Wines
Borgo Paglianetto ‘Petrara’ Verdicchio 2022- $19.99/btl $2.50/taste
Matelica DOC, Marche, Italy
On the eastern side of Italy (behind the ‘knee’ of the ‘boot’) lies Marche where, amongst other things, they make Verdicchio (one of Italy’s many-many delicious native grapes) very well. This wine was named ‘Petrara’ for the ancient city in Marche over which Borgo Paglianetto’s vineyards are now planted. Calcareous clay soils and south facing slopes are just a few of the fundamental factors making the Marche such an incredible micro-climate. Stony minerality, crisp apple and tart citrus on the nose and palate with a creamy finish.
Le Fraghe ‘Rodon’ Chiaretto di Bardolino 2023- $19.99/btl $2.50/taste
Verona, Veneto, Italy
A rose made of 80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella from about 150 meters above Lake Garda grown in loose, gravel soils that epitomize ‘terroir’. Winemaker Matilde Poggi planted her native Italian grapes here in 1992 and thusly started Le Fraghe! Matilde is incredible! I got to meet her this morning and she’s smart, lovely, humble and just a joy. She’s also the president of the European Winemakers Association!! So, she’s amazing, clearly. This Chiaretto is also lovely… With just 4 hours of skin contact, this rosato is perfectly pink, acidic and aromatic. YUM.
Clos Fornelli ‘La Robe d’Ange’ 2022- $22.99/btl $2.50/taste
Corsica, France
Corsica, one of the 18 regions of France, is also the 4th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, though it is 2/3 occupied by the Castaniccia mountain range. To the east of those mountains, and west of the Tyrrhenian Sea, lies the Clos Fornelli vineyard farmed and operated by couple Josee and Fabrice. ‘La Robe d’Ange’ is made entirely of red grape Sciaccarellu (A GRAPE NATIVE TO ITALY!! TAKE THAT, FRANCE!! IN YOUR FACE!!). This wine is aromatic and rich with tannin and unctuous structure.
Grifalco Aglianico del Vulture ‘Gricos’ 2021- $19.99/btl $2.50/taste
Basilicata, Italy
100% Aglianico grown near the Monte Vulture volcano in Basilicata which is the best place for Aglianico IN THE WORLD. The 'Gricos’ label is sourced from 4 different vineyards all planted between 1980 and 1995. The full-bodied, aromatic, saline-esque-ness of this very ageable wine is undeniable. Delicious.