Ceretto Arneis Blange 2007

From the Peidmont 100% Arneis, this wine is straw colored and has a citrusy scent with mineral and a light body. Has nice fresh flavor and a lime peel finish.

Outstanding Italian Wines, A Wine Event

Last month, we hosted a fabulous wine and food pairing event in our humble tasting room. Our special guests Francois Dufort and Guido Serio shared their wine, experience and much more. A special thanks goes to Elena Lucero, of Oz Wine Company, who helped coordinate the event.

Antillo Podere Guado al Melo Toscana 2007

70% Sangiovese, 20% cabernet sauvignon, 10% petit verdot. Aged 8 months in oak. Rife with anise, leather, cedar and bright cherry. Medium-bodied with a delicious fruity body, well-balanced by a tobacco-drenched acidity. Arik affectionately calls this 'stink', because of the raw aromas backed by fruit. I love it too!

Masi Modello Bianco delle Venezie 2007

Vernacchio- blend. Fruity nose with gravel. Smells like cantaloupe, has a light lemony flavor with plenty of acidity. Finishes with melon, and papaya. Nice everyday sipping wine.

Rocca Della Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2005

Dark rustic color that is garnet. Black cherry and tobacco on the nose with a medium-bodied richness in the mouth. The flavor is richer than expected- for a short-priced chianti as this. It finishes with a bright, tart puckery finish that (though sounds negative) I do not mean it that way- it's just young, and I'd recommend decanting.

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera 2008

Piedmont. Clean light syle with a deep inky color. The edges look violet and there is a pleasant dried currant flavor and is a great buy! Will have to get this in for the fall!

Good Pinot Grigio 2008

Casa Liliana, producer. The "good" line was created by VINILANDIA USA. This citrusy - lime-scented wine is a true gray-straw color with clean approachable finish. Nice fruitiness makes it perfect with fresh fish, and light appetizers. It's better than GOOD! Light with good flavor. Totally likeable! Only $9.99.

Maso Canali 2007

100% pinot grigio, 6% of the grapes are dried, pressed and then mixed back into the wine. Sweet, yellow raison nose, straw-colored, full bodied with tart finish, needs to be colder.

Ruffino Chianti Superiore 2007

75% Sangiovese remainder, canailo nero, caberet sauvignon in merlot. 7 mos in stainless. Bright-cherry and a uncomplicated style. Good for the bbq, but not Italian enough for me.