February 1st, time for Wine Blogging Wednesdays 18: ‘Wine Shops that Feel the Love’: for me ‘Amanti Vino’

Well, Dr.Vino who selected the topic for this month Wine Blogging Wednesday
as ‘Wine Shops that feel the Love’ gave me an easy choice, Amanti Vino is my top draw.
Let me tell you why.
The store opened on October 21st, it is absolutely uncluttered with wines displayed on both side walls in pale wood bins. It was designed by local firm Madlab.
The chandeliers on the ceiling are made with wine bottles for a striking effect. Above the wine bins, murals were created with characters taken from a 1927 edition of the book ‘Monseigneur le Vin’ (drawings by Pierre Lissac). They could for a minute make you think that you entered an art gallery. That was for the atmosphere.
The owner, Sharon Sevrens, is a sommelier. She tasted each and every wine on sale in the store.
The selection is the best part. I visited a number of wine stores in my time but she stocks an amazing number of lesser known labels. Prices run the gamut from $7.00 to $300.00 with a sizeable number in the $10.00 to $20.00 range.
They hold tastings on each Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
The week’s pickings are usually announced in her weekly e-mail newsletter.
Sharon picked 2 wines for us for WBW #18:

-White: Paul Blanck, Pinot Blanc, Alsace (2004) Her price: $12.99

She describes it as one of the best under $15.00 whites that one can find. Shows good minerality and would have been perfect with Thanksgiving fare.

-Red:  Villa Carafa: Zine, Aglianaco(2002) Her Price: $23.99
Her tasting notes: Big, meaty, pairs very well with wild mushroom risotto or short ribs.

Please Note: If you are in the New Jersey area and read this, get 10% off both wines by printing this post and bringing it with you to the store in place of a coupon (offer good until February 15, 2006).

Amanti Vino is located at 30 Church Street in Montclair, New Jersey
Phone: 973-509-WINE    E-Mail: sharon@amantivino.com

Hours:
Closed Mondays;
Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays: 12:00 to 9:00 pm
Fridays-Saturdays: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Sundays: 1:00 to 5:00 pm