Wino Weekend

We at Murray Hill Wines are here to meet your post-work-week needs.

You're craving a Rioja... cherry and tarry. We'll even recommend the perfect pairing snacks.

For our fruitier friends, meaning those who like a fruit-gushing wine, may we suggest the Montellori Moro, mellowed out with some earthiness.

Last but not least, those of you craving the crisp and tropical, we've got you covered with the Dolomites Pinot Grigio.

Marques de Vitoria Rioja Crianza 2004

We sat down and enjoyed this endlessly impressive Rioja from Spain after a long day of work this week. It’s a bottle to enjoy slowly, concentrating on the medley of flavors with every sip because it’s just that delicious and the flavors keep mounting as the wine breathes. A beautiful dark cherry-garnet color, the scent is intoxicating with wood and tar against bright berries and cherry. Enitrely Tempranillo, the grapes grow on vines between 15 and 20 years old, and then it ages in American oak casks. Smooth and medium- to full-bodied, the wine will continue to improve with age. It’s the perfect accompaniment to medium cheeses and whatever cold cuts make your mouth water. Personally, we snacked on some sopressata from the fridge that really uncovered the wine's layers.

Montellori Moro 2005

This Tuscan red blend of 90% Sangiovese and just a little Cabernet and Malvasia Nera (10%) gushes black fruits, tart cherry and a smidgen of cranberry. Sangiovese is an indigenous grape to Italy known as the grape of Chianti. Favorably acidic, the scents of dampen earth and smoky tar intertwined with herbal tones level out the fruit-loud wine.

Dolomites Pinot Grigio 2008

Grown in the rugged alpine environment of Trento in the north of Italy on 12-year-old vines, this crisp Pinot Grigio of straw-yellow color is dry, harmonious and full-bodied. A small production vintage, only 12,000 bottles were made—even more reason to pick up this unique bottle. The bouquet is elegant: flowers, green fruits and tropical notes. Crisp and refreshing, it pairs well with crustaceans, pasta and risotto.