Buon Giorno!

This past Thursday, Jeff chose Italian wines, a great choice for our somewhat cooler weather:

2008 FONTEVECCHIA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI ~
Just saying it may wear you out, but this classy little white fills the bill for showing up and showing off. The Fontevecchia (ancient spring) vineyard production is only about 7,000 cases per year. The Vineyards are located in the Marche region of the Country, on the crest of a hill within the prestigious Castelli di Jesi Zone. Located approximately 7 miles from the Adriatic Sea, with the grapes taking full advantage of the cooling seaward winds at about a thousand feet above sea level. Made with 100% Verdicchio grapes the nose begins with pineapple and mango that ease on to the palate with waves of tropical fruit, kiwi and hint of creamy white peach that leaves a finish that satisfies. A really good balance of acid and minerals show that the structure has a backbone that could stand up to some light to medium dishes, or just kick the slippers off and relax. (MY NOTE: This was an excellent white wine for me, dry at the outset with a teasing, sweet finish that just laid on my tongue for an instant.)

2008 ENZU DI SETTERUE NERO D'AVOLA SICILIA~ Another mouthful in more ways than one. Nero d'Avola actually means "black of Avola," which is a small town in southeastern Sicily. Some of these wines are made as big, full-bodied wines that have some aging potential, while others are made in a more youthful style designed for near-term consumption. This example of the Nero D'Avola grape follows that latter pattern, as it's a medium-bodied, deeply colored red wine that offers aromas of sweet dark fruits and hints of spice. The palate and finish picks up a bit of vanilla, from the Slovenian oak in which its aged and rounds out a little of the rough edges. The finish lingers and actually hints more of 'new world' as opposed to 'old world.' in this bottle's particular case. A really good food wine that stands up to some bigger and fuller dishes. (MY NOTE: Very nice red wine, worth the money.)

2008 ENZO DI SETTE RUE PRIMITIVO SALENTO~ What's up with the mouthful of names this week, eh? Here is a wonderful little red wine that is drinking close to exceptional right now. The Primitvo grape has long been believed to be the grandfather of the Zinfandel grape, and exudes such a style and flavor. Dark purple in the glass, the nose begins the promise of pleasure in a liquid form, and then delivers. Wild blackberry and mineralistic spice waft lovingly into your olfactory while your palate begins to enjoy levels of ripe raspberry, smoky oak, cocoa with just a slight twist of licorice. Medium to full bodied, the finish is stout and firm with a near perfect balance of strength, but subtle softness that makes you understand you may have found a classic wine. (MY NOTE: Another very nice red wine.)

THE SURPRISE: A Ripasso Valpolicella. THIS was an outstanding wine that was a mouthful of sheer pleasure. The price is over $20 but, as the knowledgable wine hostess pointed out, if this wasn't a "ripasso" but an amarone, it would be twice the price, so it's good value for the money.

Viva Italia! I went home and made spaghetti for dinner. Seemed fitting somehow.