“Have you ever been to Italy?” Stefano Illuminati, one of the owners Illuminati Wines in Abruzzo, was asking us a question. Dean and I got teased after responding with the typical list of most toured Italian destinations. As we tasted Stefano’s family’s wines during his visit to Vintology Wine & Spirits, we joked that tourists’ ...
Shoot, I am distracted and salivating. I’m reading the Peay Vineyards Spring Release newsletter and just noticed their back page recipe for Wild Nettle Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms, White Asparagus and Sea Scallops. Now I am hungry and in the mood for Peay Wines! Good thing owner Andy Peay was recently in town. I met ...
I really felt something. Sure, when I’m touring wineries and distilleries, I am interested, educated and very much enjoying myself. But this visit was more. After driving out of Hillrock Estate Distillery in upstate New York, I felt something. I felt complete and utter admiration. Hillrock Estate Distillery is like no other. Owner Jeff Baker ...
This Sunday, as most everyone in the U.S. knows, the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos will be meeting in San Francisco at the Super Bowl. This matchup, like every Super Bowl matchup before it, asks the crucial question: What should you drink before and during the game? Beer has traditionally been the fan favorite, but what about a ...
What is the best way to end a meal? A piece of cake? Perhaps some pie? Maybe some Ice cream? If you were to ask me this question, I would without hesitation respond with one answer. Amaro. Amaro is an Italian herbal liquor that is commonly drunk after a meal as a digestif. These liquors ...
Without oak, many of the iconic and most recognizable wines in the world today would not exist. Oak has a special affinity for wine, and when used judiciously, can transform wine from the simple fermented grape juice that it is, into one of the most aromatically complex and flavorful beverages on this planet. Oak does ...
I enjoy living in New York. The changing seasons makes for an opportunity to enjoy different styles of food and of course, wines. Every so often, Mother Nature takes hold, and makes you stay in. Two feet of snow came last weekend and we did just that. We had provisions, even a nice meal planned, we ...
It’s not every day you get to attend a vertical wine tasting of one of the worlds great Rhone producers. I had that opportunity last week at the offices of my supplier, Skurnik Wines, to taste the wines from the famed estate of Paul Jaboulet Aine. The room was filled with colleaugues of mine, from ...
You’re standing in front of your refrigerator, full of groceries, and thinking, “there is nothing I want to eat.” Jaded…. a feeling that can also creep up on the lifelong wine enthusiast or wine professional. A restaurant wine list full of Cali Cabs and the French Sauvignon Blancs, all amazing of course, just doesn’t get ...
Welcome to the Vintology Blog! My name is Dean Morretta and I’m the owner of Vintology Wine & Spirits located in Scarsdale, NY. My team and I will be posting on all things relating to wine, spirits, food and travel! You will be hearing from us often so check back here regularly. I’m sure you will find ...
