Italian Wines with Matchvino
Free tasting | Saturday, February 15, 2020 | 4-6PM
Brendan from Matchvino is visiting the shop with a bagful of Italian wines and oodles of Italian charm. He’s opening a few all natural stunners including Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from Cantina Fabulus and the newest Lagrein from the Alto-Adige from Cantina Bolzano. Alongside our Italian wines, try some bites of Taleggio and Pecorino to pair! Andiamoci!
Italian Wines with Matchvino Line-up:
2018 Cantina Bolzano, Südtirol Alto Adige Pinot Bianco
Who: The current Kellermeister (winemaker) is Stephan Filippi who works alongside General Manager Klaus Sparer
What: 100% Pinot Bianco (Weissburgunder)
Where: Südtirol - Alto Adige, Italy
How: The carefully selected grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. Stainless steel is also used for maturation to keep the wine fresh and crisp.
Farming Method: Sustainable
Fun Fact: Cantina Bolzano is one of South Tyrol’s top-quality wineries combining 320 hectares from 200 vine growers, producing some of the best South Tyrolean wines out there. The current GM, Klaus Sparer, is the 3rd generation of his family to be at the helm; Klaus has worked at the winery since he was 14!
Tasting Notes: Pinot Bianco is an ideal aperitif or an excellent accompaniment for fish, pasta, or risotto. Slight citrus and intense minerality. Delightful!
2018 Cantina Bolzano, St. Magdalener ‘Huck am Bach’
Who: The current Kellermeister (winemaker) is Stephan Filippi who works alongside General Manager Klaus Sparer
What: Schiava e Lagrein
Where: Südtirol - Alto Adige, Italy
How: The Schiava and Lagrein are harvested and fermented together. A portion of the wine matures in large wooden barrels.
Farming Method: Sustainable
Fun Fact: The hills of Santa Maddalenda, Santa Giustina and Coste, where the vines are grown, are composed of loose morainic soils at 200 to 500 meters above sea level.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of red cherry explode from the glass. Full-flavored, medium-bodied, fruit-forward. Think Pinot Nero meets Cabernet Sauvignon.
2016 Fabulas, Societa Agricola, Fara Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Who: Fabulas is a collaboration between a few farmers, friends and a fabulous winemaker.
What: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Montepulciano is a native vine of central Italy, specifically between the regions of the Marche and Abruzzo.)
Where: Abruzzo, Italy
How: Zero sulfur added; fermented and aged in neutral oak; partially aged in ceramic vessel
Farming Method: Biodynamic (Demeter certified) (Sheep also live and graze on their property!)
Fun Fact: The label of ‘Fara’ represents the annual folklore festival held on January 16th in the town of Fara Filiorum Petri, a small town down the slopes of the Majella. Citizens bring bundles (le farchie) to the main piazza of Fara and light them on fire in front of the of church of Saint Anthony of Abate. Le Farchie are constructed from pieces of cane woven to a large tree trunk, or in some neighborhoods, the canes have been tightly woven together to take the place of the trunk. Le farchie burn in a unified manner from the “piticone” (bottom of the farchie) to the “cima” or "fiocco" (the head or top of le farchie) when set on fire. The completed farchie are approximately 25 feet in length and 3 feet in diameter.
Tasting Notes: This ‘Fara’ Montepulciano is FIRE. It’s rich and decadent while still being fresh and lively. Notes of dark cherry, smoke, and slate.
NV Tessari, Brut Garganega
Who: 3rd generation siblings Antonio, Germano and Cornelia Tessari run the estate
What: 100% Garganega
Where: Veneto, Italy
How: Made in méthode champenoise (Champagne method); steel vinification and aging
Farming Method: Organic
Fun Fact: 4,200 cases are produced of this yummy bubbly.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of apple, elderberry and chamomile with a slight finish of almonds and minerality.
2013 Gabriele Scaglione, Passeggiando in Vigna
Who: The Man, The Myth, The Legend…Gabrielle Scaglione
What: 100% Nebbiolo
Where: Piedmont, Italy
How: 12 months is in French oak barrels
Farming Method: Sustainable
Fun Fact: Gabrielle is a force of nature, and his wines speak of terroir. His pure affection for wine, arts and great food brought him back to his roots in Piedmont, where his family has made their home for generations. He was born and raised in the town of Canelli in Piedmont.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of rose petals and crushed leaves. Serve with mushroom risotto and hard sheep’s milk cheeses.