Wine With Wanda

Wanda's Wine of the Week: Terlato's Flavorful and Far-From-Boring Pinot Grigio Friuli 2016

Each week I taste quite an array of standout wines, so picking just one to showcase is no easy feat. Quality is always of utmost consideration but I'm also drawn to wines that surprise me in the very best ways. New varietals, small producers, and lesser known-regions are always intriguing. But I also appreciate beautifully crafted classics and well-made wines that offer great value. The choices for Wanda's Wine of the Week will be hard to predict but that's part of the fun. Cheers! 

I know, I know - you're wondering how a Pinot Grigio could possibly be my wine of the week selection. Just the other day I published an article encouraging you to try Italian white wines that ARE NOT Pinot Grigio. I absolutely stand by my advice to explore as many Italian wines as possible but don't get it twisted -- I am NOT anti-Pinot Grigio. Yes, I'm against boring and badly made Pinot Grigio wines that exploit the immense popularity of this ubiquitous varietal but offer very little flavor and nuance. However, I AM a fan of beautifully made Pinot Grigio that expresses a sense of place and displays vibrant flavors and textures. And when I find a Pinot Grigio with personality and finesse, I get really excited and have to let you know all about it. Terlato Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC 2016 ($22.99) is such a wine.

Terlato's vineyards in Friuli Colli Orientali
image courtesy of Terlato

Produced from grapes grown in hillside vineyards in Friuli, a region in the northeast of Italy which is widely recognized as one of the finest for the cultivation of Pinot Grigio, Terlato Pinot Grigio has lively aromas and crisp & fruity flavors.

Clad in their signature plaid shirts, meet vine pruners extraordinaire Pierpaolo Sirch & Marco Simonit- the winemaking team behind Terlato Pinot Grigio.

Terlato Pinot Grigio winemakers Marco Simonit and Pierpaolo Sirch are renowned agronomists who are in demand around the world for their immense skill in nurturing healthy vines that grow expressive and quality grapes. This dynamic duo's talent and expertise are on full display in Terlato's impressive Pinot Grigio with its exuberant flavors of white peach, melon, pear, and apricot that are balanced by crisp minerality and bright acidity. Say arrivederci to boring Pinot Grigio and give this elegant beauty from Terlato a swirl! 

From Piedmont to Sicily: Five More Fabulous Italian White Wines That Aren't Pinot Grigio

My recent article, Five Fabulous Italian White Wines That Aren't Pinot Grigio, had such a great response, I'm back with a second round. Take your palate on an Italian adventure and sip your way out of a Pinot Grigio rut with one of these stellar white wines. 

Banfi "Principessa Gavia" Gavi 2016 DOCG ($17)
Region: Piemonte
Grape: Cortese
Who can resist a beautiful wine inspired by a romantic Italian legend? Once upon a time Princess Gavia followed her heart and eloped with a guard in her father's court. The King was not too thrilled with his darling daughter marrying a commoner but eventually all was forgiven. In Gavia's honor, the king named the town of Gavi and its wonderful white wine after his romantically rebellious daughter. I think Principessa Gavia would be absolutely impressed by the lovely wine Banfi has named after her. Elegant, dry, and crisp with vivacious green apple and citrus flavors, this delicious expression of Gavi has zesty acidity and a finish that lingers like a long lace train on a royal wedding dress. 

Fontana Candida Frascati DOC 2015 ($12.95)
Region: Lazio
Grapes: Malvasia Bianca di Candia, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia del Lazio
Born in the Roman hills, Frascati is an ancient wine that was known as "the wine of popes and of the people." It may no longer flow from the fountains of Rome, as it was reported during 17th century Papal elections, but bottles of Frascati certainly flow freely in Roman restaurants. Refreshing and zesty, this dry Frascati from renowned producer Fontana Candida is a great expression of this quintessentially Roman wine. Flavors of peach and almonds are balanced by great acidity and texture.


 Alta Mora Etna Bianco DOC 2015 ($24.99)
Region: Sicily
Grape: Carricante
What could be hotter than a white wine produced from grapes grown on the slopes of an active volcano? The Cusumano family grows the indigenous Carricante grape in the volcanic souls of Mt. Etna to produce their Etna Bianco. A sultry white wine with pronounced minerality and herbal flavors, Alta Mora Etna Bianco is a sophisticated sip that reveals more and more character as it opens in the glass. 

 Puiatti Vuj Friulano 2016 ($20.99)
Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Grape: Friulano 
Renowned for their pristine white wines that never spend time in oak, a sip of Puiatti rocks your palate with the full essence of the grape. Vuj (which means eye) captures the charms of Friulano, an exceptionally flavorful and aromatic white grape that thrives in Italy's northeastern Friuli region. Quite savory with mellow hints of herbs and a lingering finish, Vuj has plenty of personality that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Feudi di San Gregorio Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2015 ($24.99)
Campania
Grape: Fiano
Yummy isn't a technical term but this luscious wine from the Campania region in the south of Italy proves that yumminess and elegance aren't mutually exclusive. Absolutely exuberant with pretty flavors of peach and chamomile, this stellar Fiano has impressive balance and lip-smacking minerality. 

Wanda's Wine of the Week: Oremus Tokaji Dry "Mandolás" Furmint 2015

Each week I taste quite an array of standout wines, so picking just one to showcase is no easy feat. Quality is always of utmost consideration but I'm also drawn to wines that surprise me in the very best ways. New varietals, small producers, and lesser known-regions are always intriguing. But I also appreciate beautifully crafted classics and well-made wines that offer great value. The choices for Wanda's Wine of the Week will be hard to predict but that's part of the fun. Cheers! 

 Oremus Tokaji Dry "Mandolás" Furmint 2015 (around $24)
Hungary

 Hungary's most famous grape, Furmint is celebrated as the star of the legendary sweet wine that made Louis XIV proclaim Tokaji "the wine of the king and the king of wines!" These sweet wines remain highly coveted but more Hungarian producers are also crafting superb dry wines from Furmint. Mandolás is a superb expression of a dry Tokaji that balances bright & refreshing acidity with harmonious layers of citrus zest, chamomile, straw, and honey flavors. A supple richness and a subtle hint of spice make Mandolás a great match with everything from Asian to Mediterranean cuisine. Mandolás is no boring white wine! 

image courtesy of Oremus

A wine that exudes joy and vitality, Mandolás has quite a pedigree - it is produced by the iconic Spanish wine producer, Vega Sicilia. In 1993, just a few years after the fall of Communism in Hungary, Vega Sicilia acquired 285 acres of premier vineyards in the heart of the Tokaj region. The Oremus estate also includes several miles and five levels of underground cellars dating back to the 12th century. Hand hewn into volcanic rock, these historic cellars are still used today for aging Oremus wines.

 

A Celebration of Wine & Culture in Naples: Vitigno Italia 2017

When wine calls, I follow. Intrigued by descriptions of stellar wines and stunning scenery, I gladly let vino lead me to Naples for the 13th annual Vitigno Italia festival. More than just a showcase for wine, Vitigno Italia was a vivacious celebration of the unique culture of the south of Italy. An ancient city with a modern edge, Naples is the capital of the Campania region and Italy's third largest city.


From the volcanic peaks of Mt. Vesuvio to the blue Mediterranean waters that caress its coast, from the bustling crowds strolling & shopping along the elegant & energetic Via Toledo to the quiet piazzas where locals meet for an aperitivo, Naples is a city of charming contrasts. A bilingual city where its own melodic Neapolitan language co-exists with Italian, Naples is nature and modernity, chaos and calm; and Vitigno Italia captured all of these qualities.

image courtesy of WikiWand

When was the last time you attended a wine tasting in a Medieval castle? Naples' oldest standing fortification, the majestic seaside Castel dell'Ovo was the spectacular venue for Vitigno Italia. For three days (May 21-23), thousands of attendees strolled the Castle to taste a variety of wines from the south of Italy and other regions. Vitigno Italia also showcased a selection of Italian cheeses, cured meats, and other delicacies. A festival without attitude, Vitigno Italia had a welcoming and energetic vibe that attracted multi-generations, couples, singles, many local residents, and tourists.  

Daniele Cernilli (Doctor Wine), Wanda, and Chicco de Pasquale (Founder of Vitigno Italia)

Yes, Vitigno Italia is a great party but it is also very serious about the business of wine. The festival's Napoli Wine Challenge, led by a judging panel that included prestigious Italian wine writers Daniele Cernilli (Doctor Wine), Chiara Giorleo, and Luciano Pignataro, used a blind tasting format for the final selection of five wines that were honored as the best in their category. (I was honored to be a member of this esteemed judging panel. Visit Chiara's website for the list of winners.) At Vitigno Italia, wine producers also had the important opportunity to meet with an international delegation of buyers from Asia, the Middle East, and other European nations, who would consider exporting their wines abroad. 

Founder and president of Vitigno Italia, Chicco de Pasquale. His passion and vision have made Vitigno Italia the premier wine festival in southern Italy. 

Stefano Carbone (press official for Vitigno Italia) and a delighted festival attendee enjoy a glass of wine poured by the one-and-only Alessandro Scorsone - the official sommelier of Italian Parliament. (Yes, the Italian government has a sommelier. Can we please do this in the United States?) 


Massimo Setaro of Casa Vinicola Setaro and his prize-winning Caprettone Spumante Metodo Clasico from Vesuvio. This unique and elegant sparkling wine, produced from the indigenous Caprettone grape, won the sparkling wine category at Vitigno Italia's Napoli Wine Challenge. 

 

I was first introduced to Ilaria Pettito of Donnachiara when she was in New York City last year promoting her family's superb wines. It was a wonderful surprise to see Ilaria, and her partner in life & business, Francesco De Rienzo at Vitigno Italia. Their participation showed that Vitigno Italia is indeed considered a very important event for the region's winemakers. Donnachiara produces some of the most acclaimed wines in the Campania region. Their vineyards in Montefalcione, an ancient village in the Avellino province, have been in Ilaria's family for 150 years. Their wine portfolio includes elegant expressions of Fiano de Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Taurasi. 

The legendary volcano Vesuvio (Vesuvius) is perhaps Naples' most famous resident and this force of nature also lends its name to the Vesuvio DOC. Ciro Giordano of Cantine Olivella is also president of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Vesuvio. The wines of the Vesuvio DOC were well-represented at Vitigno Italia. One of the unique wines that I tasted at Vitigno Italia was Cantina Olivella's "Katá" - a white wine made from the Catalanesca grape. Catalanesca has its roots in Spain and was brought to the Napoli region in the 15th century. 

Winemaker Maurizio Russo of Cantina del Vesuvio proudly shows the mineral-rich black soil of his vineyard on the slopes of Vesuvio - one of the benefits of being so close to a volcano. Wines from Vesuvio have a defined mineral character that add elegant and earthy textures and flavors. The Cantina del Vesuvio portfolio includes Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio which is produced from the indigenous grapes Caprettone (white) and Piedirosso (red). 



While in Naples, I took a short excursion to Pompei to explore the legendary ancient city that was destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvio in 79 AD. In addition to the Roman ruins of the homes, market, and spa; there are several small vineyards on the property that recreate the viticulture of that time. This exciting project is managed by Mastroberardino winery and winemaker Antonio Capone was my gracious tour guide for the day. Antonio eloquently described Vesuvio as a "devil and an angel" - capable of great destruction but also enriching the soil to grow rich grapes that beautifully express the terroir. Mastroberardino produces a limited number of bottles of these very special wines from Pompei. 

Thank you to everyone at Vitigno Italia, the Consorzio Tutela Vini Vesuvio, the Italian Trade Commission, and all of the welcoming Neapolitans who made my first visit to the south of Italy so memorable. If you've been thinking of visiting Naples, I highly recommend going to Vitigno Italia 2018. Let wine lead you to Naples and so much more will be revealed. Cheers! 

Wanda's Wine of the Week: Mumm Napa Brut Rosé

Each week I taste quite an array of standout wines, so picking just one to showcase is no easy feat. Quality is always of utmost consideration but I'm also drawn to wines that surprise me in the very best ways. New varietals, small producers, and lesser known-regions are always intriguing. But I also appreciate beautifully crafted classics and well-made wines that offer great value. The choices for Wanda's Wine of the Week will be hard to predict but that's part of the fun. Cheers! 

Mumm Napa Brut Rosé, Napa Valley ($22)

I find it impossible to resist the charms of a sparkling rosé on a summer day and this beauty from Mumm melds California exuberance with French elegance. Established in the late 1970's, Mumm Napa traces their roots back to the esteemed Champagne house, GH Mumm, which was founded in France in 1827. A flirty and elegant shade of coral pink, Mumm Brut Rosé is 80% Pinot Noir and is alive with fresh flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherries. A kiss of Chardonnay (20%), contributes a touch of citrus and crispness. Round and full with perky bubbles, Mumm Brut Rosé has a subtle creaminess from about 18 months of yeast aging. This is truly a delightful bottle of bubbly at a great price!  

Provence on My Mind and in My Glass: 5 Rosés for Sultry Summer Days

image courtesy of Wines of Provence

From the sapphire blue waters of the Mediterranean to the vivid lavender fields of the Luberon, the colors of Provence are forever embedded in my memory. I can't even begin to count how many glasses of pale pink rosé I sipped during my 2013 visit to southeast France but it seemed to endlessly flow like spring water.

Rosé-mania is sweeping the globe and virtually every wine-producing region in the world has their own version of rosé wine but Provence remains the leader and is the only region to dedicate 89% of their wine production to rosé! The United States is second only to France in consumption of rosé and 43% of Provençal rosé wines, a stunning 16 million bottles, are exported to the USA each year.


If you're visiting NYC, Miss Paradis in Soho serves creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that pairs beautifully with their rosé-centric wine list. 

Rosé wines from Provence are generally delightfully dry and should not be confused with sugary sweet blush wines like white zinfandel. Pale but full of lively fruit flavor, Provençal rosés are wonderful year-round but their appeal on a hot summer day cannot be denied. Perfect as an apéritif, rosés from Provence are also incredibly food-friendly and pair perfectly with vegetarian dishes, seafood, roast chicken with Mediterranean herbs, and spicy Asian and South Asian foods. 


Château de l'Escarelle "Les Deux Anges" 2016 ($16)
A pale shade of rose-petal with full, crisp, and lingering flavors of strawberry and redcurrant. 

Château de Berne "Grande Récolte" 2016 ($22.99)
Fruity and crisp with round flavors of white peach, apricot, and a hint of wildflowers. 


Domaine Sainte Marie Cuvée "Paparazzi" 2016 ($29.90)
A bold and smooth rosé with exuberant flavors of ripe peach, juicy apricot, and wild flowers.


Mirabeau "Etoile" 2016 ($34.99)
Luscious and fruity citrus and peach flavors with a crisp touch of flintiness. 

 Château d'Esclans Rock Angel 2016 ($35)
Worth the splurge, this luminous pink beauty has vibrant acidity and lively flavors of pink grapefruit and raspberry. 

To learn more, visit the Wines of Provence website. Cheers!

Sip Your Way to a Saint-Tropez State of Mind with Château Minuty Rosé

   image courtesy of Château Minuty

Saint-Tropez conjures up visions of blue water, bronzed jetsetters, and an ever-flowing supply of rosé wine. Even if your travel plans this summer won't take you to the south of France, you can experience a taste of St-Tropez with the superb rosé wines of Château Minuty. Founded in 1936, Minuty has always been a family business and today it is managed by the founder's grandsons François and Jean-Etienne Matton. One of the last family-owned estates in the region, Château Minuty overlooks the Bay of St-Tropez, in the renowned Côtes de Provence. I recently had the pleasure of sharing a few bottles of Château Minuty rosé at Gotham Bar & Grill with François when he was visiting New York City.

François Matton, grandson of the founder of Château Minuty. 
image courtesy of Château Minuty

I was impressed not only by the quality of the Minuty wines but also the down-to-earth attitude of François and his belief that wine is meant for sharing and bringing joy to our day. Château Minuty is the last estate in Côtes de Provence to harvest their grapes entirely by hand and all of their grapes are grown chemical-free and utilizing sustainable practices. This minimal intervention really allows the essence of the grapes and terroir to shine through. Château Minuty's portfolio elegantly shows that rosé has many different expressions and is not a one-note wine. 

"M" de Minuty 2016 ($20) is Château Minuty's most accessible everyday rosé - perfect as an apéritif and paired with light salads and simple seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, "M" is dry and smooth with vibrant acidity and bright, but not overwhelming, flavors of white peach, pink grapefruit, and blood orange. 

A blend of Grenache and Tibouren, Rose et Or 2016 ($40) is a step up in complexity with fuller body and more concentrated flavors of pink grapefruit and white peach. Absolutely luscious with lively acidity, this more robust rosé immediately made me crave a savory saffron and garlic infused bouillabaisse (traditional Provençal fish stew from Marseille). Rose et Or would also pair beautifully with spicy Asian food, paella, and grilled lobster.  


Cuvee 281 2016 ($75)

Ok, I know you're probably thinking "a $75 rosé, that's crazy!" Clearly, Cuvee 281is not a "rosé all day", TV binge-watching, happy hour wine but something much more special. Sourced from 25-year-old Grenache vines and blended with Cinsault and Syrah, Minuty describes the limited-production 281as the highest expression of their estate. Balancing elegance with exuberance, Cuvee 281 almost drinks like a red wine while maintaining the levity of rosé. Intense but balanced flavors of white peach and melon meld superbly with crisp minerality and a savory hint of the sea. The name 281 is inspired by the shade of Pantone blue that resembles the striking blue waters of the Mediterranean and the bold skies of St. Tropez. Fittingly, the bottle is adorned with a dramatic swoosh of Pantone 281. Cuvee 281 has enough structure and body to pair with more substantial foods like scallops and seafood risotto. Even a salad topped with rare and thinly sliced red meat won't overwhelm this rosé.

image courtesy of Château Minuty

If you're planning a trip to Saint-Tropez, Château Minuty welcomes guests at their tasting room and boutique. Cheers! 

Rosé Wine is Simply Irresistible: Ten Delicious Reasons to Drink Pink!

There's a rosé-mania sweeping the world. Don't try to resist it - rosé won't be ignored and rightfully so. Sultry summer days and perfectly chilled rosé are a perfect match. From Chile to France, California to Israel, here are 10 pretty and delicious pink wines that will make your "rosé all day" dreams a reality. Cheers!

Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2016
France (Provence), $12.50
Sip la vie en rosé with this superb sip from the south of France, near Marseille. Crisp and vivacious, this pretty pink Provençal wine transports you with juicy flavors of strawberries and raspberries and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. 

Bertani "Bertarose" 2016
Italy (Veneto), $14.99
This pretty rosé is a unique sip from Bertani, one of Italy's most iconic Amarone producers. For many years, the Molinara grape was a small component in the Amarone blend but most producers, including Bertani, no longer include it. Instead of completely giving up on Molinara, Bertani discovered that its delicate beauty made it the perfect grape for rosè. Their Bertarose blends 75% Molinara with 25% Merlot to create a wine with fresh strawberry and cherry flavors and a lovely round texture.


Mionetto Prestige Collection Sparkling Extra Dry Rosé 
Italy (Veneto & Trentino), $14
Who says you have to spend a fortune for a quality sparkling wine? A beguiling shade of peach blossom pink, this fruity sparkling rosé has a touch of sweetness, impressive crispness, and fine & persistent bubbles. 
 

 Emiliana "Natura" Rosé 2016
Chile (Rapel Valley), $10
This beautiful organic wine respects the planet and delights the palate. An elegant blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, Natura showcases the silky, fresh, and fruity side of these robust red grapes. 


Psagot Rosê 2016 
Israel (Northern Jerusalem Mountains), $19.99
Harvested from high-altitude vineyards in the Northern Jerusalem Mountains, this crisp and full-bodied rosé envelops the palate in vibrant flavors of pomegranate, blood orange, and ruby red grapefruit. 


Michel Chapoutier Bila-Haut "Les Vignes" Rosé 2016
France (Pays d'Oc), $15
This lovely sip from Southwest France is another impressive wine from the legendary Michel Chapoutier. A blend of Grenache (78%), Cinsault (14%) and Syrah (8%), this crisp rosè beautifully balances fresh fruit flavors with hints of spice. 


Coviñas "Aula" Bobal Rosado 2016
Spain (Utiel-Requena), $12.99
Bobal may be new to many of us but this robust red grape has 2,700 years of history in the Utiel-Requena region of Spain, in the interior plains of Valencia. Perhaps best known for producing rich and complex red wines, Aula showcases the playful side of Bobal. A deep shade of pink, Aula delights the palate with juicy and crisp flavors of cherry, strawberry, and candied watermelon. 


Planeta Rosé
Italy (Sicily), $15.99
Sicily's signature grape, Nero d'Avola, pairs elegantly with an equal blend of Syrah in this smooth and refreshing rosé with luscious flavors of wild strawberries and pomegranate. 


Ferraton Père & Fils "Samorëns" Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2016
France (Côtes du Rhône), $14
This biodynamic beauty has serious ooh la la! A blend of mostly Grenache (75%) with a touch of Syrah and Cinsault, this refreshing rosé is aromatic and luscious with juicy flavors of raspberry, blood orange, strawberry and a hint of flint.


Sterling Vineyards Vintner's Collection Rosé 2016
California (Central Coast), $12
Warning: this vivacious rosé may induce California dreaming. Unabashedly juicy with flavors of strawberry, pink citrus, and orange blossom, this wine is a carefree and delicious blend of Syrah and Tempranillo.