Gigi Rosso Roero Arneis 2010

Getting right to the point, this 100% Arneis an indigenous grape from the Roero district, bordering the Langhe, perfectly expresses the traditions to use only regional grapes. Showing clear pale lemon colors, aromas are clean and although fruit is present, there is a blooming bouquet of honeysuckle, fresh flowers, roasted hazelnut and an underlying herbal twist. The inviting aromas reveal a surprisingly textured mouthfeel, medium acidity with dry, earthy undertones, which is typically Arneis. A good long finish reveals a mineral, nutty earthiness.

Winemaker notes:

The Arneis grape variety takes its name from a word in Piedmontese dialect which means "whimsical", like the grapevines from this Roero Wine district. From the steep sandy vineyards of this zone comes this extaordinary wine, Roero Arneis, with its pale straw-like greenish color, very intense bouquet of forest flowers and poignant, persistent aroma with an almond-like backtaste. it is a white wine with great character, ideal as an apéritif or served with cold appetizers.

Single vineyard Cascina Rivetto - Monteu Roero

A Taste of Italy in Astoria

If you're in the New York Metropolitan area this coming Thursday, The Wine Society of Queens will be presenting its first meetup event.

A Taste of Italy in Astoria

Thursday May, 12th 6:30 to 8:30

For our first event we will meet up in Astoria, Queens at Jolson's Fine Wines and have a wine tasting, a few nice wines to sample and a little time to get to know each other. Next we'll walk across the street to Rosario's Deli, one of New York's finest purveyors of Italian Specialties, where we'll try some cheeses, prosciutto and some of the best home made pizza prepared with the freshest ingredients. The finale will be at La Guli Pastry shop, where you can buy some of the best gelato's or Italian pastries in New York. The wines we will be sampling will be some Italian gems.

Starting Line:
Jolson's Wines & Liquors
2224 31st Street
Queens, NY 11102

To join the Wine Society of Queens and see details of event click here.

d'Alessandro Azienda Agricola Nero d'Avola 2008 IGT

From the Agrigento region of Sicily and made with 100% Nero d'Avola, this fine red is aged for 3 months in cement tanks followed by 4 months in bottle before release. Deep ruby red colors are clear with medium intensity, on the nose clean, medium intensity with characteristics of fruit spice and floral notes. Dry on the palate with medium acidity, low tannins, medium body, and primary flavors of resinous cherry with a back palate of cinnamon, plum, dried fig and white pepper on the finish which is fairly long. This wine was excellent with a shell steak done in the au poivre style.

Fattorie Gianozzi Villa Marcialla Chianti Colli Fiorentini Riserva 2007 DOCG

At the Fattorie Gianozzi just south of Florence in the district of Barberino Val d'Elsa, this Chianti is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. After fermentation, macerated in stainless steel barrels for 3-8 days, then aged in big oak barrels, which mutes the wood effects, for 26 months and another six months in bottle.

Starting with a visual palette of ruby colors, the Sangiovese's acidity is aided by the softness of a small amount of Merlot with red fruits and raspberry, the tannins bringing a structure as a leathery astringency. I found a bouquet of bright cherries and oak, with hints of cloves and other baking spices, while the palate swam with cherry and pomegranate, even a bit of soy showing itself. Good soft finish.

The Chianti Wine Consortium hosted a tasting on April 28 of some of it’s members’ wonderful Chianti wines, this was one of them.

Corbinelli Chianti Riserva 2007 DOCG

From vineyards in Montespertoli southwest of Florence, one of the sub-zones of the encompassing Chianti region, made with at least 80% Sangiovese and other red grapes, aged six months in oak, 12 months in cement tanks then 3 months in bottle. Clear ruby colors, an interesting combination of aromas show flower petals and raw meat, flavors of cherries, cranberry, mushroom and truffles, a good finish, vintage and structure with refreshing acidity with fairly low alcohol content of 12.5%.

The Chianti Wine Consortium hosted a tasting on April 28 of some of it’s members’ wonderful Chianti wines, this was one of them.