Coming back for more fun on the Grapevine is Humble Pie! Owners Tom Kaufman and Rich Sullivan have been behind new valley restaurant concepts in the Valley for over twenty years, including Rancho Pinot, and opened Humble Pie in January in Scottsdale’s Hilton Village in January 2008 to rave reviews! A second location is set to open soon in Desert Ridge.

Not just any ordinary pizza joint, Kaufman spent two months perfecting his pizza crust! The result is a pizza baked in a gas- and wood-burning Earthstone oven, with puffy, bubbly, lightly charred edges. Inside, the crust is moist and doughy, so as you bite through its crisp surface, the effect is gently chewy, and sweet yeasty flavors mingle with smokiness. There are no substitutions allowed on the pizzas, but you will find out, they aren’t needed! Stay safe with the classic margherita, or let your taste buds go wild with the shrimp with burrata, basil, and lemon zest.

Appetizers range from Calamari with basil chili dipping sauce to roasted butternut squash with basil. Produce is brought in fresh from Bob McClendon's organic farm and fruits and vegetables were incorporated into almost every dish on the menu, especially in the starters and salads! The menu is so well rounded; it provides ample choices for even the pickiest of eaters.

Now, let’s talk wine! On Mondays, bottles of wine are ½ price! Wine lovers are sure to appreciate the value the hand-selected collection of wines elegantly displayed in a temperature-controlled cellar. This week on the Grapevine, we will be featuring three Ruffino wines paired with delectable food selections from Humble Pie’s menus. Try Ruffino’s Borgo Conventi Friulano 2007, Riserva Ducale Oro 2004, or the Modus 2005 the next time you stop in!

Open daily from 11AM-11PM with happy hour from 3-6pm. Humble Pie also offers local delivery and curb-side pick-up for your convenience. Humble Pie, where dining is social, the finest quality food is shared and service is accommodating…all in an intimate setting.

This week on Beth and Bill’s Grapevine, we will be featuring three Ruffino Wines.

Joining us from Humble Pie are Rich Sullivan and Tom Kaufman, owners of Humble Pie. They will pair the following Ruffino Wines with delectable items from their intimate eatery in Scottsdale. Also joining us will be Kate Green with Ruffino. Stop by Humble Pie and pair delicious and crisp Ruffino wines with their creative pizzas, salads and innovative appetizers, all made with fresh produce!

BORGO CONVENTI FRIULANO 2007

GRAPE VARIETY:
100% Friulano

TASTING NOTES:
Straw-yellow in color with light golden tones. On the nose, the wine is fragrant with delicate scents of wild flowers, accompanied by fresh almonds, characteristic of the grape. On the palate, the wine is well-structured with bright acidity and stone fruit flavors, with a lengthy finish.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Fresh and lively, Borgo Conventi Friulano makes a great aperitif; it is also delicious with grilled calamari, pasta salads; sautéed skate with spinach and capers; and most white meat dishes.

ALCOHOL:
13.5% abv

RISERVA DUCALE ORO 2004

GRAPE VARI ETY:
85% Sangiovese, 10% Colorino, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot

TASTING NOTES:
Ruby red in color, with garnet hues. Riserva Ducale Oro 2004 shows typical Tuscan characteristics with violet, cherry, and plum aromas and hints of white pepper. On the palate, this benchmark of fine Chianti Classico has a well-defined structure and an elegant, fruity core accented by rosemary and thyme. Full-bodied and well balanced, Riserva Ducale Oro’s ripe, round tannins lead into a long finish with notes of nutmeg and sweet tobacco.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Riserva Ducale Oro is the ultimate expression of Chianti Classico. Pair it with classic Italian dishes such as agnolotti, sausage and peppers, or bistecca alla
fiorentina; or take it to new heights with international favorites such as biryani, lamb tagine, or beef teriyaki.

ALCOHOL:
13.5%

MODUS 2005

GRAPE VARIETIES:
50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot

TASTING NOTES:
Ruby red in color with garnet hues. Well-structured, this wine’s characteristics exemplify the perfect union of the three varieties that make up the Modus blend. Hints of tobacco and spice lead to inviting aromas of cherries, blackberries and plums. This full-bodied wine is rich with refined, silky tannins and a long finish of vanilla and red berry essence.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Modus is delicious with versatile meat dishes such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina, sausage with escarole and fagioli beans, marinated flank steak, and pairs equally well with grilled stuffed Portobello mushrooms and aged hard cheeses.

Alcohol:
13.5%

These Ruffino wines will be available at Desert Botanical Gardens, Corks & Cactus event on Friday, September 26, 2008 from 6:30 to 9:30pm.

Ruffino Wines are also available at your local Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace and Basha’s grocery stores throughout the Valley.

Click here to register to enter on-line for your chance to win a “Night on the Town” by Ruffino Wines! Win tickets for four to Corks & Cactus, as well as dinner for four to Humble Pie, Camelback Inn’s BLT Steakhouse or The Grille at Scottsdale’s Fairmont Resort!