Italy is a long Isthmus that looks strikingly like a leg with a boot. This Saturday will be pouring some anatomically correct wines from up and down the leg. It is also a chance to try some of Italy’s diverse grape varietals like Greco, Gaglioppo, Teraldego and Cesanese. Come study some anatomy with us.
2013 Stati, Lamezia Bianco $13
50% Greco, 50% Malvasia
Lamezia is located in Calabria (the toe of the boot). In this warm, humid region along the Tyrrhenian Sea, grapes can fully ripen and develop rich textures. The close proximity of the Mediterranean helps to moderate the intense heat of the south Italian summer. The Bianco has flowery and fruity aromas with notes of acacia, hawthorn, winter melon and plum. The palate it is fresh, clean with a pleasant mineral undertone. 12% alcohol by volume.
2012 Statti, Gaglioppo $17
Gaglioppo is a hardy variety. Its berry bunches are tightly packed, with a medium skin thickness. The vine’s production is fairly prolific, vigorous with lots of foliage, as well as predictable from vintage to vintage. Gaglioppo ripens fairly late usually in the first week in October, but Calabria’s climate provides enough heat and light to fully ripen the fruit. The wine has intense aromas of cherry and spices with generous flavors of almonds, figs and pears and a moderate alcohol of 12.5%.
2011 Lechthaler, Teraldego $14
Trentino is in the north of Italy (high up the thigh). The vast flat area in the province of Trento known as the Campo Rotaliano has proved to be a highly favorable habitat for Teroldego. Teroldlego makes a bright fruity wine with aromas of ripe black cherry, distinct sweet earth and tobacco. It has a smooth texture with notes of cherries, black raspberry, a touch of spice and medium tannins 12.5% alcohol by volume.
2012 Principe Pallavicini, Amarasco Cesanese $22
100% Cesanese
Pallavicini is located in Lazio (the knee cap). The name Amarasco refers to the typical aromas of the Cesanese grape variety, the violetta flower and sour cherry, also called “amarasco” in Italian. This wine comes from some of the oldest Pallavicini vineyards with 60-year-old vines. The wine has broad aromas with notes of nutmeg, red rose and spicy nuances. The palate has great thrust but is balanced and mouthfilling with a long finish.
2010 Rocca di Frassinello, Poggio alla Guardia $20
45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangioveto
Maremma is located on the coast in the Southeast corner of Tuscany (just above the knee cap) Rocca di Frassinello is a joint venture between Castellare and Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite. The project couples Castellare’s experience in the growing and vinification of Sangioveto with Lafite’s experience in classic French varietals. The native Sangioveto and the Bordeaux varietals Cabernet and Merlot are blended together for an ideal Italian-French wine. The wine has aromas of red fruits and a fresh and rounded flavor with good persistence.
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. No matter what day you stop by we always have something open to sample.