Let’s offer a toast to spring holidays and warmer weather

I’m delighted you can join me this week. Best wishes for a thoughtful and introspective Passover and Easter week. 

To support our local stores, I did a bit of regional research on stores carrying the wines I’m recommending today. Most stores have web pages and you can pick up at the door. Let’s start with a couple from Nassau Valley Vineyards. I spoke with Peggy Raley, the remarkable wino who, along with her family, established Delaware’s first winery. Peggy actually crafted the farm winery legislation used in part in the original bill. NVV made the decision to temporarily shutter its retail store, banquet facility and very successful farmers market due to COVID-19 precautions prior to Gov. Carney’s command. I asked why, and Peggy replied, “We did not wish to jeopardize the health of our longtime staff and our loyal customer base. Work is proceeding in the cellar and the vineyards because we can properly avoid proximity for those working in that capacity.” I asked for Easter recommendations, and Indian River Red with lamb and Naked Chardonnay for ham were her suggestions. For those who prefer wine that is a bit sweeter, try Meadow’s Edge or Laurel’s Red. These can be found at Atlantic Liquors, Cape Wine and Spirits, Bayville Package in Fenwick, Liquor Land in Seaford and Outlet Liquors near the malls. The 2015 Indian River Red, blended of 60 percent Merlot, 31 Cab Franc and 9 Cab Sauvignon, spent 13 months in new French oak. Look for black cherry and smoky leather aromas. On the nicely balanced palate are dried plum, hints of black pepper and appropriate tannic grip for aging potential. The long, clean finish shows black currant notes. Ready now, $28. Indian River Red was named Delaware’s best wine by Hannah Loewentheil.

I think you’ll find terrific matches for ham in Mosel Riesling. Of those available in the Cape Region, I look for wine made by Nik Weis, owner/winemaker at Weingut Nik Weis and St. Urbans-Hof, and bon vivant. Barbara and I have met Nik on a few occasions, discussed his wine philosophy, shared some meals and had a few laughs. He is a remarkable raconteur, has a wealth of vinicultural and historic knowledge, and makes a wide array of site-specific wines from some of Germany’s best regions along the Mosel and Saar rivers. Won Winery of the Year in 2017 for best sweet and noble sweet collection. His Beerenauslese, Auslese and Spatlese 2017 had RP in a frenzy of 95-99-point accolades. Deservedly so. My friends, until you’ve sampled one, or better, all of these, your fine wine knowledge is incomplete.

All that written, it’s Easter, and those who enjoy rabbit or lamb and reasonably priced wines to support them can find Weis’ Wiltinger Alte Reben (old vines) 2016, ‘17 or ‘18 around $20, 91 McD for a European or Northern Med preparation. Their Estate Bottled or the Urban Riesling will work for those who prefer recipes with Southern Med or Oriental flair. You can find these at Back Bay, Banks, Bin 66, Oak Creek and Outlet Liquors. My notes on 2016 Alte Reben say “Herbaceous, black currant blossom aroma. On the palate gooseberries, grapefruit with herbal hints of flint, and lemongrass.” Jancis Robinson loved the 2018: “Juicy and welcoming with well-judged fruit. Very pure and nicely textured. This producer makes very user-friendly wines.”

I’m happy to report some good news on the COVID-19 front. As the lovely springlike weather has brought flowers and shoots to dispel a long, dreary winter, recent news indicates in several regions, including NYC, the peak of COVID-19 infection is being realized. Let’s hope it’s because staying in place is working. Also, anecdotal evidence is gaining credence that the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and Z-pak cocktail has been alleviating symptoms. Another well-vetted medicine, nitric oxide, is known to relax blood vessels and lung tissue. It is also being tested in several locations. Here’s an LA Times article: www.latimes.com/science/story/2020-04-05/viagra-discovery-could-treat-coronavirus-patients. I’m not recommending any drugs or treatment, just making folks aware. Human ingenuity has already gone far in resolving some pandemic issues. I have great faith in highly trained people and even garage tinkerers like Gates, Edison, et al., and their ability to resolve problems when restrictions are removed and novel remedies are encouraged. Unfortunately, the timid “let’s test ad nauseum” and “itllnevawork” types often are the decision makers. Do your own due diligence.  According to today’s information: Dyson vacuums cannot easily be converted in the factory to make ventilators. Fake news!