Sparkling Wine

• This non-vintage Prosecco di Valdobbiadene is a textbook, frothy, fresh, pure, delicate, delicious sparkling white. Clear, pale straw color, it pours up with a frothy mousse that falls back fast, leaving a prickly carbonation that's cleansing but a bit less bubbly than Champagne. Yeasty white fruit and a light fresh-milk scent reminiscent of ricotta cheese add aroma interest, and its flavor is clean and snappy with tingly carbonation. It is the perfect crisp sparkler to wash down antipasto or to enjoy as an aperitif. The wine is best drunk during its first 12-15 months of life.

White Wines

• North of Venice is the beautiful Prosecco wine country where this spectacular winery is located, known as much for its top wines as for its deep cultural connection to the Veneto region. The 2007 Pinot Grigio is very bright pale straw color. Ripe exotic fruit and flowery fragrances on the nose, with a flavor that is dry and round, well structured, with a fruity, warm, well balanced finish.
  
  
• Le Marche is sandwiched between the breadbasket of Emilia-Romagna to the north and mountainous Abruzzo to the south. The winery was created in 1995 and spreads over a surface of 52 hectares, in the heart of the area of production of the classical Verdicchio DOC. The vineyards, the olive grove and the beautiful land, together with three ancient farmhouses, make up the picturesque estate. Lots of attractive pineapple and mango character on the nose follow through to a full body, with lovely fruit and a long finish. This 2007 100% Verdicchio has a rich, creamy texture, tropical fruit tones and a dry, elegant finish that makes it one of the most full and complex flavored of all of the Italian white wines.

Red Wines

• The color for this 2006 Primitivo from Puglia is a lively ruby red with delicate garnet reflections. The bouquet is mineral with undertones of cherries and plums and the finish is of flowers and spices. Soft tannins, good acidity and the soft mouth feel are characteristics of this lovely Primitivo. This is a medium bodied red that is delicious by itself or will pair well with dishes like pasta with red sauce, or any red meats including lamb. This wine ready to drink immediately or will keep for 3-4 years.
  
  
• This 2006 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is ruby red with purplish highlights. Delicious pure fruit aromas of black cherries and brambles with an interesting peppery touch. Bitter cherry stone fruit flavors with a light sprinkle of spice. Medium-bodied, dry style, drinking very well right now. A great food wine, especially with flavored pasta dishes, pizza, roast meats, salami and semi-mature cheeses.
  
  
• This 2004 Chianti Riserva is made in the fashion of a young Bordeaux. Unlike the Gran Crus of the Medoc or the Chianti Classico Riservas of Tuscany, these dry reds are vinified to capture the quality and essence of more austere and longer-lived counterparts, but in a classy, easy, and friendly style. A brilliant ruby color, violets and strawberries in the nose, a dry, fruity, harmonious taste and a pleasant finish. Vinified to be enjoyed young. Primarily Sangiovese (90%) with some red Canaiolo (10%). Pairs well with poultry, pizza, burgers, pastas with tomato and meat sauces, stews, chicken or veal parmigiana.
  
  

Appetizer of the Week

Penne Pasta with Vodka Sauce & Toasts - $8

 

For more specific information on these great wines, or to taste for yourself, stop by the Tasting Room at Wines by Jennifer this week. We look forward to seeing you!