Gulfi Neromàccari Nero d’Avola 2000

Gulfi is a relatively new producer of organic wines — their wines aren’t widely available but worth seeking out. Astor Wines in NY and the Wine Exchange usually have some of their wines in stock.

Gulfi was established in 1996 and current production is about 20,000 cases. It is made from the Sicilian red grape Nero d’Avola. It comes from a limestone-based vineyard around Pachino in the Val di Noto region of Sicily. 8,000 bottles were produced.

This wine still had lots of life and was really showing beautifully. It had softened since I last had it some 4 or 5 years ago. Very approachable and comforting. I thought this was like Barry White in a bottle. It was smooth, soulful and didn’t need anything else to set the mood. I have some 2005s, but think this is the last bottle of the 2000 vintage.

14% alcohol. Imported by Selected Estates of Europe. I also really liked their Carjcanti, a white wine made from Carricante.

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Tavola di Perpetua Felicità and Northern Rhône Tasting at Palena

Here is the menu from our “Head to Tail” dinner and Northern Rhône tasting at Palena on February 2, 2011. The food was outstanding. Palena has long been one of my favorite restaurants in DC. My favorite wines were the Vernay Condrieu 06, Allemand Cornas 06, Chapoutier Ermitage 92 and the Jamet Cote Rotie 2001.

Carne Cruda  – Diced Gretna Farms (Virginia) Tenderloin, Shaved Reggiano and Lemon Olive Oil
– Gaston Chiquet Brut 1997
– Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc Chante-Alouette 2004
– Georges Vernay Condrieu Coteau de Vernon 2006

Brodo  – Julienned Crêpes, Slivers of Gretna Farms Beef Shoulder, Vegetable Garnish in a Rich Clear Oxtail Broth
– Auguste Clape Cornas 1996
– Thierry Allemand Cornas Reynard 2006

Spiedini d’Amore  – Grilled Beef Heart – Roseda Farms (Eastern Shore) House Cured Beef Tongue – Roseda Farms, Puntarella, Radish and Herb Salad – Salsa Verde
– Jean Paul and Jean Luc Jamet Côte-Rôtie 2002
– Rene Rostaing Côte-Rôtie Cote Blonde 1996
– Chapoutier Ermitage L’Ermite 2002

Oxtail and Beef Cheek, “Vaccinara” Horst Co-Operative (Pennsylvania) Toasted Vermicelli Pasta Aglio e Olio
– Jean Paul and Jean Luc Jamet Cote Rotie 2001
– Rene Rostaing Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 1995
– Chapoutier Ermitage le Pavillon 1992

Wood Grilled Steak –Roseda Farms Ribeye Steak (Dry Aged 8 Weeks in House) Corona Beans, Sautéed Escarole, Horseradish Cream
– Jean-Michel Gerin Côte-Rôtie Les Grandes Places 2006
– Guigal Côte-Rôtie Chateau d’Ampuis 1999

Meadow Creek Dairy “Grayson” – Galax, Virginia Local honey,  Our Tyrolean Almond Bread
– Ogier Côte-Rôtie 2001
– Radio-Coteau Syrah Timbervine 2004
– Sine Quo Non Syrah The Marauder 1999

Fiore di Latte Ice Cream – Trickling Springs Dairy (Pennsylvania) Dried Fruit Compote, Red Wine Sauce Cookie
– 2001 Domaine Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Roussilliere
– 1988 Château Caillou
– 2003 Château La Tour Blanche Sauternes

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