Toast of the Town

Every great recipe deserves an exquisite counterpart. I was first introduced to Lambrusco, an Italian sparkling red wine, during my birthday dinner at Gramercy Tavern last November. It graced my holiday table and made a wonderful, surprising gift for friends and colleagues.

This week it makes it's way to The Tasting Table's daily blog. Carroll Gardens co-horts can pick up a bottle of the Medici Ermete Solo Reggiano ($13) at Smith & Vine. Still need more reasons to run to your local wine shop? Read Eric Asimov, the New York Times wine guru, and Ray Isles over at Food & Wine fawn over it – it made their radar two years ago.

The funky, earthiness is balanced with a refreshing fizz. It's versatility is unmatched—it pairs well with cheese, cuts through rich dishes but also holds its own as an aperitif before bringing or after you start the festivities. At less than $15 a bottle, it deserves a place at your table any night of the week.

Cheers!