This Saturday we are featuring wines from some of Italy’s most and least explored vineyards. These wines are brought to us (and the rest of Seattle) by Gianpietro Ottolini. GP manages to source some great wines from his native country, whether it is from more obscure regions like Cesanese del Piglio and Castelli di Jesi or just great values from Franciacorta, Alba and Barolo. Obscure or famous we think you’ll find something to like. Come give them a try.
2014 Cantina Filodivino, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC $14
From the Marche, Filodivino’s Verdicchio comes from an organically farmed vineyard of 30-40 year old vines. The wine has aromas of acacia blossom, chamomile and peach. Delicate citrus and mineral notes tag along a generous mouthfeel that finishes with a subtle savory touch.
Antica Fratta, Brut Franciacorta DOCG $25
90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Nero
In the rolling foot his of the Alps, Franciacorta is to Italy what Champagne is to France. The best bubbles come from there with the calcareous soils producing complex mineraled wines. The Antica Fratta is blended out of a library of base wines and then aged 2 years in bottle. It is an elegantly fresh, vivacious and full wine characterized by pleasing aromas of fresh fruit, wild blossoms and subtle bread crust.
2012 Terenzi, Cesanese del Piglio, Velobra DOCG $14
95% Cesanese, 5% Sangiovese
From Lazio, Velobra is a single vineyard planted in 1960 with the local grape Cesanese. The wine has notes of black pepper, wild flowers, red berries and forest floor aromatics with mineral and plum undertones.
2012 Terre Del Barolo, Nebbiolo di Alba DOC $13
Terre del Barolo is a collective winery located in the heart of Barolo sourcing fruit from its 400 members. As a result they can produce some quality Nebbiolo at an amazing price. The Nebbiolo di Alba ages for 12 months in large Slavonian Oak barrels. The wine has the characteristic aromas of leather, rose petals, cherry and forest floor. The wine has medium-firm tannins and a lingering spicy finish.
2010 Bricco Giubellini, Barolo DOCG $37
This Barolo comes from a 1.778 h78 acre Estate located at 1700feet on one of the highest hills of Montorte d’Alba. The wine ages 24 months in French barrels and the rests for 6 months in stainless before bottling. After bottling it is aged for another year before release. The Giubellini is packed with cherry, spice, rose, and leather notes. It is powerful and generous with succulent fruit and balsamic undertones and a complex lingering finish. Drink it now or lay it down and watch it improve with age.
Madrona Wine Merchants offers free wine tastings featuring 4-5 selections on a theme every Saturday from 2 until the bottles run out and on Sunday we offer a mini-tasting of two wines all day from 11-5.