Italian Wine from Various Regions

Italian Wine, Various Regions

 

This week we will sample a variety of Italian wine from various regions including the Veneto, Tuscany and Campania. A majority of them are new to the Spirits selection and all are wines that we feel present excellent value. Altogether there will be a sparkling, two whites and three reds.

They are imported by three different companies: Diageo Wines, Palm Bay Imports, and Banfi Vintners. We hope you will join us this Thursday night!

The specific wines for the tasting are:

Bolla Prosecco Extra Dry Sparkling Wine NV
Veneto, Italy. 100% Glera. “Beautiful color straw yellow, with fine and persistent foam. The taste is well balanced acidity that enhances the aromatic freshness, making it very pleasant. [It offers] vibrant flavors of white peach, orange blossom and a kiss of almond.” Jen’s note- Clear color with white foam and attractive perlage. Pretty floral nose; pear and apple suggestions. Sweet hints. Persistent and clean; fresh. $10.99

 

 

Stellina di Notte Pinot Grigio 2011
Veneto, Italy. “Winemaker Alessandro Perini cold fermented the juice in stainless steel tanks to retain Pinot Grigio’s fresh-fruit expression. Following fermentation, he kept the wine on the yeast (sur lie) for a month and stirred (bâtonnage) weekly to enhance the Pinot Grigio’s inherent silky texture. A fresh, dry white wine with fragrant fruit, floral and spice aromas. The silky flavors are filled with pear, kiwi, melon, honey and spice notes that culminate in a lemony finish.” Jen’s note- Pale color, almost rose/peachy. Pretty nose, aromatic tropical fruits, yet simple. Textured mouthfeel; limited acid. Pineapple flavors. $9.99

 

Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2010
Campania, Italy. 100% Falanghina, an ancient Roman white grape vareity. Fermented in stainless steel then aged for 3 months in stainless steel tanks while in contact with its lees. “The color is straw yellow that contains brilliant green reflections. The perfume is intense and persistent with sensations of delicate white flowers and fruit. The taste offers freshness and balance, with a clean finish.” Jen’s note- Straw, pale yellow in color with a full and ripe nose of bright apple fruit and fruit-forward tropical notes. Honeyed, textured; good acid and mouthfeel/complexity. Mineral hints and honedew finish. $16.99

 

 

Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Aglianico 2008
Campania, Italy. 100% Aglianico. Fermented in stainless steel tanks then aged for 8-10 months in stainless steel and 6 months in bottle. “Intense and lucid ruby red. On the nose, it recalls wild black fruit, licorice and the underbrush. In the mouth, it is balanced with a finish that is reminiscent of fresh fruit, ending with a delicate balsamic note.” Jen’s note- Deep brick/garnet color, almost opaque. Toasty oak and spice on nose; pipe tobacco and raisin/dried fruit. Full-bodied with cherry and strawberry flavors, good texture and gentle tannin. Ripe fruits carry through to the finish. $16.99

Banfi Col di Sasso Toscana 2010
Tuscany, Italy. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese made in a “super-Tuscan” style. “Col di Sasso, which translates to “Stony Hill”, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese cultivated on the most rocky and impervious slopes of the Banfi estate in Montalcino. The perfect marriage between these two grapes gives birth to a youthful yet concentrated and extremely fruity red wine.” Jen’s note- Deep garnet color. Approachable nose- toasty oak (New World style), spice, deep fruits of blackberry and black cherry. Friendly, easy. Medium-body, juicy finish. $9.99

 

 

Secco-Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso 2009
Veneto, Italy. A blend of 80% Corvina Veronese and 20% Rondinella. “It is re-fermented over Recioto Amarone skins, following the traditional Veronese technique called “Ripasso.” Aging: 75% of the wine ages in large Slavonian oak casks, 25% in French oak barriques, for approximately 18 months; it is refined in bottle for a minimum of 90 days. Aroma: Delicate, characteristic of mature wine, with scents of spices and nuts. Taste: Dry, well balanced with a pleasing hint of bitterness in its lingering finish.” Jen’s note- Lighter garnet, red-brown color. Red apple, savory and deep aromas- dark fruit but more baking spices with leather and nutty hints. Opens nicely- sweet entry, full-flavored. Spice and fruit flavors; big with a lingering finish of red cherries, dried and ripe, and cinnamon. Long, long finish. $18.99