Massolino Dolcetto d' Alba (2009 ) Piemonte

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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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La Corte Salice Salento (2007) Puglia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.