New York state of wine, part iv
Wine and New York or some blend thereof have been in the news this week. Here’s a recap:
Order wine
The San Francisco Chronicle ran a story Thursday saying that, in a twist on the usual wine flows, Californians can now order wine directly from New York wineries. The catch? The wine is actually worth ordering and they provide a list of their favorite NY producers from the Finger Lakes as well as Long Island.
Residents of Oregon can now also order wines from New York with the announcement of a new reciprocal agreement yesterday. This New York resident, for one, is certainly happy to have direct shipping for the wines of Oregon just in time for the cooler weather (now we just have to work on getting the shipping prices down).
Harvest wine
The New Yorker had a “Talk of the Town” piece about Latif Jiji’s nearly 30 year old grape vine at his home — on E. 92nd St between Park and Lex. Even though the grapes are not the traditional wine grapes (vitis vinifera), they still make wine every year. The wine’s name you might wonder? Château Latif.
Shop wine
The NY Times mentions the fact that Jean-Luc Le Dû, formerly sommelier at Daniel, now has his own wine shop of mostly hard-to-find wines though there are some weeknight wines too. Le Dû’s Wines, 600 Washington Street (Morton Street), in Greenwich Village, 212.924.6999
Doors opened September 6th at Appellation New York, a new shop specializing in organic and even biodynamic wines. Scott Pactor, a former accountant, became a wine geek and decided to follow his passion with his profession. Scott opens a bottle every day at 5:30 for a free tasting. 156 10th Avenue (@ 19th Street) in Chelsea. 212.741.9474 Closed Mondays.
Drink wine
Over 60 restaurants will be pairing the wines and foods of New York in October. www.newyorkwinesanddines.org for more.
…And finally, since we’re on all things New York, Time Out New York mentions Shane Welch, brew master at Sixpoint Craft Ale, who calls NYC tap water a “godsend for brewers” and uses it in his brew.