Boise Coop Wine Shop

Four from Italy

• February 18, 2010

2008 Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo, $11.99
The Boscaini family have been the owners of the Masi vineyards for six generations. Something of an icon in the Venetian region, the are best known for their classic Amarone, but have also pioneered the creation of what they call Supervenetians. This Masianco is a blend of two grapes, Pinot Grigio (75%) and the native variety Verduzzo (25%). The appassimento process (laying grapes out for partial drying after harvesting) is a Masi speciality. To produce Masianco, the Verduzzo grapes (already picked slightly over ripe) are ripened further in exactly this way. This unusual process retains elegance while adding more roundness, body and richness, characteristics which complement the fine aromas and the elegant fruity notes of the Pinot Grigio. Masianco is an ideal aperitif and goes well with the typical dishes of today’s cuisine: hors d’oeuvres, fish and grilled white meats.

2006 Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Badiola, $15.49
The history of the Mazzei family is closely woven to the winemaking history of Tuscany, as well as that venerated region’s political and cultural past. The first recorded mention of the Mazzei family—originally from the winemaking area of Carmignano—was noted in documents traced back to the early 11th century. Today under the guidance of Lapo Mazzei, who oversees the property with the help of his sons, Filippo and Francesco), they remain devoted to winemaking, with an eye towards innovation and an abiding respect for the land. Castello di Fonerutoli, source of some of Italy’s most prestigious wines, is a historic property embracing an entire tranquil, centuries-old hamlet just south of Castellina in the heart of Chianti Classico. The estate has been in the hands of the Mazzei family since 1435 and is considered by many to be the definitive wine producer in the Chianti Classico region. This Badiolla is produced with Sangiovese (70%) and Merlot (30%) grapes, taken from the highest altitude vineyards bearing the same name. It boasts excellent structure and smoothness, a wine with a great personality and versatile at the same time.

2006 Marchesi di Barolo Ruvei Barbera d’ Alba, $16.99
The Cellars of Marchesi di Barolo are located in the village of Barolo, overlooking the castle of the Marquis Falletti. In fact, the building which today houses the winery also belonged to the Marquis Falletti and became, upon the extinction of this prestigious dynasty, the site of the charitable foundation called Opera Pia Barolo. The estate is rich in history with the Marquise Giulia Colbert di Maulèvrier heading the state until her death in 1864. With that the line of the Falletti of Barolo came to an end, but her legacy was perpetuated by the still-extant charitable foundation Opera Pia Barolo. At about this very same time, Pietro Abbona was born and, in 1895, began working in the family’s winecellars in Barolo. Thanks to his hard work, tenacity and skill, he was eventually able to acquire the cellars of the Marchesi di Barolo estate, along with the vineyards and the La Volta Castle. Today Marchesi di Barolo remains a family business. Since 2006, it has been under the direction of the family of Ernesto Abbona .

2007 Mazzei Zisola Nero d’Avola, $25.00
Zisola comes from the Mazzei family property in southeastern Sicily, just outside the historic town of Noto. Celebrated for its Baroque architecture, Noto is nestled in one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas of the region and is protected by Unesco as a world heritage site. Here, in this alluring spot rich in history and culture, the Mazzeis have pioneered an ambitious project to fulfill the potential of this area. The thumbprint that appears on Zisola’s label is that of Francesco Mazzei who, together with his father Lapo and his brother Filippo, is dedicated to placing their mark of uncompromised quality on this exciting viticultural region. Made from the indigenous Nero d’Avola grape, this wine is a limited-production, elegant Sicilian red wine of great complexity, concentration and aging potential.