Kerri’s Pick

2006 Fattoria Selvanova “Vignantica” Aglianico, Terre del Volturno IGT

Caserta, Campania, Italy

Price:$18

You might think that the region that brought us pizza and spaghetti would be content to rest on its culinary laurels, but fortunately they excel viticulturally as well! Whites such as fiano and falanghina shine, but it is the brooding red aglianico that is the star of the region. To orient you, we are in Campania, the lower shin of the boot. Heading north from Naples, the capital city, you will come to Caserta, which lies along a bend of the Volturno river, facing the Taburno massif. Here lies the estate of geologist, Antonio Buono. Given his “other” occupation, it is fitting that Fattoria Selvanova is committed to expressing the connection between the grape and the soil in which it is grown. Spearheaded by phenom Guido Busatto, a unique rising star agronomist/enologist, the estate’s philosophy is one vine, one bottle. The extremely low yields lead to wines of perfect comcentration and beguiling complexity. Never over done, just deliciously rich and succulent. The Vignantica is the estate’s “entry level” wine and is a perfect introduction to the aglianico grape. It’s bright fruit character makes it perfect to drink now with braised lamb or a stuffed pasta.

Matt’s Pick

2006 Az. Agricola Paolo Bea, San Valentino, Montefalco, Umbria

This may have been predictable but, yes, another Bea wine has become an instant favorite of mine.  For those who know me a little it should come as no surprise, I (and the store as a whole) love sagrantino, especially when made by the undisputed king of Umbria (Italy?) Paolo Bea.  Having lived and studied in Perugia, just a few kilometers distance from Montefalco, I can remember well the pungent aromas of
wild herbs, juniper bushes clinging to the banks of the greenish Tiber river and the rustic and idiosyncratic flavors of this the real heart of the peninsula.   Bea’s wines truly embody the Umbrian countryside.  The wines are always unfettered and as pure and natural a product of the land as one can find.  Staunchly traditional techniques and the utmost respect for the land are the foundation of this centuries old family estate. The wines are produced in modest quantities, some of which can fetch a price that is all together worth it, but less approachable for anything less than an occasion.*  Enter San Valentino.  The Bea’s are slowly acquiring more land to add to their humble winery and in doing so have been planting new vines that are destined for greater things one day.   Until that day comes the hearty fruit of the younger vines should be enjoyed, and enjoy it I (you) will.  This wine is nothing short of amazing.  Classic Bea with a hearty dose of sagrantino being helped by old vine sangiovese and montepulciano.  For so long I have really wanted everyone to be able to see what Bea is all about and while this is no replacement for his top bottling it is priced so that everyone can discover the magic.  I undoubtedly will be purchasing as case for myself and I suggest die hard Bea fans do the same!

*Said occasion is whenever you actually open a bottle of Bea Sagrantino Secco.

Mike’s Pick

2006 Domaine le Briseau “Patapon”

Coteaux du Loir, France

Price: $25.00

At first glance, this wine may turn people off just by the menacing clown/fool on the label.  If you dig a little deeper, you find that this is made exclusively from the varietal pineau d’aunis, which is being systematically uprooted from its home in France’s Loire Valley, in favor of more popular varietals like sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc, etc..  In fact, Domaine le Briseau is one of the only estates that continues to feature it prominently.  To me (and I realize I might be in the minority on this one), this is the perfect recipe for an extraordinary wine.  Renegade winemakers struggling against the tide to prove everyone wrong about a wine that they are virtually alone in treasuring.  I think this wine is beautiful, if atypical in its structure and aromatic profile.  Give it a try, and see who is the more foolish.

Stephanie’s Pick

NV Az. Agr. Zucchi Lamrusco di Sorbara

Modena, Emilia Romagna, Italy

Price: $23.00

I knew what Spring Fever felt like. Now I know what it tastes like.  At my very first Friday tasting, I met my very first Lambrusco—not your average mass-market fizz, the artisanal Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC from the Zucchi family of Modena, Italy—and it was love at first sight. Those ruby red bubbles alone are enough to make you forget that it’s been raining for the past three days. The nose is as giddy as it is sweet. And that energetic buzz you get from the very first sip—well that’s just Spring. In all its glory. Here at last.