This week's Grapevine features features a neighborhood favorite restaurant in Ahwatukee, Venice Ristorante - under new ownership with Tom Vertucci and Jim Kostopoulos. These recently reunited high school pals are excited about the changes they've made to Venice Ristorante, and invite you to come in and see what all the excitement is about!

At Venice Ristorante you can now get premium wine by the glass during happy hour and enjoy some incredible new Italian dishes that Vertucci & Kostopoulos have perfected!

For our Wine Pick of the Week we'll taste, Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon, Twisted Pinot Grigio, and Irony Chardonnay.

Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas of black peppercorn, cedar and blackberries lead in this dark, bold Cab. A wave of juicy blueberries and currants breaks on the palate followed by hints of violets, earth, cloves and cocoa. Supported by solid tannins, the flavor lingers like a long smooth ride on a perfect wave. This crowd pleaser is great at a party with spicy meatballs or strong cheeses, but, it's equally comfortable with dinner for one or two with steak, lamb, fire-roasted vegetables or hearty lasagna.

Twisted Pinot Grigio
Twisted is about having fun and enjoying the wines that you are drinking without worrying about the rules generally associated with wine. Do you like to have Chardonnay with your garlic chicken pizza? Go ahead!! All of Twisted wines are made to be enjoyed with a variety of foods, or by themselves. So sit back, relax, and put some Twisted on your tongue!! Twisted Pinot Grigio opens with rich aromas of pear and yellow apples. On the palate, this wine is crisp and refreshing with flavors of ripe apples, citrus, and a hint of vanilla, which leads into an extended finish.
This wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif or pairs well with appetizers and seafood dishes.

Irony Chardonnay
This Napa Valley Chardonnay layers juicy tropical fruit and mineral notes with lively citrus, crisp green apples, rich cream and vanilla - a veritable apple pie of flavors. Enjoy this wine with salad, oysters, mild cheeses, grilled fish, roasted chicken, creamy pastas or on its own!

These fine wines are also available at...