Archive for the 'Fruit' Category

Mionetto Prosecco Brut D.o.c

Prosecco is unusual in the world as it is almost always used to produce the sparking wine of the same name from Italy’s Veneto region. The wines tend to feature a light orchard fruit tone, recalling white peaches and pears, with bright acidity and light body. Many versions of Prosecco have a touch of sugar that adds fullness to the wine though there is a movement towards producing drier wines, particularly under the Cartizze denomination.

From the winemaker – “The Mionetto Prosecco Brut D.o.c has an intense fruity bouquet with a hint of golden apples. It is very dry, fresh, light in body and well-balanced.”

This wine is perfect alone as an aperitif or as a delightful complement to appetizers such as prosciutto or mild cheeses. Excellent as a base for Bellinis and other sparkling wine cocktails.

Rating:

This wine was given a 89 point rating by Wine Enthusiast.

 

2014 Bramito Chardonnay

Bramito-ChardonnayThe 2014 vintage was characterized by a mild winter with temperatures above normal seasonal averages and by abundant precipitation as well.

From the Wine Maker – “A brilliant yellow in color with greenish highlights, the wine shows fresh and complex aromas with delicate notes of tropical fruit such as pineapple and of citrus fruit, hazelnut butter, and vanilla. It is a wine of good structure, elegance, and a mineral character perceptible in its vibrant and balanced  acidity, well fused with the notes of fruit.”

Serve with starters, finger foods, antipastos, fish-based dishes, seafood and chicken.

Rating:

This wine was given a 91 point rating by Wine Spectator.

 

2013 La Lastra Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

Vernaccia di San Gimignano represents the “Tuscany in White”, a century-old wine and the first DOC of Italy. Great care is taken to harvest the Vernaccia only when it has achieved complete physiological ripeness. The harvest is done entirely by hand and careful selection takes place in the vineyards before the grapes are transported to the winery on dry ice in order to preserve freshness until pressing.

From the Wine Maker – “Pale golden-tinged straw-yellow. Orange zest, lime, minerals and a floral note on the perfumed nose. Sneaky concentration of ripe stone fruit flavors and vivacious, nicely integrated acidity give this wine an attractive sweet/tart aspect. Finishes crisp and long.”

The wine is delicious paired with delicately boiled white fish or fish prepared in light sauces, such as lemon butter. Raw, crisp or steamed vegetable dishes.

Rating:

This wine was previously given a 82 point rating by Wine Spectator.

 

2016 Dreaming Tree Chardonnay

When Steve Reeder and Dave Matthews first met, they realized they had a few things in common, like a passion for making wine at least as strong as their passion for drinking it.

They set out into wine country, looking for a way to make quality wines accessible to everyone. Along the way, they found inspiration in the down-to-earth characters and unforgettable flavors that give the region its rare kind of charm.

From the Wine Maker – “The fruit jumps out of the glass and reminds you of roasted pear or baked apple pie. Big fruit and brown spices that are backed by a distinct Central Coast citrus note. The entry coats your mouth with these great flavors. Easy to enjoy, this wine will bring the coastal wine adventure right to your home.”

Grilled Shrimp and Pineapple with Dukka Dust

Serves 4-6 as an appetizer / 2-3 as a main course

Ingredients

  • 1 lb medium shrimp, cleaned and deveined
  • 1 pineapple, cut in 1 inch chunks similar to size of shrimp
  • 1 cup whole almonds
  • 3 tablespoons whole fennel seeds
  • 3 tablespoons ground coriander
  • 1 bunch fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon pepper

Directions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
  2. Soak 8 – 12 skewers in water for 15 minutes if using wooden skewers. Metal skewers also work.
  3. Place the almonds in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet and toast for 10 – 15 minutes or lightly browned. Coarsely chop. You can also buy roasted almonds and skip the oven toasting. The flavor will be slightly more intense.
  4. Place coriander and fennel seeds in a small sauté pan and toast over low heat until fragrant about 3 – 5 minutes.
  5. Crush the coriander and fennel seeds using a mortar and pestle, a coffee grinder or the bottom of a sauté pan on your cutting board. Place in a bowl.
  6. Add the thyme, salt and pepper to the coriander and fennel mixture to create dukka dust.
  7. Alternately thread 1 each of the shrimp and pineapple onto the skewers.
  8. Brush shrimp with olive oil to coat and sprinkle lightly with salt and grill on a medium flame until shrimp are opaque about 2 – 3 minutes per side.
  9. Sprinkle with dukka dust hot off the grill.

Notes

If you use a coffee grinder for crushing your spices, run a piece of dry bread through the grinder to remove any spice odors.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

 

2014 Tolosa No-Oak Chardonnay

Tolosa-No-Oak-ChardonnayFrom the Wine Maker – “This pale greenish gold wine opens with the aromas of honey, lemon, apple and peach. There is some underlying minerality that is close to flint. The mouth is fresh with floral aspects evident in the mid-palate. Additional nuance and silkiness develops as it sits in the glass.”

Great with fish or chicken cooked in light butter sauces since the wine is crisp enough to cut through the fat of the butter. It is a delightfully versatile wine that compliments a wide variety of foods.

Rating:

This wine was given a 90 point rating by Wine Enthusiast.

Availability:

2014 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $15.99 a bottle, $86.35 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $153.51 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#18853

2014 Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio

100 % Pinot Grigio from Sicilia, Made from the Pinot Grigio grape variety which expresses its multifaceted character in different areas of Italy. Fruity aromas of peaches and ripe apples dominate the nose of this wine. On the palate it offers a balanced flavour, lively and enjoyable thanks to the pleasant acidity.

From the Wine Maker – Straw yellow in color, the aromas, intense and ample, recall yellow fruit, white flowers, and orange blossoms. Full in flavor and soft and savory, the finish and aftertaste recall the fruit first felt on the nose.”

Serve with starters, finger foods, antipastos, fish-based dishes, seafood and chicken.

Rating:

This wine was given a 86 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2014 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $14.99 a bottle, on sale for $12.99 a bottle 11/07/2012 to 01/02/2014. SKU#25133

2009 Avalon Merlot

Packed with deep, dark berry fruit and nuanced hints of cocoa, herb and earth with a soft structure, this Merlot is made from 88% Merlot, 6% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petite Verdot.

From the winemaker – “Our 2009 Merlot shows its depth with a rich garnet color. Aromas of juicy boysenberries and cherry pie fill the glass. Crème brulee and brown sugar notes from oak aging compliment the ripe berry aromas. Mountain fruit characteristics show in the intensity of the fruit flavors. The entry enjoys sweet notes of raspberry and cherry with a finish of jammy boysenberry preserves. The oak notes of chocolate and wood smoke pair with and compliment the rich fruit layers. Refined tannins support this balanced wine that doesn’t show the typical alcohol component found in many Merlots. As the wine develops in the glass, one may enjoy ongoing berry notes, a touch of allspice evolving in the middle, while the wine continues to lengthen on the finish. Smooth, silky and profound berry flavors confirm this wine’s birthplace as Napa Valley.”

This vintage pairs nicely with rack or leg of lamb, lamb chops, roast pork, pork chops or tenderloin, veal with heartier vegetable and/or bean sauces or mushroom and/or wine sauces. Cheeses like Parmigiano, Romano and other hard cheeses as well as cheddar and other savory, firm cheeses.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

Availability:

2009 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $12.99 a bottle, $70.15 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $124.71 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#24279

2008 Lander-Jenkins Chardonnay

2008 Lander-Jankins ChardonnayFrom the winemaker – “2008 is the inaugural vintage of Lander-Jenkins Chardonnay and shows why this is the most popular variety in the U.S. Produced from carefully selected vineyards, cooler sites give us a wine with crisp acidity and bright fruit. Fragrant aromas of pineapple, lemon zest, orange zest, dried apricot, and vanilla. A rich, luscious mouth feels with flavors of Bosc pear, apricot, peach, French vanilla, and a long creamy finish.”

We have read reviews that this wine pairs nicely with Appetizers such as; crab cakes, escargots that are sautéed with garlic, chicken or goose liver pate’s & cheese puffs. Cream style cheeses like cottage, cream cheese, or fromage blanc, mozzarella, semi-hard cheeses like mild Cheddar, Fontina, Jarlsberg, Swiss or Gouda, soft rind cheeses like Brie.

Rating:

90 points/Gold Medal/Exceptional, 2009 World Value Wine for a Wine $15 & UNDER Challenge, Beverage Tasting Institute (BTI)

Availability:

2008 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $10.99 a bottle, $59.35 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $105.51 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#23847

2013 Luiano Sangiovese

This Italian gem shows expressive notes of cherry, tea leaves, and daisies create an elegant bouquet. On the palate, it is velvety with wonderful fruit flavors and a smooth finish.

From the Wine Maker – “Brilliant ruby red color with violet reflections. It has intense fruit aromas and a balanced fruity taste.”

This wine is an excellent companion for fish and meat carpaccios, shellfish, spicy seafood, seafood pasta and soup dishes, and cheeses paired with sweet jams. It also goes well with desserts made with chocolate.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

Availability:

2013 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $10.99 a bottle, $59.35 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $105.51 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#20953

2011 Conundrum Red Blend

Conundrum-Red-Blend“Conundrum Red is a non-traditional blend of California red grapes. What are the varietals used? It’s proprietary and we believe the fun is exploring this intriguing wine. I am proud to be able to continue my grandfather’s practices…for three generations we  have been breaking the rules.”

~ Charlie Wagner II, Winemaker

From the Wine Maker – “Silky round entry with acid to balance and high fruit concentration. The nose leaves no doubt about the seriousness of this wine. The palate is fruit driven both before and after the high tannin middle core. The finish is long, not drying of tannin, and beckons a second sip.”

This wine tastes great with many dishes; best with highly flavored foods, especially spicy tomato based sauces, dark spices or meats enhanced with BBQ sauce….and really…anything that will fit on your grill.

Rating:

This wine was given a 88 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2011 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $24.99 a bottle, $134.95 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $239.91 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#30787


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Good 08/28/2018 - 09/11/2018

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