When it comes to grapes, the land is everything.  Certain spots just seem perfect for some varietals.  This Saturday we’ll be tasting a few wines that seem to have found their perfect spots.  We’ll be pouring Glera from Veneto, Passerina from Marche, Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Sangiovese from Tuscany and the truly unique Wildbacher.  It is a fun line up from Italy.  Come taste the terrain.
 
Case Bianche, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Brut Vigna del Cuc, Prosecco Superiore DOCG $16
A single vineyard prosecco from the heart of the DOCG the Vigna del Cuc shows subtle tones of sweet grapefruit and lemon curd followed by softer touches of peach and honey. It is round and supple with a dry-yet-fruity medium body and lingering mineral notes.
 
2012 Terre Fageto, Passerina Letizia $12
100% Passerina
From the Marche, this organically grown 3rd generation estate likes to name its wines with flair. The Ltitzia or “Joy” has pleasing apple aromas and fresh smooth flavors.

2010 Terre del Barolo, Nebbiolo d’ Alba $13
A cooperative of growers, Terre del Barolo makes some quality traditional Piedmont wines without traditional pricing.  Their basic Nebbiolo is a full structured that drinks above its price.  It has chewy tannins mixed with red cherries and floral notes.
 
2010 Piaggia, Pietranera $18
Piaggia is located right in the heart of Carmignano in Tuscany.  They follow organic methods with. Integrated insect and disease control, organic fertilizers, copper and sulphur-based products are mainly used, but the vineyards see no insecticides or herbicides, the soil between the rows of vines is tilled and low doses of SO2are used for preservation.  The Pietranera is classic Sangiovese with aromas of Cherries and Marasca cherries with elegant balsamic and spicy notes.  Full and enveloping, with a charming elegance on the palate.   
 
2007 Tenuta Col Sandago, Wildbacher $27
100% Wildbacher
From the same maker as the Case Bianche, Tenuta Col Sandago nestles among the splendid hills of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene.  Here Col Sandago has preserved and sustained the cultivation of the rare and exclusive Wildbacher a distinct and historic grape of the area.  The wine is made in a classic style aging for 20 months in 500-litre oak barrels, half new and half of first and second passage; followed by a year in bottle. The wine is intense, with notes of berry fruit, vegetal hints and spices concentrated, full with fine prominent tannins, lingering and with great nose-palate symmetry.  It is a wine that rewards aging.