Friday Sips

2012 STATTI LAMEZIA ROSSO
[reg. $17.99]
SPECIAL! - $9.99 BTL./$119.88 CASE

Statti, based in Calabria, not only makes wonderful mono-varietal Gaglioppo, they also make blended red wine from the DOC region of Lamezia, one that is very Mediterranean-influenced with its terroir. Both the reds and whites produced in this area utilize native grapes. This one, blended with 40% Gaglioppo, 40% Greco Nero & 20% Nerello Cappuccio, is palate-coating red with remarkable character and flavor.

Aromatic scents of dark plum, Indian spices, saline and dark chocolate follow through to a most engaging texture that balances fruit and depth with briskness and detail. Plenty of distinction throughout, this flavor-laden Southern Italian red will pair well with meatballs, eggplant parmesan and pizza.

2011 ST-JEAN DE BARROUX
VENTOUX ROUGE 'L'ARGILE'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

The large appellation around Mont Ventoux is quite exciting these days, however, there is sort of a duality thing going on. In one corner, you have wines that are light, fruity, soulful bistro wines that can be unabashed porch pounders. In the other corner, you have wines such as this one. Small, youthfully exuberant growers who have purchased old vineyards and excel in bringing forth the many undiscovered, diverse terroirs that this Provencal region possesses.

From Nancy and a pharmacist for 5 years, Philippe Gimmel founded Saint-Jean de Barroux in 2003 after doing stints at famed Chateauneuf producers Beaucastel and Janasse. Originally starting with just over 10 acres, Philippe has gradually expanded to 29 acres spread out over three sections from just beneath Mont Ventoux to the Dentelles de Montmirial, all of vastly different terroirs. Organic farming takes foot at this estate and the wines are full-scaled yet with all of the poise and freshness desired for wines from this area. 75% Grenache with the remaining 25% blended with Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault from 40-year-old vines, L’Argile is aged in concrete for 24 months and further in bottle until Philippe decides that the wine is ready for release. Serious garrigue notes of lavender, thyme, olive blackberry and pronounced rosemary. Bold depth, very penetrating and yet a bit devilish. Voluptuous entry with lots of kirsch flavors in the mouth that enhance the wine’s spine and provide brightness. The telltale high elevation fruit here seems almost wind-blown and really shows its mettle on the brilliantly focused, generous finish that is laden with white pepper. Toss some lamb chops with aromatic herbs on to the grill and enjoy this masterpiece through 2021.