Hello, Feastlings.
Every time we have a tasting of Italian wines, people fairly line up to taste, and rarely do our guests leave disappointed. As it turns out, people don’t often think about wines from just across the Adriatic (or in the case of Alto-Adige, the same side of the Adriatic) as equally delicious. I hate to make bold pronouncements like this, but they’re wrong. Just plain wrong. The wines of Slovenia and Croatia are every bit as complex as their Italian counterparts, and, being undiscovered by the likes of us, they’re significantly more affordable. Our tasting this Sunday will offer Winemaker Uroš Rojac pouring three of his own wines alongside three others from the region. We’ll offer paired food, the charm of Mr. Rojac and his importer, Jay Wisniewski, whom many of you have met here before. For wine passion the like of which you seldom see, tasty snacks and intriguing wines, all for only $30, call 326-9363 to reserve a spot this Sunday the 23rd at 3:30. Regrettably, web or email reservations will not guarantee you a place. Hope you can join us.
Slo-Cro: Slovenia, Croatia and their environs
NV La Collina Sparkling Malvasia, Emilia Romagna $18.00
Awesome aromatics of honeysuckle; this sparkling Malvasia is made by the coolest Italian hippie commune dwellers. Notes of apple and white blossoms coupled with creamy bubbles beg to be paired with a hunk of Parmigiano Reggiano.
2012 Rojac Fresh Malvasija, Istria $15.00
Indigenous Malvasija Istriana is the “Queen of Istria.” Straw yellow color with golden hues. The bouquet consists of fresh cut white peaches, green apple, acacia blossom and a hint of almond with nice acidity. In the mouth, there are earthy notes of petrol, with a pronounced sea side minerality.
2010 Royaz Sparkling Refosco, “Pet Nat” rosé of Refosco, Istria $24.00
Unfiltered and undisgorged the RoyAz sparkling rosé wine made in the style of petulant natural from Istrian Refošk. It is aromatic and textural offering a nose of intertwined white and red fruits. On the palate the wine is dry, fresh and bright fruit with herbal tones. Long lasting mineral finish.
2010 Rojac Refosco, Istria $15.00
This unique wine made of Refošk, an indigenous variety of the Istrian peninsula, is typically dense with a dark ruby color and terroir driven flavor. Organically produced and made in a traditional way, it is brought to you as the king of red wines Rex (Re) fuscus (fošk).
2010 Tauzer Family Teran, Karst $30.00
Iron rich, red fruits with dark undertones. Bright acidity pronounce and last with the limestone minerality consistent. Balance defines this wine from start to finish, elegance, the Madam of Teran.
2012 Andrović Plavac Mali, Pelješac $18.00
The “original zin” this wine was DNA tested by Mike grgich of Grigich Hills showing the roots of Zinfandel from Croatia. Dark berry fruits, sun baked with a hearty splash of sea side influence, balanced zinfandel grown on the “Mother land”.