Vias Imports

This was my first visit to any Vias Imports event. Even though they self-distribute their products in NY and NJ, I had never been contacted by anyone from their firm in the past and therefore had neither tasted or purchased anything. I have seen a number of their items in NY restaurants and stores, so I was curious to see what they had to offer.

Again, the tasting was held at the Marriott Marquis, though in a smaller room. As I made my way around the room I was finding that most of the wines were of middling quality. Very little really got me excited though I will give them credit for showing some unusual varietals and appelations.

As Vias offered nothing more than cheese and bread, I left early so as to pickup some Dolin vermouth at Astor Wine and then obtain a late lunch. It was a humid day and the skies were dense with a heavy feeling rainy mist. This was very uncomfortable, so I made it to a new Mediterranean restaurant near Gramercy Square. However, it was way too warm in there and the wine selections by the glass looked pretty boring.

Luckily, Gramercy Tavern was next door and I settled in there for a lunch of carrot and calamari salad and a Plymouth and Dolin martini. The salad which I had ordered before has become a favorite of mine. Thin strips of carrot and squid in a refreshing lemon vinaigrette and garnished with pinenuts. I also had another appetizer of fish croquettes with heirloom green beans and arugula paired with a glass of Baudry Chinon rose. The croquette was perfectly crispy and crunchy, but the internal texture was on the dry side. Would not likely to order that again. Having visited Baudry in the Loire recently, I couldn’t resist this rose of cabernet franc. Light, pale and refreshing.

Lauber on Times Square

Lauber Imports puts on a grand tasting event in an enormous space at the Marriott Marquis right on Times Square pretty much featuring their total portfolio. They are also noted for putting out a nice spread of food, though the lamb chops were noticeably absent this year, no doubt in a measure to cut costs.

Since being bought by a major distributor, Lauber has become more mainstream in their section. The main reason I wanted to attend was not so much to find exciting new labels, but to revisit with some popular brands and to stay in touch with what the masses are drinking. Amongst the pleasant surprises were the Henriot Champagne with its delightful crisp texture and mellow, balanced finish. A new table of Loire wines from Guy Saget were exceptional. Bright, delicious sauvignon blancs and a Muscadet.

Many of the popular brand names that proliferate corporate restaurants were there, including Jos. Phelps and Jordan. Neither offered interesting wines, either because they were overwhelming or because they were poor values or both.

I found that I munched on enough appetizers that I decided to skip any in-town meal and caught the express train home.