Celebrate Italian Wine Day with These Iconic Wines

Wine enthusiasts around the world have a reason to celebrate today as we declare it Italian Wine Day! While there are many wine holidays dedicated to specific varieties or styles, it’s about time we honor the diverse and rich wine regions of Italy. In my house, every day is Italian Wine Day, and I want to share with you a six pack of wines that represent icons in their own right.

Let’s start with Podere Sapaio 2019 from Toscana IGT. Although a relatively young winery compared to historical producers like the Frescobaldis, Podere Sapaio is making a name for itself. Founded by Massimo Piccin, a former engineer turned winemaker, this winery showcases a sustainable approach to winemaking. Their 2019 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc from 25-year-old vines. With 18 months of aging in barrique and an additional 12 months in the bottle, this full-bodied wine offers a palate of crushed berries, spice notes, and a fresh streak.

Next up is Tenuta Luce 2020, also from Toscana IGT. Situated on the highest elevations in the hills southwest of Montalcino, this estate is a collaboration between two greats in the wine industry: Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi. The wine they produce exemplifies the best of Sangiovese and Merlot, with mouth-filling tannins, flavors of ripe dark cherry, sweet baking spices, and a lingering finish. Paying homage to the Frescobaldi family’s history, the logo for Luce was inspired by Basilica di Santo Spirito in Florence.

Moving on to Ornellaia “Poggio alle Gazze” 2021, we find ourselves in the prestigious Bolgheri region. Ornellaia is known for its innovative approach to winemaking and its range of offerings. This particular wine, a Sauvignon Blanc-driven blend, stands out with its tropical and exotic fruit profile, complemented by white blossoms and a hint of lime. While New World Sauvignon Blancs tend to be more green and herbal, Ornellaia’s interpretation surprises with its roundness and unique flavor profile.

Lastly, we have Sella & Mosca Marchese Villamarina Riserva 2016 from Alghero Cabernet Riserva DOC in Sardinia. This vineyard, situated on the stunning island of Sardinia, boasts the second largest contiguous vineyard in Italy. With over 1,200 acres under vine, Sella & Mosca produces remarkable wines, including their Cabernet Riserva. The 2016 vintage offers complexity and elegance, showcasing the island’s terroir with flavors of dark fruits, spices, and a velvety texture.

These six wines represent the icons, both established and emerging, of the Italian wine scene. Each bottle tells a story of passion, heritage, and dedication to the craft. So, on this Italian Wine Day, I invite you to raise a glass and savor the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home. Cheers to the icons of Italian wine!

Unleash Your Taste Buds with These Heroic Wines

When it comes to winemaking, some regions are more challenging than others. Take Sardinia, for example. With its mosaic of soils, including granite, schist, sandstone, and limestone, all resulting from an ancient geological upheaval, winemakers there face quite the uphill battle. Add to that the hot climate, strong winds, and steep inclines, and you have a truly heroic winemaking endeavor.

One such wine that captures the spirit of Sardinia is the Sella & Mosca Tanca Farra 2019, Sardengna Alghero Rosso DOC. This wine is an equal blend of Cannonau, one of Sardinia’s signature grapes, and Cabernet Sauvignon. After aging for 12 months in a combination of second-use French barrique and neutral oak casks, it spends three more months in the bottle. The result is a beautifully balanced, full-bodied wine with vibrant garnet glints. On the nose, you’ll find notes of purple flowers, mountain herbs, leather, sweet tobacco, and char. The palate is spicy, with black cherry and raspberry flavors that pack a punch. For the best experience, be sure to decant it before enjoying it alongside grilled or roasted meats.

Moving from Sardinia to Tuscany, we come across the Banfi Poggio alle Mura 2018, Brunello di Montalcino. Founded in 1978, Banfi revolutionized winemaking methods and introduced innovations that turned Montalcino into a renowned fine-wine destination. This wine, named after the Poggio alle Mura estate, embodies the deep research and scientific soil studies conducted by Banfi to truly understand the unique terroir of the region. And it’s worth noting that the estate is home to a historic medieval castle that has become the symbol of Banfi.

As for the wine itself, prepare for a sensory journey. The Banfi Poggio alle Mura 2018 is a deep, opulent, and dynamic masterpiece. It delights the palate with an abundance of black and red fruits—cherries of various hues, raspberries, currants, and cassis. Despite its fruit-forward nature, there’s a good mineral streak that keeps it from becoming overwhelming. And there’s something elevated about it, perhaps a touch of menthol or pine, that adds an intriguing layer of complexity. The finish is incredibly long, and if you have the patience to cellar it, this wine has the potential for a long life.

Whether you’re sipping on the Sella & Mosca Tanca Farra or indulging in the Banfi Poggio alle Mura, these wines will transport you to the rugged landscapes of Sardinia and Tuscany. They embody the spirit of winemaking against all odds, capturing the essence of their respective terroirs with precision and finesse. So, go ahead and uncork a bottle of heroism and savour the exceptional flavors that await. Cheers!