Frasca Wine List
Frasca Wine List
Frasca Wine List
The wine list is organized by flavor profile, varietal, and theme. This allows you to
choose how you would like to read it. Skim along the right side of each page to
select a wine based on varietal or flavor profile. Alternatively, take some time to
read the text on the left hand side of the page and select a wine based on a theme.
Finally, we invite you to engage both your server and sommelier in dialogue about
the wine list.
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
by flavor profile by varietal
WHITES
B U B B L E S p. 7
Als atian N o b l e Var i e t als p. 21
Ch e nin B lan c p. 11
WHITES G r ün e r Ve ltlin e r p. 19
Fr iulan o p. 13
SWEET G re nach e p. 33
M ar ze min o, Te ro l d e g o, an d L a gre in p. 55
N e b b i o l o p. 41 to 47
Pin ot N oir p. 27 to 31
S an gi oves e p. 51 & 53
Sy r ah p. 57
Zinf an d e l p. 33
2 3
W I N E S B Y T H E W I N E S B Y T H E
G L A S S G L A S S
At Frasca we would like you to experience the “Tajut”. All of our wines by the Tenuta Luisa 2009 Friulano, Isonzo, Friuli, Italy $12 $6
glass are available as a 3-ounce pour, the equivalent of a half-glass of wine. Scarpetta 2009 Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy $13 $6.5
Roncus 2001 Bianco Vecchie Vigne, Collio Goriziano,
Friuli, Italy $14 $7
Russiz Superiore 2009 Sauvignon, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy $16 $8
Bastianich 2008 “Vespa Bianco,” Collio Orientali del Friuli,
Friuli, Italy $19 $9.5
Red
Palama 2009 Primitivo “Arcangelo,” Puglia, Italy $9 $4.5
Tenuta Blasig 2007 Merlot, Isonzo, Friuli, Italy $10 $5
Masi 2006 “Campofiorin,” Veneto, Italy $12 $6
Ronchi di Pietro 2008 Schioppettino, Collio Orientali del Friuli,
Friuli, Italy $13 $6.5
Tenuta Argentiera 2008 “Poggio al Ginepri,” Bolgheri,
Tuscany, Italy $13 $6.5
4 5
B U B B L E S B U B B L E S
Champagne Champagne
Pushing the Envelope Pushing the Envelope
Gosset Brut “Excellence,” Champagne, France M.V. $66
Marc Hebrart Brut Rosé, Champagne, France M.V. $88
Alfred Gratien Brut, Champagne, France M.V. $104
Champagne is a sparkling wine made in Northern France. The region’s cold climate
places it on the borderline of viticultural possibility. This extreme climate forces Jean Lallement Brut Reserve Grand Cru Verzenay,
Champagne, France M.V. $121
the Champenoise to push the envelope of winemaking. Technological innovations
have allowed the Champenoise to create exquisite sparkling wine from the grapes Egly-Ouriet Brut Premier Cru “Les Vigne De Vrigny,”
Champagne, France M.V. $147
planted in the region’s chalky soils. The result of this history of innovation is
Vilmart Brut Premier Cru “Grand Cellier,” Champagne, France M.V. $149
known as “Méthode Champenoise”. In this process, the tart and acidic wine pro-
duced by grapes in Champagne experiences a second fermentation in the bottle. Henri Goutorbe Brut Grand Cru Aÿ, Champagne, France 2002 $165
The wine that emerges from this complex process has a luxurious mousse of Jacquesson Brut Premier Cru Dizy “Corne Bautray,”
delicate bubbles; smelling of brioche, toffee, and chalk. Champagne is the perfect Champagne, France 2000 $248
aperitif. Furthermore, we encourage you to continue drinking it with dinner, where Vilmart Brut Rosé Premier Cru “Rubis,” Champagne, France 2002 $261
it will compliment a wide array of dishes. Jacques Selosse Brut “Initiale,” Champagne, France M.V. $265
Jacques Selosse Brut Rosé, Champagne, France M.V. $325
Jacques Selosse Brut Grand Cru Avize “Substance,”
Champagne, France M.V. $438
Sparkling Wine Krug Brut “Grand Cuvée,” Champagne, France M.V. $464
Sparkling Wine
Delicious sparkling wine is being made outside Champagne’s zipcode. One can
find refreshing bubbles made from Prosecco in the Veneto. Cava, produced in Alternative Zipcodes
Catalonia, is a source for inexpensive wines made using the “Méthode Champenoise”.
Additionally, regions like Franciacorta in Northern Italy are producing wines that Valdo Prosecco, Veneto, Italy 2009
$32
rival Champagne in quality. Ca’Vittoria Prosecco Brut Rose, Veneto, Italy M.V. $42
Ferrari Brut Rosato, Trentino, Italy M.V. $66
Bellavista Franciacorta Brut “Cuvee,” Lombardia, Italy M.V. $95
Ferrari Brut “Riserva de Fondatore,” Trentino, Italy 1999 $149
Bellavista Franciacorta Brut “Gran Cuvée Saten,” Lombardia, Italy M.V. $149
Bellavista Franciacorta Rosé “Gran Cuvée Rosé,” Lombardia, Italy 2003 $155
6 7
C R I S P & C L E A N C R I S P & C L E A N
L I G H T & L E A N L I G H T & L E A N
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
The Workhorse
The Workhorse
Venica & Venica Sauvignon “Ronco delle Cero,”
Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2008 $47
Sauvignon Blanc is the quintessential dry, aromatic, white wine. It’s a workhorse; Russiz Superiore Sauvignon, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2009 $48
doing its job, day in and day out, at dining tables across the world. And what is
that job? Offering refreshment in the summer heat; its zippy acidity accompanies Scarpetta Sauvignon, Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2009 $49
goat cheese in Chavignol and fresh asparagus in Friuli. In the Loire Valley of Villa Russiz Sauvignon, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2008 $55
France classic examples are made in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. They have flavors
of lime, grapefruit, and freshly cut grass. In Bordeaux where it is blended with Doro Princic Sauvignon, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2009 $60
Semillon, it takes on a more exotic note of honeycomb. Venica & Venica Sauvignon “Ronco delle Mele,”
Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2008 $69
Meroi Sauvignon, Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2007 $69
Sauvignon from unexpected places Marjan Simcic Sauvignon “Opoka,” Brda, Slovenia 2006 $94
Pascal Cotat Sancerre “Les Monts Damnés,”
Loire Valley, France 2008 $132
For years, if you wanted to drink Sauvignon Blanc it came from France. With the
development of the international wine scene the varietal has spread its wings. It is
producing great wine in surprising and unexpected places.
8 9
C R I S P & C L E A N C R I S P & C L E A N
L I G H T & L E A N L I G H T & L E A N
10 11
F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C , F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C ,
E X O T I C E X O T I C
Friulano
The grape formerly known as
Anselmi Friulano, Latisana, Friuli, Italy 2009 $21
To c a i . . . Tenuta Luisa, Isonzo, Friuli, Italy 2009 $44
Scarpetta Friulano, Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2009 $49
Beginning with the 2007 vintage, the EU, under pressure from Hungary, forced
Friulano winemakers to shorten the name of their most important regional varietal Venica & Venica Friulano, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2009 $51
from Tocai Friulano, to Friulano. The aim was to differentiate the renowned Schiopetto Friulano, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2008 $51
Hungarian sweet wine made in a region in eastern Hungary, called Tokaji, using
Doro Princic Fiulano, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2009 $60
a grape called Furmint, from the dry table wine of Friuli called Tocai Friulano. It
is the wine of choice to accompany Prosciutto di San Daniele, its peach skin and Livio Felluga Friulano, Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2008 $62
bitter almond flavors playing beautifully off the salty, sweetness of the ham. Franco Toros Friulano, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2009 $77
Meroi Friulano, Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2007 $79
La Castellada Tocai Friulano, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2003 $129
Collio Goriziano
The Collio Goriziano is one the greatest regions for making white wine in the Miani Friulano “Filip,” Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Itay 2008 $197
world. Its near perfect confluence of alpine and maritime weather ally to create
white wines of extraordinary richness and complexity, supported by brisk acidity.
It put Friuli on the map winewise, and fairly or not, is still the perceived famous
big brother to the Colli Orientali; as Puligny is to Chassagne in Burgundy, or the
Wachau is to Kamptal in Austria.
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F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C , F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C ,
E X O T I C E X O T I C
Malvasia Istriana and Vitovska Zidarich “Prulke,” Carso, Friuli, Italy 2001 $156
Radikon “Oslavje,” Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy [1000ml] 2003 $165
The Carso: Living in Limestone Gravner “Breg,” Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2001 $179
The Carso region-or Kras in Slovenian-provides the wines for the province and
city of Trieste. It is a dramatic shelf of white limestone, which in places rises more
than 1000 feet above the Adriatic Sea. Atop the plateau, a famously violent wind
called the Bora charges down from the Carnic Alps, pummeling the sparse stands
of Sumac and scrub pine, and making viticulture challenging in the extreme.
Malvasia Istriana, Vitovska,
Famously, the winemaker Edi Kante was forced to truck in 30 cm of soil in order
create a vineyard grapes would even grow in. He then carved a 60 foot deep cellar,
Ribolla Gialla
replete with a spiral staircase. The astonishingly ornate stonework in the cellar of Casa Zuliani Malvasia Istriana, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2008 $38
Beniamino Zidarich is further testament to this meeting of hands, vine and rock.
Coronica Istrian Malvasia, Croatia, Italy 2008 $39
The indiginous Malvasia Istriana and Vitovska reveal their minerality differently:
the Malvasia shows a surprising brininess underneath its flamboyant aroma of Marjan Simcic Ribolla, Brda, Slovenia 2009 $42
orange blossom; Vitovska can smell like walking into a pristine limestone cave. Venica & Venica Malvasia, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2009 $45
Arnot-Roberts Ribolla Gialla “Vare Vineyard,”
Napa Valley, California 2009 $58
Roncus Bianco “Vecchie Vigne,” Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Itlay 2001 $59
Marjan Simcic Ribolla “Opoka,” Brda, Slovenia 2006 $94
14 15
F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C , F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C ,
E X O T I C E X O T I C
In a time before the French decided to relegate one varietal to an entire region and Colle Duga Bianco, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2007 $58
researchers identified the umpteenth different clone of chardonnay, farmers made Vie di Romans “Flors di Uis,” Isonzo, Friuli, Italy 2007 $69
a blend in the field. They understood that if they planted their land to a ménage of
varietals, as opposed to one, they could achieve a superior result. Famous vineyard Bastianich “Vespa Bianco,” Collio Orientali del Friuli,
sites have been planted like this for over a thousand years. Friuli, Italy 2008 $72
Silvio Jermann “Capo Martino,” Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2006 $193
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F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C , F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C ,
E X O T I C E X O T I C
18 19
F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C , F L O R A L , A R O M A T I C ,
E X O T I C E X O T I C
20 21
F U L L B O D I E D , R I C H F U L L B O D I E D , R I C H
& R O U N D & R O U N D
Chardonnay
Chardonnay
The Motherland
Comte Lafon Macon, Burgundy, France 2007 $51
Olivier Merlin Macon-La Roche Vineuse, Burgundy, France 2007 $54
Paul Pernot Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France 2008 $116
It’s hard to argue with the assertion that Chardonnay is the most significant
white grape. Vinified successfully in more places than any other varietal, it makes Louis Carillon Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France 2007 $134
sparkling wine in Champagne, crisp, aromatic, unoaked whites in Chablis, opulently Chateau du Puligny-Montrachet Chassagne-Montrachet,
textured and exotically flavored wines in California and Australia, and sweet wines Burgundy, France 2006 $138
from avant-garde producers like Alois Kracher on lake Neusiedlersee in Austria. Fontaine-Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet “La Romanee,”
However, one must look toward the long-lived Chardonnay’s of Burgundy to Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2007 $172
understand the grape. Louis Jadot Meursault “Genevrieres,”
Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2007
$175
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F U L L B O D I E D , R I C H F U L L B O D I E D , R I C H
& R O U N D & R O U N D
Italian Chardonnay
Italian Chardonnay
Between Worlds
Between Worlds
Castello della Sala Chardonnay “Bramito,” Umbria, Italy 2008 $42
For those looking to meet in between California and Burgundy this is the place. Isole e Olena Chardonnay, Tuscany, Italy 2007 $66
Chardonnay produced in Italy is able to combine the finesse of French Chardonnay
Les Cretes Chardonnay “Cuvee Bois,” Valle d’Aosta, Italy 2005 $105
with the tremendous richness and generosity of examples produced in California.
Querciabella “Batar,” Tuscany, Italy 2006 $139
Chardonnay Chardonnay
First Love First Love
Au Bon Climat Chardonnay, Santa Barbara, California 2008 $45
No other wine inspires such a diverse range of feelings as California Chardonnay.
It’s the first wine most people fell in love with. It’s also the only grape varietal that Benovia Chardonnay “La Pommeraie,”
has inspired clubs devoted to its demise. The wines are lavishly oaked, buttery, Russian Rivery Valley, California 2007 $69
tropical, and undeniably complex. They embrace their roots and the qualities
people love in California Chardonnay. Lioco Chardonnay “Demuth,” Anderson Valley, California 2008 $69
24 25
L O W G R I P, L O W G R I P,
H I G H P L E A S U R E H I G H P L E A S U R E
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir
Crafted by the Ocean
The Holy Grail J. Christopher Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2007 $52
No wine experience is more coveted than an encounter with a breathtaking bottle Whetstone Pinot Noir “Jon Boat,” Sonoma Coast, California 2008 $79
of Pinot Noir. But finding that great bottle of Pinot is akin to the quest for the
Holy Grail. One encounters many extraordinary stories but few actual experiences. Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2007 $80
There are reasons for this. Pinot Noir is the most difficult red wine to make. It
requires a cool climate to thrive. However, growing it in cool climates subjects the Copain Pinot Noir ‘Kiser “En Haut”,’
Anderson Valley, California 2007 $121
varietal to an inordinate amount of bad weather. This is the last thing a fragile,
thin-skinned varietal like Pinot needs. It is easily destroyed by rain, rot, and hail. Littorai Pinot Noir “Cerise Vineyard,”
Regions like Oregon’s Willamette Valley, famous for Pinot Noir, rarely experience a Mendocino County, California 2006 $131
string of great vintages. Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you. The following
wines deliver what you seek. Littorai Pinot Noir “Thierot Vineyard,”
Sonoma Coast, California 2006 $140
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L O W G R I P, L O W G R I P,
H I G H P L E A S U R E H I G H P L E A S U R E
Nothing is more intimidating for the novice wine lover than trying to understand Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin “Lavaux St. Jacques,”
Burgundy. One is confronted with a map of vineyards reminiscent of a cubist Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2004 $139
painting. There are hundreds of vineyard and village names. Purists may frown
Domaine Delarche Corton-Renardes Vielle Vignes,
upon this simplification, but it helps to divide the villages of Burgundy into two Burgundy Grand Cru, France 2007 $147
camps; either the Masculine or the Feminine.
Joseph Roty Gevrey-Chambertin “Les Fontenys,”
Masculine Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2005 $249
The villages of Pommard and Gevrey-Chambertin produce broad-shouldered
Camille Giroud Charmes-Chambertin,
powerful Pinot Noir. The wines are dark in color, possess forceful thick tannins, Burgundy Grand Cru, France 2005
$275
and smell of black cherries, leather, and bacon.
Domaine Denis Mortet Gevrey-Chambertin
Feminine “Lavaux St-Jacques,” Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2007 $308
The villages of Chambolle-Musigny and Volnay are famous for producing delicate
Domaine De La Romanee-Conti “Echezeaux,”
Pinot Noir. These wines are translucent red in color. They smell of dried flowers, Burgundy Grand Cru, France 2004 $499
chanterelle mushrooms, and limestone. Often, people assume that there is a
correlation between color and complexity; that full-bodied, darkly colored, highly Domaine Gros Frere et Souer Clos Vougeot, “Musigni,”
extracted wines are the most complex. But these wines illustrate that this is not Burgundy Grand Cru, France [1.5 L] 2005 $556
the case. They are among the most complex wines. However, the complexity is
Henri Jayer Vosne-Romanee “Cros-Parantoux,”
based on delicacy, not power. Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2001 $3220
28 29
L O W G R I P, L O W G R I P,
H I G H P L E A S U R E H I G H P L E A S U R E
Nothing is more intimidating for the novice wine lover than trying to understand
Burgundy. One is confronted with a map of vineyards reminiscent of a cubist Dujac Peres et Fils Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, France 2007 $137
painting. There are hundreds of vineyard and village names. Purists may frown
upon this simplification, but it helps to divide the villages of Burgundy into two Ghislaine Barthod Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, France 2006 $161
camps; either the Masculine or the Feminine.
Domaine Perrot-Minot Morey-Saint-Denis “La Rue de Vergy,”
Burgundy, France 2007 $171
Masculine
The villages of Pommard and Gevrey-Chambertin produce broad-shouldered Deux Montille Chambolle-Musigny “Les Babilleres,”
powerful Pinot Noir. The wines are dark in color, possess forceful thick tannins, Burgundy, France 2006 $185
and smell of black cherries, leather, and bacon.
Domaine Dujac Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, France 2006 $189
Feminine Coche-Dury Monthelie, Burgundy, France 2007 $228
The villages of Chambolle-Musigny and Volnay are famous for producing delicate
Pinot Noir. These wines are translucent red in color. They smell of dried flowers, Domaine de Montille Volnay “Mitans,”
chanterelle mushrooms, and limestone. Often, people assume that there is a Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2006
$236
correlation between color and complexity; that full-bodied, darkly colored, highly Domaine Dujac Vosne-Romanée “Aux Malconsorts,”
extracted wines are the most complex. But these wines illustrate that this is not Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2007 $313
the case. They are among the most complex wines. However, the complexity is
based on delicacy, not power. Domaine Perrot-Minot Vosne-Romanée “Les Beaux Monts,”
Vielles Vignes Burgundy Premier Cru, France 2007 $340
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L O W G R I P, L O W G R I P,
H I G H P L E A S U R E H I G H P L E A S U R E
Grenache, Zinfandel
Grenache and Zinfandel
a n d N e r o d ’A v o l a
Strawberries and Spice
Strawberries and Spice
These varietals excel in warm climates. You can feel the sunshine when you drink Castello Monaci Primitivo “Piluna,” Puglia, Italy 2008 $33
them. They remind you of the jam your grandmother made; of strawberries and
Palama Primitivo “Arcangelo,” Puglia, Italy 2009 $35
black berries picked at the peak of ripeness. They also take on the spicy scents of
the surrounding countryside. In the Southern Rhône Valley this means provencal Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy 2009 $39
herbs and pepper. In the warm climates of California one can smell briar, bay leaf,
and juniper. Grosjean Gamay, Vallee d’Aoste, Italy 2008 $48
Betts & Scholl Grenache “O.G”, Barossa Valley, Australia 2007 $53
These wines are great in summer and winter. One can enjoy them with both
barbecues and braises. Chiarello Family Vineyards Zinfandel “Felicia Old Vine,”
Napa Valley, California 2008 $97
32 33
L O W G R I P, L O W G R I P,
H I G H P L E A S U R E H I G H P L E A S U R E
A lot has changed in fifteen years. Barbera is now valued as a plush counterpoint Cordero di Montezemolo Barbera d’Albe, Piemonte, Italy 2008 $55
to wines made from the tannic Nebbiolo grape. Barbera is planted in prime, south-
Cigliuti Barbera d’Alba “Serraboella,” Piemonte, Italy 2006 $65
facing locations in great vineyards, and vinified like a serious red wine.
Giuseppe Mascarello Barbera d’Alba “Scudetto,”
Nebbiolo is often compared to Red Burgundy because of its light color and Piemonte, Italy 2005 $66
ethereal aromas. A similar comparison might be made between Barbera and New
World Pinot Noir. People fall in love with Pinot Noir’s dark cherry fruit, low tannin Vietti Barbera d’Albe “Scarrone,” Piemonte, Italy 2007 $69
and bright acidity. It’s prized for its ability to meld with vast variation in cuisine. Mauro Molino Barbera d’ Alba “Vigna Gattere,”
Barbera plays the same roll. It has a magenta ruby hue, deep, dark berry fruit, Piemonte, Italy 2007 $72
complete absence of tannin, and enlivening acids.
G. D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba Superiore, Piemonte, Italy 2007 $75
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D R Y , A R O M A T I C , D R Y , A R O M A T I C ,
S T R U C T U R E D S T R U C T U R E D
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D R Y , A R O M A T I C , D R Y , A R O M A T I C ,
S T R U C T U R E D S T R U C T U R E D
Bordeaux isn’t the only place that produces great Merlot. Italy is becoming an Due Terre Merlot, Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2007 $92
increasingly important place for this varietal. Merlot from the Tuscan Coast Meroi “Ros di Buri,” Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2006 $99
combines the aromatics of Pomerol with the sheer ripeness of wine from the Napa
Valley. Merlot has also found a home in Friuli where we find the most delicate Damijan Podversic “Prelit,” Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 2005 $132
expression of the varietal.
Tenuta di Arceno Cabernet Franc “Arcanum,”
Tuscany, Italy 2004 $165
La Castellada “Rosso della Castellada,”
Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2000 $182
Radikon Merlot, Collio Goriziano, Friuli, Italy 1998 $229
Le Macchiole “Paleo,” Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy 2005 $231
Meroi “Dominin,” Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2006 $267
Miani Merlot “Filip,” Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2006 $388
Miani Merlot “Buri,” Collio Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy 2006 $392
Tua Rita “Redigaffi,” Suvareto, Tuscany, Italy 2003 $413
Tenuta dell’Ornellaia “Masseto,” Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy 2006 $598
38 39
D R Y , A R O M A T I C , D R Y , A R O M A T I C ,
S T R U C T U R E D S T R U C T U R E D
Nebbiolo Nebbiolo
Traditional vs. M oder n Traditional vs. M oder n
Traditional
Barolo has a rich winemaking tradition. Barolo is made from Nebbiolo grapes Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy 2006 $66
planted on the hillside vineyards of Piemonte. These vineyards yield long-lived red
wines in a distinctive style. They are aged in wood for many years before release, G.D. Vajra Barolo “Albe,” Barolo, Piemonte, Italy 2005 $80
creating wines that emphasize flavors of earth, antique wood, and spice. G.D. Vajra Barolo “Bricco Viole,” Barolo, Piemonte, Italy 2003 $83
When modern winemaking trends infiltrated Barolo it sparked intense debate. Marcarini Barolo “Brunate,” La Morra, Piemonte, Italy 2005 $99
The new wines had dramatically darker colors, vibrant flavors of fresh fruit, and
they drank well upon release. This shocked traditionalist who were accustomed Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva “Asili,”
Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy 2004 $104
to more mellow wines. Winemakers who favored modern techniques attacked the
“antiquated” methods of tradition while the defenders of “convention” fought Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva “Montestefano,”
back. Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy 2004 $104
Finally, the dust has settled, and though it is clear that the two methods yield Marchesi di Gresy Barbaresco “Camp Gros Martinenga,”
Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy 2000 $150
vastly different results, one method is not superior to the other. Both styles are
valid reflections of this region. Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo “Monprivato,”
Castiglione Falletto, Piemonte, Italy 2001 $222
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D R Y , A R O M A T I C , D R Y , A R O M A T I C ,
S T R U C T U R E D S T R U C T U R E D
Nebbiolo Nebbiolo
Traditional vs. M oder n Traditional vs. M oder n
Traditional continued...
Barolo has a rich winemaking tradition. Barolo is made from Nebbiolo grapes Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco “Asili,” Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy 1999 $313
planted on the hillside vineyards of Piemonte. These vineyards yield long-lived red
wines in a distinctive style. They are aged in wood for many years before release, Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco “Rabaja,”
creating wines that emphasize flavors of earth, antique wood, and spice. Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy 1998
$319
Finally, the dust has settled, and though it is clear that the two methods yield Giacomo Conterno Barolo “Monfortino” Riserva,
vastly different results, one method is not superior to the other. Both styles are Serralunga d’Alba, Piemonte, Italy 1999 $541
valid reflections of this region. Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco “Rocche di Faletto
di Serralunga d’Alba” Riserva, Piemonte, Italy 2001 $681
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D R Y , A R O M A T I C , D R Y , A R O M A T I C ,
S T R U C T U R E D S T R U C T U R E D
Nebbiolo Nebbiolo
Traditional vs. M oder n Traditional vs. M oder n
Modern
Correggia Roero, Piemonte, Italy 2007 $45
Barolo has a rich winemaking tradition. Barolo is made from Nebbiolo grapes Vietti Nebbiolo “Perbacco,” Piemonte, Italy 2007 $51
planted on the hillside vineyards of Piemonte. These vineyards yield long-lived red
wines in a distinctive style. They are aged in wood for many years before release, Rocche dei Manzoni Langhe Rosso “Bricco Manzoni,”
creating wines that emphasize flavors of earth, antique wood, and spice. Piemonte, Italy 1999 $69
Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo “Le Coste,” Barolo, Piemonte, Italy 2005 $135
Mauro Molino Barolo “Vigna Conca,” La Morra, Piemonte, Italy 1998 $142
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Nebbiolo Nebbiolo
Traditional vs. M oder n Traditional vs. M oder n
Modern continued...
Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo “Santo Stefano,”
Monforte d’Alba, Piemonte, Italy 2001 $179
Barolo has a rich winemaking tradition. Barolo is made from Nebbiolo grapes
planted on the hillside vineyards of Piemonte. These vineyards yield long-lived red E.Pira Barolo “Cannubi,” Barolo, Piemonte, Italy 1999 $229
wines in a distinctive style. They are aged in wood for many years before release,
Elio Altare Barolo “Arborina,” La Morra, Piemonte, Italy 2001 $240
creating wines that emphasize flavors of earth, antique wood, and spice.
Luigi PIra Barolo “Vigna Rionda,”
When modern winemaking trends infiltrated Barolo it sparked intense debate. Serralunga d’Alba, Piemonte, Italy 2001 $240
The new wines had dramatically darker colors, vibrant flavors of fresh fruit, and
they drank well upon release. This shocked traditionalist who were accustomed La Spinetta Barbaresco “Valeirano,” Treiso, Piemonte, Italy 2004 $253
to more mellow wines. Winemakers who favored modern techniques attacked the Vietti Barolo “Rocche,” Castiglione Falletto, Piemonte, Italy 1998 $256
“antiquated” methods of tradition while the defenders of “convention” fought
back. Luciano Sandrone Barolo “Le Vigne,” Barolo, Piemonte, Italy 2001 $269
Finally, the dust has settled, and though it is clear that the two methods yield La Spinetta Barolo “Campe,” Grinzane Cavour, Piemonte, Italy 2004 $295
vastly different results, one method is not superior to the other. Both styles are Domenico Clerico Barolo “Percristina,” Serralunga d’Alba,
valid reflections of this region. Piemonte, Italy 2001 $315
Gaja “Sperss,” Serralunga d’Alba, Piemonte, Italy [1500 ml] 2001 $598
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Sangiovese Sangiovese
Chianti Blood of Jupiter
Giacomo Mori Chianti Colli Senesi, Tuscany, Italy 2007 $42
Chianti was one fo the first named wine regions in Italy. As far back as the 14th
Century the rolling hills between Florence and Siena were called Chianti. Although Castello di Ama “Il Chiuso,” Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy 2009 $43
the summers here are warm, there is significantly more cloud cover than further
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico, Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy 2007 $45
South in Montalcino or out on the coast, and the Sangiovese can struggle to ripen
fully. As a result, even the most concentrated, coveted wines like “Flaccianello,” Felsina Chianti Classico, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy 2007 $45
“Cepparello,” and “Le Pergole Torte,” have an elegance and coolness of fruit rarely
Badia a Colltibuono Chianti Classico “Cultus Boni,” Gaiole,
encountered elsewhere in Tuscany. Tuscany, Italy 2004 $53
Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Riserva, Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy 2005 $72
Isole E Olena “Cepparello,” Barberino Val d’Elsa, Tuscany, Italy 2005 $139
San Giusto a Rentennano “Percarlo,” Gaiole, Tuscany, Italy [1500 ml] 2004 $306
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Sangiovese Sangiovese
Wines of Montalcino and Blood of Jupiter
Montepulciano Mocali “Fossetti,” Tuscany, Italy 2008
$27
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Syrah Syrah
Lavender Wake Lavender Wake
The personality of Syrah asserts itself powerfully. Tasters rarely fail to recognize Caduceus “Primer Paso,” California 2007 $86
its purple hue and intense aromas of blueberry, bacon-fat, and white pepper. Its Copain Syrah “Hawks Butte,” Yorkville Highlands, California 2007 $94
intoxicating aroma, capable of making even the most jaded drinker swoon, has
the potential of overwhelming the flavor of the landscape. How is one supposed E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie “Brune et Blonde de Guigal,”
to taste the hairline vein of iron running through the bed of clay, the scent of Northern Rhone Valley, France 2005 $122
a pinecone carried by the wind, or the path of the sun across the hill, when the Lewis Cellars “Alec’s Blend,” Napa Valley, California 2008 $127
grape involved is capable of subsuming all sensation in its lavender wake?
Betts&Scholl “California Syrah,” California 2006 $138
At times identification can be challenging, but Syrah does display discernibly Flanagan Syrah “Corkscrew Maiden Hill,”
different personalities in the locations where it is grown. The climate of the Bennett Valley, California 2007 $142
growing region magnifies different aspects of the grape’s flavor. The cool climate Sean Thackrey Syrah “Orion,” Napa Valley, California 2005 $182
of Cote Rotie’s terraced hillsides renders Syrah in which scents of flower, spice and
rock are magnified, while fruit, color and alcohol recede toward the background. Auguste Clape Cornas, Northern Rhone Valley, France 2006 $194
At Lee Hudson’s vineyard in Carneros all of Syrah’s aromatic cylinders strike at Jean-Michel Stephan Côte-Rôtie,
full bore. In wines from this site, aromas of ripe black fruits stand “toe to toe” Northern Rhone Valley, France 2006
$223
with those of purple flowers and smoked meat. Wines from South Australia’s
Barossa Valley express aromas of sun-baked blueberry. Volatile esters of chocolate Giaconda Shiraz “Warner Vineyard,” Victoria, Australia 2004 $234
and caramel accompany these scents. Syrah’s savory side is subdued, emerging
subtly as wild mint and eucalyptus. Jamet Côte-Rôtie “Côte Brune,” Northern Valley, France 2005 $254
Syrah is beginning to gain a foothold in Italy. Winemaker’s are experimenting with Le Macchiole Syrah “Scrio,” Tuscany, Italy 1999 $474
the grape in every one of Italy’s important wine regions. Sometimes the results
are predictable. Syrah from the Alpine slopes of Valle d’Aosta tends to resemble
Cote Rotie while examples from Sicilia are closest in flavor to wines from Australia.
However, there are some exciting examples of Syrah in which regional terroir is
capable of fully taming the flavor of the grape. When tasting Le Macchiole’s micro-
production Syrah “Scrio”, the scent of the varietal vanishes. The characteristic
Bolgheri aromas of wildflower honey and gravel emerge prominently. In this wine
Syrah’s exotic personality lingers as a barely detectible afterthought.
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