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Greetings!
Welcome to the world of Italian wine! Use this newsletter to learn basics of Italian wine, where to buy it, and how to pair it; helping you purchase with confidence!
Sincerely,
Kallie Smith & Nathan Woodhouse |
| Upcoming Events | |
Taste of Downtown:
Alton, IL
11/18/2010
Temple Banquet Hall, $10
11/19/2010
11/22/2010
Annual Tasting
Vom Fass: Maplewood, MO
12/03/2010
Free Wine Tasting
12/15/2010
Annual Tasting
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Thanksgiving Picks
It's the most popular question this time of year, "What wine should I pair with Thanksgiving dinner?" We find that there are several options, depending on the style of Thanksgiving dinner you'll be enjoying, but here are a few of our favorites.
Aperitivo:
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner or just dealing with the stress of the family gathering is reason enough to have a cocktail! Try Terre Domini Prosecco mixed with a touch of Pomegranate or Cranberry juice for a festive start to your day.
Most Popular
 Chardonnay has been the standard for years, leaving adventurous winelovers a bit bored with the buttery overload. I'd venture to say it is still one of the most popular wines put on the Thanksgiving table. It's never made it to my table but this year I finally found a Chardonnay to make me give thanks; Jax Y3 Chardonnay from Napa Valley. The oak is balanced, leaving enough fruit and acidity to pair nicely with a classic Thanksgiving meal, yet buttery enough to please the Chardonnay-swilling aunt in every family. Plus you can impress the young hipster crowd by telling them this wine has been featured on several episodes of HBO's Entourage.
Classic Roast Turkey
A clean and crisp Italian white wine with just enough ac idity to cut through buttery, rich sides and the contents of the belt-threatening gravy boat. We suggest Castellari Bergaglio "Fornaci" Gavi or Vinchio Vaglio Serra "Il Griso" Roero Arneis. Both from Piemonte, Italy, these wines have enough body and palate to stand up to big flavors and cleansing acidity to get you ready for the next bite.
Duck, Ham, Pork, Spiced Up Turkey, or just for the heck of it
 Red wine definitely has it's place on the Thanksgiving table, many even pair well with classic turkey. My favorites for the occasion have a combination of earth, fruit and herbs; isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about? Vinchio Vaglio Serra "I Tre Vescovi" Barbera d'Asti, Seiterre Dolcetto d'Ovada, and Conti di Colloredo Pinot Noir pair easily with a variety of foods and won't bust your budget. Looking to impress? Orlando Abrigo Barbaresco and Virna Barolo will do the trick. This husband and wife make phenomenal wines at their respective wineries.
Dessert
Most classic Thanksgiving desserts will pair nicely with Vinchio Vaglio Serra "Valamasca" Moscato d'Asti but a bottle of Vinchio Vaglio Serra "Nivasco" Brachetto is another great sweet to have around for chocolate and berry driven desserts!
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Retailer Spotlight 
33 Wine Shop & Tasting Bar
1913 Park Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63104
314.231.9463
This fantastic neighborhood wine bar is nestled in the Lafayette Square area of St. Louis. If you're a newcomer to 33, don't look for the sign, there isn't one! You'll have to follow your tastebuds to the extensive wine list and craft beer selection. Jeff and his knowledgeable staff will guide you through the options according to your tastes. Wines by the glass and draft beers rotate frequently, making an exciting and educational experience every time. From Ionia Atlantic, you can currently find Venge "Silencieux" Cabernet Sauvignon and Ca de Calle Reserva, a Malbec blend, by the glass. The expansive bottle list features many Ionia Atlantic selections, including Vinchio Vaglio Serra "I Tre Vescovi" Barbera, Conti di Colloredo Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, Villa Montefiori Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangviovese, and many wines from Forth Vineyards. Cheese plates are offered to enjoy with your libation of choice, and the monthly "Dorm Room Dinners" are a hit, selling out quickly every time. Partake in some of the best wines St. Louis has to offer at 33's annual tasting on November 22nd, we'll be there! |
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The Tasting Files:
Vinchio Vaglio Serra "I Tre Vescovi"
Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2007
Vinchio Vaglio Serra's winemaker, Giuliano Noe, knows a thing or two about Barbera. In 2005, he was named Winemaker of the Year by Gambero Rosso for his efforts to 'reinvent Barbera'. "I Tre Vescovi" could very well be the heart and soul of Vinchio Vaglio Serra. The grapes are grown on a plot of land known as a centuries old meeting place of three bishops from Rome, Torino and Milan; hence the wine's name "The Three Bishops". Though not the most expensive wine they produce, retailing for around $15, it is an amazing wine for the price, even being noted as so by the Gambero Rosso. The 2007 needs just a brief rest after opening to really come into its own. Given a few moments in the glass, it reveals classic black cherry layered with plums and earthy depth. Savor it in the mouth to discover an elegant black licorice note that hovers between licorice and anise and lingers for an extraordinary finish. "I Tre Vescovi" is an excellent pair for duck and pork, and would be a lovely match for sausage stuffing this Thanksgiving. |
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Food & Wine Pairing
Braised Red Cabbage
This delicious cabbage is an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving!
2 Tbsp Olive Oil 1 Red Cabbage, quartered and sliced 1 Large Red Onion, thinly sliced 1 Apple, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 cup Red Wine or Cider Vinegar 1 tsp Sugar 1 Tbsp Mustard Seeds 1/2 cup red wine, suggested: "I Tre Vescovi" Salt & Pepper to taste Heat oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add onions and saute until golden and soft, about 8 minutes. Add the apples and cook another 3 minutes. Add cabbage and allow to wilt slightly. Add sugar, vinegar, red wine, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes. Add more red wine as needed if the liquid evaporates before the cabbage is tender.
”Buon Appetitio! |
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Ionia Atlantic was formed from a passion for great wine and Italian lifestyle. Wonderful wines are found throughout the world, but we believe the most exciting, historic and diverse land for wine is Italy. We strive to share the fruits of this beautiful land by offering traditional, artisan wines with competitive pricing.
Sincerely,
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Kallie Smith
Ionia Atlantic Imports |
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November 2010
