Find Us
Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
$20.00 $16.00
The Conero region in Marche has winemaking roots tracing back to the 10th Century B.C. and the Etruscan period. Though Abruzzo gets much of the credit for Montepulciano, it is this staple in Northern Italy known for its chalky, limestone soils as well as birthing the famous winemaker, Cesare Mondavi, who made the most expressive and interesting versions of the native Italian grape.
Picking up where the great Mondavi left off, there are several wineries in the region that help pace this gorgeous wine region. One of those for the last 100+ years has been the Garofoli family,
Gianluca is the latest Garofoli in a long and proud line to lead the show at his family’s winery. He makes some beautiful white wines and Reds from Verdicchio to Montepulciano. I love this expression of Montepulciano because the vineyard benefits greatly from the ocean giving the wine a gorgeous natural salinity. As Eric Guido noted for Vinous, “This is the most northern location in Italy that you’ll find a DOC Montepulciano which, combined with the poor soils and moderating influences of the Adriatic coast, produces fruit that is packed full of character.”
90 Points, Vinous
The 2018 Rosso Piancarda is intensely spiced and perfumed, as medicinal cherries and raspberries are complemented by dusty rose and sweet cedar. On the palate, the Piancarda takes a turn towards the savory spectrum. Salty and full of zesty minerality, the 2018 shows sapid red fruits, hints of plum and brisk acids that keep the expression fresh. Grippy tannins linger through the finale, as hints of sour citrus and tart berries slowly taper. The Piancarda is a varietal Montepulciano from the most Northern part of Italy where Montepulciano is produced and refined in large casks.
The Tonelli family are royalty in this region, with four generations of grape growers leading the way and even establishing the local D.O.C. Their 2020 Ponente is 100% Sangiovese and is an absolutely incredible wine for the price. Less than $20/bottle for fleshed out, high-toned, zipped up Sangiovese? Count me in. It screams for pizza or summer salads, squash or a charcuterie plate. It’s about to be one of your new favorites.
92 Points, James Suckling
It’s hard to imagine a wine that delivers more bang for your buck and consistency than what Herve Fabre is able to produce from his 100+ year old vines each vintage. Last year, his Malbec Reserva landed on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Buys of the Year. I called a big score form this one and it has just arrived. It’s a big, full-bodied Malbec from the heart of Mendoza and has great tannic structure and primary fruit, giving it similar characteristics to a Napa Valley Cab. Inviting aromas of raspberry pie, sage, herbs and roasted mushrooms.
The brand new release is here! The 2019 Elouan Oregon Pinot Noir is juiced up with vibrant flavors of raspberry, cranberries, baked cherry pie and a hint of earth. It’s packed with crushed red fruits and finishes with soft, refined tannins that leave a great aftertaste. It’s a great choice any time of the year– delicious by itself or paired with just about anything. In 2019, it saw predominantly fruit from the lush Willamette Valley, adding the cold weather Pinot element to a wine usually more reliant on southern Oregon.
92 Points, James Suckling
Lots of inviting aromas of black cherry, violet, blueberries and spice. The wine attacks you from the first sip with its vibrancy and energy. It’s ready to go, I promise you that. A full-bodied, robust mouthfeel with generous dollops of blue and black fruits, good tannic structure and great balance. Leaves a pleasant aftertaste that has you coming back for another sip time and time again. James Suckling was a big fan, calling it a “gorgeous Red” and a “delicious Morellino”. If you haven’t had a Morellino yet, but love Italian Reds, here you go.
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