Tera 13/12/2011 DaveDeSimone

VINHODOPORTO

TRIBELIVE LIFESTYLES (ONLINE)

SPECIALFOODGIFTSDON'THAVETOCOSTAFORTUNE
Still pondering distinctive gifts for that special person or is it special gifts for that distinctive person?Eitherway,theseoptionswillnotbreakthe bank: Pittsburgh's own Penn Brewery offers the award winning 2011 St. Nicholas Bock Brewer's Reserve (availablein25ouncebottlesinfeltgiftbagsatlocal bottle shops for around $12). As a traditional German doppelbock lager, prodigious malty aromas and rich, sweet malty flavors balance with just the right touch of hops. Pair with sauerbraten. Highly recommended. Fine chocolate and fortified, gently oxidized wines make superb gifts. Start with acclaimed French pastry chef Francois Payard's fabulous Grand Cru Chocolate Truffles ($22 for nine pieces at www.payard.com).Dustedwithdarkcocoapowder, these rich, smooth chocolates have a hint of saltinessfromfleurdeseltobalancethetantalizing sweetness.Pairwith: N.V. Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Tawny Porto, Portugal (4865; on sale: $24.99): Like most fine fortified wines, this tasty bottle's mild sweetness and rich, round flavors come from residual, natural grape sugars.Theadditionofspiritalcoholgrapebrandy, inthiscasebeforethecompletionoffermentation also accounts for the wine's potent 20percent alcoholbyvolume. Asatawnyport,thewineagedinbarrelfor10years before bottling. The ruddy color offers wonderful nutty and raisin aromas and flavors through the honeyed finish. A delicious acidity streak creates refreshingbalance.Highlyrecommended. N.V. Warre's Otima 20 Year Tawny Porto, Portugal (Luxury 10381; $39.99 for 500 milliliters): Founded asthefirstBritishPorthousein1670,Warre'stoday falls under the Symington Family which continues thetraditionofexcellencewithunstintingattention to detail. After aging 20 years in barrel, this lovely tawny delivers even more complex nutty, honeyed character with intriguing touches of orange rinds andspices.Theultrasmoothtextureandrefreshing aciditycreatelovelybalance.Recommended. 1995DomaineCazesRivesaltesTuil,France(Special Liquor Order 62807; $42.09 order at 800322 7522): Fortified sweet wines known as vin doux naturelinFrenchactuallystartedwhenArnaudde VilleneuveperfectedtheprocessattheUniversityof Montpellier in the 13th century. Fortification preserved the wines for easier shipping over long distances. Today, France's southern Roussillon region around the Catalan city of Perpignan accounts for over 80 percentofthecountry'stastyvindouxnaturel. The Muscat de Rivesaltes appellation uses aromatic,
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Tera 13/12/2011 DaveDeSimone

VINHODOPORTO

TRIBELIVE LIFESTYLES (ONLINE)

fruity Muscat grapes, whereas Rivesaltes Ambr relies primarily on whiteskinned grenache blanc. TheBanyuls,MauryandRivesaltesTuilappellations usemainlydarkskinnedgrenachenoir. This delicious Rivesaltes Tuil comes from vines toiling in the arid foothills of the Corbires Mountains in northern Roussillon. Clay and limestoneterroircoveredwithsmoothpebbleshelps the grapes retain vital acidity and mineral traits for freshness.Aginginoakcaskscreatedtheruddycolor delivering nutty, caramel aromas and refreshing, fruity flavors though an elegant, nutty finish that lingers seductively. The wine carries relatively modest16.5percentalcohol.Highlyrecommended. For a distinctive Italianthemed gift, put together thisbasketofgoodies: Start with Eugenio Ranchino's delicious, ultrafresh, cold pressed olive oil, 2011 Canale 53 (available exclusivelyfromBuonSaporeatSouthSideWorksfor $35per500milliliters)."Theoliveswerestillonthe treesinUmbriainthefall,"saysBuonSaporeowner Carlo Dozzi. The traditional olive varieties grow withoutpesticidesoninfertilevolcanicsoils. Afterhandpicking,Ranchinogentlypressesthecrop without chemicals to enhance yields. The deep golden, green color unfolds subtle herbal and captivating,deliciousfruityflavors.Azesty,peppery finishaddsaboldtouch.

To balance the savory olive oil, add the sweet, refined flavors of Villa Manodori Aceto Balsamico (availablefromSurLaTablealsoatSouthsideWorks; 8.5 ounces for $44.95). This condimentostyle balsamic vinegar delivers a glimpse of the glorious wonders of Modena's Aceto Tradizionale at a fraction of the cost. Its viscous consistency offers fruity flavors with lovely caramel notes and a refreshingfinish. Delallo's in Jeannette also offers a ready made, tempting Italian Christmas Basket ($59 at www.delallo.com).Itincludesatastychunkofaged Asiago cheese, thinly sliced prosciutto, garlicky pittedgreenolives,apoundofpastaandanchovies readyformakingasauce.Forthesweettooth,italso offers Italian sweet bread, Panettone, and a samplingoftraditionalTorronealmondcandies. Finally add a tasty Italian white wine. Try 2009 ArnaldoCaprai, Grecante, Grechetto dei Colli Martani, Italy (Luxury 18902; $19.49) or 2009 Regaleali Bianco, Sicily (Luxury 18118; $13.99), two fruity, yet crisp, wellbalanced wines. Highly recommended.