presented by Jeremiah Duininck of Etruscan Imports
Sinols Blanc ~ 2022
Empordàlia is a cooperative established in 2015 by three groups of farmers in Empordà. They aim to produce high-quality wines that represent the region. The farmers are devoted to environmental sustainability, and the Mediterranean climate coupled with the poor slate and granite soils, makes ideal conditions to produce quality wines. All the wines produced feature local varieties of Garnacha or Carignan.
Appellation: Emporda DO, Spain
Grapes: 50% Macabeo, 40% White Grenache, and 10% Grenache Gris – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: This is a refreshing young white wine with a cool yellow color with slight green undertones. Its aroma is a combination of peach, rose, and jasmine. It’s an easy drinking wine with a balanced acidity that lingers.
Pairings: This pairs perfectly with fish and shellfish, as well as creamy cheeses and semi-cured cheese.
Producer: Emporàlia
Salento Bianco ~ 2022
Bonsegna is a historic winery located in the heart of Nardò, run by the Bonsegna family, who have an infinite passion for their profession. Today, the three generations present in the company work to combine modernity and tradition throughout the production of their wines. They do this with the combination of modern equipment and respect for the land. This leads to quality wines that are expressive of the territory and have a consistently high-quality profile. Appellation: Salento IGT – Nardo, Puglia, Italy
Grapes: 100% Malvasia Bianca – ABV 11%
Tasting notes: The wine has a straw-yellow color with golden reflections. It features fragrant aromas of white flowers and fresh fruit, with savory minerality and a dry finish.
Pairings: Pair with seafood dishes such as scallop ceviche, shrimp skewers, or grilled fish.
Producer: Bonsegna
Ilangi Chianti ~ 2023
Villa Ilangi is located in the countryside a few miles away from Florence in the Chianti DOCG denomination. The winery was established in 1977 by Simone Cotellessa and has been certified organic since 2002. The property consists of 150 acres of olive trees, woods, and 42 acres of vineyards. Villa Ilangi grows local varieties such as Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Colorino and Merlot.
Appellation: DOCG Chianti Ilangi – Tuscany, Italy
Grapes: 80% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo, 10% Melot – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: Aromas of red cherries, blackcurrant, and vegetal notes. The palate has bright acidity, a medium body, and firm tannins. The persistence is medium, and the smooth tannins linger.
Pairings: Recommended with grilled chicken, eggplant parmesan, and Margherita pizza.
Producer: Villa Ilangi
Le More ~ 2022
The winery was established in the early 1970s by Gian Vittorio Baldii. The focus is producing quality wines by adhering to traditional wine-making principles. The winery is situated on the cold and wooded slopes of Modigliana. The vines grow very close to the ground to withstand low temperatures and absorb heat from the soil. These practices ensure low-yielding vines grown entirely organic.
Appellation: Romagna DOC Sangiovese Modigliana, Italy
Grapes: 100% Sangiovese Grosso
Tasting notes: An intense ruby red wine with aromas of red fruits and flowers. On the palate, it has flavors of red cherries with smooth tannins and bright acidity.
Pairings: Pair with red meat like steak or charcuterie and tomato-based dishes like chicken parmesan.
Producer: Ronchi di Castelluccio
