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COME IN AND TASTE THESE WINES ON SATURDAY, OCT 17, 1-5 PM
Complimentary
Adventuresome oenophiles love Italian wines because, among other things, there are so many varieties from which to choose. According to Attilio Scienza, well-known professor at the U. of M (that's Milan, not Miami), there are more than 800 distinct grape varieties in Italy, 361 of which have been "authorized" by the powers-that-be for plantings and wine-making. Saturday afternoon, we'll be pouring some of the most obscure varieties for your continued wine education.
2007 Velenosi Pecorino (Marche, $19.99). We lead off with THE most obscure grape in the obscure region of Marche, on the Adriatic, just east of Tuscany and Umbria (the best-known white wine from here is the Verdicchio, remember?) The Pecorino grape was almost extinct; a few examples were discovered in a wild state in a narrow gorge, where it was a favorite of the local sheep (hence its name). A very few local growers have established small vineyards from cuttings, and a tiny quantity is even exported. The grape has very thin skins, which makes it susceptible to splitting and rotting, which perhaps contributed to its slide into obscurity. At its best, it is a precocious ripener (good thing), with moderate acidity and good minerality, often showing flavors and aromas of yellow fruits, ground white spices (ginger and white pepper), almonds and hazelnuts. This wine was actually reviewed and rated 88 points by Wine Advocate: "Pretty layers of white peaches, flowers and minerals are intricately woven with notable class and elegance." Come see and taste what the hoop-la is all about!
2008 Elio Perrone Moscato d'Asti "Sourgal" (Piedmont, $18.99). Not an obscure variety to anyone who knows Italian wines, this is the pretty little sweet thing from the Piedmont region. From the Wine Advocate: "The 2008 Moscato d'Asti Sourgal dances on the palate with intricate layers of perfumed green apples and pears that come to life in a gorgeous, refined expression of Moscato. Medium in body, the wine offers outstanding length and a refined, poised finish. This is the most successful of Perrone's 2008 sweet wines. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2010." The absolutely most perfect pairing for this wine is a slice of our mange and ginger cheese, a match made in heaven.
2008 Fontanafredda Barbera "Bricotondo" (Piedmont, $16.99). As long as we're up in the Piedmont, let us offer you that region's most versatile red wine. After the Sangiovese, the Barbera is Italy's second most planted grape variety. Its soft tannins and high acidity make it the quintessential food wine, pairing even with light dishes (including tuna and salmon and other fish dishes with hearty sauces) as well as meaty and tomato courses. Rated 87 points by Wine Advocate: "The 2008 Barbera Briccotondo is a big, juicy wine loaded with dark fruit that shows a surprising level of ripeness at this level."
2006 d'Angelo Aglianico "Sacravite" (Basilicata, $19.99). The Aglianico grape was brought to Italy by the Greeks. It's a robust and fruity grape with great intensity and is indigenous to Campania (think Naples) and Basilicata (just south of Campania, extending to the arch of "the boot"). This wine has not been rated by any of the traditional pros, but has a median rating of 88 points on CellarTracker by those who have cellared and tasted this wine. Here's a composite of their tasting notes: "earthy, chewy tannins, dark flavors of cocoa, coffee grounds, rich, complex flavors, red fruit, floral, violets, plums, red berries, red currants, cherries, blackberries, licorice, vanilla, red raspberries, medium body and acid. Something for everyone.
Donation
With a $5.00 donation to the Avery County Humane Society, you can also taste: Finally, for our high-end pouring, we offer a wine of the noble grape of the Piedmont -- Nebbiolo. 2004 Castello di Verduno Barbaresco (Piedmont, $41.99). Castello di Verduno's classic Barbaresco is blended from two of Barbaresco's most famous and coveted vineyards, Rabają and Faset, both known for their longevity and their distinct earthiness. Low-yields and minimalist intervention in the cellar create a traditional-style Barbaresco with impressive aging potential and classic tar and rose petal flavors.
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NEW ARRIVALS
BELLA CUCINA
For over 13 years Bella Cucina has been producing fine Italian products.
We have back in stock:
6 oz Artichoke Lemon Pesto
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Pennoni Rigate Pasta
Porcini & Parsley Aromatic Savoy Salt (Great on Flatbread)
Pane Rustico Italian Flatbread
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HOPE ESTATE WINES SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER PREVENTION
October is Breast Cancer Prevention Month, with lots of events and sponsors. You may even have noticed the pink ribbons pinned to golfers' caps during last weekend's Presidents Cup competition. Hope Estate wines joins the cause by donating proceeds from the sales of its Hunter Valley Shiraz to the breast cancer research cause. Come buy a bottle of their wine and support this great cause. 2007 Hope Estate Shiraz (Hunter Valley, Australia, $14.99). Smooth, juicy, intense berry fruit, rich mocha and spicy plums, soft, defined oak nuances, silky tannins.
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FALL HOURS
We will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.
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Erick's Cheese and Wine Shop, Grandfather Center, Banner Elk, NC 28604, (828) 898-9424 www.erickscheeseandwine.com
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