Stepping Out for Some Grenache
It’s hard to imagine life in Fort Greene pre-Green Grape. The Fulton Street wine merchant’s well-curated selection of affordable wines nailed the nabe’s demographic on the head. On Saturday evening, we hopped in the car for the short drive to grab a couple of bottles of Artazuri Navarra 2003. At $12 a bottle, this Grenache…
It’s hard to imagine life in Fort Greene pre-Green Grape. The Fulton Street wine merchant’s well-curated selection of affordable wines nailed the nabe’s demographic on the head. On Saturday evening, we hopped in the car for the short drive to grab a couple of bottles of Artazuri Navarra 2003. At $12 a bottle, this Grenache has really begun to grow on us. We’re also also happy to see that Olivino, at Fulton and Clinton, also seems to be catching on with Clinton Hill-ers. From what we’ve seen, there are more than enough wine drinkers in the area to keep both stores comfortably in business.
Ben, the $2 applies to me in Crown Heights because I’m not in their immediate area. I got the impression that more local delivery is still free (six or more bottles).
I agree completely with post at 9:30. I would gladly pay the $12 for the Artazuri, and many others. And it is difficult to find good wine at $8 to $10, but it’s not impossible. Another cheapie I like is Taurino Salice Salentino. Also $8 or $9, and an earthy, rustic, well made Italian.
Hal, thanks for the update on the S&V delivery policies. It used to be free, I guess the increase in gas prices forced them to start charging. You’re right though that $2 isn’t really much.
Thanks for the tip, Hal, about the grenache — just ordered a case from PJ’s. And see below (the never-ending PLG rant — who knew a single overpriced house could provoke such passions?) for a discussion of the “bad old days” pre-Greene Grape (I actually lived there at that time and have never been happier anywhere else, either before or since) — thank goodness Jesse’s House of Styles still survivies (or did last I checked).
Ben, I checked out the Smith and Vine website, and it the choices look good. There were some problems with the site, though. I called to inquire about delivery policies. When I told him I’m in Crown Heights, he said delivery would cost $2.00! Not exactly free, but not a deal breaker.
Went to Olivino this weekend for the first time. It’s a cute store and had a nice selection, but I was a little surprised that no one greeted me or offered assistance. I got spoiled by the friendly folks at Red White & Bubbly!
Olivino may well be used to a more assured class of wine-buyers than myself. Granted, it wouldn’t take much.
Ben, I’ll check it out. Thanks!
Hal,
Smith and Vine on Smith st (www.smithandvine.com) will deliver for free in brooklyn with a 1 case minimum. It’s a little more local than manhattan at least.
I find both Green Grape and Olivino to have a good selection of moderately priced wines, including cheap $9-$12 bottles too at both stores.
I really love GG – the people there are so helpful and knowledgable – if you’re looking for something and can’t find it, they’re good at steering you in a similar direction…