So, rather than face a dreary afternoon at work I made the impromptu decision to head to Cleveland today to check out some of the local wine shops. My first stop was Western Reserve Wines which had a wonderful international selection but nothing that interested me enough to bite. On the way to my second and final stop, Miles Farmer's Market, I was caught speeding (52 in a rather poorly marked 35) by an all-too-cheerful Orange, OH police officer.

The wine salesman at Miles was really accommodating while I spent a couple of hours digging through the several storage rooms on the premises. I settled on only three bottles; however, all were fairly pricy. I also asked for directions to small local restaurant with an acclaimed wine list where I figured I'd eat before heading back to Columbus. So, making my way through the express lane I figured I'd help the cashier by taking the bottles out of the cardboard box they were held in. One bottle, a '96 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz, was enclosed in an (I'd soon figure out) unfastened wooden box. Of course, when I removed the wooden box the bottle fell out, bounced off the conveyer belt, and shattered all over the floor. I stared blankly, first at the floor and then at the cashier, while I tried to figure out quite what I should do. As the expansive blackberry notes enveloped the express lane (they really did!) the only words I could find were "that wasn't an inexpensive bottle", to which the cashier nodded in dumbfounded agreement. Quickly regaining my composure I offered to pay for the wine as the accident was, of course, my fault. The wine salesman, who had since been summoned to figure out what to do, kindly told me not to worry about it. After several attempts to pay for the bottle he made the rather unorthodox request that I instead bring him to dinner with me. Given the situation and how well I'd been treated at the store I decided that it was the least I could do. Now, since I broke a $200 bottle I figured I owed him a fairly nice one. I settled on an extraordinary and extremely well priced Barolo

1990 Bruno Giacosa Falletto de Serralunga Riserva: Wonderfully expressive and expansive sweet rose, cherry, and white truffle nose. Sweet, full-bodied palate with intense anise notes and firm, fine grain tannins that are starting to integrate. Wonderful balance and a long, hauntingly beautiful, finish. Should continue to improve for 10-20 years. Quite simply the greatest Barolo, and one of the best Italian wines, that I've ever had. *****

We enjoyed the wine and good conversation, which frequently turned to the lost Hill of Grace, over a few hours after which I had to get back to Columbus as Jen was already not too happy about my unexpected dinner plans. Not a bad day all things considered.

I'll sell my story, and even agree to play the part....so long as they include a Giacosa and there's none of that carrying off into the sunset stuff .

Rhone,

Where'd you guys go to eat?

P.S. next time you're up, swing over to Chagrin Falls and stop in at Chuck's Fine Wines. Kurt is the guy you want to talk to... great place.

LJ

quote:

Originally posted by LiquidJoy65:
Rhone,

Where'd you guys go to eat?

P.S. next time you're up, swing over to Chagrin Falls and stop in at Chuck's Fine Wines. Kurt is the guy you want to talk to... great place.

LJ

Primo Vino in Little Italy. Proably the best (American) Italian list I've seen outside of NYC - generally very good prices too.

quote:

Originally posted by LiquidJoy65:

Chagrin Falls

Under the circumstances, I find this name to be beautifully ironic.

A Barolo Love Story.

quote:

Originally posted by Hunter:
A Barolo Love Story.

hmm....well, a lovely Barolo at least.

I second LJ's reccomendation of Chuck's (and speaking with Kurt). That, and Miles Farmer's Market and Western Reserve, are the three places I bought wine when in Cleveland.

Regarding Italian restaurants in Cleveland...I don't know what their BYO policy is (although I know they have allowed it for certain customers) and their wine list could deffinitely use improvement, but Valerio's in Little Italy is very nice -- very Tuscan (the brother of the owner owns a well respected restaurant in Florence and uses largely the same recipies). Their bread could also use some work. Giovanni's (corner of Richmond and Chagrin in Beachwood) is quite expensive by Cleveland's standards but I had one of my best meals in Cleveland there. The wine list is a bit pricy and very long with some great Italian wines on it. Much fancier restaurant than Valerio's. I would probably avoid discussion about certain, um, things, at both restaurants.

a

Great story, RW! The only thing I don't get is how you could talk about spilled Hill of Grace when you had a lovely Giacosa in your glass!

quote:

Originally posted by Whiner15:
I second LJ's reccomendation of Chuck's (and speaking with Kurt). That, and Miles Farmer's Market and Western Reserve, are the three places I bought wine when in Cleveland.

Regarding Italian restaurants in Cleveland...I don't know what their BYO policy is (although I know they have allowed it for certain customers) and their wine list could deffinitely use improvement, but Valerio's in Little Italy is very nice -- very Tuscan (the brother of the owner owns a well respected restaurant in Florence and uses largely the same recipies). Their bread could also use some work. Giovanni's (corner of Richmond and Chagrin in Beachwood) is quite expensive by Cleveland's standards but I had one of my best meals in Cleveland there. The wine list is a bit pricy and very long with some great Italian wines on it. Much fancier restaurant than Valerio's. I would probably avoid discussion about certain, um, things, at both restaurants.

a

Thanks for the recs. Jen and I have taken a couple of trips to Cleveland this month and have a trip planned to Classics (in the Intercontinental) in mid-October. We've been talking about doing a long weekend there and hitting a few of the more interesting places. I'd like to go back to Primo Vino when I didn't have to drive immediately afterwards and could try a few more things off the really exceptional list, the food was pretty unspectacular however.

Futronic,

I doubt I'd have enjoyed the HOG as much as the Giacosa, but it sure would have been nice to find out !