First, I know it's been way too long since my last post, but please forgive me, I have a really good excuse. I'm getting married... in a little over a month! I am extremely excited but I've been a tiny bit overwhelmed trying to make sure everything gets done, on time and none of the important details are left out.
I mention the upcoming nuptuals because Anthony and I recently took a short trip to my hometown, Chapel Hill, North Carolina for a wedding tasting. While we were there, we made some great new wine discoveries! I felt like the Christopher Columbus of wine (but don't worry...I won't claim I was the first one to discover it, haha).
Chapel Hill was a very special place to grow up, but since I am only a recent wine-enthusiast (shocking, I know), I was pleasantly surprised to find some fantastic wines and wine spots in my own hometown.
On to the wine...
Wine Spot: 411 West, 411 W Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
411 West is a
Chapel Hill staple and for a good reason…the food, wine and espresso are fantastic. Since
part of Anthony’s family ancestry is Italian and I’ve never tried their wines, I though this would be the
perfect spot for a light dinner and some sipping.
Our wedding
tasting was mid-afternoon and we were still a bit stuffed so we didn't pig out. I ordered Stella's Insalate with salmon...a wonderful salad with greens, walnuts, cucumbers, red onions, roma tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette and a tomato bisque soup (
As for the wine, I had an absolutely amazing red. It was my first time having the a wine from Amarone and I'm pretty sure this is true love.
The Wine: Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico, Recchia "Ca Bertoldi" 2006
Varietal, Region: 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara, Veneto
Price: $6.50/1 oz. pour*
My Tasting
Notes: A dark ruby red color, hints of vanilla and tobacco yet fragrant and slightly fruity...full bodied and incredibly smooth finish.
My Verdict: Amazing.
Where to Buy: I'm still researching where to find this gem, and as usual, when I do a search online, most of the stores that come up are in New York or New Jersey. But I'm working on it!
*Notes: This wine was in a special section on the menu that piqued my interest immediately "Reserves by the glass," which are sealed in a "temperature controlled Napa Technologies Wine Unit." I know a 1 oz pour may seem tiny but this wine is so good you won't even notice (until you order your second and third, of course). It's also available by the bottle for about $60.
Another spot to visit is West End Wine Bar, at 450
W Franklin Street...just a stones throw away from 411. Wine not?!
Cheers!
