SOHO is pleased to continue its Italian journey this week on flight night, Wednesday, March 10.

 

 Sangiovese grapes on the vine

 

First, SOHO will pour a 2007 Brancaia Tre – another example of the exceptional 2007 vintage in Tuscany. The year produced spectacular wines due to good weather conditions and the Brancaia Tre is no exception. The taste is deep and rich with dark fruits. SOHO will also pour a 2006 Brancaia Chianti Classico this week. In 1983, the winery took first place in a major Chianti Classico tasting and, since then, has been producing wonderful Chianti. Lars Snavely, SOHO wine expert, tells me that this wine is rarely offered by the glass, so it is not to be missed this week.

 

Finally, even though Italy is the featured country this month, SOHO will take a short jaunt to Argentina for the week’s third wine – a 2007 Colome Estate Malbec. Founded in 1831, Colome is considered the oldest existing winery in Argentina. After nearly two hundred years, the winery is still producing amazing wine. The 2006 Malbec was number 38 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. SOHO couldn’t pass on the opportunity to share this Malbec with guests – hence, this week’s small detour to Argentina.

 

To complement each wine, Chef Joe has created three new tapas plates. The following will be available through March 17:

 

2007 Brancaia Tre, Tuscany, Italy

80% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Duck ravioli with mushrooms and a marsala cream sauce

 

2007 Colome Estate Malbec, Calchaqui Valley, Argentina

85% Malbec, 8% Tannat, 5% Cabernet Sauvignong, 2% Syrah

Chicken cacciatore with saffron risotto

 

2006 Brancaia Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy

85% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot

Slow braised lamb shanks with herbed puff pastry and diced vegetables

 

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a wine and tapas for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). Please join us soon for a taste of Italy!