Marvelous Malbec: France vs Argentina, tonight!

WINE & VINYL WEDNESDAYS 
Malbec is your friend ...

 Malbec: France vs Argentina

While Malbec has a long and venerable history in France's Cahors region, with the first vines being planted in the area around 50 BC, the varietal is used mostly as a blending grape in other areas of France: particularly Bordeaux and occasionally in the Loire Valley. Here the grape is known for its inky purple color, and deep dark fruit.

A very different story unfolds in Argentina. Although the varietal was introduced from France in the mid-nineteenth century, Malbec only came into its own as an Argentine powerhouse in the late 20th century, when the grape's potential was realized and focus shifted to premium wine production for export. And thank goodness for that!




Taste both tonight! Free tasting, & deeply discounted at $8 a glass.

DJ Ilmo spins eclectic vinyl. Cheese by Saxelby's.

at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

Cabernet Three Ways: Wine & Vinyl Wednesday

WINE & VINYL WEDNESDAYS

Cabernet Three Ways: New World vs Old World vs New World

How do you like your Cabernet? Fruity? Austere?  Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape that has a remarkably consistent expression of its typical structure and flavors. One big factor that creates variation is the ripeness of the grapes. Under-ripe grapes create a more vegetal wine- this can be from being picked early, or a very cool growing climate. Likewise, wines associated with medium/cool climates often have aromas of eucalyptus and mint. In hot climes, jammy is the word.

Tonight we taste three big players in the Cabernet game: Chile, Bordeaux, and Washington State. Join us for some deeply discounted red wine fun, with delicious cheese from Saxelby's and vintage vinyl by DJ Ilmo.

at Barramundi

67 Clinton St.

NYC

WINE & VINYL WEDNESDAYS: a taste of Spain

WINE & VINYL WEDNESDAYS

Red & White Rioja

"Wine and cheese are ageless companions, like aspirin and aches, or June and moon, or good people and noble ventures ..." - M.F.K Fischer

Tonight we celebrate the glorious wines of Spain. We'll be tasting a Rioja Reserva (100% Tempranillo), and a less well known, but equally scrumptious White Rioja (100% Viura).

Join us! Cheese by Saxelby's and Music by DJ Ilmo.

at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

WINES TO BE THANKFUL FOR: FREE TASTING TONIGHT

WINE & VINYL WEDNESDAY AT BARRAMUNDI

Drink a glass tonight, pick up a bottle for the feast tomorrow..

Two wines for Thanksgiving Dinner: California Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc from France..

It's the day before the Holiday Season gets going, and what is on my mind? Wine. Of course. As in what will we drink with our turkey, ham, buttery root vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce? I think these two wines will fit very well with the vast array of rich goodies waiting to be consumed tomorrow.

California Chardonnay
Why? Well, most people know it, like it, and it's easy to pick up at the local liquor store, to say the least. Ask for a full bodied version with some acidity. This will stand up to those buttered biscuits, gravy, and the different textures and flavors we will (happily) be facing. Other good white choices are Riesling,  a rich Pinot Gris, or even Gewurztraminer..

Cabernet Franc
This wine will be light to medium bodied, with less tannin than many red wines, making it a good choice for turkey. Cabernet Franc will show flavors of cherry, even cranberry, with hints of leather or tobacco. There's often a good balance of fruit and fleshiness, smoke or spice. A wonderful Autumn wine, and one of my favorites.

Don't show up for dinner tomorrow empty handed- let Wine & Vinyl help... Taste both for free tonight at Barramundi! Ridiculously under-priced at $8 a glass.


DJ Ilmo spins eclectic vinyl to get you in the spirit, Cheese is from our friends at Saxelby's in the Essex Market.




at Barramundi
67 Clinton St

NYC

Cabernets Collide: California vs Chile

WINE & VINYL WEDNESDAYS AT BARRAMUNDI

Walk, Run, or Take a  Cab..

California Cabernet vs Chilean Cabernet

The venerable Cabernet Sauvignon grape is known, and now grown, throughout the world. The French almost always blend it with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, or  Malbec to create Bordeaux, some of the finest wines in the world. In California, Bordeaux style wines are sometimes called Meritage. 

Cabernet Sauvignon's popularity may be due to the fact that the wine retains some combination of its varietal characteristics, while also showing the influence of where the grapes were grown: cool, windy Monterey often yields Cabs with a stronger vegetal  flavor, while wines from Margeaux have violet aromas. And let's not forget Cabernet Sauvignon's best friend- oak!

Tonight, taste what's alike and what's fabulously different between these new world wines. 

With the vinyl stylings of DJ Ilmo, and Saxelby's brings the cheese!

At Barramundi

67 Clinton St

NYC

WINE & VINYL MOVES TO WEDNESDAY!

Barramundi puts our wine night right where you need it- smack in the middle of the week. Starting this week!

Check back here for our wines this Wednesday!

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Southern Hemisphere Stand Off


New Zealand made its mark on the Wine Scene in the 1980's, offering Sauvignon Blanc in the form of a fruit bomb with highly aromatic notes of gooseberry, tropical fruit, and of course, that leafy green-ness that is characteristic of the varietal.  Love it or hate it, these powerful white wines made a huge impact on the wine industry, one that is still keenly felt today.

Perhaps as a reaction to the intense flavors (and hype) of these New Zealand wines, South Africa steered their Sauv Blancs halfway towards the Loire Valley, with the intention of bringing in some old world elegance to balance out all that powerful fruit.

Do these two different regions' wines have more in common? Or are they defined more by the differences between them? Want to find out? For free?

Free tasting, and ALL price points only $8 a glass.
With DJ Ilmo spinning eclectic lounge as only he can. Cheese by Saxelby's. (Goat, of course!)

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

South American Reds! Free tasting tonight..

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Argentina vs Chile vs Uruguay

South American wines combine new world wine and old world character.

Uruguay is not the first country to spring to mind when talking wine- even South American wine. But as a matter of fact, the Tannat grape, originally from southwest France, thrives in Uruguay, with the warm climate softening Tannat's usual naturally rough tannins.

Chile and Argentina are known for Cabernet and Malbec, respectively. These wines offer great value for the price, with wines that are young and approachable, yet with some complexity.

Join us tonight, for a free tasting, only $8 a glass!

Tunes by DJ Ilmo, cheese by Saxelby's.

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

Warm Days, Cool Nights, California Wine Tasting Tonight

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

"Wine is sunlight, held together by water."

                                              - Galileo

California is a winemaker's dream where the magical alchemy of long, warm days and cool foggy nights, a rich variety of soil types- sand, clay, loam, granite, volcanic ash, seabed soil, river-run gravel -and a uniquely American sensibility all come together to create wines with a character unique as the state itself.

Volumes have been written about California wines, some of which are among the best in the world, so let's get right to the tasting. Tonight we will sample those two classic varietals that California is so very good at: Cabernet, and Chardonnay.

DJ Ilmo spins tonight, vinyl + more vinyl. Eclectic lounge, bossa nova, jazz, ol' reggae, more.

Cheese by Saxelby's.

Tonight!

at Barramundi

67 Clinton St

NYC

Lovely Loire Whites, Tonight

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Loire Valley Whites

The Loire Valley, France, is famous for its white wines. Join us tonight for a free tasting! Hugely discounted at $8 a glass.
Paired with Saxelby's Cheese!

Tonight!

at Barramundi

67 Clinton St

NYC

Rioja a Go Go! Red and White from Spain, Tonight!

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Red Rioja vs White Rioja

The harvesting of grapes for making wine in La Rioja dates back to the Phoenecians. During medieval times, monks did the winemaking, taking a great pride in their creation. Reference to these wines has even been found in Spanish poetry of the time.

It's safe to say we are most familiar with the Red variety, which is made up of mostly Tempranillo, sometimes blended with Garnacha (red), Graciano, and Mazuelo. Most of these are oaked, showing aromas and flavors of spice, red cherries, and plums.

Less well known are the White Wines, primarily from the Viura grape. The use of oak in these wines has been lightened up the past few years, to bring in a fruitier freshness to the wine. There has been great debate in Spain about the future of White Rioja specifically and the Viura grape in particular. Many feel that this wine hasn't been given a fair shake in the world market.

What do you think?

Join us for our weekly free tasting, with vinyl by DJ Ilmo & cheese by Saxelby's.

Tonight!

at Barramundi

67 Clinton St

NYC

Battle: Three French Reds, Light and Elegant

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
The Red Terroir..


Chinon vs Red Sancerre vs Brouilly

Yes, we can call this a battle. We can take votes and declare a winner tonight. But I think that each of these wines wins.

Chinon
100% Cabernet Franc, grown near the town of Chinon in Touraine, Loire Valley. Lightweight versions have aromas of blackcurrant and anise, while wines from the steeper, rockier vineyards reveal minerality and a bit of gaminess along with more tannin. Like all our competitors tonight, this is great with food.

Red Sancerre
100% Pinot Noir, Red Sancerre is a bit uncommon here, with the vast majority of Sancerre being white. Typical aromas of cherry and violets, light with a long finish. There is a growing movement toward bringing Red Sancerre to the fore. I for one heartily agree.

Brouilly
100% Gamay, this wine is named for one of the ten 'Cru' villages of Beaujolais: only the wines made from one of these villages can be labeled as such. Light-bodies, with cherry, blueberry and current flavors with a touch of earthiness, this wine is meant to be consumed young, within 3 years of its vintage.

All three wines can be tasted for free tonight. Only $8 a glass- a huge discount!

Cheese by Saxelby's, DJ Ilmo spins the tunes..

Tonight!
At Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

A Taste of Burgundy: Red & White

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
The Most Exciting Wine Region in the World


Two of the most popular wines in France are in the spotlight tonight at Barramundi: Chablis and Beaujolais. The wines of Burgundy are considered to be some of the best in the world. The three varietals used for these classic wines are Chardonnay for white, and Pinot Noir and Gamay for red. While the region is known for its reds made with the Pinot Noir grape, it is equally famous for Beaujolais, made from the Gamay grape.

Chablis
A crisp white wine known for the purity of its flavors and aromas, it is made from 100% Chardonnay. This wine from the northernmost area of Burgundy is almost always aged in stainless steel tanks, in marked contrast to white wines from Macconais or Cote de Beaune, which are aged in oak. The result is a very dry white wine with more concentrated minerality and less fruit that its oaked counterparts.

Brouilly
This wine is a Cru Beaujolais, made from 100% Gamay, as all Beaujolais are. There are 10 villages (Crus) in Beaujolais which make the finest of these wines: they are the only wines called by the names of their respective villages. Each village imparts a different sense of terrior; Brouilly tends to be earthy, with aromas of blueberries, cherries, raspberries and currants.

Paired with cheese from Saxelby's in the Essex Market.

Tunes by DJ Ilmo

Tonight!
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

It's all about the Goat Cheese.. Loire Valley Whites

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Quel fromage!

Sancerre vs Vouvray

It all started with the Saracens. In the 8th century, these Arab descendants were expelled from the Loire Valley, (and from France). They left their goats. Lucky us!

As a result, we have a lovely pairing tonight. Goat cheese and Loire Valley white wine: Sancerre and Vouvray to be exact. Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre) is the penultimate pairing with funky, creamy goat cheese. However, French Chenin Blanc (Vouvray) has the full bodied flavors and aromas to stand up to this powerful cheese as well.

Tonight, it's about the pairing: that celestial, perfect combination of wine and cheese.

Saxelby's in the Essex Market: Tomme de Lay (raw goat's milk), from Lazy Lady Farm, Vt.

We will pair these wines with the vinyl stylings of DJ Ilmo, as well. All night long.

Tonight!
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

Sauvignon Blanc: New Zealand vs South Africa

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Southern Hemisphere Stand Off

New Zealand made its mark on the Wine Scene in the 1980's, offering Sauvignon Blanc in the form of a fruit bomb with highly aromatic notes of gooseberry, tropical fruit, and of course, that leafy green-ness that is characteristic of the varietal.  Love it or hate it, these powerful white wines made a huge impact on the wine industry, one that is still keenly felt today.

Perhaps as a reaction to the intense flavors (and hype) of these New Zealand wines, South Africa steered their Sauv Blancs halfway towards the Loire Valley, with the intention of bringing in some old world elegance to balance out all that powerful fruit. 

Do these two different regions' wines have more in common? Or are they defined more by the differences between them? Want to find out? For free?

Free tasting, and ALL price points only $8 a glass.
With DJ Ilmo spinning eclectic lounge as only he can. Cheese by Saxelby's. (Goat, of course!)

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

"They Make That in White"? Spain vs France

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE &  VINYL

White Rioja, White Bordeaux

Most people have tasted or at least heard of Bordeaux- famously complex French wine, compelling and seemingly priced out of reach, and Rioja- earthy, dry, Spanish and sexy, with an ever-expanding fan-base. There's no need to describe the color of these two wines, they are usually synonymous with Red.

The Odds-on Favorite: White Bordeaux
Tonight we present a European Battle: Spain vs. France. White Bordeaux would seem to have the edge in this fight. After all, our French Contender is from the Graves appellation of Bordeaux, which is famous for its white wines.  White wines from Bordeaux are blended- Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon in varying percentages. These wines are generally speaking, fresh, crisp and fruity, with some floral notes, with more oak comes ageability, richness and depth.

The Underdog: White Rioja
On the other hand, White Rioja accounts for less than 10% of  all Rioja wines, (it shares that percentage with Rose). This wine is usually made from the crisp Viura grape, (sometimes with the addition of Malvasia and White Garnacha, or other non-Spanish varietals of late) but this main varietal is not exactly trendy or well known. One thing this wine has in common with White Bordeaux is the use of oak: in this case oak aging produces some nutty, caramelly flavors which, when done well, form a great counterpoint to the grape's natural fresh and fruity character. I happen to really like this wine, and think it deserves a bigger audience.

Taste them both for free, and vote for your favorite!

With sublime vinyl by DJ Ilmo. Saxelby's brings the cheese!

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

Lovely Loire Valley Whites

Barramundays Wine & Vinyl
The Garden of France..

White Wines of the Loire Valley, France
MUSCADET vs SANCERRE vs VOUVRAY

The Loire Valley wine region comprises 310 square miles, starting just West of the Atlantic Ocean, and stretching along the banks of the Loire River. A great abundance of crops are grown within its boundaries, including cherries, asparagus, and artichokes, as well as grapes, of course! An area full of gorgeous chateaux, cathedrals, and ancient villages, part of the central Loire River Valley has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within this verdant region, a huge variety of wines are produced, 75% of them white. The reds are pretty great as well, but tonight we will taste three of the main white varieties, all very different from each other, but all with certain similarities as well: a crisp fruitiness and great balance.

Muscadet:
100% Melon de Bourgogne, grown in vineyards not far from the Atlantic Ocean, this wine is bone dry and refreshing, occasionally with a touch of salinity and minerality to complement the apple and citrus aromas. Often aged "on its lees" to enhance flavor and mouthfeel. (Lees are the solid particles left after fermentation). Perfectly paired with fruits de mer.

Sancerre:
Wines have been made in this part of France since at least the 6th century. This Sauvignon Blanc has more restrained fruit than its New World counterparts. What sets these vineyards apart is arguable the soil: whether chalk, gravel & limestone, or flint, it has a big influence on a Sancerre's aromas, and creates a counterpoint to the typical citrus and especially grapefruit flavors. Delicious with goat cheese.

Vouvray:
This versatile grape (Chenin Blanc) is capable of making very dry still and sparkling wines, as well as excellent off dry or sweet desert wines, the latter incorporating "noble rot", in the style of Sauternes. The most remarkable characteristic of this wine lies in the balance between residual sugar and its natural high acidity. These two factors result in "percieved" sweetness: a sweeter Vouvray may not seem so, due to the highly acidic counterpoint of the wine. This makes for a fascinating, if a tad confusing, tasting experience. In addition, this high acidity can create wines that are extremely age-worthy- although Vouvray is often bottled early and aged in the bottle, hardly ever oaked. Pair with rich dishes and flavorful sauces. Common aromas of apple, fig, ginger and flowers.

Free tasting, and truly a steal at only $8 a glass. With the eclectic vinyl stylings of DJ Ilmo. Cheese pairing by Saxelby's in the Essex Market.

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

AROMATIC WHITES: New Zealand vs France

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
Follow your nose..
Gewurzstraminer vs New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc


Gewurztraminer
Love it or hate it, there's not much room for ambiguity here. This varietal creates perhaps the most aromatic of all wines, and the apex of its expression happens in Alsace, France. Originally from Germany, Gewurztraminer thrives in the rich clay Alsatian soil, producing full bodied, powerfully scented wines, with lots of spice (ginger, cinnamon) and exotic fruit notes (lychee) as well as rose petal and perfume aromas. Whew. Detractors cite this wine's low acidity and powerful fruit while others adore its huge presence. Where do you stand?


New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
This wine has great aromatics like its French competitor, but also has the racy acidity so beloved of foodies worldwide. Take a deep whiff if you love the aroma of fresh cut grass, grapefruit, tropical fruits (passionfruit), or even cat's pee and asparagus! All of these agressive aromas tend to polarize wine-lovers as well. I don't think that you could possible have two wines more different.

Tonight's battle should be Very Interesting..

DJ Ilmo spins vinyl.
Saxelby's brings the cheese.

at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

SPANISH BATTLE: WHITE VS RED RIOJA!

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

a taste of Spain..

Tonight we celebrate the glorious wines of Spain. We'll be tasting a Rioja Reserva (100% Tempranillo), and a less well known, but equally scrumptious White Rioja (100% Viura).

Join us! Cheese by Saxelby's and Music by DJ Ilmo.

at Barramundi

67 Clinton St

NYC

                                                                                                   

Lightweight Championship!

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
Three Light Whites for Summer


After a long hot subway ride home from work you open your fridge and what is waiting for you? A nice cold bottle or two of light bodied white wines, hopefully. These three different wines will cover the gamut of aromas and flavors, but one thing they have in common is that they are crisp and refreshing, and pair wonderfully with the foods of Summer.

 Muscadet
A classic choice for seafood, especially shellfish and oysters, a well-made Muscadet has citrus and apple notes, with a touch of salinity and minerality. The wine is often left "sur lie",  or on the lees for a period of time to create a fuller mouthfeel and more articulated flavors. (Lees are the solid particles left after fermentation). The grape is 100% Melon de Bourgogne, from the Loire Valley.

Chablis
100% Chardonnay also from the northernmost wine district of Burgundy, France, the cool climate creates a wine with a refreshing acidity which is mostly absent from other styles of Chardonnay, such as those from California. Another difference here is a lack of oak in the majority of everyday Chablis, which makes it different in style from other Burgundies as well as new world styles. Some great food pairings include shellfish, fresh vegetable risotto, simple grilled fish with butter, and more depending on the intensity of the wine.



Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
This wine usually has an intense flavor profile of fresh cut grass, gooseberry and tropical fruit flavors, with herbacious aromas. New Zealand wine is known for its great balance of fruitiness and acidity. Pair with green vegetable dominated foods, like roasted vegetables, or lighter vinegar based dressings and sauces. Also delicious with goat cheese.

Join us tonight, and vote for your favorite! Free tasting, and all three are only $8 a glass, (up to half off the usual price)!

Cheese by Saxelby's and Excellent Eclectica by our own DJ Ilmo.

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

SAUVIGNON BLANC BATTLE: 

France vs New Zealand

 BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

For many people, the long hot days and balmy nights of early Summer demand a cool glass of Sauvignon Blanc. In the U.S., this often means New World choices such as wines from New Zealand or California. However, a wine consisting of 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes and a vastly different flavor profile can be found in France: Sancerre.

Sancerre hails from the Loire Valley, and is characterized by aromas and flavors of gunflint, herbs, grass and chalk (from calcium in the limestone soils). High in acidity, and crisp, this is a perfect wine for food, with some citrus and gooseberry flavors.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc rose to rock-stardom in the 1980's- one critic likened tasting your first New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to having sex for the first time. Certain regions of the country, like Marlborough, are considered to be among the best places in the world to grow Sauvignon Blanc, creating wines that marry the acidity of the Old World with the exotic fruit flavors of the New World. Typical aromas include passionfruit, grapefruit, and even cat pee!

Celebrate Summer tonight at Barramundi. Free tasting, and by the glass for only $8. 

DJ Ilmo spins the tunes, Saxelby's brings the cheese!

Tonight

at Barramundi

67 Clinton St

NYC

CHENIN BLANC BATTLE: France vs South Africa

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Tonight we taste the Chenin Blanc grape, expressed in two very different ways: as Vouvray from the Loire Valley, and a new world wine from South Africa, sometimes called Steen.

Climate, soil, and wine-making style make a great difference in how the wine turns out. The climate of a wine region will largely dictate whether Chenin blanc is produced in a predominately sweet or dry manner, while the vineyard soil type will generally influence the overall style of the wine. These factors combined with its natural high acidity can create wines can range from the dry sparkling Cremant de Loire to dry and off-dry styles, found in Anjou and the Loire Valley, respectively. Chenin blanc makes for intense, viscous desert wines as well, due to the development of Botrytis cinerea (noble rot). In addition, lower fermentation temperatures used in New World wines bring out tropical fruit flavors and aromas, as opposed to the warmer fermentation practices in France.


French Vouvray vs South African Chenin Blanc
Tonight!


With DJ Ilmo spinning Eclectic Lounge. Cheese by Saxelby's.


at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

Chardonnay Smackdown: America vs France

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
A classic grape two ways.. blind!


Two themes pop up at Wine & Vinyl time and time again: Terroir, and "Taste".

CHABLIS
Simply described, terroir is the sense of place expressed through the wine as a result of where the grapes are grown- the soil, the air (sea breezes, for example), and the other flora grown in the area,(eucalyptus, mint, different types of flowers, etc). These influences sometimes combine to create a wine with its own signature, so to speak, and that's how the French like it!

CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY
Theme number two is all about "Taste": not as in who is classy/who is trashy! More like flavor profile, as in what do Americans like to drink? Do we prefer big fruit bombs with high alcohol, and lower acidity/tannin as so many in the wine industry believe? And so what if we do?! Here we will be looking for the influence of oak, (the chablis has none), and the difference in style overall.


Both 100% Chardonnay, tonight it's a Blind Battle between France's flinty Chablis and our creamy, oaky Californian.

But if you think you can call this one, think again..

Tonight, with tunes by DJ Ilmo,.cheese by Saxelby's
At Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

BIG RED BATTLE: MALBEC VS RIOJA VS TANNAT

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Reds for a Rainy Day..

Tonight kicks off our new season of wines! We will have many Glorious Battles with brand new terriors- from the gravitas of France to the big, bold flavors of the New World: Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and more.

A full-bodied red is just the thing on cool rainy night, so tonight we bring you our

BIG RED BATTLE: MALBEC VS RIOJA VS TANNAT

Here's what's great about these wines. Not only are they full bodied, with varying degrees of oak, but they are three different single varietal wines from three different countries. And not a Cabernet Sauvignon in the bunch!

Massimo Malbec 2010 

From the most famous and arguably the best AVA in Argentina: Mendoza. Massimo quite literally means "big", so look for a deep purple-red color, dark fruit such as blueberries and plum with spice and tobacco on the finish.

Montecillo Rioja Reserva 2006

100% Tempranillo aged exclusively in French oak, expect cedar, vanilla and raisin, with firm tannins. Bodegas Montecello was founded in Spain in 1874, and today boasts one of the most renowned female winemakers in Spain, Maria Martinez Sierra.

Monte de Luz Tannat Reserva 2007

This 100% Tannat from Uruguay spends nine months in French oak. The color is deep, almost black, with cherry and tobacco aromas, deep dark fruit and hints of cocoa. 

Tunes by DJ Ilmo, Cheese by Saxelby's.

Tonight!

at Barramundi

67 Clinton St.

NYC

Light, Elegant Reds, Three Ways

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
Springtime French Reds

Chinon vs Red Sancerre vs Brouilly

Of course, when the weather grows more sultry we find ourselves reaching for the bottle of white- it's to be expected. Light dishes and fresh fish abound on most menus this time of year.
Good news for red wine lovers though. There are plenty of delicious light bodied reds for every palate: extremely food friendly and quaffable too.
Join us at Barramundi tonight for a battle between three light French Reds with real complexity.

Tonight!
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

MALBEC MELEE: ARGENTINA VS FRANCE- BLIND!

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
Liquor of Fire/Wine of 1000 Names

MALBEC BLIND BATTLE: A Star is Born in Argentina

While Malbec has a long and venerable history in France's Cahors region, with the first vines being planted in the area around 50 BC, the varietal is used mostly as a blending grape in other areas of France: particularly Bordeaux and occasionally in the Loire Valley. Here the grape is used for its inky purple color, and deep dark fruit.

A very different story unfolds in Argentina. Although the varietal was introduced from France in the mid-nineteenth century, Malbec only came into its own as an Argentine powerhouse in the late 20th century, when the grape's potential was realized and focus shifted to premium wine production for export. And thank goodness for that!

Tonight's Blind Battle will put two of our Cahors contestants from a recent battle (including a winner) against an Argentinian entry. Cahors Malbec will have a more tannic, robust feel, with an inky purple color and dark fruit, and may be blended with up to 30% Tannat or Merlot. One of our Cahors wines will be made in the traditional style, and one will be in a more "New World" style, like that of Argentina. Add a true Argentinian to the mix, and this should prove to be a very interesting Battle.. Here we will look for big fruit flavors, especially plum, cherry and raspberry, along with tobacco and vanilla.


Come and taste for free! Premium wines go for only $8 a glass!

Tunes by DJ Ilmo. Cheese by Saxelby's

tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

THE WHITE WINE WAR IN FRANCE: TWO CLASSIC WINES, BLIND!

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Tonight will be a rare treat: how often do we get to taste two of France's most famous, classic styles of white wine against each other?


Sancerre vs Chablis

Sancerre:
Grown in the Central Vineyards" of the Loire Valley, which has a continental climate: short hot summers and long cold winters strongly effect the maturation of the fruit. The wines tend to be highly aromatic and very dry. 100% Sauvignon Blanc (for white wines).

Chablis:
These white wines are 100% Chardonnay, and very dry with a higher acidity than most other Chardonnays. This is due to the cool climate in which the grapes are grown- the northernmost disctrict of Burgundy. Chablis are mostly unoaked, and are often characterized by "gunflint" or steely notes.

How are these wines different? And more interestingly, how are they the same? Here we are looking to explore the varietal characteristics of each: what's great about these two is that they are made to be purer expressions of each grape- very little interference during the winemaking process. Both are dry and with pure aromas and mineral notes- terrior is important here.

Try them both tonight, for free. Drink them for $8 a glass (ridiculously discounted). Paired with delicious cheese from Saxelby's.

DJ Ilmo spins vinyl all night long.

at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

Malbec Blind Tasting: The War in Cahors

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
Auxerrois, Cot, Pressac = Malbec


Rich, smooth tannins and big fruit laced with vanilla and tobacco are characteristics of the wine most commonly associated with Argentina: Malbec. (The grape was introduced to the region in the mid-nineteenth century). Tonight, however, we turn towards the Old World to find out how the climate and geography of Cahors, France influences this grape. After all, Malbec originated there as much as 2,000 years ago!

The popularity of "the Black Wine of Cahors" increased greatly especially among the English following the marriage in 1152 of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet, soon to be King of England. This support was cemented under the protection of Henry Plantagenet's successor, Henry the 3rd. Now that Argentinian Malbecs enjoy so much popularity in the new world, Cahors is beginning to come back into it's own: especially now that many producers are naming their wines Malbec instead of the old local terms Auxerrois, or Cot.

Join us for a blind tasting that will open your eyes: how does the more austere terrior of France influence this well-loved wine? We will be pouring two traditional wines paired with one more geared towards our American taste profile.

With our own DJ Ilmo spinning vinyl all night. And cheese from Saxelby's.

Tonight!
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.

NYC

BEAUJOLAIS BATTLE, Part Deux

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

We are drinking the wine..

In the chilly depths of January, Barramundays brought you a Beaujolais Battle to add a little joie de vivre to a rough time of year- Christmas was long gone and we were all paying the piper, as it were, with our credit card bills due and Springtime just a misty dream..

Well here we are,it's 82 degrees outside (!), the flowers are blooming, taxes are due, and I think the time is ripe to bring back the Beaujolais! Especially since the season is here a few weeks early- like the Gamay grape itself.

The last time these two contenders faced off, the Brouilly kicked butt..

Chateau des Tours 2010 (Brouilly)
There is more complexity there, with lovely aromas of Violets and berries. This is a Cru Beaujolais, (the highest classification), from one of the 10 villages or areas in the Beaujolais mountains.

Please don't count this next one out, however. We've been finding that general appreciation of a particular wine varies widely depending on the context: season, weather, and what wine(s) are competing.


Chateau des Petieres 2010 (Beaujolais)
Lively, fresh and fruity, with aromas of raspberries. A typical, quaffable, well-made Beaujolais. I'm going to go out on a limb and say this one might win tonight..

Both wines free to taste and only $8 a glass, paired with cheese from Saxelby's.

DJ Ilmo spins eclectic lounge all night long!

at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

LISA'S WEDNESDAY WINE-ING - SANCERRE BATTLE RESULTS

WAR IN THE SOUTH: THE REDS OF SOUTHERN FRANCE

BARRAMUNDAYS, WINE & VINYL
Something for everyone

The wines of Southern France are fabulous for so many reasons: the amazing array of grape varieties, appellations, and styles can keep an eager wine slave busy for a very long time. A bonus: great values. Sip your way through the region, starting with tonight's..






War in the South: the Reds of Southern France.

Cahors –Chateau de Haute-Serre 2010
100% Malbec (known locally as Auxerrois or Cot), and inky dark & rugged, will challenge these two blends below. Watch out though, because the 2008 won the bronze medal in open competition at the Agricole Paris 2010, and the gold in the competition at Macon.

St Chinian – Domaine Jougla, Initiale 2009
A traditional Rhone style blend, Mourvedre (40%), Grenache (30%), Syrah (30%), food friendly and benefiting from excellent soil, (schist, clay and limestone), close to the Mediterranean Sea. Peppery flavors with aromas of blackberry and cherry jam.

Lirac – Domaine Pelaquie 2009
The family Pelaquie has been making wine in the region since the 16th century. This is a medium bodied blend of Grenache/Mourvedre from the Southern Rhone, soft with good acidity and much fruit-  especially raspberry and black cherry.

With cheese from Saxelby's. DJ Ilmo spins vinyl.

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

LISA'S WEDNESDAY VIDEO WINE-ING! - BURGUNDY RESULTS

TRI-COLOR! SANCERRE BATTLE: RED vs WHITE vs ROSE

BARRAMUNDAYS, WINE & VINYL
Spring is HERE..

 Crazy weather has ever been a sure sign of Spring in NYC- one day warm and sultry, (Sauvignon Blanc, anyone?), and the next crisp, sunny and blustery, (a light Pinot Noir, perhaps). . And of course, let's not forget Spring's queen, Rose!

Tonight, you can celebrate Spring's charming and changeable nature by sampling three Sancerres from Domaine Sautereau: Red, White, and Rose. All 2010, a pretty good year as well, according to those who know, especially if you like your Sancerre to taste like Sancerre: that is, with a high minerality and acidity.

Domaine Sautereau has been making Sancerre for nine generations, and David Sautereau has made 2010 Sancerres using only wild yeasts, which should in theory yield a strong sense of place, as well as heightened clarity and freshness. Let's find out!

Paired with Twig Wheel raw goat/cow's milk washed rind cheese, (West Cornwall VT),  from Saxelby's Cheesemongers, in the Essex Market.

DJ Ilmo brings the cool loung-y tunes on vinyl all night long.  

Tonight!
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

BURGUNDY BLIND BATTLE

Barramundays Wine & Vinyl
Burgundy's famed terrior
The concept of terrior, or 'a sense of place', is taken seriously nowhere more than the red wines of Burgundy, France. Two vineyards full of Pinot Noir less than a mile apart, for example, can yield wildly different wines- even if they are the same vintage. This is what a difference the soil makes, as well as many other factors: slope of the land, exposure to wind (or lack thereof), the local flora, etc.
Tonight at Barramundi we will taste three Burgundies, at three different price points. Vote on your favorite, and get any glass for a mere $8, (even if it's worth twice as much)!
All this, paired with delicious artisanal cheese from Saxelby Cheesemongers in the Essex Market.
DJ Ilmo spins rare, eclectic vinyl all night long.
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

LISA'S WEDNESDAY VIDEO WINE-ING! - LOIRE VALLEY RESULTS

LOIRE VALLEY REDS: TOURAINE vs CHINON vs SANCERRE

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL
Red Renegades of the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is primarily known for it's fantastic white wines: Muscadet, Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, and Vouvray to name a few. However, the same soil and climate variations that create the distinctive styles of the Loire's white wines also contribute to some lovely and unique red wines with that same freshness and higher acidity. Rarely is oak used in any Loire Valley wines.

I suppose this battle may be about regions within the Loire, with two contenders hailing from the Middle Loire and one from the Upper Loire. How will these fresh and earthy reds fare against each other? And perhaps more importantly, how will they stand up to the American palate, as a group?


Domiane Sautereau, Sancerre Red 2010 
We just tasted this one in our Pinot Noir Battle a few weeks ago. Even though it's my fave, it placed last (!), probably for the very reasons I liked it: it's light, fruity/earthy with that famous Sancerre minerality. It will be interesting to taste it in a battle with its peers. This is our contender from the Upper Loire.

Clos de la Briderie, Touraine-Mesland 2009
This is a blend from the Middle Loire: 40% Cot (Malbec), 30% Gamay, 30% Cabernet Franc. This should have great berry fruit from the Gamay, green pepper from the Cab Franc, and soft tannins from the Malbec. I think.

Domaine du Colombier, Chinon 2009
100% Cabernet Franc, this wine has been in a few of our battles in the past, but again, it will be interesting to see it pitted against its brothers. Expect typical pepper/green pepper, strawberry & cherry with soft tannins.


I love the Loire Valley.

with Cheese by Saxelby's, and tunes by DJ Ilmo

at Barramundi
67 Clinton St

NYC

LISA'S WEDNESDAY VIDEO WINE-ING! - BORDEAUX BLIND TASTING

BLIND BORDEAUX BATTLE! AT LAST!

BARRAMUNDAYS, WINE & VINYL
Bordeaux Blind Tasting!




Tonight we have three Bordeaux to taste, at three different price points. No matter which way you vote, your glass of Bordeaux will cost only $8- even if it normally costs twice as much! Who will win this most exciting Blind Battle? Will it be a Right Bank blend with Merlot dominating, or a Cab Contender from the Left Bank?



Paired with cheese from our friends at Saxelby's Cheesemongers in the Essex Market, and tunes by DJ Ilmo!

at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC