presented by Joshua Terrell of Sunrise Imports
Today is Andy & Robin’s 37th Wedding Anniversary. We are tasting a selection of favorites chosen by each of them. Come celebrate with us!
El Lagar de Isilla Albillo Mayor ~ 2022
It all began in the historic 15th-century winery located beneath the El Lagar de Isilla restaurant in Aranda de Duero. There, at a depth of 12 meters, the Zapatero Pinto family produced the first 50,000 bottles of wine. Our vineyards are located primarily in the La Vid and San Juan del Monte areas, at the beginning of the Ribera del Duero region in Burgos.
Appellation: D.O. Ribera del Duero, Spain
Grapes: 100% Albillo Mayor – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: Straw yellow color, with golden tones, clean and bright. In intense, floral, fresh and fruity nose (stone fruits) and some citrus. In the mouth elegant, tasty, it wraps the mouth with a long and persistent finish.
A very nice wine to share.
Pairings: Pairs very well with seafood, fatty fish (turbot, salmon), rice and white meat.
Producer: El Lagar de Isilla
Il Colombaio di Santachiaro Selvabianca ~ 2023 [organic farming]
Our story is like many others in the wine world, it is a family story. It keeps its roots in the beautiful ground of San Gimignano. Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara turned into a winery in 2002, when our youngest brother, Alessio, had started his Enological studies already and wanted to put his efforts and passion to good use in this work. The wines our land gives birth to are not afraid of the time, and they know how to compensate for the patience of a long wait.
Appellation: Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Italy DOCG
Grapes: 100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: Straw yellow with green hues. A clear, fresh, mineral Vernaccia, balanced between fruit and flower from the first nose. A clear perfume with notes of white fruit, apple, lime, lily of the valley, and thyme lemon. On the palate it is intense, vibrating and fresh, with a decisive sapid flavor. The aftertaste is long and persistent.
Pairings: Tartare, carpacci, pasta dishes, fried, white meat and roast.
Producer: Il Colombaio di Santachiaro
Tenuta L’Impostino Viandante ~ 2023
On the road that leads from Siena to Grosseto, almost exactly half-way, was built in the years of the Middle Ages a point of aggregation and exchange, by the name of “Impostino”. In this place, just on a hilltop, with a spectacular view, travelers could refresh themselves, find shelter and a hot meal, and a glass of good red wine. It is in this way that the Tenuta l’Impostino was born, placed on the top of a natural amphitheatre
Appellation: Sangiovese Riserva Montecucco DOCG, Italy
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese – ABV 14.9%
Tasting notes: Bright and rich ruby red color. Fruity notes dominate the nose, that range from cherry, raspberry, blackberry and black currant. Spicy tertiary notes such as tobacco, leather and cocoa emerge, thanks to the long aging process. The tannins are ripe and well balanced. This classic, pure expression of Sangiovese strikes for its elegance, minerality and its long and persistent finish.
Pairings: Pleasant with strong seasoning cheese with a strong taste. It is a natural companion of all red meats, the roasted feathered game, and important meat sauces, such as duck or rabbit. It also accompanies traditional Tuscan “crostini”. It is, however, with the traditional “Fiorentina” steak that the combination becomes exciting.
Aging: 24 months in French oak barrels, 6 months in bottle.
Producer: Tenuta L’Impostino
Cá Brusá Barolo del Comune di Monforte Menico ~ 2016
Our winery is nestled in a beautiful hilly landscape, with vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see. We strictly follow traditional methods in creating our wines. The Barolo MENICO is a true gem of Piedmontese winemaking, emblematic of the Langhe tradition. This wine comes from vineyards with an average age of 30 years, cultivated on soils characterized by a balanced composition of clay, silt, and sand.
Appellation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, Italy (DOC)
Grapes: 100% Nebbiolo – ABV 14%
Tasting notes: A brilliant, intense garnet red with slightly orange reflections. Clean and broad with notes of plum, violet, cinnamon, cherry, and licorice. Full, harmonious, warm with a persistent and pleasant aftertaste.
Pairings: Pairs well with main courses, white meats, and game in general. The Barolo MENICO is the ideal choice for a special occasion or a refined meal.
Aging: small oak barrels for 15 months, 10 months in 25 HL barrels, then bottle aging for 12 months.
Producer: Cá Brusá
