Niche Wine Blog

Masi: Italian Wines for Summertime

I recently tasted two Italian wines, a white and red, that I think are great for summertime sipping. They are both from Masi Agricola, a leading Venetian producer of quality wines from Northeast Italy. Masi Agricola dates back to the 18^th century when the Boscaini family first planted vineyards in the region.  Today, the company is still run by the Boscaini family and is recognized globally as a leading producer of high-end, contemporary Amarone wines. 

The two wines I had the opportunity to taste were:

• Masi’s Masianco Pinot Grigio (approx. $17.95) is the estate’s exclusive blend of Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo grapes.  Masianco is a unique twist on the traditional Pinot Grigio, and offers a perfect match for hors d’oeuvres, fish and white meats.

• Masi’s Campofiorin (approx. $19.95) is a truly affordable luxury and another one of the estate’s specialties. Campofiorin is a versatile wine that truly encompasses the quality and characteristics of the Verona region. It is blended with the three traditional grapes, Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. It’s perfect with many pastas, grilled or roasted red meats, game and mature cheeses.

I have to say, I loved both of these wines, especially for the price. The Masianco was fresh and crisp, but also had a richness. The nose gave off aromas of tropical fruit - banana and pineapple, and there was nice citrus, mostly lemon. The finish was quite long and there was nice complexity. The Campofiorin had a nice dark ruby color. While there was an intensity, with aromas of cassis and black cherry, vanilla, chocolate, the tannins were well balanced and make it light enough to sip during the warm summer months, as well as the rest of the year. It had some similarity to Amarone for sure. The alcohol didn't come across as too overpowering either.

I'm really glad I got the opportunity to sample these and I hope you're able to find them in your area.

Product sheets:

Masianco Pinot Grigio

Campofiorin

Wines for Father's Day - Emblem Napa Cabernet

As we all know, Father's Day is a very special day where we get to celebrate fathers from generation to generation. What better way to show appreciation than to give the gift of wine to those wine loving fathers. Wine is very cultural and when you drink wine that tells a story it makes the experience all that more special because it creates a connection.

Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon was created by father and son team Michael and Rob Mondavi.

2008 Brancott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand

from Anna Magliozzi

Brancott Vineyards, creators of the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and one of the founding members of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, has partnered with Blue Ocean Institute and Chef Barton Seaver to support Blue Ocean Institute's effort to restore living abundance in the ocean.

Chilean Wines - Part 3

Part 3 of this series reviews the 8 wines tasted during the Wines of Chile Blogger Tasting that took place May 12, 2010. They are all 2009 vintage so I won't be including that in the titles.

1. Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Casablanca Valley, 100%, 13.5 % abv, $10.99

Tasting notes: clear, light straw in color, medium concentration, medium viscosity; honeydew melon, grapefruit, white peach and jasmine on the nose; add lime, lemon and green apple to the palate - dry, medium body, medium alcohol, medium plus acid and medium finish. 

Chilean Wines - Part 1

Winemaking appeared in the New World in the 16th century, thanks to the Spanish Conquistadors.  The vine spread south from Peru to Chile and Argentina by 1560. Viticulture flourished in South America until it began to suffer under a prohibitive Spanish law that restricted wine production in the 17th century. Chile did its best to ignore the ban on production until finally it was all but settled in the early 1800s, due to a new era of political autonomy to former colonies and Chile, Argentina and Brazil gained independence.