Italy…and then some : Interesting new wines from great producers

Hello everyone and welcome to another week of wine and cheese from Hollywood Vine. Those of you who have regularly attended our weekly tastings may have noticed that we’ve had an increasing tendency towards “eclectic” tastings rather than strictly regionally thematic tastings. It brings about an interesting point. The truth is that we are all entering a “golden era” for winemaking worldwide. Today there is a chemical understanding of the winemaking process that didn’t exist even 10 years ago and it seems that even emerging countries are capable of producing, at the very least, a drinkable wine. The consumer is waking up to an array of wonderful Spanish, Italian and French wines produced in a modern style rivaling those of the most ripe California and Australian wines. Italy has perhaps benefitted the most from this epiphany of enological intelligence, making wines of power, grace and earlier drinkability. We’ll show three of our favorites from 3 very famous producers. But first we’ll taste one of the more interesting blends we’ve ever tasted from California. It is an Albarino-Grenache Blanc blend from the South Coast, definitely a one-of-a-kind wine made by one of the regions pioneering winemakers. Trenza White is zesty and crisp with a finish that lasts over a minute. Then we’ll show you one of our favorite varietals for Thanksgiving, a sweet and delicious Gewurztraminer made by one of Germany’s leading Riesling producers, Dr. Ernst Loosen. The Villa Wolf Gewurztraminer is sure to find a place on a turkey day. Our trio of Italians starts with a wonderful mélange from one of Piedmont’s top producers. Paolo Scavino is better known for top flight Barolos but his rosso is a wonderful intro to all of Piedmont’s ancient varieties. Equally as exciting is Uccelliera’s Rosso di Montalchino, a 90-pointer and a dead-ringer for many producers Brunellos. Dolcetto remains lurking under the radar for most consumers but we think Clerico’s Dolcetto Visadi will bring some of you out of the shadows with its inky-black hues and ripe fruit. Hope to see you all there…  

HOLLYWOOD VINE WINE TASTING!

Tuesday November 10th, 2009

6:00-9:00 pm

No charge for tastings

Trenza “Blanco” Albarino-Grenache Blanc 2008 Edna Valley, California

…tight with loads of citrus, and bright acidity, while rich, chalky and full-bodied. This white is exotic, with citrus aromatics,

particularly tangerine, and a mineral driven wet slate character. It’s nicely balanced with nuances from creamy sweet oak in the background.

BTG $7.75                            Retail $20.99

Villa Wolf Gewurztraminer 2007 Germany

Clean, fruity and wonderfully light on its feet, with the aromatic charm of the variety with the deliciously juicy texture and a delicate aroma of spice and fresh roses.

BTG $5.75                            Retail $14.99

Paolo Scavino Rosso 2007 Piedmont, Italy

The 2007 Rosso is Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera and Cabernet aged in used oak barrels. This plump, juicy red reveals attractive jammy red fruits and spices in a very pleasing, harmonious style.

Robert Parker 89 points

BTG $7.25                            Retail $19.99

Uccelliera Rosso di Montalchino 2007 Tuscany, Italy

A clean, fruity red, with strawberry, raspberry and a hint of creamy mineral. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, fruity finish. Well-balanced and delicious.

Wine Spectator 90 points

BTG $10.75                           Retail $29.99

Clerico “Visadi” Dolcetto 2007 Piedmont, Italy

Made in a full-bodied, dense style, it offers more varietal character than has been the case in the past, with wonderful length and gorgeous inner purity. This wine will appeal most to readers who appreciate an intense style of Dolcetto.

Robert Parker 89 points

BTG $8.00                          Retail $21.99