6/1/18 FRIDAY SIPS


FRIDAY SIPS
Giro D'Italia Con Pancetta
Today June 1 from 3:30 - 6:00
(Note different hours. We will open at 11:30 AM for pickups, tasting starts at 3:30)
We conclude our Italian Wine Week with a wonderful tour through some Italian wines with our good friend Todd ‘Pancetta’ Bacon. Drop by this today from 3:30 - 6:00 to sample vino from Sicily, Sardinia and Il Veneto.


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2011 SELLA & MOSCA 'TANCA FARRA'
ALGHERO ROSSO (Sardinia)
$23.99 BTL/$143.94 - SIX PACK

THIS WINE IS SO DAMN GOOD WE DECIDED THAT IT MUST BE IN YOUR GLASSES TO EXPERIENCE ITS FULL ESSENCE!
In a roundabout way, Sella & Mosca are somewhat responsible for saving the world’s wine industry. Originally founded in 1899, two savvy Piemontese businessmen used their sandy soils as a virtual nursery to plant new phyloxerra resistant rootstock for grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon which inevitably made their way to Bordeaux and other regions. After phyloxerra became a non-entity, Sella & Mosca went into business to make wine for themselves utilizing Cabernet and other French varietals which have long been in existence here well before Tuscany and other regions which have capitalized on the Cab phenomenon.

Tanca Farra is an excellent offering from Sardinia’s Alghero DOC that is a blend of 50% Cannonau and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. Assertive and individual, very authentic aromas of black cherry, orange-pekoe, sea breeze, cracked pepper, wind-swept herbs are buffered by rosemary and licorice. Loads of depth, density, broadness, earth and dark spices fill the mouth and follow through to a spectacular, masculine finish that is well sculpted and drawn-out. One of the best Italian wines that I have tasted in 2017. No problem for this to live another 10 years, too. Enjoy this wine with lamb dishes.



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2017 BERTANI VENETO ROSE
'BERTAROSE'
$13.99 BTL./$83.94 - SIX PACK

With the reduced yields and quantites of Rose in the South of France, I am finding that some of the cooler growing regions and non-traditional Rose producing areas have performed extremely well throughout Europe. More known for its potent red wines like Amarone, the Veneto isn’t exactly known to have a river of rose. Bertani took hold several years back and started producing this wine, an undeniable palate pleaser that quenches the thirst and gives a fine buzz in the process.

Based around the brisk and electric Molinara grape, this light-colored rose lights up the room from the moment it is poured into the glass. Alluring strawberry and spice surrounds subtle mineral and freshly cut herbs; the cool, ethereal texture that takes on all of the nuances that the nose gives. The finish bursts and grabs the tongue before heading down. Beautifully dry and antipasti friendly. Slurp, slurp, slurp!



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2017 PLANETA SICILIA ROSE
$13.99 BTL./$83.94 - SIX PACK

One of the most important producers in Sicily, Planeta goes on about the Sicilian Summer when describing this wine. I’ll stick to the wine because summer in Sicily is hotter than the hinges of Hades! Handsomely formed, this wine is undoubtedly inspired by southern France yet maintains its Sicilian attitude throughout.

50% Nero D’Avola, 50% Syrah. Playful and subtle, this one shows debonair characteristics of underlying mineral and red fruit. Then pow, it plugs in the jolting electrodes on the finish with its brisk and gushing qualities adding to a superb, lengthy finish. Try a fun, slightly spicy marinade on ahi tuna or chicken, toss it on the grill and uncork many bottles…you won't be sorry!



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2014 PLANETA ETNA ROSSO
'ERUZIONE 1614'
$31.99 BTL./$191.94 - SIX PACK

There is common perception that Sicily's climate is akin to a blast furnace. This couldn't be further from the truth; this island is filled with diversity when it comes to soils, elevations, climate and grape varietals. Wines from Mt. Etna are some of the trendiest and exciting to come from Italy these days and there are so many excellent choices done in small quantities from this area. Having recently tasted this wine, it really bowled us over with its regal and excellent characteristics.

Eruzione 1614 takes its name from one of the many eruptions that have occurred on the volcano and this particular one lasted over 10 years. 100% Nerello Mascalese and coming from three renowned sites on the mountain, this wine exudes class from the get go. The olfactory notes of this red wine change like an obstacle course as it sits in the glass. Transparent and very focused with prominent red fruits, savory herbs like rosemary, laurel and anise. Some underlying balsamic and turned earth aspects arrive as it unfolds in the glass. Expansive and ethereal on in the mouth, plenty of depth from these ancient vines comes through immediately. Lots of palate coverage and almost velour-like qualities, especially on the very refined finish that shows rocky energy along with intermittent kisses of vanilla. Very wonderful to drink now and over the next decade. Pair this with mushroom dishes, game or little birds.