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Wine Authorities Italian Wine Duo
chris wrote this on May 2, 2009
This week I would like to share with you two Italian wines I picked up from Wine Authorities in Durham for a dinner party. I had never tried them before and as usual I was very impressed with both the quality of the wine as well as the value. I recommend this Italian duo for your next Italian dinner, dinner party, or as a gift to someone who loves Italian wines. As with all Italian wines, these wines taste much better with food so don’t be shy about popping these bottles for dinner!
2007 Corte Majoli Pinot Grigio
Veneto IGT, Italy
$9.99
The Italian wine region of Veneto is found in the northeast corner of Italy between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, home to Verona and the canals of Venice (see map below). In wine terms it is most well know for Bardolino (DOCG), located at the western end of the region and bordering Lake Garda.
The Corte Majoli has an IGT designation meaning that the Pinot Grigio grapes used for this wine can come from anywhere in the region of Veneto. If you are a fan of the thin, watery, and flavorless Pinot Grigio found on grocery store shelves then consider those wines to be Carthage and this wine the Roman Army. One sip of the Corte Majoil and those other Pinot Grigio will be but an afterthought.
On the nose there are nice notes of lemon peel and fresh lemon pulp. Hints of honeydew melon in the background as well. The palate stays very true to the nose with supper lemon juice action. It almost burns the back of the throat, like drinking straight lemon juice, with a slightly herbal finish.
Now the critical reader might be thinking, big deal Chris. You just described a wine that is very one dimensional and have even been critical of such wines in past reviews. In the context of Pinot Grigio this wine has tremendous, unbelievable, undeniable flavor! If you hate Pinot Grigio because it tends to be flavorless and thin, and I admit I have never been a huge fan, I urge you to try this wine and leave me your comments.
The Corte Majoli pairs very well with alfredo and other cream sauces. It has enough acidity to cut through the thickness of the sauce while at the same time the sauce helps to tone down the wine’s acidity. A truly synergistic pairing. Would also be great with shrimp and other seafood dishes.
Style & Quality: A+. I have never tasted a Pinot Grigio that had this much flavor and body.
Value A+. And for only $10 / bottle!
Overall: A+
2005 Piancarda
Rosso Conero, Marches
$15.99
The Italian wine region of Marche (pronounced mar-kay) is also on the Adriatic coast, though it is farther south than Veneto (see map below). Its principle red grape is Montepulciano, the same grape made famous by its neighbor to the south, Abruzzo (as in Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo). The Piancarda is 100% Montepulciano from the Rosso Conero DOC, a small area to the south of the coastal city of Ancona.
On its own, the wine isn’t overly spectacular and drinks like many Italian reds: tart, rough acidity, and very dry, though lighter in style than your typical Chianti. You can catch glimpses of black cherries and blackberries on the nose and palate. But combine this wine with a tomato based meat sauce and wow! Total transformation. The high acidity of the wine softens and turns to silk in your mouth! It also adds an almost black pepper like spiciness to the food. Amazing.
Style & Quality Rating: A-. Decant for at least 30 minutes if you are drinking this on its own but it will really shine with Italian cuisine. Move over Abruzzo, the Marches also makes great Montepulciano wines!
Value Rating: B+. Montepulciano wines have seen a price increase in the past couple of years. If it were from Abruzzo, it would probably cost at least $20.
Overall Rating: A-.
If you have an excuse to try these wines during the week, please leave comments on what foods you paired them with. They are both so food friendly that they can compliment any type of cuisine, not just Italian food. But hey sometimes its best to stick with what works: a big bowl of pasta and a glass of wine to finish it off!
Ciao! -Chris
Italian Wine Regions
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