Tag Archives: italy

Wine of the Day: COS Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT 5-25-16

Azienda Agricola COS Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily 2014 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

I don’t need to dress a wine like this up all that much: COS make riveting, multifaceted Sicilian wine for the masses and this is by no means an exception. Sprightly red fruit and wild herbs spread out on the palate with laser-like precision; the closing song is full of energy and persists with two encores. I absolutely adore this wine, which tastes unquestionably Sicilian yet should appear to fellow Cru Beaujolais fiends, Pinot lovers, and those who seek out wines of character and value across the nooks of northern Italy. -Tyler

Not convinced? Spectator, help me out here!

Wine Spectator 90 points “A vibrant red, with light tannins framing flavors of dried marjoram and thyme, crushed currant, wild strawberry and star anise.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Cave Mont Blanc 1187 Extra Brut 2012 5-19-2016

Cave Mont Blanc ‘Blanc de Morgex & de la Salle’ 1187 Extra Brut, Vallee d’Aoste 2012 750ML ($31.95) Buy Now: $28 special

The domaine was founded in the early eighties with the stated purpose of reviving abandoned vineyards along the picturesque slopes of Mont Blanc in the Valle d’Aosta. This northwestern Italian pocket features the highest-altitude vineyard sites in all of Europe; very few machines are even capable of working such extreme topographies – needless to say, they’re seldom employed within the region.

The ‘1187’, made from 100% Prie Blanc, wonderfully tethers the balance between delicate and powerful – it’s a thing of paradoxes. The bubbles are soft yet move quickly along the palate, and the minerals are bracing yet the wine translates as elegant and smooth.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Cocchi Americano Aperitivo NV 5-11-2016

Cocchi Americano Aperitivo, Piedmont ($19.95) Buy Now: $16.60 special

“Cocchi Americano is easy to love: it’s a balanced blend of sweetness, bitterness and refreshing herbal notes. This is my favorite aperitif to enjoy chilled on its own or with seltzer and lime. Its base wine is Moscato di Asti, which imparts floral aromas. Its bittering agent is gentian and cinchona bark.” -Suzanne

Import note “Made to the same recipe since 1891, this extraordinary aperitif wine has long been a staple of Asti. On a base of estate-grown Moscato di Asti is infused a blend of herbs, fruit and spices, most notably cinchona, gentian and citrus, and laid down for a year before being released. In Piemonte it is served chilled with ice, a twist of orange peel and a splash of soda to bring out all its natural aroma and fragrances.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: A&G Natale Fantino ‘Vigna dei Dardi’, Barolo DOCG 2010 4-28-16

Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino ‘Cascina Dardi’, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($59.95) Buy Now: $46 special

Case-6 Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino ‘Cascina Dardi’, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($579.95) Buy Now: $469 special

Case-12 Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino ‘Cascina Dardi’, Barolo DOCG 2010 750ML ($319.95) Buy Now: $249 special

Why we love the Fantino Dardi: Value and depth. I’ve had a few “wow! wines” from Fantino recently, and though this particular bottling may be in its early stages, it’s still beautiful. Aromatically stunning and steeply, fantastically deep in flavor. By all accounts, will age with grace. – Tyler

Wine Advocate 94 points “The 2010 Barolo Cascina Dardi Bussia hits all the right marks with a beautiful sense of elegance and grace that is immediately apparent.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Bianco 2013 4-26-16

Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Bianco Sicilia IGT, Sicily 2013 ($29.95) Buy Now: $26 special

Why we love it: Aromas, for one. Uniqueness and transparency, too. A perfect marriage of two truly different grapes. I’ve often sold it on the basis of it being the nicest-smelling wine I’ve ever had. Tropical, bright, and bewilderingly fresh. Great accompaniment to simple foods or as a skeleton key during a potluck dinner. A yardstick effort for natural wine and for Sicily-at-large. Sheesh! -Tyler

Vinopolnote: A bright, fresh, and aromatic blend of Albanello – native to the Ragusa area near Vittoria – and Zibbibo – otherwise known as Muscat de Alexandria – one of the oldest genetically unmodified varietals still in existence.… Read the rest