Boise Coop Wine Shop

A Pair from Italy

• June 26, 2008

This week the Wine Shop will be pouring a red and a white from two very different regions. The red is a Montepulciano from Abruzzo, an area that runs from the Appennin mountains to the sea along the east coast of Italy. The white is from the sun drenched island of Sicily. Both provide a combination of excellent quality and value.

2006 Tenuta Rapitalà, Piano Maltese Bianco, $10.99

The Tenuta Rapitalà estate encompasses 260 acres vineyard, extending over gentle hills that between 990 and 1985 feet high, where clay and sand alternate and merge. This perfect aspect and the special composition of the soil make it ideal for the cultivation of wine grapes. Rapitalà is one of the great names in the history of Sicilian oenology. Their philosophy is that the wines must be excellent and technically perfect but above all unique, endowed with that personality that only the terrain can give. The Bianco is a blend of Catarratto and Chardonnay grapes which combine to provide  fresh Mediterranean scents and a savory, elegant flavor with a typical hint of bitter almonds. The grapes are picked and vinified separately, as they ripen at different times. The same method is used for both: crushing of the grapes and separation of the stalks; immediate cooling of the must, gentle pressing and division of the different qualities of must. The young must is cold settled before beginning a slow and steady fermentation. The wine then spends time on the lees to increase flavor and preserve freshness. The result is a refreshing white that makes a great match with simply prepared fish, cheeses, roast chicken or pork.

2006 Vino dei Fratelli, $8.99

The label shows an ancient Roman coin struck in 46 BC that depicts two of the most famous brothers (fratelli) in the Roman religion. Castor and Pollux fell in love with beautiful sisters who were already betrothed. The brothers challenged and slew their rivals, but Castor was mortally wounded. In the end, Jupiter placed the pair together in the sky (the constellation of Gemini) as symbols of brotherly love. The wine is 100% Montepulciano and features a soft, fruity bouquet typical of the grape. The vineyards, situated in Casalbordino between the hills facing the Adriatic, are picked by hand. The soil is a gravely mixture located about 600 feet above sea level. The grapes undergo a long masceration in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The result is a smooth, well-balanced wine with bright red fruit flavors and soft tannins. Drink it at its youthful best paired with grilled meats and poultry, or cheese and charcuterie.