Weekend Tasting Feb 7th, 8th
Luigi Maffini Kratos Bianco IGT 2018
The Wine:
100% Fiano, Campania
The Producer:
Husband and wife Raffiella and Luigi Maffini operate a sustainable winery using only indigenous grapes from Campania, from their estate on the hills of Cilento overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Impressions:
Soft, rich nose of green Mediterranean fruit and quartz-like stone.
The palate reveals a silky, viscous texture (medium to full-bodied) with notes of saline, limestone, and starfruit.
Pairs with:
Perfect for antipasti, seafood, white meats, grilled pork chops, hard and semi-hard cheeses.
Feels like: Heaven. Close your eyes and sip the wine of the ancients…a wonderful wine which transports you to Cilento, the land of sweet hills covered by olive trees reflected in the blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea,
Price $19.99 Tasting $16.99
Fratelli Alessandria Langhe Favorita DOC 2018
The wine: 100% Favorita, Piedmonte, Italy
The Producers The winery was founded at the beginning of 19th century. Today the owner Gian Battista together with his wife Flavia, his brother Alessandro and his son Vittore proudly carry on their ancestors’ tradition and passion for wine making.
Impressions: The nose is floral, with hints of citrus fruits and white fruit. On the palate it is intensely fresh, savory, mineral and persistent
Pairs with: pasta of course, fresh cheeses, finger foods. Smoked fish and appetizes.
Feels like: just picked… The wine is fresh and delicate, with notes of white pulp fruit and flowers. Excellent in the summertime as an aperitif and with fish-based starters.
Price $17.99 Tasting $15.29
Montenidoli Fiore Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2018
The wine: 100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Italy
The Producers: Elisabetta had the land in her blood, thanks to her family, which had cultivated vines and olive trees in Custozza, not far from Verona, since the 1700s. Following her family traditions, they respect the land, cultivating it with exclusively organic methods.
Pairs with: Olive-based Mediterranean dishes. Well suited for all manner of seafood dishes- perfect with sushi. For vegetable based dishes year round, including artichokes or asparagus.
Impressions: “Stunning and crazy good Vernaccia”. Made from Tuscany’s most important white grape, this wine is ” fantastically good”. There’s a Riesling-like character to the core of ripe green apple and stone fruit and then Sancerre-like minerality, clean aromas of saffron, white peach and juicy Golden Delicious apple. Delicate notes of crushed flint and granite fill in the rear.
Feels like: Going home. (If you happen to be from Italy), and a Belmont favorite year after year, Montenidoli Vernaccia has always been considered the red of white wines, because of its body, the climate from which it springs, and its age-worthiness. Its secondary aromas, which develop with time, are one of its strong points.
Price $21.99 Tasting $18.69
Ambra Carmignano DOCG 2015
The wine: Sangiovese, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon
Tuscany.
The Producers: Wine maker Giuseppe ‘Beppe’ Rigoli is the descendant of winemakers in the region since the 19th century He operates an estate of 20 hectares spread over four of the most important crus of Carmignano: the hills of Montalbiolo, Elzana, Santa Cristina in Pilli and Montefortini.
Impressions:
Amodern-day Super Tuscan with classical styling, wild cherry and savory earthy elements in the nose with a bold, structured body that has hints of olive, rosemary, and a complex blend of wild fruits.
Pairs with: Meat, meat, more meat.
Feels like: Intoxicating, rich and bold. A breath of terroir, Tuscany, style.
Price $16.99 Tasting $14.44
Vallepicciola Chianti Classico DOCG 2016
The wine: 89points- 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot- Tuscany
The producers: The soul and the heart of Vallepicciola reside in the ancient lands of the Chianti Classico, places with a mild microclimate and incomparable charm of Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena.
Impressions:
A bright ruby red in color, Chianti Classico shows well-integrated aromas of tart red cherries, tobacco, sunbaked earth, and a hint of cedar spice. On the palate, firm structure and refreshing acidity make it a very versatile food wine.
Pairs with: rare steaks, roasted game birds (or wild boar), rich chicken or mushroom dishes, pizza or anything with tomato sauce (well, duh)
Feeling ambitious?
Try this for a sensational pairing and valentine’s dinner:
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/braised-lamb-shanks-with-rosemary-3123
Feels like: Passion. (perfect for Valentine’s Day)
Price $18.99 Tasting $16.14