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Colli Euganei, Veneto
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Colli Euganei, Veneto |
| Stop by the shop this Saturday and try some great wines from Vignalta of Veneto, Italy. Their wines have long been favorites of ours at the shop. Vignalta makes modern, bold wines full of complexity from such non-Italian grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet, and Cabernet Franc. Yet, while the grapes may be untraditional, the wines remain distinctly Italian. The Colli Euganei hills rise isolated on the Venetian plain. The hills have two soil types with different characteristics. The steeper ones, created by volcanic eruptions, have loose soils produced by the disintegrative crumbling of lava and covered by thick vegetation. The others, created by the uplifting of the sea bed, are relatively arid, chalky outcroppings of marlstone that allow little to grow on them since they have very little top soil. Vignalta discovered which grape varietals thrived in each soil type and matched its plantings to specific vineyard locations. Come join us this Saturday and see what we mean. Seth Thompson from local importer Riservatti will be on hand to tell you more. |
| 2005 Sirio $12 |
This distinctive wine is made from white muscat grapes (Moscato Canelli) fermented to complete dryness. Its floral bouquet and the long finish make Sirio “one of the best aromatic wines of Italy” (Gambero Rosso). Perfect as an aperitif, it also compliments shellfish and seafood in general, is perfect with asparagus, and also matches well with most Asian dishes. |
| 2005 Venda $12 |
| Made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in their Mount Venda vineyard, the highest elevation in the Colli Euganei, this Bordeaux-style blend is elegant yet flavorful and fruity, with a fine mineral note. Not overly tannic and with a bright ruby color, it pairs well with both white and red meats. |
| 2004 La Fiorita Laurus $20 |
| La Forita is partially owned by one of Vignaltas owners. La Forita is located in Montalcino where Brunello is king. The Laurus is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot from low yield vines. It is aged 12 months in 5 hl French oak tonneaux that were previously used for the Brunello. This super Tuscan is, well, super. |
| 2003 Gemola $36 |
| The wine is named for its vineyard “Gemmola” or “little jewel”. Its loose soil of crumbling basaltic lava, is extremely favorable to the production of high quality Merlot blended with a smaller percentage of Cabernet Franc. Gemola is the flagship of Vignalta wines and has received the Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso for different vintages. The wine stands up to game, and pairs well with roasted or grilled red meat. |
| 2006 Moscato 500ml. $17 |
| Muscat grapes have been grown in the Colli Euganei since ancient time and today Muscat is still the most widely planted white grape varietal. The white or Canelli Muscat has a thin skin and in favorable years the cluster shrivels easily on the vine, producing a rich wine. The late harvest Muscat is naturally sweet, it is packed with floral scents of rose and has a long finish with flavor of tropical fruit, but avoids being cloying. It accompanies desserts in general and pairs particularly well with fruit-based ones. |
| Sea Salt: Salle Alle Erbe Delle Marlunghe $8 |
| This herbed salt is produced from fresh herbs, rosemary and sage, grown on their Marlunghe estate and blended fresh with sea salt rather than dried. The aromatic quality of the herbs is thus preserved. Marlunghe herbed salt can be used the same as regular salt in cooking. It is perfect for any type of grilled, broiled, boiled or roasted meat, fish or poultry. Wonderful on potatoes and in vegetable soups, it lends true Mediterranean character to your cooking. |