Tag Greensburg

Wine Review: Masciarelli 2022 Montepulciano D’Abruzzo

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Masciarelli 2022 Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo is a popular and affordable red wine made from 100% estate grown Montepulciano grapes in the Abruzzo Region of Central Italy. A beautiful ruby red color in the glass leads to a medium body and smooth tannins that are nicely balanced with the flavors of black cherry and blackberries, plus a hint of spice. It is very food-friendly and pairs well with pasta, pizza, and red meat, both grilled or roasted. Masciarelli 2022 Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo is aged in stainless steel to preserve its freshness because it is meant to be enjoyed while it is young. An excellent introduction to wine from this region, and it can be easily found for less than $12 a bottle, making it a great value for a wine of this quality. 

Narcisi Winery’s Fig & Goat Cheese Pizza paired with Narcisi Rose 2024

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You may remember Narcisi Winery from a post I published last year. It is a winery, restaurant, and entertainment venue built on the theme of being a Tuscan Villa in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. We are frequent visitors there and returned last week to enjoy a relaxing lunch and a bottle of their Rośe. 

Narcisi Rośe 2024 is a Sangiovese-based Rośe that is lighter in body and tannins with floral notes plus ample acidity. It paired well with our salads on mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, Feta, and citrus vinaigrette. Next was the Fig & Goat Pie from their artisanal pizza menu. A Fig & Goat Pie is both sweet and savory, topped with fig jam, goat cheese, caramelized onions, crispy prosciutto, and a drizzling of balsamic fig glaze. Drop the mic! What else can I say?

Review: Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling Semi-Dry 2021

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Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard is world-famous for producing critically acclaimed Rieslings and other wines from their cool-climate estate vineyards on the western side of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. This winery blends traditional and modern winemaking methods into a harmonious fusion that showcases the benefits of its biodynamic farming practices. Their dedication to high quality is achieved by using indigenous wild yeasts to make wines in small lot fermentations that yield wines with an intense sense of place, or as the French call it, “terroir”. 

We paired the Herman J. Wiemer Vineyard Riesling Semi-Dry 2021 with our brown sugar-cured ham on Christmas. The balance and slight sweetness of this wine worked perfectly with the sweet and salty flavors of the ham. When pairing wine with a main course of ham, look for one that has a hint of sweetness to complement the ham’s saltiness. Riesling is always my first choice because it can be found in a wide range of styles, but Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc are also excellent options. If you want a red, look for a light-bodied one; a nice Pinot Noir will never disappoint.

Narcisi Winery: Tuscany in Southwestern Pennsylvania

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Nestled amongst the rolling hills of Southwestern Pennsylvania just eight miles north of Pittsburgh you can find a little piece of Tuscany. A visit to Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia is like taking a quick trip to Tuscany without having to use your passport. 

This family owned and operated winery and restaurant is built on the knowledge of generations of Italian winemakers and traditional family recipes.  Whether you are dining alfresco on the patio under the canopy of grapevines or strolling the grounds and vineyards, you can’t resist being swept up in the Italian ambiance of your surroundings. 

A diverse menu of wines ranging from their “Flagship” red “Stella” that is a take on a “Bordeaux blend”, through a nice lineup of reds, whites, blushes, rosés, and fruit wine, guarantees that there is something to satisfy anyone’s taste. 

In addition to the patio and outdoor wine and pizza bar that features a wood-fired pizza oven, you can also dine in the beautifully appointed restaurant. 

If you are in the mood for a beer they have you covered with a beer garden featuring a diverse selection of beers on draft or bottled. As you enter the beer garden area you pass between towering plantings of hop vines that enhance your experience. Check out the raised bed vegetable gardens. next to the beer garden. 

Entertainment is always front and center at Narcisi Winery. A bandstand and lawn play host to live music on a regular schedule. 

If you want or need a break to escape your normal day-to-day routine, I suggest you explore this little taste of Tuscany in Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

narcisiwinery.com 724-444-4744 Photo Credit: Narcisi Winery

Wine Review: The Federalist Zinfandel Lodi 2019

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The latest entry in my ongoing series of reviews featuring enjoyable and affordable wines that are widely available highlights a Lodi, California Zinfandel. The Federalist Zinfandel Lodi is not the Zinfandels of folklore that were rendered from zinfandel grapes shipped from the Cucamonga Valley of California in crates adorned with colorful labels depicting the cultural heritage of the region. Those wines were big, bold, “over the top” wines with high alcohol content. What made those wines unforgettable wasn’t their high quality but the physical link they provided to the immigrant communities, which made them feel connected to their homelands and the cherished memories of people and places they left behind in search of a better life in America.

The Federalist Zinfandel Lodi 2019 is a good example of a Zinfandel from Lodi, California. It displays a bold but restrained body with flavors of dark fruit and cherries that complement its tannins, leading to a surprisingly smooth finish. It can be easily found for less than $20 a bottle and at that price point represents a good “QPR” (Quality-Price Ratio) value buy.

Wine Review: E. Guigal Côte du Rhône Rosé

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I have always advocated for drinking Rosé year-round, but I must admit that I enjoy it more during the warmer months, when it pairs well with the lighter fare of the season. Rosé is a flavorful choice to enjoy with grilled fresh fish, pork, or chicken, along with locally sourced “farm to table” produce/products. I am hearing that some sommeliers are even pairing it with steak. Well, that’s interesting. What do you think? Rosé from southern France is synonymous with the daydream of spending a leisurely afternoon relaxing at a sun-drenched seaside bistro while basking in the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of the region’s idyllic lifestyle. 

We can’t all just jet off to the French Riviera on a whim, but we can certainly get a taste of the good life by enjoying a nice bottle of rosé. 

E. Guigal is a dependable producer of quality wine from the Southern Rhône Valley. E. Guigal Côte du Rhône Rosé is a classic expression of a well-balanced southern Rhône rosé with delicate notes of citrus and raspberry leading to a medley of red fruit flavors. The beauty of this wine isn’t limited to its color in your glass, but to its budget-friendly price of less than $20, and that you can easily find it almost anywhere.

Photo Credit: E. Guigal

It’s Sauvignon Blanc Season!

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Warm weather has arrived, and with it the tradition of drinking lighter wines, like Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. The reason this long-standing annual tradition continues is that it is enjoyable and satisfying on so many levels. 

For many, the mere mention of Sauvignon Blanc brings images of New Zealand and France to mind. While it is hard to go wrong when selecting a Sauvignon Blanc from either the North or South Island of New Zealand or the Loire Valley and Bordeaux in France, there are also outstanding examples of this wine being produced in other regions. California, Chile, Argentina, and Australia also make great Sauvignon Blanc. 

Sauvignon Blanc offers a diverse variety of taste profiles that vary widely from mouth-watering fruit-driven wines laden with citrus aromas to ones exhibiting a savory character filled with vegetal undertones that drift in the direction of green bell peppers and freshly mown grass. 

Depending on your personal preferences, you can find a Sauvignon Blanc that is made in a style and at a price point that meets your tastes and budget. 

It is no coincidence that SB shows up on dining tables as the seasons change. This versatile white wine boasts citrus notes that enliven seasonal fare while its bright acidity cuts through creamy sauces and buttery dishes. The perfect complement to seafood, shellfish, and any lightly prepared fish. Sauvignon Blanc really shines when paired with charcuterie boards. 

Consider these four well-made Sauvignon Blancs from California, New Zealand, and France. All are moderately priced, at around $30, and widely available. 

Rutherford Hill AJT Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (USA) Wine Spectator 94 pts James Suckling 91 pts Jeb Dunnuck 90 pts

Saracina Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino County 2023 (USA) Wine Enthusiast 95 pts

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc  Marlborough 2023 (New Zealand) Wine Spectator 93 pts

Domaine Philippe Raimbault Les Fossiles Sancerre Blanc 2023   (Loire Valley, France)

Photo Credit: finewineandgoodspirits.com

Albarino From Galicia, Spain

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The Spanish region of Galicia is located on the northwestern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, north of Portugal. It is a verdant territory bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and mountains to the east. The capital Santiago de Compostela is home to the cathedral where the remains of the apostle Saint James are believed to be buried. 

The rugged coastline and cold waters of the Atlantic are the source of the region’s bountiful seafood while the diverse inland areas provide unmatched agricultural products. Galicia is a rising star among food lovers and boasts thirty seven Michelin-starred restaurants. 

The wine producing district within Galicia is Rías Baixas. Rías Baixas is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (D.O.) wine region. It has a cool maritime climate with granite soils that contribute to its crisp dry aromatic white wine having high acidity, notes of citrus, and subtle salty character. Galician Albariño has long been the preferred white wine to pair with any of the seafood harvested from its abundance offshore waters and dramatic coastlines. 

If you are interested in trying a well-made Rías Baixas Albariño in the $20 range I recommend La Val Albariño 2022. It is bright with lively acidity, tangy citrus flavors, a lingering finish, and Albariño’s signature salinity. James Suckling rated this wine 91 pts. 

To learn more about this region you can watch two excellent food and travel hosts that have visited it recently. Award-winning travel show V is for Vino founder and host Vince Anter explores the wines and winemakers of Rías Baixas in Season 4 Episode 2. This episode and all his shows are available to view free on YouTube, as well as, other outlets. CNN presents Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain. She journeyed to Galicia in Season 1 Episode 5. Eva focuses more on the Michelin-starred restaurants of Galicia and local culture. 

Galicia is a fascinating part of Spain, totally unlike the traditional preconceptions of Spain we have grown accustomed to. The world is rediscovering what “Green Spain”, as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country are often called, has to offer in terms of food, wine, beautiful landscapes, and lifestyle. 

Photo Credit: Google, finewineandgoodspirits.com, V is for Vino, CNN

Stanley Tucci’s “Tucci in Italy” has Premiered

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If you loved Stanley Tucci’s food and travel show “Searching for Italy,” which became a phenomenon during the pandemic, you will be happy to hear that Stanley’s new show “Tucci in Italy” has just premiered. The five-part series began airing Sunday, May 18, 2025, on the National Geographic Channel and can also be viewed streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the next day. It may have taken a while, but we can once again traipse around five different regions of Italy with Stanley, enjoying their food and culture without leaving home. “Ciao di nuovo” Stanley!

A Winelovers Guide to Lake Erie Wine Country

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Along the southern shore of Lake Erie where it borders Pennsylvania you will find the vibrant and always evolving wineries of Lake Erie Wine Country. The Lake Erie AVA is the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies and a treasure trove of activities but for this post, I’ll highlight six wineries that will provide visitors an itinerary upon which they can build as they become more familiar with the area. 

I’ll start with the winery I consider to have the most name recognition of the region’s producers. Mazza Vineyards and South Shore Wine Company are two destination wineries for first-time visitors or seasonal travelers. Both are a good starting point to explore the wines that these legacy wine companies offer. Mazza Vineyards 11815 E. Lake Rd (Rt5) North East 814-725-8695  South Shore Wine Company 1120 Freeport Rd (Rt89) North East 814-725-1585 http://enjoymazza.com

Our next stop is 6 Mile Cellars and as its name suggests it is located on 6 Mile Creek in Harborcreek. This is the closest winery to downtown Erie making it a convenient stop for visitors. This boutique winery’s tasting room is in a one hundred-year-old horse barn that has been repurposed into an inviting space to enjoy their diverse selection of wines. 5727 Firman Rd Erie 814-580-8375 http://6milecellars.com

Route 20 provides easy access to the popular Courtyard Winery in North East. No tasting at Courtyard’s beautiful tasting room is complete without trying their Chambourcin.  10021 West Main Rd North East 814-725-0236  http://courtyardwinery.com

Continuing on Route 20 we arrive at Arundel Cellars & Brewing Company 11727 East Main Rd North East. This winery is a landmark in the area and is well-known to travelers on Route 20. 814-725-1079 http://arundelcellars.com

If you want to try something different but still taste distinctive wines, consider Burch Farms Country Market & Winery. You can shop at their country market for farm fresh produce, and assorted baked goods from their bakery, and taste their wines. Located at 9210 Sidehill Rd North East

http://burchfarmscountrymarketandwinery.com 

Erie, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone and is an easy drive for many in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. If you haven’t given this region much thought as a day trip or getaway option please take a minute to see if it’s right for you. 

Photo credit: http://lakeeriewinecountry.org