Swirl - Eco Friendly Love from Italy

APRI L 2021 WINE CLUB

ECO FRIENDLY LOVE FROM

ITALY

Did you know, that bottle of wine in your hand came from a farm? Wine cultivation can have a huge impact on the earth and our environment, which is why this month we are highlighting some Italian wineries from our friends at Winebow who are taking strides to be eco-friendly. A winery doesn’t need to be certified organic in order to practice earth-friendly farming and winemaking methods. From banning all synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, to reducing sulfur additions, dry farming and hiring local employees there are many ways these producers are focusing on their footprint. Besides being good for the earth, these wines are as a result good for you too (and you’ll taste the quality when you pop a cork).

the REDS

Rainoldi Rosso San Gregorio 2018 [VALTELLINA]

Retail Value $24.99

The wines of Rainoldi, founded in 1925, glorify and honor the local culture of Valtellina, yet strive to innovate and improve, to diversify and offer a selection of high quality wines. Valtellina is a mountainous valley that stretches from East to West in Northern Italy. It is the second largest area in the world for of Nebbiolo, locally called Chiavennasca. The grapes for San Gregorio are hand harvested and carried away by helicopter due to the extreme geography in the area. TASTING NOTES : Aroma rich in hints of flowers and fresh berries. In the mouth it tastes well- balanced, fragrant, particularly drinkable. FOOD PAIRING: A versatile wine that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or matched with starters, first courses and young cheese.

RED #1

Tasca d’Almerita ‘Lamùri’ 2017 [SICILIA]

Retail Value $21.99

Lamùri, or “love” in Sicilian dialect, is made entirely from hand-harvested Nero d'Avola grapes. The Tasca family credits the elegance of the final wine to the unique sandy soil and microclimate of this region. After fermentation, the wine is aged in French barriques for one year to add extra finesse. TASTING NOTES : Intense ruby-red in color, Lamùri offers lush aromas of black cherry, black fruits, vanilla, tobacco, and wild herbs. On the palate, velvety tannins and refreshing acidity make for an elegant, expressive, crowd-pleasing wine. FOOD PAIRING : Pair this wine with spaghetti and meatballs, Bolognese sauces, pappa pomodoro, and lamb kebabs.

RED #2

Valdipiatta Rosso di Montepulciano 2016 [VINO NOBILE ]

Retail Value $19.99

Valdipiatta is a winery that bridges history with innovation, situated at the heart of the Vino Nobile appellation. They are heavily focused on deducting their environmental impact as a result. This Rosso di Montepulciano is made from 90% Sangiovese (locally referred to as Prugnolo Gentile), 5% Canaiolo Nero, and 5% Mammolo from different vineyards in the Montepulciano area. A portion of the wine is aged for three months in one year-old French barriques. The final product is matured for an additional three months in bottle before release. TASTING NOTES: This ruby red wine has opulent aromas of berries, including blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, over more subtle notes of wildflowers and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine is elegant, with well-balanced tannins, vibrant acidity, and a smooth texture. FOOD PAIRING: Pair with herb grilled pork tenderloin, pasta arrabiata, Tuscan bean soup, and paella with chorizo.

RED #3

Librandi ‘Critone’ 2019 [VAL DI NETO]

Retail Value $19.99

Made from 90% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, Critone is a perfect example of Librandi’s belief that the future of Calabrian enology lies in the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. International varieties like these were originally planted in the 1980s to offer something different to local markets, but as the results have been consistently impressive, Critone has gained importance in the diverse portfolio of Librandi wines. Critone takes its name from the favorite pupil of the great philosopher, Socrates, and represents Librandi's pursuit of the knowledge to consistently produce better wines. TASTING NOTES: Pale straw-lemon in color, the wine has delicate aromas of green apples and tree fruits complementing undertones of peaches, wildflowers, and a hint of freshly cut grass. Dry and crisp on the palate, this wine shows elegance with layers of flavors that continue to reveal themselves well into the finish. FOOD PAIRING: Pair this wine with seafood antipasti, baked fish, seafood-based pasta dishes, salads, and grilled vegetables.

WHITE #1

the WHITES

Mastroberardino ‘Mastro’ Greco IGT 2018 [CAMPANIA]

Retail Value $17.99

The Mastroberardino family, leaders in Italian viticulture, are largely responsible for the revival and elevation of Irpinian and Campanian winemaking post WWII. Their efforts ignited a resurgence in quality red and white wine production in all of Southern Italy. Working primarily with Campania’s ancient, native varietals, Fiano, Greco, and Aglianico, Mastroberardino has resuscitated would-be extinct grapes into world class varieties. The terroir of Irpinia is well suited for viticulture, for its unique volcanic microclimate, due to Mt. Vesuvius. The neighboring Partenio and Terminio mountain ranges contribute to the suitable growing climate of the region. Native to Campania, Greco is one of the top white varietals of the region. Fermented in stainless steel, this wine is fresh and lively. TASTING NOTES: Straw yellow in color with an intense bouquet of tropical fruit and white flowers. This Greco is fresh and fruity on the palate, with a lively acidity.

FOOD PAIRING: Ideal with small plates, appetizers, fresh fish and salads, as well as an aperitif.

WHITE #2

©2021 Selected and Imported by Winebow Inc., New York, NY