Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Wine Shop: Italian Wine Merchants


108 E 16th Street (bet. Park Avenue and Irving Place)
212-473-2323
http://www.italianwinemerchant.com/

For some time now, we wanted to visit the Italian Wine Merchants. Two of the owners are famous restaurant people. Chef Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianich own Del Posto (among numerous other places) where last month, we sampled two interesting Italian wines. Since they were being offered on the restaurant week menu, we knew they were reasonably priced. Then when the waiter told us we could buy them at IWM, we were practically on our way.

The store only stocks Italian wine and is spacious because with everything sold, there is only one bottle on display. One of the managers, Debbie, explained how all the wine is properly stored downstairs. After you make your selections they are sent up on a dumbwaiter while you pay. Another unique thing is that the shelves are arranged from lower to higher priced wines.

So right by the front door, was the Tuscan red we enjoyed called, Lo Mozza Morellino di Scansano I Perazzi 2005 ($16.50). It turns our Chef Mario, partner Joseph and his mother Chef Lidia Bastianich own Lo Mozza. The white was a Bastianich Tocai Friulano 2006 from the other Bastianich-owned winery in the Friuli region of Italy ($15.95).

The shop gives an 8% case discount and free shipping in Manhattan. On the website there is loads of information. This is another case of wine becoming a passion more than a business. Now on our Saturday trips to the Union Square Greenmarket, we will need to make a detour over to the IWM and see what is going on.

8 comments:

aprons for women said...

is it really true that wine is much better than beer but beer is much better than brandy???

criticpapa said...

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mind if I put a link back to you?


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CatCat said...

"This is another case of wine becoming a passion more than a business."

Oh, great! A passion for wine is better than a wine business, though the combination of the business and a passion for it is the best.

Cheers
Cathy@embroidery designs

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clean credit said...

Great post and nice to see the commitment to the wine and shop. it is nice to do something you enjoy.

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PETER MORICE said...
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