“Relay for Life” Wines
VERDICCHIO (Six Hundred)
For those of you who like Chardonnay, but are looking for something a little different, this may be the wine for you. Although Verdicchio is very different from a Chardonnay, I have found that may Chardonnay lovers appreciate the contrasting flavors to their favorite vintage. With a fuller body than your average white, Verdicchio is full of flavor, and pairs perfectly with some of your favorite white meats. It is traditionally produced in the Marche region of Italy, right next to Tuscany. Jana and I will be tasting Verdicchio when we are in that area and comparing it to our Verdicchio, known as “Six Hundred”, that can be tasted at our winery. “Six Hundred” is always a best seller when we have it available, and when its not on the menu or customers are clammering for it. The Verdicchio is available for pre-order at $14/bottle to support “Relay for Life” and 20% of the purchase price will be donated to the “Relay for Life” team of your choice.
Tasting Notes: Medium-bodied and complex with herbal aromas in the bouquet and flavors of lemon and peach. The finish is crisp, and dry with excellent acidity. A gentle bite to entice the palate, make this appealing to many. Excellent when served young.
Pairing: Goes well with veal and pastas with seafood sauce.
(Sweetness: Dry * Body: Medium * Oak: None Aging: 1-3 months)
Purchase a Case of Verdicchio and Donate to “Relay of Life”
CHIANTI (Tavolo Rosso)
Chianti is possibly the most recognized Italian wine in the United States. People know it as the classic table wine and usually enjoy it with their
pasta. It is also known for its old world bottle stuck in a straw basket, known as a fiasco, but most winemakers have stopped using that style, and these days I seem to see more candles than wine in those bottles. Never the less, we all know and love Chianti as the table wine, but Chianti can be much more than that if it is produced properly. I have found that most people are unaware that Chianti is actually a region in Italy and that the wine is made of a blend consisting of primarily Sangiovese, but can also includes several other varieties. The Vintner’s Cellar Chianti is imported as grape juice directly from the Chianti region, and will be produced as a beautiful rich red wine that no Chianti lover could refuse. Don’t forget to follow the wine log as Jana and I experience Chianti in Chianti as we travel south through Tuscany.
Tasting Notes: Rich and full this traditional Italian wine is truly from the old school. The wine possesses that lively attack expected from Chianti but finishes with a deep berry flavored smoothness. A robust red wine, in the style of Italy’s coveted Tuscany region, with deep ruby and violet reflections. This complex wine exhibits hints of spices and black cherry notes with just a hint of dark burnt chocolate and home made jam.
Parings: Pasta, antipasto, veal and pork dishes
(Sweetness: Medium Dry * Body: Full * Oak: Medium * Aging: 9-12 months)
Purchase a Case of Chianti and Donate to “Relay of Life”
BAROLO (Barosso)
Barolo, the “King of Wines” definetly stands true in our winery. From the day we opened our doors the Barolo has been the most highly regarded wine we have produced. Importing the Nebbiolo grape juice from Barolo, Italy is key to producing this fine wine. Something about the micro-climate in that niche of the world does something special for the grape and the end result is spectacular. The World Wine Adventure will take us right into the heart of Barolo, Italy when we stay with my family in Dogliani. Dogliani, also a wine producing town, sits upon a hill just 20 minutes drive from Barolo, and we have already selected a winery to visit to better understand Barolo and how it is created. The characteristics of this wine do not compare to the standards, and even the body of the wine can be hard to describe. The wine is not super heavy or dark and it is known to turn a slight amber color as it ages. Although it has a lighter body, the flavors and nuances seem to be endless as you enjoys this delicious wine on your pallette. This wine has to be tasted to be truly understood. Visit the winery to taste any of these three wines, and then order a case to support “Relay for Life.”
Tasting Notes: The “King of Kings” as the old houses of Italy’s famed Piedmont region claim. This Barolo meets the calling with a brilliant garnet radiance. Generous and robust, this style has hints of violets and fresh herbs. Oak, acidity and tannins in perfect harmony, deliver a wine that will fare well from cellaring. Heavy body and intense field berries abound and a spicy finish.
Parings: Rich stews, grilled meat and wild game dishes
(Sweetness: Dry * Body: Full * Oak: Heavy *Aging: 12-18 months)
