Find out what has been sent to our members in the CLUB-BOX Enthusiast _ Autumn 2021.
A rediscovered grape variety, a region on everyone’s lips, a wine from the lands of the volcano and an expression of Nebbiolo that not everyone knows, two different classics that are otherwise excellent. From France to Sicily, through, of course, our beloved Piedmont!
Vigne Marina Coppi, Colli Tortonesi Timorasso DOC “Fausto” 2018
The name is that of the daughter of the historic cyclist Fausto Coppi, but it is his grandson who set up this young winery: Francesco Bellocchio, who, with his wife, decided to return to the roots of his land, in the Colli Tortonesi. In love with the fascinating Timorasso, Francesco has selected the best soils for this vine. Fausto is a wine of character and great personality, made from pure Timorasso grapes, highlighting the natural qualities of this rare grape variety.
The wine matures for about 10 months on the fine lees, in temperature-controlled steel tanks, and is enriched with fragrance and structure thanks to manual bâtonnage. Bottled in July, it is further refined for a minimum period of 10 months.
We recommend it with risotto whipped with cheese or white truffle, white meat, shellfish and structured fish dishes, excellent with cod.
Domaine de Pouilly, Puilly-Fuissè Cuvée Prestige 2018
Domaine de Pouilly’s “Cuvée Prestige” is made from over sixty-year-old vines at the heart of the appellation.
This wine is intended to represent the entire appellation, located in the south of Burgundy and characterised by generous and exuberant Chardonnays.
Perfect with fish and seafood.
Vini Stella, Barbera d’Asti DOCG Superiore Il Maestro 2019
From a company with a great tradition, born at the beginning of the 20th century in the heart of Monferrato Astigiano, the traditional vine par excellence of these lands in all its noblest expression. This Barbera d’Asti Superiore is produced only in the years deemed suitable. The grapes are selected from a single vine of half a hectare located on the Bricco Fubine, with southern exposure and a calcareous-sandy soil, perfect for this vine.
The wine is aged for 5 months in steel, then 18 months in Slavonian oak casks for a total production of just 3,000 bottles.
It is recommended to be served with first or second courses, with long cooking and accompanied by sauces and gravies.
Valtellina, near Sondrio
Franchetti Vini, Etna DOC Passorosso 2017
Andrea Franchetti was one of the first producers to arrive on Etna in 2000. Here, on the northern slope, he found ancient, semi-abandoned vineyards 70, 100 years old, among which he now boasts plots at various altitudes between 550m and 1000m above sea level. Passorosso, (formerly known as Passopisciaro), is made from a blend of Nerello Mascalese grapes from different vineyards located at different altitudes. The first vintage was produced in 2001. With the 2014 vintage Passorosso becomes Etna Rosso DOC.
The wine is aged in large oak barrels for 18 months and then bottled without being filtered.
The best combinations are with delicate meats and cheeses, but it is also excellent with elegant first courses.
Sandro Fay, Valtellina Superiore DOCG Valgella Riserva Carterìa 2016
Valtellina is the largest terraced mountain wine growing area in Italy. In 1973, Sandro Fay, starting from the small family wine production, decided to develop the activity of wine production and bottling, in the sub-zone Valgella (from “Valgel”, name that indicates small characteristic streams). Thanks to the hard work, the suitable soils and the care for the enhancement of the single vineyards, today Sandro Fay is one of the most renowned companies in the region.
The 100% Nebbiolo grapes (here called Chiavennasca) of this wine come from a single variety: Carterìa 3 hectares located at 500 m above sea level, with a predominantly sandy soil. Maturation takes place for 12 months in large and small oak casks of 500 lt. Subsequent ageing in bottles for 18 months.
Excellent with red meats, game or mature cheeses.
Barolo hills, view from Serralunga d’Alba
Chiara Boschis, Barolo DOCG “Via Nuova” 2017
The Pira family were an ancient family of winegrowers who became winemakers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gigi Pira, now a historical figure, was the last remaining winemaker to carry out crushing on foot and production without the support of any technical means. Since 1980, the winery has been in the hands of Chiara Boschis and her parents Franco and Ida, who were already linked to the Pira family by deep friendship and mutual esteem, and who represent a historic family of Barolo producers since the 18th century. Today, Chiara’s brother Giorgio and niece also work in the company.
Barolo Via Nuova comes from 6 different cru located in the 3 communes of Barolo (Terlo and Liste), Monforte d’Alba (Ravera di Monforte and Mosconi), Serralunga d’Alba (Gabutti and Baudana).
The 2017 vintage will be remembered for its warm climate and particularly for its low rainfall. The 2017 vintage was characterised by low rainfall and an early vegetative cycle, but the vines were still able to develop fully, with a lower final yield.
After fermentation, the wine is aged in 30% lightly toasted new French oak barrels for 24 months and a further year in bottle before release. The wine is bottled unfiltered.
Perfect to drink on its own, it goes well with lean cuts of meat, not overcooked and lightly seasoned, or delicate mature cheeses.
