Sommelier Spencer Cruse of Drago Centro
March 14, 2012 by Derek Swanson
This week I interviewed Spencer Cruse, who is the relatively new sommelier at LA’s Drago Centro. Spencer took the reigns from Michael Shearin, who continues to help Spencer with sourcing in his new capacity as an importer/distributor. The first thing I noticed while perusing the Drago’s menus was the difference in prices between this year and [...]
The Wines of Planeta
February 15, 2012 by Derek Swanson
Sicily. What is the first thing that comes to mind? Volcanoes? Mobsters? Square pizza? How about wine? Though often overshadowed by the big boys of Italy such as the Brunellos, Barolos and Super-Tuscans, the pedigree of wine from this Mediterranean island can be just as compelling. At a recent lunch with winemaker Alessio Planeta, I [...]
2006 Tenuta Delle Terre Nere, Etna Rosso, Sicily
October 14, 2009 by Derek Swanson
This week’s pick comes from Jason Wagner, sommelier at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in New York: ”This beautiful wine from Sicily is made from indigenous varietals (Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio). It is medium to light in body with intoxicating aromas of roses, tea, wet leaves, and bright red cherries and raspberries. It reminds me in [...]
2008 Cottanera Barbazelle, Sicily
July 15, 2009 by Derek Swanson
This week’s pick comes from the award-winning sommelier Jake Kosseff of Seattle: “Every once and a while, everyone needs to try something completely different. This white wine, made from the Insolia grape, found almost exclusively in Sicily, is fitting reward to taking a chance on the unknown: not only is it delicious, but it’s [...]
