WINE TASTING NOTES: Belfast 2006
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May 2006 Wine Tasting MAY 18, 2006
For our Wine Tasting on Thursday, May 18th, from 5-8 PM, we will be touring through various regions of Italy to sample six wines from the extensive portfolio of Vinilandia USA, one of the premier importers of Italian wines, now based in Kittery, Maine. Again joining us for this tasting will be Vinilandia's founder, Martin Kolk, who will share with you his first-hand knowledge of the terroir and history of the each of the wine-producing areas, the featured wineries along with their winemakers and, of course, the wines, themselves.
THE WINES:
Cantarutti, Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Friuli 2003, $14.99 - This estate was founded by Alfieri Cantarutti, in the late 1960's when Friuli wines and viticulture were finally gaining an international reputation for their quality. Already successful as an industrialist, Alfieri decided to start investing in vineyards around the Rosazzo hills at the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, (the Eastern Hills of Friuli,) located in the northeastern most corner of Italy. He steadily increased his holdings until they reached the present 56 hectares. (One hectare equals approx. 2.5 acres.) The responsibility for continuing his dedicated work has now passed to his daughter, Antonella, and her husband--and winemaker--Fabrizio. Antonella also has a sister who runs a nearby hotel, so now Alfieri contents himself with making the commute back and forth from the vineyards to the hotel to visit his two daughters in his red Ferrari Testarossa! Antonella and Fabrizio have done an outstanding job of continuing the family tradition of quality, as is reflected in this 2003 Pinot Grigio. A gentle pressing and long, cool fermentation lend to an elegant wine, straw yellow in color with rose reflections, having balanced fruit and delicate notes of herbs, lime and wild flowers. Very food friendly, serve it with fish and shellfish, vegetarian dishes, such as pasta primavera and vegetable lasagna, and delicate meats.
Curatolo, Catarratto Chardonnay, Sicilia IGT "Sarmaro" 2003, $12.99 – Curatolo's winery is located in Marsala, the most westerly point of Sicily, where warm winds from the African continent brush the gentle hills. Vines have been cultivated in the area as long as people remember. The winery, itself, is housed in a building that dates back to 900 A.D. The architecture is typical for its location and age: thick walls made with big blocks of porous, chalky stone known as tufo, and high, sloping, tile roofs on ancient wooden rafters house a modern winery which is constantly being updated with the latest equipment and emerging technologies. This Catarratto Chardonnay, a blend of 70% Catarratto, a white grape variety grown only in Sicily, but which is the island's most cultivated white variety, and 30% Chardonnay, aged three to four months in stainless steel. Complex and fruity and a pale golden yellow color, it has a lovely floral nose and hints of spice. Serve well chilled with fish, shellfish, seafood and white meats.
Torrevento, Castel del Monte Rosato 2003, $6.99 - Castel del Monte in Puglia, the "heel" of Italy's "boot", where the Torrevento winery is located, takes its name from the fantastic octagonal castle built there in 1220 by Frederick II of Swabia and used as his hunting residence. This magnificent structure has been adopted as the icon of Torrevento, and its image can also be found stamped on the back of the Italian one Euro cent coin. Torrevento's 2003 Rosato, comprised of 80% Bombino Nero and 20% Montepulciano, is dark pink in color, with sweet aromatics of summer violets that jump from the glass. The wine is richly textured and delightfully refreshing with a subtle elegance. A versatile wine, it can accompany virtually any dish, from salads to fish to poultry and lighter meats.
Poggio Amorelli, Chianti Classico 2002, $19.99 - The winery is located in one of the most enchanting places in the Chianti area, a little over a mile from the old village of Castellina in Chianti, located between the Tuscan cities of Siena and Florence in central Italy. Of its 63 acres, 15 are planted to Chianti Classico grapes and 10 acres are destined for the production of olive oil. (Always look for the identifying "gallo nero" or black rooster, on the label of Chianti Classico wines.) A new state of the art winery is in the center of the farm, almost completely built into the rocks. The fermentation tanks are partially stainless steel and partially wood, completely automated and temperature controlled. This 2002 Poggio Amorelli Chianti Classico displays deep rich ruby red color and intense spicy blackberry fruit with hints of violets and vanilla. Supple, yet full-bodied, this is Chianti Classico's Sangiovese grape at its best. We believe winemaker Marco Mazzarrini, who received the 3-glass award from the Gambero Rosso's Italian Wines Guide for his Poggio Amorelli Oracolo 2001, is destined for fame. Serve with Tuscan bean dishes, pasta with simple red sauces, salami and salty cured meats such as prosciutto, anything off the grill and hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago and Toscana's own Pecorino.
Tramonti, Chianti Classico 2002, $24.99 - Tramonti is also located in Castellina in Chianti, in the heart of Tuscany and the Chianti Classico area. The name has been associated with its location in documents dating back almost a thousand years and means "between hills," but also "sunsets". The property was purchased by its present owners, THE CLOWN's own Kyle Wolfe and her husband, Martin Kolk, in 1995 and includes a large farmhouse, originally the home of two contadini (feudal farm workers) families, and four additional farm buildings on almost 200 acres. The house and the barn have been restored, combining modern amenities with a traditional Tuscan style. To quote the Gambero Rosso, "Martin Kolk and Kyle Wolfe's Castellina in Chianti winery never misses a beat." This is due, in part, to the fact that their wine consultant is Poggio Amorelli's Marco Mazzarrini. This Chianti Classico has an excellent entry on the nose that mingles attractive pepper with rich fruit, where cherry and strawberry stand out. It is full flavored and delicious with a long and persistent finish.
Curatolo, Nero d'Avola/Syrah Sicilia IGT "Sarmaro" 2002, $12.99 - Although Marsala is most famous for its sweet wines, Curatolo produces none. They favor instead robust, dry wines such as this Sarmaro Rosso, bursting with cherry fruit and smoky undertones. It is a blend of 80% Nero d'Avola and 20% Syrah, aged three months in new, Allier oak barriques. This rich, velvety red calls out for grilled meats and strong cheeses.
Please join us at THE CLOWN on Thursday, May 18th to enjoy a taste of Italy.
As always, there is no charge for participating in the festivities. |
