Tasting Notes from the Past!

Parle Italiano

Italy produces some of the best wine in the world. There are a plethora of wines and just as many varietals and styles ranging from crisp Vermentino to brooding Brunello. Vines are grown in virtually every part of the country, from the coast to the mountains, as the land is well suited for this crop and the fact that wine plays a huge part in the Italian lifestyle.

2008 Castel de Paolis Frascati, Latium, Italy

Castel de Paolis is an old castle that dates back to the Roman times a few miles away from Rome in the appellation of Grottaferrata. The estate was purchased by the Santarelli family in 1985. After acquiring the land and speaking to renowned viticulturalists, Signore Santarelli embarked on conducting two experiments with his vineyards. The first experiment was an attempt to rejuvenate the vineyards’ old vines comprised entirely of indigenous varietals. And the second was to test the ability of international varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc to grow in the area. From 1985-1992 many vines were planted and to everyone’s delight most of the vines thrived due to the rich volcanic soil in the area. Ever since, they’ve been experimenting with different blends to produce outstanding and unique wines.

This wine is proof that with patience and determination a great wine can be born. This wine is a field blend of indigenous varietals; Malvasia di Candia, Grechetto, Malvasia del Lazio, Trebbiano Toscano, Bonvino, Pecorino, Cacchione and Passerina.

This is a lovely lively wine with crisp notes of pineapple core, apples, pears and an underlying minerality adds to the wine’s structure. A classic pairing would be Carciofi alla Romana; artichokes stuffed with breadcrumbs, parsley, anchovies, salt and pepper, a famous Roman dish.

2007 Travignoli Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, Italy

Chianti is known throughout the United States as the Italian “go-to” red. Although I want to protest that statement as there are plenty of amazing Italian wines out there, sometimes all I want is a lovely Chianti. One of the reasons I love the Villa Travignoli Chianti Rufina is because it is so accessible. This Chianti was vinified in stainless steel from primarily Sangiovese, with a little Canaiolo and Colorino blended in for added complexity. Stainless steel is important in this case to preserve the acidity and distinct fruit flavors of the wine. The estate is located in Rufina; one of the best locations to grow Sangiovese in the Chianti region of Tuscany.

Tuscany is known for its simple cuisine where the food and wine dance perfectly in harmony with each other. Sangiovese goes splendidly with tomato based dishes such as lasagna and also with roasted meats and sausages.