Gottino Wine Bar New York, NY

Gottino, Jody Williams "Gastroteca", on Greenwich Avenue in the West Village, has become a favorite of ours.

Diana and I decide to kick off a weekend off celebrating our 23rd anniversary there this past Friday night.

There are many new items on the wonderful small plates menu. As well as many great new and charming wines. 

The warm atmosphere is enchanting, but we love the guys and gal behind the bar.

Our original plan was to stop there for a drink and then find another place for dinner but we never left.

Jeremy Mustakas one of the convivial bar tenders is a veritable human encyclopedia of Italian wine knowledge led us through a course of wines that were spectacular.

Diana started with a Verdichio from Bucci Estates that she enjoyed the last time we were at Gottino. She has a very particular taste in wine and after describing this Jeremy suggested at Tocai blend produced by Ronco del Gelso. I was familiar with this vineyard and  was happy to have the opportunity to taste an other one of their wines.

The Badin family has run Ronco del Gelso (Hill of the Mulberry Tree) vineyard for generations. They turn out many great wines and this was no exception. Diana loved it, Jeremy got her taste precisely. Giorgio Babin says "This is the wine I mostly produce and the result is really challenging. It has scents of dry fruit with alcohol and glycerin prominences over acidity and savouriness. It leaves a slightly sour aroma on the finish, but, despite what one might think, this gives fineness and nobility to it. It always has a very nice greenish colour."

Donald of PJ Wines in NY describes the wine well "

This sophisticated yet affordable white offers a nose of blossoming mountain flowers, fresh fig, a warm herbaceous note and the slightest suggestion of eucalyptus-inflected herbs. The medium- to full-bodied palate is a kaleidoscopic medley of honeydew melon, juicy lemon and bright fig flavors with a hint of fresh marjoram. A deft note of acidity illuminates its fruity, herbal character and leads into a clean, long finish. It showed brilliantly with homemade potato gnocchi in a creamy wild mushroom sauce. It will also pair well with seafood risotto dishes, skate sautéed in sweet butter, chicken tajine or roast chicken or pork." Donald

I took a path of red wines that ended with a spectacular Ruche de Castagnole.

This was an entirely new wine to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It went very well with a dish of polenta in a Bolognese like sauce of meat and tomatoes, etc.

"One of the most exciting young producers to emerge from Piemonte in recent years, Luca Ferraris’ vineyard is located in Castagnole Monferrato, a comune in the province of Asti. It is home to the variety Ruché and the D.O.C. Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato. Some of Ferraris’ production is vinified and aged within the town’s castle walls, in an ancient vault purchased by the young producer’s great-grandfather. This network of chambers is dominated by a narrow central room which calls “Il Salotto del Ruché“ or, “The Ruché Parlour”. It is here that medieval history and modern technology combine to further Piemonte’s winemaking tradition." Vino NYC

Every night is a new adventure at this tiny wine bar. The food, the wine & the people.

Gottino 

Enoteca & Salumeria

52 Greenwich Avenue, NY NY

212-633-2590 

Comments

[Davis Miller]

Point Break - A Perfect Bar Experience in NYC

A local friend recommended and took my Cali group to this amazing bar. He said that mostly locals came here so I didn't really know what to expect ambiance wise... but screw it, the view at this bar was absolutely breathtaking! No joke. I felt like a celebrity w/ superstar treatment as the staff are friendly and amazing to say the very least.

I don't know who the house DJ was but he definitely was playing music right up my alley. It would've been my dream for people to start dancing, but it's all good.

It's a bit sceney for my taste, but it really didn't bother me much. the bartenders knew their stuff, although their 1st cocktail was a little weak, when he saw i understood cocktails the next 2 were stronger. I also liked that even though the place was really hopping the bartender remembered what i was drinking when i came to order another. (he also understood how good a gin hendricks is, and not to overpower it with the mixer). It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied..try it ..you will love it!! Oh..how can I forget, they even have a wheel o' shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!!

We ordered the Veal and Fish Tacos. They were delicious. Mm! We ended up asking for spoons to polish off whatever remained in the platter. (Faux pas? Who cares as long as it gets in my tummy.) The fries were crispy, but not overcooked, just the way that I like them.

So take in this scene: You walk in to what seems like an overly crowded place, but soon fine an empty table. Time seems to stop and the only indicator of the night moving on is the moon and your brain cells slowly going to bed forever. The music is not to loud and the people around look good, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy that drink you paid ridiculously low for and laugh at the joke your co-worker just told.

The vibe of the place just never seems to die out and if you happen to spot some NYC socialite, sports player, or star, don't let it get to you... because for that moment, this night they are no long more important than then you. In fact go up to them and introduce yourself!

All in all just a great place to meet new people, or just have drinks with people you already know. I've been to numerous bars in the city but i would say this place is just great. Very welcoming staff, very laid back ambiance. I’ve been here twice after my first visit with my Cali group . I would say its worth the every penny you spend!!

[Egy Azziera]

Gottino's at the top because it's THE MOST authentic Italian wine bar I've yet to visit this. Its little accents are what make it just right.

[StaceySnacks]

PS and happy 23rd to you and Diana!!!!

[StaceySnacks]

Peter,
I remember you wrote about Gottino a while back and liked it.
I think we will try it this weekend.
Thanks for the review.
Stacey