatest cheese-producing regions. Each cheese will be paired with a special wine selected by Jim’s expert hand.

jim_hutchinson-smallWINE & CHEESE
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS

Wednesday, May 6
6:30-8:30pm
$65

For more information and reservations call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

Lacrima di Morro d'Alba

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

An ancient variety and a great wine from Enzo Mecella, our man in Marche

Enzo Mecella photographed in his vineyard by Vino's Jim Hutchinson, April 2009.

Enzo Mecella photographed in his vineyard by Vino's Jim Hutchinson, April 2009.

If you’re looking for a sensational wine for Spring, a delicious value that is unusual without being strange, Lacrima di Morro d’Alba may be the one. Enzo Mecella, expert producer of Verdicchio, Sangiovese and Montepulciano has focused his talent on the little-known Lacrima and produced a world-class version at a very good price.

Lacrima is an ancient variety that finds its greatest expression around the village of Morro d’Alba in Ancona Province, Marche. (Not Alba, the famous Piemontese wine town 500km to the west.) It has vigorous floral and red-fruit aromas seasoned with earth and herbs and medium body with moderate acidity and mild tannins.

lacrima-enzo3The wine can be sipped on its own but it is at its versatile best with food. We have enjoyed Enzo’s Lacrima with a variety of dishes including Mozzarella di Bufala, smoked mussels, dosa (The Dosa Hut has re-opened right around the corner from Vino) and chicken liver pâté.

Lacrima di Morro d’Alba 2007 Enzo Mecella
was $21, now $18.90

Take 20% off a closed case!

For more information call 212-725-6516 or email contact@vinosite.com.

Vino announces Spring 2009 Class Schedule

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Our legendary wine classes are back for Spring!

class-blog

Spring is here… and so are Vino’s wine classes! Back by overwhelming demand, our popular tasting classes return this spring with a brand new schedule to take us right through to summer!

Class participants are treated to a unique tasting selected by the expert hand of our esteemed instructors, in fun and informative seminars guaranteed to spark lively debate. Our themed tastings explore all aspects of winemaking in Italy, often focusing on specific wines, grape varieties and winemaking regions.

Whether you’re an Italian wine novice or wish to broaden your existing knowledge, there is no better way to discover new wines, learn more about your favorites and form a greater appreciation for the complex subtleties and entertaining history of Italian wine and winemaking.

CLASS SCHEDULE SPRING 2009

For more information and reservations call 212-725-6516 or email register@vinosite.com.

ITALIAN WINE 101
with William “Lucky” Lee
Wednesday, April 15
$65

By far our most popular class, Italian Wine 101 is an introduction to some of Italy’s greatest grape varieties and wines. William “Lucky” Lee reviews the process of wine-making from grape to bottle and gives pointers on storing, serving and ordering wine. The course is great for both experienced enthusiasts and those new to Italian wine.

ON THE AI6: FROM NAPLES TO BARI
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Wednesday, April 22
$65

Vino takes you on a virtual road trip through Italy’s south, from the bay of Naples to the Adriatic coast, up and over the spine of the Appenines on the A16 autostrada. This highway cuts deep through wine country, roughly following the ancient Via Traiana across highlands of limestone and volcanic ash. A traveler passes through the heart of Aglianico with stops along the way to sample Coda di Volpe, Piedirosso, Falanghina, Fiano, Greco, and Nero di Troia among others.

EMILIA-ROMAGNA: ITALY’S GASTRONOMIC HEARTLAND
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Wednesday, April 29
$65

Emilia-Romagna is rightly considered a culinary stronghold in Italy: a region where the best known cities – Bologna, Modena, Parma – are synonymous around the world with products which form the basis of Italian daily eating. Equally unique to the region are its popular wines – the lively, sparkling Lambrusco is the typical accompaniment to the area’s hearty dishes and rich flavors. Sample some classic Emilian dishes and enjoy wines by our favorite Lambrusco producer, Lini.

WINE & CHEESE
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Wednesday, May 6
$65

Like its wine, cheese is produced in every region in Italy, and invariably plays an integral part in Italians’ daily diet. While it is an essential ingredient in many of the country’s most popular recipes, many Italians enjoy eating cheese by itself, often paired with a suitable glass of wine. Jim will discuss Italy’s cheese production and serving methods, and offer useful tips on how best to pair a cheese with wine. Taste a varied selection of some of Italy’s finest and most popular formaggi, expertly matched with some of Vino’s favorite wines.

i-trulli-15-years-icon-2ITALIAN BREAD
with Chef Patti Jackson
Saturday, May 16
$85

Not a lot of people know that before she became a top chef, Patti Jackson spent nearly 20 years as a baker. Now witness this extensive baking prowess as she demostrates the preparation behind some of I Trulli’s favorite breads. As anyone who has traveled extensively in Italy will tell you, Italian bread is as diverse as the country’s wines. Foccaccia, schiacciata, grissini and taralli are just some of the typical Italian bread products featured in this fun new addition to Vino’s class schedule.

NOBLE NEBBIOLO
with Robert Scibelli, DWS
Wednesday, May 20
$75

Famed the world over for its use in the oft-celebrated Barolo and Barbaresco, the Nebbiolo grape variety actually goes a lot further, resulting in some of Italy’s most interesting wines. Let Robert guide you through a tasting of some excellent expressions of this legendary grape.

i-trulli-15-years-icon-21PASTA-MAKING
with Dora Marzovilla and Chef Patti Jackson
Saturday, May 30
$85

Visitors to Italy (and I Trulli!) will undoubtedly be familiar with the delight that is fresh pasta. But why are so many of us disinclined to reproduce it at home? A little flour and water never hurt anyone, and making pasta from scratch is in fact a fast and simple procedure. Dora Marzovilla has been rolling fresh pasta at I Trulli since its doors first opened in 1994. As mother of restaurant owner Nicola Marzovilla, who better to teach the uninitiated? Dora will demonstrate preparation techniques for what is a cornerstone of Italian cooking.

THE KILLER B’s: BAROLO, BARBARESCO & BRUNELLO
with Robert Scibelli, DWS
Wednesday, June 3
$95

Hailed by wine lovers around the world, Piedmont’s Barolo and Barbaresco and Tuscan giant Brunello di Montalcino are undoubtedly three of Italy’s greatest wines. Their modern elevated status lends these wines a certain mystique, which Robert Scibelli will help you understand in this world-class tasting. Learn the epic history, assess the varied production techniques and discover the hidden truths behind the legends of these fantastic wines.

ITALIAN WINE 101
with William “Lucky” Lee
Wednesday, June 10
$65

Vino offers Italian Wine 101 twice this term! William “Lucky” Lee reviews the process of wine-making from grape to bottle and answers questions on storing, serving and ordering wine. The course is great for both experienced enthusiasts and those new to Italian wine.

ITALIAN EFFERVESCENCE
with Jim Hutchinson, DWS
Wednesday, June 17
$65

Though often enjoyed as a before-dinner aperitivo or as a less-expensive alternative to Champagne, Italian sparkling wines are in fact as varied in style, taste and production as their still counterparts. No surprise then, that Italians are just as likely to drink such wines before, during or after a meal. Prosecco, Franciacorta and Lambrusco are just the most recognized varieties within Italy’s lengthy list of delightful bubblies. Taste diverse sparkling wines from various Italian regions in what is an ideal introduction to a slightly misunderstood class of wines.

For further details please visit our website, vinosite.com.