Saturday, December 15, 2007

Enoteca Drago's Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve Holiday Specials


New Year's Eve Specials
Monday, December 31st, 2007
(Regular House Menu Will Be Available As Well)

Zuppa di Lenticchie Verdi can Cotecchino $9

Green Lentil Soup with Traditional Italian Holliday Sausage


Insalata D’Aragosta con Peperoni Arrosto e Cetrioli $18

Main Lobster Salad served with Roasted Bell Peppers and Cucumbers


Crespelle con Funghi Porcini, Fonduta di Formaggio e Tartufo. $18

Crespelle filled with Porcini Mushrooms and served with Fontina Cheese Fondue and Truffles


Risotto con Ricci Di Mare e Caviale, Profumato al Limone $18

Sea Urchin Risotto with Caviar, Lemon infusion and Micro Shizu


Filetto di Pesce San Pietro in Guazzetto al Cartoccio. $34

John Dory Filet and Shrimp in an Herb Broth served in Parchment


Filettini Di Vitella Avvolti con Steck, Tortino Di Polenta, Salsa di Porro Profumata al Tartufo. $34

Roasted Veal Fillet Wrapped with Speck served with a Leek Truffle Sauce and Polenta


Torta di Cioccolata Bianca e Amarene, Gelato Alla Menta $10

White Chocolate and Amarene Cherry Torte served with fresh Mint Ice Cream

Available A La Carte

Or

Seven Course Tasting Menu for $85

Please call for Reservations today. Space will be limited - 310.786.8236

_________________________________________________________________

Monday, December 24th, 2007

(Regular House Menu Will Be Available As Well)


Zuppa D’Aragosta e Fagioli Cerati
$13

Lobster Soup with fresh Cranberry Beans


Insalatina con Calamari all Griglia, Finocchi e Arance Sanguigne $15

Grilled Calamari Salad with Fennel and Blood Oranges



Trofie con Frutti di Mare Aromatizzate con Pesto $18

Fresh Ligurian Pasta with Seafood Sauce aromatized with Basil Pesto


Baccala’ in Umido alla Siciliana $28

Salt Cured Cod baked in a Tomato, Caper, Potato and Olive Broth


Filetto di Branzino in Padella, Pure di Piselli, Salsa ai Peperoni $32

Pan Roasted Sea Bass, English Pea puree and yellow Bell Pepper Sauce


Panettone di Natale con Zabaione al Torrone e Frutti di Bosco $9

Traditional Christmas Cake served with Nougat Sabayon and fresh Berries

Please call today for Reservations. Space will be limited: 310-786-8236
____________________________________________________________

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Monday, December 10, 2007

Castello di Fonterutoli Wine Tasting

This Wednesday we will be sipping on delicious Chianti's from Tuscany.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Bottega Vinaia Wine Tasting on Wednesday, November 28th!

We will be serving 4 wines from Bottega Vinaia listed below any time after 5pm in the bar area for just $25.00, plus tax and service.

Bring friends, make some new ones and you might even learn a little something about wine!
Buon Appetito,
Celestino Drago

Pinot Grigio

Chardonnay

Pinot Noir
Teroldega
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Monday, November 12, 2007

Argiano Wine Tasting on Wednesday, November 14th, 2007

Listed below are the Argiano wines we will be serving at Enoteca Drago's Weekly Wednesday Wine Tasting along with complimentary appetizers any time after 5pm in the bar area;
Rosso di Montalcino
~

Non Confoditur
~

Brunello di Montalcino
Cost: $25.00, plus tax and gratuity

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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Spanish Wine Tasting Wednesday, November 7th!

Please join us tomorrow at Enoteca Drago for a fantastic Spanish Wine Tasting served with complimentary appetizers any time after 5pm in the bar area for only $25.00, plus tax and gratuity. Bring friends, make some new ones and you might even learn a little something about wine.

Listed below are the specific wines we will be pouring along with their descriptions. Hope to see you soon!

1.
Winery:
Vionta
Grape: Alborino
Region: Rias Baixis, Spain

"White wine with a distinctive straw yellow colour with lemon highlights. It is bright and clean in primary aromas, intense and frank to the palate, pleasant and with a long aftertaste. It is a wine with personality!"
Vionta.com

2.
Winery: Creu De Lavit
Grape: Xar-Lo
Region:
Penedes, Spain

"Creu de Lavit (CRU-deh-la-VEET) is made exclusively from Xarel-lo (sha-REL-o), a native Penedès varietal and one of the white grapes used in the production of cava. Xarel-lo yields an aromatic wine with good body and medium acidity. Creu de Lavit uses all hand-harvested, estate-grown grapes from 30-45 year old vines.

This is a perfect wine to serve as a summer aperitif in warm weather. It’s inviting and refreshing with green apple and citrus fruit aromas with a touch of spice. In the mouth, the wine is bright and balanced with tangy grapefruit flavor cut by ripe pear and a hint of melon and white pepper. The finish is long and layered with a zesty and satisfying close.

The brisk acidity of this wine makes it an excellent aperitif or to serve with a spicy southeastern Asian dish, such as grilled chicken with Thai chili sauce. It would also complement steamed mussels or clams in a garlic broth. Or serve this wine after or before dinner with your favorite blue cheese, perhaps a Cabrales from Spain"
Wine.com

3.
Winery: Valdubon
Grape: Tempranillo
Region: Ribera Del Duero, Spain

"The fruit is fresh and deep, the palate is clean and ripe, and the finish is just long enough. I always love nicely purple wines because they suggest a deep richness that usually isn’t found in brick red or amber hued wines. That is the case here with this solid, easy drinking, easy pairing gem."
Wine Zap.com

4.
Winery: Morlanda Crianza
Grape: Grancha Blend

Region: Priorat

"You can almost taste the ancient stones of Priorat in this wine. There is a remarkable intensity of red stone fruit, dominated by black cherry with a hint of dark spice. Layers of flavor linger through the long, wraparound finish. The mouth feel is rich, supple and complex. You can drink this now, but it will be even better after five to eight years in the bottle."
Izowine.com

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Monday, October 29, 2007

Enoteca Drago's White Truffle Menu 2007

White Truffles are here! Celestino Drago put together this special menu that includes some classics as well as a few new dishes to be enjoyed either with or without these extravagant treasures.

MENU
Torta Rustica di Patate e Cipolle con Uovo in Camicia, Fontina di Vald' Ostana e Tartufo Bianco
Rustic Potato and Onion Tart with Poached Egg, Fontina Cheese and White Truffles
$125.00
(without Truffles - $15.00)
~
Minestra di Polenta, Code di Gamberi e Tartufo Bianco
Organic Polenta and Shrimp Soup with White Truffles
$55.00
(without Truffles - $10.00)
~
Tagliolini all'Uovo, Parmiggiano e Tartufo Bianco
Tagliolini Pasta, Butter, Parmesan Cheese and White Truffles
$125.00
~
Risotto con Fonduta di Formaggio e Tartufo Bianco
Risotto with Cheese Fondue and White Truffles
$125.00
~
Filettini di Vitella e Prosciutto con Pure' di Patate, Salsa al Naturale e Tartufo Bianco
Pan Roasted Veal Tenderloin wrapped in Prosciutto served with Potato Puree, Veal Au Jus and White Truffles
$155.00
(without Truffles - $35.00)
All items available a la carte
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Monday, October 22, 2007

Clos Du Val Wine Tasting this Wednesday!

Please join us at Enoteca Drago this Wednesday, October 24th and sample 4 wonderful wines with appetizers for only $25.00, plus tax and gratuity.
Taltarni Brut Tache Sparkling Wine NV
From Tasmania

Taltarni Lally Gully Riesling 2005
From Tasmania

Clos Du Val Pinot Noir 2005
Carneros

Clos Du Val Cabernet 2004
Napa
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Monday, October 15, 2007

Stags' Leap Wine Tasting at Enoteca Drago

Please join us at Enoteca Drago this Wednesday, October 17th, for a fantastic Stags' Leap wine tasting available any time after 5pm in the bar area for only $25.00, plus tax and gratuity. Bring friends, make some new ones, and you might even learn a little something about wine!

"Just seven miles north of Napa, in a valley within a valley, lies the century-old, 240-acre wine estate known as Stags' Leap. Little has changed here since 1893, the year the winery was founded by Horace Chase and his wife Minnie Mizner Chase, the daughter of a prominent San Franciscan who was a U.S. Senator and Ambassador to Central America." *

~
Please visit the Stag's Leap Website here
~

*http://www.stagsleapwinery.com/history/index.html
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Monday, October 08, 2007

Castello Banfi Wine Tasting


We are thrilled to be hosting a Castello Banfi Wine Tasting at Enoteca Drago this Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 for only $20.00 per person, including complimentary appetizers. Bring friends, make some new ones and you might even learn a little something new about wine!

Listed below are the specific wines we will be pouring;
Banfi Centine Rosso Toscana 2005
Banfi Chianti Classico 2004
Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2005
Banfi Brachetto Rose Regale 2006

For more information about the history and wines of Castello Banfi, please click here
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Monday, September 10, 2007

Produttori del Barbaresco Wine Tasting at Enoteca Drago on Wednesday, October 3rd!

Please join us for a very special Produttori del Barbaresco wine tasting available any time after 5pm in the bar area with complementary pizza and appetizers for $30.00, plus tax and gratuity.
~
"Before 1894, Nebbiolo grapes where sold to make Barolo wine or simply labeled «Nebbiolo di Barbaresco». But in 1894, Domizio Cavazza, headmaster of the Royal Enological School of Alba and a Barbaresco resident, created the first cooperative, the «Cantine Sociali», by gathering together nine Barbaresco vineyard owners to make wine in the local castle that he owned.

He understood well the differences between the same grape, the Nebbiolo, grown in the different areas of Barolo and Barbaresco and, for the first time, recognized it on the wine label.


The «Cantine Sociali» was closed in the 1920'S because of fascist economic rules. In 1958, the priest of the village of Barbaresco, recognizing that the only way the small properties could survive was by joining their efforts, gathered together nineteen small growers and founded the Produttori del Barbaresco.


The first three vintages were made in the church basement, then in the winery built across the square where the Produttori is still located. United once again, the small growers continued the work started by Domizio Cavazza, producing only Barbaresco wine and enhancing both the reputation of the wine and the village.


The proud past of Barbaresco and the dedication of its creators have made the Produttori one of the greatest producers in a great wine-producing area; it... «continues to set some of the highest standards of wine making for any cooperative in the world». (Robert M. Parker, Jr.; The Wine Advocate, 2-28-90).


The Produttori del Barbaresco, founded in 1958, now has 56 members and 100 hectares (250 acres) of Nebbiolo vineyards in the Barbaresco appelation, which is almost 1/6 of the vineyards of the area.


Each family is in full control of its land, growing Nebbiolo grapes with centuries old skill and dedication.


The winery produces a Barbaresco D.O.C.G., a blend of Nebbiolo grapes harvested in different vineyards, and a simpler Nebbiolo Langhe suited for earlier consumption.


In great vintages, nine single-vineyard Barbarescos are produced from nine classic premium sites within the Barbaresco village boundaries: Asili, Rabajà, Pora, Montestefano, Ovello, Pajé, Montefico, Moccagatta and Rio Sordo. These are the geographical names of sites where Nebbiolo grapes have always been cultivated. The names of the single-vineyards, the total number of bottles produced, and the name of the owners of the vineyards are marked on the labels.


The Produttori del Barbaresco, which vinifies only Nebbiolo grapes, produces around420,000 bottles (35,000 cases) per year. In a good vintage they are divided among Barbaresco (40 %), single vineyard Barbarescos (40%) and Nebbiolo Langhe (20%)."



Produttori del Barbaresco Wine Tasting at Enoteca Drago on Wednesday, October 3rd!SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Monday, August 27, 2007

Casa Barranca Wine Tasting

Please join us this coming Wednesday to enjoy 4 delicious Casa Barranca wines any time after 5pm in the bar area. Bring friends, make some new ones and you might even learn a little something new about wine!


Viognier Wulf Vineyard 2006
"A fragrant bouquet punctuated by roses. Full of satisfying ripe fruit and balanced by mineral and herb notes. Dense and rich with a balance of freshness and structure. A fantastic and versatile wine to accompany everything from grilled fish to spicy, exotic Asian dishes to the most delicate of custards and cakes. A spectacular alternative white wine with a pale golden green hue."*



Pinot Noir Arroyo Grande 2004
"Laetitia Vineyard in Arroyo Grande has been farming organically with no pesticides or herbicides for many years and will be certified organic next vintage. Aromas of ripe black cherry and raspberry fruit dominate the nose. On the palate, the concentrated raspberry and cherry fruit are mouth filling with great depth of flavor extending into a long finish with hints of vanilla and toasty oak. Very much in the Burgundian mode, this dark garnet colored Pinot can be paired with almost any dish, from grilled vegetables, grilled salmon or seared ahi to pasta and a wide array of cheese. This cuvee' is a blend of clones 667 and 115 which contribute greatly to it's complexity."*

Syrah Barrel Select 2004
"Rich and profound nose of wild strawberries and red currant. A vivid wine manifesting eminent purity, the palate offers a singular profusion of sweet licorice. A versatile, all around red that is as great a duet with cheeses and tomato based pasta sauces as it is grilled or roasted beef or lamb."*

Bungalow Red 2006
"Casa Barranca Wines wins competition From Ventura County Star, Mar 16th 2006Casa Barranca Wines, an Ojai winery, emerged from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, held in February, with an assortment of accolades including a Double Gold Medal for its 2004 Bungalow Red (Syrah/Grenache blend). The winery also earned honors for its 2004 Pinot Noir (Gold Medal), 2004 Cabernet/Merlot Blend (Silver Medal), and 2003 Syrah (Silver Medal)."

*Casa Barranca Winery Website








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Monday, August 20, 2007

Feudi di San Gregorio Wine Tasting on Wednesday, August 22nd!

Please join us at Enoteca Drago any time after 5pm in the bar area to sample 4 fantastic wines from Feudi di San Gregorio while enjoying thin crust pizzas and authentic Italian appetizers for $25.00, plus tax and gratuity.


Fiano di Avellino 2005

Produced with Candida's, Parolise's and Sorbo Serpico's grapes, Fiano di Avellino has a pale straw yellow colour, elegant scents with floral and fruity tones, pleasant mineral notes enriched with resinous scents and a hint of honey after ageing.
It tastes dry, fine, full-bodied, structured and balanced on the palate, with a lingering aroma of ripe peach and pear. (http://www.feudi.it/eng/intro.aspx)

Pietra Calda 2004
Produced with
Fiano grapes from Sorbo Serpico vines, it has a brilliant straw yellow color with a substantial texture in glass. On the nose, an array of floral and fruity sensations followed by a distinct note of white pepper and hints of fresh sage.
A delicate geranium nuance compliments the apricot, ripe peach and tropical fruit character. On the palate the structure is balanced by a fresh, mineral presence that confers the wine notable elegance. The harmonious finish offers overtones of walnuts, yellow-fleshed fruit and lemon peel. (http://www.feudi.it/eng/intro.aspx)


Feudi di San Gregorio Primitivo di Manduria di Ognissole 2005

Deep ruby red with violet reflections. Complex, powerful, spicy hints of clove and black pepper with woodsy undertones. Suggestions of wild cherry and prune. Soft, consistent, with an excellent balance of acidity and tannins. Velvety smooth. Closes with lingering sensations of cocoa and coffee. Serving Suggestions: Serve with red meats, richly flavored pastas and risottos, casseroles, stews and a wide range of hard and semi-hard cheeses (thewinebuyer.com)


Serpico 2003
Irpinia Aglianico IGT

Dedicated to the village where the cellars of Feudi di San Gregorio are, Serpico is produced from Aglianico grapes, belonging to centuries - old vines.

Matured at length in barrique, Serpico has an intense ruby red colour, a complex and lingering bouquet of cherry preserve, sweet spices, liquorice, coffee and cocoa.

In the mouth it has remarkable concentration and flavour with a very long finish of wild berries and toasted overtones. (http://www.feudi.it/eng/intro.aspx)

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Monday, August 13, 2007

Frank Family Vineyard Wine Tasting

Enoteca Drago is proud to be hosting a Frank Family Vineyard Wine Tasting this coming Wednesday, August 15th, 2007, any time after 5pm in the bar area. These delicious wines from Napa are only available at the Winery and in a small handful of restaurants and retailers. Please don't miss this rare opportunity to enjoy 4 wines while enjoying thin crust pizzas and authentic Italian appetizers and you may also learn more about what makes these wines so very special.

Please visit the Frank Family Vineyard website for specific wine details.

Cost: $30, plus tax and gratuity
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Monday, August 06, 2007

Castello di Ama Wine Tasting

Please join us this Wednesday, August 8th, 2007, for a Castello di Ama Wine Tasting at Enoteca Drago. Come by any time after 5pm and enjoy 4 wines in the bar area along with complimentary thin crust pizzas and appetizers for $25.00, plus tax and gratuity.

Also, check out the specific wines we will be sampling listed below and for more information about all the Castello di Ama Wines, please visit their website at http://www.castellodiama.com/english/index.php

Rosato 2006

Al Poggio Chardonnay 2005
Chianti Classico 2003
and we are finishing with a Vin Santo 1999.
Hope to see you there!
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Monday, July 30, 2007

Daniel Schuster Wine Tasting this Wednesday!

Please join us on Wednesday, August 1st, 2007, for a Daniel Schuster Wine Tasting. Come sample 4 delicious wines from New Zealand any time after 5pm while nibbling on thin crust pizzas and appetizers for $25.00, plus tax and gratuity.
We hope to see you soon,
Celestino Drago and the entire staff at Enoteca Drago

2002 Chardonnay Petrie
2006 Sauvignon Blanc
2005 Pinot Noir Waipara
2006 Late Harvest Reisling
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Monday, July 16, 2007

BR Cohn Wine Tasting


On Wednesday, July 25th, 2007, Enoteca Drago is proud to be hosting a B.R. Cohn Wine Tasting. Please join us any time after 5pm to sample the wines listed below while nibbling on complementary appetizers for $25.00, plus tax and gratuity. You can also visit the B.R. Cohn Website to learn more about these wonderful wines.
~
B.R. Cohn Sonoma County Chardonnay 2006
"Our 2006 Chardonnay is packed with pear, apple and citrus aromas, and shows exceptional depth and body. It offers rich flavors of green apple with a hint of lemon, and is surrounded by toasty French oak, followed by a clean, crisp, lingering finish. This Chardonnay is barrel fermented in French oak and aged sur lies for eight months. Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with your favorite grilled seafood or poultry."

TECHNICAL DATA:
Appellation: Sonoma County
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.1%
Aged: 8 months in French oak barrels
Cases Produced: 4,300
~
B.R. Cohn North Coast Silver Label Cabernet 2005
"The 2005 Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon reflects a blending of grapes grown from the B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Estate Vineyard and select North Coast vineyards. This combination offers full, rich flavors of berry, cassis and black cherry with hints of vanilla in the background. Aging with French oak adds complexity and depth, resulting in a high quality Cabernet Sauvignon with great value."

TECHNICAL DATA:
Appellation: North Coast
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.1%
Aged: In premium French oak
15000
~
Sonoma Valley Merlot 2004
"Our 2004 Sonoma Valley Merlot is a blend of the finest Merlot vineyards in the Sonoma Valley. These grapes provide wonderful aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry, bright cherry and a hint of anise. Aged in the best tight grain French oak barrels, adds complexity, toasty vanilla, and supple tannins for a long smooth finish"

TECHNICAL DATA:
Appellation: Sonoma Valley
Blend: 100% Merlot
Alcohol: 14.3%
Aged: 20 months in premium French and American oak barrels
Cases Produced:: 2,045
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Sonoma Valley Olive Hill Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
"B.R. Cohn Winery has consistently produced one of the premier Cabernets in California from our Olive Hill Estate Vineyards in the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Underground natural hot springs warm the soil, and gentle ocean breezes create a unique microclimate perfectly suited for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The warm 2004 growing season, along with a light crop and small concentrated berries produced a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with rich, ripe fruit. This wine has deep aromas of cherry, black currant, and plum, wrapped in French oak, anise and mint. Luscious berry and cherry flavors fill the palate, and silky tannins follow through to a warm, lasting finish. This wine was fermented in small lots and aged for 24 months in the finest tight-grain French oak barrels."
TECHNICAL DATA:
Appellation: Sonoma County
Viticutural Area: Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Olive Hill Estate Vineyards
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.3%
Aged: 24 months in tight-grain French oak barrels
Cases Produced: 3,600
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Friday, July 06, 2007

Laetitia Wine Tasting Wednesday, July 11th!

On Wednesday, July 11th, we will be pouring 4 delicious Laetitia Wines from the Arroyo Grande Valley; Brut Rose, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir Reserve and Syrah any time after 5pm in the bar area along with thin crust pizzas and authentic Italian appetizers for $25.00, plus tax and service.

The Laetitia website descriptions of the specific wines we will be pouring are listed below. You may click here or on the labels to visit their site directly.



Laetitia Brut Rose

"A blending of our three base wines, this Brut Cuvee begins in January following our harvest. Laetitia Chardonnay provides elegant citrus and green apple flavors. Our Pinot Noir exhibits subtle earthy black cherry, red fruit nuances and a kiss of our Pinot Blanc adds soft melon traces which round out the palate. The result is a wine that is perfectly fresh and lively which carries on the tradition of ele
gance that Laetitia wines are famous for. Enjoy this wine with cheeses, seafood, chicken or white pasta dishes. Enjoy it between courses to freshen the palate and especially enjoy it with friends, anytime."



Laetitia Pinot Blanc

"Ripe aromas of melon and tropical fruit greet the nose and are reflected on the palate. Rich pear flavors are layered with citrus notes of lemon, lime and grapefruit. Artfully balanced, the rich fruit layers are underscored by our vineyards distinct mineral character and crisp acidity. Nice viscosity and subtle oak nuances combine for stylish, elegant finish."




Laetitia Pinot Noir
"Elegant and refined the 2005 Reserve presents deep rich flavors of black cherry, black plum, fig and wet river stone. The fruit from clone 667 contributes intense, plush, dark flavors to the mix while clone 115 grapes add lovely fruit and floral elements in the nose, clone 2A adds texture and a refined tannic structure. The 2005 Reserve style is smooth, and seamless with complex layers of luscious fruit layered over undertones of truffles, toasty oak and spicy leather."



Laetitia Syrah
"Dark, dense plum in color, this cool climate Syrah offers an elegant mixture of boysenberry pie, spicy rose and cedar scents in the nose. The aromas are mirrored on the palate with a lively blend of rich berry and cassis, with a twist of anise. Layers of pepper, spice and mocha add complexity to this velvety smooth wine. The firm, yet polished tannins give way to a long, rich finish that echoes of black pepper, with a touch of dark chocolate and raspberry."
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Monday, June 25, 2007

Tenuta Luisa Wine Tasting

On Wednesday, June 27th, 2007, we will be tasting Tenuta Luisa wines at Enoteca Drago. Translated (loosely) below are the wine descriptions from their website. Please visit Tenuta Luisa to learn more about this wonderful Friulian winery.


Tocai Friulano
DOC Isonzo of the Friuli
Variety of the grapes: 100% Tocai Friulano
Maturation: 7 months steel, 2 months bottle
Organolettiche characteristics: representative of the enologia and the viticulture of Friuli. Intense yellow color; it introduces famous florals and yields aromas that reflect the characteristic scent of bitter almond. Rigorously dry taste, but with moderated acidity, always round, wide, velvety.
Temperature of service: 10°-12° C.



Sauvignon Blanc
DOC Isonzo of the Friuli
Variety of the grapes: 100% Sauvignon
Maturation: 7 months steel, 2 months bottle
Organolettiche characteristics: of golden yellow color. Very fine with a bouquet that remembers the sage, the capsicum, the tomato leaf. Wine of great structure and at the same time equipped of optimal acidity.
Gastronomic coupling: first plates complemented by the decided taste, fruits of sea and crustaceans
Temperature of service: 10°-12° C.



Cabernet Franc
Characteristics: Land and microclimate, but also a tradition perpetuated by generations of viticulture concur to giving to this wine one rare personality. Intense, herbaceous, typically aciduous and of body, but above all, an unsurpassable nobility of aromas and scents, harmonic and refined.
Gastronomic coupling: it is a great wine with game, red meats (roasted and grilled) but also well seasoned Montasio cheese.
Temperature of service: 15°-17°.



Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
Characteristics: intense, tannic, low alcohol
Scent: vinoso-yielded, with clear scent of wild raspberry and mora, herbaceous, personalized. It pleasantly assumes a wide bouquet.
Gastronomico coupling: it is wine for all meals, excluding fish. Particularly it is paired well with the regional dishes of Friulani.
Temperature of service: 15°-17°.

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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

La Fenetre Wine Tasting

Enoteca Drago will be hosting a La Fenetre Wine Tasting next Wednesday, June 20th, 2007. Join us any time after 5pm in the bar area and sample the delicious wines listed below while enjoying thin crust pizzas and complementary appetizers.

For more information about La Fenetre Winery, please visit http://www.timelesspalates.com


2005 La Fenêtre Bien Nacido Vineyard “Block Eleven” Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley

100% Chardonnay from a hillside planted exclusively for Bob Lindquist of Qupé, this wine consists of juice that has been in barrel for the past 18 months. Like the 2004, it has been aged in 25% new, 50% 1 year old, and 25% neutral French oak. The wine has been given limited new oak contact in order to allow the rich minerality of the hillside to show through.

Again the wine is styled like a great Meursault. It is rich and creamy, but also boasts a zingy acidity. This perfectly balanced wine speaks of vanilla, almonds, and crème brûlée with a hint of sour apple and lime.

Approximately 90 cases produced

2005 La Fenêtre Au Bon Climat Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

100% Pinot Noir from the legendary Jim Clendenen's estate vineyard, this wine was made in a style more reminiscent of Burgundy. The Santa Maria Valley provides ideal growing conditions for perfect cool climate Pinot Noir. The ideal conditions of the 2005 vintage produced a silky, rich, and meaty wine that has a long elegant finish.

The wine has been aged 18 months in 33% new French oak giving it notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice to go along with red berries, plum, and cola.

Approximately 65 cases produced

2005 La Fenêtre Barnwood Vineyard ‘South Mesa’ Syrah, Santa Barbara County

The South Mesa of Barnwwod Vineyard is quickly becoming one of Santa Barbara's best sites for high altitude Syrah. Sitting above sea level at 3200 feet, the small concentrated berries struggle to ripen fostering intense concentration and complex flavors.

The wine is developing beautifully having spent 18 months in 100% French oak barrels. The color is dark purple, almost black. The wine has a beautiful, high toned floral essence, and loads of spice. On the palate there is generous blackberry, black pepper, and licorice.

Approximately 150 cases produced

2005 La Fenêtre Barnwood Vineyard ‘South Mesa’ Cabernet, Santa Barbara County

The high altitude Cabernet at Barnwood Vineyard's South Mesa is some of the very best in Santa Barbara County. At 3200 feet above sea level, the site produces small, concentrated berries that are absolutely delicious and unique in a region where Cabernet Sauvignon is not abundant.

Tasted recently the wine is powerful and ripe, yet elegant. Bottled after 18 months in French oak, the juice is black with a dark red, almost purple rim. The wine boasts dark fruit and berries including plums and blackberries as well as raisins, tobacco, green pepper, and a hint of burnt caramel. The wine has the lovely soft tannins required for cellaring, a meaty midpalate, and a long finish.

Approximately 90 cases produced

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Monday, June 04, 2007

Abbazia di Novacella Wine Tasting

Please join us for a Wine Tasting at Enoteca Drago any time after 5pm in the bar area this Wednesday, June 6th, 2007. Complementary thin crust pizzas and authentic Italian appetizers will be served as well. Listed below are the wines we will be pouring with more information about each specific wine available by clicking on its label.

"Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance."
Benjamin Franklin

Abbazia di Novacella Lagrein 2004



Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Grigio 2006


Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Nero 2005



Abbazia di Novacella Veltliner 2006

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

On Wednesday, May 30th, Enoteca Drago is proud to be hosting a Pelissero Wine Tasting. Join us any time after 5pm in the bar area to taste 4 delicious Pelissero wines from Piedmont while nibbling on complementary pizzas and appetizers for just $25.00. Bring friends, make some new ones and you might even learn a little something about wine!

All of the wine descriptions below are from the Pelissero Website. Please visit the Pelissero Website for more information about the winery.

Dolcetto d'Alba Munfrina

Dolcetto is one of the most important wines of our production. The microclimate and the soil of the district of Treiso, suitable for the production of a great wine such as Nebbiolo, provides Dolcetto with a good tannic structure made up of sweet, round tannins. Munfrina is the name of one of our two Dolcettos, which come from two different vineyards.

On creating Dolcetto, we try to exalt its characteristics with the help of selected yeast. Temperature is controlled during fermentation and maceration is short in order to preserve the fragrance and easiness of the wine It matures in stainless steel vats for about 6/7 months, then in bottles for a month before it is released for sale.

The aroma is fruity and open, and the intense violet red colour offers an agreeable visual impact. In the mouth, its complexity amalgamates with the tannic, acid and alcoholic components which render the wine very savoury but still pleasing. The slightly bitterish aftertaste is the typical trait of this variety.

Barbera d'Alba Piani

The grapes for this Barbaresco come from rented vineyards located on hills slopes facing south-west, whose average age was twenty-five years old when we produced the wine for the first time in 1994. Clay, present in the soil in small quantities, confers the wine some tannic astringency that makes it pleasantly dry.

Produced using modern equipment and techniques but still in a traditional way, it combines the harshness of the variety with the flexibility of the new tendencies coming from the international market that promote pleasantness and persuasiveness.

After 18 months spent in either 30/40 hl.-oak casks or barriques, the wine is blended in equal proportion. This is made to avoid too much wood in it. Nine more months in bottles and it will be ready for sale.

A vivacious ruby red colour is in its heart, and complex and fruity aromas go to the nose, with evident notes of wood. Its dry personality and tannic sensations explode in the mouth, creating a velvety and wrapping frame typical of this variety.

Langhe Nebbiolo

Produced from a singe variety grape, this red wine is created from Nebbiolo grapes that are not suitable for Barbaresco because some of them come from recently planted vineyards. Therefore, in our opinion, they are not yet sufficiently mature to be used for the production of the great Barbaresco.

On the vinification, we try our best to enhance the variety’s characteristic freshness. The maceration is not very long and the temperature is controlled in order to obtain fresh smelling and tasting sensations. Ageing takes place for about 8 to 9 months in two ways: 20/30 % in barriques (a part of which are new and vary year after year), and the rest in 39/49 hl. oak casks. Then, the two parts are blended and the resulting wine is let to rest in bottles for about two months before is released for sale.

It has a limpid and brilliant violet red colour with lighter tones from the tannins present, which are evident on the edge between the wine and the glass. The smelling sensations are open, fragrant and persistent, suggesting the readiness of the wine and the fruity properties characteristic of raspberries and strawberries. The tasting sensations persist and evidence a slightly tannic note, typical of young Nebbiolo, and combine with other wine components (protein, salt and three-valence alcohol). Good aftertaste with long and stimu
lating finish.

Barbaresco Nubiola 2003

This Barbaresco shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of brick red, moderate transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas that start with hints of cherry, plum and raspberry followed by aromas of violet, cyclamen, vanilla, cinnamon, licorice, tobacco, mushroom, chocolate and menthol. The mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and pleasing crispness, however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors. The finish is persistent with flavors of cherry and plum. A well made wine. Barbaresco Nubiola ages in cask.





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Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Bertani Wine Tasting on Wednsesday, May 23rd

Bertani Wine Tasting
Sample 4 - 5 delicious Bertani Wines while nibbling on complementary appetizers after 5pm in the bar area for just $25, plus tax and service. For more information about each specific wine, please click on the Wine Labels below.
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Friday, May 04, 2007

Poggio Agentiera Wine Tasting Information

Half the fun of these wine events (alright maybe not half) is learning about the wine ahead of time. The history behind Poggio Argentiera is an interesting one. Check out these websites for more information; The Poggio Argentiera Website

Don't forget, it's on Wednesday, May 9th, 2007, any time after 5pm at Enoteca Drago. Hope to see you there!


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