Italian Wines- You Know You Want Them!

Notes From the Cellar….. With nothing but sunshine ahead and Memorial Day coming there’s nothing that can deflate anyone’s spirits anymore! Our rosé shelf is in full bloom and all the fixings for great summertime entertaining is flowing in. Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample a couple Italian wines new to the collection that are sure to be great additions as summertime go-to wines! We’ve got a full bodied, aromatic white- Falanghina from Southern Italy and from the North a delicious, layered blend that will keep you going back for another sip! On the beer front we have new additions from SixPoint, Dark Horse, Ballast Point, Cisco, Anderson Valley, Coronado Brewing & Jack’s Abby. And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. '13 Aia dei Colombi Falanghina del Sannio, Campania, Italy- From the hills of Sannio, just east of Naples in Southern Italy comes this Falanghina- a local grape that can trace its history back to the Roman times (known as Falernian) when it was held in great renown for its higher alcohol and ability to age; although the style then would have been a more oxidized one that undergoes heat ‘maderisation’. More recently the wines are seeing a revival as more small wineries are drawing on traditional practices while striving for quality. The Colombi winery was founded by 2 brothers, Marcello & Gaetano Pascale, who follow the traditions of their father who was a founding member of the local cooperative. The 8 hectares are located on hilly slopes above the humid valley floor, which is important for allowing the grapes to build acidity. This Falanghina is delicately pressed to release the grape’s juices for fermentation and then aged in stainless steel tanks for 5 months before bottling. It is medium-full bodied while maintaining wonderful freshness and minerality. With charming aromas of white flowers, peaches and golden apple, it adds flavors of lime and peach, fresh acidity and a lingering, dry finish. A fantastic wine for hot days and warm nights, it pairs with seafood, cheeses and vegetable courses. $15.99 Ottella Gemei Rosso Alto Mincio, Veneto, Italy- This exciting new wine from the Verona region of Veneto in Italy’s Northeast has a deep crimson red color and luscious fruit character reminiscent of one of Verona’s star red wines- Valpolicella but with a little added structure. This is a blend of 40% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon & 40% Corvina, Molinara & Rondinella. Located at the southern end of Lake Garda, the vineyard is owned and run by the Montresor family, winegrowers for many generations. The grapes are all hand harvested and come from their estate- with vineyard soils composed of cancerous sediment and red clay. The wine aged for 5 months in large oak barrels with a portion spending time in used barriques, allowing the fruit character to shine through. Deeply colored, it is remarkably soft in the mouth with aromas of dark cherry and black fruits that jump out of the glass. The rich, bright cherry fruit and dark berries are framed by above average acidity and medium tannins and a touch of brambly spice. The Gemei is a wonderfully layered wine that is versatile with food or immensely enjoyable alone! Pair with antipasti, roasted vegetables, pasta dishes with meat and a variety of meats. $16.99

Cheers!