Pornello di Montalcino

Posted by Keith Wallace on Jan 7, 2013 in News | 0 comments

Natalie in the Vineyard

This is going to be interesting. Winemaker  Natalie Oliveros has earned high ratings by none other than Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Her Sogno Uno from Lazio, Italy earned 91 Points for it’s first vintage. Along with her consulting winemaker Robert Cipresso, Natalie has released her Fattoria La Fiorita Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. What is so interesting about a winemaker opening a new winery in Italy? None, really… except that Natalie was formerly known as  the porn star Savanna Samson.

via GreatWineNews

Borgo Convento Friulano

Posted by Keith Wallace on Sep 19, 2012 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

“Buon vino fa buon sangue”

An old Italian phrase that translates loosely as “..good wine makes for good cheer.” Which aptly describes the other night’s Cru Club dinner at neighborhood fave L’Oca, where chef Luca Garruti’s four course menu was enhanced with a palate challenging array of wines…and the bonhommie generated by lively conversation that ensued.

Arneis, Erbaluce di Caluso…  a duet of Langhe Nebbiolos, one from Mombeltrano..Borgo Convento’s Friulano… a wildly flavorful Salento Primitivo…2000 Tignanello and a Montevetrano…a smooth as pecorino Brunello…a pair of ’97 Barbarescos…Kerner – unique, flavorful, aromatic… classic examples of Soave…and other examples of the diversity of Italy’s vineyards that, quite frankly, most of us were too overwhelmed by the shank of the evening to remember.

The only thing that would have made the festivities more noteworthy would have been having us all teletransported to the terace of a hilltop villa among the vines at dusk. Can’t blame an old aficianado for dreaming, can you?

Another Important Vote

Posted by Alana Zerbe on Jun 14, 2011 in Philly | 0 comments

Come Monday, October 27, members of the Brunello Consortium will vote whether or not to change the appellation regulations that have governed Brunello wines for years.  Jeremy Parzen of Do Bianchi writes about it here. 

You can also follow the Brunello debates on VinoWire.com, an excellent “wire service” that provides current news and events from the world of Italian wines, and co-founded and edited by Parzen and wine writer Franco Ziliani.

L’Angolo di Vino Super Tuscans

Posted by Wine Nut on Apr 16, 2011 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

If you’ve perused our list of upcoming classes or have done so anytime this year, you probably noticed that most of our Regional classes are devoted to Italy. And they usually sell out – quickly.

And the blurbs that accompany each listing note that more premium Italian wine is consumed in America than Italy…even in the face of price increases as the dollar hangs on for dear life against the Euro. Brunellos, Barolos and Super Tuscans find welcoming shelf space in countless cellars stateside.

Why? I have my theories (shocking, huh?), but those who know my passion for Italy’s wines would chalk it up to cultural bias. So I throw it open for discussion to you, the winedrinkers of America (or anyplace else for that matter)…weigh in with your opinions, and feedback. But please bring something to the tavola beside “..’cause they taste good.”

Italian Pick of The Week: Chianti Classico

Posted by Keith Wallace on Mar 22, 2011 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Benini 2006 “Sassotondo”, Maremma Toscana IGT

The Tuscan Maremma is becoming the place to go for lighter, softer reds, a contrast to earthy Chianti Classico and brooding Brunellos. In the airy hills of Grosseto province Sangiovese is known as Morellino, which has become a popular alternative to other wines from the hundreds of Sangiovese permutations.

Morellino is not the only grape in town. Ciliegiolo is so named for aromas and pigmentation reminiscent of cherries. For many years it was a minor blending varietal, its low level of acidity and docile nature a counterweight for fuller, more tannic wines.

“Sassotondo” (circle of stones) is a blend of 90% Ciliegiolo and 10% Alicante from the Pitigliano region. It spends no time in barrel and very little in bottle, giving it freshness and enhancing the already fruity, soft characteristics of the grape. Cherries predominate on the nose and in the mouth, joined by darker fruit and a touch of peppery spice mid-palate. Mild tannins add just enough dryness to offset cedary smoothness, leading to an unfiltered finish that maintains the overall sense of roundness.

Memorable? Probably not. But just what summer calls for as a complement to lighter pasta dishes or white meats either grilled or roasted.