Italian Wine Tasting, June 17th

Wine Tasting

Friday, June 17^th

3:30 – 7:30pm

10% off on all wine tasting wines!

We have a bunch of great new wines from Italy……wines with soul and heart and a place…….

These are wines from itty-bitty wineries from out-of-the-way places…….brought to us by a unique Frenchman who started importing wines to the US by buying a few bottles in France and Italy and bringing them to the States and showing them to people like me and Ned and others and asking, “What could you sell this for?” Then, he’d return to Italy and France and say, “I’m Laurent Michel and I want to sell your wines in the US and I can pay this based on what your wines will sell for in the US.” Do you know that many wines start at a price and then are imported? Without anyone tasting the wine?

We’ll have Ned Swain from Devenish wines here for the tasting! These are a bunch of great wines for this summer season!

The Whites:

Sydney Ann Pinot Grigio del Veneto 2010 (Veneto, Italy) $12.99 - Too often, Pinot Grigio is a thin, watery wine best drunk ice cold or it is too fruity and sweet….this one shows how Pinot Grigio should be! This is bright and refreshing. This has a great combination of fruit and minerality. It has this fresh, almost saline-like characteristic mixing in with the tropical fruit.

Erste & Neue Weissburgunder 2010 (Alte Adige, Italy) $14.99 – Okay.....just what is Weissburgunder? It’s Pinot Blanc. As you might guess, this is from the extreme northern part of Italy in the Südtirol/Alte Adige. This winery is in the Germanic part of Italy. The wine is a bright straw color. It has delicate aromas and a taste of crisp, rip apples. Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing – great as a cocktail wine, with a variety of appetizers and fish.

Fratelli Pezzuto Roero Arneis 2009 (Piedmont, Italy) $16.99 – Arneis is a grape grown in northwestern Italy, in Piedmont. This has a yellow color that almost has an amber note to it. Aromas of white flowers, freshly mown grass, peaches and baking bread. The flavors have minerals, limes and white flowers to them. This is a really nice white and would go well with Maine seafood.

The Rosé:

Famille Laurent Saint Pourçain 2010 Gamay Rosé (France) $13.99 - This is a 100% Gamay rosé from the Auvergne region of France. Auvergne is nearish to Burgundy and is where the Loire River starts. It's up in what's called the Massif Central, a mountainous area of former volcanoes. As a result the winery is at higher elevation and the soil is rich in limestone and granite. Husband Jean-Pierre, wife Corinne and son Damien farm naturally and the family has owned this property since the early 20th century.

The wine is a wine is a very pretty salmon color and the aroma is pretty intense and definitely exciting. Aromas of raspberry, spring flowers, an aroma that's like wet rocks by a stream, and a ripe, vivid, perfectly ripe pink grapefruit.

This has extremely bright vivid fruit. It's not heavy at all, and not sweet; it's light on its feet, but so full of intensity! The granite and limestone in the soil really come through in the mid-palate and are a great engine to drive the wine. Up front is fresh raspberry/pink grapefruit, but it's the vibrant acidity and minerality behind the fruit that really make the wine special.

Food pairing - This is delicious and satisfying on it's own, but would be heavenly with fresh spring vegetables, quickly sautéed, or a nice delicate pork chop.

The Reds:

Mario Borghi Chianti 2009 (Tuscany, Italy) $11.99 – I remember tasting this at Ned’s trade show in the Spring and thinking, “Wow! This is really, really good! And, look, it’s cheap!” This has a rich, velvety feel to me. The tannins are there…..but, in a pleasing, nice to meet you way! This has those classic Tuscan Sangiovese aromas and flavors of red cherries and raspberries and a little earth. Just a rock solid wine! Food pairing – salami, cold cuts, aged cheese such as Pecorino Toscano.

Gattavecchi Rosso di Montepulciano 2009 (Tuscany, Italy) $14.99 – This has great fruit and is quite smooth……I don’t know much more about it. 95% Prugnolo Gentile (another name for a Sangiovese clone) and 5% Canaiolo. Aged 8-10 months in Slavonian oak casks. 4^th generation wine-making family. Food pairing – red meats, salami, aged cheese such as Piave Vecchio.

Malot Nebbiolo Roero Valmaggiore 2007 (Piedmont, Italy) $19.99 – Great news for Barolo and Barbaresco drinkers! A new wine from Piedmont that is similar to those 2 great (and expensive) wines!

First to translate this label for all of you who aren't big Italian wine label experts. Malot is the name of the winery. It's the name of the current producers’ grandfather, who founded the winery in the aftermath of World War II. Roero is the region. It’s a hilly area bordering the Langhe in Piedmont in northwestern Italy. Nebbiolo is the grape. Valmaggiore is the name of the wine.

Now that that's out of the way here's what the wine actually is:

This is really exciting wine for me because this DOCG of Roero was just created with the 2007 vintage! So this is the first vintage of this wine ever made. The Malot winery is a small, 7 hectare operation run by Fabio and his son, Italo. This DOCG Nebbiolo is the top red they produce. Nebbiolo has a pretty prestigious reputation for producing powerful, complex, yet still pretty red wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco. Unfortunately they're generally extremely expensive, often $40 and up retail.

This isn't the same thing, obviously as it comes from a different place, but it is very similar, complex and very good.

Aroma: ripe cherries, wood shavings, black currant, some fresh rose floral notes. There's also this really enticing, delicious aroma of cooked steak; not burnt or seared but just the aroma of a freshly cooked steak when you first cut into it.

Taste: There's a brightness at first, maybe fresh cherry, but the mid-palate is full and mouth-filling. It's pretty lushly textured on the mid-palate, but has some very subtle spice and pepper and just a hint of vanilla that you have to work to pick up. The tannins aren't very aggressive at all and the finish is a bit refreshing. It's very nice and textbook Nebbiolo. This wine is very well-integrated and smooth, but there's a lot here and it's hard to tease out all the flavors; to me that's a good thing, it makes it easier to drink without having to devote your attention to it.

Here's an attempt to distill all the flavors in the wine into an experience: I think it tastes like sitting around a small camp fire with dried leaves in it because it's autumn. The air is crisp, you just ate some grilled beef short ribs, and now you're moving on to some dried cherries for dessert. Yeah, this wine is that good. It can actually make me think of a whole experience. You may not get the same things from it, wine is subjective and personal after all, but this really speaks to me.

AND THIS IS $19.99! HALF THE PRICE OF BAROLO OR BARBARESCO! It's finding wines like this that make me feel like I'm actually performing a valuable service for you

La Palazetta Rosso di Montalcino 2009 $26.99 - Wonderful wine from Tuscany! The intense cherry, fresh raspberry & violet aromas are your first impression of this very lively younger brother to the Brunello wines. With the fruit and floral aromas you get that beautiful dry lean earthy quality that identifies good Sangiovese. On the palate the wine is rich and ripe and very pretty all at the same time. The concentrated fruit is there the whole time but the mid-palate has more hints of dark earth and nice young tannins that draw out the finish of the wine and make this an excellent candidate for lamb. Food pairing - lamb, beef, roasted meats, mushroom dishes, etc.

We hope to see you Friday!

Italian Wines

10% off all these Italian wines!

Here are the wines:

The Sparkling:

Bisol Jeio Prosecco Brut Italy $14.99 - This is a tasty sparkling wine and a great value! Fine, soft bubbles. Starts soft and refreshing. With a touch of flowers and almonds as well as subtle acidity. Flavors of apples and pears. A nice, delicate, lingering finish. Food pairing - Great as an aperitivo or with antipasto, seafood or lighter white meat dishes. Goes great with smoked salmon or trout. This will go great with spicy food, especially Thai and Pacific cuisines. Excellent as a sparkling wine for a party!

The Whites:

Castelvero Cortese 2009 (Piedmont, Italy) $9.99 - Excellent $10 wine! Crisp and floral. This has a lovely roundness to its feel and is just a well-balanced, excellent tasting wine. 100% Cortese, which is the grape used to make Gavi di Gavi. Unoaked. Drinking well through 2012. Food pairing – seafood and fish. Shellfish. Drinking as a cocktail wine. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 87 points; “…wines from Castelvero deliver incredible quality for the money.”

Terredora Di Paolo Greco di Tufo 2008 (Campania, Italy) Reg. $23.99, Sale $19.99 - This is such a great white wine! Medium-to-full body that is soft and well-balanced with vibrant acidity. Aromas of peaches, apricots, apples, citrus and minerals. Flavors of honey, minerals, lemon and apples. Wonderful, pleasing crisp finish. This is from the Vesuvius area – and the volcanic soil really shows in the minerality of this wine. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. This is aged on lees to add body. Food pairing – shellfish, grilled fish, chicken. Fresh goat cheese. Mozzarella. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points; Wine Spectator, 90 points

Colosi Grillo 2009 (Sicily, Italy) $14.99 - Impressive wine, especially for the money! Rich and full-bodied. Aromas of apples and tropical fruit. This is clean and well-balanced. Flavors of apricots and peaches. 100% Grillo, which is one of Sicily main white grapes. Unoaked. Drinking well through 2012. Food pairing – seafood and fish. Shellfish. Lighter cheeses. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points; “Colosi is an excellent source for fabulous values from Sicily. Year after year these are some of the most delicious wines I run across under $20 a bottle.”

The Reds:

Capestrano Rosso Piceno Superiore 2007 (Marche, Italy) $9.99 - Delicious red that packs a lot of wine into a small price! Loads of dark berry fruit, plum, spice and rich earth in the nose. Big, jammy fruit flavors, nice smooth feel, well-balanced acidity. A touch of spice and earth in the finish…plus dark berries. 50% Sangiovese and 50% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Aged 6 months in large oak barrels and stainless steel. Food pairing - pizza, pasta with red sauce and eggplant parmigiana. In addition, it will stand up to burgers, most beef dishes, grilled meats, grilled veggies and cheeses!

Terredora Di Paolo Lacryma Christi del Vesuvius 2008 (Campania, Italy) Reg. $23.99, Sale $19.99 - An excellent wine! Aromas and flavors of cherries, plums, smoke, licorice, coffee, cracked black pepper and leather – these are all typical of this grape. It’s soft and elegant. 100% Piedirosso, which is one of Campania’s indigenous grapes. Aged 8 months in French oak barriques. Drinking well through 2014. Food pairing – Italian dishes with meat sauces, poultry, lamb, beef, aged cheeses and hot spicy cheeses. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 91 points

Colosi Nero D’Avola 2009 (Sicily, Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - Great tasting! Great value! Intense cherry aromas. Dry, full-bodied. Silky texture. Upfront, juicy style of wine that drinks so easily. Bright fresh fruit. 100% Nero d’Avola, which is Sicily’s most important red grape. Aged 5 months in stainless steel. Drinking well through 2013. Food pairing – red meats cooked any style, pasta with tomato sauce and aged cheese. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points; “Colosi is an excellent source for fabulous values from Sicily. Year after year these are some of the most delicious wines I run across under $20 a bottle.”

Damilano Nebbiolo d’Alba D.O.C. 2008 (Piedmont, Italy) $18.99 - Nebbiolo is the great grape used to make Barolo and Barbaresco. This has great aromas and flavors of red berries, black cherries, earth, minerals & violets. Medium-bodied. This is dry & has a nice spiciness to it. Firm tannins. Aged in oak barriques for 16 months. The Nebbiolo grapes come from Diano d’Alba & Montforte d’Alba. This winery dates to the end of the 1800’s, when the great-grandfather, Giuseppe Borgogno, planted vines & made wines in the Langhe part of Piedmont. Food pairing – hearty stews, red meat dishes, mushroom dishes.

Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne 2004 (Piedmont, Italy) $39.99 - Excellent Barolo! It’s rare to find a Barolo this good in this price range! Beautiful aromas of cherries, plums, dark chocolate, mushrooms and meat. Flavors that match the aromas. Full-bodied. Velvety, big chewy tannins. Good length on the finish. 100% Nebbiolo. 2004 is an excellent vintage (not as great as 2000 or 1997, but equal to ’98 and ’99). From 5 vineyards – “Lecinquevigne.” This will age well. Best after 2011. Wine Spectator, “Damilano is one of 10 Italian wineries to watch,” Oct. 31, 2008

October Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

Friday, 3:30-7:30

October 15^th, 2010

10% off on all wine tasting wines! Remember, you get 10% off any sale prices….and A LOT of these wines are on sale!

New World

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Karia" Chardonnay 2007 (California) Reg. $34.99, Sale $29.99 – This is a wonderful combination of aromas and flavors – white peaches, almonds, white flowers, apples, vanilla cream and honey. This has a nice toasty note to the finish. 100% Chardonnay. 35% goes through malolactic fermentation. 8.5 months “sur lies” aging in French oak barrels (23% new).

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Artemis" Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) Reg. $54.99, Sale $45.99 – This is a ripe, rich young wine with aromas and flavors of blackberries, toast, anise, leather, dark earth, vanilla and more. This is still young and will benefit from aging. The tannins are mouth-coating. Made from almost exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) and a little Merlot (8%). Aged 18 months in French oak (33% new). Blend of grapes from the Arcadia, FAY and S.L.V. vineyards. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "FAY" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) Reg. $94.99, Sale $79.99 – “An iron fist in a velvet glove.” This has the bright cherry aromas and flavors that are the signature of this vineyard. You’ll also notice red plums, forest floor, sandalwood and more in the aromas. Flavors of spices, caramel, red and black cherries, plums and more. This is where Stag’s Leap started! Aged 18 months in French oak barrels (80% new). 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Food pairing – duck breast with a cherry sauce or dishes with black olives.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "S.L.V." Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) Reg. $124.99, Sale $103.99 – This has dark fruit aromas and flavors (blackberries, dark plums). Also, cassis, earth, caramel and vanilla. The tannins can be described as being like raw silk – slightly nubby, yet still smooth. Long, long finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 24 months in French oak (88% new).

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars "Cask 23" Cabernet Sauvignon (California) Reg. $194.99, Sale $149.99 – we AREN’T tasting Cask 23. I wanted to let you know that both the 2006 and 2007 vintages are available and on sale. Take 10% off the sale price and it’s $134.99. That’s a savings of $60!

Old World

The Sparkling:

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne (France) Reg. $39.99, Sale $34.99 – This is a delicious Champagne and the best value at this price….less than $32 for Champagne is a steal! This has delicate bubbles (I like my bubbles small). Aromas and flavors of pears, apples, almonds and hazelnuts. Blend of 20% Chardonnay (elegance and delicacy), 40% Pinot Meunier (fruitiness) and 40% Pinot Noir (roundness and structure). 91 points, Roberet Parker, Wine Advocate

The Whites:

Villa Antinori Toscana Bianco 2009 (Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - Italian whites are so wonderful with food! It’s crisp, clean and a great price! Aromas of roses, grass and tropical fruit. Flavors of melons, tropical fruit, apples and pears. Crisp acidity at the finish. Blend of 70% Trebbiano and Malvasia and 30% Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel fermentation. Antinori has been making wine since 1385. This is only 12% alcohol, so it is great for a party. Food pairing – grilled fish or chicken, lighter dishes, salads.

Santa Cristina Campogrande Orvieto 2009 (Italy) $13.99 – This is a classic Orvieto from the region’s best growing area for these grapes. This is tangy, zesty and fresh. Refreshing wine. Aromas and flavors of melons and lemon/lime citrus. Blend of 40% Procanico, 40% Grechetto, 15% Verdello and 5% Drupeggio & Malvasia.

The Reds:

Tormaresca Nèprica 2008 (Puglia, Italy) $12.99 -Great drinking wine for everyday! This is smooth, rich and loaded with flavor! This packs aromas and flavors of plums, raspberries, black cherries and cola. It has hints of licorice and pepper. Long finish! Puglia is the “heel” of the boot, so we are in the extreme southern part of Italy. Tormaresca means “tower by the sea.” 40% Negroamaro, 30% Primitivo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Food pairing – spicy pasta dishes. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points, “Best Buy”

Villa Antinori Toscana Rosso IGT 2005 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. $25.99, Sale $19.99 – This is a rich, soft, smooth red with wonderful red berry flavors and aromas. Aromas of vanilla, toast and more. For decades this was a Chianti Classico, but in 2001, the winery wanted to change the wine to a “Super Tuscan” so that the grapes could come from the best possible growing sources. Each varietal in the blend is grown in the terroir best suited to it: Sangiovese in Chianti Classico and Montalcino, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Bolgheri, and Syrah in Cortona. Blend of 55% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 5% Syrah. Some of the wine is aged in French, American and Hungarian oak barriques for a year. The wine is then bottle aged for 8 months before release.

Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo $21.99 (Apuglia, Italy) $21.99 – This is a beautiful, full-bodied red from Southern Italy. This is bold and packed with fruit – blackberries, plums, black cherries. Great length at the finish! 100% Primitivo aged in French and Hungarian oak barriques for 12 months. Aged another 10 months in the bottle before release. 89 points, Roberet Parker, Wine Advocate

Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2007 (Tuscany, Italy) Reg. $29.99, Sale $26.99 – This is a wonderful, “modern style” Chianti Classico from a great vintage! Aromas of red berries, red cherries, vanilla and dark chocolate. Full-bodied with soft tannins. Lots of red berries and cherries in the flavors. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah. 90% of the wine is aged in large Slovenian oak casks and 10% in American oak barrels for 9 months. This is a “drink now” Chianti Classico. Wine Spectator, 90 points

Wine Spectator #5 Wine in 2009! 96 points!

Wine Spectator #5 Wine in 2009!

96 points!

Castello di Brolio Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico 2006 (Italy) $59.99 – only 15 cases came into the state and they are going fast! When they are gone, the wine is gone for this vintage.

This is both a big wine and an elegant one. Aromas and flavors of chocolate, baking spices, coffee, earth, blackberries, crushed red berries, vanilla and black licorice. Full-bodied wine with fine, fine tannins. Long, lingering finish that keeps delivering more and more flavors!

The Ricasoli family has been making wine in Chianti Classico for centuries. In 1872, Baron Bettino Ricasoli penned the original formula for making the delicate reds of this Tuscan wine area.

Barone Ricasoli is one of the largest producers of Chianti Classico and the family has a long history of making wine in Tuscany (back to the 13th century). In the early ‘70’s the family sold the winery to Seagram’s…..who then sold it to Hardy’s of Australia. Production sky-rocketed and quality dropped.

In 1993, the Ricasolis were able to repurchase the family property and Francesco Ricasoli set about restoring a famed winery (when the family sold it, the winery was regarded as the Lafite of Tuscany). He reduced production from a staggering 9 million bottles to 2 million bottes. Instead of making 30 wines, they make 6. They’ve improved how the grapes are grown. They’ve improved the winemaking and today, the estate is again one of Tuscany’s best.

Aged 18 months in oak barriques, 2/3’s of which are new. Aged a year in the bottle before the wine release. Overwhelmingly Sangiovese with a little Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot added to the wine. 2006 was a GREAT vintage in Chianti Classico – producing great, long-lived wines! 6,170 cases made. 15 cases came to Maine.

Wine Spectator, 96 points, #5, Top 100 Wines in 2009

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Great prices on some famed wines from California!

This is one of California’s “first-growth” wineries. Like many elite producers around the world, sales are slower and have been for a while….so, the winery has lowered its prices.

Stock is really limited on these 3 - These wines are available in limited quantities…..as in tiny amounts. I’ll try and get them for you, but I can’t promise.

Stag’s Leap Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California) Reg. $192.99, Sale $127.99 – their flagship Cabernet. It’s 100% Cabernet from the FAY and S.L.V. vineyards.

Stag’s Leap FAY Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (California) Reg. $91.99, Sale $60.99 – single vineyard Cabernet from the FAY Vineyard.

Stag’s Leap S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) Reg. $106.99, Sale $67.99 – from their original vineyard, Stag’s Leap Vineyard.

Stock is better on these wines:

Stag’s Leap Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) Reg. $51.99, Sale $39.99 – 92% Cabernet, 8% Merlot. Aged 18 months in French oak, 33% new barrels.

Stag’s Leap Merlot 2006 (California) Reg. $42.99, Sale $32.99 – 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 15 months in French oak, 25% new barrels.

Stag’s Leap Chardonnay 2007 (California) Reg. $34.99, Sale $26.99 – Aged 8 ½ months “sur lies” in French oak, 25% new. 35% goes through malolactic fermentation, so this has a bit of that buttery creamy feel.

Stag’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (California) Reg. $24.99, Sale $20.99 – Blend of 69% Sauvignon Blanc, 26% Sauvignon Musque and 5% Semillon. 69% is aged in barrels. This is a weightier Sauvignon Blanc than most.

If you want any of these wines, please let me know.

May Wine Tasting

Freeport Cheese & Wine

Wine & Cheese Tasting!

Friday, May 21st

3:30-7:30pm

We'll feature wines from a specialty importer of Italian wines - these guys are Italian and they know wine! The importer is Angelini Wines.

The Angelini brothers spent their childhood years in the farming village of San Lorenzo in Campo, within the Marche region of Italy (we will be tasting a Sangiovese from their family's winery). The family farm encompasses 200 acres of land with 5 specialized acres devoted to vineyards of Sangiovese, Vernaccia (Pergola Rosso) & Merlot.

The brothers moved to Connecticut in 1972; in 1986, they quit their engineering careers and created Angelini Wines with their longtime friend, Ron Plebiscito. They focus on authentic, good quality Italian wine from a range of very small to midsize wineries. They make frequent trips to Italy where they meet with each producer and visit the vineyards and wine cellars. This personal relationship with each producer helps them uncover and deliver excellent wines at great price!

All wine tastings in the store are FREE!

10% savings on all the tasting wines during the tasting! Or the week after! We'll also taste out a couple of cheeses. We hope to see you on Friday!

The Wines

Sparkling Wine

Carpene Malvolti Kerner Brut (Italy) $23.99- Delicious wine from a grape not that well-known in the US! Aromas of flowers, peaches and citrus. Flavors that show great minerality, acidity and tropical fruit. This has notes of almonds, as well. Long finish. This has Winery founded by Antonio Carpene in 1868 and run today by his great-grandson. Antonio corresponded frequently with great scientists, such as Pasteur, and he published many texts on the subject of winemaking. In 1873, at Conegliano, he created the first Oenology school in Italy. Carpene Malvolti helped pioneer the production of "method charmat," or sparkling wine, in large vats. 100% Kerner (a hybrid cross of Riesling and Schiava (a grape native to NE Italy). Food pairing - shellfish, vegetable dishes and aged cheeses. White Wines MontAsolo Pinot Grigio 2008 (Veneto, Italy) $8.99 - Great value in a good-tasting Pinot Grigio! Great choice for summer! Light, clean with refreshing citrus flavors and aromas. A hint of fresh bread in the aromas. The MontAsolo wines are produced by Cantina Montelliana e dei Colli Asolani, which was established in 1965. Montelliana is a cooperative of which the 1,100 members are the owners and supplier of the grapes. Food pairing - seafood, poultry, salads and lighter soups.

Rosé Wine

Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2009 (France) $12.99 - Delicious! It's strawberry-peach in color, dry, crisp and clean, offering aromas and flavors of strawberry, cherry, peach and citrus. Light/medium in body, it is a nicely balanced, versatile food wine, great for summer! Refreshing! Food pairing - fish chowder, turkey sandwiches, steamers and fruit salads.

White Wine

MontAsolo Pinot Grigio 2008 (Veneto, Italy) $8.99 – Great value in a good-tasting Pinot Grigio! Great choice for summer! Light, clean with refreshing citrus flavors and aromas. A hint of fresh bread in the aromas. The MontAsolo wines are produced by Cantina Montelliana e dei Colli Asolani, which was established in 1965. Montelliana is a cooperative of which the 1,100 members are the owners and supplier of the grapes. Food pairing – seafood, poultry, salads and lighter soups.

Palagetto Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008 (Tuscany, Italy) $14.99- This is a tasty, crisp, dry white. It has a spicy, floral aroma. It's smooth, medium-bodied & has almond notes in the finish - which is crisp and clean. This is earthy, has hints of freshly mown hay and lime citrus. Michelangelo once described Vernaccia as a wine that, "tickles, licks, bites and stings..." Stainless steel fermentation. Food pairing - Goes well with fish, shellfish, white meats and antipasti dishes. Drinks well on its own, but this is better as a food wine!

Livon Braide Grande Vineyard Pinot Grigio Südtirol - Alto Adige 2006 (Italy) $25.99 - Great wine! Weightier than most Pinot Grigios. Velvety soft in the mouth. Aromas and flavors of baking spices, almonds and flowers! This is elegant with great structure and complexity. 100% Pinot Grigio. 30% is aged in French oak (Alliers) for 8 months and then aged 4 months in the bottle. Single vineyard. Sustainable agriculture. This will age well for 6-10 years. 1,800 cases made. Food pairing - seafood, shellfish and grilled white meats. Red Wines Laimburg Province Winery Lago di Caldaro Scelto Classico Superiore "Olleiten" 2007 - This is a bright, fresh red wine. It's delicate and elegant. Aromas of cherries and almonds. Flavors of lighter red fruit (cherries, raspberries, etc.). 100% Schiava. Aged 4 months in stainless steel. In 1975, the province of South Tyrol (a.k.a.; Alto Adige) created the Laimburg Research Center and this winery. Its purpose is to experiment with different grapes and wine making styles throughout the province, especially native varietals such as Schiava. Unfortunately, production of Schiava is shrinking as the wine world chases big, darker, heavier wines with high Parker scores. Food pairing - lighter dishes; chicken, mushroom risotto; Speck - the Tyrolean ham/bacon. Drink lightly chilled - about 57 degrees.

Red Wines

Laimburg Province Winery Lago di Caldaro Scelto Classico Superiore "Olleiten" 2007 - This is a bright, fresh red wine. It’s delicate and elegant. Aromas of cherries and almonds. Flavors of lighter red fruit (cherries, raspberries, etc.). 100% Schiava. Aged 4 months in stainless steel. In 1975, the province of South Tyrol (a.k.a.; Alto Adige) created the Laimburg Research Center and this winery. Its purpose is to experiment with different grapes and wine making styles throughout the province, especially native varietals such as Schiava. Unfortunately, production of Schiava is shrinking as the wine world chases big, darker, heavier wines with high Parker scores. Food pairing – lighter dishes; chicken, mushroom risotto; Speck – the Tyrolean ham/bacon. Drink lightly chilled – about 57 degrees.

Piazzo Barbera 2007 (Piedmont) $10.99 - This Barbera is 50% from Alba and 50% from Asti - so, it is generally a greater value than most Barbera's from either area! The winery only produces this wine in better years. This has aromas of roses, blackberries and a hint of oak. The flavors show baking spices and red and dark tannins. This has firm tannins that are not dominating. 100% Barbera. Aged 6 months in small oak barrels with another 6 months of bottle aging. 1,500 cases made. Food pairing - hearty dishes, aged cheeses. The "Azienda Agricola Piazzo" has been a supplier of grapes for some of the greatest wine makers of Piedmont. Today the estate has more than 70 hectares (172 acres) of vineyard, some surrounding the winery located on the border between Alba and the village of Treiso, and others in Novello in the Barolo growing area, and Mango on the hills of Moscato. The Barbera grape probably originated in the hills of Monferato, and is a local favorite of the people of Piedmont.

Il Palagetto Chianti Colli Senesi 2007 (Tuscany) $14.99 - Chianti is divided into 7 growing regions; Classico is one, Colli Senesi is another. Senesi is near Siena. This is a rich Chianti - it's spicy with intense aromas and flavors of earth, cherries and raspberries, cocoa and coffee. Long finish with good acidity. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Colorino (the Colorino adds color and the Merlot softens the wine). Aged in French oak for 12 months and aged another 3 months in the bottle. The Niccolai family founded this farm and winery in 1991. Today it encompasses 200 acres in Tuscany. Aside from growing grapes and making wine, they produce olive oil, honey and saffron. Food pairing - Pasta with red meat sauces, red meat dishes and wild game; also good with less mature cheeses.

Angelini Estate Sangiovese Colli Pesaresi 2006 (Marche) $17.99 - Delicious, smooth, rich wine! This is spicy with hints of cherries and cedar. The fruit is more of a "stewed" styple with black currants and other dark fruit dominating. This is a 3rd generation family winery in Marche, which is on the Adriatic side of Italy, about level with Tuscany. They grow 7.5 acres of vines on their 200 acre farm - they primarily grow Sangiovese, Pergola Rosso and Merlot. They use larger barrels rather than barriques to reduce the impact the oak has on the wine. They farm sustainably. 100% Sangiovese. Aged 12 months in large oak barrels (new). 600 cases made. This will age for another 10 years. Food pairing - pasta with tomato and meat sauces, roasts and cheeses.

Il Palagetto Sottobosco "Super Tuscan" 2005 (Tuscany) Reg. $31.99, Sale $27.99- This has aromas of spice, smoke, blackcurrants.....Flavors of ripe dark fruits (blackberries), vanilla and toasted oak. This is rich and mouth-filling. Blend of 80% Sangiovese (from Montalcino, as in Brunello), 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. Aged 16 months in French oak barriques and another 12 months in the bottle. This will age well for at least another 5 years or so. 575 cases made. Food pairing - beef, polenta, rich stews, lamb and mature Pecorino cheeses.

That's the line-up.

We hope to see you Friday!

May Wines of the Month

May Wines of the Month

We’re headed to Italy!

If you are wondering about the Wines of the Month Club, please click here!

Tier One

The White

Villa Antinori Toscano Bianco 2008 (Italy) $14.99 – Antinori has been making wine since 1385.

This is a PERFECT summer wine! It’s crisp, clean and a great price! Aromas of roses, grass and tropical fruit. Flavors of melons, tropical fruit, apples and pears. Crisp acidity at the finish. Blend of 70% Trebbiano and Malvasia and 30% Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel fermentation.

Food pairing – grilled fish or chicken, lighter dishes, salads.

The Red

Tormaresca Nèprica 2008 (Puglia, Italy) $12.99 – Puglia is the “heel” of the boot, so we are in the extreme southern part of Italy. Tormaresca means “tower by the sea.” 40% Negroamaro, 30% Primitivo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. http://www.tormaresca.it/

Great drinking wine for everyday! This is smooth, rich and loaded with flavor! This packs aromas and flavors of plums, raspberries, black cherries and cola. It has hints of licorice and pepper. Long finish!

Food pairing – spicy pasta dishes. Wine Enthusiast, 90 points, “Best Buy”

Tier Two

The White

Castello della Sala Bramìto Chardonnay 2008 (Umbria, Italy) $21.99 – This is a pale golden color. Aromas of apples, pears, vanilla and toast. This is spicy at the front of your mouth. The flavors are apricots, peaches with a little toasty vanilla. The wine is a soft texture.

Castello della Sala is a 14th century castle. It sits on a hilltop in the Umbrian Apennines near the Tuscan border. It’s a beautiful example of medieval military architecture. The micro-climate in this part of Umbria makes it an ideal location for growing cooler-weather grapes, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The grapes are destemmed. The wine is aged in French oak (Alliers and Troncais) barriques for 5 months, but these are 2nd and 3rd use barrels so the wine is not “oaky.” Some of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, so this has some buttery/creamy characteristics.

The Red

La Braccesca Achelo Syrah 2006 (Tuscany, Italy) $19.99 – on the label is the bull-like face of Achelous, who fought with Hercules. Hercules pulled off one of Achelous’s horns and it was named Cornucopia and it became a symbol of wealth, prosperity and honor.

The wine is a purple color that is typical of Syrah. This has aromas of red berries, white plums, flowers, tar and black pepper. The flavors are dominated with concentrated black fruit. The texture is soft and smooth.

Antinori planted “international” grape varietals such as Syrah and Merlot in the Cortona D.O.C. in the area. Previously, growers produced a lot of mediocre white wine from the local vineyards. Antinori and others saw the opportunity to grow excellent red grapes here and in 1999 their hard work was rewarded when Cortona achieved D.O.C. status. Italian Wine Report, 91 points

Food pairing – steak, beef, lamb.

Tier Three

The White

Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2007 (Piedmont, Italy) $38.99 – We are in Piedmont, in Northwestern Italy. Bruno Giacosa is a 3rd generation winemaker in the Langhe part of Piedmont. He is widely respected as both a grape grower and a winemaker.

This is a refreshing wine that is rich, lush and full-bodied. Aromas and flavors of almonds, apricots, peaches, apples and flowers. Roero is a subregion within the Langhe. Arneis is the grape and it is the noble white grape from this area. Stainless steel fermentation and aging. Food pairing – shellfish, seafood, lobster. Lighter pasta dishes. Decanter, 3 Stars; Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 90 points

The Red

La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2005 (Tuscany, Italy) $26.99 – this is from Southern Tuscany. The Antinori family began investing in this area in the early ‘90’s and helped Vino Nobile di Montepulciano start its "Second Renaissance". However Montepulciano wines were famous long before then: the first historical document to mention Montepulciano wines dates back to 789 and they were much appreciated in Medici times, when Montepulciano was an ally of Florence against Siena.

This is a medium-bodied, soft, ripe wine with lots of dark cherries, earthiness, tobacco and chocolate/mocha notes. Hints of flowers and minerals in the aromas. It has a long finish. Dusty tannins.

Aged in oak barrels of many sizes for 12 months. Bottle aged for 12 months before the winery released the wine. Blend of 90% Prugnolo Gentile and 10% Merlot. Prugnolo Gentile is the local name for Sangiovese Grosso. Sangiovese translates “blood of Jove” (Jupiter).

December Wine Tasting #1

Wine Tasting!

Thursday, Dec. 10th

3:30-7:30pm

We are having 2 tastings in December - this Thursday (the 10th) and Friday, Dec. 18th. The descriptions of the wines are also here!

Dueling distributors again - Ned Swain from Devenish Wines (Ned always brings a delicious, esoteric mix of wines!) and Art Gonyea from National Distributors, along with Mary Bridge from Leonardo Locasio's Winebow Imports (one of my favorite people from one of my favorite importers).

We're tasting wines we feel are great for the holiday season - whether it's a gift or for a special meal or just unwinding at home! We hope to see you on Thursday!

The Wines:

Ned's Wines:

The Whites:

Castell Silvaner Trocken 2008 (Franconia, Germany) $16.99 - At first I looked at Ned and said, "Ned, a Sylvaner? Really?" And, he said, "YES!" Well, Ned is one guy I usually let have his way at the tastings and he's usually right! This family has been in the winemaking business since 1224 AD! Castell planted the first Sylvaner grapes in Germany in 1659! The vineyards here are loaded with minerals, gypsum and marl - which are ideal for growing Sylvaner. Consequently, this wine is loaded with minerals! It also has a little lime citrus to it! It's fresh and lively with well-balanced acidity. Medium-bodied with a rich texture. This is a lot like a dry Vouvray. This area is in the northern part of Bavaria at a higher elevation than the more temperate Rhineland. Sustainable agriculture. Food pairing - food-friendly wine! Really adaptable to a lot of different foods! Appetizers, quiche, onion tarts, grilled or smoked fish, creamy dishes, chicken, ham, sushi, scallops, shrimp (it's Maine shrimp season!).

Viñedo de los Vientos "Estival" 2007 (Uruguay) $16.99 - This is a fabulous blend - 60% Gewurztraminer, 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Moscato Bianco. It's a unique combination - Uruguayan flair and style! And you can taste each grape variety working together! The Gewurz brings spice and rich body, the Chardonnay adds balancing acidity and the muscat adds an enticing tropical aroma. Viñedo de los Vientos is located in one of the most "bird dense" regions in South America and practices sustainable agriculture. Aromas of tropical fruit, pineapples, melons, lemons. This has soft, subtle "Gewurz" spice. It's real soft on the tongue at the start and then almost, but not quite, tingly on the tongue! Zingy minerals in the mid-palette really wake you up! White peaches in the flavors. Finishes clean and rich with hints of nuts, definitely almonds. Food pairing - Great wine with a tropical/Asian "fusion" dish, turkey, duck, pork tenderloin. The spice and hint of effervescence can cut through and compliment powerfully flavored foods. Drinks wonderfully well on its own!

The Reds:

Ala Nera Nero d'Avola 2008 (Sicily, Italy) Reg. $13.99, Sale $12.99 - Big, dark red wine loaded with dark fruit, minerals and oomph! Much more than a simple Sicilian table wine! This also has nice earthiness that is typical of Sicilian wines (volcanic soil and hot sun!), minerality and those dusty tannins I love in Italian reds! It finish with more bright fruit and isn't too drying. Named for the black-winged birds that fly over the vineyard in Sicily. Food pairing - pizza, pasta dishes with tomato sauces, mushrooms, grilled meats!

Château de Bonhoste Bordeaux Supérieur 2006 (France) $17.99 - Tasty, tasty, tasty! A great value in Bordeaux! Blackberry, dark berry, vanilla and baking spice aromas and flavors. Ripe, intense fruit in the nose. A quintessential Bordeaux "dustiness" in the nose - it's subtle, almost like dried Provencal herbs. Rich, ripe and juicy fruit flavors. Supple, long finish. Blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aged in neutral oak barrels. Château de Bonhoste is located in Saint Jean de Blaignac, 3 miles south of St. Emilion. Food pairing - This cries out for lamb, beef or any rich dish with rosemary.

Midslope Rasteau 2007 (France) $16.99 - Midslope is made by Maison Arnoux et Fils who have been making wine since 1717. The winery is located in Vacqueyras. The family owns 40 hectares, but has also been purchasing fruit from area growers since 1936 and has one of the best list of growers under long contract. Barrel aged for 6 months. Midslope is the sister project of the wildly successful Upslope Syrah from Thompson Vineyard in Santa Barbara. The wine is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache from vineyards planted in the Rasteau AOC. Once known only for its sweet and fortified wines, Rasteau is rapidly becoming recognized for its outstanding Grenache. Many believe that the best wines from Rasteau resemble a well made Chateauneuf du Pape. We believe that Midslope represents terroir in a bottle, a very good terroir.

Three Saints Syrah 2007 (Santa Ynez, California) $21.99 - Big, delicious, bold California Syrah! Aromas and flavors of chocolate, smoked meat, mocha, dark berries and more! The wine is developing soft, integrated tannins. Three Saints is part of the Dierberg Winery. As they convert to organic viticulture, they are harvesting their grapes at a lower Brix level (amount of sugar in the grapes). This is resulting in lower alcohol wines and better, more balanced wines! This is good! 55% aged 15 months on its lees in 2nd-8th use barrels to round out the flavors, 15% aged in new French oak to bring out the chocolate flavors in Syrah and 30% in stainless steel to add fresher, bright fruit flavors to the wine. Food pairing - grilled meats, summer grilling (yeah, it's a long way off, but I NEVER shut down grilling!), hearty winter stews and more!

Ned says, "I make no secret of the fact that I've got a big crush on Santa Barbara Syrah. This comes from the Starlane ranch all the way in the east of Santa Barbara where the grapes get riper and more powerful. It's inky and dark with serious brooding blackberry fruit, lush ripe cherry, black pepper, and sleek mouth watering tannins. This is balanced, no component is over the top, but it's about as sexy and hedonistic as wine comes. I plan on drinking this on some of the long cold nights that are coming."

The Dessert and/or The Sparkling!

Bricco del Sole Moscato D'Asti 2008 (Piedmont, Italy) $22.99 - ooooohhh! Aaaahhhh! This is GOOD! Rich & lush. Beautiful nose of nectarines, white peaches & tangerines. Well-balanced acidity. Fresh, clean & crisp finish. A moderately sweet finish. Sparkly! This farm has been in the Morando family since the early 1800's. Organic. Food pairing - Drinks great on its own as a lighter cocktail wine. Try it with fruit tarts, dense, rich cheesecake, do as the Italians do and pour it over fresh peaches or pears for brunch. Wonderful with hot and spicy foods!

Art and Mary's Wines

The Sparkling:

Juvé y Camps Brut Reserva de la Familia Cava 2005 (Penedes, Spain) $15.99 - Pale gold in color, this Cava has aromas of pears, apples, white stone fruits (nectarines and peaches) and toasted bread with hints of citrus in the background. The bubbles, aromas and flavors are longlasting and pleasing. Blended from the traditional Cava grapes - Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada grapes, which are harvested on the estate's properties at Espiells, Can Massana and La Cuscona. The Juvé Family founded this winery in 1796 and it has been family-owned and operated ever since. Food pairing - Pair with paté, seafood, rice, and all kinds of fish, white meat and smoked. Wine Enthusiast, "Top 100 Best Buys"

The Whites:

Terranoble Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Maule Valley, Chile) $8.99 - This Sauvignon Blanc, offers you a wine with an attractive yellow color with greenish tones. It has intense aromas of tropical fruits, especially pineapple. It is a very fresh wine, dry and equilibrated. It has a good structure and a nice natural acidity which has a long permanence in the mouth. Food pairing - perfect cocktail wine with or without food. Great with seafood and fish.

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio 2008 (Sudtirol, Italy) $13.99 - One of the most delicious and elegant white wines in the Winebow portfolio! Dry and full-bodied with crisp, bracing acidity. Aromas and flavors of pears and citrus. 100% Pinot Grigio. Stainless steel fermented. Aged in tank 6 months before bottling. Cork-free closure to ensure long-lasting freshness. The Tiefenbrunner Castel Turmhof Winery owes its name to the castle on the property. The family founded the winery in 1848. Food pairing - lots of appetizers, vegetable dishes, salads, seafood, poultry, pork and veal. Wine Spectator, 500 Great Buys, "A global surplus of delicious wines means it's prime time to drink well for less"

Mastroberardino Sannio Falanghina 2007 (Campania, Italy) $21.99 - Light straw-yellow in color with greenish reflections, this Falanghina displays fresh aromas of citrus, pineapple and white flowers. On the palate it confirms the freshness of the bouquet offering a good structure and acidity. A very well-balanced and versatile wine with a complex character. Mastroberardino is Campania's landmark winery and has been in this family since the 1750's! The origin of the grape's name is the Latin word "phalange" that means "supported by stakes." Food pairing - excellent with appetizers or to pair with seafood and fish.

The Reds:

Allegrini Valpolicella Classico DOC (Veneto, Italy) Reg. $17.99, Sale $16.99 - Vibrant ruby red in color with fresh cherry, red berry and Provencal aromas and flavors. This is bright, fresh and delicious! Valpolicella is the area and this is a blend of 65% Corvina Veronese, 30% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. Aged in stainless steel for 5 months before bottling. Food pairing - This is the perfect accompaniment to Italian antipasti, pasta dishes and other typical Mediterranean cuisine. Also pairs well with roasted and grilled white meats. All-in-all, this is one FOOD-FRIENDLY wine! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, "One of Italy's Finest Values"

Falesco Sangiovese IGT (Umbria, Italy) Reg. $14.99, Sale $12.99 - The soft and silky tannins pleasantly frame the plush texture of fruit and spice. Excellent balance between fruit and acidity, and slightly spicy notes on the finish are the unmistakable hallmarks of this wine. Food pairing - Whether paired with your favorite Italian dishes or enjoyed alone by the glass, this Sangiovese is a pure pleasure to drink. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, "One of Italy's Finest Values"

Librandi Duca San Felice Cirò Rosso Riserva DOC 2005 (Italy) $19.99 - A GREAT wine of the South! Mature, full-bodied. Aromas of Mediterranean fruits (figs and dates), dark plums, with touches of chocolate, smoke, earth and tar. Flavors of cherries, herbs, vanilla, spice and citrus. Full, long finish. 100% Gaglioppo (a grape of ancient Greek origins), this is the most important red wine grape in Calabria. Aged 2 years before bottling. Food pairing - this will both age well and go well with rich meals, such as spicy Calabrian sausages, steak, duck and game. Gambero Rosso, "Tre Bicchieri" (Italy's highest award; it translates "3 Glasses")

Don Nicanor Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) $19.99 - A brilliant wine of deep red color with purple hues. The nose displays aromas of cherries, plums, cloves and vanilla, as well as a hint of smoke suggesting elegance and complexity. The mouth-feel is round and warm, balancing both fruit and spice. The finish is long and elegant. 100% Malbec. Aged in 2nd passage (the barrels have been used before and this "leeches" out about 80% of the "oakiness" of the barrel) French oak for 12 months. This helps the flavors soften and integrate while adding just a touch of oak. Food pairing - Pair with grilled or roasted beef or game meats, spicy sauces and mature cheeses.

The Dessert:

Coppo Passione Brachetto d' Acqui (Piedmont, Italy) $17.99 - Made from 100% Brachetto grapes from the area that surrounds the town of Acqui in Piedmont, this is one of the few Italian sweet wines to earn DOCG status. Bright red cherry in color, this Brachetto has a lively, zingy tease of bubbles, with fresh aromas of raspberries and strawberries. Food pairing - Brachetto d'Acqui can commence a great evening as an aperitif, or even better, it is one of the most romantic pairings with chocolate at the end of the meal. Serve lightly chilled.

3 More Great Deals!

We have 3 wines (2 from Australia and 1 from Italy) that we gobbled up when the distributor lowered the price.

We liked these wines a lot when they were more expensive. We LOVE them at a lower price (wouldn't you?!).

All 3 wines are organically farmed.

Remember, you get 10% off on case purchases - and, you may mix-and-match wines to make a case (i.e.; any 12 of these or any 12 of any wines - I hope that makes sense).

Also, if you want any of these, please call or respond via e-mail ASAP....these will go fast.

The Wines:

Fans of really big Australian Shiraz - these 1st 2 are for you!

The names of the wines will look similar....they aren't!

The Battle of Bosworth Wines

The Battle of Bosworth was the last battle in the War of the Roses (several wars between the House of York and the House of Lancaster over the throne of England). Fought on August 22, 1485, the Lancastrians won and Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, became the first Tudor monarch when his forces killed Richard III in the battle.

Edgehill Vineyards's founders, Peter and Anthea Bosworth, chose the name for their wines. The family has grown grapes in the McLaren Vale since the 1840's. Edgehill has 50 acres of vineyards, all of which are certified organic by "Australian Certified Organic" (a 4-year process).

Joch Bosworth is the McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism Association's "Grower of the Year" for his commitment to organic farming and environmental sustainability.

Battle of Bosworth Shiraz 2005 (McLaren Vale, Australia) Reg. $29.99, Sale $21.99 - massive, powerful wine! Deep, dark color. Flavors of blackberries, dark chocolate, plums and Provencal herbs. Notes of mint and/or eucalyptus on the finish. Rich, rich wine! A small amount of the grapes are dried on the vine and added to the wine - this adds a ton of depth and complexity.

Aged in a mix of new and older French and American oak barriques. Drink now through 2015. 500 cases made. Organic farming.

James Halliday, "The Australian Wine Companion 2008," 93 points; Decanter, "Wine of the Month; Wine Spectator, 89 points

I have 11 bottles of this and then it is gone.

The 2nd wine from Battle of Bosworth....

Battle of Bosworth Shiraz Viognier 2005 (McLaren Vale, Australia) Reg. $21.99, Sale $14.99 - Another big mouthful of wine! One cool thing about this wine is when you open it, you get that musty, wet smell of the woods after a rain when the leaves are rotting....a GREAT aroma! Rich, concentrated flavors of blackberries, cherries and toasted oak. Definitely some pepperiness to the wine. Aromas of flowers, licorice (I hate licorice candy and like it here!) and blackberries. Drink now through 2013.

Made in a mixture of old and new French and American oak. Blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Viognier. The grapes are blended and co-fermented right after harvest. 500 cases made. Organic farming.

I bought the last 6 cases in Maine (72 bottles).

Wine Spectator, 90 points; James Halliday, "The Australian Wine Companion 2008," 89 points

Forte Canto Primitivo 2004 (Puglia, Italy) Reg. $15.99, Sale $7.99 - Excellent wine from Southern Italy and a great deal! Aromas and flavors of dark, ripe cherries and berries, baking spices and herbs. Great long finish that lingers and is "just" dry......not too dry and certainly not sweet! 100% Primitivo. Primitivo is the same grape as Zinfandel, but the wine is different! 3 months bottle aging and 12 months barrel aging in 5-to-10 year-old oak barrels. 3,200 cases made. Food pairing - meats, roasts and pasta dishes. Organic Farming.

That's the 3 wines....please let us know what you want....ASAP!

August Wines of the Month

August Wines of the Month

Tier 1

We’re headed to Southern France for a couple of grapes better known from Burgundy – Aligote for the white and Pinot Noir for the red.

This estate, Domaine de Régusse, was founded in 1970. It's in the Haute Provence, at the foot of the Luberon mountain at about 1,500 feet. The farm covers about 750 acres, with 640 in vineyard. They grow 20 different grape varieties. In 2004, the estate obtained the certification "Viticulture Raisonnee Controlee." This process aims to (1) improve the wine by improving the grapes; (2) guarantee quality products and food safety to the consumer; (3) respect the environment, the terroir, the heritage and the traditions.

Domaine de Régusse is imported by Fran Kysela. Fran flat out has one of the best noses for outstanding wines. This estate produces rock-solid wines at great prices!

White

Domaine de Régusse Aligoté 2008 (France) $13.99 – This really impressed us a couple of weeks ago when we tasted it with David from Davine Wines. Excellent wine from an obscure grape from Burgundy! This is refreshing and crisp! It has great acidity (typical for this grape). Flavors and aromas of green apples, lemons and minerals. Food pairing – lobster! Shellfish. Grilled chicken. Salads.

This Vin de Pays de Mediterranée is aged in stainless steel on its lees for 6 months. The lees are the residue in the vat or barrel – leaving the wine in contact with the lees adds richness to the wine.

Aligoté is used to make a dry white wine in Burgundy (specifically in Bourgogne Aligoté AOC). Along with Chardonnay, it’s also used in making Crémant de Bourgogne, Burgundy’s sparkling wine and a great alternative to pricier Champagne! Traditionally, the cocktail Kir is made by adding cassis to an Aligoté white wine. The grape is grown in Bulgaria, Russia, Ukrainia and Moldova – it’s prized for its acidity and ability to withstand cold temperatures.

Red

Domaine de Regussé Pinot Noir 2008 (France) $13.99 – This is not Burgundy, but it is real nice Pinot Noir! Flavors and aromas of cherries, currents, cranberries, baking spices and cedar. Aromas of leather and earth. A rich and darker Pinot Noir that’s meant to be drunk young!

100% Pinot Noir. Barrel aged. A Vin de Pays des Alpes de Haute Provence. Long-winded way of saying this is a wine from the northern part of Southern France. Food pairing – mushroom and meat dishes, grilled or roasted meats. Dishes with Provencal herbs.

Tier 2 and Tier 3

The wines are from two of my favorite little wineries in Italy – Alois Lageder and Tenuta Sant’ Antonio. Both are in Northeastern Italy – the Alto Adige and Veneto areas.

Justin from Wicked Wines goes to Vin Italy - the biggest wine show in Italy each year. He also pokes around at smaller shows while he is there. It was here that he discovered these wineries. Then he showed them to me!

Alois Lageder

http://www.aloislageder.eu/eng/home.php

This northeastern part of Italy, the Alto Adige, has varied and complex weather conditions. The valleys are surrounded by the huge Dolomite Mountains (which are a former seabed, so the soil is chock full of limestone, sandstone, chalk and minerals – which makes the wines more minerally in their flavors and aromas).

The winery earned Demeter biodynamic certification in 2007. All the vineyards are biologically and sustainably farmed and have been since 2004 (as Lageder says, “We don’t use biodynamics as commercial or marketing, we do it because it has to be done.”). They built a new winery, using all natural materials. The vineyards and winery have produced 0% emissions from fossil fuels since the 1990’s (they use solar power for 60% of their electricity needs).

They farm 125 acres of vineyards and these are home to 15 grape varietals – many indigenous to Italy.

The Lageder family has been making wine for over 150 years. Alois Lageder’s great-grandfather founded the winery in Bolzano in 1855. In 1934, the family acquired the Löwengang estate in Magrè. In following years, the family continued to purchase vineyards in Alto Adige.

The vineyards here are planted on steep slopes between 750 feet and 3,200 feet in elevation. The vineyards face south, east and west to get as much sun as possible. The area’s soil is loaded with limestone, sandstone, chalk, etc. Precisely the best soil to make the best grapes!

Tier 2

White

Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco Dolomiti 2007 (Italy) $15.99 – The grapes for this wine are grown at an altitude of 980-1,650 feet. The nights are quite cool with large swings in temperature from night to day. The vines are 5-30 years old. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees (the residue in the vat from the fermentation) for 3 months. Aging on lees adds richness and complexity to the wines. This is drinking beautifully right now and will aged well for 2-4 years.

Aromas of honey, green apples & peaches. Flavors of tart green apples, white grapefruit, and crisp pears. Dry, crisp and great minerals in the flavors. Medium-bodied and mouth-filling. Refreshing. Nice length on the finish. Zippy, tangy acidity. Food pairing – salads, asparagus, seafood of all kinds, pasta dishes. Wine Spectator, 88 points

Red

Tenuta Sant’ Antonio Monta Garbi Valpolicella Superior DOC Ripasso 2006 (Italy) $22.99 – The grapes for this Ripasso are crushed immediately after harvesting and undergo a 2nd fermentation on the Amarone skins in January. This adds Amarone-like notes and richness to the wine. It is then aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. The “Slow Food” Italian publication raves over this wine and rates it a great value!

Ruby red color. Aromas of red berries and red cherries. Texture is soft and smooth. Spicy finish. Food pairing – pastas with meat sauces, grilled poultry, roasted meats and aged cheeses.

The vines are pruned early in the growing season – reducing the yield and exposing the grape clusters to greater sunshine. The grapes are hand-picked from early Sept. – latter October.

Vineyard is at about 1,000 feet. Vines are 20 years old. Blend of 70% Corvina/Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 10% Croatina/Oseleta. The wine is stirred in the barrels for the first 9 months – this adds richness and texture to the wine. 15-16 months in 500-litre tonneaux barrels – 30% new and 70% 1 or 2 years old. 12,500 cases made. This will age for 10 years.

The Castagnedi brothers (4 of them) run this winery. Quality is their priority. In the 1980’s, the family bought more vineyards (about doubling in size) and dramatically changed its vineyard practices – opting for much higher quality and lower quantity of grapes. The neighboring height is Monta Garbi, which is also the name of this wine and the cellars. In 2001, they poured out their Amarone – it wasn’t the quality they demand.

As the French saying goes, good wine is obtained in proportion to one vine to one bottle – at Tenuta Sant’ Antonio, it’s 2 vines per bottle!

Tier 3

White

Alois Lageder Vogelmaier Moscato Giallo 2007 (Italy) $25.99 – This is one of the best dry Muscats made anywhere! From the Vogelmaier vineyard on the northwest side of Lake Caldaro (880 foot altitude).

Fresh, clean aromas with distinct floral notes, tropical fruit, white pepper, coriander, honey and beeswax. Medium-bodied. Dry. Flavors of grapefruit, lemon, tropical fruit and honey. Good “zip” to this wine because of the acidity. Great length on the finish – which has a lot of minerals. 100% Yellow Muscat. Single vineyard from the Vogelmaier vineyard on the northwest side of Lake Caldaro at an altitude of 880 feet. Fermented in stainless steel. Aged on the lees for 4 months (this adds richness and texture to the wine). 1,775 cases made. This will age well for 3-5 years. Food pairing – sausages, patés, grilled fish, Asian food, cheeses.

Red

Alois Lageder Cor Römigberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 (Italy) $39.99 - Deep, dark color. Aromas of cherries, blackcurrants, mint, tobacco (this is a good aroma – we’re talking curing tobacco, not cigarette smoke), some meatiness and oaky spice. Powerful wine. Rich and big, but also elegant. Lots of dark fruit and spice in the flavors. Big, bold finish. Silkier than most Bordeaux. This doesn’t whimper into the night! Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. From the Römigberg estate vineyard on Lake Caldaro at about 800 feet. The vineyard was planted in 1986. Fermented in stainless steel for 17 days and then aged in French oak (Alliers and Nevers), of which 2/3 is new. 920 cases made. Food pairing – red meat, lamb, venison, aged cheeses.

The Other!

Chateau de Trinquvedel Tavel Rosé 2008 (France) $22.99 - hey....that's a lotta money for a rosé! Well....this is a WHOLE LOTTA WINE! It's a nice rich salmon color. Aromas of red berries, flowers, minerals, anise, smoke, tea and tobacco (this is a GOOD aroma - it's the smell of curing tobacco, not stale cigarette smoke!). Flavors of cherries, raspberries, spices, dried herbs and anise. Finishes strong and with a bit of a slight bitter tartness - this is not a fruity pink wine! Blend of 44% Grenache, 28% Cinsault, 15% Clairette and small amounts of Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Bourboulenc. Food pairing - robust dishes with garlic, Provencal herbs and black olives!

The name of the chateau comes from the Provencal words "tranca" (cut) and "vedel" (calf). Methinks a calf met his/her demise there! Today, the 4th generation of the family is running the winery. Tavel is in the Southern Rhône - it's just to the northwest of Avignon. It's unusual in that it's the only area in France that only permits rosés to be made and named after the appellation. 1,500 cases imported. Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 90 points

October 2008 Wines of the Month

October 2008 Wines of the Month

We are off to Italy for this entire month......lots of lesser known grapes and producers from lesser known areas!

Three of these 6 wines are made by one young man, Marco Cecchini. Marco was studying economics at University and quit - to take over his grandfather's wine "estate." That estate was one hectare (that's 2.5 acres - that's 2 and a half acres - you saw the decimal in the correct place!). His mother was not happy! Today, he is farming many more acres and his mother is much happier! So are we - we love his wines!

Tier One

Conti di Buscareto* Verdicchio Dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2007 (Italy) $14.99 - Delicious white from the Marche in eastern Italy! Wonderful floral, mineral and anise aromas. Medium-bodied. Light citrus, saline, anise and mineral flavors. Pretty wine! Crisp, bright and fresh. Clean finish! 100% Verdicchio. Stainless steel fermentation. Low-yield vineyards producing great grapes. Organic Farming. Food pairing – grilled or roasted fish, seafood cream sauces, artichokes, asparagus, prosciutto….most anything Italian!

D’Orsaria Cabernet Franc 2007 (Italy) $14.99 - Excellent wine from Northeastern Italy! Aromas of plums, violets, peppery spice, cherries and bell peppers. Flavors of cherries, raspberries and subtle black pepper. Soft tannins. Nice length on the finish. Marco Cecchini is the winemaker - he dropped out of college in 1998 when he inherited his grandfather's 1 hectare (2.58 acres) vineyard to the dismay of his mother. He became a winemaker and he has never looked back! He always strives to make sure as little oxygen as possible contacts his wines - so, they are bright and fresh. Food pairing - Lighter foods, seafood, shellfish - drinks well on its own!

Tier Two

These next 2 wines are probably Marco's flagship wines! If your Italian and/or web skills are better than mine, you can read more about Marco and his wines on his website!

Marco Cecchini Tové 2006 (Italy) $21.99 - This wine bursts with fresh fruit flavors and aromas! Apricots and melons, white flowers and smells of Spring! Tangy, refreshing and loaded with fruit in the mouth. Long, subtle finish....just a fascinating and tasty wine! Aside from just tasting wonderful, what we love about this wine is that it holds up for a couple of days after opening!

90% Tocai Friulano & 10% Verduzzo. Both of these are grapes local to the Friuli area. Tocai Friuli is not to be confused with the Hungarian Tokay.....not the same grape. Oenologists and DNA types are still trying to learn its origins. Verduzzo is also an obscure grape.

From Marco's vineyards near the Slovenian border in NE Italy....half of the vineyard has 40+ year-old vines. All the vineyard work is done by hand. Organic Farming

Marco Cecchini Refosco 2006 (Italy) $22.99 - This is a fabulous wine! A knock-dead wonderful wine from a grape we doubt you know, Refosco! It's similar to Pinot Noir from Burgundy (nice fruit, but it is not fruit-driven - with earth, spice & minerals). The grape is native to the Friuli area - almost Yugoslavia or Hungary/Austria - a cool weather wine area, more like Burgundy than Italy! From Marco's vineyards near the Slovenian border in NE Italy....half of the vineyard has 40+ year-old vines. All the vineyard work is done by hand. Organic farming. Food pairing - Excellent with rich meals, grilled meats, etc.

Tier Three

The winery for Tier Three is located in Campania - southwestern Italy near Vesuvius, Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum. This area is home to the earliest Greek colonies and settlements in Italy. Campania, more than any other region in Italy, is home to ANCIENT grape varietals - Agliancio, Falanghina, Fiano, Falernum and Asprinio. We are tasting 2 of them this month.

This winery, Fattoria La Rivolta, is family-owned. They farm organically. They produce wines from the local grapes - Fiano, Falanghina, Aglianico, Piedirosso, Greco di Tufo and Coda di Volpe.

Fattoria La Rivolta* Sannio DOC Fiano 2007 (Italy) $28.99 - Excellent wine from Southern Italy! Full-bodied with lemon citrus, honey, apples and pears in the aromas and flavors. Bright, crisp acidity on the long finish. Serve cool, not cold – the flavors gain strength as the wine warms in the glass. Family-run farm. Stainless-steel fermentation. Hand-harvested. 100% Fiano. Organic farming. When to drink – ready to drink now. This will take on subtle hazelnut or almond aromas with 2-3 years aging. Food pairing – veal, pork, poultry, richer fish or seafood. Meat wrapped in prosciutto.

Fattoria La Rivolta* Taburno DOC Aglianico del Taburno 2005 (Italy) $34.99 - Excellent red from Campania – grown in a vineyard near Vesuvius – so this has a lot of minerality from the volcanic soil! Aromas of cherries, plums, curing tobacco, spices, violets and mushrooms. Flavors of plums, cherries, smoked meat, pepper and subtle licorice (I don’t like licorice, but I like the subtle notes in this wine). Hand-harvested. 100% Falanghina. A Family-run farm. Aged in 2nd and 3rd passage oak barrels. 4,000 cases. Organic farming. Food pairing – game, beef, lamb, rich dishes, etc.

The Other

This isn't another wine....it's another SIZE of the same red wine as is in Tier Two....magnums are great to pull out for a big dinner (Thanksgiving, Christmas, an anniversary or a graduation, etc...). The larger bottle is just more festive, impressive, ELABORATE!

Marco Cecchini Refosco 2006 (Italy) $49.99 - This is a fabulous wine! A knock-dead wonderful wine from a grape we doubt you know - it's similar to Pinot Noir from Burgundy (nice fruit, but it is not fruit-driven - with earth, spice & minerals). The grape is native to the Friuli area - almost Yugoslavia or Hungary/Austria - a cool weather wine area, more like Burgundy than Italy! From Marco's vineyards near the Slovenian border in NE Italy....half of the vineyard has 40+ year-old vines. All the vineyard work is done by hand. Organic farming. Food pairing - Excellent with rich meals, grilled meats, etc.

September 2008 Wines of the Month

Freeport Cheese & Wine

Wines of the Month

September, 2008

If you want any wines, and are not yet a member of our "Wines of the Month" club, please e-mail or call and let me know what you want. With a credit card payment over the phone, I can hold the wines indefinitely! So, even if you are from "away," I can hold the wine!

You are going to notice a theme with this month - 4 of the wines are from Abruzzo and ALL of the wines are from Italy. Back in April or May, I tasted several wines with a young woman from Valle Reale (her family's winery) and with the importer, Mary Bridge of Winebow. Winebow is one of my favorite importers in the USA - spin a bottle around and if it says, "Imported by Winebow," you know it is a good version of what it is supposed to be.....worst case scenario is you may not like that style....best case or normal case - you just found a new wine you like!

I bought 4 of the Valle Reale (there own website is excellent!) wines......the good news is they taste great! The bad news is the supply is limited.....I thought these wines would be here in late June for July....they arrived in September......the other good news is these are not "warm weather" wines.....these will excel with cooler weather dishes and just ROCK with Thanksgiving Dinner!

Given that Winebow imports the Valle Reale wines and I liked many of those and that I like the Winebow wines as a whole, I decided to poke around and see what we could add for September to round out the selections!

Tier One

Azienda Agricola Valle Reale is a family-owned winery and farm. The Pizzolo family owns the winery and the farm and makes the wine.

This winery and farm is located in the center of Abruzzo - smack in the middle of one of Italy's most beautiful national parks! This area was carved by glaciers. It has crystal clear springs. The flora and fauna are wild and diverse! Valle Reale sits in the midst of this Eden!

The vineyards have a soil unique to this part of Italy and the climate is dominated by the Gran Sasso mountain range - so the temperatures widely fluctuate from day to night. The cool breezes ensure good ventilation and reduce the humidity in the vineyards. The red grapes ripen late in the fall - when the first snows whiten Mount Morrone.

The result of this unique climate - fully mature grapes with rich aromas and complex flavors.

The hallmark area for this family is in the cru San Calisto - which is setting the standard for Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.

White:

Azienda Agricola Valle Reale Vigne Nuove Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2007 (Italy) $13.99 - Trebbiano is produced all over Italy. Not all Trebbiano is alike. This certainly isn't!

This has rich, fragrant aromas. Aromas of citrus, white pepper and flowers. In the mouth this is zesty and crisp and pops! It's full-bodied and just fills your mouth! Well-balanced acidity.

100% Trebbiano. Stainless steel fermentation at cool temperatures to make sure the fruit is bright and fresh! I bought the only cases coming into Maine!

Food pairing - poultry, sushi, shellfish, lobster and olive oil pasta dishes.

Red:

Azienda Agricola Valle Reale Vigne Nuove Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006 (Italy) $14.99 - Juicy, soft, loaded with fruit and easy to drink! This is calling for a summer night when you are grilling or chillin'!

This vineyard benefits from the cold currents of "Gorges of Popoli" - roaring down from Mount Morrone along the Pescara River - the winds help cool the vineyards in the summer and lower the humidity. This helps the grapes ripen slowly and helps the fruit fully develop its flavors and aromas.

The name of this wine, "Vigne Nuove," comes from the first fruits harvested in the Popoli.

This is pure 100% Montepulciano fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh fruit aromas and flavors. Hand-harvested grapes.

This wine sees no oak and just explodes with red berries, sour cherries, wild blackberries and ripe strawberries. The tannins are there and help balance the fruit....as does the acidity. Medium-bodied. Loads of flavor. Easy-going wine - a pleasure to drink! Versatile, authentic Italian red!

Food pairing - eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, meat-based pasta dishes, etc.

Tier Two

White:

Allegrini Soave 2006 (Veneto, Italy) $18.99 - If there is a more misunderstood and disparaged white wine from Italy than Soave, I don't know it!

Remember those Soave Bolla ads from the early '80's?

Well, that's what everyone remembers about Soave.

Well, real Soave, true Soave, isn't that nasty wine! It's one of Northeastern Italy's LANDMARK white wines! And, Allegrini is one of Italy's greatest wineries!

Blend of 80% Garganega - a grape local to the area - and 20% Chardonnay. Hand-harvested grapes. 25 year-old vines. Cold-temperature fermentation to preserve the fresh fruit. Stainless steel fermentation. Aged in bottle for a few months before release.

Aromas of herbs and flowers and citrus. Flavors of lemon/lime citrus with great acidity and minerals. Medium-to-full-bodied. Lush and rich wine! Delicious!

Food pairing - seafood, shellfish, poultry and risotto. Wine Spectator, 87 points (you know what's funny about this score - 87 points - WS and Robert Parker and the rest put this in the Very Good category, between 85-89 points.....lots of people think this is a mediocre score.

Red:

Azienda Agricola Valle Reale Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005 (Italy) $19.99 - Excellent, excellent, smooth and lush wine from this family-owned winery!

Aromas and flavors of dark berries, spices, smoke, licorice and more. Silky smooth tannins. Full-bodied, and still it is soft and smooth. Long, long finish.

100% Montelpulciano from this estate's oldest vineyards planted back in 1975. Hand-harvested in latter October. Aged 12 months in used French oak barriques. Aged in bottle for 8-12 months before the winery sells it.

Food pairing – rich and hearty pasta dishes, roasted or grilled meats, lamb, beef, mushrooms, etc. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 88 points

PS - 88-89 points is my favorite wine score from reviewers (and remember, these guys don't drink wines the way you do....they "power taste" through 200-500 wines a day)! Why? Same score as 90 for all real purposes and it doesn't cause a feeding frenzy!

Tier Three

White:

Mastroberardino Greco di Tufo D.O.C.G. 2007 (Italy) $27.99 - Campania's most renowned winery and the winery that put this part of Italy on the modern map in terms of wines such as Aglianico, Fiano, Falanghina, Greco di Tufo, Piedirosso and Coda di Volpe. Pietri di Mastro Berardino is the founder of this esteemed family of winemakers back in the 1750's - he earned the "Mastro" part of the family name!

One of Campania's signature wines and just a great white wine! Aromas and flavors of apricots, peaches, pears and this mean streak of minerality that sets the wines of Campania apart from most others! The flavors also have zippy, zesty, refreshing acidity! The finish is long and rich!

Greco di Tufo is the grape; the grapes are from the Montefusco vineyard. Stainless steel fermentation.

This wine has rich aromas of stone fruits, pears, tropical fruit and it follows through with strong minerals (remember, this is near Pompeii and Vesuvius - so, lots of minerals were blown into the air not long ago in geologic terms!). Excellent acidity that makes this wine refreshing and crisp while it is quite full and rich feeling with each sip!

Food pairing - grilled fish, seafood, chicken salad, lobster, lobster roll, shellfish, etc.

Red:

Librandi Gravello Val di Neto 2003 (Italy) $34.99 - from the toe of the boot (in Calabria) comes one of Italy's truly great wineries and wines! Calabria!

This winery is located right on the Ionian coastline. The location - pinned between the sea and the mountains - is perfect in terms of temperature for these grapes. Since the 1950's, after growing grapes for 4 generations, the Librandis started making wines. All the wines and olive oils are estate-grown and produced. The vineyards are planted with local grapes (Gaglioppo, Magliocco and Manonico) and international varietals. Librandi is also experimenting with ancient local grape varietals.

This is a "Super Calabrian." Remember, "Super Tuscans" are wines made from non-traditional grapes or non-traditional blends.....well.....that is what a "Super Calabrian" is as well! It's 60% Gaglioppo and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for 3 years; one of those years is in Allier oak barriques.

Aromas and flavors of coffee, cassis, cherries.....this is kinda jammy.....but, more "stewed fruit" jammy......velvety, rich wine with a smooth and long finish. The tannins are soft. Great wine!
Food pairing - Pastas with meat sauces, Piave Vecchio, Aged Provolone, veal, beef, lamb, meat stews, roasted or grilled meats! International Wine Review, 90 points

The "Other"

Azienda Agricola Valle Reale Vigne Nuove Cerasuolo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Rose 2006 (Italy) $14.99 - The 4th wine from Ville Real!

An AWESOME Italian Rosé! Unique and delicious rosé that is different from your typical Provencal French rosés! Spicy, peppery and light-to-medium bodied. Not a fruit bomb - this has bright, fresh strawberry aromas and flavors coupled with flowers, earth and minerals. Just a gorgeous wine that is a beautiful salmon pink color and a pleasure to drink!

100% Montepulciano. Aged in stainless steel. Bottled young and meant to be drunk young!

Food pairing - salmon, tuna, grilled chicken or pork, spicy Asian dishes, spicy Tex-Mex dishes. Drinks well sitting with friends! PERFECT, I mean PERFECT, with Thanksgiving Dinner! Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, 89 points

That's September!
Regards,

Eric Fullagar

Freeport Cheese & Wine

27 Bow StreetFreeport, ME 04032

(207) 865-3993