Whine About Wine

Send a textIn this episode of the Pasta and Vino podcast, hosts Earl Ray Neal and Dr. Serge delve into the authentic flavors of Italy through wine and food pairings. They discuss the special wines of the month from a family-owned winery in Spain, highlighting the unique characteristics of both a white and a red wine. The conversation also delves into a delicious pasta dish featuring rigatini and chickpeas, emphasizing the importance of family traditions in their culinary offerings. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate the passion behind each product and to stay connected with the Pasta and Vino community.www.pastaandvino.com

Send a textTakeaways from this episode of Whine About WineWine is an essential part of Easter celebrations.A Bordeaux wine pairs well with ham and berry sauces.The Italian wine discussed is easy to drink and versatile.Hazelnut spread can be used in various culinary applications.Customer engagement is key for sourcing unique products.The hosts encourage listeners to reach out for specific wine requests.Quality products often come from small producers.Understanding wine regions enhances the tasting experience.Pairing wine with food elevates the dining experience.Easter is a time for kindness and sharing.www.pastaandvino.com

Send a textPRAHOVA VALLEY Pinot Noir, RomaniaMany people aren’t familiar with Romanian wines, but if you’re a fan of French wines, you’ll likely appreciate the structure of Romanian wines as well. This is because Romania and France are located at similar latitudes in the northern hemisphere. In fact, Romania is renowned for producing exceptional Pinot Noirs. This wine presents a delicate and bright ruby red color, enticing the eye with its vibrant hue. On the nose, it offers the aroma of ripe red fruits like strawberries and raspberries, complemented by subtle hints of spices and a gentle touch of toasted French oak. The palate is fruit-forward, fresh, and full of flavor, with a medium body that showcases its well-rounded texture. The wine boasts balanced acidity, leading to a pleasant, long, and persistent finish that lingers delightfully. A truly harmonious and flavorful experience from start to finish.TONNINO Grillo, SicilyFrom one of our favorite producers, Tonnino Winery takes great pride in producing wines that are grown organically, even if they don’t say so on the bottle. Fun fact: Grillo grapes, which you might recognize from the popular cooking wine Marsala, are often called “chameleon grapes.” These grapes are picked in the middle of the night because they begin fermenting immediately once harvested. Their flavor profiles can shift quickly, which is why they’re given the name “chameleon.” Grillo is quite acidic and makes your mouth water, which makes it an amazing food wine! This grillo has a bouquet with a delightful mix of fruity notes, including apple, peach, banana, pineapple, pink grapefruit, and citrus, creating an aromatic experience that is both fresh and inviting. With a personality that stands out, it delivers a pleasantly soft taste, rich in flavor and fragrance. Perfect as an aperitif, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of fish dishes, crustaceans, and soups. For the best experience, serve it chilled, enhancing its smooth and flavorful profile.www.pastaandvino.com

Send a textPeterson Wines says YES!PETERSON Zinfandel, CaliforniaA true family-owned and operated winery for over 30 years in California, Peterson Winery prides itself with crafting old-world style wines with sustainable farming practices. This Zinfandel is a remarkable example of a traditional field blend, where a small but thoughtful inclusion of other red and white grape varieties adds an intriguing layer of complexity. Despite making up just 3% of the blend, the additional grapes—likely contributing fresh acidity or subtle aromatic nuances—work harmoniously with the bold Zinfandel core. On the nose, the wine immediately invites with an array of dark, ripe berry aromas, complemented by the spiciness of black pepper and hints of earth and oak. These elements create a layered and enticing bouquet. The palate mirrors this complexity, where the flavors unfold like a fruit compote, rich with blackberry, black raspberry, raspberry, and dried strawberry. A touch of dark cherry deepens the fruit profile, while the black pepper and vanillin oak weave into the background, providing structure and supporting the wine’s richness. The tannins are supple, allowing the wine’s bold fruit character to shine without overwhelming the palate. This balance of sophistication and robust flavors makes the wine a perfect companion for hearty dishes like lasagna with béchamel sauce or smoked, dry-rubbed baby back ribs to complement rich, savory meals.TONNINO Mediterraneo, SicilyTonnino is a family-operated winery from Sicily, with three generations of winemaking experience. Their journey began in 1950 when grandfather Paolo started producing grape must for Sicily’s top wine firms, later evolving into bottling their wines. Over the years, they’ve embraced innovation while remaining committed to traditions, always striving to improve quality. Today they continue the handcrafting practices of pruning, training, and harvesting, with a deep respect for the land and a focus on producing pure, natural wines. Surrounded by the perfect blend of sea, mountains, and rich soil, the vineyards yield grapes that capture the essence of Sicily. The Chenin Blanc grapes for this Mediterraneo are harvested in early September, ensuring full ripening to capture the peak of their flavor. In the winery, the grapes undergo a 10-day maceration process at controlled temperatures to extract maximum flavor and color. The wine is then refined for 80% of the time in stainless steel tanks, with the remaining 20% aged in oak tonneaux, which adds subtle complexity before bottling. This wine presents an intense and bright color, leading into a rich bouquet that evokes the Mediterranean with aromas of ripe peaches, honey, and sweet jasmine flowers. On the palate, the Mediterraneo is fresh, fruity, and mineral, delivering a crisp yet rich taste. It pairs beautifully with fish dishes, crustaceans, and white meats.www.pastaandvino.com

Join us for a survey of three wines from Tamburini and a wonderful recipe featuring DOMA Roasted Red Pepper Strips! TAMBURINI Il Castelluccio, Italy Here is a fun fact! This crisp combination of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes was an original Chianti blend. Straw yellow in color with greenish highlights, it has an intense and aromatic bouquet reminiscent of broom, banana, orange blossom and rose. It has a full-bodied taste, with a lingering aroma and a good level of acidity. Enjoy with light cheeses, fresh fruits, shellfish and light pasta or risotto. The colder this wine is when drinking it, the more tart it will taste so experiment with the flavor at different temperatures and tell us your preference! TAMBURINI TJ Rose, Italy This is the first wine produced by Emanuela and Michele. TJ Rose was created as a celebration of their marriage and the birth of their daughter, Miriadele. There is so much symbolism in this wine: the T for Tamburini; the J for Jermann; and the 3 hearts linked with each of their initials as a forever tribute to their family. This 100% Sangiovese rose displays a velvety bouquet reminiscent of fresh strawberries and a hint of violets. It has a full-bodied, harmonious and soft taste. We suggest to open it about an hour before serving to really give the wine a chance to “breathe”, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavors to become more pronounced. Enjoy with Focaccia, cold meats and fresh cheeses, first courses with white meats, crustaceans and fish (mixed cooked and raw), or a classic simple pizza. It is delicious served lightly chilled or at room temperature. TAMBURINI Il Massiccio, Italy Massiccio means big and strong so it is only fitting that we make it our featured wine this month. This big wine comes from our familiar Tuscany winemaker, Emanuela Tamburini, and is a blend of 85% sangiovese and 15% merlot. In this big and powerful wine you will smell aromas of figs, dried plums, vanilla, and a little pepper. Enjoy with red meats and red sauces or lasagna. The high tannins of this red combined with a fatty meat or an acidic red sauce will tone down the acidic nature of the Sangiovese grapes and create a very well-rounded meal.

WINE MAISON ALBERT WINERY Like most of the vineyards we have shared with you, the vineyards of Maison Albert have a deep desire to create a truly organic wine. Only natural methods are used to cultivate the grapes. For instance, wild plants are grown in an effort to maintain a rich biodiversity and balance the structure of the soil. Each root generates different micro-organisms which allow the vine to fully grasp the essence of the terroir. Pesticides, herbicides and other synthetic chemical fertilizers are prohibited. In addition, sheep roam the vineyard and are responsible for weeding and preparing the best organic manure. Their grazing also helps to aerate the soil, thereby protecting it from fires. Maison Albert focuses on estate wines from the family’s properties of Château Auris and Château Les Bugadelles in the Rhone Valley. MAISON ALBERT CHARDONNAY The Chardonnay grapes in this wine are organic and mechanically harvested which helps to quickly gather the grapes (protecting them from oxidation) and transfer them to the cellar. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel and is allowed to mature on the lees. The modern cellar is computerized to perfectly control the temperatures during fermentation and avoid any oxidation of the harvest. This Chardonnay is fresh with powerful notes of citrus fruits and white flowers. MAISON ALBERT PINOT NOIR The Pinot Noir grapes in this wine are organic, harvested by hand, and carried in small crates to avoid any damage to the grapes during transit from vineyard to cellar. The modern cellar is computerized to perfectly control the temperatures during fermentation and avoid any oxidation of the harvest. This slightly sweet and fruity pinot noir is fruit-driven with notes of raspberries, cherries, and strawberries. It carries delicate floral flavors with a silky mouth-feel and gentle tannins. GOURMET FOOD DOMA STUFFED PEPPER DOMA in the Macedonian language means “My home” and is representative of the highest quality and processes developed over centuries in the villages of Macedonia. DOMA cheese stuffed red peppers are made with a traditional homemade recipe using only 4 ingredients. These cherry peppers are ready to be consumed as an appetizer or as a complimentary addition to your meal. It is 100% natural and contains NO preservatives! TRUFFLE BUTTER ITALIAN BREAD Oh my…one word…YUM! This recipe is going to be your next go-to for entertaining. The truffle butter is simple enough to make (and make ahead to have on hand when needed). Not only is this truffle butter melt-in-your-mouth delicious on bread, but once you try it, you’ll imagine the possibilities of enjoying it on steak or potatoes, and other vegetables.

From a spacious multi-level deck, you can enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the beautifully landscaped grounds.  The well-established vineyards produce classic European vinifera grapes including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Riesling.  Vines planted more recently are Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer. Savor a tasting from your choice of many award-winning wines, then browse the extensive gift shop for the perfect item for yourself or a friend. Enjoy live music all summer long on the spacious deck while enjoying a favorite wine or trying something new! Meet fellow wine enthusiasts and enjoy the summer outdoors. The complete schedule can be found on the Winery Events page. Looking for a longer visit?  Stay overnight in one of our cozy log cabins, available from April through November. Drink in the ambiance of the Finger Lakes at Buttonwood Grove!  Once you visit you won't be able to wait to get back to Buttonwood Grove....

Welcome to our September 2022 edition of the “A Casa” food and wine club by Pasta and Vino When in Rome, do as the Romans do. WINE VINEA DOMINI The first words pronounced by Benedict XVI, immediately after his election (2005), were: “after the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals elected me, a simple and humble worker of the vineyard of the Lord.” From this came the idea of giving the name “Vinea Domini” (latin for the master’s vineyard) to a new range of wines that represents the excellence of the production of one of the largest and most historic wineries in the Castelli Romani: Gotto d’Oro or “golden glass”. The winery is located in Rome and has been in existence since 1945. In 2017, the Vinea Domini line of their wines was introduced to showcase the best grapes of Lazio. It is now the top brand among their wines, producing 50,000-60,000 bottles. ROMA BIANCO The Roma Bianco is produced with Malvasia Puntinata grapes, a semi-aromatic varietal that in the Castelli Romani area fnds a perfect harmony. You will notice aromas of white flowers and exotic fruits with intense notes of ripe fruit, particularly apricot and melon, and soft sensations of citrus and aromatic moss and a touch of mint. ROMA ROSSO The Roma Rosso (red) is produced with Montepulciano grapes. Montepulciano wines are typically fruity, spicy, well-balanced, and fuller bodied. This particular wine will showcase notes of ripe red fruit, particularly cherry, blackberry and plum. Maturation in wood gives it Spicy scents with notes of vanilla.7th Edition Page 2 September 2022 GOURMET FOOD ASTORINO RIGATONI The debate is out on which pasta is the best shape for Pasta Carbonara. It is usually served with thick spaghetti or rigatoni. Both pasta shapes are excellent at holding the creamy sauce of this dish. PASTA CARBONARA What goes better with Roman wines than a Roman dinner? We’ve got that. Pasta Carbonara is a typical Roman dish that blends pasta, cheese, eggs, and guanciale (which is a bacon-like meat). So, technically, you are eating breakfast AND dinner in one sitting! While the truest Roman recipe calls for Guanciale (also known as pig cheek), it can be difficult to find. The next best option is pancetta (pork belly), which is a lot like bacon – salty but unsmoked. You can also substitute either guanciale or pancetta for your favorite bacon. Chances are that you have had Pasta Carbonara before, however the typical Roman way is to create a very creamy dish with pasta water, eggs, and Pecorino Romano cheese. You can thank us later. WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO Here’s our protip. If you ever take a trip to Rome, do yourself a favor and eat at a fantastic restaurant called Flavio al Velavevodetto. The name translates to “I told you so”. Be sure to order their Pasta Carbonara and when you say “this is the best pasta carbonara I’ve ever had”, remember that we told you so!

Potzinger Sauv Blanc • Winery in southern Styria has existed since 1860 • Styria is a mountainous, forested state in southern Austria, known for its wine, spas and castles. • The Sauvignon Blanc is a cross between Traminer and Chenin Blanc. o The name is composed of the two French words sauvage (“wild” or “natural”) and blanc (“white”). And wild is quite apt when it comes to white wine and its characteristic bouquet. o The Sauvignon Blanc impresses with its unique freshness, the taste is often reminiscent of gooseberries, currants with a citrus note, and usually has a rather slender body and crisp freshness. o The fresh white wine is also considered an excellent culinary companion and goes well with fish and seafood, light starters and cheese Torre Aragonese Ciro Rosato • The historic Capoano family boasts a range of illustrious figures, dating back over thirteen centuries, in the fields of science, history, law, art and religion. • Their passion for wine production, to delight their own palates as well as those of their guests, is equally ancient. • The estate extends between centuries-old olive groves and native vineyards for about twenty hectares. From these lands DOC wines and oils are born that have given, for over two thousand years, authority and prestige to the true Cirò, just think that it was offered as a gift to the winners of the Athene Olympics. • CARDINAL OF AMALFI PIETRO CAPOANO TO HIS BROTHER RAFFAELE (circa 1180): o “Brother, I ask you for that nectar for his holiness that asks me for a commission." • 100% Gaglioppo Grape o What is Gaglioppo Grape? A delicious, rare find from Calabria that is the child grape of Sangiovese and sibling to Sicily’s Nerello Mascalese. Wines often deliver dusty fruit flavors. o Fresh bouquet with hints of wild berries. Lemon Spina, limoncello calabrese • The La Spina Santa farm-holiday farm is located in Bova Marina, a small tourist center about 40 km from Reggio Calabria. Located 500 meters from the sea and its beautiful beaches, immersed in a circle of hills among the green of the bergamot plantations, it enjoys an excellent position in the center of the Grecanica area. • The farmhouse “ La Spina Santa”Is the ideal place for hikers and for those who love a holiday in direct contact with nature. Ideal for those who want to live healthy and immerse themselves in nature without giving up the comforts of life. • The characteristic environment with its folkloristic evenings will allow you to spend a stay of excellent quality. At the "Spina Santa" you can relax and have fun going around the farm in direct contact with nature and with all our animals; like Ginger and Fred, our cute donkeys that you can easily meet while running free around the farm or the horse Thor always proud and haughty but available if you hand him a candy. prepared with genuine products and according to the recipes of the most classic Calabrian cuisine. • Lemon spina Liqueur obtained with the infusion of the peels of lemons ripened in the sun of Calabria. bt 50 cl 28% vol. Miglarese Mulberry Jam

Welcome to our July 2022 edition of the “A Casa” food and wine club by Pasta and Vino We’re celebrating July 4th this month with red, white, and bubbly wine! WINE REVEL OTR URBAN WINERY What began as a hobby of wine making by Anthony Maieron and John Coleman is now a boutique urban winery with a full bar and event space. Located in Cincinnati’s historic and progressive OverThe-Rhine neighborhood, they specialize in handcrafted small-batch wines including their Cabernet Sauvignon *Silver Medalist* 2020 Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Other featured wines include the Malbec, Sangiovese, Carménère, Black Sheep Blanc, Black Sheep Rosé and Black Sheep Red Blend Rouge. Revel wines are made 100% onsite with fruit sourced from CA, WA and Chile using a process that originated in Italy by the Maieron family which has been passed down generation to generation. Their 3000 sq ft historic building houses up to 60 barrels of wine in the basement with the first and second floor being used year-round for patrons to enjoy wine, food and friends. The second floor is popular for corporate and private events and features live music during the week and weekends. Their environment is very welcoming and hip in an artistic space which invites customers to relax with friends. This month’s Revel wine selections are perfect for the summer heat. They are in cans and can be enjoyed at pools, golf clubs, and lazy day trips to the lake without the risk of glasses, cups, and bottles. Black Sheep Rosé is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Gris made with grapes from Columbia Valley, WA. Aged only in steel tanks, you’ll notice flavors of fresh watermelon and raspberry notes with subtle mineralty and a zesty finish. A patio crusher that is perfect for some spicy and fried foods. Black Sheep Blanc is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris made with grapes from Columbia Valley, WA. You’ll notice bright citrus notes and crisp acidity from the Sauvignon Blanc while the Pinot Gris contributes hints of ripe melon and a round texture to the mid-palate. This wine is another patio crusher and is perfect to serve with charcuterie of soft cheeses or seafood drenched in butter. DOMAINE ROSIER The Rosier House was established in 1982 by Michel and Renza Rosier. They began the vineyard by planting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chenin, and Mauzac grapes. Still very much a small family production, they grew from producing approximately 600 bottles of their first vintage to producing 650,000 bottles per year in their modern cellar. Their son, Nicolas, now manages the estate with a handful of dedicated team members to assist in the production of their wines. This French sparkling wine, Cremant de Limoux, will make you think of champagne, but it’s not. The word Crémant originated in the Champagne region. It was used to designate sparkling wines made in Champagne that were less effervescent than ‘fully sparkling’ Champagne. Since 1985 Crémant is no longer associated with Champagne when an agreement was created to end the use of the term ‘methode champenoise’ (the method by which champagne is produced) by producers of nonChampagne sparkling wines. Champagne agreed to give up the term Crémant. Since then the word Crémant would designate sparkling wines from other French regions made using the traditional ‘second fermentation in bottle’ method. This Crémant is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. A refreshing bubbly to celebrate summer, Crémant is very balanced and fruity with notes of toast and a touch of sweetness, as well as scents of white flowers, apricot, and candy. GOURMET FOOD MURACA RED PEPPER INFUSED EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL Another olive oil from a small producer is sure to please your palate for summertime favorites. We’re adding a little spice with this one, courtesy of Calabrian chili peppers. Drizzle over salads, grilled vegetables and meats, or add to your favorite homemade salsa. In your packet, we’ve included another easy recipe

Join Dr. Serg the Wine Guy and Susie as they visit a Pastaandvino.com partner Revel Wine OTR in Cincinnati, Ohio. Revel is a boutique urban winery, full bar, wine collective and event space. Located in Cincinnati's historic and progressive Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, they specialize in handcrafted small batch wines including our Cabernet Sauvignon *Silver Medalist* 2020 Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Other featured wines include our Malbec, Sangiovese, Carménère, Black Sheep Blanc, Black Sheep Rosé and Black Sheep Red Blend Rouge. Revel wines are made 100% onsite with fruit sourced from CA, WA and Chile using a process that originated in Italy by the Maieron family which has been passed down generation to generation. In addition to small batch wines, Revel is also known for their wine cocktails and local beer selection including our own small batch Revel beer. The 3000 sq ft historic building houses up to 60 barrels of wine in the basement with the first and second floor being used year round for patrons to enjoy wine, food and friends. The second floor is popular for corporate and private events and features live music during the week and weekends. Revel's environment is very welcoming and hip in an artistic space which invites customers to relax with friends.

Celebrate Father’s Day with a macho wine that pairs well with steak and a bottle of the best Tequila around. You will not be disappointed. This month’s recipe features a stuffed pork chop with an Italian flair.

Join Dr. Serg "The Wine Guy" and his bride Susie as they travel to Vinitaly to visit the Italo Cescon Winery.  In this episode we discuss the five time award winning white wine known as Madre', or Mother."  Also, tune in and learn how to cook pasta like "a real Italian."

Explore Romania’s rich history of traditional winemaking with Cristian Soare. Cristian’s Terra Firma USA, Inc. is the exclusive importer of several Romanian wines.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of A Casa Food & Wine Club by pastaandvino.com.  This month's selections will take you on a food and wine tour that will have you salivating from the first taste to the last drop.  This month's subscription includes: Apostoli Pinot Grigio Tamburini Chianti "THE BOSS" Muraca DIY Italian Pizza Kit Astorino Orecchiette Pasta (Little Ears) Please visit us at www.pastaandvino.com to join A Casa!

Listen as our guest Matt Weiland chronicals the rich history of Fullerton Wine.  Hailing from northern Europe, the Fullerton family speaks many languages, and delights in sharing the language of wine with others. Fullerton Winery crafts elegant and distinctive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays that transport you to their special place in the world, Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  Fullerton Winery  Founded: 2012 Winemaker: Alex Fullerton Owned & Operated by: Eric and Susanne Fullerton Fruit Sources: Select Vineyard Partners and Estate Ivy Slope Vineyard Varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Viticulture: Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Total Production: 8,000 cases

To Antonio, Tonnino wines are more than just a drink. He says, “It’s not just the wine, it’s the man, the life, the livelihood, the love of nature, the yearning to leave the land better.” The winery is therefore not just a resource for production; it’s a way of life. It’s a living, breathing thing. It’s about the community and employees all together as one family. As Antonio says “I may own the land and the territory, but it is not mine to keep - I am only borrowing it for a moment in time. We must commit to the future of our children and their grandchildren by always giving it back in better health than when we used it.”

Blood of Judas! Dr. Serg and Earl-Ray go transatlantic in an interview with Marzia Cordini from Cantine Francesco Montagna in Broni, Italy. Join them as they take a step back in religious and traditional folklore to find out how one of the greatest semi-sweet wines of Italy, Sangue di Giuda, affectionately translated to Blood of Judas, got it’s peculiar name.

Join Dr. Sergio Sgro and Earl-Ray as they discuss the wines of DiVino Wine Wholesalers. In this episode the guys give you a sneak peak into the Italian wines of DiVino.

Whine about Wine with Dr. Serg the wine guy and his buddy Earl-Ray. Yep, it’s true they let someone named Earl Ray have a podcast. Tune in as the guys describe the Sgro Family’s journey from the old country in Italy to becoming one of the USA’s most unique wine distributors. Hear the story of Di Vino Wholesalers as it can only be told by Dr. Serg.

Join Earl-Ray Neal and Dr. Serg the Wine Guy as they bring a bit of Old Country Italy to you. pastaandvino.com is your gateway to true Italian past and vino. Listen a bit and see why we believe every wine has a story and every story is better with wine.