Cotta Osteria and Wine Bar, NYC - Just Right after To Rome with Love

This Sunday we made our way into NYC for a beautiful walk in Central Park. Then saw the new Woody Allen film, To Rome with Love at the Lincoln Plaza Cinema, that was fun. After that strong dose of Italia it had to be an Italian Wine Bar which we found after a leisurely stroll up Columbus Avenue.

Cotta, a wonderful Osteria and Wine Bar, hidden here behind the inevitable NY scaffolding, transforms you to Italy with a wonderful wine list, 7 very nice beer taps, and a delicious menu. The bar and wait staff are all American, but what can you do.

As we walked uptown we passed many wine bars. I felt like Goldilocks. First was Barcibo Enoteca which look quite nice, but a little too expensive, that Lincoln Center Real Estate; then saw Bin 71, which look very good but was too noisy; then Tarallucci e Vino which was too stark, then at last Cotta which was just right.

We started off with a deep pruney Lambrusco Grasparossa Di Castelvetro, Barbolini ‘Lancillotto’ from Emilia Romagna. I personally like lighter brighter Lambrusco but this one was good.

We also had a Pignoletto, Branchini, also from Emilia Romagna the region in Italy that encompasses Bologna, Modena, San Marino. Famous for its food and wine. This is a rare white wine grape that I don't see that often. You can find this extrodinary wine at Astor Wine and Spirits.

The say "This relatively obscure native Italian grape makes for a wine with great personality at a relatively low price point. The color is a deep straw yellow and the nose is subtle with slight notes of orange flower, grapefruit and honey. On the palate this wine is both rich and crisp with some creamy notes of honey as well as a bright, flinty mineral character."
- AL

For dinner we had an Arugla, Parmigiano & Pickled Onion Salad, a Funghi Misti Pizza with Mozzarella, Mushroom, Tomato & White Truffle Oil and the Brussel's Sprouts w/ Pancetta. All done to perfection.