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March 15, 2020 – April 14, 2020

Hope for Italy

We were already planning a mostly Italian offering, but here is small sample of Southern Italian wines that is a gesture of hope for what our Italian partners are experiencing.

La Botte dell’Abate
Domaine Jouard Santenay Vieilles Vignes 2018 Montepulciano d’Abruzzi (La Botte dell’Abate)
Sale Price $11.99 – $122.30 case of twelve
This has long been a favorite Montepulciano. La Botte dell’Abate hearkens back to a time when earthy, spicy, and tannic reds were the norm in Abruzzi. The 2018 is the best vintage in memory for this classic. Great for spicy foods.

Del Vulture
2017 Aglianico del Vulture ‘Gricos’ (Grifalco)
Sale Price $12.99 – $132.50 case of twelve
Régis Minet Pouilly-Fumé Vieilles Vignes The 2017 Gricos from Grifalco is a seriously underpriced red. Produced from Aglianico grown on the slopes of the seven-peaked Mont Vulture, this deep red is packed with ripe cherry fruit, dark cocoa, and fine-grained, dry tannins.

Nero of Sicily
2016 Nero d’Avola (Feudo Montoni)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
Régis Minet Pouilly-Fumé Vieilles Vignes Sicilian winemakers are on a fantastic roll. The grapes native to the island are producing some of the most exciting wines in Italy today. At Feudo Montoni, the usually dark and heavy Nero d’Avola is transformed into a graceful and balanced red with fine tannic grip and fresh, lively plum and berry fruit.

Etna Rosso
2018 Etna Rosso (Tenuta delle Terre Nere)
Sale Price $19.99 – $203.90 case of twelve
Domaine Jouard Santenay Vieilles Vignes The Nerello Mascalese grown at elevation on the slopes of Mount Etna is deservedly earning comparisons to the fine Pinot Noirs of Burgundy. While not deeply colored, the 2018 Terre Nere is superbly aromatic with lean structure and a long, minerally finish. The wine world has taken notice and Etna wines are only going up in price.

Etna Bianco
2018 Etna Bianco (Pietradolce)
Sale Price $24.99 -- $254.90 case of twelve
Régis Minet Pouilly-Fumé Vieilles Vignes It is not a stretch to compare white wines made from the Carricante grape to northern Burgundy’s Chablis. The 2018 Pietradolce Bianco is a sponge for the volcanic minerals of Etna along with a fine apricot fruit quality. Great with swordfish.

Grillo
Régis Minet Pouilly-Fumé Vieilles Vignes 2018 Grillo ‘Vignaverde’ (De Bartoli)
Sale Price $21.99 -- $224.30 case of twelve
The greatest resurrection of Sicilian grapes and wine was the life work of Marco De Bartoli. He made Marsala, the product of the Grillo grape variety, respectable again. And his children continue his work by also producing fine dry wines. The Grillo Vignaverde captures the Mediterranean light and freshness of their corner of Sicily. Green olive aromas plus hints of herbs and pears make this a delight with any simple fresh seafood.

Listed prices are honored through April 14th, 2020. We will not honor mistyped prices. Vol. 44, No. 4

Wines of the Month — March 15, 2020 through April 14, 2020

2018 Pays d’Hérault Rouge (Les Hérétiques)
Sale Price $8.99 – $97.09 case of twelve
Les Hérétiques practically invented the category of varietal Carignan fermented in a fruit-forward style. It remains an incredible value in Languedoc red.

2018 Rueda (Naia)
Sale Price $8.99 – $97.09 case of twelve
The Verdejo grape delivers a lot of character for the price. Naia is a full-flavored, bracing, dry white with zesty citrus fruit and a clean, crisp finish.

2016 Bordeaux Rouge (Château du Pin)
Sale Price $8.99 – $97.09 case of twelve
Bordeaux is on a roll of great vintages. The 2016 du Pin is a hearty dry red with fine structure and an earthy finish.

-Castelluccio Sangiovese Superiore Le More 2018 Côtes de Gascogne Sauvignon Blanc (Biscaye Baie)
Sale Price $9.99 – $107.89 case of twelve
This Sauvignon Blanc from Gascony is a rich, fresh, and aromatic delight. Exotic gooseberry and melon fruit lead to a lively, dry finish.

Newsletter

Wines of the Month — March 15, 2020 through April 14, 2020