Posted on January 26, 2009 - by admin

Revel In Our Reds

COLOSI Rosso Nero d’Avola (Sicilia) 2006 $8/24
This small winery began producing in 1992. They have medium-texture alluvial soils characterized by a mixture of pebbles and stones. The average age of the vines is 20 years. The hand-picked harvest generally takes place in the second week of October. Maceration and fermentation last for a minimum of 25 days with wine ageing for 20 months in 20 hectoliter oak casks. It is then cellared for another 6 months after bottling before its release.

Albino Armani TEROLDEGO “io” (Trentino) 2006 $10/30
The traditional wine of Trentino, Italy (made from the Teroldego grape) this fine wine comes from Albino Armani, who specializes in rare indigenous grapes of the region. It has dark aromas of blackberries and black pepper that dance on the palate, a fantastic match for rabbit, duck and game as well as hearty risotto. Joe says: “The Teroldego is a rare and hard to find grape. This wine is definitely worth your attention.”

SCURATI Nero D’Avola (Sicilia) 2007 $10/30
Scurati is the name of a beautiful Sicilian cave located near the winery. Nero D’Avola is a native grape to Sicily and this wine is aged in restored cement vats for seven months and then continues to age 3 more months in the bottle. This full bodied Nero D’Avola has silky tannins and a long finish. Only 75,000 bottle production. Joe says: “This red is bigger than its price: a real crowd pleaser!”

Castello di Modanella Organic CHIANTI (Toscana) 2006 $10/30
Outside of Siena, Castello di Modanella can only be reached by a dirt road. The vineyards surround the 12th century Modanella castle that now produces 100% organic wines. This Chianti was produced the old fashioned way—in cement vats! This allows the wine to develop with no outside influence. This wine is delicious with pork and meat dishes.

Mazzolino BONARDA (Lombardia) 2007 $11/33
Smooth and luscious with notes of blackberries, cinnamon and almond, Bonarda is a grape varietal that has been grown in Oltrepo Pavese for ages. The winemaker is Jean Francois Cocqard, who brings his experience from Burgundy to Italy, to produce a wine with soft fruit and earth. It is a perfect match for meat filled ravioli and hot antipasti. Joe says: “This grape is traditionally used to make Lambrusco style wines. This wine-maker breaks with tradition to create an incredible still wine at an incredible value.”

Garofoli Rosso Conero “PIANCARDA” (Marche) 2005 $12/36
From the oldest winery in the Marche Region, five generations of Garofoli have produced wine like this rustic red from the chalky Marche soil. This Rosso Conero is a full-bodied red with structure, produced solely from Montepulciano grapes. It is matured in traditional oak casks for at least one year before release. It combines the typical aromas of cherries of Rosso Cònero with an imposing but pleasantly soft structure. During his visit to LaMarche in 2007, Joe discovered that this wine is typical of the region and enjoyed by the local inhabitants.

Tenuta Le Querce IL VIOLA (Basilicata) 2004 $12/36
Aglianico is a red grape variety that is widely diffused in Basilicata and somewhat less so in the province of Avellino in Campania, where it is also known as Gnanico, Agliatica, Ellenico, Ellanico and Uva Nera. It is of extremely ancient origin and some experts argue that it was being cultivated even before the foundation of Rome. Ruby red in color, it is fragrant with aromas of spice, vanilla, berry and cherry; harmonious and persistent. Perfect when paired with vegetable soup and stewed rabbit, veal or lamb. Joe says: “Look for this Aglianico grape in a Barolo-like wine called Taurasi.”

Tenuta Statti GAGLIOPPO (Calabria) 2007 $12/36
This 2007 Gaglioppo literally bursts from the glass with super-ripe dark cherries that are beautifully balanced by the wine’s freshness. This truly elegant wine offers remarkable clarity and transparency for a wine from the south. During ancient times, Romans drank this wine before, during and after events at the Coliseum.

COLLE TICCHIO “Cesanese del Piglio” (Lazio) 2007 $12/36
This lovely wine is made entirely in stainless steel, with no wood aging. As a result, it retains the ripe fruit flavors and freshness that make it a perfect meal wine! It is typical of the viticulture of the Lazio region, and traces its origins back to the late 1700s. Ruby red in color, tending toward garnet with aging, it is a soft, medium-bodied wine with delicate aromas of bright fruit. Pair this wine with hearty pasta dishes as well as lamb or sausage. Joe says: “This wine is rare and wonderful…you would be hard pressed to find it served anywhere else!”

Il Nuraghe Cannonau VIGNARUJA (Sardegna) 2005 $13/39
From the island of Sardinia, this Cannonau (thought to be a brother of the Grenache grape) is medium bodied, with notes of plums and spice. The winds off the Mediterranean Sea bring flavors of sea salt to match the fruit. With smooth tannins, this wine is the perfect match to grilled meats and hearty pastas. Joe says: “This fruit forward crowd-pleaser is typical to the region of Sardinia.”

Castello di Bossi CHIANTI CLASSICO DOCG (Toscana) 2004 $14/42
A typical rich Chianti Classico from Tuscany, this wine is full of flavor and body. The deep red notes and long legs give you a preview of what is to come. It is a wonderful wine right out of the bottle then gets better as it breathes in your glass. Great with red sauce, stands up to sausages and pork. Joe says: “This fat Chianti is a beautiful expression of the Sangiovese grape.”

Castello di Modanella SANGIOVESE Campo d’Aia (Toscana) 2003 $15/45
This organic wine is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes a single vineyard. It is a bright ruby-red with aromatic notes of ripe cherries, cinnamon and leather. On the palate it is well-balanced, medium bodied with hints of red fruit and earth: a perfect match for braised and grilled meats, lasagna, and meaty pasta dishes. Joe says: “2001 was a fabulous year for this wine and for this region.”

San Giovanni Leo Guelfus ROSSO PICENO (Marche) 2005 $15/45
This is a very impressive varietal blending of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes. Its dark hue introduces intense, appetizing ripe fruit aromas and hints of flowers. The same aromas gently emerge on the palate, where acidity and tannin combine superbly into a gauged softness. It expresses warm well-developed aromas with its very traditional fruit. Great balance and charming wine: pairs well with hearty pasta dishes, meats and cheese.

Antonelli MONTEFALCO Rosso (Umbria) 2005 $16/48
A classic blend from Montefalco, Umbria, this wine is made from 65% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. Antonelli is one of the top producers of wines in this region, creating this full-bodied wine with ample flavors of berries, leather and earth. This delicious wine pairs well with rare red meat, tagliatelle with ragu and aged cheeses. Montefalco is a little town on a mountaintop in Umbria. Joe says: “If you stand in the piazza at the center of town, you can see for miles and miles.”

Alberto Longo PRIMITIVO (Puglia) 2007 $16/48
The newest wine from Alberto Longo, the Primitivo is the most recognizable of Puglia’s varietals. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve likely met the wine as Zinfandel, proven to be its genetic equivalent. However, the cousins are not identical: the Italian often comes off more rustic and much less intense than its American counterpart. Longo’s Primitivo offers great acidity with a fruitier nose, lighter body, and rounder tannic structure. This is a great summer red, perfect with meats, cheeses and pastas.

Alberto Longo Negroamaro “CAPOPOSTO” (Puglia) 2005 $16/48
The six circles on the label represent the winery, taken from the numerous archaeological finds of the area. This Capoposto made from the Negroamaro grape. It is deep ruby red with purple highlights and an intense and persistent bouquet. It is rich in wild berry and smoky notes. The palate is full bodied and well rounded with soft tannins. Serve it with duck, lamb and veal. Capoposto means “head of the place” and the wine was named in honor of Alberto Longo’s father.

RIVE Barbera D’Asti (Piemonte) 2006 $17/51
The grapes for the Rive are handpicked, de-stemmed, crushed and then inoculated with selected yeasts. The “must” is then terminated in temperature controlled stainless steel vats with pumping over four times a day. Pressed just before dryness and then racked to a mixture of new (2/3) to one year old (1/3) it is then placed in French oak barriques where it undergoes fermentation. The color is dark and the pigmentation very deep, with lots of depth and dimension to the fruit.

Tessere RABOSO Piave “Barbarigo” (Veneto) 2002 Not Available
The Tessere estate in northern Veneto was founded in 1979 by Ilario Bincoletto, an entrepreneur with a passion for wine. In the beginning, most of his wine was sold to other important wineries. This Raboso is a highly tannic and highly acidic wine aged for 2 years. Deep ruby red in color with a wild cherry nose it can be enjoyed with game, grilled meat and seasoned cheese. Joe says: “2002 was a great year for the Raboso, but 2004 leaves much to be desired. Let’s hope that the next vintage will be a good one!”

Accordini Valpolicella RIPASSO (Veneto) 2005 $19/57
This amazing red comes from a miniscule producer in the heart of Valpolicella. It is made in the “Ripasso” style, where the fresh Valpolicella wine is passed over the dried Amarone grape skins after its pressing to make the wine more luscious. This “ripasso” has an intense ruby-red color and its bouquet is intense, delicate and ethereal with scents of spices and vanilla. Its flavor is warm, full-bodied with the scent of fruit that recalls Amarone. Riopasso is best served with all kinds of meat, including white meat, stews and mature cheeses.

Tenuta dell’Abate Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah “GIAFFARRO” (Sicilia) 2005 $19/57
This is a wine with great personality. Tenuta dell’Abate, translates to “the Abbot’s Estate” and is owned by the Romano family in central Sicily in the town of Caltanisetta. The soil of the 58-hectare property is limestone, and the elevation is higher in this region with more moderate temperature at night. Giaffarro is 60% Cabernet and 40% Syrah. Fermentation occurs in small steel vats open to the sky. Afterwards the wine is aged for 10 months in small oak barrels, then 6 months in the bottle. This is a complex and elegant wine, with notes of forest fruits, black pepper and chocolate on the nose with light to medium tannins. 1000 case production. Joe says: “This is a typical Sicilian blend: much extracted and very jammy. It is sure to please even the most sophisticated palate.”

Casale Cento Corvi KOTTABOS Rosso (Roma) 2004 $19/57
Located only 25 miles north of Rome lays the estate owned by the Collacciani family. It is an area rich in history along the consular route from the Etruscan Necropolis to the sea. For centuries the 15th century “Casale Cento Corvi” farmhouse was a popular stopover to change horses and sample wines. Kottabos (which refers to an ancient Sicilian game of flinging wine at statuettes!) is a Merlot/Sangiovese blend that is designed for saucy red meats.

“Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso” ZANATO (Veneto) 2005 $19/57
This red is a blend of 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Sangiovese. As soon as the dried grapes for the Amarone are fermented, selected batches of Valpolicella wine are “re-passed” over the Amarone’s lees, thus starting a second fermentation that slightly increases the alcohol content and gives the wine deeper color, increased extract, and more complex aromas. Ripassa is refined in tanks for six months and then aged in small oak barrels for 18-24 months. Deep rub-red in color with a complex nose of dried fruit and licorice, Ripassa represents one of the most important milestones in Zenato’s history. The wine offers rich aromas of blackberry jam, currant, chocolate, coffee and tar that linger on the palate and are sustained by a round and structured body: recommended with grilled meat dishes. Joe says: “This blockbuster wine requires decanting but it is well worth the ten minute wait to allow the Ripassa to open fully.”

BARBERA d’Alba Vigna Ròca Neira (Piemonte) 2003 $20/60
This Barbera is a black cherry explosion. Brothers Bruno and Gianni have created a dry, full-bodied wine that is warm and balanced, with well integrated tannins. The color is brilliant ruby red with violet reflections. Ideally, this wine should be served alongside dishes of typical Piemontese cuisine as well as with both white and red roasted meats. Joe says: “This wine is a rocket right out of the bottle! You can expect an explosion of cherries on your palate.”

San Giovanni AXEE Rosso Piceno Superiore (Marche) 2001 $20/60
Axee means ‘in this way” in local dialect and this is definitely the way to make Rosso Piceno! Axee is an excellent example of a modern, bigger, blacker and plusher Rosso Piceno. 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese, this wine is great with fowl, red meat and aged cheeses. The Axee is another of San Giovanni’s typical regional wines, and well worth the price.

Tenuta Rocca Langhe Rosso “ORNATI” (Piemonte) 2003 $24/72
You’ve heard of Super Tuscans; now sample a Super Piemonte. The wines age separately in French barriques for two years before blending. This wine has it all–intense garnet red color, cherry fruit with hints of dark chocolate and tobacco, and suitably tannic. Great when served with all roasted red meats. The Ornati wine from the Langhe hills of Alba comes from the blending of 35% Barbera, 35% Nebbiolo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Joe says: “This is a masterful blend of these three big hitters.”

BUIO BUIO (Sardegna) 2004 $24/72
100% Carignano del Sulcis grape grown in soil which is a combination of mixed clay with minerals. It is aged for eight to ten months in French barriques. The color is a bright, consistent, dark ruby with crimson reflections. It carries the aroma of fresh fruit with a red berry fruit bouquet, along with undertones of spices and new wood. It pairs well with game, wild boar in sweet and sour sauces and seasonal cheeses. Joe says, “Buio means dark and the Buio Buio represents the reserva of this wine: an extremely jammy and raspberry nose that perfumes the air upon decanting.”

CIGNOZZA Peregrinus (Toscana) 2003 $25/75
Cignozza was founded in 1997 when Roberto del Buono, then only 34, took over his father’s estate. Truly a small production wine at 3000 bottles, Roberto puts the corks and labels on himself. An intense 100 percent Sangiovese wine. Ideally served with grilled meats, game and aged cheeses. Joe says: “Cignozza is another Super Tuscan wine, typical of this region.”

Alberto Longo Nero di Troia “Le CRUSTE” (Puglia) 2005 $25/75
This region has close links to the Aegean people and to the Roman Empire. Alberto Longo’s wine cellars are found in a farmhouse built in 1800. Le Cruste is truly a special wine with a persistent bouquet of wild berries, balsamic notes and very silky tannins: Great with a wide range of meat and poultry. Joe says: “Hints of asphalt and black licorice on the palate, this is a most interesting wine and one of my favorites.”

POGGIO al CHIARE (Tuscana) 2000 $30/90
This Tuscan wine is medium ruby garnet in color with sweet mineral and cherry aromas. A full-bodied wine that tastes fleshy in the mouth with a tannic finish: 95% Sangiovese. Great when paired with stewed dark meats and roasted or grilled red meats. This is yet another Super Tuscan red and on Joe’s list of “must try wines.”

Mazzolino PINOT “NOIR” (Lombardia) 2003 $30/90
From the Noir vineyards of Tenuta Mazzolino, located in Lombardy, Italy, are exclusively in a hilly position with a southern exposure. The vines are specially imported from Burgundy and produce a ruby red, intense and complex wine that shows a bouquet of red fruits, roses, leather and pine. The palate is full, rich and persistent. Only 10,000 bottles produced per year.

MARION Valpolicella Superiore (Veneto) 2003 $32/96
An unusual Valpolicella produced by a small family owned winery, unusual in the sense that this wine is almost treated as if it were an Amarone. Half of the grapes are left on the plant to become extremely mature before harvest, while the other half are dried on mats for an extra month before pressing. The result is a super-luscious red wine with aromas of red berries and violets. This wine is best matched with braised meats, hard cheeses and rare steak.

Falasco AMARONE della Valpolicella (Veneto) 2003 $33/99
An amazing and luscious Amarone: the king of wines from the Veneto. The grapes are dried from September until January, losing about 40% of their water weight before pressing. This wine is aged in oak for 2 years before release. This Amarone is an extremely full-bodied (but balanced) wine with ample notes of dried fruit, baking spices and leather. This wine is so full bodied, it is often called a “vino da meditazione” or a wine to sip and contemplate. It is lovely with braised meat dishes as well as cheeses.

Terradora TAURASI (Lazio) 2001 $33/99
This beautiful dark rich wine from Rome is 100% Aglianico grapes. History traces this wine back to before the founding of Rome. It is aged 24 months in French oak. Dense and full of dark fruit flavor the Taurasi goes great with game, cheeses & grilled meats. Considered the ‘Barolo of the South’, this Taurasi is best when decanted and allowed to breathe for a few hours. Joe says: I suggest that you call ahead when ordering this wine to give it proper time to open up.

Antonelli SAGRANTINO di Montefalco (Umbria) 2001 $33/99
100% Sagrantino: this bold and robust red comes from the heart of Montefalco, Umbria. Made by Filippo Antonelli, the head of the consortium of Sagrantino, this wine is made in a classic style. Sagrantino is one of the most structured wines in the world, with abundant notes of dark fruit, leather and earth. It is best paired with strong meats, lasagna and even barbecue!

Cordero di MONTEZEMOLLO BAROLO (Piemonte) 2003 $35/105
Elegant, smooth and velvety, this Barolo has evident notes of berries and truffles as well as pansies. It is rich and complex with classic flavors from the Nebbiolo grape. The winery has been in the Cordero family since the Middle Ages, and is one of the only wineries to have the majority of their vineyards in plots surrounding the winery. The Monfalleto vineyard is dominated by the presence of a cedar tree that serves as a point of reference for the whole Valley.

MONTE TONDO AMARONE (Veneto) 2002 $40/120
This 250-case wine is quite unique. It is a young “drink now” Amarone, smooth and captivating with elegant full body and a long finish. Made from 70% Corvina and 30% Rondinella it is excellent with all kinds of red meat, game, and aged cheeses. Joe says: “The Monte Tondo has hints of cinnamon and spice on the palate and it is one of my favorite Amarones.”

Accordini Amarone “ACINATICO” (Veneto) 2004 $50/150
Amarone della Valpolicella is the unquestioned king of the wines of Verona. It is obtained via the ancient production of Recioto which becomes dry and bitter purely by chance. As a result, since the beginning of the 20th century it has been called “Amarone”, from the adjective “amaro” meaning “bitter”, though it is by no means bitter. The unique and unmistakable feature of this wine is its production by original grapes of Valpolicella: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara, which are considered great treasures of this area. Another unique characteristic of this wine is the process of vinification: grapes are dried till February or March. It is a fine example of dry red wine refined in wooden barrels. Amarone is a wine of great importance, since it is the product of a rare micro-climate, exclusive vines and special wine making techniques. This unique process yields a rich and concentrated bouquet of dried fruit and a touch of vanilla and nuts.

Cordero Di Montezemolo BAROLO ENRICO VI (Piedmont) 2003 $60/180
From the incredibly historic winery of Cordero di Montezemolo located in the Piedmont, the Enrico VI vineyard in Castiglione Falletto produces an exceptional Barolo. It is rich, full bodied and robust with a complex bouquet. This Barolo has notes of cherries, spice and earth. On the palate it is austere and very well-balanced. It pairs perfectly with all types of game and braised meats. The well known wine guide in Italy, Gambero Rosso, has awarded this 2003 vintage with its highest honor, Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses). Joe says: “Oh, baby!!”

Brunelli BRUNELLO Riserva (Montalcino) 2001 $60/180
The small Brunelli farm lies in the midst of the Montalcino hills and is owned by Mauro Brunelli and Anna Savini, both descendants of farming families. The 1960s was a hard time for agriculture, and as commonly occurred, the Brunelli family left farming for the city. In 1964, they returned and with just 3 hectares of land planned production of wine. Mauro and Anna’s son Luca decided to farm the property after completing studies. Luca’s cultivation philosophy is to strive for quality over quantity. This Brunello is 100% Sangiovese, aged 4 years in French barrels, and is full bodied with wonderful wild berries and dark cherry fruit. It is only released after 6 years from harvest.

View our White Wine list.