This Week at Swirl Wine Bar & Market

Happenings

Antonio Molesini and Wednsday Nite Flites

In 1965, Renato Ratti bought his first vineyard for the production of Barolo, in the historical zone of Marcenasco, right below the Abbey of L’Annunziata at La Morra. In 1969, his nephew, Massimo Martinelli, joined the company and together, they perfected a technique of vinification, maturation and refinement for their Marcenasco Barolo, with the goal of obtaining the elegance, subtlety and longevity worthy of the variety's full potential. Since then, Renato Ratti has played an important role in the creation and production of single vineyard or "cru wines" from in the La Morra zone, known for its more supple tannins and opulent fruit.

If you are an avid reader of any of the wine ratings publications, chances are you seen the name Renato Ratti.  His 2006 Barolo Marcenasco (95pts) was the #1 wine of the year for Wine Enthusiast Magazine and his 2005  Barolo Marcenasco (96pts) was #7 in Wine Spectator's top 100 in 2009. We've carried a few of their lower end wines in the past but we'll be the first to taste the newly arrived 2009 Barolo Marcenasco as well as the Barbera D'Asti, the Nebbiola D'Alba and a beautiful Arneis from Prunotto.  

This promises to be a very special Wednesday Nite Flite led by our friend and traveling companion Antonio Molesini, native of Tuscany, walking encyclopedia of Italian wine and closet comedian - the tasting will be entertaining as well as educational and especially delicious.  Reservations are not required, but if you'd like to be sure to have a seat, call us at 504.304.0635.  The tasting is $15 for a flite of 4 wines that will include the 2009 Barolo.  We'll be doing Italian themed cheese and meat plates to pair with the wines tonight as well.

Upcoming Events

Food Truck Tuesdays @ Swirl! August 20, 6-8pm 

Fat Falafel is back! Theresa and Gavin had a little snafu with the truck last week (a big thanks to La Cocinita for filling in last minute!) but they are back and parked in front of the shop on Tuesday.  Bring your food inside and let Magic Matt and El Casey pair it with our favorite wines by the glass! 

Wednesday Nite Flites with Antonio Molesini, August 21, 6-8pm

Antonio will be pouring a flite of 4 wines from Piemonte including the 2009 Renato Ratti Barolo. Plus we'll Italian themed meat and cheese plates to pair with the wines.  Flites are $15 for 4 pours of really delicious juice and no reservations are required!

Friday Free for All, August 23, 6-8pm

Britt Nelson will be in the shop tonight pouring 4 free wines from South America.  Plus chef Walter is back with his amazing small plates!  

Saturday Happy Hour, August 24, 4-6pm

Join Erin & Matt for our weekly happy hour where all of our 25 wines by the glass are half off!

New Orleans Wine Club Tasting & Selection Pick Up, Monday 9/9

Each month NOWC carefully chooses two exclusive wines for your exploration and enjoyment! These wines are hand-selected to fit the season, the right event or just for fun. Whatever they select each month is always exclusive to New Orleans Wine Club Members and not available anywhere else! These unique selections come with pairing ideas, wine descriptions and more. Check out their website for more info on membership & exclusive tastings: New Orleans Wine Club

In the works...

Two wine dinners in the works for September, I'll keep you posted as things develop, but check your calendars for 9/23 and 9/24.  And yes, they will be Italian of course...

The Wines of Eric Solomon with Sommelier Liz Dowty - We are rescheduling this tasting with Liz as we are waiting from a few special selections to arrive.  We've also decided to make it a Priortat/Montsant specific tasting, as the portfolio carries some of the top wines of these regions.  And El Casey has spent a few years in this area so he is really excited to bring in a great lineup of Spanish cheeses and foods for the tasting!   $30. More info TBA

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