Precious Feastlings,
Ever on our quest to get people to try new wines with more confidence, we still occasionally feature an importer for one of our wine tastings. We figure that once you get comfortable and learn to trust an importer, it’s a little less scary to spend a few extra dollars on a heretofore untasted bottle. I know that if I hadn’t tried it yet, but saw Marc DeGrazia’s name on the back of the bottle, I’d be far more inclined to give it a try. To help instill confidence in you this week, the esteemed Robert Tucker, who represents Marc DeGrazia in the state of Arizona, will stroll down from Phoenix to tell you all about these tasty treats, and we’ll serve them alongside specifically prepared dishes meant to work with the wines in tandem. If you’d like to join us, bring $30 plus tax and gratuity with you this Sunday, March 29th, at 3:30 pm. And make a reservation. Web and email reservations don’t count, so the best way is by phone: 326-9363. We hope you can join us and Robert for these really fun wines.
Trust Your Importer- Marc DeGrazia
2013 Cantina del Taburno Falanghina del Sannio DOC $19.00
From the hills east of Naples between Avillino and the Benevento is the “del Sannio” DOC that is famous for its Falanghina. Planted by the Greeks in ancient times, Falanghina is a favorite variety in Southern Italy and catching on in the US due to the infectious liveliness and charming qualities.
2013 Mura Vermentino di Gallura “Cheremi” DOCG $23.00
From Gallura Sardinia, where the varietal takes wings and is the only DOCG in Sardinia. This appellation is arguably the best production area for the Vermentino grape variety. Cheremi is the single vineyard cru.
2013 Ambra Barco Reale $14.00
75% Sangiovese 10% Cabernet 10% Canaiolo 5% altri vitigni a bacca rossa/other red berry varietals. Township within Carmignano meaning “Royal Park” in Old Italian and a favorite hunting area for the Medici.. 80% matures in lined tanks and the rest into Tonneaux for just 3 months.
2013 Le Vigne di Eli Etna Rosso $25.00
Marco and Iano de Grazia’s own Enta winery Tenuta della Terre Nere (available through Quench) has in recent year been producing small quantities of a “second wine” Le Vigna di Eli (available through Action/Tucker). The name sake of Marco’s young daughter Eli, the Etna Rosso is produced under the same “burgundy like” protocols as the Terre Nere. High altitude, north facing ancient vines and 98% Nerello Mascalese. Only 20 cases were allocated to AZ until next release.
2011 Cantina del Taburno “Fidelis” Aglianico del Sannio $19.00
Aglianico is believed by most to stem from the word, Hellenico meaning Greek in Old Roman. The greater appellation for these wines is Campania that was once called Enotria “land of wine”. Aglianico is one of the “noble” red grapes of Italy along with the fine company of Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. Wine maker Luigi Moio is noted as the best authority on this grape and chairs a professorship at the University of Naples.
2010 Silvio Grasso Barolo $44.00
Grasso resides in a choice “cru” growing area in the commune of “La Morra” in Barolo. A Mom and Pop producer of artisan Baroli owned by the same family since 1926. The 2010 is a drink now vintage and La Morra is known for producing a forgiving and opulent style. 2010 is practically sold out throughout Barolo.