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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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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Wines of the Month – 2012 Damilano Langhe Arneis and 2011 Tommasi Rompicollo, Italy

July 1, 2014 · by ·

Label on Damilano Langhe Arneis bottle

2011 Damilano Langhe Arneis, Piedmont, Italy       $21

This wine is 100% Arneis, a grape often referred to as “white Barolo” because it is grown close to some of the most famous areas of Barolo and has a similar richness. It is fresh with bright acidity, vibrant peach and passion fruit flavors and an a delightful hint of almond on the finish.  There is a nutty edge, structured with a hint of tannin. On the nose there is a bit of cut grass. This is an un-oaked wine suitable for appetizers, fish courses and white meats. Alcohol: 13%

 

Tommasi Rompicollo featuredat Bishop's Stock2011 Tommasi Rompicollo, Maremmma, Tuscany, Italy    $15

The 2011 Rompicollo is a 60-40 blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its name, roughly translated as “neck-breaking” in English, was inspired by the backbreaking labor required to farm in the Tufo-rich soils of the area. Sweet cherry and blackberry aromas are followed by a mild mouthfeel. There is initial plushness here but the wine’s texture is compact and streamlined overall. This is a great blend for something as simple as gorgonzola  with hearty bread or a tradtional as a lamb shank. It is considered a smart buy receiving a 92 from Wine Spectator. Alcohol: 13%

 

 

 

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