Tenuta Sant’Antonio ‘Scaia’ Rosato Veneto IGT 2016

Posted on by

Estate: Tenuta Sant’Antonio is the passion of 4 brothers: Armando, Paolo, Tiziano and Massimo Castagnedi. They grew up cultivating their father’s vineyards in the Valpolicello region of Veneto, northern Italy. In 1989, after working as technical consultants in other vineyards throughout Italy, they purchased 30 hectares of land in Monti Garbi, around their original 20 hectare family estate. They planted indigenous grapes alongside the existing vineyards and built a new winery. Today they farm over 100 hectares of vines, and are renowned for their Amarone, Valpolicella Ripasso and Valpolicella. ‘Scaia’ is the estate’s “easily accessible” range of wines that showcase indigenous and international grape varietals.

Philosophy: “Concentrate on quality rather then quantity.”

Winemaking: The vineyards are cultivated using organic methods, as they are “tended with love and attention to maintain a balance with nature”.  Grapes were sourced from vineyards with sandy, loam soil with white calcareous subsoil in the Comune di Mezzane di Sotto.

Tasting Notes: Pale coral in colour with aromas of nectarine, grapefruit, clean minerals along with a floral hint. Light, sunny flavours of nectarine and apricot are accented by a subtle herbaceous streak. Racy acidity underscores the refreshing grapefruit and mineral finish. Light, airy and refreshing, a fantastic companion to summer dishes and activities.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: First courses and risottos, polenta, fresh cheeses, poultry and fish.

100% Rondinella
Veneto IGT
Italy
Produced and Bottled by Società Agricola Tenuta Sant’Antonio di Castagnedi Massimo
12.5% Alcohol
$10
Enjoy now

Piera Martellozzo ‘Blu Giovello’ Moscato Puglia IGT NV

Posted on by

Estate: The Martellozzo estate was founded in 1899 by Giovanni Martellozzo. At the age of 29, 3rd generation winemaker Piera Martellozzo took over the estate her grandfather established. Today the estate stretches over three regions: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige. The Giovello line is crafted to be fresh, lighthearted and enjoyed young.

Philosophy: “Donating the pleasure of wine in the name of tradition and contemporary taste.”

Winemaking: Hand harvested from organically farmed vineyards 300-400 meters above sea level with morainic and volcanic soils. Fermented in stainless steel, followed by “then a short Charmat method, about two months. In the end the wine is chilled, filtered and isobaric bottling is carried out”.

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in colour with aromas of peach, apricot and citrus. Concentrated peach, apricot, honey and white flowers are accented by light fizz. Citrus zest compliments sweet honey on the dry finish. Sweet, but not cloying, a good choice with light snacks or to begin the afternoon/evening.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Cheese courses, charcuterie or antipasto plates. Its versatility, and the lower alcohol also make it an ideal aperitif candidate.

100% Moscato Giallo
Puglia IGT
Italy
Bottled by Piera Martellozzo S.P.A
9% Alcohol
$9
Enjoy now

Trediberri Rosato Langhe DOC 2016

Posted on by

Estate: The Trediberri [three of Berri] estate is located in the small village of Berri, in the westernmost part of La Morra, close to the Tanaro River in the Langhe region of Piedmonte. Nicola Oberto along with his friend Vladimiro Rambaldi founded Trediberri in 2007, when they purchased 5 hectares in Barolo. Today their vineyard holdings have increased to include 2 hectares in the Rocche Annunziata and Torriglione, where they produce Barolo, Barbera and Sauvignon Blanc, along with renting an additional hectare in La Morra.

The family winery is aware that they are young, but they are passionate about crafting “the most drinkable and balanced wines possible”. Using artisan, traditional and organic methods, but not limiting themselves to any one particular practice, they strive for equilibrium in their wines. They tend to age in cement, however depending on the individual grape or vineyard, they may choose to use wood instead. Progressive, honest and fantastically witty, check out their original, clever bio page here.

Tasting Notes: Bright pink-red in colour, bursting with aromas of fresh strawberries, wildflowers and rain washed minerals. Exuding the freshness of early summer, with juicy strawberry and raspberry flavours glazed with bright acidity. Compelling candied ginger and crushed white peppercorn lead into the refreshing, dry fruit finish that keeps you reaching for more.

80% Nebbiolo, 20% Barbera
Langhe DOC
Italy
Bottled by Società Agricola Trediberri di Nicola Oberto & C. ss
12.5% Alcohol
$15 [average price]
Enjoy now

Pala ‘Silenzi’ Rosso Isola dei Nuraghi IGT 2014

Posted on by

Estate: Azienda Agricola Pala [Pala estate] was founded in Sardinia, Italy, in 1950. Mario Pala is now the third generation of the family taking care of the vines, along with his wife Rita and the fourth generation of the family; their children Massimiliano, Elisabetta and Mariantonietta. The estate’s vineyards are organised into 8 single vineyard sites, based on their terroir, exposure and soil type. Varietals are planted in the vineyard best suited to their needs.

Philosophy: “From father to son since 1950 there’s the most important ingredients that the Pala family has always added to terroir, tradition, respect for the environment: the passion to make wines that are able to express the family character and the terroir of this extraordinary island.”

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from vines 20 years in age and older, with a clay and calcareous soil mix hill 1500180 meters above sea level. Refined and aged in stainless steel and the bottle. The Silenzio [silence] line is inspired by the land, where “the silence (Silenzio) is broken only by the sound of the wind or the singing of birds.”

Tasting Notes: Garnet in colour with aromas of cranberry, currant, white pepper and toasted oak. Pepper-spice driven with cranberry, cherry, leather and baking spices. A trace of earthy barnyard keeps it interesting, as do grippy tannins and food friendly acidity. Licorice and a hint of menthol round out the spicy finish. A great value and versatile companion at the table.

50% Carignano, 30% Monica, 20% Sangiovese
Isola dei Nuraghi IGT
Sardinia
Italy
Estate Bottled by Azienda Agricola PALA di Mario Pala & C.
13% Alcohol
$11
Enjoy now

Rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast

Murgo Etna Bianco DOC 2016

Posted on by

Estate: Founded in 1850, the Murgo estate is headed by Barone Emanuele Scammacca del Murgo and located on the steep slopes of Mount Etna. Along with his sons Michele, Pietro, and Matteo, Barone del Murgo has been modernizing the winery and vineyards in order to constantly improve upon the quality of the wines, yet keeping the wine as an expression of the specific volcanic soils and traditions of Etna.

Winemaking: Vineyards are farmed using sustainable methods. Fermented and aged in stainless steel “to preserve the crisp acidity and juicy freshness”.

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in colour with aromas of lemon and sea salt minerals. Simple and refreshing with light lemon and citrus zest flavours along with bright acidity, culminating in a dry finish of slightly smoky, sea salt minerals.

70% Carricante, 30% Catarratto
Etna Bianco DOC
Sicily
Italy
Bottled by Aziende Agricole Emanuele Scammacca del Murgo SSA
12.5% Alcohol
$13
Enjoy now