A land whose beauty encompasses everything from rugged mountains and craggy coastlines to white-sand beaches and stunning turquoise seas, Southern Italy is home to a rich wine history, as well as contemporary wines that show great promise. They’re not household names like their Piedmont or Tuscan cousins, but the wines of Italy’s southern wine districts are bold, full-bodied, and satisfying.
Southern Italy has been producing wine for over 4,000 years. The wine business here was already booming in 2000 B.C. when the Phoenicians arrived. The Greeks dubbed southern Italy “The Land of Wine,” and the Romans delighted in the wines of the region. In modern times, however, wine production in southern Italy has languished, and a large portion of wine produced there was sold to France and Germany as a blending wine. All that is changing. And, bonus, Southern Italian wines are very affordable and reasonably prices!
We will sample:
Tenuta Whitaker Mozia Grillo — Tenuta Whitaker is the modern recreation of a vineyard that might have existed some 2,500 years ago on the island of Mozia in Sicily. Notes of citrus, white stone fruit and a whiff of pastry dough form the nose. Savory, with a polished texture, the vibrant palate features Meyer lemon, white peach and yellow apple alongside a briny mineral note. Crisp acidity keeps it energized and balanced. Rating: 92, WIne Enthusiast; 92, James Suckling; 91, Decanter. 13.5% ABV. $28/$9.50
Di Morgante Nero D'Avolo Rosé — Situated in the western reaches of Sicily, where Nero d’Avola reaches optimal ripeness levels, Morgante has crafted this beautiful 100% estate-grown Nero d'Avola wine. Medium intensity rose, cherry pink. On the nose it offers hints of wildflowers, enveloped in mineral and floral notes, then strawberries and gentle aromas of melon. The mouthfeel is supple, aromatic and tasty in the end. Very drinkable. 13% ABV. $18.50/$6
Valle Reale Popoli Montepulciano — Located in the green heart of Abruzzo, Valle Reale’s vineyards are situated inside one of Italy’s most beautiful national parks. This is a wild paradise, with deep gorges carved by glaciers, crystal-clear springs and a diverse array of flora and fauna. Valle Reale is one of the few wine-producing estates in this area of pristine beauty. The topography and climate of this part of Abruzzo is completely different from the rest of the region and unique within central Italy. This Monte is bright ruby-red in color. Offers explosive aromas of blueberries, cherries, licorice, and sweet spices. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with plentiful acidity and a pleasant finish. 12.5% ABV. $26/$8.50
We are excited to revist these!! Join us!!