The Cellar: Berlucchi + Avignonesi
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: Berlucchi + Avignonesi
Italy remains the world’s largest producer of wine. One of the things that continues to amaze me about Italian wine is not only the thousands different types and styles of wine produced, but that a lot of Italian wine remain great values. This week features two such wines.
NV Berlucchi, Franciacorta Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThis week’s first wine is an outstanding, traditionally made sparkling wine from Lombardy. I recently featured ‘Italy’s Champagne region’ - Franciacorta - and figured I would follow-up this week with another, more readily available, example. This Franciacorta is made by the #1 (in terms of volume) ‘Metodo Classico’ sparkling wine producer in Italy, the famed Guido Berlucchi Estate. Alongside Franco Ziliani, Guido Berlucchi is often credited for having been the first to understand the winegrowing potential of Franciacorta and the first to bottle a sparkling wine under the label ‘Franciacorta’ – that was in 1961. The $35 Berlucchi Franciacorta non-vintage Brut is a sparkling blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir matured for a minimum of 24 months. This wine features aromas of baked green apple and pears. On the palate the aromas are replicated with the addition of citrus. The bubbles are dense, yet smooth. Great wine!
2011 Avignonesi, Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany
This week’s second wine represents everything I love about a great Rosso Di Montepulciano, arguably one of Italy’s best ‘everyday’ red table wines; it is absolutely delicious, can be consumed by itself as well as with an array of food and finally, it is very reasonably priced (under $20). Montepulciano (the region, not to be confused with the grape of the same name) is one of Tuscany’s southernmost appellations with its vineyards surrounding the town of Montepulciano. Regulations of the appellation, amended in 1999, allow Rosso di Montepulciano to have less Sangiovese (70%) than the ‘Nobile’, and more Canaiolo, as well as other varieties such as Mammolo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The best producers however insist on keeping Sangiovese front and center in their Rossos. Avignonesi’s Rosso is almost exclusively Sangiovese (96%). The wine is aged for 5 months in a mix of barriques and oak casks with an additional 3 months in bottle allowing the wine to come together. This is a bright and juicy example. Well structured and dry, this wine displays ripe red cherries, dark plum and herbal forest floor. It finishes bright with lingering acidity.
Enjoy!!
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related question or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.
10 New England Wine Getaways
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.
909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.
162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.
Greenvale Vineyards
Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.
582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.
Maugle Sierra Vineyards
For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.
825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.
Nickle Creek Vineyards
Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.
12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.
Nashoba Valley Winery
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
Bishop’s Orchards Winery
The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.
Diamond Hill Vineyards
For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.
3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.
Westport Rivers
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.
Travessia Winery
Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.
760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.
