recently drank an Emidio Pepe wine for the first time, the 2001 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Been busy and not able to write as often, but please don't think that means I've been starving and not drinking anything interesting. Oh no, my friends, I've been a very lucky Brooklynguy lately, in large part due to the generosity of friends.

The grape varieties grown include: Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Pecorino, Passerina Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  . Do you like sulfates in your wines? No one does. In addition to Domodimonti we tasted other specialty items from Marche, as well as fabulous Amaro digestifs from Varnelli. Sustainably-grown, using organic matter.

Rasciatano Rose, Puglia Italy Made with 100% Montepulciano grapes pressed softly then fermented partly in stainless steel vats at a temperature of 13-15° (C) and partly in second and third passage barriques, followed by aging in stainless steel vats for 4-6 months and 4 months in bottle. Great deal at $10. Nice long layered finish. SRP $40.

One of them was the organic Saladini Pilastri Rosso Piceno 2009 ( $13 ), a delicious blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Montepulciano. Last week I stopped into one of my favorite wine shops, Vinomania , in downtown Syracuse. When there, I was offered a taste of a few wines that were opened for a wine tasting event the day before.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Italy News brunello di montalchino chianti classico italy tre maestri tosani Vino Nobile di MontepulcianoWith just seventy producers making the classic Vino Nobile di Montepulchiano in the Tuscan region of Italy, continuing the tradition of this wine is a labor of love for winemakers and consumers alike.

The reds are emerging from the shadow of the whites, including the Rosso Piceno, a blend of mostly Sangiovese with small amounts of Montepulciano, and Rosso Conero, a blend of mostly Montepulciano with a bit of Sangiovese. The Vernaccia di Serrapetrona recently received a DOCG status, and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba is making a big splash.

2008 First Drop Minchia Montepulciano – Adelaide Hills. Winery owner Justine Henschke holds bottle next to WA Susan Barros. Very interesting tasting of Australian wines Susan Barros organized today for the first Wine Australia Tasting of 2011 -- Unusual Varietals and Classic Blends. to look up all the regions, soils, climates and producers!

Masciarelli is the largest organically farmed Estate in Italy, and produces award winning Montepulcianos. Fermentation and aging takes place in stainless steel. Very earthy, medium weight, with dark berries on the nose and tangy black currants, accented by cherries and chocolate, with tobacco, cassis and anise.

Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore all in one room! What about Vino Nobile di Montepulciano? Imagine. What's up in Chianti Classico? Silvia Fiorentini. spoke with Silvia Fiorentini who gave the positive news that sales were up 30% over last year.

Snuggled between the historical towns of Montepulciano and Pienza just south of Siena, Cavalierino wines are produced by Aurelio Busani and family. Organically farmed Sangiovese, Prugnolo Gentile, and Canaiolo are fermented in steel vats, aged in Tonneau barrels for 3 years with a minimum of 6 months in bottle.

From Montepulciano this ruby red SuperTuscan blend of 40% Prugnello Gentile (Sangiovese), 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot brings bright red fruits, ripe plums, coca-cola, prunes, blueberry, spices, pepper, smooth and balanced

The nose finds a mineral edge with wild cherries and ripened red fruits, complimented by very simple but even flavors, reminding me a bit of a Montepulciano, slight spices on the back palate with a pretty finish. From Venezie, Italy comes this 100% Pinot Noir with a simple but elegant profile. Recommended by Luca at Il Poeta in Forest Hills

On October 25th at The New York Public Library The Instituto Grandi Marchi presented their “Premium Brands”. Hosting the panel was Charles Curtis MW, Head of North American Wine Sales Christie's, New York, and representing the new media was Gregory Dal Piaz from Snooth. He said, "Each bottle should share all these qualities with the drinker".

The other is Montefalco Rosso, which by law is a blend of several grape varieties:: Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Montepulciano, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. So I just received two wines today from producer Arnaldo-Caprai. The Grecante, a white, is 100% Grechetto from Dei Colli Martani. Delightful refrushing crisp finish.

The second wine, 100% Montepulciano, was delicious and paired with Tortelli. "If your winery is biodynamic," asks a woman of Nicola Rossi, University professor and board member of the Azienda Agricola Cefalicchio winery in Puglia, "doesn't that mean you have to plant according to the setting of the moon. or something like that?"

Azienda Agricola Moroder Rosso Conero 2002 Didn't take notes on this but do remember deep balsamic notes with waves of super ripe strawberries, unfiltered with lots of sediment, but a very interesting take on a Montepulciano. My friend Eric Guido has done it again. He's obsessed with Risotto, and I'm so glad. It's a tough job, but hey.

Torre dei Beati, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo Rosa-ae, 2009 $18. Hailing from (red) Montepulciano grapes in Abruzzo, to the east of Rome, the juice gets “bled&# off after a couple days maceration. Chilled red. It sounds like an oxymoron. Or something that would get your membership revoked at the club.

Getting time to clean out the old wine fridge. After two months of laying around, drinking coffee, tea, water and gatorade and laying off the good stuff I am beginning to feel the need for a long day of wine shopping, but the fridge is full and I will just have to do my part in making room for more. Here the grapes for Frascati are grown.

I love it when Shirley decides to experiment in the kitchen. It either means we end up going out to dinner or I am in for a special treat. don't always know where she gets her inspiration and last night I did not see any of her cookbooks on the counter, so that means she thought about this recipe while trimming her herb garden.

I don't often go with Shirley and Pam to the Saturday morning Central New York Regional Farmer's Market, but I made an exception today. was also out of bed early enough to tag along, which is unusual. did stop at one and tasted their 2007 Meritage. It seems to be that the wine always is a bit different, no, a lot different than what I remembered.

I've been holding out on the wine reviews until everything gets back to normal after my surgery. At present, my Cardiologist has OK'd 3-4 oz. of wine per day and, for me, that just don't cut it. do cheat a bit and I also skip some evenings. That is what happened with the first bottles I opened. little lighter bodied than what I'm used to in Zin.

Last March I posted a press release on a new collection of artisan wines in an innovative attractive new package. An international wine collection with six brands and ten items packaged in a new exciting premium 3L wine cask from the Octavin Home Wine Bar ™. The Chardonnay was not impressive. Definitely a good party wine.

With May and New York Riesling month coming to close soon, it is safe to say that I tasted more Riesling this month than any one year in my life. The hard part was deciding which ones I would post on the blog. After this article I will post once more on a NY Riesling and may list all those I have had. Both were opened with a BBQ chicken dinner.

This past Monday evening was a first for me on-line. Because of my work schedule and Shirley's extra long 'honey-do' list I never have the chance to do a tweet up on Twitter or follow a wine party on Facebook. You can add comments or photos or just sit back, relax, read what others are having and just sip away on your own wine.

This past weeks edition of the Syracuse New Times, a weekly alternative newspaper published in Syracuse, New York, contained an interesting article on Finger Lakes Riesling. Gary noted four wineries, one of which I vaguely remember from an article written by Evan Dawson for the New York Cork Report. Sipping later was delightful.

To continue Riesling month here in New York, I wanted to find something other than my favorites from the Finger Lakes region. Doing so seemed almost impossible. Other than ordering on line, it is very difficult to find New York wines other than Finger Lakes and Adirondack wineries in the local shops. Enough history.

Just finished watching the movie "Avatar" while sipping on my first Riesling of the summer. Finger Lakes Riesling of course. This month is Riesling month in New York and this will be the first of many I'll enjoy over the next 30 days. The 2008 Red Tail Ridge semi-dry Riesling was suggested by my sister-in-law. This is now one of her favorites.

Recently, the wife and I have been discussing a possible trip to California next year. few of the issues are for how long and where. Of course my choice would be Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley or Russian River Valley, the home of some of the best wines in the world. Oh, I'm sorry, did I leave out Paso Robles, Lodi, Central Coast or Livermore Valley.

I'm leaving Chile(till later) and heading over to California to try a few more Zin's. I'm starting to surprise myself with what I am finding with Zinfandel and also a bit disappointed that I wasted so many years with such a limited selection or narrow palate. Deep dark fruit aromas with some cherry. Hey, you're never too old to learn.

Over the past 50 years they acquired seven small estates, Gretole, Santedame, Montemasso (all 3 in Chianti Classico), Lodola Nuova Estates (in Vino Nobile di Montepulciano), Greppone Mazzi Estate (Brunello di Montalcino), Poggio Casciano Estate (Chianti Colli Fiorentini), and La Solatia Estate (Chianti Colli Senesi).

This is the third of the Carmenere wines I tasted this month. As I stated in my previous two articles, Carmenere is one of the wines I've pushed aside in the past, but have placed on a list to re-examine in 2010. The first two left me with mixed feelings about the wine. did enjoy this with some Muenster and Dubliner cheese. It'll be fun!!!

It's been a few years since I tasted Carmenere. If I remember right, it was a take it or leave it, nothing special, too many other fine wines, don't shop for wine. My last review confirmed that feeling, but in a very serious attempt to expand a lazy palate I purchased a few different labels to compare. The first was disappointing.

Wish I had a nice Canadian wine tonight so I could toast the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team on their winning of the Gold medal. am not an avid hockey fan, but I do watch occasionally and tonight enjoyed one of the best ever games. Instead, I uncorked an Arboleda Carmenère 2006 from the Colchagua Valley of Chile. Bring on the steaks!!! Wine Acidity: 5.31

Think my taste buds are back. I've been having a few problems with red wines since finishing some prescribed meds a few weeks ago. No matter what was tried I was getting a very musty taste. opened a few old reliables thinking there must have been some bad bottles in the rack, but they turned out to be the same. Bogle Winery 2007. Great value!!

very charming speaker was Susanna Crociani of Azienda Agricola Crociana in Montepulciano (Siena) who gave a very sincere talk about how and why she started her blog early on and why it is important for a personal voice in a blog. Terroir: Diversity and Complexity of Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

so I am on my way to the opening of New York, February 3, 2010. had spent the opening day (February 3) in the Napa Valley at a conference related to the Masters of Wine (though happily we did have an Italian wine seminar with many examples of great Italian wine). will let you know more when I am there!

One of the great things about social networking is that you often get in contact with friends and classmates from a time when all was great, life was fun and we were all going to live forever. was reminded of just that this past week as I chatted with an old friend and High School classmate from the mid-60's. Here's what I learned.

Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Can't do much better than that. Alcohol: 13.0%

Big break in weather today here in Central New York. Temperatures will reach about 30F. Must be the annual January thaw! To celebrate I figured to open one of my usually reserved for warm weather whites. My choice is one that was recently purchased at Lakewood Vineyards on Seneca Lake at the December 'Deck the Halls" event. 2007 Riesling.

Cataldi Madonna Montepulciano 2007 DOC Varietal: Montepulciano Stewed prunes, raisins, ripe cherries, granny smith apples, and spices with a brisk acidity. Tags: Gewürztraminer Montepulciano Feudo San Nicola Trentino Cataldi Andrea Oberto Negroamaro Pride Barbera d'Alba Puglia Well, here they are.

Somewhere among my 50 New Year's resolutions (99.9% failure rate) was to leave my wine comfort zone more often as I continue to expand my trapped palate. To do so, I will have to taste, I mean drink, more wines that I never tried or wines I just never liked. So, to start off the new year I opened one of my least favorite wines, Zinfandel.

Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. From that day on I was a fan. enjoyed the Syrah with Shirley's three bean chili.

This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. Dornfelder is a cross between Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes. It is the 3rd most planted red wine grape in Germany.

** Disclaimer: I received these wines from Martellotto Wine s One of the benefits of writing a wine blog is the occasional UPS delivery of wine to taste and review on the blog. It can also be disappointing when the wine received is one that I don't normally drink or one that I have a hard time with. Now Cabs I have no problem with.

Can't seem to find a Finger Lakes Riesling I don't like. Thanks to my son, this past weekend I opened a dry Riesling from Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars located in Lodi, NY, on the east side of Seneca Lake and my first stop on the annual " Deck the Halls " event on Dec. have to say his timing was impeccable. g/L pH: 2.93 Alcohol by Volume: 12.1

Tonight I added another favorite place to eat in Syracuse, Joey's Italian Restaurant. Shirley and I have been dining here for the last 10 years and it seems that the food just keeps getting better and better. Best of all is the fabulous and always changing wine list. The only downside is the lack of New York wines on the list and no NY reds.

Sometime near the end of the year, I would like to post all that I have learned and the wines that I have come to enjoy over the past two years. From a European reds only wine drinker who could not tolerate most white wines or any wines over 0% RS, to be even drinking the many wines I am now, I think I have come a long way.

I think it gets a little scary when you choose a not so good wine for three consecutive nights. When the fourth night comes and you just get home from work and you are looking for a nice wine just to sip, watch a little TV and catch up on a little blog work, you check every bottle in the wine fridge and just can't decide for fear of failing again.

Every Friday and Saturday after work, a few friends and I visit our favorite lounge for some great food off the bar menu and to down a few glasses(maybe more than a few) of wine. Of course, the lounge is owned by my son and his fiance and has become our regular hang out since opening one year ago. Finally, he has listened to his dad. At that price.

About two years ago I found a special deal on a gift pack of two wines from Candoni Wines. The gift pack wasn't what sold Shirley and I on the purchase, it was the label. The gift pack included a bottle of Merlot and a bottle of Pinot Grigio, of which we opened at a dinner dance held during my annual military reunion. First, the label. for $11.

Alright, here's my dilemma or at least one of them. Tonight Shirley and daughter Pam are making 'halupkies' for dinner. Halupkies are also known as stuffed cabbage or as we called them in our house as kids growing up in the Pennsylvania coal region, 'blind pigeons.' The dilemma, I have no clue as to what wine to open. That only added to the dilemma.

There comes a time when you believe that a certain wine just can't get any better. hope I never get to that point in my lifetime. don't hide the fact that in the past two years I have fallen in love with wines from the Finger Lakes region of New York. have my favorite Finger Lakes wineries and my favorite Finger Lakes wines. Such is the case today!

While in Virginia on vacation, I picked up four bottles of Virginia wines, figuring I would try all four and choose one to review. Tonight I opened up the second bottle and had maybe the best white wine find of this summer, a 2006 Michael Shaps Viognier from the King Family Vineyards. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style.

I 'm currently making room in my wine cooler for a recent large quantity buy, so I pulled out a Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005 Riserva for a pizza dinner tonight. Tags: Italian red wine montepulciano d'abruzzo Turned out to be a good move. Winemaker's notes: Intense violet robe. Aromas of plums and ripe blackberry.

As I dropped the last few pieces of eggplant into the oil, the doorbell rang, announcing Suzanne, Catilin, and our guest for the night, Ron Prashker, one of three partners who shares ownership of Salcheto, a winery in Montepulciano, Tuscany. Not to be confused with the grape variety of the same name, Montepulciano is a [.].

Aged in oak 2 years, this Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a gem, showing concentrated aromas of glycerine with undercurrents of animal, followed by waves of underbrush. Next are the flavors of ripe blackberries, black cherries, chocolate, cola and smoked meats. Well balanced with a velvety finish.

Wine output in Tuscany, famous for its Chianti red and its premium cousins Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano, is expected to be flat on last year, it said. What follows is a Reuters story about how the Italian government is paying an incentive to growers for digging up their vines in order to cut back wine output. million ha.

2007 First Drop Minchia Montepulciano, Adelaide Hills. I’m back from the fantastic Landmark Australia Tutorial. Above is a picture of (some of) the wines opened during the tremendous five days. Yes, it’s 249 bottles of wine on the wall! Also, check out a complete list of wines, broken down by session. Day One. Day Two. 2006 S.C.

he recommended the Stella Italia Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Last night I stopped by Il Poeta to have a light dinner and asked Luca for a suggestion for a wine-by-the-glass. It has a light to medium weight, with aromas of smoky cherries, and ripe strawberries with a toasted wood note on the palate. believe this one retails for about $8

grew up drinking Kendall Jackson cabernet sauvignon at home and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo out. Upon reaching Paradise, after his tortuous journey upon Mount Purgatory, Dante wrote : His glory, by whose might all things are mov'd, Pierces the universe, and in one part Sheds more resplendence, elsewhere less. There is no short answer.

This one, Quattro Mani (four hands) which represents four celebrity Italian winemakers who produce wines from indigenous Italian varietals, such as Montepulciano, is a great value at a thrifty price point.

From the Abruzzo appellation comes this deeply colored, medium bodied red wine from Italy, made with 100% Montepulciano and aged in Slavonian oak. Fresh aromas of cassis, plums and red currant lie beneath a layer of subtle fruit with earthy overtones of spices, specifically cinnamon, with a suggestion of herbs.

If you liked the 2004 Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano Riserva ** then this is the wine for you: Chateau de Montfaucon Cotes du Rhone 2006 ** Bigger darker and meaner than the Cantina Zaccagnini, closed and tight on the nose, with absorbent tannin, pungent and ripe red fruit notes over mixed crushed peppercorns on the mid palate. It's cold.

From Velenosi vineyards in Offida and Castel di Lama in the Marche region of Italy, this blend of Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is aged in French oak for 18 months. Ruby red in color with bold fruity aromas of cherries, dark berries and licorice, the palate expresses a cassis and plum silkiness reflecting its subtle tannins.

The reds are emerging from the shadow of the whites, including the Rosso Piceno, a blend of mostly Sangiovese with small amounts of Montepulciano, and Rosso Conero, a blend of mostly Montepulciano with a bit of Sangiovese. The Vernaccia di Serrapetrona recently received a DOCG status, and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba is making a big splash.

So if you are looking to save some pennies in this, “economic climate” then go for an affordable Montepulciano from Abruzzo. The soft tannin structure of Montepulciano is medium and not at all intrusive so it one that everyone at the table will like. Ah, the Holidays. Speaking of the perfect gift what about wine. promise.

These are some of my favs: Montepulciano D' Abruzzo: Medium bodied earthy red with smooth tannin that get a little deeper as it opens. Are you ready? Have you prepared? Are you staying where you are or are you traveling to your past for a couple of days to revisit a childhood you may or may not want remember in full? We all will. Cheers

Fortunately, our friend also brought a bottle of Cantina Zuccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva, which we drank our last night. 2004 Cantina Zuccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva * (Previously reviewed) Nice bright fruit this tasting, with good acidity and a lightly silty texture. drink beer.  2004 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux.

Aglianico is also used for "vini da tavola" in other parts of the region, notably in the east around Matera, where reds from Sangiovese and Montepulciano also originate. " Basilicata , also known as Lucania , is an often neglected region of arid hills and desolate mountains that can be bitterly cold for a southerly place.

and a good value (it must be, since she served it at a shower for our friend's daughter) this is the kind of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that reminds me of thin crust pizza. A Wine Spectator 90+ wine according to my mom - when did she start paying attention to such things? It's a big wine, dense, dry and tart, probably best served not too warm.

Abruzzo Italian Wine Series: The Wines of Abruzzo Whites: Trebbiano (Bombino) Reds: Montepulciano d'Abbruzzo Rose: Cerasuolo Provinces Chieti L'Aquila Pescara Teramo Located 150 miles east of Rome , Abruzzo is a dry mountainous region, while its proximity to the sea makes for great growing conditions.

©2008 photo by Dave Trieger To me many of the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo around today are are usually in the blander category of red wines, so to find one with full-body like this at such a great value is a pleasure. On the palate you'll find a creamy ribbon of preserved fruit/jam flavor and chewy dark berries. Alcohol by volume is 13.5%.

I couldn't believe I found this beautiful red Montepulciano from the 1997 Italian vintage still in circulation. But one of my favorite wine shops ( The Wine Room of Forest Hills ) just recently got some in and had it on sale for about $20. The color is deep dark ruby with warmer tones around the outer rim.

Abruzzo is the land of Montepulciano. The grape Montepulciano; which is sometimes confused with the Sangiovese based wine from the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany called Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano. One of the few wineries in this region to make their bones on wines other than Montepulciano. Nice and confusing.

This is a red Montepulciano D'Abruzzo from the Abruzzo region of Southern Italy, where proud, hard working people work the land to produce a great value in an every day wine. This wine has colors of deep ruby with hints of purple and is somewhat reminiscent of a Morellino Di Scansano. Believe it or not this wine can be had for about $6 or $

Fattoria Del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2004 DOCG This DOCG from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy is made from 80% Prugnolo Gentile (a Sangiovese clone) and a 20% blend of Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo. Here are 7 of my most recent favorite inexpensive but good wines. Stainless steel fermentation, then 14-16 months in oak casks.

©photo 2008 by Dave Trieger This 2004 DOCG from Montepulciano , Tuscany , Italy is made from 80% Prugnolo Gentile (a Sangiovese clone) and a 20% blend of Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo. 80% of the grapes are aged for two years in Slavonian oak and 20% in French oak. This winner can be found at The Wine Room

Italy • This Casal Thaulero Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2006 red wine from Abruzzo is a nice 100% Montepulciano , ruby red in color, very dry, soft aromas with notes of sour berries. nice deal in the $8 range, it has 12.5% alcohol. photo from Casal Thaulero website

Then there's that whole Montepulciano d'Abruzzo versus Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano. The following is an interview with Keith Beavers, co-owner of In Vino Wine Bar & Restaurant and Alphabet City Wine Co. Keith also writes a blog called East Village Wine Geek. What was the first wine that made you realize you loved wine? Lamb, Baby!

Next up was Villa diAngelo Vino Nobile (also a Sangiovese ) di Montepulciano 2003 DOCG which is a Prugnolo Gentile varietal with aromas of cola, spices, and violet perfume. Today at Uvarara Vineria E Ristoro I had the pleasure of experiencing wines paired with wonderful dishes inspired by cuisine from Tuscany, Italy. High alcohol content 16%.

The only other reds that I really liked at the whole tasting were the 2004 Poliziano Nobile de Montepulciano Asinone and the 2003 Terre degli Svevi Aglianico del Vulture Serpara. I wasn't going to write about this because I don't have much of anything nice to say. But I've been persuaded to just do it anyway, to tell you what I thought.

From Tuscany we have a Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2004 that screams Tuscan elegance and from Piedmont we have an organic Barbera D'Asti 2005 that defines the tradition of why this grape is best with food in Piedmont. Well the Wine Starter kit for January went very well. We are pretty stoked by the reception. Cheers

This Montepulciano D'Abruzzo red wine is aged in Oak for 6 months, medium to light weight, color: cherry red, nose: chocolate, orange/citrus undertone, mouth: sour cherry, earthy, musky, silky finish, opens well. Pairs well with a pasta with mushroom sauce.

Montepulciano is an interesting grape. have tasted a lot of Montepulciano and I love the varietal. This producer has a healthy line of Montepulciano from entry level to the highest end. It is a one hundred percent Montepulciano aged for two years sometimes a little bit more depending on the vintage in Slovenian oak.