Italian Wine

The 2007 Barolo is inviting, sweet and open, yet has plenty of underlying tannins to provide support. It shows terrific balance in a style that reconciles the traditionalist leanings of this bottling with the ripe quality of the year. Sweet hints of tobacco, spices, leather and herbs add complexity on the textured yet grippy finish. Pio Cesare's straight Barolo doesn't seem to get the attention or spotlight it deserves, but it has truly been one of Piedmont's under the radar jewels for some time. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022.

Vibrant notes of cherry, plum, and blackberry mark a brisk entry, after which the wine rolls out copious amounts of juicy, chewy, supple fruit, seasoned with a deft touch of vanilla and spice from partial aging in new oak barrels. The palate impression is succulent and graceful, with plenty of verve and lift. Ready to drink now, but has the potential for short-term aging of 18 months to 2 years. 

Poggio Verrano's flagship wine, Dromos, opens with an expressive bouquet of dark raspberries, grilled herbs, and vanilla oak. On the palate, it shows formidable density and richness, with a warmth that captures the best qualities of Maremma. Clearly intended for the cellar, this impressive wine will continue to evolve gracefully for an additional 5-7 years.

Medium bodied, with nice spice notes of white pepper, anise and violet. Perfect with sausages, ham and salami, pizzas and pasta with simple sauces, spicy food.

Just because a wine is made in the spirit of fun, that doesn’t mean it can’t also be great to drink! In fact, this lightly sweet “fun wine” recently copped a 91 point score from critic Robert Parker. Made from 100% Moscato d’Asti grapes gently tank fermented to preserve the super-fresh fruit, the 2011 Rinaldi Moscato d'Asti Bug Juice weighs in at a mere 6% alcohol. Notes of spring flowers, fresh cut pineapple, honeysuckle, and stone fruits float lightly and briskly over the palate. Great by itself, or with a hunk of your favorite Italian cheese.