WHITE WINE HALF BOTTLES
CHARDONNAY, Dry Creek 2007 $27
Russian River Valley, California
CHARDONNAY, McCrostie 2006 $29
Carneros, California
CHARDONNAY, Grgich Hills 2004 $40
Napa Valley, California
POUILLY-FUISSE, Joseph Drouhin 2007 $29
Burgundy, France
VIOGNIER, Calera Mt Harlan 2006 $28
Central Coast, California
SAUVIGNON FUME BLANC, Dry Creek 2007 $24
Sonoma County, California
SAUVIGNON BLANC-SANCERRE, Guy Saget 2007 $25
Loire Valley, France
SAUVIGNON BLANC- FUME BLANC, Grgich Hills 2006 $36 Napa Valley, California
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut (NV) $45
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec (NV) $45
Reims, France
MOSCATO, Elio Perrone (NV) $25
Asti, Italy
RED HALF BOTTLES
PINOT NOIR, Martin Ray 2006 $34
Santa Barbara County, California
162 PINOT NOIR, Calera Mills Vineyard 2006 $44
Napa Valley, California
PINOT NOIR, Calera Mt. Harlan Cuvee 2006 $39
Napa Valley, California
PINOT NOIR, Goldeneye 2005 $47
Anderson Valley, California
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Domaine Roger Perrin 2006 $35 Rhone, France
CROZES-HERMITAGE, Jean Luc Colombo Les Fees Brunes 2005 $32
Rhone, France
146 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Grgich Hills 2004 $49
Napa Valley, California
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Raymond Reserve 2005 $29
Napa Valley, California
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Stags’ Leap 2005 $39
Napa Valley, California
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Ladera 2005 $39
Napa Valley, California
CABERNET SAUVIGNON St. Supery 2004 $34
Napa Valley, California
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Turnbull 2005 $39
Oakville, Napa Valley, California
211 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Red 2004 $74
Napa Valley
SANGIOVESE, Seghesio 2005 $30
Alexander Valley, California
ZINFANDEL, Seghesio Old Vine 2007 $36
Sonoma County, California
ZINFANDEL, Ridge Lytton Springs 2006 $30
Santa Cruz, California
ZINFANDEL, Grgich Hills 2005 $31
Napa Valley, California
ZINFANDEL, Cline 2007 $17
California
MERLOT, Swanson Oakville 2003 $35
Napa Valley, California
MERLOT, Lazio, Falesco Montiano 2003 $45
Lazio, Italy
MONTEPULCIANO, Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005 $29
Montepulciano, Italy
116 AMARONE, Allegrini 2000 $65
Valpolicella, Italy
SYRAH, Havens 2002 $32
Napa Valley, California
150 SHIRAZ, d’Arenberg, The Dead Arm 2004 $61
McLaren Vale, Australia
SPARKLING
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot, Yellow Brand Brut NV ½ Bottle $45
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec NV ½ Bottle $45
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Heidsieck & Co Monopole Rose NV $69
Epernay, France
CHAMPAGNE, Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV $61
Epernay, France
CHAMPAGNE, Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvee Millesime 2000 $97
Epernay, France
CHAMPAGNE, Jacquart, La Cuvee Nomaine 1988 $130
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Taittinger, Comtes de Champagne 2000 $350
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Krug, Brut 1995 $450
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Roederer, Cristal Brut 2000 $295
Reims, France
CHAMPAGNE, Roederer, Cristal Rose 1995 $975
Reims, France
MOSCATO, Elio Perrone (NV) Half Bottle $25 Asti, Italy
PROSECCO, Zardetto NV Glass $10
Valdobbiadene, Italy
PROSECCO, Bellusi NV $32
Valdobiaddine, Italy
PROSECCO, Alice 'Tajud' Brut NV $39
Valdobiaddine, Italy
CAVA, Cristalino Brut NV Glass $8
Spain
CAVA, Albet I Noya Brut NV $39
Penedes, Spain
WHITE WINES, Chardonnay
Chardonnay - Chardonnay is a white wine which can range from clean and crisp with a hint of varietal flavor to rich and complex oak-aged wines. Chardonnay typically balances fruit, acidity and texture. This varietal goes well with everything from fish and poultry to cheeses, spicy foods and nut sauces.
AMERICAN
H CHARDONNAY, Grgich Hills 2004 Half Bottle $40
Napa Valley, California
H CHARDONNAY, McCrostie 2006 Half Bottle $29
Carneros, California
500 CHARDONNAY, Badger Mountain 2007 $29
Columbia Valley, Washington
500 CHARDONNAY, Whitecliff Vineyard, Estate Reserve 2008 $35
Hudson River Region, New York
500 CHARDONNAY, Millbrook 2007 $35
New York State
500 CHARDONNAY, Picket Fence Russian River Valley 2006 $36
Sonoma County, California
700 CHARDONNAY, Truchard 2006 $62
Carneros, Napa Valley, California
700 CHARDONNAY, Chalk Hill Estate 2004 $72
Sonoma County, California
184 CHARDONNAY, Mount Eden 2004 $90
Santa Cruz Mountains, California
175 CHARDONNAY, Kistler, Les Noisetiers 2004 $97
Sonoma County, California
FRENCH
800 CHARDONNAY, Domaine Henri Delegrange, Hautes-Cotes de Beaune Burgundy, France 2007 $44
500 CHARDONNAY, Jean Paul Brun, Beaujolais Blanc 2007 $39
Beaujolais, France
700 CHARDONNAY, Domaine de la Bongran, Quintaine (botrytis) 2002 $59
Vira Clesse, Burgundy France
500 CHARDONNAY, Droin Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2006 $77
Burgundy, France
ITALIAN
700 CHARDONNAY, Planeta 2007 $63
Sicily, Italy
SOUTH AMERICA
1100 CHARDONNAY, Miguel Torres Santa Digna 2006 $29
Cental Valley, Chile
WHITE WINES, Italian
OTHER VARIETALS
1100 PINOT BIANCO BLEND, Vallarom Vadum Caesaris 2006 $32
Pinot Bianco 50%, Chardonnay 30%, Sauvigon Blanc 10%, Riesling 10%
Vallagarina, Italy
500 ROSCHETTO, Falesco Ferantano 2005 $49
Umbria
500 GAVI DI GAVI, Laghibellina ‘Altius’ 2006 $45
Piemonte
600 VERMENTINO, Riviera Ligure di Ponente 2007 $35
Liguria
800 FRIULANO, Gigante ‘Vigneto Storico’ 2007 $49
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
700 KERNER, Niklas 2007 $49
Alto Adige
WHITE WINES, Viognier, Riesling, Gewurztraminer & Pinot Gris
VIOGNIER was a rare type of grape brought to Condrieu, on the northern Rhône, over 2,000 years ago by the Greeks or Romans. It was only planted in California a mere 20 years ago. It is now predominantly found in the Rhône valley and California. Viognier is extremely difficult to grow and therefore is only used by few vineyards. Viognier is becoming a favored white wine, as its depth of character and complexity is greater than the current white favorite, Chardonnay. Viognier is noted for spice, floral, citrus, apricot, apple and peach flavors. It typically produces medium bodied wines with relatively high acids and fruit.
700 VIOGNIER (blend), Treana Mer Soleil Vineyard 2006 $49
Central Coast
1100 VIOGNIER, Cline 2007 $32
California
H VIOGNIER, Calera Mt Harlan 2006 Half Bottle $22
Central Coast, California
RIESLINGS are white wines known for their floral perfume. Depending on where they're made, they can be crisp and bone-dry, full-bodied and spicy or luscious and sweet. The flavor is often of peaches, apricots, honey, and apples and pairs well with duck, pork, and roast vegetables.
800 RIESLING, Buitenverwachting 2007 $29
Constantia, South Africa
800 RIESLING, Badger Mountain 2007 $29
Columbia Valley, Washington
700 RIESLING, Wein-Erbhof Stein Feinherb 2007 $39
Mosel, Germany
700 RIESLING Dry, Hermann J. Wiemer 2006 $39
Finger Lakes, New York
800 RIESLING, Zind Humbrecht Turckheim 2004 $65
Alsace, Franc
GEWURZTRAMINER is a white grape that produces distinctive wines rich in spicy aromas and full flavors, ranging from dry to sweet. Smells and flavors of litchi nuts, gingerbread, vanilla, grapefruit, and honeysuckle come out of this varietal. It is often a popular choice for Asian cuisines and pork-based sausages.
WBG GEWURZTRAMINER, Robertson Winery 2008 $32
Robertson Valley, S Africa
700 GEWURZTRAMINER, Resonance 2007 $52
Carlton District, Oregon
PINOT GRIS is white wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. Thought to be a mutant clone of the Pinot noir grape, it normally has a grayish-blue fruit, accounting for its name ("gris" meaning "grey" in French) but the grape can have a brownish pink to black and even white appearance. The wines produced from this grape also vary in color from a deep golden yellow to copper and even a light shade of pink. The clone of Pinot Gris grown in Italy is known as Pinot Grigio.
700 PINOT GRIS, Cline 2008 $32
Sonoma, California
WHITE WINES, Sake & Sauvignon Blanc
SAKE is, at its simplest, a concoction of rice, water, and mold. Because of this, the type of rice used, the purity of the water, and other basic quality standards make a huge difference in the type of sake created. The rice is often polished down, removing the surface imperfections. This polishing also removes fatty acids - some companies claim the more fatty acids removed, the less of a hangover the drinker gets.
JUNMAI, SAKE, Gekkeikan Zipang Sparkling 250ml $10
Japan
WBG NIGORI Momokawa Organic 750ml $37
Oregon
JUNMAI, Murai Family 300ml $21
Japan
NIGORI GENSHU, Murai Family 300ml $21
Japan
TOKUBETSU HONJOZO, Murai Family 300ml $21
Japan
900 NIGORI Snow Beauty 300ml $19
Japan
900 NIGORI Murai Family, Genshu 720ml $43
Japan
900 JUNMAI Hakushika, Fresh & Light 300ml $19
Japan
WBG JUNMAI GINJO Momokawa Organic 750ml $37
Oregon
900 JUNMAI GINJO Murai Family, Tanrei 720ml $45
Japan
900 JUNMAI DAIGINJO Hakushika 300ml $37
Japan
SAUVIGNON BLANC has been used for centuries in France, and came to California in 1878. In the US it is sometimes called "Fumé Blanc", a name first coined by Robert Mondavi to play up its smoky flavors. The sales of the wine under this new name now exceed sales under the original name. New Zealand is now known as one of the top producers of sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc has pronounced flavors of a herbal variety, with grassy and apple flavors, plus olive and a soft, smoky flavor. They can be anything from sweet to dry, but are typically very light. Sauvignon Blancs tend to be crisp and acidic, helping the wine cut through heavy food flavors. It pairs well with seafood and chicken. It will stand up to thick sauces and stews. And is great cocktail wine.
UNITED STATES
H SAUVIGNON BLANC- FUME BLANC, Grgich Hills 2006 Half Bottle $36 Napa Valley, California
500 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Santa Barbara Winery 2007 $34
Santa Ynez Valley, California
500 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Cade 2007 $39
Napa Valley, California
OTHER REGIONS
H SAUVIGNON BLANC-SANCERRE, Guy Saget 2007 Half Bottle $25
Loire Valley, France
1100 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Amayna 2008 $39
Leyda Valley, San Antonio, Chile
600 SAUVIGNON BLANC, Brancott Conders Forest 2007 $57
Marlborough, New Zealand
WHITE WINES, Muscadet
MUSCADET is a type of dry French white wine. It is made at the western end of the Loire Valley, near the city of Nantes in the Pays de la Loire region neighboring the Brittany Region. More Muscadet is produced than any other Loire wine.
In terms of tastes Muscadet tends toward bright citrus (lemon, lime) and mineral notes.
500 MUSCADET, Domaine Saupin, de Sevre et Maine 2006 $34
Loire Valley, France
WHITE WINES, Alsace
ALSATIAN wine has a long history. The wine producing region of Alsace in France primarily produces white wines. Its wines, which have a strong Germanic influence. Both dry and sweet white wines are produced, and are often made from aromatic grapes varieties.
800 PINOT D’Alsace, Domaine Bott-Geyle 2005 $39
A wonderful blend of four Pinot Grapes, 35% Pinot Blanc, 35 % Pinot Auxerrois, 20% Pinot Gris & 10% Pinot Noir
Alsace, France
WHITE WINES, Brachetto
BRACHETTO is a grape variety found in Piedmont, Italy which is used to make both red and rosé wines.
The most notable wine here is the red Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG which is made in both still and spumante (fully sparkling) versions.
BRACHETTO D’ ACQUI, Banfi, Rosa Regale (sparking rose) 2005 Glass $9
Acqui, Italy
WHITE WINES, Valvin Muscat
VALVIN MUSCAT is a hybrid grape variety for use in white wine production. It was developed by grape breeder Bruce Reisch at the Cornell University New York State Agricultural Experiment Station and released on July 7, 2006. Valvin muscat is the result of a cross between Muscat Ottonel (vitis vinifera) and hybrid Muscat du Moulin (Couderc 299-35). It has distinct muscat grape characteristics. If you like dry Gewürztraminer, Muscat or Torrontes then you will love Valvin Muscat.
800 VALVIN MUSCAT, Hunt Country 2008 $34
Finger Lakes, New York
WHITE WINES, Our Favorites
OUR FAVORITE WHITE WINES
700 AWOSTING WHITE, Whitecliff Vineyard NV $32 Hudson River Region, New York
1100 TREBBIANO D’ABRUZZO DOC, Valle Reale Vigne Nuove 2008 $32
Abruzzo, Italy
500 ROSCHETTO, Falesco Ferantano 2005 $49
Umbria, Italy
800 MARSANNE & ROUSSANNE, L’Archet Cuvee Occitane 2005 $45
Vin de Pays D’Oc
700 SAVENNIERES, Nicolas Joly, Les Clos Sacres 2005 $49
Loire Valley, France
600 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC, Chateau De Beaucastel 2004 $75 Rhone, France
REGIONAL FRENCH RED WINES
The region of Bordeaux, France is the largest region of quality wine growing in the world. Bordeaux is made up of five main districts - Medoc, St. Emilion, Pomerol, Graves, and Sauternes. While Medoc and the entire region are best known for their reds ("Clarets"), white wines also have their place. Graves creates dry whites, and Sauternes is known for its sweet whites.
When people just say "Bordeaux wine", they typically mean the classic red blend. The red Bordeaux are created with Cabernet Sauvignon, often blended with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The color tends to be a garnet/ruby shade. The flavor is typically intense varying between powerful to light and racy, with blackberry, black currant, oak derived vanilla, and other notes.
71 PESSAC-LEOGNAN, Chateau de Cruzeau 2003 $49
73 HAUT-MEDOC, Chateau d’Arcins 2005 $49
130 LISTRAC-MEDOC, Chateau Clarke 2003 $55
70 PAUILLAC, Chateau Pibran 2004 $60
76 MARGAUX, Chateau Canuet 2000 $60
72 PAUILLAC, Les Tourelles de Longueville 2004 $65
203 ST-JULIEN, Chateau Lalande 2000 $70
74 ST-EMILION, Chateau Petit-Figeac 2004 $75
Burgundy is known as Bourgogne in France, and has a long history in winemaking. Each sub-region of Burgundy is so different from each other that it is hard to address the region as a whole, and to make any sweeping generalities. The flinty, classic Chablis flavor is made solely with Chardonnay grapes, while the freshness of Beaujolais Nouveau comes from the fruity Gamay. From the Cote D’Or (golden slope) comes the worlds most famous and expensive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
15 HAUTES-COTES DE BEAUNE, Domaine Henri Delegrange 2007 $44
13 GEVRY CHAMBERTIN, Laboure-Roi 2005 $49
151 VOLNAY-SANTENOTS, Thierry et Pascale Matrot 2003 $67
153 CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY Vincent Giradin, Vieilles Vignes 2003 $87
201 POMMARD, Domaine de la Vougeraie 2005 $90
152 SAVIGNY LES BEAUNE, Bruno Clair Premier Cru 2002 $108
200 GEVREY CHAMBERTIN Dupont Tisserandot Les Cazetiers 2005 $150
110 MAZIS-CHAMBERTIN, Maison Champy 2004 $210
121 MAZIS-CHAMBERTIN, Maison Champy 2005 $295
REGIONAL FRENCH RED WINES
Châteauneuf du Pape: The Châteauneuf du Pape is the most famous Côtes du Rhône wine. The "Coteaux" (slope) of Châteauneuf du Pape is lie between the towns of Orange and Avignon , in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence. The Popes used to have their summer residence in Châteauneuf du Pape. The wine is made from Syrah, Grenache and up to 11 other varietals. Mostly Red wines, they tend to be powerful and richly colored.
H CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Domaine Roger Perrin 2006 Half Bottle $35
114 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Louis Bernard 2000 $65
214 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Domaine Paul Autard 2003 $68
112 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Chateau De Beaucastel 2004 $155
145 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Chateau De Beaucastel 2005 $165
RHONE
H CROZES-HERMITAGE, Jean Luc Colombo Les Fees Brunes 2005 Half Bottle $32
RHONE RANGERS & RHONE STYLE
The Rhone Rangers are a group of winemakers who promote the use of grape varieties from the Rhône Valley in the south of France. They are mostly based in the Central Coast of California and are now organized into a not-for-profit organization for the promotion of wines containing at least 75% of the 22 Rhône grape varieties.
19 SYRAH, GRENACHE & CINSAULT, Chemin Moscow 2004 $45
Vin de Pays D’ oc, France
7 GRENACHE, SYRAH & MOURVEDRE, Cline Cashmere 2007 $47
California
3 SYRAH, GRENACHE & MOURVEDRE
Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant 2001 $50
California
115 SYRAH, GRENACHE & MOURVEDRE
Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant 1993 $97
California
302 RHONE GRAPES & CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Boekenhoutkloof, The Chocolate Block 2004 $97
Western Cape, South Africa
ITALIAN RED WINES, TUSCANY
H MONTEPULCIANO DOC, Avignonesi Vino Nobile di 2005 Half Bottle $29
CHIANTI comes from the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. Only wines from this region can properly be called Chianti, although some other areas are using the name on their labels. Chianti was first identified as a wine in the 13th century. Its primary red grapes are Sangiovese and Canaiolo.
16 CHIANTI Classico DOCG, Villa Caffagio 2004 $49
317 CHIANTI Colli Senesi DOCG, Vitanza 2006 $39
329 CHIANTI Rufina DOCG, Renzo Mazi 2008 $32
BRUNELLO is a wine that is made with the Brunello clone of the sangiovese grape, a classic grape of Italy. Brunello wines are aged in oak and often need to age for a while to soften those tannins. There are three types of Brunello wines: Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino & Brunello di Montalcino Riserva.
124 BRUNELLO DOCG, Belpoggio 2001 $89
Montalcino, Italy
137 BRUNELLO DOCG, Caparzo 2003 $96
Montalcino, Italy
136 BRUNELLO DOCG, La Magia Reserva 1999 $109
Montalcino, Italy
143 BRUNELLO DOCG, Castello Banfi 1999 $119
Montalcino, Italy
113 BRUNELLO DOCG, Castello Banfi Summus 2003 $139
Montalcino, Italy
SUPER TUSCANS
The term "Super Tuscan" describes any Tuscan red wine that does not adhere to traditional blending laws for the region. For example, Chianti Classico wines are made from a blend of grapes with Sangiovese as the dominant varietal in the blend. Super Tuscans often use other grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, making them ineligible for DOC(G) classification under the traditional rules.
In the 1970s Piero Antinori, whose family had been making wine for more than 600 years, decided to make a richer wine by eliminating the white grapes from the Chianti blend, and instead adding Bordeaux varietals (namely, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). He was inspired by a little-known (at the time) Cabernet Sauvignon made by relatives called Sassicaia, which openly flouted the rules set down for traditional wines in Tuscany. The result was the first Super Tuscan, which he named Tignanello, after the vineyard where the grapes were grown. Other winemakers started experimenting with Super Tuscan blends of their own shortly thereafter.
Because these wines did not conform to strict DOC(G) classifications, they were initially labeled as vino da tavola, meaning "table wine," a term ordinarily reserved for lower quality wines. The creation of the Indicazione Geografica Tipica IGT a category (technically indicating a level of quality between vino da tavola and DOCG) helped bring Super Tuscans "back into the fold" from a regulatory standpoint.
309 Tuscany IGT, Malenchini Bruzzico 2003 $59
25 Tuscany IGT, Malenchini Bruzzico 2004 $49
328 Tuscany IGT, Altesino Palazzo Altesi 2004 $77
144 Tuscany IGT, Sette Ponti, Oreno 2003 $225
165 Tuscany IGT, Sette Ponti, Oreno 2004 $250
140 Tuscany IGT, Poggio al Tesoro “W” 2005 $180
141 Tuscany IGT, Il Carbonaione Alta Valle della Greve 2004 $125
100% Sangiovese di Lamole (a naturally low yielding clone of Sangiovese) from 70 year-old vines grown at 1,350 feet above sea level with west-southwest exposure. The juice is macerated with the skins for approximately 12 days. Daily manual punch-downs ensure greater concentration of flavor and tannins. The wine is aged in Allier, Vosges, Nevers and American oak barriques for 12 months, and refined in bottle for six months.
ITALIAN RED WINES, PIEDMONT
BAROLO is a section of Piedmont, Italy, southwest of Alba. While wine in Italy is timeless, Barolo came about in the 1800s when the Marchesa Giulietta Colbert Falletti started making wine out of Nebbiolo grapes. Nowadays, there are 3,000 acres of Nebbiolo producers in the towns of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Cherasco, Diano d'Alba, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Novello, Roddi, and Serralunga d'Alba.
142 BAROLO DOCG, Falletto di Bruno Giacosa 1999 $210
106 BAROLO DOCG, Vietti Ravera 2000 1.5 Liter $550
DOLCETTO is a black wine grape variety widely grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. The name means "little sweet one," though it is nearly always a dry wine. Dolcetto wines can be tannic and fruit driven with moderate levels of acidity.
30 DOLCETTO D’ALBA DOC, Enzo Boglietti 2007 $39
ITALIAN RED WINES, CAMPANIA
AGLIANICO Originally brought to Italy by the Greeks in the 6th century B.C., Aglianico was famous in the ancient world for it's part in Falernum, a wine revered by kings and poets. Today it is making a comeback after nearly being wiped out by Phylloxera in the 19th century. A late ripening varietal, Aglianico boasts inky-black depths of color, fiery tannins and a firm structure. Aromas and flavors of black fruits, smoke, dark chocolate and even iron are common. Aglianico is a long lived varietal, with better examples improving in bottle for decades.
Aglianico is southern Italy's greatest grape, with the best expressions coming from the D.O.Cs Taurasi in Campania and Aglianico del Vulture in Basilicata, where it grows in the volcanic ash on the slopes of Mount Vulture. It can also be found in the warm climates of Riverland (South Australia) and Nemea (Eastern Greece). It is a good match for roasts and game.
318 AGLIANICO DEL TABURNO DOC, Ocone 2003 $45
2 SANNIO AGLIANICO DOC, Venditti 'Marraioli' 2005 $49
ITALIAN RED WINES, UMBRIA
SAGRANTINO is grape varietal that grows only around the hilltop town of Montefalco. In fact, it is grown nowhere else in the world (although lately there have been some experiments with it in Tuscany). Its origins are mysterious. Whether the grape is indigenous to the area or not is up for debate. Some theorize that it was brought to Umbria by the Greeks, while others say it was brought by the Franciscan (French) friars. Another theory has St. Francis of Assisi bringing it from the Middle East to be used as a sacramental wine. Among the wine cognoscenti though, it is now Umbrian at its soul.
160 SAGRANTINO DI MONTEFALCO DOCG, Martinelli 2003 $65
31 UMBRIA IGT, Falesco Vitiano (Cabernet, Sangiovese & Merlot) 2007 $29
319 SANNIO ROSSO DOC, Masseria Venditti (Montepulciano, Olivella & Aglianico)
2007 $39
ITALIAN RED WINES, ABRUZZO
MONTEPULCIANO is the name of a red grape that is planted in central Italy.
96 MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO DOC, Valle Reale San Calisto 2005 $57
325 MONTEPULCIANO D’ ABRUZZO DOC, Valle Reale Vigne Nuove 2008 $32
ITALIAN RED WINES, VENETO
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA, or Amarone for short, is created in the Venetian region of Italy. Originally there was only one legal region, or DOC, for the Valpolicella name. These wines are made with the Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. Two sub-groups emerged, though - recioto, which is a sweet dessert wine, and Amarone, which is a dry red wine with great body.
Both recioto and Amarone are made with grapes that have been dried on racks, bringing out their flavors. In 1991 these two were granted their own DOCs. The land area encompassed by these three DOCs is the same, but the types of wine are quite different.
116 DELLA VALPOLICELLO DOC, Allegrini Amarone 2000 Half Bottle $65
Valpolicella, Italy
ITALIAN RED WINES, APULIA
17 NEGROAMARO SALENTO IGT, Tormaresca Masseria Maime 2003 $47
ITALIAN RED WINES, TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE
LAGREIN, A red-wine grape grown mainly in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region. Lagrein is Vinified into deep, dark reds
4 SUDTIROLER LAGREIN DOC, Weingut Niklas 2006 $39
RED WINES, Cabernet Sauvignon
CABERNET SAUVIGNON is the name of both the grape and the wine it produces. Cabernet is known as one of the world's finest red wines, with its depth of complexity and richness of flavour. Other names for this grape and wine are Petit Cabernet, Petit Vidure and Vidure, and in Italy, Uva Francese.
Cabernet is grown all over the world - South America; Australia; Lebanon; Long Island, NY; Northern California; and of course France. The grape is very durable and adapts to various climates well. The two areas of Bordeaux, France that use this grape - Médoc and Graves - have only grown it since the 18th century.
NAPA VALLEY
H CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Raymond Reserve 2004 Half Bottle $30
H CABERNET SAUVIGNON, St. Supery 2004 Half Bottle $34
H CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Stags’ Leap 2005 Half Bottle $39
H CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Turnbull Oakville 2003 Half Bottle $39
H CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Ladera 2005 Half Bottle $39
146 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Grgich Hills 2004 Half Bottle $49
211 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Red 2004 Half Bottle $74
94 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Freemark Abbey 2004 $57
166 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Cedar Knoll Vineyard Co 2004 $59
194 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Smith-Madrone Spring Mountain District2003 $65
87 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Ladera Howell Mountain 2004 $97
180 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Forman 2005 $137
111 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Pine Ridge Oakville 2002 $140
176 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Axios 2001 $195
54 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Stone Hedge 1997 5 Liter $450
SONOMA VALLEY
86 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, BR Cohn Silver 2006 $54
ALEXANDER VALLEY
156 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Silver Oak 2004 $127
NORTH COAST
55 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Bonterra 1997 3 Liter $140
SANTA CRUZ
26 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Mount Eden Vineyards, Saratoga Cuvee
2004 $59
OTHER STATES
93 CABERNET SAUVIGNON & BORDEAUX GRAPES
Whitecliff Vineyard Sky Island 2007 $39
New York State
BEYOUND UNITED STATES
123 CABERNET SAUVIGNON & MERLOT Franco Todini Nero Della Cervara 2003 $65
Umbria, Italy
302 CABERNET SAUVIGNON & RHONE GRAPES
Boekenhoutkloof, The Chocolate Block 2004 $97
Western Cape, South Africa
97 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Jacob’s Creek, St. Hugo 2004 $57
Coonawarra, Australia
RED WINES, Malbec, Cabernet Franc & Merlot
MALBEC is a red grape that is popular in Argentina and Chile. While it was once grown in Bordeaux, it use has declined in recent times. This black grape creates a rustic, mid-bodied wine, but is most often used in blending with other wines. In Argentina it is almost the most-planted red grape, and is the third most planted in Chile.
Malbec goes well with pizza, pasta, roast and grilled meats such as chicken, beef or turkey. Malbec can be aged for up to 5 years typically
27 MALBEC, Tierra Secreta 2006 $32
Mendoza, Argentina
23 MALBEC, Familia Mayol, Montuiri Vineyard 2007 $39
Mendoza, Argentina
88 MALBEC, Salentein Reserve 2006 $57
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina
CABERNET FRANC is one of the major varieties of red wine grape in Bordeaux. It is mostly grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but is also vinified alone, particularly in Chinon in the Loire.
Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon (of which it is a parent), contributing finesse and a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes. Depending on growing region and the style of wine, additional aromas can include tobacco, raspberry, and cassis, sometimes even violets.
91 CABERNET FRANC, Whitecliff Vineyard Estate Bottled 2008 $37
Hudson River Region, New York
MERLOT is the name of a red grape which traces its ancestry to the biturica variety. This was brought to France in the first century. The "Merlot" grape was not named as a distinct variety until the 1800s. It is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal.
Not quite as harsh as other reds, merlot has less tannin than a Cabernet and can therefore be drunk earlier. It is mellow but still complex, a bit chewy. Merlot is known for the flavors of plums, black cherry, violets, and orange. It is a perfect match for beef and other medium-heavy dishes. Try some with a rich, red pasta dish, or even a heavy chicken dish. Merlot is also an excellent compliment to chocolate.
H MERLOT, Swanson Oakville 2003 Half Bottle $29
Napa Valley, California
138 MERLOT, Falesco, Montiano 2001 Half Bottle $45
Lazio, Italy
H MERLOT, Falesco, Montiano 2003 Half Bottle $37
Lazio, Italy
92 MERLOT, Whitecliff Vineyard 2008 $37
New York State
95 MERLOT, Freemark Abbey 2005 $47
Napa Valley, California
29 MERLOT, Havens 2005 $52
Napa Valley, California
133 MERLOT, Jade Mountain, Paris Vineyard 2000 $63
Mt. Veeder, California
RED WINES, Pinot Noir
It was only recently, in the early 1990s, that PINOT NOIR began to be grown in quantity in California, Oregon, Australia and New Zealand. Pinot Noir grows best in cool climates. It is known as an extremely difficult grape to grow and to make into wine.
A Pinot Noir's color can be any of a range of colors - from cherry red to purple-red and even brown as the wine ages. Typical flavors include earth, leather, vanilla (from the oak), and jam ... the fruity flavors of the jam often taste like raspberry, strawberry, and plum.
Pinot is the great alternative red because it is both light in body and full flavored. Pinot Noir can go well with almost anything, salmon, pasta, beef & game. While some pinot noirs are meant to be drunk immediately, a fine Pinot Noir can easily age for 10 years or more.
H PINOT NOIR Calera Mt. Harlan Cuvee 2006 Half Bottle $39
Napa Valley, California
162 PINOT NOIR, Calera Mills Vineyard 2006 Half Bottle $44
Napa Valley, California
H PINOT NOIR, Goldeneye 2005 Half Bottle $47
Anderson Valley, California
11 PINOT NOIR, Dr. Konstantin Frank NV $42
Finger Lakes New York
18 PINOT NOIR, Millbrook 2007 $42
New York State
312 PINOT NOIR, Fess Parker 2006 $48
Santa Barbara, California
326 PINOT NOIR, Byron Estate 2007 $48
Santa Maria Valley, California
320 PINOT NOIR, Row Eleven 2005 $63
Santa Maria Valley, California
307 PINOT NOIR, Elke, Donnelly Creek Vineyard 2006 $65
Anderson Valey, California
163 PINOT NOIR, Hamilton Russel 2007 $77
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa
102 PINOT NOIR, Calera, Mt. Harlan Cuvee 2003 $77
Napa Valley, California
324 PINOT NOIR, Kynsi Stone Corral Vineyard 2003 $52
Edna Valley, California
More PINOT NOIR located under the Burgundy category
RED WINES, Spain
TEMPRANILLO is a variety of black grape widely grown to make full-bodied red wines in its native Spain. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape". Its name is the diminutive of the Spanish temprano, a reference to the fact that it ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes.
Tempranillo wines can be consumed young, but the most expensive ones are aged for several years in oak barrels. The wines are ruby red in color, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla, leather and herb.
21 TEMPRANILLO, Ardales 2007 $29
Castilla, Spain
PRIORAT is a county in Catalonia, Spain. "Priorat històric," produces the famous and prestigious wine of the Denominación de Origen Calificada Priorat. Wines from elsewhere in the county are denominated as Montsant.
GENACHE, CARIGNAN, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SYRAH & MERLOT
313 PRIORAT, Mas Doix, Salanques 2005 $75
Priorat, Spain
171 PRIORAT, Rotllan Torra, Tirant 2003 $180
Priorat, Spain
120 PRIORAT, Mas Doix, Costers de Vinyes Velles 2005 $180
Priorat, Spain
CARINENA is another ancient wine growing region with roots in Roman times. Garnacha (Grenache) is the most common grape grown, but modern minded winemakers are blending Cabernet and other varietals in search of explosive wines with the power and cut that have become the desired international style.
79 CABERNET BLEND, Gran Viu Seleccion 2001 $62
Carinena, Spain
The JUMILLA wine region is situated in the province of Murica and Albacete and covers an area of 30,000 hectares. The Jumilla wine region consists of 44 vineyards (Bodegas), which produce 26 million liter of wine annually.
301 PETIT VERDOT-MONASTRELL, Pico Madama 2004 $77 Jumilla, Spain
322 PETIT VERDOT-MONASTRELL, Pico Madama 2005 $87 Jumilla, Spain
BOBAL
20 BOBAL, Mustiguillo Finca Terrerazo 2005 $77
RED WINES, Shiraz/Syrah
Shiraz and Syrah are both names for the same red wine grape. This grape is most definitely NOT the same as Petit Sirah, a different red wine grape grown mostly in California.
The Shiraz / Syrah grape is called Syrah in the US, France and many countries. In Australia it is called Shiraz, where it is considered the finest red wine grown there. Shiraz is certainly the most widely planted red grape in Australia. Now that Shiraz has become well known and popular, some wineries in the US who are making an "Australian style wine" with this grape are calling their wines Shiraz as well.
Shiraz goes very well with beef and other hearty foods. It also goes well with Indian, Mexican, and other spicy foods.
H SYRAH, Clos LaChance 2003 Half Bottle $22
Central Coast, California
H SYRAH, Havens 2002 Half Bottle $32
Napa Valley, California
150 SHIRAZ, d’Arenberg, The Dead Arm 2004 Half Bottle $61
McLauren Vale, Australia
327 SYRAH, La Fond 2005 $36
Santa Rita Hills, California
5 SYRAH, Turnbull, Oakville Estate 2003 $59
Napa Valley, California
155 SYRAH, A Donkey and Goat, Vidmar Vineyard 2004 $63
Yorkville Highlands, California
161 SYRAH, Jade Mountain, Paras Vineyard 1999 $68
Mt. Veeder, California
8 SYRAH, Foxen, Williamson-Dore Vineyard 2004 $72
Santa Inez Valley, California
216 SHIRAZ, Hently Farm, The Beauty 2005 $120
Barossa, Australia
101 SYRAH, Pax, Adler’s Spring 2004 $180
Mendocino, California
103 SHIRAZ, Clos Otto 2005 $180
Barossa Valley, Australia
105 SHIRAZ, Torbreck, Runrig 2005 $295
Barossa Valley
RED WINES, Syrah Blends, Petite Sirah & Zinfandel
78 SYRAH & CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Kuyen, Alvaro Espinoza Duran 2004 $40
Maipo Valley, Chile
Red Zinfandel is an "American Classic" wine. It was even originally thought to be made of native Californian grapes. Research has now shown that the zinfandel grape originated in Italy, but this wine is now primarily grown in California. Zinfandel grows its best in cool, coastal locations.
The color of a zinfandel wine is deep red, bordering on black. Zinfandel is a spicy, peppery wine, with a hint of fruity flavor - berries or dark cherries are often the taste range. Zinfandel goes well with "typical American" food - pizza, burgers, etc. It's hearty enough to match up with thick red sauces.
H ZINFANDEL, Cline 2007 Half Bottle $17
California
H ZINFANDEL, Cline Ancient Vine 2005 Half Bottle $22
Contra Costa County, California
H ZINFANDEL, Ridge Lytton Springs 2006 Half Bottle $30
Santa Cruz, California
H ZINFANDEL, Ggrich Hills 2003 Half Bottle $31
Napa Valley, California
H ZINFANDEL, Seghesio Old Vine 2005 Half Bottle $36
Sonoma County, California
24 ZINFANDEL, Orleans Hill 2007 $29
Lodi, California
53 ZINFANDEL, Steelhead Dry Creek Valley 2006 $39
Sonoma, California
12 ZINFANDEL, Cline Live Oak 2007 $57
Contra Costa County, California
84 ZINFANDEL, Coturri Chauvet Vineyards 2005 $65
Sonoma Valley, California
212 ZINFANDEL, Chateau Potelle, VGS 2004 $68
Mt. Veeder, Napa, California
316 ZINFANDEL, Davis Family 2006 $75
Russian River Valley, California
The PETITE SIRAH grape creates a rich red wine. The Petite Sirah grape is separate from the Sirah / Shiraz grape even though the names are similar. The Petite Sirah grape is descended from the Duriff Rhone grape of France. For most of its history, Petite Sirah was only used to blend into other wines. The grape gained a lot of attention in the 1970s because of the general red wine push, and because of its full, tannic taste.
Petite Sirah is predominantly planted in California, where it does well. Petites are anything but petite - they tend to be big, strong, muscular, and, well, purple.
Typical flavors include plum, raspberry, blackberries, and black pepper. The wine tends to go well with stronger meats - game, beef, lamb, and spicy sauces. Petite Sirah can be drunk fresh from the bottle or aged for a more mellow flavor - its high tannin content makes long aging worthwhile.
9 PETITE SIRAH, Judd’s Hill 2003 $50
Lodi, California
85 PETITE SIRAH, Elyse Rutherford 2006 $56
Napa Valley, California
6 PETITE SIRAH, Epiphany, Rodney’s Vineyard 2005 $56
Santa Barbara, California
RED WINES, Carmenere
The Carménère grape is a wine grape variety originally planted in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, France, where it was used to produce deep red wines and occasionally used for blending purposes in the same manner as Petit Verdot.
Now rarely found in France, the world's largest area planted with this variety is in Chile in South America, with more than 4,000 Hectares (2006) cultivated in the Central Valley. As such, Chile produces the vast majority of Carménère wines available today and as the Chilean wine industry grows, more experimentation is being carried out on Carménère's potential as a blending grape, especially with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Carménère wine has a deep red color and aromas found in red fruits, spices and berries. The tannins are gentler and softer than hose in Cabernet Sauvignon and it is a medium body wine.
122 CARMENERE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON & SYRAH (Bio-Dynamic Grapes)
Antiyal, Alvaro Espinoza Duran 2003 $73
Maipo Valley, Chile
FUN STATISTICS
1 grape cluster = 1 glass
75 grapes = 1 cluster
4 clusters = 1 bottle
40 clusters = 1 vine
1 vine = 10 bottles
1200 clusters = 1 barrel
1 barrel = 60 gallons
60 gallons = 25 cases
30 vines = 1 barrel
400 vines = 1 acre
1 acre = 5 tons
5 tons = 332 cases
DESSERT WINE & CORDIALS
PORT & SHERRY
Sherry, Cream Pedro Romero 6 glass
Tawny Port, Quinta do Infantado 8 glass
Tawny Port, Royal Port 10 year 8 glass
Tawny Port, Royal Port 20 year 12 glass
Tawny Port, Graham’s 20 year 45 375 ml bottle
W Grahams Six-Grape 65 750 ml bottle
W LBV Royal Port 1998 65 750 ml bottle
W Port, Smith Woodhouse LBV 1992 55 750 ml bottle
W Port, Badger Mountain Cabernet Franc 32 500ml
DESSERT WINE
Blueberry Wine, Tomasello 6 glass
Blackberry Wine, Tomasello 6 glass
183 Ice Wine, Wagner Vineyards Riesling 01 47 375 ml bottle
183 Eiswein, Rudolf Muller 07 37 375 ml bottle
204 Ice Wine, Hunt Country 42 375 ml bottle
Late Harvest Riesling, Claar Cellars 07 9 glass
Late Harvest Torrontes, Santa Julia 06 6 glass
W Late Harvest Zinfandel, Frey Vineyards 30 500 ml bottle
190 Monastrell, Alceno Dulce 01 49 375 ml bottle
192 Muscat de Beaumes de Venise J. Vidal Fluery Ampuis 04 49 375 ml bottle
Muscat de Rivesaltes, Domaine du Vieux Chene 05 8 glass
193 Sauternes, Bastor-La Montagne 03 39 375 ml bottle
Moscatel, Ochoa 06 8 glass
Moscatel, JP Vinhos 8 glass
172 Dolce Far Niente 03 127 375ml
181 Sauternes, Chateau Piada 01 80 750 ml bottle
195 Sauternes, Gilette 85 197 375 ml bottle
191 Coteaux du Layon, Moulin Touchais (Chenin Blanc) 1985 150 750 ml bottle
173 Coteaux du Layon, Moulin Touchais (Chenin Blanc) 1971 197 750 ml bottle
FLIGHTS OF WINE AND SPIRITS
Liquid Gold 11
Ochoa Moscatel, Muscat de Rivesaltes & Santa Julia Late Harvest Torrontes
Warwick Valley Cordial Flight, choose three 11
Black Currant, Bourbon Barrel Apple, Bartlett Pear or Sour Cherry
Around the World 8
Tomasello Blueberry Wine, Royal 10 year Tawny Port, Cream Pedro Romero Sherry
Grand Marnier 8
Grand Marnier, Cinquantenaire 150 30
St. Germain (Elder flower) 8
Cointreau 8
Galliano 8
Knickers Irish Whiskey 6
Macadamia Nut Liqueur 8
Tia Maria 6
Tuaca 6
Chambord 8
Luxardo Amaretto 8
Drambuie 8
Blueberry Castelli 9
Wild Strawberry Fragolino 9
Belle de Brillet, Pear Cognac 8
Poli Moscato Grappa 10
Nardini Almond Grapa 10
Luxardo Sambuca 6
Kalani Coconut Liquer 6
Caprinatura Lemoncello
SCOTCH & WHISKEY
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
From Islay
BruichLaddich 3D3 The Norrie Cambell Tribute 16
BruichLaddich 15 Year Old “Torrey Pines” Chateau Latour Cask 16
BruichLaddich 15 Year Old Sauterne Cask 16
Bruichladdich Rocks 9
Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old 18
Lagavulin 16 Year Old 12
From Highland
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old 10
Glenmorange 10 Year Old 10
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old 9
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old, French Oak Reserve 14
Glengoyne 10 Year Old 9
The Macallan 12 Year Old 10
The Macallan 18 Year Old 24
The Speyside 12 Year Old 10
From West Highland
Oban 14 Year Old 12
From Speyside
The Benriach 12 Year Old 9
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old 14
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old 16
The Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder’s Reserve 9
The Balvenie 12 Year Old Double Wood 11
The Balvenie 15 Year Old 13
SINGLE MALT WHISKEY
St. George Lot 3 11 Alameda CA
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey 9 Colorado
BLENDED MALT WHISKEY
Pendelton 10 Year Old Hood Distillers 9 Canada
Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey 18 Gardiner NY
More Scotch & Whiskey Continued on next page….
SCOTCH & WHISKEY
SINGLE CASK SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
All single cask Scotch & selected others are Un-Chill-filtered & no color is added
Longmorn-Glenlivet 1968 Cask Strength 35 Year Old 30 Highland
BruichLaddich 1990 Cask Strength 14 Year Old 18 Islay
Coal Ila 1991 Un-Chillfiltered 15 Year Old Matured in Hogs Head, 654 bottles made. 14 Islay
Glenlivet 1985 20 Years Old Matured in Hogshead, bottle number 33 of 221 24 Speyside
BLENDED MALT SCOTCH
Black Bottle 10 Year Old A blend of all 11 distilleries in Islay consisting of single malts. 9 Islay
Islay Mist 17 Year Old contains majority Laphroiag 18 Islay
King’s Crest 25 Year Old Blend of 25 year Glenlivet & 27 year North of Scotland 35
Johnnie Walker Red 7
Johnnie Walker Black 12 Year Old 9
Johnnie Walker Green 15 Year Old 15
Johnnie Walker Blue “Rarest Blend” 35
BOURBON
Johnny Drum 7
Evan Williams, Single Barrel 1995 7
Old Pogue, Master’s Select 9
Willet Family Bourbon 9
Pricard’s Double Barreled 14
RUM
Doorly’s 8 Barbados
Plantation, Grande Reserve 8 Barbados
Cane 8 Louisiana
Saint James 8 Martinque
Clement VSOP 8 Martinque
Homere Clement 18 Martinque
El Dorado-
21 Year Special Reserve 16 Guyuna
COGNAC
Bowen XO 18
Kelt Tour du Monde VSOP 12
Kelt Tour du Monde XO 24
Remy Martin VSOP 10
Germain Robin Sharholders, American Brandy 10
ARMAGNAC
Armagnac, Cles des Ducs VSOP 10
St. Aubin, Kelt Tour du Monde 12
De Montal VSOP 12
Marie Duffau, Hors d’Age 10
ABSINTHE
St. George (Bistro Best Seller) 12 California
Delaware Phoenix Walton Meadow (Italian Wormwood) 12 New York
Delaware Phoenix Meadow of Love (Virginia Wormwood) 12 New York
Mata Hari 12 Austria
Absinthe is a distilled, highly alcoholic (45%-90% ABV), anise-flavored spirit derived from herbs, including the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemisia absinthium, also called "wormwood." Absinthe is typically of a natural green color but is also produced in both clear and artificially colored styles. It is often called "the Green Fairy."
Although it is sometimes mistakenly called a liqueur, absinthe is not bottled with added sugar and is therefore classified as a liquor. Absinthe is unusual among spirits in that it is bottled at a high proof but is normally diluted with water when it is drunk.
Absinthe originated in Switzerland. However, it is better known for its popularity as an alcoholic drink in late 19th- and early 20th-century France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. Due in part to its association with bohemian culture, absinthe was opposed by social conservatives and prohibitionists. Charles Baudelaire, Paul Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Aleister Crowley were all notorious "bad men" of that day who were (or were thought to be) devotees of the Green Fairy.
Absinthe was portrayed as a dangerously addictive, psychoactive drug. The chemical thujone, present in small quantities, was blamed for its alleged harmful effects. By 1915 absinthe had been banned in the United States and in most European countries except the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Although absinthe was vilified, no evidence has shown it to be any more dangerous than ordinary liquor. Its psychoactive properties, apart from those of ethanol, have been much exaggerated.
A revival of absinthe began in the 1990s, when countries in the European Union began to reauthorize its manufacture and sale. As of February 2008, nearly 200 brands of absinthe were being produced in a dozen countries, most notably France, Switzerland, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
