Sunday School

WINE

Emir “House White,” Pasaeli, ’23

Anatolia, Turkey

Turkey may not be the first place you think of for a house white, but one sip of this zinger from Pasaeli and you'll be rethinking your wine map. Made from 100% Emir, a native Anatolian grape with a name as regal as its refreshing zip, this 2023 bottling is all about bright flavor and easy charm. Grown in high-altitude vineyards in central Anatolia, Emir thrives in volcanic soils and cool nights, which help preserve its natural acidity and subtle aromatics. Pasaeli keeps the winemaking clean and modern, fermenting in stainless steel to let the grape’s fresh personality do the talking. The result is a crisp, citrusy white with notes of lemon zest, green apple, and a hint of chalky minerality. There’s a faint floral lift and a finish that’s dry, snappy, and ready for whatever’s on the table or not. This is porch wine, mezze wine, “just got home and need something cold” wine. It’s called “House White” for a reason. It’s the bottle you’ll want to keep in your fridge at all times. Delightfully under-the-radar, and a great reminder that Turkey’s wine scene is as ancient as it is exciting.

$12 glass   •   $8 glass

CHEESE

Nettle Meadow Kunik

Thurman, NY · Cow & Goat-P

Eat dessert first. Nettle Meadow Kunik is a unique and voluptuous cheese made on a small family farm in the town of Thurman, located in New York’s Warrensburg County. The owners, Sheila Flanagan and Lorraine Lambiase, moved from California to begin this farmstead cheesemaking operation along with an animal sanctuary. Their true mission is care of animals, and that is reflected in the way the goats and cows give us this amazing cheese we have today. This white mold-ripened wheel is made from a combination of hearty goat's milk and Jersey cow cream. This blend of milks makes Kunik far richer and more flavorful than a regular brie-type cheese, yet more subtle and sumptuous than similarly ripened goat cheeses. Shaped like a pillow, this cheese is encapsulated in a bloomy white rind that imparts an ever so slight earthy, mushroomy flavor. Rich and milky, the paste of this cheese has a mild flavor and somewhat fluffy texture like whipped butter that melts in your mouth.

$9  •   $6