Overwood
220 North Lee Street
Alexandria
One of Old Towns newest culinary additions, Overwood deserves a well done on their inventive and well-priced wine list. Visit on a Tuesday and enjoy any wine on their thoughtful list for half price. By the glass, Im enjoying:
2005 Dr Loosen – $7
Riesling
Mosel, Germany
Throw away any pre-conceptions about Rieslings being sweet. This Mosel classic Kabinett-style Riesling is crisp with racy minerality. Notes of green apples and hint of pear round out this very food-friendly wine.
Restaurant Eve
110 South Pitt Street
Alexandria
Restaurant Eve offers new wines by the glass monthly a practice I appreciate. However, one perennial favorite of mine has been featured since day one. I hope they never take this one off the wine list. Well priced, well made, and well enjoyed by me:
Ken Forrester – $8
Chenin Blanc
Stollenbosch, South Africa
Tropical fruit and a hint of vanilla make this a very satisfying Chenin Blanc. More body than its more delicate cousin in the Loire Valley, this one is pure Summer.
Farrah Olivia Restaurant
600 Franklin Street
Alexandria
Farrah Olivias wine list is best by the bottle. Some very interesting and unique gems are included and the mark-up is very reasonable. Dine between 5:30-6:45 p.m. and enjoy a 3- course dinner paired with wine for $50. By the glass, Im enjoying:
2004 Ingonyama- $7
Shiraz
Swartland Winery
Malmsbury, South Africa
Inky as you would expect in a Shiraz but, earthier and smokier than the typical Australian Shiraz. A very muscular and interesting wine.
100 King Restaurant
100 King Street
Alexandria
100 King has arguably the most inventive wine by the glass list in Old Town. And after work, you can enjoy a large 6 oz pour of a select red and white for just $4. When Im at 100 King Restaurant, Terrance pours me this wine by the glass:
2004 Cousino-Macul-$8
Cabernet Sauvignon
RiservaMaipo, Chile
Just a phenomenal, well-structured Cabernet Sauvignon whose price belies its value. Its strong tannins balance out lush fruit and the result is a simply magnificent wine with notes of black cherry, vanilla, tobacco and white pepper. This one has it all.
The Vino Vixen is Mari Stull Founder of Club BV*, former Vice President of Virtual Wine Selector, and member of the Society of Wine Educators. Have a wine question or comment for Mari? She can be reached at VinoVixen@vinovixen.org.