Wine With Wanda

The Terroir Talks in the Tuscan Wines of Tenuta di Ghizzano

 

Countess Ginevra Venerosi-Pesciolini represents the 26th generation of her illustrious Tuscan family to lead Tenuta di Ghizzano.

Ginevra Venerosi-Pesciolini doesn't need to introduce herself as a Countess to impress you. In fact, it wasn't until days after our meeting that I realized that the very cool lady that I had spent two hours wining, dining, and laughing with was in possession of a noble title and a family tree that includes Tuscan royalty, poets, and more than one palazzo. Ginevra's humility is certainly endearing and her wines don't need pomp and circumstance to get your attention because as she proudly proclaims, "my wines have a soul."

image courtesy of Tenuta di Ghizzano

The family's estate, Tenuta di Ghizzano, is located in the Colline Pisane (Pisan Hills) south of Pisa near the Mediterranean Coast, and has been in the family since the 1300's. Such a long history might make others demur to tradition but Ginevra has not been afraid to innovate since taking over as the winery's director in 1996. Ginevra's first radical decision was to introduce organic and sustainable practices. In 2003, she went even further by launching their conversion to biodynamic winemaking -- in Europe they have earned rigorous certifications, including DEMETER Biodynamic Certified and in the US, Tenuta di Ghizzano wines are certified as made with organic grapes.

image courtesy of Tenuta di Ghizzano

"I like to consider myself a 'natural winemaker'. In other words, I try to allow my wines to express their terroir as purely and as honestly as possible," says Ginevra. Not only does she eschew herbicides and other chemicals, Ginevra exclusively uses native yeasts to stimulate fermentation and minimally filters her wines.   

Too often we speak of Tuscan wines as a monolith but there is tremendous diversity in this beautiful region of central Italy. Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino may be Tuscany's most famous appellations but the region is home to a multitude of officially defined winemaking regions; including the Terre de Pisa DOC and Costa Toscana IGT where Tenuta di Ghizzano produces their wines. 


Il Ghizzano Bianco 2017, Costa Toscana IGT ($19.99) is a charming introduction to the Tenuta di Ghizzano style. A blend of Vermentino (50%), Trebbiano (30%), and Malvasia Bianca (20%); the coastal influence of the soft sea breezes is apparent in this refreshing and crisp white wine. Easygoing and fruit-forward but nicely textured with a hint of salinity and a touch of minerality from the fossil-rich soils that were once covered by the sea. Organic Certified, Biodynamic, Vegan


Il Ghizzano Rosso 2016, Costa Toscana IGT ($19.99) strikes that perfect balance between pretty and earthy. Mostly Sangiovese (95%) with a kiss of Merlot (5%), it has vibrant & fresh flavors of dark cherry and hibiscus with a mellow earthy thread that softly envelops the palate. Ginevra said that their estate's Sangiovese grapes are less acidic, less tannic, and a bit sweeter than those found in some other regions of Tuscany because of the soil and proximity to the sea. Organic Certified, Biodynamic, Vegan


Veneroso 2014, Terre de Pisa DOC ($29.99) is Tenuta di Ghizzano's flagship wine and was first produced in 1985. A blend of mostly Sangiovese (70%) with a good amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), the grapes were selected from the estate's oldest vineyards. Bold but not unwieldy, the more delicate flavors of the Sangiovese meld harmoniously with the more muscular Cabernet Sauvignon. Lush and rich without sacrificing freshness, Veneroso has an impressively long finish. Organic Certified, Biodynamic, Vegan


Family is at the heart of Tenuta di Ghizzano and in 1996 Ginevra created and named Nambrot to honor the founder of the Venerosi family, who lived in 830 AD. Ginevra believes that a wine's personality is "70% territory and 30% the grape variety." What better way to prove that point than by creating a blend of non-indigenous varieties that will display their core traits in a unique manner that expresses the terroir where they were grown? Nambrot 2015, Costa Toscana IGT ($39.99) blends Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot (20%) to create a rich and concentrated wine with bold flavors of blackberries, cassis, and red fruits. Aged around 18 months in French oak casks, Nambrot's powerful fruit flavors are enhanced by a hint of warm spice and a sultry savoriness. The grapes are global but the wine is absolutely Tenuta di Ghizzano. Organic Certified, Biodynamic, Vegan

image courtesy of Tenuta di Ghizzano

I admire Ginevra's commitment to her family's legacy and to crafting honest wines that aren't over-manipulated. Tenuta di Ghizzano wines are delightfully drinkable but remain true to their origins and don't attempt to mimic a cookie-cutter style. The wines are widely available and if you're planning a visit to Tuscany, Tenuta di Ghizzano welcomes visitors for tours and tastings. And if you really want to immerse yourself in their rustic yet elegant Tuscan lifestyle, accommodations are available at four renovated farmhouses on the estate. I've certainly added it to my wine travel wish list! 

Mixed Case: 12 Wonderful Wines from Around the Globe

Which 12 different bottles of wine would you choose to create your own mixed case? I would definitely fill mine with a mix of sparkling, white, red and rosé; a few serious wines and some everyday easygoing sips. If you're looking for inspiration to create your own delicious dozen, keep reading for tasting notes on twelve winning wines that I recently sampled from Italy, France, Argentina, Germany, and the USA. Cheers!

Sparkling



DUBL di Feudi di San Gregorio Sparkling Falanghina Brut ($25)
Italy
A very unique sparkling wine that applies the traditional Champagne method to Falanghina, an iconic grape of Campania in the south of Italy. Elegant and exuberant with lively bubbles, DUBL is delightfully dry and crisp with balanced intensity. Superb!

Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs ($59)
France
A classic and captivating Champagne, Henriot Blanc de Blancs is an excellent expression of 100% Chardonnay. A bold but finely textured tapestry of crisp mineral, citrus, and brioche flavors. 

Sparkling Rosé



Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rosé Millesimato 2013 ($36)
Italy
The world of Italian sparkling wines extends beyond Prosecco and Franciacorta is one of the most elegant. Produced exclusively in the traditional Champagne method in the northern Italian territory of Franciacorta, Franciacorta was the first in Italy to receive DOCG status for sparkling wines - Italy's official top tier of quality for wines. A lovely blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Le Marchesine Franciacorta Rosé is a charming introduction to the category. A lovely pale shade of pink, it is precise and pretty with fine bubbles, fresh red berry flavors, and crisp texture. 

Rosé



M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Pays d'Oc Rosé 2017 ($15)
France
Season after season, this beauty from the south of France is one of my favorite rosé wines. A fresh and luscious blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, it is fruit-forward, juicy, and vibrant with superb structure. Plenty of ooh la la at a great price! 

White



Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2017 ($22.99)
Italy
Feudi di San Gregorio has distinguished themselves as one of the premier wineries in Italy's Campania region and beyond. I've yet to have a Feudi di San Gregorio wine that wasn't impeccably crafted and authentically evocative of the region and its terroir. The proximity of their vineyards to Mount Vesuvius created mineral rich soils which imbue their wines with depth and texture. An ancient grape that thrives in Campania, Falanghina may not be a household name but the variety has broad appeal. Fresh but very textured with crisp minerality, the 2017 Falanghina vintage from Feudi di San Gregorio balances soft fruit with a mineral core. (Fun fact: Feudi di San Gregorio's labels were created by Italian designer Massimo Vignelli - designer of the NYC subway map and Bloomingdale's shopping bags!) 

Frescobaldi Massovivo Ammiraglia Vermentino 2016 ($18)
Italy
Fresh, subtle and elegant, this charming Vermentino from Tuscany's coastal Maremma region has plenty of Mediterranean flair. Lively flavors of honeysuckle, chamomile, and white nectarine are balanced by crisp minerality. 



Nik Weis Mosel Urban Riesling 2017 ($15)
Germany
Juicy, crisp, and refreshing, this rocking little Riesling from Germany's renowned Mosel Valley has plenty of personality. Fruity with a hint of sweetness that is balanced out by a tinge of chalky minerality.  



Chehalem INOX Unoaked Chardonnay 2016 ($20)
Oregon
Unoaked but full of flavor, this fresh and vibrant Chardonnay from Oregon's iconic Willamette Valley is a charmer. Very crisp, round, and graceful.  



Trivento White Orchid Reserve Torrontes 2017 ($11)
Argentina
White Orchid is the perfect name for this flirty and aromatic Torrontes from Argentina's famed Mendoza region. Floral and tropical, a kiss of Pinot Grigio adds crispness and nuance. 

Red



Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Aglianico 2015 ($19.99)
Italy
What a sultry, sexy, and savory vino! Aglianico is one of southern Italy's iconic wines and Feudi di San Gregorio's Rubrato is an impressive expression. Crafted from 100% Aglianico grapes from the Irpinia region of Campania, Rubrato is is bold and elegant. Rich berry flavors meld seamlessly with hints of savory herbs and spice. 

Concannon Vineyard Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ($90)
California 
This is no run-of-the-mill Cabernet Sauvignon, Concannon Clone 7 pays tribute to Concannon’s important role in viticulture - their clones account for 80% of all California Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Bold and rich with dark fruit, spice, and earth flavors; Clone 7 is crafted from vineyards in the Chalk Hill AVA located in the northeast corner of the larger Russian River Valley AVA. 



Westwood Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($44)
California
An impressive Pinot Noir from Sonoma with finesse and fully developed flavors of ripe red berries, brambly fruits, baking spices, and well-integrated dusty tannins. 

Sipping Easy: Five Fantastic Summertime Wines

Summertime provides so many ideal moments for sharing a bottle with friends. From barbecues to picnics, boat rides to rooftop rendezvous, here are five delicious wines from California, Tuscany, and Australia that pair perfectly with summer's easygoing elegance. Stay cool and sip well! 

The rooftop of the Public Hotel in NYC was the perfect setting for the recent Louis Pommery launch party. 

Louis Pommery Brut California Sparkling ($24)
Sip chic in the summer heat with this charming new California bubbly created by France's legendary Champagne Pommery. Crafted in the traditional Champagne method, Louis Pommery captures the essence of California with grapes that were sourced from quality vineyards across the state to create a flavor profile that isn't exclusively Napa Valley. A crisp and refreshing blend of mostly Chardonnay (96%) with a kiss of Pinot Noir (4%), Louis Pommery is as elegant and crisp as summer linen and has pristine flavors of green apple and lemon sorbet.

 Banfi "La Pettegola" Vermentino Toscana 2016 ($14)

 La Pettegola (Gossip Girl) is the perfect wine for sharing some juicy news with friends. More than just a cute name, La Pettegola is an absolutely charming expression of Vermentino. Aromatic and appealingly luscious, this fruit-forward dry white wine is quite rich and round with robust white peach and citrus flavors.



 Tenuta Sassoregale Sangiovese Maremma Toscana 2014 ($18)
 The Sangiovese grape really shines in Sassoregale's vibrant flavors of fresh cherries and red berries that are balanced by a hint of spice. Silky and juicy, this tasty Tuscan red is quite refreshing and won't overwhelm your palate on a steamy day.

 Notable Australia Chardonnay 2016 ($14.99)
Notable cleverly takes the guess work out of figuring out the flavor profile of their wines - it's clearly indicated on the label using a musical notes motif. Their unoaked Australia Chardonnay is accurately described as having flavor notes of citrus, melon and peach. Sourced from grapes in select vineyards in South Eastern Australia, Notable is a fun, fresh, and no-fuss Chardonnay. If you like a bit of oak in your Chardonnay, try Notable California Chardonnay 2015 - it spends 9 months in French oak and has flavors of butter, oak, and vanilla.


Ravage Cabernet Sauvignon California 2015 ($14)
Trying to choose a red wine for a backyard barbecue? A robust but velvety red with dark berry, vanilla, and mocha flavors; Ravage is a tasty match with ribs, steaks, and burgers.  

 

Five Fabulous Italian White Wines That Aren't Pinot Grigio!

Is Pinot Grigio your go-to Italian white wine? Well, the time has come to shake things up and explore some other varietals! Italy has a seemingly endless selection of expressive and refreshing white wines. Get out of your Pinot Grigio rut and give one of these five beauties a swirl. 


Bertani "Sereole" Soave DOC ($15.99)
Ah, Soave! I love the sound of it and the taste even more! Produced from the Garganega grape, this luscious sip from the Veneto region is bursting with aroma, flavor, and texture. Elegant yet unpretentious, this vino's juicy flavors of pineapple and melon are balanced by refreshing crispness and acidity. 

Puiatti "Lus" Ribolla Gialla ($22.99)
Puiatti is renowned for their superb un-oaked white wines that elegantly express the terroir of the Friuli region in northeast Italy. Lus means light and this expression of the indigenous Ribolla Gialla grape shimmers in the glass and sparks the palate with fresh flavors of chamomile, zesty acidity, and a hint of herbs.  

Velenosi "Villa Angela" Pecorino Offida DOCG ($15)
This elegant sip from the Marche region shares the same name as Italy's famous Pecorino cheese but there's nothing cheesy about this vino. A lovely expression of the Pecorino grape, Villa Angela delights the palate with balanced fruit, floral, tropical, and mineral flavors.  

Cecchi "La Mora" Vermentino DOC 2014 ($19.99)
Sip the Tuscan sun with this joyful Vermentino from the coastal Maremma region. You can taste the coastal influences in its subtle hint of salinity and crunchy minerality that accentuate the exuberant flavors of citrus, chamomile, honeysuckle and nectarine with a bit of white pepper on the finish. 

Tabarrini Adarmando ($19)
The Trebbiano Spoletino grape gets the spotlight in this superb sip from the hills of Sagrantino in Umbria. Medium-bodied and juicy with exuberant flavors of peach and a touch of citrus. Tastes like summer!  

Get Swept Away to Sardinia with the Wines of Sella & Mosca

  My very best daydreams often include a beautiful bottle of wine and balmy ocean breezes. Apparently, I've been dreaming of Sardinia. The second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia has an ancient & rich wine culture and Sella & Mosca is the island's foremost producer.


Giovanni Pinna, Chief Winemaker, Sella & Mosca

Founded in 1899, Sella & Mosca's I Piani estate is the second largest contiguous vineyard in Italy and one of the largest wineries in Europe - it is a 1,600-acre property with more than 1,200 acres of vines. From vibrant whites to nuanced reds, Sella & Mosca has a wine for every mood and meal. Sella & Mosca is a must-sip in an exploration of Sardinian wines - their portfolio includes indigenous varietals like Torbato and international favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna DOC 2015 ($13.99)
Sardinian sunshine in a glass, La Cala is an energetic and elegant expression of Vermentino. Crisp, fresh, and dry; its citrus and peach flavors are balanced by a hint of salinity that reflect the vineyard's proximity to the sea. An absolutely perfect match with seafood, this refreshing white wine is a delightful detour from ubiquitous Pinot Grigio. 


Sella & Mosca Terre Bianche Torbato di Alghero DOC 2014 ($20.99)
Want to sip something new? Give Torbato a swirl. Indigenous to Sardinia, this flavorful grape produces a white wine with plenty of personality. A difficult grape to grow, Torbato is delightfully easy to drink. Zippy acidity and flavors of citrus with a hint of honey and a touch of vanilla (from a few months in oak) make this wine come alive with texture and flavor. Another great match with seafood - especially crudo and ceviche. 


Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva DOC 2012 ($16.99)
An approachable red wine that packs plenty of flavor, this Cannonau lures you in with sultry aromas of wild berries and a touch of spice. Flavors of plummy fruit, earth, herbs, and spice are beautifully balanced. Pair with pasta & meat sauce or mushroom based dishes. 


Sella & Mosca Tanca Farrá Alghero DOC 2011($26.99)
Tanca Farrá displays the allure that results from combining the familiar (Cabernet Sauvignon) with the exotic (Cannonau). Tanca Farrá means "Iron Earth" in the Sardinian dialect and refers to the high iron content of the soil in this portion of the estate. That steely minerality imparts the wine with structure and complexity. Full-bodied with layers of dark fruit, graphite, and herbs; pair this beauty with hearty meats and aged cheeses. 


Sella & Mosca Marchese di Villamarina Alghero DOC 2010 ($64.99)
An elegant reminder of Cabernet Sauvignon's ability to reflect the unique qualities of the terroir where it is grown, Marchese di Villamarina displays the varietal's classic flavors along with some Sardinian finesse. Intense but not overwhelming, it balances rich flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry, with touches of vanilla and earth. A great match with steak and game. 

If you're planning a trip to Sardinia, contact Sella & Mosca to request a visit.  

 

 

 

A Timeless Taste of Tuscany: The Wines of Cecchi

When your family has been making quality wine since 1893, it takes an extraordinary amount of work and dedication to maintain such an impressive legacy. But perhaps more than anything, winemaking at this level requires passion without limits. This passion fuels the Cecchi brothers, Andrea and Cesare, as they guide their family through another era of extraordinary winemaking where tradition and innovation co-exist beautifully. 

I recently had the pleasure of sharing wine and conversation with Andrea Cecchi during one of his whirlwind visits to New York. The quintessential Tuscan gentleman, Andrea has an elegant but approachable demeanor and Cecchi wines also exude grace, warmth, and openness. 



La Mora Vermentino 2014 ($19.99)
Tuscany is known throughout the world for exceptional red wines but don't ignore the whites. Cecchi produces this pretty Vermentino in the coastal Maremma region.  Vibrant and refreshing with perky citrus and floral notes, La Mora Vermentino is Tuscan sunshine in a glass. A perfect apéritif and an absolutely winning match with seafood. 

La Mora Morellino di Scansano 2013 ($22.99)
Everyone who loves Chianti should give Morellino di Scansano a swirl to experience a different expression of the Sangiovese grape. Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese in the Maremma region and Scansano is a village in the region. Maremma's gentle sea breezes and diverse soils nurture grapes with soft tannins. Soft and round with hints of red cherry, this juicy red from the Maremma region is easy elegance personified. Pair with pasta, meat, and even a burger. 


Cecchi Chianti Classico 2014 ($20.99)
Look closely at the label of this bottle and you will see gold script that says "Storia di Famiglia" - family history. This is the vino that tells the Cecchi story to wine lovers around the world. Well-structured with a rustic elegance, this wine really captures the essence of Chianti Classico with its earthiness and flavors of dark cherries. Pair with hearty dishes and sharp cheeses. 2016 marks the 300th anniversary of Chianti Classico and a bottle of Cecchi is a delicious way to celebrate the occasion. 



Cecchi Chianti Classico Riserva di Famiglia 2013 ($40.99)
Refined and nuanced, Cecchi only produces this wine in years that the grape harvest is of the highest quality. Aged for 14 months in oak casks before bottling and then bottle-aged for another 4 months before release, the Sangiovese grows in richness and complexity. As the wine breathes, it opens up to reveal gorgeous flavors of rich cherries, black currants, and plums that are balanced by a touch of spice and earth. This is the wine I would reach for when eating a rare and juicy Porterhouse steak/Bistecca Fiorentina. 



Cecchi COEVO 2011 ($105.99)
This wine holds a very special meaning for the Cecchi brothers because it was inspired by their late father, Luigi. Signore Cecchi was enamored of the Maremma region and COEVO (which means contemporary) combines the more modern style of the Maremma wines with the classic techniques of Chianti Classico. This outstanding tribute is a blend of Sangiovese combined with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. COEVO is full-bodied but elegant and silky with impressive freshness, minerality, and balance - it will elevate every meal to a higher level. A wonderful match with roasts, braised & grilled meats, and aged cheeses.

It was such an honor to share these wines with Andrea Cecchi. Cecchi's excellent wines certainly speak for themselves but our conversation reminded me of wine's unique ability to create a bridge between people of different cultures. The world needs more of that. Cheers! 



P.S. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany, Cecchi welcomes visitors at Villa Cerna in the heart of Chianti Classico and at Val delle Rose in the Maremma (I was at the Maremma winery last year and it is stunning!)
 

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