It’s a Small World
If we think of wine as a regional delicacy, we all have our own flavors. Did you know all 50 states in USA has a winery?!! I like to think that we get to experience a sliver of the lives and histories of these regions as we taste through their offerings. So, today we peek into a few sleepy wine regions of the world with wine that is remarkable and is created by the “mom n pops” of the wine world. The small guys. So, come and try the “local delicacies” ... of France and Italy.
@ Humble Vine, Sat., Jan 12th. 4pm till the bottles run dry!
Case Paolin, Prosecco, Treviso Italy $18
Citrus blossom, pear and a whiff of wild herb aromas carry over to the palate along with white peach and a hint of lemon drop. It's bright and creamy, with lively acidity and a soft mousse. An outstanding bubbly from “the Boot”!
Domaine la Madura, Classic Blanc, Languedoc France $18
This wine combines aromas of white flowers with notes of slightly candied citrus, verbena and toasted almonds, among others, to form a fresh and delicate bouquet. On the palate, the structure is round and tart and put forward the aromas with a crisp finish.
Paltrinieri, “Solco” Lambrusco, Emilia Romagna Italy $16
Made entirely from a grape named Salamino. This has crushed grape and raisin aromas. Those aromas carry over to the semisweet palate, along with dried black cherry notes and hints of almond and citrus peel. Vibrant acidity keeps it fresh.
Patrice Colin, Perles Rouges, Ancestral Method Gamay, Coteaux de Vendomois NV $19
What? A sparkling red? And it is dry? That’s right. An ancestral method sparkling wine, what the kids call “Pet Nat”, this rustic red from the northern edge of the Loire is the ultimate holiday party wine. Organically farmed since before there was a term to describe it, this wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and is also vegan.
Domaine La Madura, Saint Chinian, Languedoc FR, $18
Dark purple Juice. Aromas are dominated by spices such as curry, Sichuan pepper and cinnamon but also cocoa and black fruits. It is a very typical nose where already the scents of the scrubland (these aromas generally take more and more importance over the aging time). The palate is supple and fresh, extends to a soft and velvety finish.
Chateau Falfas, Cotes de Bourg, Bourg France $27
This wine is comprised of 55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 10% Côt (Malbec) and spent 11-14 months in barrel, a third of the barrels new. Really good quality Bordeaux, dense and dark, blackberry and licorice and coffee and chocolate. Smoke and a pepper spice is lingering in the background while the finish takes a good deal of time to finish up. Excellent, and the 2008 is drinking perfectly right now.