Italian Wines, Don’t Forget About It!

Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Friuli Aquileia DOC Pinot Grigio and FeudoPrincipi di Butera, Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT

 

 

Reason number 202 why moving to the NE Georgia mountains was a good move; the ability to easily travel by car to other states. This past weekend my husband and our cat Daisy made the trek to Nashville. I was amazed we were able to get there on just one tank of gas. Granted the trip took 4.5 hours since there’s no interstate cutting across Georgia but when we lived in Florida, it would have taken us 4 hours just to get out of the state. Oh the possibilities, spring in DC, summer in Boone, fall in Williamsburg, Christmas in Ashville. Now if I could just drive to Europe, well until that’s doable, I’ll just have to drink some Italian wines here on my own soil. Two recent samples Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Friuli Aquileia DOC Pinot Grigio and Feudo Principi di Butera, Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT can take me away even while sitting on my couch.

Tenuta Ca’ Bolani Friuli Aquileia DOC Pinot Grigio 2010

Floral and tropical aromatics, flavors of under ripe white peaches and chalky minerals. Finish is full of tart citrus.

Region – Cervignano del Friuli, Udine, Italy

Varietal – 100% Pinot Grigio

Alcohol – 12.5%

SRP $14

Located in Italy’s north-eastern region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Named as a DOC in 1975 the region encompasses 17 communes (townships) in the province of Udine. Known for its ideal growing conditions, Aquileia was founded in 181 BC and is still intact today. The terroir provides the wines with a clay and mineral flavor. Close proximity to the Adriatic Sea provides for a maritime climate, allowing for sunny days and cool nights to wash over the grapes, resulting in fresh and fruity wines.

Feudo Principi di Butera, Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT 2008

Nose is full of spice, cassis and vanilla. Flavors are dry and fruity. Good structure and balance between cherry and spice. Medium bodied with a long and dry finish. I often find Old World Wines a bit too dry for me but this was just the right balance.

Region – District of Buterain the Province of Caltranissetta in the Riesi DOC Sicily (now that’s a mouthful)

Varietal – Nero d'Avola

Alcohol – 13%

SRP - $15

Feudo Principi di Butera estate tends to 334 acres of vineyards located in Sicily. The hills, sunny days, altitude and nearness to the sea are ideal conditions for growing premium grapes. The estate which once belonged to the Branciforte and Lanza di Scalea dynasties, took the name from the first Sicilian Prince Ambrogio Branciforte. Branciforte was named Prince of Butera by King Philip II of Spain, in 1543.

I was just thinking about travel and where are those flying cars we’re all suppose to have now? I also want one of those conveyors you get on and it takes you through the shower, does your hair, makeup and dresses you. Ah, now that would be living!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/winechicksguide

Twitter:http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide

The Italian connection, Poggio San Pietro

I often find the Italian wines in my price range, aka cheap Italian wines, to be extremely dry for my palate. You know when the dryness hits you and makes you click your tongue on the roof of your mouth kind of dry. Well last night I cracked up a bottle of 2008 Aziende Piazzini Poggio San Pietro Toscana to see if my tongue would react the same as with most of these styles of Italian reds.

Typical of the Sangiovese style, it was on the dry side but it was also light on the tongue and I have to wonder if it would mellow out a little after a few years of bottle aging. Colors were a garnet red in the glass, red cherries, berries and oak caress the nose. Tannins are bold and hit you right off and an unbalanced finish lingers long after you’ve put the glass down.

Wine: 2008 Aziende Piazzini Poggio San Pietro Toscana IGT
Type: Red
Producer: Aziende Piazzini
Varietal: Sangiovese
Designation: Poggio San Pietro
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany
Appellation: Toscana IGT

I was unable to find a website or any additional info on Poggio San Pietro so you’ll just have to experience this for yourself. Priced at around $6.99 it's worth the experiment. It’s a decent everyday table red but I think I will have to try a higher end Italian wine very soon.

2010© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

Follow me on:
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide