As you step into A16, named after the Autostrada 16 highway that stretches from Naples to Bari, you're welcomed by a blend of subtle greenery, rich chocolate wood, and a dozen or so coveted high-back chairs situated at the Italian marble bar. The bay windows offer a perfect view of Chestnut Street, making it an ideal spot for people-watching. A colorful floor-to-ceiling chalkboard proudly displays A16's extensive wine selection, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
The concept for A16 was born from a trip to the Campania region of Italy, where co-owner Shelley Lindgren fell in love with the local food and wine. Alongside local attorney Victoria Libin and chef Nate Appleman, Lindgren aimed to create a dining experience that perfectly pairs southern Italian cuisine with the region's exceptional wines.
Campania, often referred to as "oenotria" or "land of wine" by the ancient Greeks, boasts a long history of producing exceptional wines. One of the first wines we sampled was the Clelia Romano, Fiano di Avellino, 2005—a dry white wine with hints of honey, almonds, and evergreen. The wine's smokiness is attributed to the volcanic soil from the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 A.D., which destroyed Pompeii and enriched the soil.
We also tasted the Cantine del Taburno, Falanghina, 2005—a light, crisp, aromatic wine with notes of pear and mango. Another standout was the Benito Ferrara, Greco di Tufo, 2005, a 70-year-old vine Greco grown in limestone "Tufaceous" soil, similar to that found in the Loire Valley in Sancerre and Chablis. This wine featured stone fruits like white peaches and nectarines, with a dry finish. Lastly, we enjoyed the I Favati, Taurasi, 2004, which offered flavors of red currants, plum, and cherry, with medium tannins.
A16's knowledgeable staff serves forty wines by the glass and half-bottle carafes, ensuring that no bottle stays open for too long. Most wines are priced between $8 and $14 per glass, and the selection changes frequently, although some staples from Campania remain constant. The varietals of Campania include Falanghina, Fiano, and Greco (whites), as well as Casavecchia, Aglianico, and Piedirosso (reds).
| Wine | Type | Notes | Price per Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clelia Romano, Fiano di Avellino, 2005 | White | Honey, almonds, evergreen, smokiness | $12 |
| Cantine del Taburno, Falanghina, 2005 | White | Pear, mango | $10 |
| Benito Ferrara, Greco di Tufo, 2005 | White | White peaches, nectarines, dry finish | $14 |
| I Favati, Taurasi, 2004 | Red | Red currants, plum, cherry, medium tannins | $13 |
A16 is not just a wine bar; it's also a restaurant. This means you can pair your favorite wine with any of the establishment's delicious southern Italian dishes. The menu features a variety of options that perfectly complement the wines, creating a holistic dining experience.
A16 offers a unique blend of southern Italian cuisine and exceptional wines from the Campania region. With a knowledgeable staff, a rotating selection of wines, and a menu designed to complement the wine offerings, A16 provides an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, A16 has something to offer everyone.
Joshua Ridless, from the Law Offices of Joshua A. Ridless, is a past president of the Barristers Club and a local wine enthusiast.
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