Page 20 - Boca Exposure - February '24

Page 20, Boca Exposure
Grape Expectations: Some Winter Wines You Need To Try

By Ed Wolfarth, who recently cheaper. The difference is that Chianti is often a blended wine sweet tannin, plum and peppery flavors. Because of the warm
moved to South Florida after whereas with Sangiovese wine 70 percent need only be the Sicilian climate, Nero offers dark fruit flavors, a robust body,
retiring with his wife, Vicki, as Sangiovese grape. Cabernet is often added. Brunello is 100 deep color and a hint of spice. Sicily’s “black grape” is being
Professor of Sports Sciences percent Sangiovese, darker in color, more tannic and age produced in other parts of the world, namely California, but
& Physical Education at both worthy, and hence more expensive. Brunello needs five years only in sun-drenched Sicily does it reach its full potential.
Queens College and Hofstra or more before it reaches its peak drinking time. Brunello, with Drink Nero with grilled meats. The acidity cuts through the
University. He is a nationally Barolo, is considered by most to be Italy’s finest expression meat’s richness. Have it with pasta dishes and tomato sauce.
ranked senior tennis player of red wine. Entry level Brunellos will still cost you upwards And don’t forget pizza! The wine’s fruitiness and acidity is
and longtime USPTA Elite of $50 but you may want to ask your local wine merchant perfect with pepperoni and tomato sauce.
Teaching Professional. Ed has about one that will not break the bank and still give you that Chardonnay. Okay you’re saying a winter white wine?
written many educational and “Brunello” experience. Well, yes, but it has to be big, bold and flavorful. While oaky
tennis articles in the past. Over Zinfandel. No, not that cloyingly sweet innocuous white buttery chards are not my favorites. I can see the attraction and
the past few years, Ed has turned his hobby of wine collecting into or pink wine but Red Zinfandel, which is most often found why many will pour a glass while watching reruns of Suits!
a way of continuing his passion for writing and has written on in California and you will always see Zinfandel on the label. (Does anyone else miss Louis? Just asking.) In the Napa Valley
the subject for publications. As a self-proclaimed “wine snob,” Some great Zins are being made in Paso Robles and along of California look for the Chards made by Beringer, Kistler,
he has collaborated on many wine lists for private clubs and the Central Coast of California. Ridge, Seghesio, Kunde and Hanzell and Stags Leap. In the more affordable range, under
a few restaurants. Ed can be reached at wolfarthe@msn.com. Turley are a few high-end producers of exceptional examples $25, Kendall Jackson, Bogle or Chalk Hill. Chardonnay from
These wines are perfect for holiday celebrations, rich of Red Zin, as it is affectionately known – a big, robust wine Sonoma County tend to be more balanced and less oaked than
cuisine and evenings bingeing on your favorite Netflix series. with dark fruit flavors and often high in alcohol. Chards form Napa. These CCCs (cold climate Chardonnay)
Forget your Merlot, Cabs or Pinots. It’s not time for light, In Italy the same grape is Primitivo, but it does not match are more to my taste. Remember, Chardonnay is the most
pedestrian wines. Break out those ugly sweaters and low- the spiciness and big flavors when produced in California. widely planted wine grape in the world. And while it is made
hanging Game of Thrones references ... winter is coming! Zin is the quintessential American wine. Other grape in many different —depending on climate, soil and exposure to
Here’s what’s hot when the temperature drops. varietals, such as Cabernet and Merlot, are made all over sunlight (terroir, is the French term)—many can be classified
First and foremost is my favorite red: Brunello di the world. Zinfandel reaches its peak performance only in as big winter wines.
Montalcino. Brunello comes from Tuscany and is made from California! Because of its richness and power it goes well These are just a few of my favorite winter wines. They can
100 percent Sangiovese. It’s noted for having thicker-skinned with any barbecue meat. stand alone and don’t need to accompany food. They’re big,
grapes, and because of this produces wines with bold fruit Nero d’Avola. If you’re looking for a an inexpensive, easy- bold, alcoholic and meant to be sipped and enjoyed. Curling
flavors, high tannin and high acidity. I’m sure you have enjoyed drinking but bold red wine, you need to try Nero d’Avola from up with a good book or watching your favorite TV series needs
Chianti, also made from the Sangiovese grape and decidedly Sicily. Often compared to a sweet Shiraz, this grape offers a glass! Enjoy.
Film Review: The Little Traitor

By Nils A. Shapiro to deal with the boy’s Emotions run high throughout the entire film as
With all that is happening in Israel these days, a film developing interest in writer-director Lynn Roth explores its central theme: the
about an earlier time of strife in that part of the world “the birds and bees” that confusion that occurs when one finds it difficult to hate
attracted my attention as I recently scanned the selections has been prompted by the “enemy” you discover you like when you actually get
available on Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service. his binoculars view of to know him.
It was an excellent decision. The Little Traitor – which the gorgeous neighbor The scene in which the Jewish families all get together
must be placed in the category of a “small art-house film” in her bedroom across in 1947 to listen to the United Nations vote, country by
as compared with the many multi-million-dollar action hero the street. country, on whether or not to establish a separate State
and sci-fi blockbusters being made these days – depends At the point when of Israel is an especially emotional one … as is the very
instead on the reservoir of emotion and nostalgia it draws the British soldiers who final moments of the film, years later at a book signing
from its audience. I learned only after I had watched the guard their compound by an author.
film in mid-December that when it was first released in have come to recognize What an ending. Do not miss this thoughtful, timely
2007 it broke the box office record at the movies in Delray Poffy from his visits to film.
Theatre right here in Palm Beach. I am not surprised. the Sergeant, the boy’s *****
The film was photographed in Jerusalem with an two friends are shocked one day to see that he is now If you don’t subscribe to Amazon Prime Video, or if
almost all-Israeli cast that will be unfamiliar to most granted access through the gate and decide that Poffy has it has left that service by the time you read this review,
Americans, except for Alfred Molina and Theodore Bikel. switched loyalties and is now a traitor! you are in luck – provided you are a Boca Raton Public
The dialogue is in English; at limited times when Hebrew The boy and his parents – who had known nothing of Library cardholder! The Little Traitor is available on
is spoken there are English subtitles. this – are brought before a large crowd of their fellow both of the library’s two streaming services, Hoopla and
The story begins in 1947 when the British ruled the area, Jewish townspeople and Poffy is interrogated sharply Kanopy, that offer hundreds of popular and classic films
then called Palestine, before there was a State of Israel. The (Theodore Bikel in that role) about his betrayal, as he as an extra benefit to cardholders. Some films are also
“traitor” of the title is a 12-year-old boy, called “Poffy” by denies any and all such accusations. available at the library in DVDs.
his parents, portrayed endearingly by Ido Port.
Poffy and his two closest friends, Chita and Ben
Hur, like all of the Jews then living in Palestine harbor
a deep resentment of the British soldiers for their
tightly regimented rule over them throughout Palestine,
including the arrest of anyone caught on the streets after
the curfew siren sounds each evening.
But the three young boys have taken it a step further
and have pledged to do harm to the British soldiers, even
to the point of planting explosives on the roads taken by Upscale Resale
their trucks.
One day Poffy is caught by British Sergeant Dunlop Experience The Difference
(Alfred Molina) violating the curfew and is being
arrested, but on the way to informing the boy’s parents New and consigned furniture, unique lighting, accessories and gifts.
the Sergeant is so charmed by the boy that he changes his Complete wallpaper and fabric library for all your design needs.
mind and lets him go with a gentle warning to be more
careful and a brief, friendly conversation.
Over the next few days Poffy sees Sergeant Dunlop at
a café and elsewhere around town and realizes that this
man is actually interested in Jewish culture and learning
Hebrew. He is a good man and Poffy finds it difficult to hate
him. The feeling is mutual; Sergeant Dunlop appreciates
this bright, spunky lad and considers him a nice new
friend, even to the point of giving him advice about how

Call us to sell. See us to buy.

Over 32,000 sq. ft. in 2 locations to serve you!
Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Palm Beach County and is a privately PALM BEACH GARDENS: New Location
owned and managed company.
Captain’s is committed to providing 7700 N Military Trail • 561.694.0964
dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all WELLINGTON: Wellington Marketplace
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212 13857 Wellington Trace • 561.798.5222
To reserve your vehicle:
561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com myconsignanddesign.com Nanci Smith, CEO