southern italian varietals Flashcards
Masseria Li Veli Pezzo Morgana & Negroamaro
Pezzo Morgana is the name of a particular vineyard of alberello (bush vine) enclosed into a perimeter of century-old huge olive trees. From the accurate selection of its Negroamaro grapes we produce this “cru” wine.
TASTING NOTES
Deep ruby red in color with violet hues and a full and persistent fragrance; notes of prune and cherry jam, sensations of caramel and pepper that reinforce a very interesting nose indicating a strong body; on the palate it is wide and warm, with flavors of pulpy fruit; it has a very long finish with scents of raisins and almonds.
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Negroamaro is valued for its deep color, medium-full tannins and dark berryfruit flavors. The variety can also add earthen tones that can cross over into slightly medicinal flavors. It is mildly aromatic and can produce complex wines that show characteristics of ground brown spices such as clove, cinnamon and allspice.”
Terredora Aglianico Campania 2012
Aglianico
Winemaker’s Notes
Ruby red with violet reflections in the glass. The bouquet shows beautiful black cherry, wild blackberry and plum fruit with a spicy, toasted overtone. On the palate, soft and elegant; long in the mouth with notes of mature red fruits and displays the structure necessary for long aging.
This is an ideal pairing for soups, even those which are meat based, cold cuts, white and red meats, roasts and mature cheeses.
Wines produced from Aglianico tend to be full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity, endowing them with good aging potential. The rich flavors of the wine make it appropriate for pairing with rich meats such as lamb. In Campania, the grape is sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the production of some Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) wines.[9]
In its youth, Aglianico is very tannic and concentrated, requiring a few years of ageing before it can be approachable. As it ages, the fruit becomes more pronounced and the tannins more balanced with the rest of the wine. The trademark coloring of the wine is a deep garnet.[1] In well made examples of the wine, it can have chocolate and plum aromas.[5]
Planeta Frappato (sicilian)
South Central Sicily
COLOUR Ruby red with violet hues.
NOSE Frappato D.O.C. Vittoria is characteristically floral with notes of rose, citrus and red fruit. Spicy hints.
PALATE soft and full bodied with balsamic undertones.
Extraordinarily versatile, Frappato not only pairs well with Italian classics like rigatoni pasta with Amatriciana sauce, spaghetti with bolognese meat sauce and lasagna but it is also ideal with modern dishes like cheeseburgers and pizza. Enchanting with fresh and soft cheeses or with a mushroom and onion soup.
Girolamo Russo a Rina Etna Rosso
For Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo lovers, Nerello Mascalese is an exciting find. It can produce reds with impressive delicacy as well as those with great structure. It is a complex grape grown in a complex terroir. The vineyards are planted on ancient lava flows, all varying in age and mineral content as well as topsoil composition with underground pockets that allow water retention to keep the vines hydrated during the heat of the summer.
Girolamo Russo, ‘A Rina’ Etna Rosso DOC 2012, Italy
14.5% alcohol in this blend of 94% Mascalese and 6% Cappuccio assembled from all three cru territories, and around 50% old vines. Matured for one year in barriques, but none new. Quite deep with a soft amber glow to the ruby core. Seductive spices and animal, bloody aromas, so primal, with soft autumnal character that is so inviting. The palate has delicious edge and spice, gorgeous fruit density but not heavy or closed- an open welcoming style for Pinot lovers. 90/100. 7.70
