LOVING ON LOCAL-AMANTI VINO
I field questions. All day long, I just chill, do my mom thang and people see me, hug me and then ask me about wine. I’m not complaining-it’s my thing, and besides asking after the welfare of my children (please let’s not talk about the specifics of child behavior and diet, I’m exhausted) Wine is my favorite subject.
My phone blows up during dinner and I try to set the best example I possibly can by making sure all my friends know what wine to drink tonight. “Hang on babe, Kate is at Bottle King and needs to be reminded what region in Spain she couldn’t stop talking about. It was Ribera del Douro (for those dying to know)” is a frequent statement from me at dinner but don’t worry-I always preach no phones during family time and do as I say and not as I do, I’m a great parent, don’t worry. Well, Sometimes.
That said, my local peeps (shout out to ya’all in Montclair! Where my Jerzy at?!) are alllllwaaaaays hitting me up for recommendations around here, so I thought I’d do a series of posts recommending my favorites wines at some of my favorite stores around town. First things you should know-here in New Jersey, we have some crazy liquor laws, which, among other things, prohibit alcohol from being sold in grocery stores. If you live in a state where you can grab wine at the grocery, lucky you. But we poor suffering souls in Jersey must experience the drudgery of slugging into the liquor store once a [month/week/day — choose your own adventure]. Some of the wines I will find in my store may be available in grocery stores or specialty stores around you (a friend of mine finds several of these at Whole Foods in CA) but then I do assume some will be a little harder to get hold of. So, if you’re local-woo-hoo! if you’re not, take the list to the store any-who, see whatcha find.
The first store in town I’m taking you to is (insert my son’s drumroll and my subsequent beat boxing) …. Amanti Vino at 30 Church Street, Montclair (https://www.amantivino.com).
It’s kind of my favorite store-so much that I’ve become friends with Sharon, the owner, who has done an amazing job of assembling a lineup that I adore and they deliver. I mean? Wait, did I say they deliver?
Amanti is special because Sharon and the staff taste everything before they stock it on the shelves. They have all price points, and a very very knowledgeable staff! Shout out: Thad, Wes, Giovanni and Veronica!
First, a big plus here is the refrigerator section with lots of chilled wine, sparkling wine and beer! Grab and go. Need I say more?
A huge Rose section! Don’t think, just buy your favorite (or mine) Rose. My favorite Roses: Gobelsburger Rose ($15.99), Pomponette Rose ($16.99), Moulin de Gassac- Guilhem ($10.99) and Lucien Crochet Sancerre Rose. They are currently updating this section so there will be more to come as favs! But, try something new!
Where to Start? Need a good Sauvignon Blanc?
How about Rain New Zealand ($15.99), Huia New Zealand ($19.99), Highland Sauvignon Blanc ($19.99), Goisot St. Bris Sauvignon Blanc, France ($19.99), Lucien Crochet Sancerre ($32.99), and for a splurge Gerard Boulay ($54.99)?
My other favorite white wines:
Italy: Stefano Massone Gavi ($14.99), Montenidoli Vernaccia Di S. Gimignago ($22.99), Ciro Picariello Fiano di Avellino ($24.99), and Soave Classico Superiore ($16.99) Others: Harper Voit Pinot Blanc ($24.99), L’Oliveto Chardonnay ($12.99), for a splurge Ceritas Chardonnay ($74.99) and Chablis Grand Cru Piuze ($79.99)
Pinot Noir
The selection here is top notch, some of the best examples of Pinot Noir. Just relax, you got this!
Harper Voit, Strandline Oregon ($44.99), Evesham Wood Oregon ($22.99), Joseph Swan ($22.99), Failla Sonoma Coast ($39.99), Anthills farms Sonoma ($39.99), Littori California, Hirsch Vineyards San Andres fault ($69.99), and Robert Sinskey ($79.99)
France: Domaine Phillippe gilbert Menetou Salon Rouge ($24.99), Domaine Jean Fournier Bourgogne Rouge ($29.99) and Vosnee-Romanee Domaine Forey Pere et Fils ($70.99)
My Favorite Reds:
Italy: Roagna Langhe Rosso ($36.99)
France: Cornas Terre Brulee Jean Lionnet ($53.99)
Spain: Navaherreros Grenache ($19.99), Lopez de Heredia ($26.99), and Remelluri rioja
France: Magellan grenache blend ($17.99), Ch. Le Puy ($45.99), Ch. Sipan Medoc ($19.99), Ch. Simard St. Emilon ($39.99), and Domaine Rolet Pere & fils Arbois ($19.99)
America: Exlibris Cabernet, Andrew will, Fiancetto Cabernet Sauvignon, Green & Red Zin ($27.99).
Let me know what you try and what your favorites are!
Also-watch for my series on local favs!