Sunday School

WINE

VALPOLICELLA SUPRIORE “MORANDINA” CANTINE PRA, ‘22

Veneto, Italy

Morandina! It’s like the best-kept secret you almost don’t want to share – except it’s too delicious not to. Graziano Prà, the mastermind behind this gem, may be best known for his Soave, but his red wines from Valpolicella are making serious waves. It all starts here, in the high-elevation vineyards of Mezzane and Tregnano. Picture vineyards perched at 500 meters, where glacial, chalky soils give these grapes a bright, mineral twist that sets them apart from the region’s usual rich and bold style.

The “Morandina” is all about finesse and freshness, with Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and a touch of Oseleta coming together in harmony. After a little nap…. 20 days of partial drying to be exact, the grapes go through a careful fermentation before aging in large French oak barrels. The result? A wine that balances juicy, fresh red berries with a hint of dried herbs and a bright, chalky core that’s like a walk through a misty vineyard in autumn. We welcome you to savor this fall treat before winter comes knocking!

$16 glass   •   $11 glass

CHEESE

OSSAU IRATY

Aquitaine, France · Sheep-R

With almost twice the butterfat of cow’s or goat’s milk, sheep’s milk is the ideal foundation for exceptional cheese. But being French doesn’t hurt either! Meet Ossau Iraty, a French cheese that fully embodies the rich, fatty, creamy metamorphosis of sheep’s milk into decadent fromage.

The legend of the curd holds that this is one of the oldest cheeses ever made, dating back thousands of years. In the Western French Pyrenees, about 100 producers still make Ossau Iraty today. The production is strictly regulated by French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée laws, which sets guidelines to ensure a high quality product with a strong, reliable reputation. This firm cheese permeates the air with a delicate wheat flour aroma. The blonde interior is famous for exceptional creaminess and well-integrated fat. A sweet, olive-like flavor coats the palate but never overwhelms. This snackable crowd-pleaser pairs quite well with high-tannin reds and Belgian Dubbels should you want to double your fermentation fantasy!

$9  •   $6