Stay Rad

So…

My folks have lived in Reno, Nevada for almost ten years now.

Consequently, I usually head up to the “Biggest Little City in the World” three or four times a year.

When they first moved to Reno, I would spend quite a bit of time in the casinos when I would visit my parents.

The reality is that Reno has a whole lot more going for it than gambling…

If you’re into wine (like me), there are tons of hip spots to check out (remember this one?).

Kara and I just got back from spending a couple of days in Reno, to visit my folks and to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a few friends.

Before lunch on the 31st, we decided to hit up this gem of a shop…

Craft Beer & Wine

Craft Beer & Wine is a sweet wine shop on the South end of downtown Reno.  From the moment you walk into the shop, you are greeted by some wonderfully passionate, knowledgable, and unpretentious folks working there.  Craft is loaded full of big variety of reasonably priced wines from all over the world (focusing on those from Europe).  They also have a walk-in fridge with tons of beers.  All bottles are priced to-go, but they have glasses and picnic benches in the store if you want to dink there.

The folks there helped us pick out a nice wine to enjoy…

Opening the bottle...

Vietti 2008 Barbera D’Asti Tre Vigne:

Color: A beautiful, deep, dark purple that fades to burgundy at the rim of the glass.  Check it out…

See...

Nose: Fruit of blackberry, cherry, and plum.  There is a nice oak component, along with a fruit roll-up aroma on the tail end.

Taste: There is some good fruit up front.  Blackberries.  Blueberries.  Cranberry jam.  Nice subtle oak spice with a hint of tobacco leaf.  There is a nice acidity that wakes up the palate.  As I was drinking it, I began to crave a thickly cut turkey sandwich.  Mmmmmmmm…  As the wine sits in the glass for a while, it opens up into some tasty, earthy, mushroom notes.  Delish…

Score: A solid 89 points.  This was a great way to wrap up 2011.

If you are ever in the area, you should totally hit this place up…

She’s crafty!

Stay Rad,

Jeff

Tags: Craft Wine and Beer, Jeff, Reno, Stay Rad, Vietti 2008 Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne

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