The Inspired Wine Club : May 2009
May 3, 2009 by Ivy Kupec
Filed under Inspired Posts, Monthly newsletter, Sean Chaudhry
Hey Mambo, Mambo Italiano!
Who needs a warm, sunny terrace overlooking the pastoral vineyards in Tuscany? A nice glass of the right wine on your terrace, deck or balcony can bring Italy to you. No long flights, no rushing here and there – just vibrant wine that with a sip transports you. All you need to complete the picture is a little Dean Martin, Louis Prima or Frank Sinatra, a good view, and maybe the movie, The Big Night. Italy is yours, and our May wines give you a chance to explore your wine yin and yang—a bottle of white and a bottle of red. And these are wines to set you exploring and see another side of Italy beyond Chianti and Frascati. Both are wines to be enjoyed with food, so “Buon appetito!”
2007 Bastianich Friulano
Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Now here’s a wine with earthiness that can take you to France as well as Italy! Sometimes compared to a Côte du Rhône, this gorgeous dry, Italian white has ripe, luscious pear and apple flavors. This is a great example of the wines from Friuli, showing the history and terroir of the area. It’s medium-bodied, with a refreshing, even zesty acidity that goes wonderfully with your favorite smoked or cured meats, like prosciutto. But don’t stop there. This wine allows for an elegant stuffed Rainbow trout or veal piccata. Drink now!
2006 La Mozza Morellino di Scansano I Perazzi
Tuscany, Italy
90 Points - Robert Parker
You may know this undercover “Morellino” grape better than you think, as it has many names, including Sangiovese and Brunello. This particular wine comes just 10 miles from the sea with Italian heat that tames Morellino’s typical acidity to produce juicier fruit and jammier flavor. Robert Parker describes it as “especially sexy” and “juicy,” “loaded with fruit, underbrush, smoke and licorice nuances.” It’s deep cherry/berry aromas and flavors have a gentle tartness that is perfect with your favorite Italian prosciutto or penne carbonara. These wines drink best with food, but it shouldn’t be limited to traditional Italian fare. Think of this wine when you next make your roast game hen with lemon and thyme or even roasted, chipotle-marinated pork tenderloin. Anticipated maturity: now through 2011. Get a case and enjoy over next several years!
