Three of my favorite things to do are drinking wine, talking about wine, and learning about wine. I still feel like a wine novice, so when It’s All About Wine offers their Wine School Wednesdays, I’m all in!
Wine School Wednesday is normally held the third Wednesday of the month, but check out It’s All About Wine’s Facebook page or call the store to verify. These is a nominal fee (usually $10), but you will be tasting some outstanding wines, and learning from the professionals. Space is limited, so make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time if you plan on attending.
So on to the wine tasting! This one in particular intrigued me – right now I am in the midst of planning a trip to Italy, and not only were we going to be drinking Italian wines from some outstanding smaller, family-owned vineyards, but Michael from Beivuma Imports was coming to give the talk.
The Wines
Volpe Pasini Ribolla Gialla – This is a white wine from the Friuli region, located in the northeast corner of Italy, north of Venice and bordering Slovenia. Volpe Pasini is one of the oldest wineries in North East Italy, built in the 16th Century. We all thought the wine tasted very fresh, like an apple, and very affordable at $22.99 per bottle. I could see myself drinking this in the summer on the patio. Delicioso!
Marramiero “Anima” Trebbiano d’Abruzzo – Moving south! This is also a white wine but from the Abruzzo region of Italy. According to their website, the vineyards are located along an old sheep trail, overlooking the “Bella Addormentata” and Maiella massifs, not far from the Adriatic Sea and less than two hours from Rome. The tasters at our table all thought this wine was more full-bodied and complex than the Ribolla Gialla. This is a very yummy, fruity, unoaked wine that could be enjoyed with a nice cheese, or on its own, and also a good price at $24.99 a bottle.
Chiappini “Ferruggini” Bolgheri Rosso – On to the first red of the tasting! This wine is comprised of 50% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Syrah. The Bolgheri appellation is located on the Tuscan coast, just south of Livorno. The wine is made through an entirely organic process, and if you love Bordeaux-style wines, you will love this wine. It would make a great “every day” red wine! Priced at $32.99 a bottle.
Bruno Rocca “Trifole” Dolcetto d’Alba – This family-owned winery in the Barbaresco appellation of Piedmont has been into viniculture one way or the other for over two centuries. This particular wine though is a Dolcetto d’Alba, which according to Wine-Searcher.com, is a title covering red wines made from the Dolcetto grape variety and produced in the 36 communes around and predominantly to the southeast of the town of Alba, in the Piedmont wine region of northwest Italy. The tasters at our table thought this wine was very dry, easy drinking, and would be great with food. At $24.99 per bottle, the price is also great!
Ettore Germano Serralunga d’Alba Barolo – On to the big boys! This is another wine produced in the Piedmont region of Italy. So what makes a Barolo? It is made from the Nebbiolo grape, and is aged for at least 36 months after harvest, of which at least 18 months must be in wood barrels. There are also a bunch of very specific production codes for the vineyards that you can read about. Also, note that all Barolos are Nebbiolos, but not all Nebbiolos are Barolos (not confusing at all LOL). But, there is not a test on this! Just sit back and enjoy one of Italy’s finest wines made from one of the most accomplished wineries in Piedmont. In this wine, we tasted a hint of licorice, anise, or fennel. Also noted were high acid and high tannins. At $54.99 a bottle, this is an excellent value for a Barolo.
Valentina Cubi “Morar” Amarone – The last wine of the tasting, and it was a biggie! This winery is located in Valpolicella, the most famous red wine district in Italy’s Veneto wine region. After harvest, the grapes are dried out for three months before they are processed, making for a more concentrated flavor profile. This is also a high-alcohol wine, with the latest release coming in at 17%. We tasted raisin and figs, as well a some black pepper. This bottle sells for $52.99.
All of these wines (and more) are available for purchase at It’s All About Wine. I hope to see you at a future Wine School Wednesday! Salute!
Tales From The Wine Store 