Am I listening? Sometimes I need a good smack in the face, a good finger at my nose, to tell me to pay attention!! My excuse? I'm diagnosed ADD. Good thing I love my job.
I'm dating someone; which means dates (learning)- which means dinner, wine and conversation. So we went out last night all fancied up, and she is stunning! Hadn't seen my lady dressed up like that (ohmygoodness). All eyes on her. And Ears.
I brought two wines with us to a restaurant (I was that guy) in Tiverton - The Boathouse, Newport Restaurant Group. They are special wines I've been waiting to share!
TO START: CHAMPAGNE - Guy Larmandier Grand Cru Cramant Blanc de Blanc - When I first sipped it I realized it was blanc de blanc (100% Chardonnay) which i didn't necessarily take note of before it was opened. I was immediately excited by the vivacity. Not super creamy or yeasty, but elegant, big and crisp with bright acidity -like linebackers taking ballet. So so good with a gorgeous girl, burrata tomatoe salad and steamed mussels! In the back of my mind I desired a decanter for this bubbly madness. Yet, t'was not the time or place - we didn't have time. Moving on...
SECOND: This is where I was smacked IN THE FACE. Just like the first look at my date, Mary, on this evening, I was stunned by the Ronco Malo Barbera. First sip reaction, "smooth" quoting Mary. And it was, a big Barbera, supple, super structured and strong backboned. After some time in the glass, sipping lightly to sense the change, it opened like a glorious sunflower following the sun chasing it's glory (Hallelujah!). It was so good!! Emphasis on the black cherry notes pouring from it. Rounded with some light licorice, cleansed with perfectly balanced acidity. PERFECTLY BALANCED LINGERING BIG FRUIT STRUCTURE. For $30ish bucks, depending where you get it, extremely over-delivers and will age very well.
So, admittedly, we took half of the bottle home, and I brought it to work to share- in typical evangelical form. Sipping now, with fresh made shiitake and spinach pizza- GLORY. I shared with a local Italian gentleman expecting some sort of excitement. nothing. I instigated to get some feedback, he was not intrigued. I concluded he wasn't listening.
Stay bright, and pay attention everyone! Glory is everywhere!
