Italy
“Oenotria” is the name the Greeks gave to Italy. It means The Land of wine. Italy is very diverse in geography and vine cultures. We jump around the “boot” to show off some classic and some unique wines. First: Bubbles! A fun, dry, and pink sparkling wine. Then to a lush and flavorful Bianco by Nada, from Piedmont, one of my favorite Italian wine makers. And for the reds we try the classic grape Sangiovese, one from Tuscany and one from Rome! Additionally, we will get to try a Barbera from the town of Alba, and a unique wine made in the appasimento style, where they dry out the grapes to intensify color and flavor.
Get your Mambo-Italiano on @ Humble Vine Saturday Sept. 15th. 4pm till the bottles are empty!!
Borgo Alato Rose, Extra Dry Spumante, $11
This refreshing sparkler shows crisp apple and bright citrus flavors, notes of almonds, white peaches and Calvados and a hallm the flavor asnd coclor!! ark bitter-lemon finish. Ideal as an aperitif and a perfect accompaniment to hors d'oeuvres, sushi and fish.
Nada, Langhe Bianco, Piedmont $19
Pale golden yellow. Intense and lovely, with the first sniff, quite surprising nose: ripe fruit, flowers, honey, gooseberries with their characteristic sweet-bitter notes, some fresh grass. The remarkable aromas remind me of Americana grapes. On the palate, the wine satisfies with a quite full body and a felicitous combination between delicate sweetness and supporting acidity. The finish is long and crisp.
Maria Galassi, La Ca Storta Sangiovese, Romagna DOC Sangiovese Superiore $18
It is a perfect start to the evening all alone, but also to accompany a hearty entree or the traditional Romagna “Piadina” accompanied by cold cuts and fresh cheeses. Thanks to its freshness it goes well with fish dishes.
Malvira Barbera D’Alba $22
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks, then aged in French oak for 18-20 months. Deep ruby red
with powerful flavors and aromas of intense dark fruit, prune, cherries, cola, lilac, and vanilla. A storm of strength and balance. Racy texture.
Casa Vinironia, Apassimento $19
Produced in the Veneto using the 'appassimento' method used in the production of Amarone wines. The grapes are left longer on the vine than is usual for 'standard' table wines to elevate and concentrate the levels of natural sugars and they then undergo a period of natural drying.
The resultant wine is concentrated, enormously fruity with a pleasingly strong backbone of tannins and acidity at a pleasing level, just right to balance the rich, plummy fruit flavors here present.
Avignonesi, Vino Noble di Montelpulciano 2013 $32
From the little town of Montepulciano in Tuscany, this delightful wine is big and bold like its big sister a few miles away: Brunello Di Montelcino. 100% Sangiovese with lots of character. From the earthy, tobacco-scented beginning to the cherry, leather and earth flavors, all underlined by stiff, chalky tannins. Refined textured finish. Elegant aromas of fresh, red berry fruits with delicate floral undertones and an intriguing balsamic touch, some hazelnut too... The taste is medium-bodied and round with fragrant fruit, silky tannins and a long lasting, mineral finish. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a red wine that can be consumed young. In fact, I would recommend an early drinking window in the case of this wine.