I'm not at 100% yet, but I was well enough to pop into Parker Wine Cellars for the Thursday night tasting. Of course, since I'm now back on my feet I was multi-tasking madly: left work early to take Jennie to the doctor (same virus I just got over, poor kid), remembered it was Cowboys Game Day so after the doctor's visit I dropped Jennie at home, changed into my Tony Romo jersey so I could hit Albertson's for the 10% off, and dashed off to Parker Wine Cellars. I'd been looking forward to this all week, A Taste of Italy, and the wines, as always, didn't disappoint. Here are Jeff's descriptions:
Fantinel Prosecco NV~~ Prosecco is unusual in the world as it is almost always used to produce the sparking wine of the same name from Italy's Veneto region. The wines tend to feature a light orchard fruit tone, recalling white peaches and pears, with bright acidity and light body. This is Prosecco at its best: lighter than Champagne, uncomplicated, and the perfect starter to any party or meal! (MY NOTE: I found it a little sweet for my taste, but I can see where it would be a nice starter, fresh and bubbly, to whet the appetite for dinner.)
'08 Carpeneto 'Dogajolo'~~A young “Super-Tuscan”, whose characteristics are never found together in the same wine. Dogajolo combines the power and deep colors of a young wine, the elegance and balance given by wood aging, as well as a fruity and fragrant bouquet. A blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this beautiful red has a nose that is very fruity and intense, with hints of cherry, coffee, vanilla and spice, and a finish that lingers for longer than expected. (MY NOTE: I LOVE Super Tuscan wines. They have a wonderful, unpretentious hearty flavor and are perfect to serve with big Italian meals with lots of family.)
'06 San Felice Rosso di Montalcino~~Using 100% Brunello cloned Sangiovese, this wine can stand out in any crowd. Ruby red in appearance, with aromas of dark cherry and blackberry over oodles (yeah it's really a word) of pungent cedarwood and sweet pipe tobacco that is well structured, smooth and full-fruited and coats the palate with pure joy. The finish of all the combined dark red fruit lingers, and even seems to flex some muscle before the next sip. Big, spicy Italian food begs to be seen with this sexy Italian star on the table. (MY NOTE: I enjoyed this one too -- and I'm going to HAVE to find out what "oodles" refers to.)
This tasting was perfect for September 2, a promise that autumn is on its way, with cooler temperatures, a desire for larger and more elaborate meals, and the holidays around the corner. I can see myself making lasagne or a rib roast and serving one of those wines as an accompaniment, and . . . actually . . . having . . . the . . . WINDOWS . . . OPEN!!! Sorry, I'm tired of canned air conditioning inside and blasting hot air outside. Gimme a blue norther, NOW!
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