Last Saturday my husband and I had the absolute pleasure of attending a Campania wine tasting at Otto Enoteca in NYC. The tasting featured 5 wines from small estates that are imported into the US in limited quantity and locations [and some tasty cheese pairings]. My favourites of the afternoon were Guido Marsella Fiano Di Avellino 2010 an incredible smoky, peaty red wine disguised as a white, and the earthy, bright super easy drinking I Cacciagali ‘Basco’ Piedirosso Roccamonfina 2011. [Prices listed are the online average]
Giardini Arimei Pietra Box Ischia Bianco 2011 $22
A fantastic expression of the volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea the vineyard is located on, herbaceous and buttery aromas, with tropical fruits, grass, smoky honey notes and a mouth puckering finish. Great summer sipping!
[‘Pietra Brox’ is the name of the formation of the ‘tufo’, or volcanic rock in the vineyard]
Guido Marsella Fiano Di Avellino 2010 $24
Uncommon and robust, with green olive, white flowers and honey aromas. More like a red wine than a white, clever, well structured layers of peat smoke and gamey volcanic earth joined peach and apricot flavours in the medium to full body, whilst clean, briny minerals comprised the refreshing finish.
Rated 92 points by the Wine Advocate
I Cacciagali ‘Basco’ Piedirosso Roccamonfina 2011 $15
Another exciting, character driven wine with some barnyard funk and cherry jam aromas. Delightfully rustic and easy drinking, aged in clay amphorae, bright cherry and earth flavours rounded out the medium body whilst crushed black peppercorn and warm clove comprised the plush finish. Fantastic with just about any dish or on its own.
Salvatore Molettieri Cinque Querce Irpinia Aglianico 2008
A fantastic expression of Aglianico, with raisin and cigar box aromas complimenting dense black cherry and earthy pine notes along with a bright acidity, smooth tannins and a gorgeous smoky cedar finish. An elegant and passionate glass that keeps you reaching for more.
Rated 90 points by the Wine Advocate
Luigi Maffini Fiano Passito 2009 $30
Deep gold in colour with aromas of toasted almond and honey. Baked pineapple, creamy roasted nuts and traces of earthy tar were complimented by rich honey and a refreshing acidity. A fantastic companion to just about any dessert, also satisfying as a desert all on its own!
