The Heritage Club - May 2020
If you’re like me, you’ve been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to travel. To help out, this month we are looking at some familiar varietals in exotic locations - Italy. Join us as we explore the lovely Mediterranean country.
Agricola scarpetta “frico bianco”
Region: Italy, Friuli-Venezie Giulia
Grape Varietal(s): 70% Friulano, 30% Chardonnay
Viticulture: double-guyot and cordon vines in the hills of Friuli-Venezie
Method: light pressing and settling then aged on the lees in stainless steel
Age: Drink now through 2022
Tasting notes: crisp apple, white flowers, and hints of citrus
About SCARPETTA
Scarpetta was born from a love of food and wine within the confines of the notable French Laundry. The former wine director and Master Sommelier, Bobby Stuckey, along with chef de partie Lachlan Mackinno-Patterson sought to bring a taste of true Italian wine to their newest project underway in Colorado. Thus, Scarpetta was born to showcase the magnificent wines produced in the region of Friuli in Northeastern Italy. Check out our previous months featuring this somm-curated producer with Scarpetta Spumante and Scarpetta Friulano.
About “FRICO BIANCO”
Friuli-Venezie Giulia, the northeast corner of Italy, is home to great aromatic whites. Friulano, a local favorite of northeastern Italy, is blended with Chardonnay to make a lightweight, crisp and aromatic wine perfect for leisurely afternoon picnics.
Why I’m excited about this wine
Friuli-Venezie Giulia is known for incredible and generally unknown wines and cuisine. Friulano, an old local grape, makes deliciously quaffable wines perfect for this time of year.
Agricola San Felice “Perolla” Vermentino
Region: Italy, Toscano
Grape Varietal(s): 50% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Ciliegiolo, 10% Sangiovese
Viticulture: Lyre trained vines on the rolling Tuscan hills with soils of clay and sandstone rock
Method: 9-day maceration; aged in stainless steel
Age: Drink now through 2022
Tasting Notes: Young but intense ruby red colour. Fresh aroma with predominant tones of raspberry, cherry and lavender. Pleasing and harmonious on the palate.
About agricola san felice
Agricola San Felice, located at the southern end of Chianti Classico, is recognized as an estate of innovation. Citing close ties to the uniqueness and typical character of the Tuscan region, Agricola San Felice remains an intense research and experimentation estate, focusing on uncovering forgotten indigenous grape varietals and growing plantings in their experimental vineyards. While Agricola San Felice advances the new, the estate pays tribute to Italian heritage through its classic representations of Tuscan wines.
About “perolla” rosso
Perolla Rosso honors San Felice’s history and the tradition of the “Super Tuscans” while embracing the mission to reexamine indigenous varietals. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are blended with Ciliegiolo and Sangiovese to create a unique, modern blend of ripe fruit and the distinct Tuscan rustic character.
Why I’m excited about this wine
Merlot and Cabernet prices continue to skyrocket across the globe, so when I find a bottle under $15 that expresses this level of depth, I jump on the opportunity to pop that cork.