Wine With Wanda

Sips That Soar: The Sky's the Limit with Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Vermouth & Bitter Liqueur

Martini & Rossi dynamic duo Giuseppe “Beppe” Musso (Master Blender) and Ivano Tonutti (Master Herbalist). 

How fitting that my tasting appointment with the Martini & Rossi dynamic duo of Beppe Musso (Master Blender) and Ivano Tonutti (Master Herbalist) happened at The Aviary NYC, a veritable cocktail nirvana perched 35 floors above the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. These two charming gentleman showed me that there are truly no limits to the delicious drinks that can be created with Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Vermouth and Bitter Liqueur.

Martini & Rossi vermouth and bitter liqueur are the important foundation to many a stylish cocktail. However, we tend to overlook that even by themselves these bar essentials represent masterful blending that melds artistry and scientific precision. Many people mistakenly believe that vermouth is a spirit but it is actually wine that has been fortified with aromatic botanicals. Beppe Musso, master blender, has been making wine for almost three decades and said, "Wine is the base of our product." Ivano added, "Vermouth is wine and more. Wine is the skeleton. Botanicals add structure." In his role as master herbalist, Ivano who trained as a pharmacist, sources the finest botanicals and herbs available locally and around the globe. Consistency is key but these are "living formulas, not just recipes," said Beppe.

 
One of the most widely recognized brands in the world; Martini & Rossi has been producing vermouth at their historic headquarters in Piemonte, in northern Italy since 1863. That was also the year they introduced their classic Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth, an iconic product whose original blend remains unchanged. According to Beppe and Ivano, around the world 4 million drinks a day are served that include a Martini & Rossi brand! Tradition matters at Martini & Rossi but that commitment doesn't stifle their creativity. This respectful approach to innovation is beautifully displayed in their Riserva Speciale Rubino & Ambrato Vermouth and Bitter Liqueur 1872.



Elegant Nebbiolo is Piemonte's most famous red wine grape and provides an impressive foundation for Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth di Torino ($25). Juicy, spicy, and luscious with warm spice flavors, Rubino adds depth and energy to a cocktail. I quite enjoy Rubino by itself as an after-dinner digestif, especially on a chilly winter night. Of course, the exact blend of herbs and botanicals is secret but I did hear that red sandalwood and artemisias (herbaceous plants and shrubs) contribute to its charms. 


The natural sweetness of Piemonte's famous Moscato d'Asti show its edgier side in Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Ambrato Vermouth di Torino ($25). The addition of botanicals like Roman chamomile to the Moscato d'Asti creates a beguiling bitter-sweet drink that balances lovely honey and floral flavors with tinges of exotic spices.

image by Daniel Krieger
As the name implies, Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter Liqueur 1872 ($27) is not wine based but has a foundation of pure neutral alcohol. Infused with aromatic herbs and bitter woods, it adds finesse and texture to classic cocktails like the Negroni.


In the Rocks Negroni, prepared with Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth and Riserva Speciale Bitter Liqueur, is available at The Aviary NYC. 
image by Daniel Krieger

The Martini & Rossi website has recipes for creative cocktails using the Riserva Speciale vermouths and bitter liqueur. Of course, Martini & Rossi products are staples of bars around the globe but if you're visiting NYC, head up to The Aviary at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for an elevated drink like the In the Rocks Negroni. Or you can mix it up at home using the recipe below! Pleasing to the palate and the eye, In the Rocks Negroni is a festive drink for the holiday season that is certain to delight your guests. Like Beppe and Ivano said, "Martini & Rossi is a lifestyle. Happiness is in the DNA of the brand!"

In the Rocks Negroni

1 oz Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Rubino Vermouth

3/4 oz Martini & Rossi Riserva Speciale Bitter Liqueur

3/4 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin

3 dashes of Orange Bitters

Served in ice sphere that is broken upon serving

Shaking Things Up with Edinburgh Gin

David Wilkinson - Head Distiller for Edinburgh Gin

Ever since a bad experience with some dodgy gin in my college years; I've approached this spirit with tremendous caution. But the charm and expertise of David Wilkinson, head distiller for Edinburgh Gin, persuaded me to give gin another chance.



David was recently spreading the gin gospel across the United States on an educational tasting tour sponsored by Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers. I caught up with the tour on the Williamsburg, Brooklyn stop at Belle Shoals. The lone media attendee, I was surrounded by a rapt group of NYC area bartenders who are big fans of Edinburgh Gin and came to learn more about this premium & small-batch spirit. Without a doubt, I was in the right place to overcome my gin phobia.

Not a bad day - yours truly with gin distiller extraordinaire David Wilkinson and Tim Master (Director of Specialty Spirits at Frederick Wildman & Sons)

At its essence, gin is produced when a neutral spirit is infused with flavors via distillation. Juniper berry is the essential botanical component that gives gin its unique flavor, but David taught me that other key botanicals include coriander, angelica root, licorice root, and orris root. But the really exciting thing is that gin can be distilled with almost any botanical. Edinburgh's various gins include quintessentially Scottish botanicals such as heather and milk thistle and unexpected flavors such as Szechuan pepper. Really, the possibilities are limitless and a maestro like David has the expertise to balance the flavors. Whether you're a gin novice or an aficionado, Edinburgh Gin is an elegant and delicious addition to your spirits library.


The classic Edinburgh Gin ($35) is a great introduction to their style and a delicious example of what a premium gin should taste like. Distilled from the finest Scottish grain, this crisp & clean juniper forward gin is 43% ABV and includes a total of 13 botanicals; including citrus peel, coriander seed, pine heather, and milk thistle. Beautifully balanced, this smooth gin makes an excellent martini. Bottled in fine Italian glass, the art deco inspired bottle pays homage to the golden age of gin - the 1920's.

Courtesy of Edinburgh, I had my very first Negroni cocktail. It won't be my last!

Edinburgh Cannonball Navy Strength Gin ($45) takes it to the next level! This 57% ABV libation resurrects an old style of gin commissioned by the British Navy but with a unique twist - double strength juniper and Szechuan pepper give this gin a powerful but elegant kick. It makes a mighty fine Negroni (equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, with an orange peel garnish).

If you're planning a trip to Scotland, Edinburgh Gin Distillery offer tours, tastings, and gin making classes. Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wanda's Wine Glass: Piper-Heidsieck Sacré Sauvage Champagne Cocktail

 

Looking for a great new summer sip? My friends at Piper-Heidsieck wowed me with a fantastic new Champagne cocktail: Sacré Sauvage. (Even the name is sexy!) Made with superb Piper-Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage bubbly, this sultry libation also includes orange bitters, ice, triple sec, zest of pomelo or pink grapefruit, and a garnish of blackberries or blueberries. The combination of the Champagne's red fruit notes with spice and bitters is elegant, sophisticated, and absolutely delicious. Click here for the full recipe. Cheers!

The Queen of Cava: Anna de Codorníu, Sparkling Wine from Spain

Meet Adriana Soley -  this vivacious Barcelona native is a Brand Ambassador for Anna de
Codorníu sparkling wine.

Champagne isn't the only sip in town when you want something bubbly. In Spain, Cava is the sparkling vino that reigns supreme and Anna de Codorníu may very well be the Queen of Cava. The winery's roots trace back to 1551 and Anna was a real person - she was the heiress to this winemaking dynasty and the last person in the family to carry the Codorníu surname. In 1983, her legacy was honored with the creation of Anna de Codorníu - the first Cava in Spain made from the French grape, Chardonnay.


Made mostly from Chardonnay with the addition of Spanish grapes Parellada,
Xarel·lo, and Macabeo; Anna de Codorníu Brut Blanc de Blancs ($14.99) is simply fantastic. Elegant and crisp with lovely notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and a satisfying hint of warm brioche that is often found in champagne; Anna de Codorníu Brut Blanc de Blancs has the finesse of champagne at a fraction of the price.
Pretty and pink Anna de Codorníu Brut Rosé ($14.99) is a blend of mostly Pinot Noir with Chardonnay. It is crisp and refreshing with hints of cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry.  

Analogue, a cocktail & jazz bar in New York City, has two Anna de Codorníu cocktails on their list - Villa de Anna and Aphrodite's Kiss.  
image courtesy Ayano Hisa

You can even use Anna de Codorníu to mix up some sophisticated cocktails. Analogue is a lovely bar in New York City with two Anna de Codorníu cocktails on their list  - Villa de Anna (Pisco, Anna de Codorníu Brut, Amaro Montenegro, Grapefruit Cordial, Lime and Angostura Bitters) and Aphrodite’s Kiss (Chocolate-infused Solbeso, Anna de Codorníu Brut, Amaro Ciociaro, Maraschino Liqueur, Lime and Aphrodite Bitters, served with a square of Godiva Dark Chocolate).

image courtesy of Ayano Hisa

 

 

 

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Chinese & Cuban Fusion Rocks the Tastebuds at Calle Dao

Looking for a sexy new restaurant with fabulous food and cocktails? The menu and ambiance at Calle Dao (38 West 39th Street, NYC) will transport you to the sultry Havana of yesteryear. Calle Dao's Cuban & Chinese fusion cuisine is a tribute to Havana's once-bustling Chinatown - at one time it was the largest in Latin America but now occupies just one street - Calle Cuchillo (Knife Street). The name Calle Dao combines the Spanish & Chinese words for this historic strip.

Calle Dao owner, Marco Britti, is also the proprietor of the popular Favela Cubana in NYC's Greenwich Village. Born and raised in Naples, Marco spent years in Brazil and Cuba learning about their culture, music and cuisine. An accomplished musician, Marco has worked with Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.


Calle Dao's spacious bar is the perfect spot for a carefully crafted cocktail and a nibble. I highly recommend sipping on the sassy Revolución - a spicy & sweet blend of Habanero Infused Tequila, Ginger Canton, Sweet Corn, Pineapple, Agave, Lemon, Absinthe & Hibiscus Salt. Yes, the ingredient list is long but the cocktail is beautifully balanced.

If you share my love of all things porky, an order of the crunchy & spicy Pig Ears is a must! These addictive thinly-sliced strips are marinated in ginger, lemongrass and garlic and seasoned with Spanish cayenne pepper, paprika, chili peppers and serrano peppers. They are then tossed with Hoisin sauce, cilantro and sesame oil. Continue the pork-fest in the dining room with an order of the tender and juicy Lechon Asado (Roasted Pig). Fantastic!

 

Smoked Bone Marrow with Seaweed Fried Rice, Toasted Basil Seeds, Shallots

A great spot for a date or to dine with friends, I'll definitely go back to Calle Dao to explore more of their menu. A few items that caught my eye include the Peking-Style Roasted Cornish Hen, Smoked Bone Marrow with Seaweed Fried Rice, and the selection of Ceviches. And, in a burger-obsessed town, could Calle Dao's Goat Burger be the next big thing on a bun?

 For more information, visit the Calle Dao website or Facebook page.

 

Sparkling & Sweet Summer Sip: Mionetto 'IL' UGO Elderflower Cocktail

My talent for mixology is pretty limited, so a ready-to-drink cocktail that doesn't require me to slice, muddle, or strain is a genie in a wine bottle - as long as you pick the correct one. I was recently sent a sample of Mionetto 'IL' UGO Elderflower Cocktail ($12) and when I saw the Mionetto name I had high expectations - they make some of the most consistently delicious Prosecco on the market.

Inspired by a cocktail from the Alto Adige region of Italy, 'IL' UGO blends semi-sparkling frizzante white wine with elderflower blossom and wildflowers. The presentation is pretty and summery - a translucent bottle with a butterfly design encases the straw yellow liquid. The aroma is lovely - peach and citrus. And, the sweeter taste is perfect for this time of year - peach, pear, and citrus flavors really shine through in each spritzy sip. At only 8% alcohol, this is an indulgence that doesn't overwhelm. Serve chilled over ice and if you're feeling fancy garnish it with a sprig of mint. Easy, sparkly, delicious!