Massolino 2016 Moscato d’Asti DOCG

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Massolino 2016 Moscato d’Asti DOCG ($25.99) with Gateau Basque

From the beautiful and historic Asti region in Piedmont, northern Italy, comes this lightly sparkling and sweet wine from the “grape of the bees”, so-called by the ancient Romans because of its inherently floral, honeyed quality. For a variety of reasons, this style has fallen out of favour with serious wine nerds, but Massolino is not exactly the industrial moscato operation down the road: this comes from a single, 4 hectare site; yields are quite low; only about 3000 cases are made each vintage – a fraction of what the ‘big producers’ churn out. A delicate style bursting with aromas and flavours of orange, honeysuckle, pear and sage leaf. Serve at 9-10 C, and it is recommended that it be uncorked just prior to serving to fully appreciate the vibrant aromas and slight effervescence.

Lini 910 Lambrusco

Served with appetizers during March 2016 Event.

Serve chilled and from a wine glass NOT a flute

The Lini family's traditional Lambrusco Rosso, low in alcohol, with bright acidity and loads of fruit, is a perfect pairing for the classic dishes of Emilia like the region's famous cured meats. This is real
Lambrusco.

Labrusca Lambrusco Rosso Reggiano DOC : From 85% Lambrusco Salamino + 15% Lambrusco Ancellotta,from secondary fermentation in autoclave for 3 months, at a controlled temperature. The Lini method yields especially small, elegant perlage, which enhances digestibility.

Intense ruby red color with purple reflections ; extremely fragrant bouquet, showing lush aromas of red fruit, especially blueberry & raspberry, confirmed on the well balanced, structured palate with
distinctive flavor intensity & balance and a slightly tannic.

Eating fatty, salty cured meats with fruity, lightly fizzy red wine is an age-old way of life in northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region. The acidity of the Lambrusco cuts through the fat and the salt of many cured meats and rich dishes. The wine's effervescence and hint of sweetness, along with its acidity, helps cut through the intensity of the meats and refreshes the palate.

TonyK

Guicciardini Strozzi Cusona Brut nv Spumante di Vernaccia di San Gimingnano, Italia

The Strozzi family are the 15th generation of descendants of Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, otherwise known as La Gioconda, painted by Leonardo da Vinci and also count themselves as ancestors of Sir Winston Churchill.

The Cusona estate spreads over 530 hectares and is situated amongst the green Tuscan hills, close to the medieval town of San Gimignano (known as the medieval Manhattan).  It's here, back in 994, that the earliest wines were produced.

The Vernaccia grapes used in the production of this wine were harvested early to capture the vibrant acidity necessary to produce a well-made sparkling wine.  The bubbles are produced using the Charmat method and the wine is allowed to develop in contact with the yeast lees for several months.  

This wine is delicately fruity with hints of pear, apple and citrus fruits, complimented by brioche notes.  An excellent aperitif, that pairs well with an assortment of canapés.

Callegaro Francesca 2013 Antichi Reassi Pinello Colli Euganei DOC, Italy

From a very small producer in Italy's Colli Euganei, this delightful wine is perfect for summer sipping. Made from the rare, indigenous Pinello grape, the Antichi Reassi is  full of apple, pear and white peach flavours. The gentle sparkling quality of this just  off-dry wine makes it a refreshing choice as an apertif or with lighter fare.

October 2015 Welcome Wine