March Featured Wines – 2023 La Giustiniana Gavi di Gavi & 2022 Masserie Dugento Negroamaro, Italy

March 7, 2025 · by ·

Our sales rep for one of our distributors told me about a new Italian producer they have added to their inventory. Michelle always has her eye out for wine club options that fit our price profile. It is getting harder and harder but she keeps finding new wines. These are Italian wines from Puglia, the southern region that forms the boot and Piedmont in the north western corner at the top of the boot.

The new winemaker is Masserie Dugento who produces the red. I had some luck finding information about the winemaker but no specific tasting notes on their wines. The leadership team is Giordano Emo Capodilista, Francesco Marra and Andrea Boaretti, a Venetian oenologist who shares a similar passion for the Salento region of Puglia. Thier names certainly convince you they mean serious business. They make two reds, a Negroamara and a Primitivo. Our selection is Masserie Dugento Salento Rosso Negroamara. Negroamara grapes grow well in the region which is mostly the only region where they are grown. Negroamara wine is bold and full-bodied with flavors of dark fruit, herbs, and spices. We shall see if this is correct once we get a taste!

The white is La Giusitiani Gavi di Gavi from the Piedmont region. The winemaker is one of the oldest in the region. Gavi di Gavi wines are made from Cortese grapes and are named for the town which is in the center of the region. These grapes are only grown in a restricted area surrounding Cortese. You will find this a versatile,dry white wine.

2023 La Giustiniana Gavi di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy $18

This wine is made from Cortese grapes. It has aromas of green apple and lime peel. It has pronounced acidity and notes of toasted almonds This dry white is a versatile accompaniment for many meals. It shines with fish and light pastas, or sipped as an aperitif. Alcohol: 13%

2022 Masserie Dugento Negroamaro, Pulgia, Italy $14

There are no tasitng notes on this specific wine. Negroamara wines are bold with tastes of dark fruits and dried thyme, allspice, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried herbs. Consider letting the wine breathe before pairing with foods like barbecue chicken and pulled pork. Alcohol: 13.5%

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August Featured Wines – Zeni Soave Doc Classico Vigne Alte & Bricco al Sole Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Italy

August 17, 2024 · by ·

When selecting wines to featured for our wine club, I look back to see where the wine club has “traveled” and what wines have sold after being introduced. Italian and French wines seem to be more frequently purchased. Most recently Castellani Chianti and Vermintino have been good sellers. This made me think about wines that are characteristic of the 20 regions in Italy. I have chosen a Soave from Veneto in north-east Italy bordering the Adriactic Sea and a Montepulciano D’Abruzzo from Abruzzo in east-central Italy.

2023 Zeni Soave Doc Classico Vigne Alte, Italy $15

This Soave reveals beautiful notes of elderberry , chamomile , green apple ,pear , small plums , chalk , lemon and white peach . The palate is elegant, fresh and delicious at the same time with a finish of beautiful bitterness. Enjoy with fish, risottos and caesar salad. Alcohol: 12.3%

2022 Bricco al Sole Montepulciano D’Abruzzo ,Italy $12

This Montepulciano’Abruzzo has an Intense aroma of dry fruits and flowers. Dry and savory with soft tannins & notes of dark cherry and red berry fruit. Pair with roasted and braised red meats, with poultry and savory dishes. Certified Organic. Alcohol: 13%

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May Featured Wines – Castellani Vermentino & Castellani Chianti Classico Reserva, Italy

May 7, 2024 · by ·

We are back to Italian wines in May. The Castellani Family has a history of winemaking for over 150 years. They continue to perfect the varietals that flourish in Tuscany. The Castellani Vermentino vineyards are close to the Mediterrean Coast where the grape is perfectly acclimated to the sea breezes and sunlight. 2022 Castellani Vermentino is our selection. There are few white grapes that do well in this part of Tuscany. The red is 2017 Castellani Chianti Classico Reserva from the Chianti region of inland Tuscany. To be considered a Chianti, wines produced in this region have to meet certain conditions which are mandated by law. All Chiantis must have at least 70% Sangiovese. To be a Chianti Classico the wine must have 80% Sangiovese. Reserva means it has been aged for 24 months.

2022 Castellani Vermentino, Tuscany, Italy $16

In color this wine is straw yellow with light golden hues. The bouquet is complex with floral notes, white flowers, with stone and Mediterranean spices, sage, rosemary and mint. It is a full bodied and well-balanced wine. An easy white to pair with seafood and poultry. Alcohol: 12.5%

2017 Castellani Chianti Classico Reserva, Italy $16

This is a clear, medium ruby wine. There are notes of tart red cherry, raspberry, and red currant along with savory dried thyme, and earth. There are also notes of baking spices, and perhaps some cedar.This is a good wine with medium complexity of aromas and flavors.Of course, perfect of Italian food. Alcohol: 13%

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September Featured Wines – Cantine San Marzano, Edda Lei Salento Bianco & Terrilogio, Primitivo, Puglia, Italy

September 1, 2022 · by ·

We are moving into fall but September is still a month for entertaining and grilled meals. Our selected wines come from Puglia, also known as Apulia, a region called “the boot” of Southern Italy. This region produces 40% of Italy’s olive oil but some of the best values in Italian wine come from this sunny, dry region. Most Puglia wine is red, full-bodied and pairs well with a wide variety of foods but there are several indigenous white grapes grown in the region. Both wines meet the IGT (“Indicazione Geografica Tipica standard”) for production consistency for their appellation.

The white wine is Cantine San Marzano, Edda Lei Salento IGT Bianco (2020.) This wine is mainly Chardonnay with white native grapes, Moscatel, and Fiano. It comes from Salento. The red selection is Terrilogio, Primitivo, Puglia IGT (2021.) Primitivo is the same grape as California Zinfandel.

Cantine San Marzano, Edda Lei Salento Bianco, Puglia, Italy (2020) $18

This wine is mainly made from Chardonnay grapes with some Moscatel and Fiano added. It is an intense yellow straw color. There is a scent of peach, citrus and vanilla on the nose. In the mouth it is soft, warm, elegant, with a savory and toasted finish. The wine is suitable for accompanying fish starters and first courses, as well as fresh soft cheeses. Alcohol: 13.5.%

Terrilogio, Primitivo, Puglia, Italy (2021) $11

This Primitivo is deep ruby red. It is full-bodied with warm tannins. Bold flavors hint of tar, licorice and red berries. There is a delicious fruity finish typical of Zinfandels. The body and warmth compliment hot and spicy food. This wine may be enjoyed young but further aging in the bottle will enhance the wine’s richness. Alcohol: 13%

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Featured Wines for February

February 1, 2020 · by ·

2018 Santa Barbara, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche, Italy$14

Santa Barbara, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi perfectly captures the essence of the green, rolling hills of Italy’s Le Marche region, along the Adriatic coast directly east of Tuscany. The Verdicchio varietal itself has a little greenness, in both color and flavor as does this by Santa Barbara. It is aromatic, fleshy, dry, and savory. With aromas of apple and fresh flowers. it has chameleon-like qualities. Enjoy it year-round, day and night, without thinking too hard about food pairings.  Alcohol: 13%

2017 Azienda Agricola Evio Tintero, Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, ltaly $14   

Azienda Agricola Evio Tintero, Langhe Nebbiolo is from Piedmont which sits on the borders of France and Spain at the foot of the Alps. In this vintage Langhe offers an impeccable balance of freshness, tannin, and mineral grit. This wine possesses the aromatics of the Nebbiolo grape used for of an aged Barolo but from young Nebbiolo fruit this wine is surprisingly dense with a savory, juicy mouthfeel and long finish. A great steak wine! Alcohol: 14%

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September Featured Wines – Cantina Del Taburno, 2017 Greco & 2015 Fidelis, Campania, Italy

September 1, 2019 · by ·

2017 Cantina del Taburno, Greco $16

This is a very concentrated wine. The aroma is complex, with dry apricot, citrus peel and honey notes. It is elegant with fruity, dry apricot, citrus peel and honey tones.This is full, fruity, warm, fresh and quite supple. This is a great pairing for risotto, pastas with cream sauces, chicken and salmon. Alcohol: 13%

2015 Cantina del Taburno, Sannio Aglianico Fidelis $15

Fidelis is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot. It is a savory deep red with ruby reflections. It has an intense aroma with red fruit, tobacco and black pepper notes. In the mouth it is supple with well blended tannins that finishes with spicy notes. This pairs well with traditional Italian dishes with red sauce. Alcohol: 13.5%

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January Featured Wines – 2017 Livon, Collio Pinot Grigio Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy & 2017 Piazzo, Piemonte Barbera Piedmont, Italy

January 1, 2019 · by ·

Livon, Collio Pinot Grigio 2017 ($16) from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy is straw yellow colored with slight ash grey reflections. It has a fragrant bouquet, recalling vanilla and lime flowers. On the palate it is strong with a long finish. This well-balanced wine is an enjoyable Pinot Grigio perfect for all seafood and rich creamy preparations. Alcohol: 12%

Piazzo, Piemonte Barbera 2017 ($12) from Piedmont, Italy is an intense, ruby red with garnet reflections. The nose blends with a combination of roses, jam, blackberries, and a touch of oak. On the palate it is well-rounded with red and dark fruits and a jammy cinnamon note and firm tannins. Serve with savory, hearty dishes. Alcohol: 14%

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August Featured Wines – 2017 Donnafugata Lighea & 2017 Donnafugata Nero d’Avola, Sicily

August 1, 2018 · by ·

2017 Donnafugata Lighea, Sicily    $18

 

Zibibbo is a varietal also called Muscat of Alexandria which is originally from North Africa and was spread around the Mediterranean basin. With intense cultivation in the territories conquered by the Arabs it became as a table grape.This wine has a brilliant straw yellow color with greenish reflections. The nose offers a rich and fragrant bouquet with classic notes of orange blossom combined with citrus scents and nuances of Mediterranean pine. The nose is perfectly reflected on the palate, enlivened by a fresh mineral vein. Donnafugata suggests serving this with all types of oily fish, baked pasta in white sauce, fried fish. This is also a great summer aperitif. Alcohol: 12.5%

 

2017 Donnafugata Sherazade, Nero d’Avola, Sicily,   $19

This classic Sicilian wine  has a brilliant ruby red color with violet reflections. The nose offers a pleasantly fruity bouquet with fragrant notes of red plum and cherry, combined with light spicy scents. The palate is fleshy and perfectly reflects the bouquet revealing an extraordinary freshness. The well-integrated tannin, completes this fragrant and pleasant wine. The producer suggests serving it with fish soup, pizza or classic tomato spaghetti. This is a red you don’t expect, which is ideal as an aperitif. Alcohol: 13 %

 

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January Featured Wines – 2017 Livon, Collio Pinot Grigio Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy & 2017 Piazzo, Piemonte Barbera Piedmont, Italy

January 1, 2018 · by ·

Livon, Collio Pinot Grigio 2017 from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy is straw yellow colored with slight ash grey reflections. It has a fragrant bouquet, recalling vanilla and lime flowers. On the palate it is strong with a long finish. This well-balanced wine is an enjoyable Pinot Grigio perfect for all seafood and rich creamy preparations. Alcohol: 12%

Piazzo, Piemonte Barbera 2017 from Piedmont, Italy is an intense, ruby red with garnet reflections. The nose blends with a combination of roses, jam, blackberries, and a touch of oak. On the palate it is well-rounded with red and dark fruits and a jammy cinnamon note and firm tannins. Serve with savory, hearty dishes. Alcohol: 14%

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December Featured Wines – 2016 Sartarelli Verdicchio Classico dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche, Italy & 2016 Valle Reale Montepulciano D’Abbruzzo, Abbruzzo, Italy

December 1, 2017 · by ·

2016 Sartarelli Verdicchio Classico dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche, Italy $15

This Verdicchio is light sunshine in a glass. It is a succulent wine with beautifully balance minerality and notes of citrus and mint. As typical with Verdicchio grapes there is a satisfying bitter almond finish. This wine is a perfect pairing for antipasti and creamy seafood pasta. Alcohol: 13%

 

2016 Valle Reale Montepulciano D’Abbruzzo, Abbruzzo, Italy  $14

This Montepulciano wine is bright ruby-red in color. This youthful red offers explosive aromas of blueberries, cherries, licorice, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with plentiful acidity and a pleasant finish. This wine can be served before a meal, but it pairs well with meatballs, tomato sauces, eggplant parmigiana, and mushroom risotto. Alcohol: 13%

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