The Iron Chevsky Wine Blog

Ever since Tre Bicchieri 2011 , when Eleonora Guerini, senior editor of Gambero Rosso raved about an Italian region on a roll - Campania, I've been paying more attention to Greco di Tufo, one of Campania's top two white grape varieties, the other being Fiano. So recently when I found myself lunching at Bottega restaurant in Yountville - currently Napa Valley's best foodie restaurant (IMO, along with Ad Hoc), that I've written about in the past , and I saw Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo 2009, it was an easy choice. Feudi San Gregorio is one of Campania's top producers. Excellent, balanced, seafoody, fruit, acidity, a hint of smoke, minerals are all there. Character and depth, without heaviness or oakiness. As good a $17 bottle (at retail) of Italian white as you'll find to go with food. And the food was spectacular at Bottega yet again. Polenta under glass. Super creamy polenta, caramelized mushrooms & balsamic game sauce. Green-Egg and Ham. Olive oil-p...

Bottega opened in 2008 in the back of the big parking lot in Yountville across from Bouchon. That's not its only fame. In fact, in my opinion, Bottega easily outshines the famous Bouchon. Bottega is a brainchild of a top chef master and Food Network personality Michael Chiarello , who just, btw, released an obligatory Bottega cookbook. Put it on the shelf next to the Ad Hoc book and the Mustards Grill book - all instant classics from favorite Napa Valley foodie havens! The cuisine feels decidedly California-Italian. Prior to Bottega and his Food Network gigs, Michael was the founding executive chef of Tra Vigne - another "Italian-influenced" Napa Valley top draw. Bottega has become my gastronomic destination. Perhaps the only other place I've been where Italian food rises to a higher level is Bobby Stuckey's (ex French Laundry sommelier) Friuli-influenced Frasca in Boulder, Colorado. I'd be remiss not to give an honorable mention to Delfina in the city (SF...