Staff Wine Picks

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Staff Picks

This page contains some of the articles featured in previous newsletters for your enjoyment. Jump to specific article topics by selecting from the following list.

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Paul & Pinotage
"South Africa has always attracted me as an intriguing place to visit some day. So I was interested in trying its signature variety, the Pinotage, the first time I encountered it. Loved it. Ranging from a jammy, mouthful of dark berry with a chocolate nose to a smooth, medium-bodied wine with hints of smokiness, Pinotage comes in many enjoyable forms. The medium-bodied is-wine Pinno Pinotage is smooth, slightly smoky, and perfect for summer when a white will not do. And at such a great price, you can afford to drink it regularly."

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Chris & a Dry Moscato

"I tend to favor the more offbeat wines with unusual, interesting flavors -- and good acidity. One of these is the Moscato Giallo currently on our shelf, a surprising wine in many respects. Aromatic with the typical fruity, peachy qualities of Moscato (which is made often sweet), the palate is bone dry and full of citrus, a food-friendly delight that cries out for a Salade Nicoise. Perfect for the coming summer, it also holds up well in the fridge after opening!"

Chris Matthews dates back with is-wine to when it was in the planning stages. Thomas met him on a Web site devoted to wine. When the shop opened, Chris wanted to be involved and so he has given a few hours each week ever since our doors opened.

In his "day job" Chris works for the European Commission based at the United Nations. Schooled in Europe, he speaks three languages fluently and one other language haltingly. He not only has traveled to many places where wine is produced, he has studied wine, earning a certificate at the International Wine Center, in NY City.

In the few hours a week that Chris spends at is-wine he is indispensable for his wine knowledge, his palate, and his friendly way with people. Chris also sometimes teaches is-wine classes with Thomas. If you have attended a class where the two teach together you know the difference in their approach to teaching, but the sameness in their approach to wine!
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Kathy & Northern Italians

“Since so many of my relatives live in the Valtellina/Valchiavenna area of Lombardy in the Italian Alps I am always on the lookout for a wine from that region here in New York. At is-wine we carry the rich and wonderful Sforzato (or Sfursat) from Triacca. This is a raisined red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes, lush and full of berry-like fruit. Delizioso!”

Our first staff member highlight focuses on the second in line in tenure at is-wine, Kathy Green. She has been with us since August, 2002. Kathy knows a thing or two about wine. She has friends and relatives in Italy and other parts of Europe, so she gets to taste wine whenever she visits, which is at least once a year. If you come into the shop, quietly, you might catch Kathy singing aloud, or at least humming.

That is because she is a trained singer, and damned good at it. Kathy and her groom have operated their own band (she singing, he backing up on keyboard). One day we will likely lose our redhead to a major recording studio, but until then we have Kathy Green on our side.

For those so inclined, Kathy is a vegetarian. She can make fine recommendations to pair wine with garden foods.