Chicago Wine News

Wine is one aspect of the dining experience that merits from a bit of exclusivity. Like when a wine is made by chef Fabio Viviani as part of an exclusive new wine collection in Chicago, or when the Lyric Opera of Chicago releases a commemorative wine. These are wines worth raising a glass to.

Fabio Viviani, Top Chef alum and chef at Siena Tavern, recently uncorked his new wine brand, the Fabio Viviani Wine Collection. Featuring a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2012 Chardonnay, the collection is currently available solely at Mariano’s stores in Chicago. Both made from California grapes and packaged in eco-friendly bottles with recycled materials, both wines are in line with Viviani’s astute attention to detail and quality. Pouring these wines out, you’ll note cherry, chocolate, plum, and coffee accents in the Cabernet, while the Chard exudes more stone fruit and apple. National distribution is planned for 2015, but for now you can toast exclusively in Chicago.

The Lyric Opera Wine Auction is like Black Friday for oenophiles, taking place next year on February 7. In anticipation of the glorious gastronomic event, the Lyric Opera of Chicago announced the release of its commemorative wine, appropriately dubbed SONG™. Another 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon from California, this one hails from Napa Valley’s HALL Wines, bottled exclusively for the Lyric Opera. In line with the majestic prestige of the opera house, SONG™ is fittingly presented in limited release of 100 magnums, with one special six-litre bottle designed specifically for the auction. The magnums, painted at Bergin Glass in Napa and packaged in wood boxes, will be available beginning January 7 through the Lyric Opera Women’s Board office at (312) 827-5682.
 
Siena Tavern
51 W. Kinzie Street, Chicago
(312) 595-1322
Website

Lyric Opera of Chicago
20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago
(312) 827-5600
Website