WHITE WINES:
2009 Masi Pinot Grigio Verduzzo Masianco Venezia (Italy) – Blend of Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris & Verduzzo grapes
“The robe of the Masi Pinot Grigio Verduzzo Masianco is the pale verdant straw of a perfect Tuscan morning. The nose is definitely floral: wisteria, lavender, and meadow. The crisp acid bite of melons, apples, and grapefruit wash upon the palate, finishing with a nice surprise of minerals. This little vino is just ducky with seafood chowders and bisques, and is just waiting to be invited by a good salad to the ball.” Foodczar.blogspot.com
2008 Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino de Sardegna (Sardinia) – Vermentino grape
“Displays very ripe pineapple and meringue aromas and flavors. Full and slightly oily, with hints of butterscotch. Long and opulent.” Rated 87 by Wine Specatator
2009 Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali Bianco (Sicily) – Blend of Inzolia, Catarratto, & Grecanico grapes
“This dry white wine from Sicily is made from the indigenous Inzolia, Catarratto, and Grecanico grapes. With citrus fruits and mineral on the finish, this is a delightful everyday white to enjoy with seafood or any other simple, light fare.” Astor Wines
2008 Allegrini Soave Veneto (Italy) – Blend of 80% Garganega & 20% Chardonnay grapes
“The 2008 Soave is quite pretty in this vintage. The wine possesses terrific clarity and precision in its perfumed fruit. The addition of 20% Chardonnay along with the more traditional Garganega gives the wine an additional dimension of volume to match the hints of tropical fruit.” Rated 88 The Wine Advocate
RED WINES:
2008 Masi Modello Rosso Delle Venezie (Italy) – Blend of Corvina, Refosco, & Raboso Veronese grapes
“I found a dusty minerality, ripe red fruits and berries, and a little sweet spice on the nose. On the palate were juicy red fruits, berries and cherries, vanilla and spice, with soft tannins. A great Italian food wine that will go well with meats and tomato sauces. This wine promises to please a crowd without breaking the bank.” palatepress.com
2006 Leone de Castris Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva (Italy) – Blend of Negroamaro & Malvasia Nera grapes
“The 2006 Salice Salentino Rosso Riserva 50th Vendemmia (Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera) is a very pretty, nuanced wine laced with wild cherries, plums, graphite and spices. Silky tannins frame an exceptional, elegant finish. This cask-aged Salice Salentino is a gem, not to mention an absolute steal for the money. The 50th Vendemmia celebrates the estate’s 50th vintage in grand style.” Rated 90 The Wine Advocate
2007 Michele Chiarlo Le Orme Barbera d’Asti (Italy) – Barbera grape
“The estate’s 2007 Barbera d’Asti Superiore Le Orme is a mid-weight offering with good definition and focus in its perfumed red berries. This refined, subtle wine offers good balance in an approachable, feminine style.” Rated 88 The Wine Advocate
2008 Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo (Italy) – Blend of 60% Sangiovese & 40% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
“Typically smoky and meaty the latest Rompicollo a 60/40 blend of Sangiovese/Cabernet carries the IGT Maremma Toscana moniker. The palate is smooth and Italian dry with black olives and plummy fruit with bits of licorice cassis and vanilla. Ready to drink now with mushroom or tomato pasta dishes.” liquoroutletwinecellars.com