Manoavino Taste!

A Bold Move, Brancott Estate, Chosen Rows, in a Tasting with Seven Other World Class Sauvignon Blanc Wines

Over the last 30 years Sauvignon Blanc has gone from relative obscurity to become one of the most popular white wines in the world. I‘m sure you are one of the many people who love it and have a certain favorite label. But have you ventured out to try other styles? There are many to explore.

The Wine: Chosen Rows, Brancott Estate, New Zealand with 9 other Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, California & France. $-$$-$$$-$$$$

The Food: A Modern American Feast by Chef Tae Strain

The Place: Manon, 407 West 14^th, located in NYC’s meatpacking district

Lamenting the end of summer? Spring is coming soon to South Africa, let their wines take you there.

Three we love are from Cederberg Private Cellar, by David Nieuwoudt, whose ancestors have farmed these lands since 1835.

He, his family, and marvelous staff produce not only world class wine and operate a world class resort, they are also deeply involved in conservation, restoration and educational projects that serve the region. 

A few weeks ago we poured the Cederberg Merlot Shiraz for friends at a quiet backyard gathering.

The Wine: Cederberg Merlot Shiraz and Chenin Blanc $$

The Food:  Olives, cheeses, pates and bread.

The Place: A picnic in Montclair

Felino, by Vina Cobos, a Damn Good Malbec for Summer BBQ

Summer time is a great time for Malbec, its bright and complex flavors are so pleasing. Yet there are so many to choose from, with the vast popularity that Malbecs of Argentina have enjoyed over the last decade.

We look to the story when we are selecting, and of course an attractive label, this one has both, a great label and good story to tell. The name Felino, feline, brings images of slinking wild Pampas with piercing eyes. It is the creation of an international partnership of Argentinean Andrea Marchiori, her French husband Luis Barraud and Californian Paul Hobbs, all with great love and talent for the wine.

The Wine: Malbec, Felino, by Vina Cobos $$

The Food: Summer BBQ

The Place: Our backyard

Water to Wine, a Miracle? Here's another, Wine to Water!

In 2004 a humble North Carolina bartender decided to make a difference. The man, Doc Hendley, had a dream to take on a huge problem that we cannot ignore, the vast and growing water epidemic that affects nearly one billion people throughout the world.

Using what he new, serving wine and playing music, Doc launched a magnificent effort that became the organization Wine to Water. Fast forward to 2013, Wine to Water has growing support and has effective clean water projects in 10 countries.

Today with the help of the famous Montesquieu Winery and one of the world's most renowned winemakers, Michel Rolland, Doc and Wine to Water are well on the way to raise a quarter of a million dollars for a new project to dig clean water wells in Africa. You can Help. And enjoy an exceptional wine. Wine to Change the World

Vin de Constance - A special treat for a special holiday gathering

A holiday dinner with best friends Cathy and Conrad, Diana, me and all our kids concluded with this special surprise. Vin de Constance is a very storied sweet wine from South Africa that we thorougly enjoyed.

The Wine: Vin de Constance Muscat de Frontignan dessert wine

The Food: Dessert

The Place: Cathy and Conrad's living room

A beautiful Chardonnay from Haras Estate, Maipo Valley, Chile enjoyed at the Tides South Beach Hotel, Miami Beach

I am sorry for being so remiss in my posting. You see, I've been away and Florida can be so intoxicating, exciting or slumberous, depending on how you engage the many lifestyles the state of Florida offers. But, when I say "state" I'm not referring to the political entity, but rather a "state of being." True to the  Spanish translation of its name Florida is a “feast of flowers.” I've been captivated, but now were back, trying to love the snow and cold.

From the blissful tranquility of the Morikami Japanese Gardens to the driving hipness of South Beach, and the bohemian casual of Delray Beach there is so much to enjoy. We've been to Florida so many times, but this trip was different.

The Wine:  Unoaked Chardonnay from Haras Estate, Maipo Valley, Chile

The Food: Fresh Sea Air

The Place: The Tides Hotel, South Beach, Miami, FL.

An Aria Encore - Our Second Visit to this West Village Wine Bar

Aria the very popular West Village Wine Bar and taverna is dedicated to women wine makers and excellent cucina Italiana. Creator Tanya Hiro succeeds on both counts. We first visited Aria a few weeks ago and enjoyed the wines. We were back again to taste the food.

ARIA is open for business again, after the storm. Applausi, Congratulazioni....

Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose with an Asian Stir Fry? Well Yea, it Works.

What do you think of when you're looking to pair a wine with an Asian dish? Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc? Probably not a Rose. But this wine from South Africa was absolutely perfect.