The classic wine regions are often predictable.  In Burgundy you know what’s in the bottle.  Bordeaux is the same.  But Italy has so much diversity in its plantings that it regularly surprises.  This Saturday will be pouring some fresh surprises that should delight any palate.  Stop by and try these uncommon wines.

2010 Colterenzio Lafóa Sauvignon Blanc $25
Colterenzio is located in a sunny position on a rounded ridge between the village of Girlan and the hamlet of Schreckbichl in Alto Adige at an altitude of 430 meters with optimum sun-exposure. The soils are sandy, with gravely mineral deposits.  Their reserve Sauvignon Blanc is only made in the best years.  It is crisp, full and has world class minerality and now a great price. Was $40, Now $25

2013 San Giovanni Il Chiaretto Valtènesi $20
Groppello, Marzemino, Barbera and Sangiovese
This unusual blend of grapes from Lombardy makes a full and lively rosé with lots of tropical floral notes, and raspberry and strawberry fruits.  It proves that world class Rosé doesn’t need to be French.

2011 Tascante Ghiaia Nera Etna Rosso $12
“From the blackened sloped of Mount Etna, the Ghiaia Nera is a pure expression of Nerello Mascalese. The Tasca family purchased vineyard land on Etna and began releasing a series of volcano-based wines about five years ago. The grape’s natural tannins have been softened and the wine shows generous fruit tones, mineral shadings, leather, tobacco and exotic spice.”  Wine Advocate – 91pts — Was $20 now $12

2009 Luigi Pira Barolo Serralunga $40
Nebbiolo
Serralunga d’Alba is a wildly beautiful and dramatic corner of the Barolo appellation. It’s the most rustic and rugged of them all, and its vineyards usually produce the boldest expressions of Nebbiolo. The Pira comes from 50 year old vines from Pira’s vineyards in the three most prestigious crus in the Serralunga “Margheria,” “Marenca,” and “Rionda.” The wine has elegant and complex aromas with notes of leather and hay, earth and spice. The flavor is persistent and supple with a good balance between tannins and acidity.

2010 Jacopo Biondi Santi Braccale $20
80% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot
“Jacopo Biondi Santi comes from the famous Brunello family. A big super Tuscan with dark rich fruit and dry chewy tannins along with mineral and herb notes.  Decant before drinking and the wine really opens up.  “The 2010 Braccale is a dense and compelling expression of Sangiovese Grosso (with 20% Merlot) that shows hints of wild Mediterranean brush and herb for added elegance and class. At its core are dark fruit nuances and lingering tones of crushed mineral or dry earth. The wine drinks beautifully right now, thanks to its softly velvety tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.”—Wine Advocate