Steve Pollack stays busy. This spring he shot a video at Vito’s Wine Cellar, launched Moon Tree Moscato D’Asti on his podcast and offered recommendations on one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s most-loved TV news networks.
Having a Glass with Steve Video Series
Steve has been in the wine business for more than three decades. He’s been all over the world tasting wine and connecting with the passionate people who make it. In the premiere episode of our new show, “Having a Glass with Steve Pollack,” he visits an old friend in Jenkins Township, Pennsylvania.
Vito Natale Balice gives Steve a tour of Vito’s Wine Cellar, including the expanded wine-making area. The Italian-born vintner and entrepreneur shares his business’ history of growth. Today, they offer wine, small plates and pizza from their imported Italian oven.
Vito then opens a few bottles, giving Steve a taste of the care that goes into each hand-crafted wine. Steve tastes, praises and gives tasting notes on five wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Vito’s Dolce.
As any gracious guest should, Steve didn’t come to Vito’s Wine Cellar empty-handed. After tasting Vito’s offerings, the duo sampled Moon Tree Moscato D’Asti. It is currently available in Pennsylvania at Fine Wine and Good Spirits for $11.99.
View more Legacy in a Glass videos here.
Legacy in a Glass Podcast
Moon Tree Moscato D’Asti was also the focal point of May’s podcast. On the latest episode, the Legacy in a Glass Podcast crew, Steve Pollack, Jennilyn Pollack and Rick Kornfeld, sit down for a bottle of Moon Tree’s newest wine. This exquisite frizzante was procured from Italy’s famous Bersano Family Winery, in the Piedmont region.
During the tasting, Steve and company point out pineapple, peach and mango notes. These bright, yellow fruit flavors are reflected in the Moon Tree Moscato D’Asti label. The welcoming yellow label is the first of Legacy in a Glass’ “Taste of Color” philosophy. The label design and color give the buyer visual clues about the wine experience inside.
Listen to this and other full episodes of the Legacy in a Glass podcast here. The archives include illuminating conversations with wine industry professionals and some lighter moments like a blind tasting.
PA Live!
As a local wine expert, Steve shares his knowledge with the enthusiastic hosts of PA Live!, Haley Bianco and Chris Bohinski. PA Live!, the only live lifestyle show serving Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, airs weekdays at 4 p.m. on WBRE-TV.
Steve joined Haley and Chris on May 17 to celebrate Pinot Grigio Day. He brought three bottles of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris, which descend from the same grape. The selections come from Italy, Oregon and France.
Pinot Grigio is easy to drink and perfect for summertime. A Pinot Gris brings more ripe and earthy flavors. In this segment, Steve shares that an Italian Pinot Grigio should be enjoyed as young as possible, while a Pinot Gris can handle aging.
The wines featured include Cavit Pinot Grigio, A to Z Wineworks Pinot Gris and Trimbach Pinot Gris.
Watch the Pinot Grigio Day segment on PA Live! here.
In anticipation of grilling season, Steve visited PA Live!’s Weis Markets Kitchen with four bottles of wine and proposed menu items. He explained that when pairing wine with dishes, you should contrast the sauce or compliment the protein.
The first selection is Mezzacorona DiNotte Red Blend. A well-balanced blend that over delivers at its $7.99 price point. Steve explained how this wine pairs beautifully with teriyaki ribs.
Moving from Italy to Spain, Steve introduced Campo Viejo Tempranillo Rioja. With an aroma of soft cherry and processed leather, this red wine is a stellar companion to a range of grilled meat like sausage, leg of lamb, pork chops or rosemary chicken.
E Guigal Cotes du Rhone Rouge is a French red with a Syrah grape base. This spicy red with notes of raspberry and cherry is a solid selection to pair with grilled meat.
For his fourth bottle, Steve moved closer to home, highlighting the Dolcetto from Vito’s Wine Cellar. The racy strawberry and ripe flavor notes crave ribs and steak.
The wines featured were purchased at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store in Plains, Pennsylvania, but are widely available at most shops in the state.
Watch Steve’s PA Live! summer grilling appearance here.