THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING
Aperitifs from Haus Alpenz Importing Co. Welcoming Special Guest Jake Parrot "plus" four Italian Wines from the Veneto and Piedmont
We hope you will join us this Thursday night to sample an outstanding variety of six brand-new specialty Aperitivo wines. These uniquely flavored infused fortified wines can be consumed “neat” or mixed with a variety of liquors and wine to create an unlimited number of ritzy, and perhaps spritzy, cocktail beverages.
Aperitif: “An apéritif is an alcoholic beverage usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite, and is therefore usually dry rather than sweet. Common choices for an apéritif are vermouth; champagne; gin; fino, amontillado or other styles of dry sherry (but not usually cream sherry, which is very sweet and rich); and any still, dry, light white wine.”
Jake Parrot from Haus Alpenz will be on hand to present the Apertivo wines, explain their unique flavors, styles, and components, and share interesting mixed-drink options inspired by the following:
Byrrh Grand Quinquina
France
18% ABV. “Byrrh Grand Quinquina is made to the original late 19th century recipe that earned fame both in France and overseas. Its long legacy is also documented by a half century of magnificent poster art. This aperitif brings together cinchona (quinine), exotic spices and botanicals onto a base of mistelles and local Grenache, then rested in large oak barrels. Byrrh Grand Quinquina offers a luscious balance of ripe fruit and subtle spice. Delicious alone, or try in some of the old classic Byrrh drinks.”
$22.99
Cappelletti Aperitivo
Italy
17% ABV. “Aperitif class with a pleasant taste, made from natural extracts and vermouth. Great for drinking neat and for adding to various types of cocktails, from the simplest to the most elaborate.” “While popular today throughout Italy, the “Spritz”, a drink combination of this red aperitif with a sparkling wine and/or soda and a slice of orange, shares a history with Cappelletti in the Triveneto. Cappelletti, the venerable 4th generation creator of this product and numerous other aperitivi and amari, is situated in the heart of the Dolomites near Trento. Legend has it that during the time of WWI, soldiers of the Austrian Empire would order the spritz to enliven and add depth to the local bubbly. This soon became a specialty of the region. Indeed the the Aperitivo Cappelletti is also called “Specialino” and may be the oldest of its style still in production. It offers a vibrant and flavorful profile, complimented by bitter undertones on a traditional wine base.”
$21.99
Cocchi Americano Rosa Aperitif
Italy
16.5% ABV. “Throughout its history, the House of Cocchi has periodically produced alternate varieties of its Americano Aperitif Wine. Here the base is of two varietals unique to the region and more often used in sparkling wines, Brachetto d’Acqui and Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco, famous for imparting notes of white rose and summer berries. These are blended with herbs, fruit and spices, most notably gentian, cinchona and citrus. Enjoy on ice with soda or tonic and a slice of lemon.”
$21.99
Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
Italy
16% ABV. “For its 120th anniversary, the House of Cocchi has resumed production of its original recipe Vermouth di Torino, first offered in 1891. The flavor profile is unmistakably of Cocchi, with rich and vibrant notes of cocoa, citrus, rhubarb and a balanced bitter undertone. Delicious on its own, and ideal for use in numerous classic mixed drinks. A true Vermouth di Torino, it uses Moscato of the family estate as the wine base and is produced in the historic Asti region outside of Torino. Vermouth di Torino stands apart as one of only two protected geographical indications of origin for vermouth.”
$18.99
John D. Taylors Velvet Falernum
Barbados
11% ABV. “Velvet Falernum is a longtime staple item of resorts and bars in Barbados, and today for its use in Tropical, Tiki and Caribbean drinks such as the Rum Swizzle, Mai Tai, Zombie, Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Corn n’ Oil. It is made from an infusion of spices and lime juice into sugar cane syrup and Barbados Rum. John D Taylor’s Falernum is considered by many as the original Falernum, and is today produced by famed rum distiller R.L. Seale Ltd.”
$16.99
Rothman & Winter Creme de Violette
Austria
20% ABV. “Among the native wildflowers found in the Alps are the Queen Charlotte and March Violets. Elegant in its simplicity, this authentic Crème de Violette captures their fragrance, vibrant colors, and taste. Enjoy this liqueur in classic cocktails such as the Blue Moon or Aviation, or as an ingredient in continental cuisine.”
$26.99
In addition we will sample four Italian wines that are brand-new to Spirits; a prosecco (that we will also sample blended with the Aperitivo), Pinot Grigio, Barbera and Ripasso:
Ca' Furlan Prosecco Cuvee Beatrice NV
Veneto Treviso, Italy
Prosecco 100%. “Very fresh and frothy with lemon verbena, grapefruit and a hint of pear. Notes of spiced apple and peach and pear mix very nicely with the fresh acidity. The wine hits the tongue with very light citrus flavors with a hint of mineral and all wrapped in a slight sweetness. A fantastic value for a sparkling wine with a clean finish.”
$11.99
Scarpetta Pinot Grigio 2012
Veneto, Italy
“The grapes are fermented in stainless steel after being de-stemmed and left on the skins for approximately 12 hours, resulting in a wine with clear and bright aromas and flavors. The wine settles with the lees contact for six months. Aromas of white flowers, stone fruits such as apricots and peach and hints of minerality. On the palate, the wine is crisp and dry with medium high acidity and tastes of stone fruits, lavender, honey, pear, white flowers and minerals.” Scarpetta is a winery owned and operated by Bobby Stuckey, M.S. and Chef Lachlan Patterson who are the owners and creators of Frasca Food and Wine in Boulder, Colorado.
$17.99
Accornero Barbera Campomoro 2010
Piedmont, Italy
A blend of 95% Barbera and 5% Freisa, the CampoMoro is dark and full in body. Despite the color and texture, the wine is bright and acidic, a summer red that could be drunk well with a slight chill. The nose is full of dried fruits and herbs with notes of cinnamon, and the palate is bright and berry flavored. Hints of leather, spices and sweet herbs linger on the round, generous finish.” Accornero family members have been vine growers for four generations, and they still produce high quality wines with the same passion and devotion that inspired great-grandfather Bartolomeo.
$12.99
Giuliano Rosati Ripasso 2010
Verona, Veneto, Italy
A blend of 60% Corvina, 20% Corvinone and 20% Rondinella that spent 12 months in barriques and 6 months in bottle prior to release. “Brilliant ruby red in color with scents of ripe blackberry, clove, tobacco, and liquorice; very complex on the nose. Ripe, juicy and round on the full-flavoured palate, offering velvety texture, crisp acidity, and a dry finish that’s not too sweet- with lingering notes of cola and cherry fruit.”
$19.99