|
The
third release of Enoteca Della Santina is here and the wines
of Italy and Argentina dominate this release. The Italian selections
range from an extremely affordable Chianti to an inexpensive
Chardonnay from Puglia to an incredible '97 Barolo from the Piedmont
region. Even more impressive are the two wines from Argentina.
One is a reserve Malbec with great value while the other is an
elegant international wine with a higher price tag. Lastly, the
Rhone region of France was revisited with a solid mid-priced
Cote du Rhone from the area of Rasteau.
Once again, we believe these wines exemplify a combination of
old world and new world styles of winemaking. However, our goal
has always been to satisfy our club members. So feel free to
e-mail or call us with your feedback. We want to hear from you.
Let us know which wines you liked or maybe disliked. Our contact
information once again is:
E-mail
- ndellasantina@mindspring.com
Phone - (707) 529-0158
Fax - (707) 935-7046
Enoteca
Della Santina will soon be online. We will let you know when
the site is up and running. In addition, we will continue to
offer our current members a 10% discount for each new referral.
Thank you once again for your participation and remember that
wine always brings friends and family together.
Tante
Salute!!
Robert
& Nicole Della Santina and J. Thaddeus Brennan
Mapema,
Primera Zona, Argentina 2000 - $31
Argentina is no longer a budding wine region. It has quickly
entered the international high-end wine market. Mapema is a joint
venture of longtime friends and winemakers Pepe Galante and Mariano
Di Paola. With over forty years of winemaking expertise, these
men are considered two of Argentina's top enologists. They search
out the best possible grape sources in the "primera zona"
or top viticultural area, and make just one incredible wine from
each harvest.
Mapema is a combination of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec
and 20% Merlot. The vineyard elevation is just over three thousand
feet with an average vine age of twenty years. Furthermore, the
grapes are hand harvested and aged twelve months in new French
oak barrels. The total case production of this artisan wine is
only one thousand cases.
The wine has an intense red color with violet tones, aromas of
black cherry, red plum, cocoa and sweet vanilla oak. In the mouth,
it comes right at you with a burst of black cherry and tangy
red fruit and trails into delicate flavors of chocolate, tobacco,
coffee and oak. This wine has that elusive combination of concentration,
complexity and finesse. Moreover, it can be paired with beef,
duck, lamb, veal chops or game birds. Enjoy it!
Santa
Julia, Malbec, "Reserve," Mendoza, Argentina 2000 -
$11
No, you are not seeing things. We found a second wine from Argentina
and this one is truly a steal. Santa Julia is a family affair.
Founded by Don Alberto Zuccardi in 1963, the winery is now managed
by his son Jose Alberto. The Zuccardi family greatly aided in
the development of agriculture in Argentina's arid Mendoza province.
As the second largest exporter of Argentine wine, the Zuccardi's
were grower's long before they were a brand. Moreover, they own,
have planted and manage all the vineyards from which their wines
are sourced.
The wine itself has a beautiful dark color combining a briary
nose with dark berry, earth and chocolate aromas. The mouth shows
similar flavors with a full, chewy feel. However, the wine finishes
with firm but not harsh tannins and a note of pepper. This wine
is a perfect companion with grilled meats and heavy sauces. Salute!
Tormaresca
Bianco, Antiniori, Puglia, 2000 - $10
Chardonnay from southern Italy?? You may not believe it but this
wine will quickly make anyone a believer. The label is the fruition
of Antinori's painstaking work in the development of world class
vineyards in the state of Puglia.
International in style, Tormaresca could easily pass for a California
Chardonnay. The difference being that very few $10 Chardonnays
from California even comes close in quality. This well - made
wine offers big, tropical fruit and lemon butter flavors with
a hint of oak. Drink it while you cook or pair it with grilled
seafood, citrus based sauces or even poultry.
Cote
du Rhone Rasteau, Domaine Beau Mistral, France 1998 - $14
We mentioned in the last newsletter that the Rhone region of
France would be frequented again. We just can't stay away. The
value and quality of this Rasteau rouge is incredible.
Rasteau, in the Rhone region of France is a premier site for
vine growing. One of the most important characteristics of the
appellation is the large round pebbles known as galets roules.
These stones absorb heat during the hot days and release it throughout
the cool late summer nights, giving structure, richness and flavor
to the grapes in this region.
Domaine Beau Mistral was founded in 1987 and is family owned
and operated under the guise of Jean Marc Brun. The winemaking
techniques closely follow traditional methods that have been
passed down through several generations from father to son. All
wines are made and put into the bottle at the domaine.
The '98 Rasteau rouge consists of 25% Syrah, 15% Mouvedre and
60 % Grenache. The nose of this wine has hints of spice and black
pepper. The mouth is loaded with blueberries, raspberries and
light tannins. The versatility of this wine with food is what
creates great excitement for true epicureans. Pairs this with
foods ranging from wild game to roasted meats to hearty pasta
dishes. Salute and enjoy one of our favorites.
Chianti
Classico, Agripeccioli, "La Castellaccia," Tuscany
2000 - $7
We know what you're going to say, "Thad and Rob are trying
to pass off some cheap Chianti!" Well let me be the first
to tell you that you're right. But, this is not any old Chianti.
It does have some pedigree. The winemaker is Luigino Casagrande.
He is the winemaker for the famed Fattoria Barbi, one of the
top Brunello producers in Tuscany.
However, before we get to the description of the wine itself,
a quick understanding of Chianti is in order. Classic Chianti
has to be labeled by the Italian wine governing body with a pink
DOC or DOCG sticker (Denominazione Origine Contrallato e Garantita).
This ensures that the Chianti is grown and produced in a particular
zone. Now, Chianti, Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva
are very different, thus the variation in pricing. Chianti is
generally fermented in stainless steel tanks whereas, Classico
and Classico Riserva are aged from one year to two years respectively
in barrique or oak barrels. All Chianti must be comprised of
85% Sangiovese, while the remaining 15% is left up to the individual
winemaker. And you thought Chianti was all the same, shame on
you.
This 2000 Chianti has ripe, bright fruit balanced fruit combined
with the traditional acid and tartness found in Tuscan reds.
This is your everyday drinking wine, perfect for pairing with
a dish of pasta, roasted meats or chicken.
Barolo,
Stefano Farina, Diano D'Alba, Piedmont 1997 - $26
Have we found some great values or what? But please do not get
spoiled with this wine. It is an anomaly. Thad and I have never
seen great Barolo retail for under $40.
Barolo is one of Italy's most noble, limited production wines
due in part to its geography. The town of Barolo sits below steep,
terraced rocky hillside vineyards where Nebbiolo grapes are grown
at elevations above 2000 ft. The combination of soil, elevation
and stress to the vines has created some of Italy's greatest
wines.
Once
again, the great '97 vintage was very generous to Italy. The
extra sunshine ripened the grapes and great wine making kept
everything in balance. This Farina Barolo is a case in point.
As a lower tier producer, Stefano Farina was able to hit a proverbial
home run. The wine scored 92 points in the Wine Spectator and
was given 93 points from Robert Parker. Unbelievable!
This Barolo is a big wine with lots of tannins and sharp acid
combined with big ripe fruit. Herbal notes and fleshy fruit come
through in the nose while tart cherry flavors, anise and black
pepper dominate the finish of this wine. Allow this Barolo to
open up one to two hours before drinking and pair it with a nice
big piece of red meat. Salute and Buon Apetito!
Re
- Order Form
Wine 4 bottles 6 bottles case
Now
Available:
Tormaresca, Antinori, Puglia 2000 $10
Rasteau, Mistral, France 1998 $14
Chianti, Agripeccioli, 2000 $7
Malbec, Santa Julia, Argentina 2000 $10
Barolo, Stefano Farina, Piedmont 1997 $26
Mapemma, Argentina 2000 $31
Available
from Second Shipment:
Gemola, Vignalta,"Colli Euganei," 1997 $28
Cabernet Sauvignon, Greystone, Australia 1999 $17
Sauvignon Blanc, Brampton, South Africa 2000 $9
Vacqueyras, Cailloux, France 1999 $18
Palazzo Della Torre, Allegrini, 1998 $16
Rioja, Sierra Cantabria, Spain 1999 $9
Available
from First Shipment:
Vina Alarba Grenache 2000 $7
Omaka Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2000 $15
Rully, Red Burgundy, France 1998 $18
Ben Marco Malbec 1999 $20
|
