Wine to Try: Rosso di Montalcino Leopoldo Franceschi 2016

A Tuscan Red from the Tentuta IL Poggione winery and winemaker Fabrizio Bindocci. Coined the "Young Brunello" for its lower price point and playful flavors, it deflects the stereotype of a young Sangiovese wine (bold, high acidity, strong tannins) thanks to aging in French oak.

Priced at a hair over or under $20.00.

100% Sangiovese grape.

From the bottle:

"made with grapes from estate vineyards located in the southern hills of Montalcino, is ruby red with a pleasantly intense bouquet of wild berry fruits. The palate is velvety and lingering with excellent structure and smooth tannins. This wine is an ideal accompaniment for pasta dishes with meat sauces, roasted or grilled meats and mature cheeses."

A Sale to Remember

Once or twice a year fate aligns with the practioniors of patience. Winter tweeds are replaced by springy cottons in online shops and brick & mortar stores, and an opportunity emerges. Retailers eager to eliminate excess inventory reduce prices and open the door to budget conscious customers. These sales are elevated when brands regarded for their high quality and craftsmanship are the movers.  

Drake’s of London finished their winter sale this week. The haberdashery known for their fine ties and scarves, and emerging tailoring, put on a month long sale. Time was ripe for those who admire the brand from afar, but are usually priced out. During this festival of fabric I gave in to my desires and walked away with my first three pieces from Drake’s: two of silk and one of lambswool.

Ties are Drake’s bread and butter. And in that regard, it would be an insult to myself if I left the online cart deprived of one of their famed neckwear. I fell for a brown knit tie, made of silk, brandishing a striped pattern: a white stripe, enclosed by two maroon stripes, that repeats down the entire tie. It now serves faithfully on white, blue, and a variety of striped shirts on a weekly basis.  

Next I added a pocket square. Like socks and underwear, you can never have enough. I picked a beauty: the outer border is set by a wall of triangles, with floral decor just behind it as a second border. The heart of the pocket square is a canvas filled with exotic and countryside birds, surrounded by orange and blue flowers, with a deep purple to fill the background.

Finally, I released the grip on my credit card. I was on the hunt for a sleeveless cardigan. Images from Drake’s Instagram throughout the fall induced knit envy. Comfort was guaranteed with hundred percent lambswool. It wouldn’t be overbearing, serving as a practical piece for the ever fluctuating Texas winters. But sizing would be my nemesis. A tie and pocket square are oblivious to my sedentary lifestyle. But the cardigan could expose me if I picked the wrong size. I decided on a 44. As my luck would have it, the only color still available in that size was purple–subtle. Needless to say, a beautiful purple cardigan is on my desk adorned with horn buttons.

But like disco and myspace, the Drake’s sale is now over. Nevertheless, I’m happy now to have pieces from a store I have admired for their transparency and authenticity. The quality of the clothing is unlike anything else in my wardrobe. It makes a man reconsider his priorities. Perhaps dedicate more funds to such quality items, or just buy one case of wine a month instead of two.

Justine's

Alan Parkinson is an artist. But he refuses brushes and pencils. Mr. Parkinson channels his passion through luminaria: he fills mansion size structures with an array of calming lights. The colors blend inside like a stained glass window as visitors enter a different world. But by itself the art is incomplete. It needs you.

This is interactive art. Justine’s of Austin–a French Brasserie–feels more art experiment than restaurant. A living exhibit with superb food and drink as garnish.

Located on the fringe of east Austin, removed from the downtown noise, newcomers begin to suffer doubt as they drive. But have no fear. Justine’s website reveals: “when you think you’ve gone too far, keep going.” And as soon as you are about to quit and turn for take out–A neon sign appears and reassures your sense of direction.

The tent that covers the front patio in winter months has velvet curtains draped as walls, chandeliers float above, mirrors rest behind the bar, and deer mounts eavesdrop on patrons drinking Beaujolais blends. Inside is dark. It’s as if a secret society was meeting in plain site; guided by the flickers of candlelit tables.

Once seated look around. You’ll be able to spot the staff with ease. They are the best dressed there. No uniforms, just elegant cool clothes put together without effort.  When your server greets you go ahead and order escargot–bathed in a parsley butter sauce– and a Sazerac cocktail. Use the time saved to brainstorm your outfit for your next visit.

If Justine’s is your last stop for the night, ( open until 2:00 a.m.) you cannot go wrong with the Côte De Porc. The menu staple is grilled to perfection, never dry, and comes drenched in butter. Time disappears, and at some point, you realize you haven’t reached for your phone all night. You smile proud and continue to enjoy the food, surroundings, and company–as dining was intended.