Dearest Feastlings,
Now that August is nearly upon us, it only follows that thoughts of Ferragosto would be upon us as well. While it coincides with the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, like all good Catholics who dabble in Catholicism, the Italians in large part make the sign of the cross and then immediately go on vacation. Florence, as they say, is left to the dogs and the German tourists. The beaches, on the other hand, are packed like rush hour subway cars with Italian vacationers and anyone brave enough to vacation with Italian vacationers. For the curious, here’s a little look.
And while we at Feast intend to celebrate Ferragosto with a bunch of traditional Italian dishes and shaving the corkage off of our Italian wine selection to allow you the opportunity to enjoy restaurant wine at retail pricing, that’s not until August 15th. We thought we’d put you in the mood by bringing in six Italian wines and two Italians for our Last Sunday of the Month tasting, which takes place on Sunday the 28th at 3:30 pm. $35 plus tax and tip will get you tastes of six wines celebrating the beaches of Italy, six little tastes of food paired lovingly and caringly with those wines, and information, quips and charm from Dario and Frank of Classico fine wines and spirits. Make your reservation by calling us at 326-9363, since web and email reservations won’t work for the tasting. See you there.
Italian beach wines
2018 Pala Vermentino “I Fiori,” Sardegna $20.00
Straw-colored with greenish reflections. Persistent floral and herbaceous aromas with notes of thyme. Medium to full-bodied on the palate with good balance and a long, slightly briny finish.
2018 Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi DOCG (Cortese) $17.00
Delicately scented, this opens with aromas of white spring flower and citrus blossom while the bright, refreshing palate doles out green apple, lemon zest and a mineral note. It finishes crisp and clean.
2017 Pala Cannonau di Sardegna DOC “I Fiori” $20.00
Intense ruby-red color with subtle spice and mature red fruit aromas. Medium-bodied with good structure and a lingering finish.
2017 Fantini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $15.00
Ruby red with garnet reflections, the bouquet is fruity and quite persistent, reminiscent of red fruits, marasca cherries, and plums with vanilla nuances; full-bodied, with good balance and firm tannins, flavorful and long on the palate, immediately appealing and versatile.
2017 Michele Satta, Bolgheri Rosso $35.00
The color is ruby-red with aromas of fresh red and black fruits with a hint of leather and tobacco. On the palate the wine is harmonious; the fresh fruit combines with a solid structure and good tannins providing for a finish that is persistent and elegant.
2015 Pietra Primitivo / Sussumaniello “Anna,” IGT Salento $23.00
Elegant notes of spices and red fruits (currants) mixed with sage. The palate is round and velvety.