When I think of Margaret River, a picturesque wine region in Western Australia, two white wines come to mind: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon (“SBS”) blends. But bumping into a grape I most associate with Portugal, Verdelho, in this neck of the wine world? Really? Cool.

2014 Ashbrook Estate Verdelho

I first tasted this bottle at Vinyl Wine, located about eight blocks north of me. And not only did I give it a try, but also a buy. Normally I would expect a Verdelho to be on the lean side (in a favorable manner) but the Ashbrook Estate had a bit of lusciousness to it.

So if you like a white wine with a little more weight (but not from oak), this is a highly recommended bottle. Or if searingly tart whites are not your bag, it’s a Verdelho that fits the bill. A (very) happy medium in a world of white wine often defined by extremes.

Vinyl Wine happens to be on the way to a spot I’ve been hanging out at with some regularity: ABV. The beer and wine by-the-glass selection is not overwhelming but always interesting. At a neighborhood joint you don’t want to fuss and wring hands over a vast selection. Made that decision, stat! (I’ve kind of been a slave to the Loire Valley Chenin Blanc.)

How’s the food? Whether a simple plate of Kilchurn Estate English Cheddar with mustard, pickles, and crostini that’s heavenly with beer or a fancier roasted cauliflower with lemon, breadcrumbs, and a green herb/caper dressing, I am smitten with the eats. (The trout dish there is really outstanding, BTW.)

This just scratches the surface of what I’ve discovered in and around Yorkville. But the two wine shops in my neighborhood and a place to pop in for good beer, wine, and eats provide a nice snapshot of why I am settling nicely into this part of New York.

Tags: ashbrook estate, ashbrook estate verdelho, verdelho