Wild Italy

Here is a fun set of wines from Italy. Starting in the north for two outstanding Italian whites. Garganega from Soave in The Veneto, partly overlapping the Valpolicella region. Then way up north-west for a screaming delight: Petit Arvine from Valle D’Aosta. Taking a trip down south out to the island of Sicily and up a volcano for an intriguing Etna Rosso. Back to the mainland for a fun Tuscan Sangiovese. Wild, man. You gotta check these ones out.

Pieropan, Soave   Veneto, Italy  $21

Pieropan makes some of the best Soave. It is made entirely from fruit grown in their own vineyards situated in the Soave zone and planted only with indigenous grape varieties Garganega with 15% Trebbiano di Soave. Aged on the lees to richen the blend. Brilliant straw yellow color with greenish hints; the delicate nose offers almond blossoms and marzipan; good depth of fruit on the palate, nicely balanced by a zingy acidity that enhances the looong finish.

Fuedo di San Maurizio, Petit Arvine    Valle d’Aosta-Piedmont Italy   $36

Wow. I love this wine. This crazy grape is grown in the shadows of the Alps in the North-West-est tip of Italy. Blocked on one side by Switzerland, and the other side France.  This wild grape is known for bracing acidity and grapefruit, with a salty minerality. This one also gives honeysuckle and full on tropical fruits keep you enthralled to the last gulp. What an interesting delight. 

Tornatore, Etna Rosso    Sicily, Italy     $30

Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is in an almost constant state of activity. A rising star in the Etna region, Tornatore is becoming one of the region's biggest and most respected wineries. Using the classic Sicilian grapes, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, grown on the slopes more than 3000 feet above sea level. This wine is deceptively light colored. Hits the brain with complexity and a beautiful aroma. A mineral, fresh and savory red with aromas of sliced mushrooms, lemons, wild strawberries, asphalt and crushed shells. Medium body with lightly dusty tannins. Bright finish.

Poggio Anima, “Belial” Sangiovese   Tuscany Italy     $18

One of the four crown princes of hell. Roughly translated to ‘without yoke’ in Hebrew. It is believed that Belial is the purest definition of  lawlessness. This is 100% Sangiovese sourced from a single vineyard, with 26-46 years old vines, near Siena, in the Chianti Colli Senesi zone. Dark ruby.  Aromas of iris, rosemary & lavender, bright red cherries and mint explode from the glass.  The youthful, easygoing palate offers juicy cherry, white pepper and clove hints alongside pliant tannins.