Boston - November 13, 2009

Central Intelligence

Central Bottle Wine + Provisions Shop Opens

The closest you’ve ever been to Italy was Frenching that Sicilian exchange student in high school.

For a little taste of the Old Country (without getting a reputation), stop by Central Bottle, opening today in Cambridge.

Owned by four foodie friends (two of whom helm The Blue Room), the new gourmet market offers tasty vintages, epicurean treats, and vino education.

Let the too-friendly-for-words crew walk you through the more than 300 wines and 35 cheeses until you get what you’re after. There’s also Biellese salumi, Giuseppe Taibi organic olive oil (bottled in-house), and four varieties of freshly baked Iggy’s bread.

Throughout the week, the shop holds chef-driven (Jorge Lopes, Tony Maws) tastings; sessions with winemakers (Skyped in from around the globe); and wine bar Thursdays, where you’ll quaff by-the-glass swallows.

Or, if you must, swap spit.

Central Bottle Wine + Provisions, 196 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge (617-225-0040 or centralbottle.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Central Bottle Wine + Provisions