New York Cork Report

NY Craft Beer Week Starts Today

By David Flaherty, New York City Correspondent

Like most great ideas, I am guessing it was born over a round of beers. But one thing I am sure of is that it wasn't born over a round of mass-produced swill. It had to be craft, and craft all the way.

Today, for the fourth year in a row, NY Craft Beer Week is locked, loaded and sprung tight like a crossbow waiting to fire. And this year is bigger, badder and tech-friendlier than ever before. Josh Schaffner and his crack crew (including the talented Amy Litt and Chris Cuzme) have put together a week of beer-soaked specials, dinners and events on a mind-boggling scale.

More than 175 NYC bars are participating, as well as nearly 30 great, beer-loving restaurants. If you aren't convinced that craft beer has taken this city by storm -- and trust me, I should know; ordering craft beer for the establishments I work for has become a mad scramble with limited releases selling out in hours -- think again. 

Everyone wants a piece of the pie. And now that pie has come to you.  And its piping hot. 

Get out on the streets, buy a passport for a mere $10 Hamilton (or download it onto your Android or IPhone) or just pop in for one of the beer pairing menus at a revered restaurant you've always wanted to try. The passport is filled with coupons that entitle you to a $3 beer at each bar, so the deal repays itself in spades. 

Rally behind the cause, fill your pint glass with the good stuff and let the taps flow. Support craft beer. And support New York.

For more info and a complete list of participants, check out this link: http://www.nycbeerweek.com/

Aboard the SS Acidhound: the Summer of Riesling Concert 2011

By David Flaherty

At 8 pm, amidst the sweltering steam bath of NYC, the Half Moon set sail on the East River. Aboard were 27 cases of German Riesling, 2 kegs of Gotham Project Riesling, about 40 tons of ice, 3 local bands, 1 German wine queen and 225 thirsty acidhounds. The Summer of Riesling sold-out boat cruise was underway.

Stepping aboard, the guests were greeted with a glass of Gotham Project Riesling from upstate NY in the Finger Lakes.  From here on out, it was all German Riesling as the month of July has been devoted to the motherland.

While the musical stylings of The Nouvellas, Baby Brother and Grand Rapids played at the rear of the top level, the party-goers crammed the front of the ship a la Leonardo DiCaprio on the Titanic.

The NYC skyline proved the main draw and mouths sat limp and stunned as the sun began its descent through the sky. Reds, oranges and, eventually, purples danced over the buildings like watercolors on an artists palate. If only Bob Ross could have been there to set up his easel...

But the highlight? The Statue of Liberty. After sunset, the Half Moon dropped anchor in front of her majesty's sandaled feet and we just drifted. The sounds of rock music surrounded the boat like a glowing halo while my colleagues from Hearth and Terroir and I feverishly poured Riesling below deck at three separate bars. It was a fantastic frickin night.

And one that only could be held in New York City...

Here is what was poured:

Trocken, von Buhl Deidesheimer Herrgottsacker, 2009, Pfalz
Trocken, Schloss Schonborn Estate, 2009, Rheingau
Trocken, Keller, 2010, Rheinhessen
Trocken, Donnhoff, 2010, Nahe
Feinherb, Zilliken Saarburger, 2009, Saar
Kabinett, Merkelbach Urziger Wurzgarten, 2010, Mosel
Kabinett, Hexamer Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg, 2009, Nahe
Kabinett, Schloss Johannisberg, 2009, Rheingau
Spatlese, von Hovel Oberemmeler Hutte, 2004; Mosel

For more pics, check out this great sideshow from Metromix

Summer in a Glass Book Events: Quite Possibly the Most Fun You Can Have with Wine and Bound Books

By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor

I truly believe we're well on our way to shocking my publisher, Sterling Publishing, when it comes to interest in the Finger Lakes wine scene.

That's not to say Sterling doesn't believe in my book. Obviously they do, but we want to show them that their modest expectations can be greatly exceeded.

And there are some big events coming up that will be one heck of a good time.

They're listed below, and the list of events grows almost daily it seems.

If you choose one, I hope you'll choose to join us at the New York Wine and Culinary Center for the official book launch party on Saturday, April 23 from 4-6 p.m. Winemakers Fred Merwarth of Hermann J. Wiemer and Johannes Reinhardt of Anthony Road Wine Company will be telling stories, talking about how I conned them into letting me write the stories of their lives, and pouring wine for the attendees.

That's not to say the other events won't be awesome. I'm truly excited for all of them. I just want to kick off with a strong opener to generate some momentum for the rest of the year.

I hope you can join us!

Friday, April 8
Roc City Uncorked
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
7pm
90 wineries, 30 restaurants, bakers, and brewmasters will offer tastes to the public. You can say hi to Evan and pick up a copy of Summer in a Glass!
Tickets: $50, available at Wegmans

Saturday, April 23
The New York Wine and Culinary Center, Canandaigua
4-6pm
Official book release party
$50
Join Evan and winemakers Johannes Reinhardt of Anthony Road Wine Company and Fred Merwarth of Hermann J. Wiemer. Attendees will enjoy a sparkling wine reception, signed copy of the book, tasting of wines related to the book, and discussion with the dynamic Johannes and Fred!

Thursday, May 5
 Barnes & Noble, Greece, NY
7pm
Book signing

Friday, May 20
The Aurora Inn, Village of Aurora, Cayuga Lake
Heart & Hands theme dinner
Featuring the owners of Heart & Hands, Tom and Susan Higgins
Details TBA

Saturday, May 21
Heron Hill winery, Keuka Lake
1-4 pm
Featuring Heron Hill owner John Ingle
Vertical tasting of Ingle Vineyard Riesling

Saturday, June 4
Fox Run Vineyards, Seneca Lake
Featuring Fox Run winemaker Peter Bell and assistant winemaker Tricia Renshaw

Wednesday, June 15
Union Square Wines, New York City
6pm-8pm
We’ll taste wines, discuss the people in Summer in a Glass, maybe sign some books, and have a wonderful time at a very cool place. Join us!

Thursday, June 16
Brooklyn Winery, Brooklyn, NY
Tasting and talking with the winemakers from Anthony Road Wine Company
Johannes Reinhardt’s story is central to Summer in a Glass. Anthony Road has a strong relationship with Brooklyn Winery, and for this event we’ll taste wines and have a wonderful interactive discussion on the future of wines in New York!

Saturday, June 18
Sheldrake Point Vineyard, Cayuga Lake
Featuring Sheldrake Point winemaker Dave Breeden
1:30 pm
Attendees receive a book, boxed lunch from Simply Red Bistro, and wine tasting with the author and winemaker. Evan will read a few select passages from the book to illustrate points. We expect some lively debate!
Ticket price TBA

Saturday, July 18
The Finger Lakes Wine Festival, Watkins Glen
Stop by and visit Evan during the festival, or – better yet! – get a ticket to the VIP Riedel Experience, where Evan will help present wines and talk about the book! This is sure to be one of the premier wine events of the summer.

Saturday, August 6
Red Newt Bistro, Hector, NY (Seneca Lake)
Dinner and book discussion
Featuring winemaker David Whiting, chef Deb Whiting, and assistant winemaker Brandon Seager

Friday, August 26
Damiani Wine Cellars tasting room, Seneca Lake
7-9 pm
Reception, book discussion, wine tasting and art exhibition

 

Great Real NY Craft Beer & Food Festival -- Special NYCR Reader Discount

By Lenn Thompson, Executive Editor

Get Real NY's Craft Beer & Food Festival will take place March 19-20 at The Altman Building in the heart of Manhattan's Flatiron District.

In addition to 90+ craft beers and 30+ homebrews, the all-you-care-to-taste fest will feature food from New York City restaurants and food artisans like Bark Hot Dogs, Cafe D'Alsace, Murray's Cheese, Cascabel Taqueria, Loreley, Luke's Lobster, Oysters from Blue Island Shellfish and more. 

Local breweries, including Long Island-based Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. and Blue Point Brewing, will also be at the event pouring their beers alongside favorites like Kelso of Brooklyn, Booklyn Brewery and more.

Tickets to the two Saturday sessions (12-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.) are selling out fast ($65 general admission; $80 VIP). There are also sessions (same hours) on Sunday.

I think it's going to be an outstanding event and I'm hoping to get into the city for the Sunday sessions. And, if you'd like to join me, the organizers are making it just a bit easier:

Through March 15, Get Real NY is offering New York Cork Report readers a special discount for both Sunday sessions. Those who enter the discount code "nycorkreport" on Get Real's Eventbrite ticket page will receive $15 off ticket prices, so $50 for general admission and $65 for VIP.   

Every ticket comes with a souvenir glass and offers guests unlimited tastings of 90+ craft beers, with an emphasis on cask-conditioned ales.  

General admission tickets include unlimited food sampling, admission to brewery discussion panels and live music entertainment. 

VIP attendees will enjoy one-hour early access to the festival, admission to a special VIP tasting room featuring several special one-off beers and access to brewery tasting panels and discussions. 

Our former NYC Correspondent, Andy Freedman, is on Get Real NY's Organizing Committee and promises it will be a beer event to remember.

Brooklyn Uncorked May 5 and Brooklyn Academy of Music

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

One of my favorite annual Long Island wine events -- Brooklyn Uncorked -- is taking place on May 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

For anyone who is interested in local wines, there is no better chance to taste and experience the diversity of Long Island wine. Plus, there will be great food from NYC restaurants to enjoy as you walk from table to table sampling some of Long Island's best vino.

I won't be able to attend this year's event, but it really is a lot of fun and if you don't get out to Long Island wine country very often, you really shouldn't miss this event.

Among those wineries that will be pouring are Bedell Cellars, Bouké, Channing Daughters Winery, Corey Creek Vineyards, Grapes of Roth, Jamesport Vineyards, Lieb Family Cellars, Macari Vineyards & Winery, The Old Field Vineyards, Shinn Estate Vineyards and Wölffer Estate. 

Restaurants and food purveyors who will be offering samples of food include Tanoreen, DuMont, Dressler, Txikito, Gramercy Tavern, Palo Santo, Stinky Bklyn, Savoy, D. Coluccio & Sons, Tipsy Parson, Liddabit Sweets, Watty & Meg, Good Fork, Orwasher’s Bakery, Katchkie Farm, Great Performances and Dallis Coffee. 

Another fun, the New York Wine Stand, a program that features New York wines at city Greenmarkets, will be pouring New York rieslings.

Best of all, if you buy your tickets now (meaning before Sunday) tickets ($40) are buy one, get one half-off. An afternoon and evening of great local wines and food for $30 per person? It's a great deal.

New York Well-Represented at NYC Debut of the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

By Andy Freedman, New York City Correspondent

Some of my favorite things in life begin with the letter 'B': there's basketball, and brunch, and, of course, bars. 

Last weekend my wife and I encountered 3 other Bs close to my heart when we attended the "Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival" at LA.VENUE in Manhattan with some 5,000 other beer and bourbon-drinking, bacon-crazed porkophiles. Having successfully traveled up and down the East Coast the past three years, BB&B finally made its Manhattan debut. What's there not to love about a walk-around event that features unlimited tastes of 60+ beers, 40+ bourbons and all the southern 'cue you can handle, not to mention tastings of 10-plus artisanal bacons? 

Local breweries, and even a local whiskey distillery, more than held their own amidst all the Southern flair at the festival, which included a mechanical bull, sweet tea vodka, collard greens and baked beans. And, as you can see from the pictures, there was quite a bit of local pride on display. 

Sixpoint Craft Ales was pouring its Sweet Action and Righteous Rye. Kelso of Brooklyn poured its immensely popular pilsner. Saranac had its Pale Ale and Imperial IPA and Southampton Brewing was serving its IPA and Imperial Porter. Also on-hand representing New York were Brewery Ommegang with its Witte and Abbey ales, Long Island's own Blue Point Brewing Co., NYC's Heartland Brewing, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery and Tuthilltown Spirits.

Perhaps the most interesting of the local beers was the Heartland Brewing Sumatra Porter with Chicory, a collaboration between Heartland founder Jon Bloostein and his brother, Oren, of Oren's Daily Roast Coffee in Manhattan. It had a light, mocha aroma and tasted of very strong, very good coffee. 

 

Of the out-of-state breweries, our favorite beers were Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA from Maryland's Clipper City Brewing Co., Bear Republic's Hop Rod Rye and Lagunitas IPA. I would say the surprise standout beer for me though was Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout, a potent 13% ABV bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout.  If you can get your hands on this, I strongly recommend giving it a try. It sported huge aromas of bourbon and vanilla and tasted of chocolate, vanilla and sweet malts.

Let's not forget about the 'cue. Luckily, we arrived at the event as the doors opened at noon. The first session ended at 4 p.m. and by 1:15 p.m. the lines for local favorites like Hill Country, Dinosaur BBQ and Southern Hospitality were close to 20 minutes long. By 1:45 p.m., many of the BBQ vendors were already out of food. 

Hats off to Dinosaur BBQ, the only vendor who had enough supply to meet the massive demand. They even sent a truck to pick up more 'cue from their Manhattan location. My favorites were the bbq pork sliders from a lesser known purveyor who was tucked away towards the back of the event space and bacon sausages from Brooklyn's The Meat Hook. 

Thankfully, there was also plenty of tasty collard greens, baked beans and cornbread. 

Given that it was BB&B's first go-around in Manhattan, the festival was not without its glitches. It appears they oversold tickets to the 12-4 p.m. session. The lines for the big-name BBQ purveyors were too long and they ran out of food too quickly. We heard some grunts from people who arrived closer to 1 and didn't get to try some of the food. 

My advice to those attending future BB&B festivals would be to arrive early and skip the huge lines for the big-name vendors in favor of the lesser known purveyors with shorter lines, and in many instances, better 'cue. 

It was great that so many representatives from the breweries came out for the event. I use these festivals as an opportunity to learn more about the breweries and the people behind them, and there's nothing worse than someone pouring tastes that has no clue what they're even pouring. Many of the out-of-state breweries were manned by either volunteers or distribution reps. 

 

We caught up with Jeff Gorlechen of Sixpoint Craft Ales, who's celebrating their fifth anniversary this month.  They've been busy brewing Double Sweet Action, their special Fifth Anniversary Ale. Sixpoint has also recently released its Redd, an American amber ale. When asked what else Sixpoint has in the works, Jeff said they're making their first foray into bottling. So, the day when you can bring home a six-pack of Sixpoint from the store may not be too far off. For now, you'll have to continue to fill a growler or head to a bar to get your Sixpoint fix. 

 

While he was busy pouring away his Hudson bourbon whiskeys for the masses, we were able to sneak in a few words with Gable Erenzo, the Distiller and Brand Ambassador for Tuthilltown Spirits.  New York may be well known for its wineries and breweries, but Gable tells us that it's also becoming a hotbed for the emerging craft distilling industry.  In speaking with him, we learned that Tuthilltown use only organic product and locally-produced ingredients, such as New York grown corn and apples, in their eco-friendly distillation process. 

 

Some other highlights from the festival included:

 

• Maker's Mark had a table where guests could dip their tasting glass into the signature Maker's Mark wax for a one of a kind souvenir. As a bonus, shots of Maker's Mark were being poured as guests waited in line. We got to meet and chat with Master Distiller Kevin Smith, who told us about a new Maker's Mark bourbon that's in development and should be released soon. He said it's basically going to be similar to the Maker's Mark we've grown to love, but enhanced with toasted oak staves to give it more intense flavors.
• Loveless Café’s Famous Piggy Popcorn.  This caramel-candied bacon popcorn goodness is popped in pure bacon grease, coated with a secret, homemade caramel sauce and studded with lean bits of Loveless' own hickory-smoked country cured bacon. 

Uncork New York: Sip, Savor and Shop @ City Winery

Uncork New York was extremely well attended at City Winery yesterday afternoon.

By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

Yesterday afternoon, with the help of my parents (who were imported from Pittsburgh for the weekend for childcare purposes) Nena and I were able to get into Manhattan to attend Uncork New York: Sip, Savor and Shop at City Winery downtown.

We had a great time and the organizers have a lot to be proud of. The two-tiered room was packed -- packed to the point that it wasn't easy to move around at times -- and the organizers should be congratulated for putting on a great event.

Having arrived a little over an hour into the event and wanting to get back to our house before Jackson went to bed, we made our rounds, saying hello to the people there that we knew, and then focused our tasting time on wineries I'm not as familiar with -- mostly the Hudson Valley folks -- and wineries I haven't tasted before.

I also had the pleasure of meeting several people (many that I've known virtually for some time) for the first time, including Howard Goldberg, who covers Long Island for the New York Times. Howard, along with just about everyone else, was more interested in where Jackson was that actually meeting me. The kid is a star, clearly.

Of the wines I tasted -- and we actually didn't taste that many -- a few of my favorites included:

• Macari Vineyards 2009 Early Wine (Chardonnay)
• Shaw Vineyard 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
• Benmarl Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc
• Hudson-Chatham Winery 2008 Baco Noir
• Paperbirch Bannerman's Castle Amber Cream

I didn't get to taste every wine and see everyone that I wanted to, but that's how these sorts of events go sometimes.

Out of order bathrooms aside, the event went off without a hitch. The only suggestions that I'd offer to the organizers and participating wineries are these:

First, do this event regularly -- every six months or so, rotating the producers a bit. My understanding is that a mass email went out inviting wineries to participate and it was a first-come, first-served sort of thing. Getting different wineries to attend the next time would be great. Clearly there is more than enough interest to support events like this one.

Second, it might be smart to cut the number of wineries by 5 or so. I think there were 35 wineries pouring and it was just a bit too crowded. At 30, I think it would have been easier to navigate.

Third, make it more obvious that the wines are for sale and easier for people to buy. I did see people buying wine, but not that much, and I can understand why: If you buy something at the first table, you're stuck carrying it around the rest of the night until you leave. There's got to be a system that can be set up where purchased wines are consolidated by the door for people.

Lastly, I'd like to see more winemakers and/or winery owners pouring at these events, it can only enhance the overall experience for attendees. Too many second- or third-string teams can dilute the message and the overall enjoyment for the people tasting.

Uncork New York: Sip, Savor and Shop @ City Winery on December 6

There have been rumors about this event swirling for weeks, but as of today it's official -- Sip, Savor & Shop, a showcase for New York wine and food, will take place on Sunday, December 6 from 2 to 6 p.m.

More than 35 wineries from across New York State will be joined by farmers and food producers, as well as several local restaurants, to present a taste of New York and celebrate the holiday season. Over 100 wines from Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes, and other regions, will be available for tasting -- and most uniquely be available for sale as well.

My guess is that more wineries will sign on leading up to the event, but wineries that have already comitted included Anthony Road Winery, Chateau Frank and Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Chateau LaFayette Reneau, Damiani Wine Cellars, Heron Hill Winery, Keuka Lake Vineyards, Shaw Vineyard, Standing Stone Vineyards, Wagner Vineyards, and White Springs Winery from the Finger  Lakes, Bedell Cellars, Bouké Wines, Brooklyn Oenology, Castello di Borghese, Duck Walk Vineyards, Laurel Lake Vineyard, Lieb Family Cellars, Long Island Meadery, Macari Vineyard & Winery, Martha Clara Vineyards, Medolla Vineyards, Onabay Vineyards, One Woman Wines & Vineyards, Palmer Vineyards, Raphael Vineyard, Scarola Vineyards, Sherwood House Vineyards, Sparkling Pointe, and Wolffer Estate Vineyards & Winery from Long Island, and Benmarl and Brotherwhood Winery from the Hudson Valley.

Tickets are $45 and include wine and food sampling, as well as a souvenir wine glass. They can be purchased from the City Winery website.

The New York Cork Report will be involved in this event somehow as well. I'm hoping to have something more to announce in the next week or so.

This long over-due celebration of New York's bounty is sponsored by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation in conjunction with other organizations focused on local wines and foods including City Winery, the “Edible” publications, Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association, Long Island Wine Council, Pride of New York (Department of Agriculture & Markets), and Wine & Food Associates.

Notes on Ravines and Wolffer at I Drink NY Astor Place Event

By Sasha Smith, New York City Correspondent
Photo by Sasha Smith

A few weeks ago I attended the first annual Winebow "I Drink New York" event at Astor Wines featuring Ravines Wine Cellars, Wolffer Estate Vineyards and Millbrook Vineyards. I focused on Ravines, which I knew little about (aside from the fact that Lenn's a fan) and Wolffer.

A brief dispatch:

A good wine is like a good thriller: it should hold your attention throughout and finish with a surprise. The Ravines Wine Cellars 2007 Dry Riesling fulfilled both criteria. The wine has a mineral and citrus fruit purity that’s really compelling, and instead of falling off a bit on the back palate and the finish (something that I’ve noticed often in lesser-quality New York rieslings), it retains this intensity throughout.

The Ravines Wine Cellars 2006 Keuka Village White, made from Cayuga White and Vignoles, is the best hybrid I’ve ever had. Granted, I don’t drink them very much and even really good hybrid wines leave me a little cold, but this one was simple (in a good way), clean, and refreshing. A picnic wine if there ever were one.

I wasn’t a big fan of the pinot noir. A little too green for my taste, and with none of the silkiness that makes Pinot Noir what it is.

The Ravines Wine Cellars 2006 Cabernet Franc had vibrant red fruit and hit an earthy, mushroomy note that I loved. Winemaker Morten Hallgren told me that they pick cab franc as late as November. Whether or not you like this very cool climate style of wine, you have to respect that kind of patience and fortitude.

Morten and his wife Lisa (pictured here) could not have been kinder, or better ambassadors for their wine.

I also had the opportunity to meet Roman Roth, probably the closest thing Long Island has to a celebrity winemaker. Given his reputation, I was expecting him to be a bit stand-offish, but nothing could have been further from the truth.

We chatted about a sparkling rosé they’ll release in time for the holidays this year and he let me linger over a glass of their Wolffer Estate 2007 Late Harvest Chardonnay. With ripe apricot, peach and honey flavors, the wine has a finish that seems to last forever –- or, as Roman quaintly put it, one would need the neck of a giraffe to fully savor it.

Grand Cru Classes to Present at City Winery on February 26

On February 26 at 6:00 p.m., my good friends Jared and Tracy from Grand Cru Classes, a wine education center on the North Fork, will be hosting a special seminar titled "Long Island Wines: From Potato Farms to Parker Points" at the newly launched City
Winery in Manhattan. They'll be discussing the history and growth of the Long Island wine industry, highlighting the recent successes and recognition the region has received.

The 90-minute program will include a guided wine tasting, featuring the following six wines, all of which have been graciously donated by the respective wineries. 

• TBD, Sparkling Brut, NV
• Waters Crest Winery 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
  
• Peconic Bay Winery 2005 La Barrique Chardonnay
  
• Comtesse Therese 2007 Rosé
• Macari Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Franc
  
• Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2004 Estate Selection Merlot.
  

 This is a great and unique way for New Yorkers to learn about the wines being made in their own back yard. The local wine region doesn't do as much outreach direct to consumers in NYC as it probably should, so check it out.

Get more information and register today.

October is New York Wine Month

Throughout the month of October, several New York City’s restaurants will be celebrating the current 2008 grape harvest by featuring New York wines by the glass. And,  several wine shops which will be showcasing New York wines during October as well.

It’s all part of the New York Wines & Dines (thankfully they have a new website this year) celebration.

This is a program that always has loads of potential, but because I don't make it into the city very often, I can't say first hand how successful it is. If anyone has any opinions, I'd love to hear them.

The potential is certainly there... if this month-long event can generate enough interest in local wines that the restaurants and wine shops continue to carry and sell NY wines after October 31. A one-month burst is nice, but the end goal has to be longer-term promotion and demand generation.

• See the list of participating restaurants
• See the list of wineries involved
• See a list of the participating wine shops

Brooklyn Uncorked: The Best Long Island Wine Event of the Year

Brooklyn Uncorked was a lot of fun this year. And I mean a lot of fun.

How could it not be? You have 30 Long Island wineries, a half dozen breweries, a couple cheese shops, several restaurants and a lot of great, food-beer-and-wine-loving people in a great space in Brooklyn. Can it get much better?

Well, I guess they could have actually intermingled the restaurants and other food vendors among the wineries so you didn't have to go downstairs to get most of the food, but that's a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things.

Even though this was only the second edition of Brooklyn Uncorked, I'm comfortable saying that it is already the best Long Island tasting of the year. There isn’t a better way to taste over 100 Long Island wines in a matter of a few hours.

With so many great drinks and eats, it’d be silly of me to try highlight all of the ones that I enjoyed, but here are a few of the best and most interesting finds.

Ever heard of Bouke’ the North Fork’s newest producer? Neither had I until I spotted their unfamiliar labels from across the room. Don’t feel bad though, Bouke’s founder, Brooklyite Lisa Donneson used Brookyn Uncorked as her label’s coming out party, pouring a dry rose and white table blend. She expects to release her lone red, a blend, in the winter. Bouke’, pronounced the way bouquet is, aims to make affordable wines that can be opened any night of the week, and we dig that here at LENNDEVOURS. Donneson thinks that wine should be an “everyday pleasure for the senses.” Gilles Martin, formerly of Martha Clara Vineyards, makes the wines.

The rose ($15), a blend of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, is satisfying and certainly seasonally appropriate. The white ($18), a mélange of chardonnay, pinot gris, sauvignon blanc and Gewurztraminer is floral and citrusy. It seems best suited to ocean- or pool-side duty. Full reviews are coming once I taste them blind here at LENNDEVOURS HQ.

Another wine that impressed for less than $20 was Martha Clara Vineyards’ 2007 Pinot Grigio ($16). Fresh, clean and citrusy, it’s a darn near perfect summer sipper. Just don't think too hard about it (it's not that kind of wine) and don’t expect the same boring lemon-water flavors of cheap Italian pinot grigio. This one has more depth and mouthfeel. New winemaker Juan Micieli-Martinez’s attention to detail—both in the vineyard and in the winery—is on display in this, his first release at Martha Clara. His 2007 Viognier isn’t released yet, but it’s a definite improvement on the last vintage as well.

One of the more interesting wines of the afternoon came from Roanoke Vineyards. Their 2005 Blend One won’t be released for a while, but it features 52% Malbec (the 04 bottling is heavy on cabernet franc). That Malbec dominates the nose with plum and anise, but by blending it with merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, some of the heavy, tar-like flavors sometimes associated with Malbec are smoothed out. Red production was a little low for Roanoke in 2004, but this is a wine worth keeping and eye out for.

Two more reds from 2005, a meritage-style blend and a merlot, were also impressive at the Osprey’s Dominion Vineyards table.

I also enjoyed, in no particular order: Shinn Estate Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc, Macari Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Paumanoke Vineyards 2007 Late Harvest Riesling, Long Island Meadery Pear Ceyser, Wolffer Estate Vineyards 2005 Reserve Merlot, Southampton Publick House Abbott 12, Sixpoint Craft Ales Righteous Rye, Sixpoint Craft Ales Nuthouse Brown, everything at the Channing Daughters table, Bedell Cellars First Crush Red.

If you didn't make it this year, you should really try to make it in 2009. It's a great, fun event.

Exploring Finger Lakes Riesling @ the Astor Center (May 8)

You'd think after almost a week in the Finger Lakes, I'd be ready for a break from their riesling. You'd be wrong though. This Thursday, I'm taking the train into Manhattan to attend a media and trade tasting hosted by the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance at the Astor Center.

Joshua Greene, editor of Wine & Spirits magazine will lead a guided tasting of 10 2006 Finger Lakes rieslings and discuss the effects slate, snow and deep-water lakes had on the wines. The 10 wines will be those from Buttonwood Grove, Treleaven/King Ferry, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Standing Stone, Chateau Lafayette Reneau, Red Newt Cellars, White Springs, Fox Run, Hermann J. Wiemer and Sheldrake Point.

There will also be a walk-around tasting of twenty-two Finger Lakes wineries showcasing their 2006 and 2007 Rieslings.

The 2007 harvest, which everyone's favorite wine magazine, Wine Spectator, scored an A-, is one of the best vintages in history for the Finger Lakes. The additional wineries featured in on Thursday include Ravines, Anthony Road, Lakewood, Wagner, Fulkerson's, Atwater, Rooster Hill, Casa Larga, Swedish Hill, Thirsty Owl, Hazlitt's, and Glenora. Four of the Finger Lakes top chefs from the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars, Fox Run, Red Newt Bistro, and Simply Red Bistro will be preparing Riesling-friendly foods including locally raised pork, rabbit, venison, beef, ramps and cheese.

It should be a fun event. And yes, I know that I'm behind on my Finger Lakes postings...but they are coming. I promise.

Bedell Cellars 2005 Musée Launch Party Report

By Sasha Smith, New York City Correspondent

If you’re going to name your prestige wine Musée and put a Chuck Close daguerreotype on the label, where better to launch it at The Modern? Last night Bedell Cellars hosted a party to officially introduce their newest, top-of-the-line cuvée. A blend of 78% merlot, 17% cabernet sauvignon, and 5% petit verdot from the Wells Road and Bedell Estate vineyards, the wine is aged for 15 months French oak, half of it new.

Soft and supple with well-integrated oak and notes of plum and cocoa, the wine is incredibly easy to drink. (The alcohol comes in, thankfully, at a moderate 12.9%.) I only wished the wine had some more structure and presence. I’m all for subtlety, and on one hand, it was delightful to stand around sipping this wine for an hour, accompanied by the occasional wild mushroom puff pastry canapé.

On the other hand, at $65 I’m looking for something that stops conversation and makes me think. We all have our dollar threshold above which we demand that sit-up-and-take-notice quality. Mine is probably a lot lower than that of last night’s party-goers (including Michael Lynne, Bedell’s owner and Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of New Line Cinema, Hamptons magazine publisher Debra Halpert and restauranteur/all-around mensch Danny Meyer), but I’d guess not so different from that of the average well-informed Long Island wine lover and LENNDEVOURS reader.

It’s not going to displace the gutsier Reserve Merlot as my favorite of Bedell’s consistently strong offerings.

I chatted with the director of operations at a private club who said he could easily sell the wine to his upscale clientèle. We thought it would be particularly successful by the glass, given its mellow fruit and very soft tannins.

In fact, that’s exactly what The Modern has in mind. The restaurant’s energetic wine director, Belinda Chang, says they’re putting it on their tasting menu to accompany a squab dusted with cocoa powder, a smart pairing that would no doubt bring out the best in the wine.

Finally, I hate to bring the snark – and I’m only mentioning it because Bedell obviously took a lot of care on the label – but am I the only one who thinks these two look oddly similar?

Farm to Chef, Field to Table at the Astor Center This Thursday (1/31)

I get invited to a lot of wine and wine-related events. Many of them are in New York City, so I can rarely attend them, and frankly, few of them are interesting enough that I'm going to take off of work and hop on a train.

Then there are events like the one the Astor Center is hosting the evening of Thursday, January 31: Farm to Chef, Field to Table: An Intimate Dinner with Chef Michael Anthony and Peter Kaminsky.

I'm excited about this event because it was designed to celebrate the great bounty of our particular corner of the world, bringing together farmers, chefs, writers and activists.

It features a five-course dinner prepared by Chef Michael Anthony of Gramercy Tavern with additional canapés and hors d'oeuvres prepared by Mary Cleaver of The Green Table and The Cleaver Company at Chelsea market. Long Island's Channing Daughter Winery will be pouring their wines along side.

I've long been a fan of Kaminsky's writing, so I wish I could go if only to meet him in person.

It's not cheap, at $175 per person, but it promises to be a spectacular evening.

If you're interested you can learn more and buy tickets online.

Brooklyn Oenology Debuts

By New York City Correspondent Sasha Smith

This fall I went to the launch party for BOE, a winery housed in a converted warehouse in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. (BOE is short for Brooklyn Oenology.) Founded by engineer-turned-winemaker Alie Shaper, BOE released its first wines this fall, a 2005 Chardonnay and a 2005 Merlot. While the fruit comes from the North Fork and the wines are made in Mattituck at Premium Wine Group, the rest of this endeavor is thoroughly Brooklyn-based. Alie says that the winery was created “in the spirit of Brooklyn’s artisanal resurgence,” and points to the many artists and artisans that populate the borough, from graphic designers to brewers.  In fact, her wine labels showcase the work of Brooklyn artists Tracy Silva Barbosa (Chardonnay) and Bert Esenherz (Merlot). 

BOE is pretty much a one-woman show, and Alie’s energy and drive are truly inspiring.  I caught up with her after the launch party to find out more about her background and what it takes to start up a winery in the middle of Brooklyn.

After attending the event, I wanted to know a bit more, so I asked Alie a few questions.

November 7 -- Mario Batali: Roasted, Battered & Fried

Next Tuesday, Superstar chef  Mario Batali will be roasted by a diverse dais that includes some of my favorite celebs like Anthony Bourdain, James Gandolfini, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Artie Lange and Sarah Silverman.

Proceeds from the event go to the Food Bank for New York City. The event begins  at Capitale (130 Bowery) with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 and the roast itself at 8:45.

Tickets start at $500, but it's a great cause and should be a ton of fun. Buy tickets online at the Food Bank for New York City.

LIMA Uncorks Merliance in Manhattan

 

On Monday, April 3, the Long Island Merlot Alliance hosted a press and trade preview tasting at Craft restaurant in Manhattan of its first co-produced wine – 2004 Merliance.

Formed last fall by Raphael, Pellegrini Vineyards, Sherwood House Vineyards, Shinn Estate Vineyards and Wolffer Estate Vineyards, the LIMA believes that merlot is Long Island’s signature varietal, and as such has dedicated itself to its advancement and continued quality in our region. In addition to the collaborative production of Merliance every year, the group plans to hold educational programs and sponsor research into exactly why Long Island is so well suited to growing merlot and growing it well year in and year out.

To make 2004 Merliance, which is 100% merlot, each member winery selected the two barrels from their own cellars that they felt best represented their own individual style as well as Long Island’s unique terroir. With ten barrels of merlot, five wineries and five winemakers with differing styles, the LIMA knew that creating a smooth, well-integrated wine would be a challenge, but their hard work shows in the wine itself.

This Weekend: My First Trip to the Opera

Some people find it hard to believe that I've never been to an opera. I guess they are surprised because Nena is a singer (in that style), but growing up in the culturally challenged town of Pittsburgh, PA, I had little exposure to opera growing up.

In fact, my first opera experience of any sort was in a freshman humanities class at Allegheny College. We studied Don Giovanni for a nice chunk of the term, reading, listening...and I'll admit that I went out and bought the CD. I really liked it. But that was the last humanities class I took outside of the writing arena...and I was a biology major so I didn't need much anyway.

Well, tomorrow night, Nena and I are headed to the Metropolitan Opera to see Die Fledermaus -- it's one of my gifts to Nena for Christmas. And as it turns out, it will be her first-ever trip to the Metropolitan Opera, which surpised me when I found out as she's been saying for years that she wanted to go. I assumed she'd been and wanted a return visit.

Anyway, she is beyond excited and I'll admit to sharing in her anticipation.

Do I know anything about the show? Nope.
Do I know a word of German? Nope.
But I hear there are subtitles in ever seat, so I should be fine.

Wanting to eat at a somewhat casual place nearby, I made us reservations at Arte Cafe, a neighborhood Italian spot that promises to be satisfying. In looking at their wine list, I see some interesting, reasonably priced stuff that I'm looking forward to checking out.

Anyone know of any wine bars in the area?

NYC Wine Classes by Dr. Vino

The good doctor, Dr. Vino that is, has just announced some new wine classes he's offering in Manhattan. Doc knows his stuff, so I'm sure they are all worth checking out:

January 25 at NYU (5 weeks)
Blending Innovation and Tradition: Old World Wine Regions
Register now

February 2 at NYU (6 weeks)
Becoming a Wine Expert: The Essentials of Wine Tasting
Register now

March 23 at NYU (5 weeks)
Blending Innovation and Tradition: New World Wine Regions
Register now