We discovered this Botani Old Vines Moscatel at G’Raj Mahal and paired it last night with a spicy clam sauce pasta and melon and prosciutto. This is a fascinating, fully dry Moscatel from Malaga. The nose reminded me of the pink plastic container of facial powder with a big puff inside that my grandmother had […]
Falvo’s Flights
Wine Events of the Week–Austin Sep. 13 to Sep. 20, 2017
Winebelly–Hosts 4 Year Anniversary Party on Wednesday September 13, 2017 from 4 to close. Enjoy $4 wines and snacks. Second Bar and Kitchen Northside–Hosts Wine Wednesday 1/2 Off Rosé on Wednesday September 13, 2017 from 4 to 10 PM. Enjoy half price bottles of rosé. Live music starting at 6 PM. Hill Country Galleria–Hosts September […]
Falvo’s in Flight
The Krug and Ruinart tasting at The Austin Wine Merchant this past Wednesday was indulgent and enlightening. The brand ambassadors were a wealth of knowledge about their respective houses and delightfully entertaining. We tasted so many beautiful wines, but this was perhaps my favorite. The Blanc de Blancs had a toasty nose and warm green […]
Falvo’s in Flight
We visited the Great Salt Lake yesterday. It is a terminal lake, fed by three major rivers but with no outlet other than evaporation. Minerals are concentrated and left behind with the evaporation resulting in a high salinity and mineral content. It’s way saltier than the ocean making it really easy to float. I was […]
Falvo’s in Flight
Educational takeaway from the Variety Focus: Syrah seminar. Rotundone is the chemical compound that produces the peppery notes often found in Syrah. Also found in marjoram, oregano, rosemary and basil, the levels can be “adjusted” in the vineyard. Cooler climates and growing conditions (think higher elevation and canopy cover) promote an increase in rotundone. The […]
Falvo’s in Flight
Another fabulous meal @collideaustin The esquites stole the show with perfectly charred corn kernels, cotija cheese crumbles, pickled Serrano peppers and cilantro. The side of chipotle cream was divine! Shawarma and the cauliflower salad were also delicious with the vino verde. […]
Falvo’s in Flight….
Floreado Sauvignon Blanc Alto Adige DOC 2012. The nose on this opens with overwhelming cat pee….a common Sauvignon Blanc note. But don’t let that put you off. Tropical notes of guava and pineapple follow. The palate sports the same tropical notes with a subtle minerality and a hint of tarragon. Finishes smooth. A great […]
Falvo’s in Flight….
This 2012 Aglianico from Duchman was fantastic. Notes of cherries and tobacco with smooth tannins and well preserved acidity. It’s a sit on a porch while your hubby grills some meat wine.
Falvo’s in Flight….
Central Standard at the South Congress Hotel offers an impressive wine list both by the glass and bottle as well as an innovative cocktail list. I gravitate towards small plates when visiting, but they also have excellent oysters, steak and seafood dishes. The asparagus salad with lump crab, radish, grapefruit and a garlicky tarragon aioli […]
Austin Food and Wine Festival 2017
Leave it to Austin to turn a sleepy food and wine festival into a massive party. I had last attended the festival (which was then called the Texas Hill Country Food and Wine Festival) many years ago when you could still buy an individual ticket to the Grand Taste. It was held on Sunday afternoon […]