Cheers --4 Local Wine Experts Give Us Their Top Wine Picks
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With the weather cooling and the holidays rapidly approaching, it's the perfect time to begin or enhance your wine education. To help, we interviewed four wine professionals in the Scarsdale area to find their top selling bottles under $10 and $20. Then we asked the people who live and breathe wine on a daily basis what they drink after a long day. (Surprise, the answer is not always wine.) Finally, we asked our experts for the one thing they want the public to know about wine. Want to test drive some bottles without commitment? We've included some upcoming tasting events, most free of charge. We'd love to hear from you with your suggestions for wines under $20 and $10. Enter a comment below to share your suggestions.
Zachys Wine & Liquor Store Inc.
16 E Parkway, Scarsdale (914) 723-0241
www.zachys.com
Top Selling Red Under $10: Barbera Piemonte Berro Pico Maccario 2011 (750ML) #360179 $8.99
Top Selling Red Under $20: Chianti Classico Viticcio 2009 (92JS) (750ML) #350883 $16.99
We asked Brian Mullaney, Director of Operations at Zachys: What he will be drinking tonight and why? "Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (92W&S) (750ML) #371623 $19.99. I'll be drinking this wine because the region this wine comes from (Chile) is emerging and booming. Also the wine is highly rated under $20, so let's see if the wine merits the rating."
"You can feel the freshness of the 2010 vintage in this wine, in its scents of herbs and eucalyptus and its refreshing red fruit flavors - a contrast to the darker fruit ripeness of the Marques 2009. The pointed acidity acts as a framework to hold all the power of the wine's flavors...92" Wine & Spirits 6/13.
What is the one thing you want people to know about wine? "Price isn't indicative of quality. Some of the best wines are found under $20 a bottle."
Upcoming Tastings: Saturday, October 12 12-4 pm (Barolo Greatness Continues! – with Martina Molino of Mauro Molino up-and-comers from Around the World). Saturday, October 19 12-4 pm (Pierre Ferrand Cognac; Italy's Best Sparkling Wines – Berlucchi Winery with Paolo Ziliani)
Vintology Wine & Spirits
2 Palmer Ave, Scarsdale (914) 723-2040
www.vintology.com
Top Selling Red Under $10: Monte Oton, Garnacha, Campo de Borja DO.... an easy drinking, yet fully ripened Garnacha, from a vineyard on the slopes of an extinct volcano in Campo de Borja in Spain.
Top Selling Red Under $20: Chateau Pierrail, Bordeaux Superieur 2010... an outstanding value for a very complex Bordeaux... though young, tastes like it's had some aging... a wallet friendly way of enjoying classic Bordeaux.
We asked Elizabeth, Vintology's Marketing Director what she will be drinking tonight and why? "Some days after an afternoon of tasting 50-60 wines with importers and winemakers, you just want a beer! I really love the local brews, Captain Lawrence and Keegan's. The wine, however, that I have been bringing home a lot lately is Cruz de Piedra, this super big Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. With the weather a little bit cooler, I've been craving full-bodied."
What is the one thing you want people to know about wine? "The real pleasure of wine lies in its stories. Wine is different than soda from a factory... it's about people and places. One bottle I love is from a female winemaker who inherited the vineyards and winery after her husband had a tractor accident on the vineyard. She learned winemaking from scratch, and has become a prominent producer in Piedmont. It's these stories I think about when enjoying a bottle of wine... it gives people a chance to bring a bit of these stories into their dinner table."
Upcoming Tastings: "Taste with the Experts" series Saturday, October 12, 1-5 pm. Tuesday, October 15, 7-9 pm: Circa 1938 Post-Prohibition Wine Class.
Westchester Wine Warehouse
53 Tarrytown Rd, White Plains (914) 824-1400
westchesterwine.com
Top Selling Red Under $10: Arboretto Montepulciano D'Abruzzo
Top Selling Red Under $20: Juan Gil Monastrell
We asked Trueman Haskell, Wine & Spirits Buyer: What will you be drinking tonight and why? "After tasting upwards of 40 wines and spirits during work I usually find myself having a beer to unwind."
What is the one thing you want people to know about wine? "A lot of people wait to be told what good wine is by rating companies, but I think the best approach is to taste everything you can and discover it for yourself. I have tasted a lot of wines that were awarded a high score that I really didn't care for because I perceive the aromas and flavors differently. Just like with music or art, everyone experiences wine in their own unique way. At the end of the day whose opinion is more important?"
Upcoming Tastings: Friday, October 11 4:00 pm Crop Cucumber and Spiced Pumpkin, 4:00 pm Domaine Select, 4:00 pm T Edwards. Saturday, October 12 1:00 pm Apple 1:00 pm Empire Wine/Medco 1:00 pm Hammer & Sickle Vodka 1:00 pm Lieber Bros 1:00 pm Vias 4:00 pm 4:00 pm Gabriella 4:00 pm Liberty 4:00 pm Liv New York Vodka 4:00 pm Magnifico.
Stew Leonard's Wine
1 Stew Leonard's Drive, Yonkers, NY (914) 375-4713
www.stewswines.com
Top Selling Red Under $10: Las Lenas Malbec. The grape variety is Malbec, which has become tremendously popular in the last five years. This is an easy-to-drink red wine with black fruit aromas and flavors. I think of it as a Monday night wine!
Top Selling Red Under $20: Infinity Cabernet. It is a smooth and seductive red from California that goes well with a juicy steak.
We asked Paige, a Wine Specialist, what she will be drinking tonight and why? "Last night I had La Crema Chardonnay, which is one of our most popular whites and tonight I may open a Conti d' Arco
Vintology Moves to Expanded Quarters
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Vintology has moved to a larger space just a few doors down from their original location at the Five Corners in Scarsdale. This past weekend a team of family, friends and good customers moved Vintology to the corner location at 2 Palmer Avenue, formerly the site of the Paper Tree. They moved 16,000 pounds of wine and liquor and officially re-opened on Tuesday, October 1st.
The team began meeting with winemakers and importers on Tuesday to develop expanding their selection of wines and a nearly doubled selection of spirits was already waiting for customers when the doors opened. Vintology's expanded selection reflects the ever-changing wine scene. Organic and biodynamic wines, local New York State producers, and artisanal domestic and imported spirits will grow in selection and volume.
With almost double the square footage, new events have been planned to take advantage of the larger space. On Friday October 4, Chef and Culinary Instructor Jennifer Rossano will host the 3rd "Organic: From Kitchen to Vineyard" dinner. The evening will feature delicious organic food and wine and include education about the evolving landscape of sustainable and organic winemaking. On Tuesday, October 8th, the third "Go-Getter Girls & Grapes" will bring professional women together for a networking event and a sampling of wines from female winemakers. Vintology will collaborate with the Scarsdale Adult School on Tuesday, October 15th for "Circa 1938: A Post-Prohibition Wine Class & Guided Tasting." Watch for these events, in addition to Vintology's signature series "Taste with the Experts" featuring ongoing visits by winemakers and importers in the coming months
The move coincides with Vintology Wine & Spirits' 5 year anniversary. A Grand Re-Opening & Anniversary Party will take place on Saturday, November 16th, from 1-6pm. Wine tasting and cuisine from local restaurants will be part of the celebration. The party is complimentary and all are welcome to attend.
Vintology Wine & Spirits
2 Palmer Avenue
Scarsdale NY, 10583
www.vintology.com
(914) 723-2040
Food and Wine Festival Brings Thousands to Scarsdale
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Who doesn't like to eat? That's how one happy gourmand explained the amazing turnout for Scarsdale's first major festival on Sunday September 22. Though heavy rain and wind on Saturday night threatened to put a damper on the event, Sunday dawned bright, cool and clear as hundreds of volunteers and vendors set up for the large crowd that was expected that day. Prepared for any weather, the producers arranged for extensive tenting running the full length of Spencer Place, Boniface Circle and a good portion of Chase Road. The canopy was clear in portions to let in the light and the tents helped to shield the hundreds of food and wine purveyors from the elements. It disappeared as magically as it appeared leaving everyone wondering whether they had imagined this wonderful Sunday in Scarsdale.
No one could imagine how Scarsdale could accommodate thousand of visitors and their vehicles. How would they get here and where would they park? Furthermore, the Bronx River Parkway was closed for bicycle Sunday. Would that be an impediment to visitors or would bikers flock to the fair? However, the organizers arranged for drivers to park at numerous garages and parking lots where they were taken to the fair by shuttles that circled continuously. In fact, we didn't hear a single complaint about traffic and many locals decided to walk or bike to leave available spots to visitors.
We can't begin to quantify the variety of food and drink that was offered at the festival. Steak, sliders, salad, crostini, pizza, twinkies, ragout, pulled pork, pasta, chicken tikka, fresh oysters, paella and sushi were just some of the foods we saw and sampled as we paraded up and down the length of the tents. Both established restaurants and some just in the planning phases were on hand to meet potential customers and offer tastings from their menus.
While some ate, others purchased wine tickets and a glass to hang on a lanyard on their neck. The bacchanal on Boniface Circle was "adults only" as wine and beer were poured into partyers glasses.
And there was more than food and drink. Celebrity chefs David Burke and Rafael Palomino gave cooking demonstrations on the large stage that was constructed at the end of Spencer Place and East Parkway. There was an impressive array of cookbooks that one could purchase and have signed by the author. New products such as Skinny Eats salad dressing were demoed and distributed.
Other brands took the opportunity to simply hand out their products. We came home with a Polar soft drink and Dannon yogurt and would have taken more if we could carry it.
Visitors who had their fill of food and drink repaired to Chase Park for a live performance by the B Street Band – a Bruce Springstein look alike- who gave a first-rate rendition of the Boss's soundtrack. Kids did crafts, and grown-ups washed up at a beautiful booth from Meyers natural cleaning products.
Tired but exhilarated, Rich Baumer, who organized the event with his family said, "The overwhelming success of the SOWE festival, support from the community, and showcasing of four great charitable organizations, combined for a very special day in Scarsdale. Over 7,000 attendees enjoyed outstanding food, great weather, huge variety of wine and beer, fun music, chef demos and more. Over 100 merchants, sponsors and restaurants were busy all day distributing products, samples, prepared and packaged foods, coupons and special offers. As organizers, Casey, Stacey and I are thrilled that the months of hard work resulted in exceeding even our own high expectations. We are confident this will be the first of many similar events in Westchester County."
Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce President and former Mayor Carolyn Stevens said, "The Village government was incredible at working with us to make this a successful event. The police, firemen, sanitation workers and Village Manager's office were helpful and cooperative and planned a wonderful day. They problem-solved and worked cooperatively to pull it off. There were not traffic or safety issues and from the perspective of Scarsdale government it was a wonderful event. The Chamber of Commerce was pleased to see how many newcomers came to town to see what we offer. Hopefully they will return to eat, shop and use our professional services. "
Everyone we spoke to was awed and amazed at the breadth of the festival. Smiling and surprised they greeted neighbors they had not seen in years and sampled food from all over the county. One friend turned to me and said hopefully, "will they be doing this again next year?"
We don't know the answer to that question now, but based on our experience we certainly hope this becomes an annual event.
(Picutred at top, Event Producers Casey and Rich Baumer)
Thanks to the following for a fabuous event:
HOST
Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce
EVENT PRODUCERS
Baumer Ventures, Inc. & Imagine Party & Events
PRESENTING SPONSORS
PePe Infiniti
Journal News
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Container Store
Dannon
Viking
Wilson & Son Jewelers
GOLD SPONSORS
Morgan Stanley
Scarsdale Medical Group
WINE SPONSOR
Zachy’s
BEER SPONSOR
Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
Scarsdale Improvement Corporation
BEVERAGE SPONSORS
Polar Beverages
Bai Drinks
Vita Coco
SILVER SPONSORS
Fred Marcus Photography
GoCharge
Advocate Brokerage/Pure Insurance
Balducci
Big Green Egg
Cayman Islands Dept of Tourism
Coldwell Banker
Country Bank
DeCicco's
eTrade
Gaucho Grill
Houlihan Lawrence
JNJ Plumbing
John Boos
Julia B. Fee
Leafware
Mrs. Greens
Party Line Rentals
Red Oak Transportation
Sabra
Squeaky Wheel Promotion
Stew Leonard's
Total Entertainment
Verizon
Whole Foods
YogiBo
York Intl/Chubb
Empire City Casino
Douglas Elliman
Chef Johnson
Zoe Olive Oil
Scarsdale Dental Group
BRONZE SPONSORS
Aurora Nuts
Cabot Cheese
Edgeware
Mrs. Meyers
PIP Printing
Prudential Centennial
Restaurant Depot
Vitamin Shoppe
Eye Design
COPPER SPONSORS
Anolon
Fagor
Home Free Treats
Homerica Mortgage Corporation
Leicht
Lucy's
Med Foods
Nueske's
Pearle Vision
Plush Blow
Wusthof
Path Coffee
Present Food
Brooks Brothers
Seth Greenberg’s Brownie Crunch
PRODUCT DONATION
Alo Drinks
Badia Spice
Beanitos
Choice Organic Teas
Corkcicle
Crispy Green
In the Raw
Pretzel Crisps
Weleda
34 Degrees
Charles Vinacin
Food Should Taste Good
Germstar
Godiva
Skinny Pop
Soapy Soap
Sunsweet
Taza Chocolate
Oasis Day Spa
Barbara’s Cookies
Boylan Bottling
SBK Florist
Jerry Rose Florist
Skinny Eats
Michael Stars
CHARITIES
WhyHunger
Greyston Bakery
Don Bosco Community Center
Food Bank for Westchester
MEDIA PARTNERS
Hometown Media Group
News12/Cablevision
DailyMeal.com
WVOX
WFUV
The Loop
Westchester Family Magazine
WAG/Westchester County Business Journal
Epicurious.com
Scarsdale10583.com
Examiner Media
Food and Wine Festival in Scarsdale Village Today!
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It promises to be the biggest event ever hosted in Scarsdale so you don't want to miss the Southern Westchester Food and Wine Festival (SOWE) today in Scarsdale Village. Producer Rich Baumer is expecting up to 5,000 visitors to the Village and has lined up celebrity chefs, top cookbook authors, live music and more to entertain residents and our guests. Meet famed chefs like David Burk and Rafael Palomino, Sneaky Chef Missy Chase Lapine and Tanya Wenmen, Editor in Chief of Epicurious.com. Perhaps the biggest draw will be tastings from 70 top restaurants, caterers, and bakeries and over 200 award winning wines and craft brewed beers from around the world.
The event goes on rain or shine – though good weather is expected. In preparation tents will be erected on Chase Road and Spencer Place. Though tickets are required for the tastings, there is no admission fee so you can come enjoy the demonstrations, book signings and kids activities at no cost. Avoid lines on Sunday by purchasing tickets for the food, wine, beer and champagne tastings online now by clicking here. http://sowefwf.com/tickets/. You can pick up your will call tickets at the festival.
Those coming by car can park at a number of lots around the village and there will be free shuttle service to the festival. Check out the parking plans here. However, if you live nearby, consider walking or riding your bike to avoid the hassle of parking.
The full day of food and fun begins at 11 am and goes until 5 in the evening. Here's a complete schedule of events. Don't miss this one of a kind event:
Schedule of Events:
Chef Demos - sponsored by Viking, Dannon, and The Container Store
11:30 Nisa Lee
12:30 Rafael Palomino
1:30 David Burke
2:30 Stew Leonard's and Tri-State Epicurious Healthy Recipe Winners
3:30 Ken Arnone-Master Chef
Book Signings:
12:00 Dana Jacobi
1:00 Tanya Steel-Editor in Chief, Epicurious.com
1:45 Rafael Palomino
2:30 David Burke
3:30 Missy Chase Lapine- The Sneaky Chef
4:30 Ken Arnone- Master Chef
Music Stage:
11:00 DJ Zap Music
12:00 B Street band
2:00 DJ Zap Music
2:30 Joe D 'Urso and Stone Caravan
4:30 DJ Zap Music
Kids Zone: Activities throughout the day provided by Whole Foods, Stew Leonard's, Fun Craft, Total Entertainment, and Yogibo
Wine Seminar: Zachys is hosting world-renowned Brunello di Montalcino producer, Fanti, for a Brunello di Montalcino seminar. 1 - 2 PM $ 50.00
Wine Tastings: Wilson & Son Jewelers, Chase Road: Exclusive VIP Champagne tasting hosted by Wilson & Son Jewelers and Zachys from 12 - 5 PM $50.00
Vintology: Vintology Wine & Spirits teams up with Lange's of Scarsdale, Spencer Place, 12- 5 PM (included with your purchase of a wine & beer ticket)
Southern Westchester Food & Wine Festival supports the Food Bank for Westchester, WhyHunger, Don Bosco Community Center, and Greyston Bakery.
See you there today!
Now Open in Scarsdale
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Vacant retail windows in Scarsdale are slowly coming back to life with two new openings on Spencer Place.
Lange's Deli has completed construction on their expansion next door where they have installed a large pizza oven and are now serving a wide variety of pizzzas as well as hot entrees. Table service is available in the spacious new space where you can order from a select Italian menu of chicken parmigiana or Francese, spaghetti with broccoli, or meatballs, penne a la vodka, or fried shrimp, all served with pasta. The restaus or dinners. They treated me to a slice of pizza with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella and I have been dreaming about a second slice ever since. Lange's is still in the process of printing menus and finalizing the décor, but you can stop in anytime for good eats.
Next door at 45 Spencer Place a new skincare boutique has joined the ranks of Space NK, Iris Nails, Merle Norman Cosmetics, SkinTheraP, Devra Bader, Salon de Lash and Completely Bare in Scarsdale Village. Have we forgotten anyone? I am sure we have.
The Cosmetic Boutique on Spencer Place has been beautifully outfitted to feature a large array of skincare products and make-up in the front and to offer a comfortable treatment room in the back. Billed as "an upscale facial and med spa" they provide a full line of beauty treatments including waxing, brow shaping, tanning, facials, peels, dermaplanning, collagen therapy and more. A doctor will soon be on hand to do injectibles. In addition to treatments, they sell make-up from top brands like Trish McEvoy, Laura Mercier and Kevyn Aucoin and offer make-up services for special occasions like bar mitzvahs, proms and weddings as well as make-up lessons. This is the Cosmetic Boutiques third opening, following their locations in New Canaan and Chappaqua. Stop by and check it out. You are sure to be intrigued.
And speaking of skin care, here's an announcement from Skin TheraP on the bridge at 15 Popham Road in Scarsdale: Dawn Godwin, the owner and founder of Scarsdale Skincare which has been in Scarsdale Village for over 11 years has merged with Skin TheraP Medical Spa. Dawn will offer her clients medical grade facials treatments, laser hair removal, photofacials, coolsculpting, Ultherapy and more.
