The Charms of Northern Italy



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So many delicious wines!
 May 14th, 2009
Greetings!

Northern Italy offers a tremendous variety of absolutely delicious wines.  From Piemonte in the Northwest across through Lombardia and Trentino - Alto Adige to Verona and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia in the Northeast, grapes thrive.  Northern Italy tempts you at every turn, the wines are amongst the best in Italy and perhaps there are still a few for you to discover!
  • In the Northwest, Piemonte is home to some of our favorite Italian red wines - Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d'Asti, Dolcetto d'Alba and one you may not be as familiar with - Gattinara.  Gattinara is made with the Nebbiolo grape like Barolo and Barbaresco, but the grapes are grown further north in the region giving them the complexity you have come to love, but more medium in body.  We are featuring one on Friday night - you just have to try it!
  • Trentino - Alto Adige borders Austria and benefits from lots of sunshine and cool, crisp evenings.  The great fluctuation in temperature between daytime and night allows the grapes to retain their natural acidity levels.  What does that mean to you?  The result is what matters - crisp, dry, fantastic white wines.  The Pinot Grigio we are featuring Friday from Koferhof is a terrific example.
  • In the Northeast we find the wines of Verona and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. Amarone made from dried grapes, delicious Valpolicella, the refreshing Friulanos, Soave, many Pinot Grigios, and of course who could forget Prosecco's home in the Veneto.
The diversity of wines available from the Northern regions of Italy are mindboggling.  To help you explore, we have picked a few wines from these regions for you to try Friday evening.  We hope to see you in the store for the tasting!  If we miss you, we would be happy to assemble a few for you to try for your own Northern Italian sampling.
Wines from Northern Italy for Friday's tasting:
Koferhof Pinot Grigio 2007
$27.99 a bottle, $285.48 for a case, or $23.79 a bottle as part of a mixed case

This Koferhof really highlights Pinot Grigio at its best and shows off how the daily temperature fluctuations can really benefit the wine!  It is straw yellow in color with green highlights at the rim.  Very intense and persistent with fruity, flowery, banana, citrus, acacia flowers, and mineral notes on the nose.  Just so much going on!  It is definitely dry, fresh with lots of flavors that follow the nose.  It is full-bodied and quite persistent.  It has a very long and fruity aftertaste.  This is not Santa Margharita. This is how hand crafted stellar Pinot Grigio is done. The Koferhof  will make everyone fall in love with Pinot Grigio!
Bussola Ca Del Laito Valpolicello Superiore 2004
$29.99 a bottle, $305.88 for a case, or $25.49 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Valpolicello is found in Verona approximately 15 miles or so east of the beautiful Lago di Garda.  The Ca del Laito is a 100% ripasso comprised (not compromised) of the traditional Valpolicella blend of grapes, including Corvina and Rondinella.  It is aged in used barrels, and the wine is deep, dark, and earthy with tremendous fruit density, grilled herbs and toasted oak flavors.  To make the wine they hand pick the grapes throughout the growing season to make sure they are perfectly ripe.  This wine delivers a deliciously distinct Bussola flavor that cannot be found in any other wines.

Antoniolo San Francesco Gattinara 2003
$49.99 a bottle, $509.88 for a case, or $42.49 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Gattinara is located in the northern part of Piemonte and benefits greatly from a sub-alpine climate and vineyards with southern exposures.  Nebbiolo, which is locally called Spanna, is the star and produces very aromatic wines in this area.  Often more medium to medium-plus bodied than a full-bodied Barolo which gives it a great deal of flexibility for pairing with foods. 

Antoniolo is without a doubt the top producer in Gattinara.  Friday we will taste the San Francesco single vineyard Gattinara and we have a couple other single vineyard selections from Atoniolo, too.  Wine Advocate rated the Antoniolo San Francesco 90 points and said, "It shows notable weight and concentration in its dark fruit along with chocolate, coffee bean, spice and sweet toasted oak notes that add further complexity. This intense Gattinara is approachable today and should continue to gain complexity over the following decade."
Wine Fridays

The next Wine Friday is Friday, June 12th and we will be featuring wines that are perfect for the summer!  The location is very close to the store, just two and a half miles away.  Perfect for everyone to join us!

We have a terrific group of people already involved and there is always room for a few more to join in the fun. It is a great way to take your mind off the work week, start the weekend, meet new friends and of course try some fantastic wines!  Hors d'oeurves are prepared by Food Company Catering and Special Events and have been delicious!

If you would like to join in the fun, email us at info@tewksburyfinewine.com or call 908-439-0007.

Featured Wines of the May:

  Domaine du Cote Tariquet 2006
 $16.99 a bottle, $173.28 for a case, or $14.44 a bottle as part of a mixed case

This is a pretty unique blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with a distinctive bouquet of fine intense floral notes, some minerality, and the underlying suggestion of ripe grapes. The freshness is evident with the first sip, as is the attractive intensity of flavors.  It is absolutely delightful to drink in the warmer seasons.

Cantina del Taburno Falanghina 2008
$16.99 a bottle, $173.28 for a case, or $14.44 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Cantina del Taburno is in the Campagna region of Italy and the Wine Advocate said that their "top wines compete with the best being made anywhere."  Taste this Falanghina and see what they have to offer.  It is crisp and fruity, an absolutely delightful wine!  The Falanghina grape can be tasted in perfect purity, with notes of almond blossom, lemon, and fresh nectarine.

J Hofstatter Pinot Grigio 2007
$19.99 a bottle, $203.88 for a case, or $16.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
This elegant Pinot Grigio has a clear fruit aroma of pear, warmed with light spice.  It is firm on the palate, velvety and full-flavored with well integrated acidity. A very round and satisfying wine.

Domaine la Monadiere Vacqueyras Rosé 2008
$17.99 a bottle, $183.48 for a case, or $15.29 a bottle as part of a mixed case

This rosé is a delicious example of the beautiful rosés produced throughout southern France that have skyrocketed in popularity.  Crisp, DRY, and filled with red fruits and a touch of spice this is guaranteed to please!

Huarpe Lancatay Malbec 2007
$9.99 a bottle, $101.88 for a case, or $8.49 a bottle as part of a mixed case

A deep violet red in color with aromas of red fruits and toasted nuts brought out from the aging.  There is a roundness that is evident on the palate as is the ripe, juicy berry fruit.  This Malbec cannot be beaten for this price, yes under $10!

Our Wine Clubs:
May's selections are ready this week!

The Boutique Series
$50 a month plus s&h or
complimentary local delivery

This month's selections include:
 Velenosi Pecorino Villa Angela 2007
&
Siduri Muirfield Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006

Grape Distinctions
$75 - $100 a month plus s&h or complimentary local delivery

This month's selections include:
Terry Hoage Vineyards The Hedge Syrah 2004
&
Tensley Thompson Vineyard Syrah 2004

Cellar Collectibles
$100 - $150 a month plus s&h or complimentary local delivery

This month's selections include:
Domaine Roger Perrin Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Vielles Vignes 2004 &
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005

To enroll or if you have questions about the clubs, email us at info@tewksburyfinewine.com
or call 908-439-0007.

We look forward to seeing you and taking you on our tour of Northern Italy!  We'll open the wines for Friday's tasting around 4:00 and we will open a few over the weekend, too.    
 
We look forward to seeing you soon, and most importantly, thanks for your continued support!
 
Cheers!
Andrea
Contact Information
Andrea Maranca
One Old Turnpike, PO Box 377, Oldwick, NJ 08858
T:  908.439.0007  F:  908.439.9997     www.tewksburyfinewine.com