Dolcetto, meet my BFF fennel.

Fennel, say hello to Dolcetto. I introduced the two the other night at the recommendation of them wine folk I work with. Roasted the hell out of the fennel and some baby eggplant. Threw in some goat cheese and crusty bread for good measure. They all got along famously. It was like they had met before. The fresh and fruity Roagna Dolcetto d’Alba 2007 complemented my savory spread well. It was smooth, maybe even “soft”. Definitely delicious. Of course I googled my new purple friend first to find out whose grapes I was about to get up close and personal with. Enter Luca Roagna. Only two years my senior and the fouth generation of Roagna to run the successful estate. With long roots in the Piedmont region the Roagnas have upheld a very classic and traditional style of Italian winemaking. Luca, if you’re reading this, you rule.

Rioting in the Name of Wine!

Matteo

I attended the inaugural Wine Riot this past Saturday held at the Cyclorama in the South End of Boston.  The event was organized by the progressive wine group The Second Glass, headed by Tyler Balliet, and Dig Publishing with support from important local Boston wine retailers, like The Wine Bottega!  The Wine Riot aimed at breaking down barriers and pretentious intimidations that are often associated with the wine world.  The concept was simple but novel and in my opinion something that cultivates the still burgeoning wine scene in Boston. 

On your mark, get set… Taste!

Questioning how running 26.2 miles and drinking wine go together? Please allow us to explain…

Fact 1: The marathon race commemorates the run of the soldier Pheidippides from a battlefield near Marathon, Greece, to Athens in 490 B.C., bringing news of a Greek victory over the Persians. Wine relevance: The Ancient Greeks pretty much invented wine as we know it today, so I assure you wine was flowing aplenty when this news arrived. Perhaps if someone had gotten a refreshing goblet into the hands of poor Pheidippides fast enough things might have turned out differently for him… 

Tales from the Spit Bucket

The New Girl

I admit it. I don’t know a Dolcetto from a Gamay. But I will. And so will you. We’ll figure out this wine thing together. I began working at The Wine Bottega less than a month ago. The first thing I learned was⎯ boy do I have a lot to learn. But when learning involves drinking, how bad could it be?
So I’ve been tasting. Tasting everything. I’ve been swirling. Sniffing. Swishing. Spitting (it seems so wrong to spit out wine, no?). And little by little, I’m starting to retain some of this foreign language.

Buona Pasqua!

“Natale con i suoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi”

(”Christmas with your family, Easter with your own choice of friends”)

This is a frequently heard expression in Italy and tonight we hope that you will join us to try a selection of wines perfect for sharing with friends at your holiday table. Nothing makes us happier than gathering together the people we love to eat great food and drink great wine! Whether the menu will be brunch, traditional ham, roast lamb, an Italian feast or a celebration of spring vegetables - We have the perfect wine for you. Enjoy the tasting!  Cheers!  Read on for the line-up of wines.