One of downtown New Rochelle’s true retail treasures is AOC Fine Wines.
Located at the intersection of Huguenot and Division Streets (in the Avalon 2 building), AOC Fine Winesspecializes in small production wine makers. Don’t expect to walk into the store and find the mass produced over “oaked” California Merlot or Chardonnay, as you will be disappointed. AOC looks for producers who view wine making as an art. Winemakers who choose to focus on traditional wine making methods and “terroir”. AOC places a high emphasis on the combination of wine and food. They are happy to offer recipe suggestions for all the wines they offer. A customer might be directed to a selection from a lesser known wine region such as Bierzo in Spain or Puglia in Italy. I am sure they will be surprised at the high level of quality they will find at a very reasonable price.
One of my favorite selections is a Spanish wine from Ribeira Sacra called Abadia da Cova. AOC offers this wine for about $28.00 a bottle. It reminds me of a Brunello di Montalcino, a wine that would start at roughly $60.00 a bottle.
A first time customer has no need to be intimidated walking into the store. The staff is helpful and friendly and loves to share their passion of wine with existing or new customers. They have a calendar of wine events on their website.
They also have a
wine of the month club, a great way of becoming acquainted with the portfolio. Additionally, members of the club are entitled to a 10% discount on wines purchased in the store. AOC has also partnered with local restaurants matching specific wines with food selections. The dinner club which I belong to has used AOC for sometime and we have been thrilled with wines we have purchased. Those on a budget will be happy to know AOC offers many wines priced below $20 a bottle.
If you are looking to make your next dinner party special or simply want to try something different for a Friday night dinner I would urge everyone to give AOC Fine Wines a try.
Their “PIck of the Week” is Domaine Seguela – Cuvee Jean Julien for $24.30 a bottle.
