Another Help-with-this-List Thread: Business Dinner in Boston @Bricco

WINE TALK
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My team has an onsite in Boston tomorrow, with dinner at Bricco (not my choice). No doubt I will be handed the wine list, which is pretty generic, leaning towards premium generic. I have white figured out, but I’m struggling to find a red within budget ($60-80) that will make the guys happy, and won’t bombard me with oak or flab or both. Right now, I’d lean towards the Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva, which is slighty too expensive, but I can dollar cost average to the right level.

Anything I’m missing on there that might fit the bill? Vintages can’t be relied on to be correct, so no choices based solely on a great stated vintage, and only Italian. Thanks in advance!

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:grinning_face:

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It’s a setup, play the old credit card trick and excuse yourself to the restroom when the wine list shows up!

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I was also thinking the Monsanto. Or the 2022 Dolcetto D’Alba, “Rossana”, Ceretto.

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I think either of the Spinetta wines would be good in that range but I would personally stick to espresso martinis with that list.

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I have learned from experience that, even if you are a pro, if you are half the size of everyone else on the team, and it’s going to be a long night, cocktails are not the way to go.

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How about “I’m not sure I see something everybody would like for a red. Let’s order individually by the glass today.”

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I’d go Spinetta too. Young Langhe with the right food can surprise at times.

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Because it is my unoffical job to play this role, one I accept and am generally pleased to do. I will do it to the best of my ability. Not beg off because I am personally not thrilled with options. :slight_smile:

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I am a big fan of young langhe nebbiolo - it’s in regular rotation in our house, so that was on my list. Just wish it was one I actually like, lol.

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I respect that :saluting_face:

There’s just no chance of pulling off what Dentice did the other night unfortunately here. Certainly not every dinner has to have mind blowing wine though either. Let us know what you go with. :cheers:

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Novacella Pinot Noir is consistently good, but it’s not a late fall wine. Still, real quality and finesse.

The Nero d’Avola / Syrah blend sounds like it could be good. It’s interesting for sure, but ‘interesting’ and ‘good’ are not synonyms.

Hope it goes well.

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Hesitant to mention for multiple reasons (not the least of which is it doesn’t fit the criteria), but for a work group of non-wine-drinkers I might consider trying the '19 Neyers cab for 99 bucks. Been a while since I’ve had Neyers anything but have the idea he’s not making fruit-and-oak bombs, it has some bottle age, and would be crowd-friendly.

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All Spinetta is way over oaked, except their lovely Moscato.

Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva and Cantine DEI Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are the best reds on the list in that price range.

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Thanks Ken. I agree on all counts.

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Lol! Not Italian, not in the price range, and recommendation based at least in part on vintage. Three strikes, Stan! :laughing:

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I also agree, but if your task is to find a wine that the group will enjoy then something oaky can play well. We had a party in the past year and went through a case of the La Spinetta il Nero de Casanova and it seemed to be a crowd pleaser. If you want to expand some horizons, you’ve identified some potentially better options that will likely still be enjoyed by all.

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I get this line of thinking, and sure I can pick something oaky that everyone but me will probably enjoy and be comfortable with. But this is my team, not a one off client pleaser. Part of the deal is to be me, the wine-obsessed weirdo they know. The triumph is in showing them again and again that they will love what I order, it will be within budget, and it will surprise them. Otherwise, why give me the list at all?

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At least he didn’t suggest beer? :newhere:

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The Tre or the Sicilian. Oak is a big risk with someoof the others.

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