Friday Sips

FRIDAY SIPS
SIZZLING SOUTHERN ITALIAN WINES
Come and taste 4 selections from regions South of Rome down to Sicily

2010 ANTICO SIGILLO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

While we all think of zinfandel as the "all-American" grape, it was discovered a few years back that its ancestry is Primitivo from Southern Italy's Puglia region and also Crljenak Kaštelanski from Croatia. A complete different beast due to the soil types and climate, this particular offering from an exciting, relative newcomer is deep, forward, chewy and deliciously fun with dark berry fruit, roasted earth and pepper spice on the thrill-ride nose. In the mouth it offers up refined intensity with plenty of juicy blackberry, brambly raspberry, vanilla, roasted coffee and exotic spice. The finish is peppery, juicy and easy to like, especially at this price. A no-brainer with anything from mushroom risotto, pizza or pasta and a great match for a cheese plate with semi-soft cheeses and cured meats.

2009 ALOIS AGLIANICO "CAMPOLE"
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Located in Campania, Fattoria Alois is one of Italy's hottest properties. Michele Alois is a native of Caserta province. He and his family are important manufacturers of gorgeous silk fabrics - his works are displayed at the Vatican, at the Louvre, and even at the White House, however for Michele it's all about his fantastic wines! Campole is a very pure expression of this land and is produced without the influence of oak. Back in the day, we would refer to wines from this area as (insert derogatory, non-politically correct term here) red wines, but these days this is one of the most prolific regions in Italy! Smoke, plums, Italian herbs and tanginess are present in this crowd-pleasing, warm, full red wine with generosity and ripeness from the 2009 vintage. The finish is savory and well-built along with having above average extension. Pairs well with game, lamb and pork…and don't be afraid to slather them in some garlic & tomatoes. Drink through 2016.

2006 GULFI NERO D'AVOLA "NEROBARONJ"
$31.99 BTL./$383.88 CASE

With a name like Vito Catania and hailing from Sicily, one would expect this guy to be a character in a mob movie rather than a sustainable, organic farmer. Catania came to the area with a vision of making ancient-style, natural wines using modern technology. Since he purchased his 100 acres in 1996, he's certainly succeeded in becoming one of Sicily's most charmed producers. One of 6 different expressions of Nero D'Avola, this single vineyard offering comes from a 7 acre limestone-driven site in Siracusa's Val di Noto and is further south in latitude than Tunis! Think of a hypothetical version of a Sicilian Amarone with this big red. Polish and energy abound with strawberry/balsamic aspects, licorice, sage and underlying floral characteristics with smoothness and sensuality in the mouth. Layers of fruit, mineral, hints of spicy oak dominate the streamlined and structured palate. Long and very packed with impressive character and potential, drink this profound Sicilian red through – 2024…also, 93 POINTS – THE WINE ADVOCATE

2011 DONNAFUGATA "ANTHILIA" SICILIA BIANCO
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

The wines of Sicily have become Italy's darling, both reds and whites. The Donnafugata estate has over 100 years of production history but it wasn't until the mid eighties, when Giacomo and Gabriella Rolla launched a new project, that the winery was taken into the direction that led them to be one of the early influences on what Sicily has now become. Mostly thought of as a red wine growing region, Sicily and Donnafugata produce some very formidable white wines. Anthilia is a blend of 2 native varietals (50% Catarratto, 50% Ansonica) and is aromatically compelling. Flirtatious scents of pear, ruby grapefruit and subtle spices follow through to an equally flirtatious texture that is fleeting and shimmering. A wine for lunch with friends or paired with mussels, eggplant or grilled prawns.