The Italian Cellar

The Boulevardier Cocktail

2012-02-03T20:39:00.007-06:00

An urbane, classic cocktail that was the signature drink of Erskine Gwynne, the socialite grand-nephew of railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, who, in the late 1920's edited a monthly magazine in Paris (think The New Yorker) called The Boulevardier. A recipe for the drink first appeared in mixologist Harry McElhone's 1927 bar guide Barflies and Cocktails (Harry relocated from the Plaza Hotel in New York City to Paris because of prohibition). The elixir is similar to both a Negroni and the Old Pal except Bourbon replaces the Gin in a Negroni and Sweet Vermouth replaces the Dry in an Old Pal. To make a Boulevardier, combine 2 oz. Bourbon, 1 oz. Campari, and 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth in a tall mixing glass filled with ice. Stir until cold and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange peel or cherry. Repeat as necessary.

Alberto Longo “Capoposto" (2008) Puglia

2012-02-01T20:13:00.003-06:00

A silky Puglian delight from Alberto Longo, a historic 35 hectare estate located in Lucera, in the north of Puglia, in the north of Puglia, in the north of Puglia...... (I like the way that sounds) The wine is 100% Negroamaro that tastes very polished and rich. Deep ruby red color with purple highlights. Full nose of spice and brambled fruit. Fermented and aged in stainless for six months and another three in the bottle before its release to the undeserving masses (not the kind Mitt Romney does not care about, but the general wine drinking public).

Tenuta Guado al Tasso Vermentino (2009) Tuscany

2012-01-17T17:22:00.003-06:00

A varietally perfect Vermentino from Tenuta Guado al Tasso, a 1,000 hectare (300 under vine) estate that has been owned by the Antinori's (you've heard of them) since the 1930's. The wine is 100% Vermentino (a variety native to the coastal area of Liguria and northern Tuscany, which has also flourished in Corsica and Sardinia) that is fermented and aged (for a short time) in stainless. Vibrant straw-yellow in color. Wonderfully aromatic nose of peaches and apricots. Delicious acidity. Former Congressman Larry Craig-like (wide stance) Burgundy bottle.

Old Money

2012-01-16T21:03:00.020-06:00

A powerful craft cocktail created by Chicago mixologist Benjamin Schiller. The drink walks the fine line between subtly and sledgehammer. Fun to source the ingredients. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz. of rye whiskey, 1/2 oz. Aperol, 3/8 oz.Nux Alpina, and 10 drops of bitters. Add ice to fill. Stir until cold. Strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Add 3 drops of Allspice Dram and garnish with the orange peel. Enjoy responsibly.

Cosimo Maria Masini Annick (2010) Tuscany

2012-01-12T18:14:00.004-06:00

A beautiful Italian white from Cosimo Maria Masini, a biodynamic winery located near Pisa in Tuscany. The estate, where the farming of grapes and olives dates back to the 1600's, was purchased by Cosimo Masini (an engineer by trade) in 1999. On his twenty-five acres of vineyards, Masini grows the traditional grapes of Tuscany along with Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Masini also produces high-quality artisanal olive oil from eleven acres of Frantoio, Leccino, and Moraiolo e Mignola Cerretanna (a rarely grown cultivar) trees. The 2010 Annick (Masini names all of his wines after members of his family) is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Sauvignon Blanc. Pressed by the pedis, the wine is fermented in concrete vats. Dark, pale yellow color. Strong nose of apples and floral. Fresh tasting, yet full in body. Food friendly acidity. Un-oaked.

Poggio al Tesoro Mediterra (2008) Tuscany

2011-12-08T19:30:00.004-06:00

An inky red from Poggio al Tesoro, a 125 acre winery located south of Pisa in the upper part of Tuscany's Maremma just a stones throw from the Tyrrhenian Sea (If you could throw a stone two miles). Al Tesoro's Mediterra is made from 40% Syrah, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon that is fermented in stainless and aged for eight months in Allier barriques. Almost black in color, the wine is still fruity with warm notes of red berries and plums. Full-bodied and with a smooth finish. A nice, contemplative wine that pairs well with food.

Jones Soda Stock Blows

2011-11-30T19:45:00.006-06:00

Hurray for the Dow today! Up nearly 500 points!! 4.24%!!! Jones Soda; down .02! Over 4%!! The stock is down to 45 cents a share. In January, the stock sold for $1.79. CEO William Meissner, hired in April (the fourth CEO in three years) continues to do nothing as the company crumbles around him. Let this blog serve as a bully pulpit to sound a great hue and cry to ouster the incompetent William Meissner!!! Let's make it five in three years!!!!

Bastianich Adriatico Friulano (2009) Friuli-Venezia Giulia

2011-11-13T20:35:00.003-06:00

An utterly (my new favorite word) delicious Italian white from Bastianich, a 70 acre Friulian winery founded in 1997 by superstar chef Lidia Bastianich and her newly thin; but still follically-challenged, performance pretence king, son Joe. Bastianich's Adriatico wines, a Friulano, Malvasia, and Ribolla, represent three indigenous varieties that they feel express the qualities of northern tip of the Adriatic. The wine is 100% Friulano, that is vinified and aged entirely in stainless. Luscious pear flavors. Bracing acidity. A grape I love, the wine pairs especially well with spicy, Asian foods.

Les Cretes Torrette (2009) Val d' Aosta

2011-10-20T19:43:00.007-05:00

A beautiful lite Italian red for Les Cretes, the largest privately held vineyard and winery operation in the sparsely populated Aosta Valley. Located close to Mont Blanc and surrounded on three sides by the Italian, French, and Swiss Alps, the winery produces about 250,000 bottle a year. Known mostly for their Chardonnays, Les Cretes' Torrette is a dry, red made from 70% Petit Rouge (an indigenous varietal) and 30% of other regional varietals such as Mayolet, Tinurier, and Comalin. Fragrant nose of cherry-berry. Fermented and aged in stainless for eight months. Well-balanced acidity. Clean and smooth on the finish. A nice grape.

Masseria Li Veli "Orion" Salento IGT (2007) Puglia

2011-09-20T19:48:00.004-05:00

A rock-solid Italian red wine from Masseria Li Veli, a small (86 acres of vines) Puglian winery located in the the heart of the Salento region. The winery, which produces the region's principal native varietals, including Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Aleatico, has been owned by the Falvo family since the late 1990's. Their "Orion" is 100% Primitivo (thought to be a clone of the Zinfandel grape) that is vinifed and aged for six months in steel. Intense nose of cherry and spice. Rich, full mouthfeel. Nice finish. Refreshingly un-oaked. Terrific with grilled meat. Inexpensive.

Case Ibidini Insolia (2009) Sicilia

2011-09-19T17:44:00.002-05:00

A very drinkable Italian white wine from Case Ibidini, a second label offering from Valle dell'Acate, a rising star in the Italian wine world. The Case Ibidini range consists of several inexpensive varietally labeled wines intended for everyday consumption. The name Ibidini (pronounced 'bidini) refers to the name of the Hellenic settlers who populated eastern Sicily nearly 2,000 years ago. The wine is 100% Insolia, a native Sicilian grape, that is aged for four months in stainless steel tanks and another two to three months in the bottle. Deep straw-yellow color. Fragrant floral and citrus nose. Refreshing acidity.

Muammar Gaddafi; Tyrant, Bedouin, Italian Wine Lover

2011-09-16T20:05:00.008-05:00

Recently, the Italian Cellar had an opportunity to discuss proper wine storage techniques with toppled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who has been on the run since August when an uprising against him forced him from power. "I had to flee in a hurry," the bedraggled former dictator said. "I had to leave behind most of my pornography, my Condelezza Rice photo album, and most of my cellar. Unfortunately, most of the wines I took with me were Barolo's and Barbaresco's; varietals that need long-term aging. I brought very little ready to drink wine," he said sadly. To avoid capture, it has been reported that Gaddafi is traveling in a convoy and using only a tent as shelter. "Not ideal conditions for the handling and storage of wine," he said. "Light, humidity, and temperature can have a profound effect on them. The god damn sun is relentless here," he exclaimed. "I fear it's adversely reacting with the wines phenolic compounds and creating potential wines faults." Gaddafi reminded us that wine will prematurely develop if stored in an environment that has large temperature variations; particularly if they occur frequently. "Wine should never be stored where the temperature is too warm or too cold," he said. "Moderate humidity levels between 55 and 75 percent should also be maintained." When asked how he maintains proper temperature and humidity for his beloved wines given his current domestic arrangements, Gaddafi laughed. "I'm reminded of that old Sam Kinison bit........YOU LIVE IN A FU**ING DESERT!!! Boy, I loved that guy," said Gaddafi. Sensing the National Transitional Council forces were closing in, the Colonel apologized for cutting our chat short. "I must be going. Ah, the life of a deposed dictator," he shrugged.

Mamete Prevostini Botonero (2009) Lombardy

2011-09-12T17:02:00.009-05:00

A young, fresh Nebbiolo from Mamete Prevostini, a small Lombardian winery located in the Valtellina Valley near Lake Como. Prevostini produces about 160,000 bottles of wine a year on 18 hectares of steeply terraced vineyards. All of Prevostini's red wines are made exclusively from the Nebbiolo (or as it's called in Lombardia's Valtellina; the Chiavennasca) grape. The 2009 Botonero I enjoyed was very different from the Nebbiolo based wines of Piemonte. With only a 5 day maceration and six months in stainless steel, the wine was more Pinot Noir-like in character. Brick red color. Good acidity. Light structure and body. Strong nose of strawberries. Like a Pinot, the wine would pair well with seafood. Synthetic cork.

Marramiero Trebbiano d'Abruzzo Anima / Marramiero Pecorino (2009) Abruzzo

2011-09-06T17:14:00.005-05:00

Two knock-out Italian whites from Marramiero, a small Abruzzian winemaker with coastal vineyards near Pescara. Both the Trebbiano and the Pecorino have similar taste profiles; floral, peachy, with a hint of minerality. Both are vinified and aged entirely in stainless. Vibrant acidity. Terrific values. Delicious.

The Fennhatten Cocktail

2011-08-11T20:20:00.014-05:00

Below is a recipe for a terrific cocktail that I enjoyed on vacation while dining at the Salt of the Earth restaurant in Fennville, Michigan:

1.5 oz Makers Mark

1.5 oz Southern Comfort

.5 oz Michigan Cherry Liqueur

Orange twist

Serve on the rocks.

Bonci Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi "Carpaneto" (2009) Marche

2011-08-11T19:48:00.004-05:00

A wonderful summer white from Vallerosa Bonci, a small (35 hectare) multi-generational Marchesian winery bordering the valley of the Esino river. Verdicchio is only grown in the Marche region. There are two different appellations for Verdicchio; Castelli di Jesi, located close to the Adriatic, and Matelica, located more inland. I prefer the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, because I feel the wine benefits from growing near the sea. As a result, its a perfect companion with seafood. Keeping with the sea theme, I purchased the Bonci Verdicchio on a family vacation at the seashore from the Wine Sellers of Saugatuck, a nice wine shop that thankfully doesn't sell many Michigan wines. The wine is a single vineyard variety; with the grapes grown on Bonci's Carpaneto vineyard. Sparkling straw yellow/greenish color. Nice citrus/lemon nose. Crisp acidity. Synthetic cork.

Luigi Einaudi Dolcetto di Dogliani Vigna Tecc (2009) Piedmont

2011-07-18T17:14:00.006-05:00

A suffrutescent effort from Matteo Sardagna, the great-grandson of the estates namesake, Luigi Einaudi; the first president of the Italian Republic from 1948-55. Dolcetto, the everyday wine of the "Giuseppe sei botti" of Piedmont, is a wine that goes with everything; its light tannin structure and fresh acidity makes it an excellent all-around red. Einaudi produces more than a dozen varietals, including 3 levels of Dolcetto's; the Classico, which uses grapes from all of the poderi; the Vigna Tecc, which uses selected grapes from the oldest crus; and the Filari, which uses grapes from the very best plants. The 2009 Vigna Tecc, named for one of the four hills on the estate, is as smooth as Luigi was handsome. The wine is ruby-red in color, with a soft black cherry/violet nose, and in my opinion, unnecessarily oaked.

Argiano Non Confunditur (2007) Tuscany

2011-07-14T17:29:00.003-05:00

A lusty Italian red from Argiano, a historic (established in 1581) Montalcino estate now owned by the Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano. (yikes!) The wines name; Non Confunditur, is a Latin term that is written on the Argiano's crest and was the motto of the estates former owners, the Lovateli Gaetani d'Aragona family. (double-yikes!) The wine is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, and 20% Syrah. Each of the four different varietals are fermented in separate tanks in order to preserve their individual characteristics. Before blending, each wine is aged for several months in both second passage French barriques and large Slovenian oak casks. The blended wine is then aged for an additional four months in the bottle before release. Deep ruby-red color. Strong berry/spicy aroma. Rich mouthfeel. Smooth finish. The estates wine maker is Dane, Hans Vinding Diers. (triple-yikes!)

Italian Rose Wines - Easy Summer Drinking Redux

2011-07-05T17:11:00.008-05:00

I wrote this post back in May of 2008. Because I'm lazy....here it is again. Ever since White Zinfandel left its scourge upon the wine landscape, Rose wines have been looked down upon. But because they are a perfect warm weather drink, lying somewhere between refreshment and flavor, they needn't be. In fact, in the coastal regions of southern Italy, a good Rosato is a prized wine. The history of Rose wines in the south of Italy dates back to a time when fermentation could not be controlled by refrigeration. To make a red wine, time is needed for the wine to macerate on their skins. Because the heat of the day would stop the fermentation process cold, these "half-made" reds became Roses by default. Today, Rose wines are made by either macerating a red wine for a short time or blending a red and white wine together. Abruzzo's famous red, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo, is known as a Cerasuola (meaning cherry-red) when vinified in the Rose style. In Puglia, the Negroamoro and Primitivo grape are used as a Rose base. Some Abruzzo producers to look for: Spinelli, Mascigelli, Cataldi, Madonna, Illuminati. Some Puglian producers: Leone de Castris, Damiono Calo. While the south dominates the Rose scene, the north of Italy also is represented with the pink. Catalupo, a Piedmontese winemaker produces a great Rose from the Nebbiolo grape and Bastianich from Friuli vinifies the native Refosco varietal. Because of their lack of tannins, look for young Roses. They are best consumed the summer after their vintage; when their fruit is bright and their acidity vibrant.

Fattoria Nittardi Ad Astra (2006) Tuscany

2011-06-20T17:29:00.009-05:00

A delicious Super-Tuscan from Nittardi, a traditional wine growing estate located half-way between Florence and Siena in the center of Tuscany. During the 16th Century, the estate belonged to Michelangelo; who was so enamored with his wines, he often sent them to the Pope as gifts. Over the centuries the property changed hands many times until 1982 when it was purchased by the current owners, a Frankfurt publisher and art gallery owner named Peter Femfert (say Peter Femfert from Frankfurt ten times fast!) and his wife Stefania, a historian from Venice. The estate continues its long association with art by having an artist design the label and wrapping paper for a limited edition bottling of Casanuova di Nittardi wine each year. The 2006 Ad Astra is a blend of 30% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet, 20% Merlot, and 20% Syrah. Deep, ruby-red color. Powerful dark fruit nose. Aged in a mix of steel tanks and in small French oak barrels for six months. Nice smooth fininsh. A good value.

Lucchetti Lacrima di Morro d' Alba (2008) Marche

2011-06-06T17:15:00.003-05:00

A tasty Italian red from Lucchetti, a small (34 acre) winery whose owner, Mario, who along with a number of other small producers, rescued the Lacrima grape from extinction. The name of the grape; Lacrima, is Italian for tear, and comes from the fact that the grape skin, as it matures, tends to crack thus allowing "tears" of juice to form. In Calabria, the same grape is called Gaglioppo. Reddish/purple/violet in color. Raspberry/spicy nose similar to a Zinfandel. Luscious mouth feel. Great with grilled foods. Inexpensive.

Lo Duca Mamertino (2009) Emilia-Romagna

2011-05-15T19:52:00.005-05:00

Utter garbage from Lo Duca, a New Berlin, Wisconsin importer of Italian wines, consumer electronics and musical instruments. The wine is a frizzante Chardonnay, purchased only because I went shopping without my reading glasses. I cannot think of a circumstance where this wine would be drinkable. I am posting a picture of the wine instead of my usual "garbage can" image in order to provide a warning to others. Awful.

Domenico Clerico Dolcetto Langhe "Visadi" (2008) Piemonte

2011-05-11T20:18:00.000-05:00

A terrific Dolcetto from Domenico Clerico, who Robert Parker calls "One of the most gifted winemakers in Piedmont...these are wines of extraordinary richness, amazing aromatics, and sensual personalities that satiate both the hedonistic and the intellectual senses." Bob's usual bullshit aside, Clerico IS one of the most respected names in Piemonte, and his wines are renowned for both winemaking of the highest quality and for exceptional varietal character derived from his outstanding holdings in some of the greatest crus in Monforte. As with the other greats of Piedmont, Clerico's Barbera's and Dolcetto's are an easy and affordable way to enjoy the genius of a world class winemaker. An agronomist first, Clerico practices "green" farming methods; he uses no systemic plant protection products; no herbicides; and when needed, only the lightest touch of organic fertilizer (manure). Instead of doing two separate bottlings; Dolcetto di Dogliani (from vineyards near the cellar) and Dolcetto d'Alba from his Ginestra vineyard, Clerico declassifies the fruit to produce this Dolcetto di Langhe. Concord grape purple in color. Beautifully perfumed nose of dark fruit. Very soft; velvety. Aged for 5-6 months in part old/part new barriques. As with his other wines, effortless to drink.

Albino Rocca Rossa di Rocca (2009) Piemonte

2011-04-26T20:34:00.004-05:00

A fantastic wine from Albino Rocca, a 15 hectare estate that was established in 1960 by Giacomo Rocca. Now run by grandson Angelo, the estate produces about 100,000 bottles of wine a year; about half Nebbiolo, and the half split between Barbera, Dolcetto, Chardonnay, and Cortese. The 2009 Rossa di Rocca is a blend of 80% Nebbiolo, 10% Barbera, and 10% Cabernet Franc. A new wine in the Rocca line-up, the Rossa di Rocca is so young and fresh that it's not aged at all, but bottled as soon as it's stable. Ruby-red/purplish in color. Beautiful nose. Smooth on the palate. A terrific wine that's priced for everyday drinking. Albeisa bottle.

Fattoria Le Terrazze Rosso Conero (2008) Marche

2011-04-22T09:30:00.004-05:00

A meh Italian red from Fattoria Le Terrazze, a small (produces less than 100,000 bottles annually) Marchesian winery that has been owned by the Terni family since 1882. The 20 hectare estate grows mostly Montepulciano, along with a bit of Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah. La Terrazze is most famous for their "Planet Waves" wine, a blend of Montepulciano and Syrah that was created following a special request from Bob Dylan. Rosso Conero has been produced in its appellation (the central part of the Marche) since the Roman days. Rosso Conero must have be least 85% Montepulciano, with the rest usually Sangiovese. Le Terrazze's 2008 Rosso Conero is 100% Montepulciano that has been macerated with the skins for ten days in stainless steel vats then aged in medium capacity oak casks for twelve months. The wine is finished for another six months in the bottle prior to its release. Nice ruby-red color. Intense, dark fruit nose. Full-bodied; almost hot. Gasoline-like on the palate. Good with grilled red meat. Not a sipping wine by any means.

Cantina Del Taburno Greco (2009) Campania

2011-04-11T20:40:00.004-05:00

A jewel from Cantina del Taburno, a consortium of small Campanian grape growers who produce mainly indigenous varieties such as Aglianico, Greco, Fiano, Falanghina, Coda di Volpe, and Piedirosso. The 2009 Greco is 100% Greco, a grape of Greek origin that may be the ancestor of other southern Italian whites. Intense straw yellow in color. Beautiful, fruity nose of apricot, citrus, and a bit of minerality. Crisp acidity. A fantastic Italian white that will hopefully make those who try it put down their damned Pinot Grigio. That's right, I said damned.

Fratelli Revello Dolcetto d' Alba (2009) Piemonte

2011-04-10T21:00:00.007-05:00

A delicious Dolcetto from Fratelli Revello, a family owned winery that was founded in 1976 (a great vintage for Barolo, BTW). Brothers Carlo and Lorenzo took over running the winery in the mid 1980's, and in the early nineties, with the help of Elio Altare, greatly improved and transformed the vineyard. With about 12 hectares under vine, the brothers produce a single vineyard Barolo along with some Barbera and Dolcetto. The 2009 Dolcetto is a very deep purple in color with a strong nose of fruity blueberry. Fresh tasting. Fresh and plush at the same time. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Very enjoyable.

Vinosa Malvasia (2008) Puglia

2011-03-21T21:09:00.006-05:00

A lite Italian white from Vinosia, a winery founded in 2003 by Mario and Luciano Ercolino, whose family founded the famed Feudi di San Gregorio winery in Campania. Mario, formerly head winemaker at Feudi di San Gregorio, oversees the winemaking process at Vinosia, while Luciano takes care of marketing and distribution. The 2008 Malvasia Salento is 100% Malvasia from the Salento area of Puglia. Anemic color. Nice citrus nose, however. Vibrant acidity. Refreshing.

Col D'Orcia Rosso di Montalcino (2007) Tuscany

2011-03-15T20:17:00.008-05:00

Just an OK Italian red from Col D'Orcia, an internationally celebrated producer of Brunello di Montalcino. The estate, which dates back to the 1700's, is located on the outskirts of the medieval village of Montalcino in Tuscany's Siena Province and is owned by Count Francesco Marone Cinzano. The Count employs superstar enologist Pablo Harri who produces a line-up that ranges from a Muscat to their flagship Brunello. The 1,300 acre estate (of which 370 are planted in vine) also produces a super-lux olive oil. The 2007 Rosso di Montalcino is 100% Sangiovese that is aged for 12 months in a mix of french oak barriques and smaller Slavonion oak casks. Rich, ruby-red in color. Strong, dark fruit nose. Very fruity on the palate; although moderated somewhat by the oak. Not as long on the finish as I hoped.

The "Grade A" Old-Fashioned

2011-03-09T19:52:00.014-06:00

In one of the greatest uses of boiled tree sap, I give you a terrific drink recipe. Adapted from a recipe from renowned mixologist Jonny Raglin, it's everything a cocktail should be.

Makes one drink

1 lemon peel

1/4 oz grade A maple syrup

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1/4 oz water

2 oz Rye whiskey (I use Redemption)

Ice

In an old-fashioned glass, muddle the lemon peel with maple syrup and bitters. Add the water, rye, and ice. Stir gently and serve. Repeat as necessary.

Have It Your Way? Purist Chefs Won't Have It

2011-03-06T15:10:00.007-06:00

Amen to this.

Ghiomo Lavai Barbera d' Alba (2006) Piemonte

2011-02-23T19:38:00.015-06:00

A not so great Barbera d' Alba from Azienda Agricola “Ghiomo” di Anfossi Giuesppino. Their estate, which was first established in the early 1800's, takes its name from the Ghiomo farmhouse; a former monastery. The estate occupies some prime real estate; right in the heart of Roero, just a few miles from Alba. Signor Giuesppino's Lavai Barbera is a heavy wine that's inky dark-red in color. Aged in a combination of stainless and oak. Hot like gasoline on the palate. Better the second day after it was opened, but in my opinion, the wine shows little finesse.

Quattro Mani Toh-kai (2008) Slovenia

2011-02-23T19:34:00.021-06:00

A pinpoint oxford from Quatro Mani, or “four hands”, a concept of Italian wine importer Paolo Domenghetti of Domaine Select. His idea was to have four winemakers, each representing a different Italian wine region, create wines which would be marketed under the Quattro Mani label. Quattro Mani wines are produced from estate-grown fruit using sustainable agriculture, and are bottled at the source. Quattro Mani made its debut in 2006 with a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo made by acclaimed winemaker Attilio Pagli. Quattro Mani's Toh-Kai, produced by Movia’s Aleš Kristancic, followed in 2008. Franciacorta, produced by Mario Falcetti, joined the lineup in 2010. The Movia winery was founded in 1700 and was purchased by the Kristancic family in 1820. Today Ales Kristancic farms 37 acres of vines. His meticulous, low-yield farming allows for the production of barely 6,000 cases of wine annually. The Friulano (Tocai) grapes for the Toh-Kai are grown in Movia’s organically farmed Exto Gredic vineyard in Slovenia, just a canned ham throw from Friuli. The wine is a beautifully clear, straw-yellow color, with ripe, luscious pear flavors. Absolutely sparkles in the glass. Vinified in stainless steel. Its bright acidity makes it a perfect food wine. Put down the Pinot Grigio and enjoy.

Filomusi Guelfi Bianco Le Scuderie del Cielo (2008) Abruzzo

2011-02-16T20:14:00.006-06:00

A knock-out white wine from Filomusi Guelfi, an Abruzzian winery whose family members (the Fiolmusi's and the Guelfi's) have been working the soil since the 16th century. The wine is an unknown blend of Chardonnay, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cococciola. Fragrant nose of citrus, apples, and peaches. Sparkling straw-yellow in color. Vibrant acidity. The name "Scuderie del Cielo" means "Stables in the Sky" from the coat of arms on the label that contains a winged horse, the idea for which was taken from a drawing on a tapestry belonging to owner Lorenzo Filomusi's grandmother. The coat of arms on all my tapestry's are not anywhere near as cool.

Paolo Bea Santa Chiara (2007) Umbria

2011-02-14T18:59:00.019-06:00

A terrific, unique Italian white (nearly red) wine from quirky, artisan producer, Paolo Bea. The winery, situated on 15 hectares in Montefalco in Umbria, (home of the only type of lentils that Martha Stewart and my family eat) started bottling wine in 1980. The vineyard is a family affair, with all aspects of the winemaking process performed by various members of the Bea family. All have a passion for the philosophy of respect for maintaining the balance between man and nature. In 2004, son Giampiero, together with winemakers Angiolino Maule, Fabrizio Niccolaini and Stanislao Radikon founded the Consorzio Vini Veri, a movement of thought which aims to unite winemakers who share a common goal of extracting wine only by natural processes. Bea's Santa Chiara is a blend of 20% Grechetto, 20% Malvasia, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Sauvignon, and 20% Gargenega. Because of the long maceration on the skins and lack of added sulfates, the wine is nearly orange in color. Aged for one year in stainless. Strong nose of dried fruit and bread. Nice acidity. Heavy and delicious.

Massolino Dolcetto d' Alba (2009 ) Piemonte

2010-10-18T17:08:00.007-05:00

An utterly delicious wine from Massolino, a family owned and operated winery that has been making classic Barbera's, Dolcetto's, and Barolo's in Serralunga d' Alba since the late 1800's. Bright ruby red with deep purplish hues. Fruity, black fruit nose. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Even though, due to ongoing kitchen remodeling, I drank this wine from an unwashed Reidel glass (I did wipe it out after its last usage with a damp paper napkin), I enjoyed it thoroughly. I even liked the font used on the label - very slick. Around $12 a bottle.

Triple J - Like Father; Like Son

2010-09-22T20:11:00.006-05:00

On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. and Chicago Mayoral hopeful Jesse Jackson Jr. ("Triple J"), said he was "deeply saddened" about a relationship with a Washington D.C. restaurant hostess, but called it "preposterous" to contend that he asked a fund-raiser to approach former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich with an offer of $6 million in exchange for President Obama's former Senate seat. Triple J also had no comments regarding reports that he used campaign funds to fly Washington D.C. restaurant hostess/swimsuit model/social acquaintance Giovana Huidobro (a Rachel Uchitel wannabe) to Chicago, allegedly at the Congressman's request. In separate statements, both Triple J and his wife, Chicago 7th Ward Alderman Sandi Jackson (who by the way, looks a lot like Latoya Jackson) asked that their privacy be respected with regard to the restaurant hostess/swimsuit model/social acquaintance. Triple J's action also inadvertently let slip a secret formerly known only to players like himself and Tiger Woods - that restaurant hostesses are available to be flown in for "social acquaintance" purposes. Who knew that this was possible? I sure didn't. I thought hostesses just greeted customers and led them to a table. And how do they find the time? Besides her hostessing duties, Ms. Huidobro found time to fly to Chicago to visit with a Congressman, do a swimsuit photo shoot, and get interviewed by the FBI - what time management skills! Triple J; it sounds like you got a keeper!

Demarie Roero Arneis (2008) Piemonte

2010-09-20T17:01:00.006-05:00

A big jam donut with cream on top from Azienda Agricola Demarie, a multi-generational producer who farms 14 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the Roero region of Piemonte. Beautiful sparkling straw-yellow in color. Fresh, floral, fruity nose. Full bodied and smooth. Crisp acidity. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. A terrific varietal that is worth looking for as a change of pace from the ubiquitous Pinot Grigio.

Terra di Vulcano Aglianico del Vulture (2007) Basilicata

2010-09-09T17:09:00.003-05:00

A red pencil box from Terra di Vulcano, one of two product lines (albeit the lower-end) of Azienda Agricola Bisceglia, a winery founded in 2001 by Mario Bisceglia. 100% Aglianico, grown in the Vulture DOC, near the ancient volcano of Mt. Vulture (great name!) in Basilicata. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Inky-red in color. Strong nose of spicy darkness. Utterly smooth and well-balanced; belies its low price. A very pleasant full-bodied red.

Cantina Terlano Terlaner Classico (2009) Trentino-Alto Adige

2010-09-07T17:01:00.003-05:00

A crisp, northern Italian white wine from Cantina Terlano, an Alto-Adigeon co-op that was founded way back in 1893. Today, the co-op (one of the smallest in the province) has 100+ members that naturally farm over 150 hectares. Together, they produce about 1.2 million bottles of wine annually. The 2009 Terlaner Classico is a proprietary blend of 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. Yellow/green in color. A nose that is more citrusy than peppery. Brilliant acidity. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Hock bottle. Opened at a family Labor Day party and after singing a few tunes on a karaoke machine ("Paper Roses" among others and not my key by the way) I forgot whether or not the cork was synthetic. A very nice wine.

Fattoria di Lucignano Chianti Colli Fiorentini (2007) Tuscany

2010-08-30T20:40:00.004-05:00

A pistol from Fattoria di Lucignano , a small (32 acre) traditional winery located in the medieval town of Lucignano, only a mile from the western border of the Chianti Classico. The winery, run by the Countess Antonella Guicciardini, is known for their consistent quality, year after year. Intense, ruby-red color. Fruity nose of black cherries. Well balanced and smooth. Vinified and aged in glazed, cement vats for 12 to 18 months. A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 5% Merlot, and 5% Colorino. Delicious.

Cataldi Madonna Trebbiano d' Abruzzo (2009) Abruzzo

2010-08-23T17:12:00.003-05:00

A summer peach from Cataldi Madonna, a small family winery located high in the plains near L' Aquila. Founded in 1920 by Antonio Cataldi Madonna, the winery is now run by son Luigi who produces some of Abruzzo's best reds, whites, and roses. Their 2009 Trebbiano is a brilliant greenish-yellow in color with a perfumed nose of apple, pear and peach. Crisp, refreshing acidity. Substantial in feel. A perfect match for the summer bounty (the "quicker, picker-upper"). Synthetic cork.

Damilano Nebbiolo d' Alba (2007)Piemonte

2010-08-20T20:42:00.006-05:00

An enjoyable, inexpensive introduction to the Nebbiolo grape from Damilano, a family run Barolo maker that has been around since the late 1800’s. From their small Piemontese winery, the great grandchildren of original owner Giuseppe Borgogno make a traditional line up of ready to consume Barolo’s, Dolcetto’s, Barbera’s, and Arneis. The 2007 Nebbiolo d’ Alba is dusty brick-red in color with a nice nose of violets and spice. Like myself, the wine is fairly light in body. Aged for 16 months in French oak barriques (50% new and 50% one and two years old). Albeisa bottle.

Tenuta Scilio "Phiale" Etna Rosso (Sicily) 2003

2010-08-09T19:42:00.001-05:00

A delicious, spicy Italian red from Tenuta Scilio, a 69 acre estate that lies on the northeast slopes of Mount Etna. Tenuta Scilio does not use any artificial fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides and all of their wines are made exclusively from grapes grown on their estate. The 2003 Phiale is a blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio; both dark, brooding natives. Strong nose and taste of black cherries and spice. Full, unctuous mouthfeel. 65% of the wine is aged in small French oak barrels and 35% of the wine is aged in American oak for twelve months. Tiny 600 case production. I purchased the wine at the Wine Cellars of Saugatuck, a nice wineshop that sells unique wines from all over the world and thankfully very little from Michigan.

Marchesi di Gresy Monte Aribaldo Dolcetto D' Alba (2007) Piemonte

2010-08-06T21:22:00.002-05:00

A gem from Marchesi di Gresy, an 88 acre winery made up of four estates situated in the Langhe and Monferrto. In the late 1960's, owner Alberto di Gresy decided that he no longer wanted to continue selling his families grapes to other producers, so in 1973, he began producing his own wine. His Dolcetto, is grown on the Monte Aribaldo estate near the legendary Martinenga, Piemonte's only monopole; a vineyard owned exclusively by one proprietor. Brilliant ruby-red in color. Fragrant cherry nose. Velvety. Terrific balance. Un-oaked.

Cavallotto Vigna Scot Dolcetto d' Alba (2008) Piemonte

2010-08-02T17:12:00.001-05:00

A terrific everyday Italian red wine from Cavallotto, an unsung winery that produces great value-priced Barolo's in addition to Barbera's and Dolcetto's on their 23 hectares in Piedmont. Cavallotto practices "green" farming methods. They use no fertilizers and use only copper and sulfur-based products for insect and disease control. Cavallotto is one of only a few producers that purchase quarry sulfur from Sicily; which is considered among the best. (I agree and only use Sicilian sulfur in my home garden; I source mine from Balthazar.) Ruby-red/purple in color. Cherry/berry fruit nose. Full bodied; well balanced. Warm, soft mouthfeel. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Albeisa bottle.

Taurino Notarpanaro (2004) Puglia

2010-07-19T17:15:00.003-05:00

A spicy Italian red wine from Taurino, one of the first producers to bottle and sell wines from Puglia in the international marketplace. Before Taurino, wines from the south of Italy were primarily sold in bulk or used in blends to strengthen better known wines from northern Italy and France. The 2004 Notarparnaro is a blend of 85% Negroamaro and 15% Malvasia Nera. Dark, inky red in color. Rich, full nose of fruit and spice. Peppery fininsh. Aged for 36 months (six of which in a blend of Allier, Nevers, and Troncais oak). Bottle aged for an additional three years prior to release.

Stiftskellerei Neustift Abbazia di Novacella Kerner (2008) Alto Adige

2010-07-09T21:03:00.007-05:00

A beautiful Italian white wine from Abazzia di Novacella, a winery founded in 1142 (and still run today) by the Augustinian order of monks who toil with 100 lay workers in the Isarco Valley of Alto Adige; located a short distance south of the Brenner Pass and the Austrian border. The winery is Italy's northernmost and specializes in cool-climate whites, many of which are grapes of Germanic origin. The 2008 Kerner is 100% Kerner, a grape originated as a cross between a Trollinger and a Reisling. Sparkling pale gold in color. Citrus fruit nose. Full, silky body. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Crisp and delicious. Synthetic cork. Hock bottle. For those of you who are wondering, the photo is of former Illinois Governor Otto Kerner, who was the first of three (pretty soon four) Illinois governors to be convicted of Federal criminal charges.

Tenuta Luisa Friulano (2008) Friuli - Venezia Giulia

2010-07-06T17:07:00.003-05:00

A resolute Italian white wine from Tenuta Luisa, an 80 year old family winery that farms nearly 200 acres of vineyards in the DOC Friuli Insonzo area of northeastern Italy that borders Slovenia. Their 2008 Friulano is 100% Friulano (called Tocai Friulano in the old days) that is vinified and aged in stainless steel. Deep golden-yellow in color. Apple/herb nose. Crisp acidity. A white wine with some there; there.

Vecchia Cantina Incanto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (2005) Tuscany

2010-07-02T21:21:00.002-05:00

A good-enough Tuscan red from the Vecchia Cantina Cooperative, a large producer in the Poliziana region of southern Tuscany. Purchased on the cheap from Trader Joe's, a store that is by no means my "go-to" place for wine, but since we are there several times a week, it's convenient. According to the laws of of the DOCG (if you mix-up the letters it spells God; with a "C" for Christianity!) a wine has to have at least 70% Sangiovese and no more than 20% Canaiolo Nero to be designated as a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. (if you mix up these letters, I'm not sure what the hell you get.) Incanto's incarnation (clever? I thinks so) is a blend of 78% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo Nero, and 2% Mammolo. Haunting dark red color; decent cherry/stone fruit nose. Medium to full body. Nice acidity, but with some rough tannins. Needs food to be enjoyed. Cute image of a hedgehog on the label. Not enough hedgehog imagery in the wine world in my opinion.

Teruzzi & Puthod Terre di tufi (2007) Tuscany

2010-07-01T20:51:00.007-05:00

A delicious summer white from Teruzzi & Puthod, a Tuscan winery owned by global branded beverage industry titan Gruppo Campari, whose 40 brands like Wild Turkey, Skyy vodka, Cinzano are distributed in over 190 countries worldwide. Founded in 1974, the winery has over 90 hectares under vine and produces more than a million bottles of wine a year. Their Terre di tufi is a blend of 80% Vernaccia, 7% Chardonnay, 7% Malvasia, and 6% Vermentino. Brilliant straw yellow in color with a fresh nose of apples - pine and otherwise. Synthetic cork.

Caldora Trebbiano D' Abruzzo (2005) Abruzzo

2010-06-23T20:37:00.005-05:00

"Caldora, Caldora, what makes you big ass so round?" I picked up this leftover old bottle at Cost Plus World Market and was pleasantly surprised that it had held up so well. Caldora is a partnership between Valentino Sciotti, renowned winemaker Mario Ercolino and one of the largest cooperatives in Abruzzo. The cooperatives total holdings are around 1,200 hectares but only the best 200 or so are selected, vinified, and bottled under the Caldora name. The 2005 Trebbiano is light gold in color with a nice floral/citrus nose (still!) A blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia. Stainless steel. Nice finish.

Masciarelli Trebbiano d' Abruzzo (2008) Abruzzo

2010-06-05T16:25:00.007-05:00

A wonderful summer white from Masciarelli; Italy's 2004 "winery of the year". Marsciarelli is the largest organically farmed estate in Italy, with over 1,000 acres scattered across Abruzzo. In addition to Trebbiano, they grow Montepulciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Falanghina, and olives for pressing into premium oil. Their Trebbiano d' Abruzzo is fermented and aged in stainless steel. Clean and crisp. Hints of apple, stone fruit, and freshly bathed pug. Refreshingly delicious. An outstanding value at $8.99 a bottle.

Lee Dewyze; Italian Wine Lover; 2010 American Idol Winner

2010-05-27T17:12:00.011-05:00

Thanks to an "All-Access" backstage pass that was granted to Hollywood insider, The Italian Cellar, we were afforded an opportunity to briefly speak with season nine American Idol winner Lee Dewyze after his upset victory last night:

Lee, congratulations on your being voted 2010 American Idol. What was the first wine that made you realize you loved wine?

Damijan Ribolla Gialla 2002 made me change the way I look at white wine, and the first time I had Quintarelli Amarone I knew I’d never tasted anything even close to that before. However I have to say that the wine that did it for me, that truly made me realize that I love wine was Bartolo Mascarello’s 1989 Barolo (out of a magnum). Like the Quintarelli it possessed layers and depth that I could draw few comparisons to, and definitely had the "what was that?" impact on me. However the one thing that made this one truly stand out was it’s elegance. To this day if you asked me to describe my idea of “elegance” I would have to say that that wine is an example that I would use.

Describe your perfect meal and the wine you'd pair with it.

Well, prior to Idol, I was in Piemonte, so how could I not mention white truffles on Tajarin with aged Barolo. But there is also something to be said about the simplicity of a white like Verdicchio from Le Marche (look for Sartarelli) that work their magic with the seafood of the Adriatic on a summer day. The zing and citrus nuances bring just about any fish back to life - no sauces needed here - just some grilled fish and lemon. A Rosso di Montalcino with some pici topped with wild boar ragu is also a nice, simple classic pair.

Simon sounded sincere last night - don't you think?

He was very gracious indeed.

Well, congratulations again, and thank you for your time.

It was my pleasure.

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2010-05-10T18:06:00.015-05:00

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La Corte Salice Salento (2007) Puglia

2010-05-10T18:01:00.002-05:00

A delicious quaffer from La Corte, a Lecce-area winery owned by the Tuscan firm of Renideo, who produce a number of spicy Italian reds made from Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes. Their Salice Salentino is a blend of 80-85% Negroamaro and 15-20% Malvasia Nera that is aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak for 18 months. Dark brick red in color, with a spicy, earthy nose. Peppery, but smooth finish. Terrific food wine. Not complex, but well made.

Paolo Scavino Langhe Bianco (2008) Piemonte

2010-04-26T17:12:00.004-05:00

A pleasant-enough (I’m trying) Italian white blend from noted Barolo maker Paolo Scavino. The winery, founded in 1921 by Paolo Scavino, is now run by his son Enrico and granddaughters Enrica and Elisa. The 2008 Langhe Bianco is a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc (vinified in steel) and 30% Chardonnay (vinified in oak). The two grapes, however, are not particularly well-integrated. The wine seems to have competing citrusy/grassy/herbal notes – a problem for me with white blends generally. The stature of the producer will make me try it again - maybe warmer weather might help.

Emilio Bulfon Pecol Ros La Santissima (2008) Friuli-Venezia Giulia

2010-04-19T17:22:00.003-05:00

Some 30 years ago, winemaker Emilio Bulfon rediscovered and replanted several ancient native Friulian grape varieties in the hills of the province of Pordenone in western Friuli. Today, Bulfon produces wines exclusively from these ancient grapes. While I have enjoyed Bulfon's single varietals (especially the whites), his Pecol Ros, a kitchen-sink blend of 35% Piculit Neri, 35% Refosco del Peduncolo Rosso, 15%, Forgiarin, and 15% Cianorie is a disconnected mess. Deep ruby-red color. Minty, peppery, blackberry fruit nose. Not particularly well balanced. Fiery finish. 14% alcohol. As a side note, each of Bulfon's wines are adorned with a different color label designed by Bulfon that depict a detail of a medieval fresco of the last supper found on a wall of a local church.

Jermann Vinae (2006) Friuli-Venezia Giulia

2010-04-15T19:40:00.006-05:00

A terrific Italian white wine from master winemaker Silvio Jermann, whose 100 year old family winery is known for the character and varietal correctness of their wines. The 2006 Vinnae is a blend of 90% Ribolla Gialla and 10% Tocai and Riesling. Bright straw-yellow in color. Beautiful fruity nose. A small portion of the blend is aged in oak barrels for six months to give the wine some added weight. Prior to bottling, the oak-aged wine is incorporated with the rest of the wine that was aged in stainless steel. The Ribolla grape is high in acid, making it great match with a variety of foods. Terrific balance.

Cantine Sant'Agata Barbera D'Asti "Baby" (2007) Piemonte

2010-04-10T20:49:00.001-05:00

Abort this baby. Perhaps the worst wine I have ever had. An expressionless effort from Cantine Sant'Agata, a Piemontese winery founded in the 1970's that produces three levels of Barbera; their baseline "Baby", their second tier "Altea", and their top of the line "Caval". Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Smith Brothers quality fruit. No nose to speak of. Completely lacking in any of the qualities that make Barbera such a terrific wine. I would defy anyone to guess the varietal in a blind tasting. Only wine in the sense that it is presumably made from grapes that have been fermented in some manner. Criminal at $15 a bottle.

Marco Felluga Friulano (2007) Friuli-Venezia Giulia

2010-04-06T21:31:00.002-05:00

A Friulian delight from Marco Felluga, a multi-generational organic winery that controls over 250 acres of vineyards, most of which are family owned and operated, within the Collio Goriziano, or Collio; one of the most important DOC's in Friuli. While most of their production is dedicated to white wines, including Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Chardonnay, they do produce a small number of reds as well. The 2007 Friulano is a brilliant straw yellow wine with a slight greenish tint. Nut-bush floral nose. Silky mouthfeel. Well structured acidity and balance. Crisp. Fermented and aged in stainless steel.

La Quercia Montepulciano d' Abruzzo (2008) Abruzzo

2010-03-27T19:59:00.003-05:00

A tasty, inexpensive Italian red wine from La Quercia, a small organic winery (total estate production of only 12,000 bottles a year) that lies within spitting distance (ok, maybe not spitting distance; but real close) of the Adriatic Sea. Owned by Antonio Lamona, the winery has been practicing organic farming methods since the 1960's. Antonio’s farm is also entirely self-sustaining, producing their own salami, bread, vegetables, olive oil and cheese. Their 2008 Montepulciano d' Abruzzo is very dark ruby red in color with a ripe nose of dark berries. Terrific balance. Smooth finish. Aged for 4-6 months in 10 year old Slavonian oak barrels. Synthetic cork.

Seiterre Tenuta San Leone Bianco di Custoza (2006) Veneto

2010-03-21T15:22:00.004-05:00

An interesting Italian white from Seiterre, a cooperative with vineyards that run from Trentino to Romania. Their Bianco di Custoza is named after the 1866 battle of Custoza (which we all know resulted in Valeggio and Veneto being annexed to Italy - take that Austrian Empire!). The wine is made from a blend of Garganega, Trebbiano, Tocai and Cortese grapes that are grown on the 60 plus hectares of vineyards that comprise the San Leone Farm, which is located in the Province of Verona. Yellow/greenish in color. Tropical fruit nose. Bright acidity. Fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Araldica "La Luciana" (2008) Piemonte

2010-03-18T19:49:00.005-05:00

A too-light-for-my-tastes Gavi from Araldica, a piemontese cooperative that produces tens of millions of bottles of wine annually. For years, Gavi, made from the Cortese grape, was the standard for Italian white wine in the United States. Thankfully, other more interesting Italian whites (Pinot Grigio excluded) have pushed Gavi to the side. The 2008 "La Luciana" is light straw in color with a fresh, floral/apple nose. Crisp acidity. Light, clean finish. Emaciated body. Maybe OK as a summertime quaffer on the patio, but beyond that, open something with a little more there there.

Montepeloso A Quo (2008) Tuscany

2010-03-09T21:08:00.002-06:00

A delicious Toscano IGT from Montepeloso, a 15 acre boutique winery owned by former professor of history, Fabio Chiarelotto. The Swiss-born Chiarelotto purchased the award-winning estate in 1998, and within a year, completely overhauled the vineyard in order to further improve their offerings. The grapes not selected for Montepeloso's critically acclaimed luxe wines; Eneo, Nardo, and Gabbro are used to make the affordable A Quo wine. The 2008 vintage is made from 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Montepulciano, 20% Sangiovese, 10% Marselan, and 10% Alicante Bouschet. Plush nose of brambled fruit (a little-used favorite word of mine; as in "My stomach felt brambled after eating Taco Bell's new shrimp taco.") Very smooth. Long finish. Aged for 3 months in aged oak barrels.

Cantina Tollo Pecorino Terre di Chieti (2008) Abruzzo

2010-02-28T16:27:00.002-06:00

A unique Italian white wine from Cantina Tollo, a cooperative that was established in the 1960's by 18 farmers in the Abruzzian village of Tollo. Today, the cooperative has grown to over 1,200 members that produces about 9 million bottles of wine and 15,000 tons of table grapes a year. Cantina Tollo's Pecorino Terre di Chieti is 100% Pecorino, a grape native to the area that was recently brought back from the brink of extinction. The origin of the name is that the grape variety was once a favorite snack of the sheep that were often driven through vineyard lands on their way to lower pastures. In Italian “Pecora” means sheep. Fantastic nose of peaches and flowers. Light straw yellow in color with a tinge of green. Vibrant acidity. Aged in 100% stainless steel so the essence of the grape is unadulterated. The best (and only) Pecorino I've ever drunk!

Pio Cesare Dolcetto d' Alba (2007) Piemonte

2010-02-28T10:03:00.001-06:00

An outstanding Dolcetto from the world-class Pio Cesare winery. The winery, founded in 1881 by Cesare Pio, owns more than 130 acres of vineyards, located in the most highly rated and better exposed areas. In addition to is own vineyards, Pio Cesare has fostered long-term relationships with growers for several generations and manages all aspects of viticulture in these vineyards. These growers have been selling grapes to the family for generations. Their Dolcetto grapes are grown in selected vineyards around the village of Treiso, Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga and Madonna Como. The wine is a beautiful ruby-red with purple hues. Aged for 5 months in stainless, the wine has a terrific nose of berries and pepper. Nice, smooth finish. A solid everyday wine.

Vivalda Barbera D' Asti "L Clumbe" (2006) Piemonte

2010-02-16T18:07:00.002-06:00

A beautiful Barbera D' Asti from Vivalda, a Piemontese winery owned by husband and wife Massimiliano and Simona Vivalda. Located in Monferrato in the heart of the Barbera D’Asti region, the duo offers four styles of Barbera D’Asti that range from lightly frizzante to a Riserva that is barrique aged for 12 months. They also produce a Dolcetto and a Moscato D' Asti. The 2006 "L Clumbe"; Italian for "The Clumbe", is deep ruby-red/purplish in color with a nose of cherry and spice. Left long on the vine, the wine has a rich, full mouthfeel. No oak; the wine is aged for six months in steel and another six in the bottle. Long, smooth finish.

Falesco Merlot (2006) Umbria

2010-02-09T20:03:00.003-06:00

A not-so-great offering from Falesco, a winery founded in 1979 by brothers Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella. Together, the brothers produce nearly 3 million bottles a year on over 900 acres located in both Lazio and Umbria. I'll admit that Merlot is not my favorite grape, so I didn't give it much of a chance. The wine reminds me of a scene from the '70's British sitcom "Are you Being Served?" when Captain Peacock finally gets to have lunch in the executive dining room and shares a bottle of wine with Mr. Rumbold. Captain Peacock: (Reading the label) "Peruvian Beaujolais." Mr. Rumbold: "Amusing little wine, isn't it?" Captain Peacock: "Hilarious." But I digress. Made from 100% Merlot that is grown in various estate vineyards in Umbria and harvested in early September. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in Nevers barriques for 5 months. Nice ruby color and full nose of blackberry's and stink. Too tannic, however, for my tastes.

Jasci Montepulciano d' Abruzzo (2007) Abruzzo

2010-02-07T15:08:00.004-06:00

A much better than most Montepulcino d' Abruzzo from Jasci, a 90 acre winery founded in 1970 by Donatella Jasci. In 1975, Donatella began experimenting with organic and biodynamic farming when his mother became allergic to pesticides. Since 1980, Jasci wines have been certified organic by the Soil and Health Association, which guarantees the organic production of their grapes, as well as their winemaking processes. Jasci is also one of only a few wineries to hold organic certification in every country in the world that offers such certification. Dark ruby-red in color. Nose of ripe, jammy-red fruits. Aged in a mix of third-time-around oak tonneaux, cement vats, and stainless steel. Very smooth tannins. Rich tasting.

Chiusa Grande Tommolo Montepulciano d' Abruzzo (2008) Abruzzo

2010-02-01T18:26:00.003-06:00

A drinkable, affordable, organic Italian red from Chiusa Grande, a 50 hectare estate comprised of three farms perched high in the hills of Abruzzo. Deep red color. Spicy, fruity nose. A little Sunoco on the finish, but considering the price; they are forgiven. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 100% Montepulciano; organically grown. As is typical of the varietal, very food friendly (particularly anything tomato-based). Around $5 at Trader Joe's.

Tenuta Rapitala Piano Maltese (2006) Sicilia

2010-01-30T15:22:00.002-06:00

A unique Sicilian white from Tenuta Rapitala, a seventy acre winery located in Camporeale, a commune about 20 miles southwest of Palermo; 'nuff said. Made from 50% Grillo, 50% Catarratto (grapes I never heard of previously) which are picked and vinified separately as they ripen at different times; the Grillo in mid August, and the Catarratto (which are grown at higher altitudes) towards the end of September. The name of the winery comes from the Arabic Rabidh-Allah “river of Allah” for the stream which flows through the vineyards; 'nuff said. Bright yellow color. Summer fruit nose. Seafood friendly acidity. A wine worth seeking out. Inexpensive.

Villa Calcinaia 'Comitale' (2008) Tuscany

2010-01-19T17:35:00.001-06:00

A nice Italian white from Villa Calcinaia, a 75 acre winery that has been around since the 1524. Villa Calcinaia produces the full range of Tuscan varietals including Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, a renowned I.G.T Super Tuscan called Casarsa, Comitale, and a Vin Santo. In addition to wines, they also produce produce olive oil and vinegar. Their Comitale is an I.G.T. Bianco made from 90% Grechetto and 10% Vernaccia. Pale straw-yellow in color with some hints of green. Light, floral/fruit nose. Fermented and aged (for five months) in stainless steel. Crisp acidity.

Suavia Soave Superiore Classico (2008) Veneto

2010-01-12T17:13:00.004-06:00

A delicious Italian white wine from Suavia, a top tier Soave producer from Veneto that was established in 1982 when owner Giovanni Tessari and his wife Rosetta decided to stop selling grapes to the local cooperative in order to produce their own wine. Today, the winery is operated by their daughters Arianna, Meri, Valentina, and Alessandra. Together, the sisters produce about 100,000 bottles annually on the 12 hectare estate. By the 1970's, Soave was widely dissed by the American market (and for good reason) so a producers' association, the Consorzio del Soave, established a series of rules to improve the quality of the wine. They also established rules for the "Classico" designation for wines that are grown in better areas with more carefully chosen grapes. A "Superiore" designation was also created for the best, most carefully made wines. The 2008 Suavia Soave Superiore Classico (say that ten times fast!) is 100% Garganega, that has a beautiful straw-yellow color and a floral nose of citrus. Crisp acidity. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. Definitely not your 1970's Soave!

Vietti Dolcetto d' Alba Tres Vigne (2006) Piemonte

2010-01-04T17:44:00.004-06:00

A everyday delight from Vietti, a family owned Piedmontese winery that produces nearly 20 different wines from estate-owned vineyards (about 80 acres) and contract growers. The family’s involvement in the winery dates back to 1919. Vietti was one of the first wineries to select and vinify grapes from single vineyards, one of the first to export wine to the United States and is credited with rediscovering and promoting the Arneis, the now famous white wine from the Roero area, north of Barolo. The 2006 Dolcetto d' Alba Tre Vigne is 100% Dolcetto that is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. The wine is a very deep purple/red color with a strong nose of black cherry and raspberry. Perfect balance of acidity and tannins. Wonderfully smooth. Since 1974, certain Vietti wines have been adorned with original works of art inspired by the wine of that particular vintage. The print run is the same as the number of bottles produced, and the first hundred labels are signed by the artist. A terrific producer. Life would be better if every wine at this price level (less than $15) were this good. I have enjoyed every Vietti wine I have tried. Albeisa bottle.

Fattoria La Parrina Rosso (2006) Tuscany

2009-12-27T20:50:00.001-06:00

Sort of a blah wine from La Parrina, a 450 hectare estate located along the Tyrrhenian coast of extreme southern Tuscany. The name Parrina is derived from the Castilian word Parra, meaning vine or pergola; which gives a hint to the areas past Spanish influence and wine-making history. The estate also operates a hotel and produces fruit, vegetables, olive oil, flour and many other 100% natural, organic foods for sale. The 2006 Rosso Parrina is 100% Sangiovese with a deep purple/red color. Very light nose. Fermented and aged in stainless. Nice balance of acids and tannins. Nothing here however, to make me race out and buy more.

Damilano Barbera d’Asti (2008) Piemonte

2009-12-20T09:58:00.004-06:00

A terrific Barbera from Damilano, a small producer whose family holdings include pieces of the Liste and Cannubi vineyards that is known mainly for their ready-to-consume Barolo’s. The wine is from a recently acquired vineyard in Asti. Their Barbera d’Asti replaces the Barbera d’Alba, which was made from rented vineyards, and which will no longer be produced. With it’s high acidity, Barbera is a great food wine, especially anything made with tomatoes. Deep ruby/purple color. Dark cherry on the nose. Excellent balance and length. 100% Barbera. 20% is aged in new French barriques, 40% is aged in used barriques (2nd passage) and the remaining 40% aged in Tonneaux, all for 6 to 8 months. Albeisa bottle.

Trullari Primitivo Del Tarantino (2007) Puglia

2009-12-15T08:24:00.003-06:00

A very bad wine from I’m not really sure who. I did an internet search for the producer and importer and was led in circles; it seems no one wants to take credit (or blame) for this wine. Named for the mortar-less, conical-roofed houses of Puglia, the 2007 Trullari Primitivo is a thin, watery effort; not at all like the bold, spicy way Primitivo and its genetically identical cousin, the Zinfandel grape, is supposed to taste. It’s as if it was made in the same manner as Curly of The Three Stooges cooks chicken soup; by pouring hot water over a chicken and serving the run-off. ("How was your meal, sir?" "The soup was watery, the meat was tough, and the coffee tasted like mud." "I’m glad you enjoyed it, be sure to tell your friends.") Made from 90% Primitivo and 10 % Montepulciano. Aged in stainless steel - and tasted like it; literally.

Andrea Oberto Langhe Nebbiolo (2006) Piemonte

2009-12-07T17:08:00.004-06:00

A solid, affordable Langhe Nebbiolo from Andrea Oberto, a small (40 acre) family winery that produces about 100,000 bottles of Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto a year from some prime vineyards located in the communes of La Morra, Barolo, Alba, and Cherasco. The 2006 Langhe Nebbiolo is 100% Nebbiolo grown on 15-18 year old La Morra-ese vines. Meant to be drunk young, the wine is aged for six months partly in wood casks and partly in stainless steel vats and for two months in the bottle. Almost brown in color. (with my bad eyes in poor light) Nice fruit nose. Long, smooth finish. Enjoyed with cherry and port glazed Cornish hens. (something we just threw together) Albeisa bottle.

Sammy Sosa; Former Black Slugger, Italian Wine Lover, Idiot

2009-12-01T20:56:00.009-06:00

Newly white Sammy Sosa recently sat down with the Italian Cellar for a brief chat about his life since retiring from the Major Leagues.

The Italian Cellar: Sammy, thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us.

Sammy Sosa: It’s a pleasure to be white, I mean here.

TIC: Since retiring have you been watching a lot of baseball?

SS: Not too much; I’ve been busy with several projects.

TIC: Such as?

SS: My new candy bar; it’s made with white chocolate, nougat, and blanched almonds. I’m also writing a biography about another baseball great; Whitey Ford.

TIC: Sounds fascinating.

SS: Well it’s not all work for Sammy. I still find time to take strolls on the white sand beaches of my native Dominican Republic; I collect sand dollars and starfish and bleach them out. I've also taken up surfing; we have great whitecaps here.

TIC: We also hear you’re quite the wine aficionado.

SS: Oh yes; especially Italian whites. I love Verdicchio; it's so seafood friendly. I had a Sartarelli with some grilled whitefish last night; it was terrific. I also recently paired a Pio Cesare Cortese di Gavi with some linguni and white clam sauce; Delicious.

TIC: What happened to your face?

SS: No comprendo.

TIC: Sammy, thanks for your time.

SS: It was great speaking with you.

Poggio Argentiera Morellino di Scansano “Bellamarsilia” (2007) Tuscany

2009-11-30T20:18:00.003-06:00

A nice Morellino di Scansano from Poggio Argentiera, a fairly new (1998) winery founded by Gianpaolo Paglia and his wife, Brit, Justine Keeling. Together, they own 22 hectares near the coast in the Maremma and produce nearly 250,000 bottles of wine a year. Morellino di Scansano was granted its DOCG status with the 2007 vintage. To be classified as a Morellino di Scansano, the wine must contain at least 85 % Sangiovese (Morellino is the local name for the Sangiovese varietal). The 2007 Bellamarsilia is made from 85% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo, and 5% Alicante grown on newly planted, high-density vines. Dark ruby red/purplish color. Strong cherry/berry nose. Three-quarters of the wine is aged for four months in stainless steel; the remainder in cement vats. Perhaps some oak could add the element that’s missing; or maybe the wine is what it is; affordable, fruity, and fresh.

Le Salette Valpolicella (2006) Veneto

2009-11-24T20:15:00.004-06:00

A delicious everyday Valpolicella (if there can be such a thing as an everyday Valpolicella…like being too rich or too thin; or in my case, neither) from Le Salette, a 25 hectare Venetonese (is that a word?) winery owned and operated by husband and wife, Franco and Monica Scamperle. (what an opening sentence!) Made from a blend of 50% Corvina, 40% Rondinella, 5% Molinara, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon for good measure. (followed up by a not so great sentence) Brooding, brick red color. (even worse) Dried fruit and spices on the nose. (why are you still reading?) The finish was soft and smooth. Enjoyed with food and by itself. Aged in stainless steel for 6 months. Synthetic cork. Under $15; a great value. (next time I will start slow and finish big)

Copertino Riserva DOC (2001) Puglia

2009-11-20T09:04:00.002-06:00

A delicious, spicy Italian red wine from Copertino, a Puglian cooperative of 1,000 growers that crank out 1.2 million bottles of wine annually. The cooperative, established in 1935, has in recent years been producing higher quality wine from the regions traditional indigenous grapes. The 2001 Riserva, crafted by respected enologist Severino Garofano, is a blend of 95% Negro Amaro and 5% Malvasia Nera. Inky, brick-red color. Blackberry nose. Tannins are softened by two years in oak. Rustic yet refined. Nice finish.

La Bellanotte Armonico (2008) Friuli-Venezia Giulia

2009-11-17T20:20:00.002-06:00

A white Italian blend that I didn’t really like from the folks at La Bellanotte, an eight hectare artisan winery located near the border with Slovenia. Under the direction of Paolo Benassi and his business partner Cristina Visintin, La Bellanotte produces a full range of white and red wines, along with a Picolit desert wine. The 2008 Armonico is a blend of 30% Malvasia Istriana and 70 % Friuliana (previously known as Tocai Friulano). Bright straw gold color with green highlights. Nice nose of citrus fruit. Acidic to the point of astringency. The percentages in the blend changes from year to year; i.e. the 2007 was a 50/50 blend…..perhaps this makes a difference. Synthetic cork.

Bastianich Sauvignon “B” (2008) Friuli-Venezia Giulia

2009-11-12T19:25:00.010-06:00

A very refreshing Italian white wine from Bastianich, a 70 acre Friulian winery founded in 1997 by superstar TV chef Lidia Bastianich and her newly svelte, but still follically-challenged son Joe. (Joe, you look like you’ve lost significant tonnage; I hope nothing is wrong, bro)

Joe "Before"

Joe "After"

Deliciously crisp, the 2008 Sauvignon "B" is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc that is fermented and aged entirely in stainless. The wine gains some extra complexity because the grapes have been given some extra hang time on the vine. Nice tropical fruit nose, vibrant acidity, and a long finish. Stelvin screw cap.

De Angelis Vesuvio Lacrima Christi Rosso (2007) Campania

2009-11-09T17:02:00.006-06:00

WWJD? He sure wouldn't cry (Lacrima Christi translates to "tears of Christ") - this wine is terrific! From De Angelis, a Campanian winery located on Sorrento Bay that has been producing Italian whites, roses, and reds since 1936. The 2007 Rosso is made from 40% Aglianico and 60% Piedirosso, a rustic grape named for its red feet or red roots that is found in a variety of Campanian wines. Ruby-red color. Berry fruit on the nose. Very smooth, soft, mouth feel. Aged for three months in barriques; just long enough to mellow the rustic grapes.

Tavignano Rosso Piceno (2007) Marche

2009-11-05T20:04:00.005-06:00

Real garbage from Tavignano, a small Marche winery owned by the husband and wife team of Beatrice Lucangeli and Stefano Aymerich. The winery, better known for their Verdicchio, is located within the municipality of Cingoli and lies within the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi appellation. About half of their 30 acres is planted with Verdicchio, the other half in Sangiovese and Montepulciano. The 2007 Rosso Piceno is 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese. Fermented in small oak barrels, and aged in large oak casks and French oak barriques. To say the wine is oaky would be an insult to all things oak. Very tannic. Rough. Astringent. No finish. Watery. Cheap, short cork. Do not even attempt to drink without food.

Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis (2006) Piemonte

2009-11-02T17:27:00.008-06:00

A wonderfully expressive Italian white wine from master winemaker Bruno Giacosa, whose family has been making wine in the Langhe region of Piedmont for three generations. Giacosa credits his winery's success to his respect for traditional winemaking methods which enhance the characteristics of the grapes. The Giacosa property covers 37 acres that are entirely cultivated in vines. Made from 100% Arneis, an indigenous varietal cultivated in Roero area of Piedmont. Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel. Elegant nose of apples, peaches and pears. Sparkling in the glass. Vibrant acidity. Enjoyed Saturday with my family's traditional Halloween meal of Chicken Diablo. Annoyingly long cork made opening difficult.

Pieropan Soave Classico (2008) Veneto

2009-10-26T21:35:00.001-05:00

A terrific Soave Classico from a benchmark producer. Family owned since its founding in 1890, the estate covers about 30 acres in the Soave Classico DOC. Pieropan’s Soave Classico is 90% Garganega and 10% Trebbiano di Soave. The Garganega provides the structure and acidity to the wine, while the Trebbiano di Soave provides the perfume. Brilliant straw yellow color with a slight greenish hue. Floral, marzipan nose. Nice fruit on the palate that is balanced by a bright acidity that enhances its length. The wine is aged for a short time in oak casks for some extra weight and depth. Stelvin screwcap.

Albino Rocca Vignalunga Dolcetto d’Alba (2008) Piemonte

2009-10-23T13:23:00.003-05:00

A knock-out Dolcetto from Albino Rocca, a 15 hectare estate that was established in 1960 by Giacomo Rocca. Now run by grandson Angelo, the estate produces about 100,000 bottles of wine a year; about half Barbaresco, and the other half split between Barbera, Dolcetto, Chardonnay, and Cortese. Rich, deep purple/red color. Very floral nose of ripe red fruit. Aged in stainless steel for 8 months before bottling. A very smooth, well-made wine. Priced for everyday drinking. I have read that Rocco’s modern-style Barabaresco’s are also great; I must try to find them. Albeisa bottle.

Authorities Investigate Link Between “Balloon Boy” Hoax and Obscure Italian Wine Blog

2009-10-19T21:14:00.003-05:00

Denver - Just days after the world watched a giant silver balloon fly through the air as a tearful family expressed fears that their 6 year old son Falcon could be inside, authorities announced the whole thing was a hoax. Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden stated that Richard Heene admitted that the ill-conceived plan was just an idiotic publicity stunt to promote "The Italian Cellar", an obscure wine blog. Heene, a past participant on the TV show "Wife Swap", and a self-proclaimed meteorologist (with a high school education) claimed that his combined passion for both media exposure and Italian wine drove him to concoct the plan. "The Italian Cellar’s wine reviews are both informative and fun." Heene stated. "The blog has exposed me to many terrific Italian wines that I never knew existed. I wanted to tell the whole world about this blog." Heene stated that he had been working for weeks on a banner that would be hung from the balloon which had the Italian Cellar’s web address on it. But the media stunt was not to be. "I forgot to attach the banner to the balloon before I released it." Henne said sheepishly. Heene stated that he and his wife, Mayumi, often enjoy a nice Valpolicella after putting sons Falcon, Eagle, and Buff-Crested Bustard to bed. "The wine really helps me with my proposals for reality show pitches." Heene said. The Italian Cellar vehemently disavowed any knowledge of Mr. Heene or his actions.

Salvatore Molettieri Aglianico Cinque Querce Irpinia (2005) Campania

2009-10-13T17:04:00.005-05:00

An intense Italian red wine from Salvatore Molettieri, an 11 hectare family owned Campanian winery run by Salvatore (a trained farmer) and son Giovanni (a trained oenologist). 100% Aglianico, a grape thought to have been planted centuries ago by the Greeks who colonized the area. The estate bottled their first wine in 1988. The 89, 90, and 91 grapes were all sold to buy barrels for future vintages. Very dark, brooding, purple color. Named after the Cinque Quere vineyard in the Irpinia DOC. The wine is called Taurasi when it's from the Taurasi DOCG. (see how simple Italian wines are?) Organically farmed. Aged in oak casks and in French oak barriques for 16 months and for 6 more months en botti. Spicy, cherry, cocoa. Tannins lose their bite with food. Enjoyed with beef and pork ragu. A nice wine.

Inama Soave Classico (2007) Veneto

2009-10-08T21:01:00.002-05:00

I admit it. I never drank a Soave before. Maybe I’m a snob. Maybe I remember those bad Soave Bolla commercials from the 70’s. Maybe it’s all the bad press Soave gets. Boring. Cheap. Insipid. A commodity wine; mass-produced by cooperatives whose emphasis is on quantity rather than quality. While all that may be true about your supermarket variety, Inama’s Soave Classico is different. In the 1950s, Giuseppe Inama, the estate's founder, began purchasing small plots of vineyards in the heart of the Soave Classico region with the desire to produce top quality wines. In the 1990s, the winery purchased vineyards east of Soave in the neighbouring province of Vicenza and began making red wines from grapes such as Carmènere, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Today, the winery has nearly 25 hectares under vine. I found Inama’s Soave Classico full of flavor and interest. Brilliant light yellow color. Wonderfully fragrant floral nose. 100% Garganega. Aged for 8 months in stainless steel before bottling. Delicious. I’m sorry I waited so long to try it.
　
　

Mastrojanni Rosso di Montalcino (2004) Tuscany

2009-10-05T17:02:00.008-05:00

A delicious Rosso di Montalcino from Mastrojanni, a winery founded in the mid 1970's that today is recognized as being one of the better producers of Brunello di Montalcino. The Mastrojanni family has over 44 hectares of land under vine in the southeastern part of Montalcino, about 7o miles from Florence. Rosso di Montalcino is a wine made from 100% Sangiovese Grosso; the same grape that is grown in the same delineated region that is used to make Brunello di Montalcino. The wine, however, is required to spend only six months aging in oak and 1 year total aging before release instead of the longer aging required of the region's flagship Brunello di Montalcino wine. Although some Rosso di Montalcino’s are lighter in character than a Brunello, the 2004 Mastrojanni I enjoyed was very Brunello-like. Quite a bargain for $20. Enjoyed with grilled Italian sausage and gnocchi with sage brown butter sauce. Fragrant dark fruit and tobacco nose. Smooth tannins. Long finish. Aged for 10 months in slavonian oak casks before bottling. Jeeves and Wooster-style label.

Castello San Sano Chianti Classico (2005) Tuscany

2009-10-02T21:56:00.014-05:00

In an Italian wine world filled with seemingly endless choices, it's hard to get excited about Chianti. The 2005 Castello San Sano Chianti Classico is no exception; It's simply Chianti. Located in the heart of Chianti, the San Sano farm is home to olive oil production, Cinta Senese pig breeding, and sheep farming. 90 of their 230 hectare farm is planted in vines. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Aged in oak tonneaux for 15 months. Given a choice, I'd take a pig.

Ca’ Viola “Brichet” Barbera d’ Alba (2007) Piemonte

2009-09-28T19:45:00.002-05:00

A terrific Barbera from Ca' Viola, a small Piemontese winery that was founded in 1991 in Montelupo Albese, a town located on the hills surrounding Alba. Owner Giuseppe Caviola, along with enologist Maurizio Anselmo and agronomist Gian Piero Romana produce about 35,000 bottles of dolcetto and barbera a year. All of Ca' Viola wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in their 9 hectares of vineyards and are unfiltered. The 2007 Brichet has a deep violet-ruby red color, with a fragrant nose of fresh red, brambled fruit. (brambled is a new word for me; as in "Does this shirt make me look brambled?") Nice balance of acidity and tannins. Aged in oak casks and barriques for 10 months. The wine has a quiet 14% alcohol content. At $30 a bottle, the wine is a little pricey.

Cusumano Benuara (2007) Sicily

2009-09-21T21:11:00.003-05:00

A solid, value-priced southern Italian red wine from Cusumano, a Sicilian winery created by third generation winemakers and brothers Diego and Alberto Cusumano who assembled a network of growers that previously contracted with cooperatives. The 2007 Benuara is 70% Nero d’ Avola, a funky Syrah-like grape that is native to Sicily, and 30% Syrah (many enologists believe the Nero d’ Avola and the Syrah grapes to be one and the same). A majority of the wine (80%) is aged in stainless steel with the remainder barrel aged for an old world/new world feel. Spicy, yet smooth. Has the finish of a well-made wine. Way-cool glass "Vino-Lok" stopper.

Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut (NV) Veneto

2009-09-16T19:05:00.002-05:00

A dry, fruity Prosecco from Nino Franco, a third generation winery is located in Valdobbiadene, an area in Veneto known for producing some of Italy's finest Prosecco. Nino Franco produces a full line of Prosecco from bone-dry to slightly sweet,with their "Rustico" being their best seller. Unlike Champagne, Italians treat Prosecco as an ordinary, everyday drink that is served in unstuffy white wine glasses and enjoyed with meals. The Valdobbiadene Brut has a pale straw color and crisp, mouth watering acidity. Nice apple/floral nose. 100% Prosecco. Sourced from high and medium high vineyard sites. Available in half (375 ml) bottles so you can enjoy without overindulging.

Mastri di San Basilio “Due Sicilie” Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2009-09-15T21:19:00.001-05:00

A benchmark EVOO from Mastri di San Basilio, 4th generation Sicilian producers of olive oil and almonds. Their "Due Sicilie" is a blend of Nocellara del Belice and Moresca olives. The Padova family uses certified organic agriculture methods, innovative tree pruning, and gentle, same-day, "continuous cycle" pressing to produce their product. The Padova’s are so "green" that they transform the olive pomace into a natural fertilizer and a green-energy fuel for domestic heating. They claim that their low oxidation processing results in a free oleic acidity level less than .2‰! Outrageous! The oil has a pronounced, rich, green, fruity flavor. Lux in a salad dressing, a topping on a slice of warm bread, or as a finish to grilled beef. A portion of the sale of each bottle supports the preservation of Sicilian arts and sites on the World Heritage List. Purchased at Whole Foods.

Buglioni il Clandestino (2007) Veneto

2009-09-14T21:12:00.001-05:00

A beautifully floral Italian white wine from Azienda Agricola Buglioni, a small (14 hectares), young (1993) winery located in the Valpolicella Classico area of Veneto. Owner Alfredo Buglioni, son Mariano, and oenologist Diego Bertoni’s first Amarone, the 2001 vintage, won gold when it was shown at Vinitaly. The wine is named il Clandestino because it’s made from the same grape (Garganega) that a Soave is made from, although it’s not made in Soave. As previously stated, the wine has a beautiful floral nose. Nice lemon/citrus flavor. Crisp. On the palate, the wine has the feeling of depth. Terrific with food.