Nomadic Wines

Dinner at Barresi's with the Levy family

The Saturday after Thanksgiving (11/10), my family went to Barresi's in Deer Park (Cincinnati). The restaurant has been around forever, but I'm not sure why. Not to ramble too much about the food but wow, it was a garlic, olive oil, and butter fest. I ordered the lamb osso bucco and it lacked the rich flavor I expected. On the other hand, the sauteed artichoke appetizer tasted great, but was covered in olive oil and garlic. It reminded me of the garlic fries at Pac Bell Park.

Looking at the wine list ahead of time, I saw some reasonable prices and got excited about the opportunities.

When the wine came out, it was a different vintage and I asked about this. The waitress's response was pretty funny - she said, "you know, wine is like cars... a new one comes out every year but it is basically the same car." I decided not to discuss, but it was entertaining.

• 2005 Vigne Regali (Banfi) Gavi Principessa Gavia - Italy, Piedmont, Gavi
  Very fruity nose with pear, peach, and maybe some rich apple (not granny smith). The palate fills up with a little minerality and some citrus peel (some oiliness). Went well with a little buttery sauce.


• 2003 Michele Chiarlo Barbera d'Asti Superiore La Court - Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Barbera d'Asti
  I thought I was ordering the 2000 so when the 2003 arrived with appetizers, I asked her to open it so we could pour it into glasses. The wine clearly evolved in the glass - initially, it was very primary black fruit, like black raspberry. It had a kirsch characteristic with some pepper and tar that came out after about 1.5 hours. Very good... $40 in retail?

Overall, the wines were both good reasonably priced. The food was average and the portions huge, but the prices were high... so I would not recommend.

posted by nomadfromcincy @ 1:45 PM