Monday, November 12, 2007

Wine Shop: Tinto Fino




Vinos de España
85 First Avenue (bet. 5th & 6th Streets)
212-254-0850
http://www.tintofino.com/

If you’re interested in discovering Spanish wines outside of the more typical riojas found in NY wine shops, then head over to the East Village and go to Tinto Fino, a tiny gem of a shop that opened about a year ago. Grouped by geographic region, there are usually about 150 different wines in stock, many of which you won’t find at any other wine store in New York.

When we were there today, the selection seemed mostly skewed to what we call “special occasion” wines ($20-$30+), i.e., not in our everyday budget. But salesperson Stephanie said that she was just about to replenish after the weekend, since the shop tries to have representation in the $7-15 range as well. Stephanie was knowledgeable, helpful, and enthusiastic without being the least bit overbearing. Shortly after we walked into the shop, she offered us a taste of this week’s featured wine, the Descendientes Pétalos 2006 Bierzo, ($23) which she explained is made from mencía, an indigenous Spanish grape. The featured wine is offered at a 10% discount, and the store usually offers tastings once a week.

Tinto Fino has just launched a new website, and is offering 15% off all wines purchased online (minimum of 6 bottles) in November. If you visit, bear in mind that the store keeps “East Village” hours, currently 12PM to 10PM Monday through Saturday; and 1PM to 9PM on Sunday.

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