The Heritage Club - January 2022
This month, we are happy to ring in the New Year with two slightly esoteric selections from our favorite Mediterranean country, Italia! First, the hidden gem Malvira loacted in Piedmont’s lesser known Roero entices your palate with a unique metodo charmat Nebbiolo, then we journey the length of the country to the southern tip’s Puglia region with the local grape Negroamaro by Tenute Emera.
Malvira “Rive Gauche” Extra Brut Rose
Producer: Malvira
Region: Roero, Piedmont, ITA
Grape Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
Viticulture: young vines from single vineyard Trinita composed of clay and limestone
Serving Suggestion: Serve cold, around 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Age: Drink now through 2025
Nose: Smokey wild white strawberries with hints of rose petal and biscuit
Tasting Notes: dry and persistent on the palate with big, explosive bubbles
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
Malvirà was established in the 1950’s by Giuseppe Damonte, at a time when the potential of the Roero region (the area north of the Tanaro river, opposite the more well-known Langhe) was yet to be realized. Giuseppe had a great passion for farming and for wine, interests that he passed on to his two sons, Roberto and Massimo. Indeed, in 1974, Roberto and Massimo took the company reins and slowly began transforming the family’s bulk wine business into an Estate focused on quality wine production. Thanks to the brothers’ significant efforts, today Malvirà owns 104 acres of vines across 6 different vineyards, and all wines are produced from Estate-grown fruit.
Over the years, Malvirà has been one of the most ardent proponents of the Arneis grape (42 of the 104 acres of vineyard are dedicated to this local white grape) and indeed the Roero Arneis is the wine for which Malvirà is most recognized. In 2007, the Damonte’s purchased the historic Renesio vineyard, a vineyard they had leased since 1983, the Cru from which the Arneis grape was first identified in 1478! Malvirà continues to invest in tradition, with an eye to the future, producing wines that are characteristic of the Roero and the special vineyards from which they come, while at the same time carry a wide market appeal. In addition to Arneis, Malvirà also produces Favorita, Roero (100% Nebbiolo), Barbera and Birbet.
Most Italian sparklers, with the exception of Franciacorta, are made using the charmat, or “tank,” method. This process allows for more fruit-focused aromatics and a very fresh style. Malvira makes their Rive Gauche rose from the high-acid Nebbiolo grape in Roero. With no added sugar at bottling, this sip packs a punch of acidity with bright-toned strawberry and floral notes.
Tenute Emera Qu.Ale 2018
Producer: Tenute Emera
Region: Salento, Puglia, ITA
Winemaker: Claudio Quarta
Grape Varietal: 30% Negroamaro; 30% Primitivo; 30% Syrah
Viticulture: silica with gravel and large stones
Age: Drink now through 2023
Serving Suggestion: Serve 60-65F with grilled or roasted meats
Tasting Notes: lively flavours of jam, spices, and herbs
WHY WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS WINE
Located in the heart of both DOP Manduria and DOP Lizzano is Tenute Emera, resting on the picturesque Ionian coast. The name pays homage to Hernera, the Greek goddess who represents the day: both a tribute to the Ancient Greek culture and a reference to the geographical location of the estate. In fact, the vineyard is located on the Salento peninsula, which happens to be the easternmost edge of Italy and the first to embrace the warm rays of the raising sun. Immersed in lush vineyards is the historic Casino Nitti Quarta: a lodge once owned by the first President of Italy following World war I, Francesco Saverio Nitti (1919-20). Inside, the ancient millstones, dating to the early ‘900s, have been restored and are now used by guests to relive the excitement of the traditional grape crush; done by foot during the annual celebration of “Lu Capucanali.”
The southern landscape of Italy is surrounded with vineyards full of unique, ancient varietals, like Primitivo, the ancestor of Zinfandel, and Negroamaro, an inspiring local variety. Claudio Quarta of Tenute Emera allows the fresh Mediterranean sunshine to express itself in a more fruit-forward presentation in Qu.Ale.