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White Wine |
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| Librandi, Critone 2001 $10 Aromatic and light-footed white wines from Calabria are a rare find. The proverbial exception to the rule, this Chardonnay-based, stainless steel-fermented wine keeps an attractive balance of tropical and Mediterranean fruit flavors, all kept in check by refreshing acidity. (Winebow) |
Prà, Soave Classico Superiore 2001 $12 There is good concentration in this squeaky clean Garganega wine, which is lightly floral on the palate. It is enhanced by pleasant herbaceous flavors and welcomed ripples of fresh acidity. Drink it young, with seafood and light pasta courses. (Vinifera) |
Elio Grasso, Langhe Chardonnay "Educato" 2001 $17 Better than anybody else in Piedmont, Elio and Gianluca Grasso have really "educated" (hence the name) the Chardonnay grape in how it should adjust to the rigors of the Langhe. The result is a classy wine with a Burgundian disposition-it's just a bit sunnier. (Martin Scott) |
| Tiefenbrunner, Feldmarschall 2000 $12 One of Alto Adige's greatest wines, this wine is made with virtually 100% Müller-Thurgau grapes grown at 3,300 feet. Feldmarschall is wine of potent structure as well as impressive aromatic complexity. (Winebow) |
Sella & Mosca, "Le Arenarie" 2001 $13 Named after the "sandstones" that make up the vineyard's soil, this is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine of clean mineral flavors and an intriguingly smoky mid-palate, good acidity and medium length. (Palm Bay) |
Domenico Almondo, Arneis "Bricco delle Ciliegie" 2000 $20 Nothing but Arneis: Fresh and silky, with subtle floral aromas, medium body, good acidity and remarkable length, this still is the standard bearing white wine of the Roero district of Piedmont. (Vin Divino) |
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Red Wine |
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| Mauro Mascarello, Dolcetto d'Alba Santo Stefano Perno 2000 $17 Complexity and structure abound in this classy Dolcetto styled after a "retro" fashion. The wine is much more about perfume and elegance than concentration and weight. Expect fragrant berry fruit flavors enriched by herbal notes and a touch of spice. (Douglas Polaner Selections) |
La Tosa, Gutturnio "Vignamorello" 2000 $32 This Gutturnio boasts a saturated reddish-purple color and aromas of red fruit, coffee beans, dark chocolate, and vanilla, all well integrated in a powerful but refined mouth feel of velvet crowned by a clean, spicy finish. (Panebianco) |
Felsina, Fontalloro 1999 $75 A Supertuscan with soul, this wine is constructed from 100% premium quality Sangiovese fruit endowed with a delicate floral nose (roses, cherry and violets) and a heavyweight champion palate of sumptuously ripe red fruit, soft spice and velvety tannins. (Vinifera) |
| G.D. Vajra, Nebbiolo 2001 $17 The cleanest nose of roses and strawberries immediately attracts the palate and provides a prelude to ripe, yet delicate fruit flavors, elegantly balanced by just the right amount of tannin and acidity. (Martin Scott) |
Braida, Bricco dell'Uccellone 1999 $60 The "original" Barbera (albeit more modern in conception nowadays), this is a massive and extremely complex wine of engaging density. It's solidly structured with big, round tannins and a very long, polished finish. (Vinifera) |
Roberto Voerzio, Barolo Cerequio 1997 $131 Should you need an explanation for why Barolo is called the king of Italian wine, please try this outstanding example. It's a wine of immense concentration and captivating elegance. It's a true ambassador of the best Piedmont has to offer (and will offer for many years to come). (Winebow) |
| San Patrignano, Sangiovese di Romagna "Zarricante" 1999 $23 Perfumes of violets and spice are in this less-polished but vigorous sub-variety of Sangiovese that is grown on the northern side of the Apennines. A red that is a match for roasted meats and aged Parmigiano cheese. (Winebow) |