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$18.95
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IWC 90
Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
3
available
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90 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Pale, bright yellow. Lively aromas of green apple, thyme and white pepper are enlivened by a delicate minty quality. Very good Muller-Thurgau, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic character and flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes bright and clean; a little more fruit density and it would have merited an even higher score. Still, this is a very attractive wine; try it with something unusual, like buffalo mozzarella or pasta with mussels (sans tomato). (Sep/Oct 2011)"
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$13.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Brilliant straw yellow with a green shimmer. Quite pronounced and expressive aroma with flowery and somewhat spicy notes. Rich flavored in the mouth, with a slight smokiness at the back and a good, fresh finish. When properly cellared, this will drink well for 2 to 4 years. Suggested food: starters (both fish or meat), pâtés and terrines, fish and shellfish, poultry, white meat and mushrooms. Alcohol 13.0%."
Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 88 points by International Wine Cellar: "Straw-yellow with a golden tinge. Musky aromas of peach and pear are lifted by an herbal topnote. Broad, rich and almost sweet, with some residual sugar conferring a smooth, supple mouthfeel. The orchard fruit flavors are less intense than the aromas on the medium-long finish."
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$16.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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Producer notes: "Pinot Noir was successfully introduced into Alto Adige on the beginning of the 19th century. It soon became evident that the gently sloping terrain and the micro-climate at Mazon were perfect for producing Pinot Noir of international stature. The Meczan Pinot Noir is distinguished by its unmistakable varietal character, its distinctive aroma and fruity character, by its bright ruby color with garnet reflectionss, and its fresh, stimulating bouquet with seductive hints of woodland berries and cherry. On the palate Meczan is harmonious, sappy and mellow with impressive fruit. Food pairing: Game dishes, roasts, pasta with meat sauces and with one of Tyrol's great 'poor-man's dishes' -- barley soup."
Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 90 points by Wine Spectator: "This fresh version is fleshed out by subtle flavors of creamy damson plum, black raspberry and black cherry, with an elegant frame of supple tannins and lightly tangy acidity, followed by a long, spice- and sweet smoke-tinged finish. Best from 2012 through 2022."
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$19.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
9
available
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List $30.00
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Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$30 list] The 2008 Weissburgunder Terlaner (Pinot Bianco) is wonderfully fresh and nuanced in its crisp, floral fruit. Medium in body, the mineral-driven Weissburgunder reveals notable elegance and a long, zesty finish. This is a classy effort from Niedrist. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. (Oct 2009)"
Some of the best white wines from the Alto Adige have been made from the Weissburgunder (Pinot Bianco) variety, the best examples of which are minerally, earthy wines that repay 3 - 5 years in the cellar. The Terlaner zone seems to produce particularly good examples. This wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel, with no contact with wood and no malolactic fermentation. Estate bottled. Tasting notes: Pale straw color; wet-stone aroma with hints of green apple and herbs; fresh, long and minerally on the palate. Drink now with seafood or vegetable appetizers, or age for up to 5 years.
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$31.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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Importer notes: "Kuenhof, owned by Peter and Brigitte Pliger, is one of the best white wine estates in Italy. Their steep, stony vineyards are in the part of the South Tyrol called the Val d'Isarco (or Eisacktal), not far from the border with Austria. They grow Sylvaner, Veltliner and Riesling organically, and their wines show an almost electric mineral character. If the duty of a great wine is to be distinctive, these wines stand out like beacons -- great terroir, careful grape-growing, brilliant winemaking, and extraordinary wines. The Pligers' Riesling vines were brought in from France, Germany and other producers in the Alto Adige. Riesling is now making a name for itself in Italy, and Pliger's 'Kaiton' bottling is one of the best. Lime-peel, flowers, petrol and an almost electric mineral character make this wine very exciting to drink; I am reminded of licking a nine-volt battery as a dare when I was younger. Bright balance of acidity and fruit. The name Kaiton is of Celtic origin, and was the name for the area around the estate."
Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 90 points by International Wine Cellar: "Pale straw-green with a golden tinge. Pure, bracing aromas of tangerine, lemon zest, green apple, minerals and iodine. At once concentrated and seamless, yet also fresh and vibrant, with densely packed flavors of white peach, lemon and wet stone. The finish is long and clean, displaying zippy minerality and zesty acidity."
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$31.95
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IWC 90
Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
8
available
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List $39.00
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90 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "[$39 list] Pale straw-green with a golden tinge. Pure, bracing aromas of tangerine, lemon zest, green apple, minerals and iodine. At once concentrated and seamless, yet also fresh and vibrant, with densely packed flavors of white peach, lemon and wet stone. The finish is long and clean, displaying zippy minerality and zesty acidity. (Sep/Oct 2011)"
Importer notes: "Kuenhof, owned by Peter and Brigitte Pliger, is one of the best white wine estates in Italy. Their steep, stony vineyards are in the part of the South Tyrol called the Val d'Isarco (or Eisacktal), not far from the border with Austria. They grow Sylvaner, Veltliner and Riesling organically, and their wines show an almost electric mineral character. If the duty of a great wine is to be distinctive, these wines stand out like beacons -- great terroir, careful grape-growing, brilliant winemaking, and extraordinary wines... The Pliger’s Riesling vines were brought in from France, Germany and other producers in the Alto Adige. Riesling is now making a name for itself in Italy, and Pliger's 'Kaiton' bottling is one of the best. Lime-peel, flowers, petrol and an almost electric mineral character make this wine very exciting to drink; I am reminded of licking a nine-volt battery as a dare when I was younger. Bright balance of acidity and fruit. The name Kaiton is of Celtic origin, and was the name for the area around the estate."
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$29.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
2
available
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Not yet reviewed; 2008 vintage rated 92 points by Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Sylvaner is one of the more generous wines in this line-up. The fruit is quite soft, yet the wine retains the clarity and focus that is found in all of the Kuenhof wines. The Sylvaner captures a superb balance of aromatic complexity, soft fruit, persistence and lively minerality. It is another wonderful effort from Kuenhof. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012."
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$29.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
5
available
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Importer notes: "Kuenhof, owned by Peter and Brigitte Pliger, is one of the best white wine estates in Italy. Their steep, stony vineyards are in the part of the South Tyrol called the Val d'Isarco (or Eisacktal), not far from the border with Austria. They grow Sylvaner, Veltliner and Riesling organically, and their wines show an almost electric mineral character. If the duty of a great wine is to be distinctive, these wines stand out like beacons -- great terroir, careful grape-growing, brilliant winemaking, and extraordinary wines. The Pligers' Sylvaner plants came from Germany and the Alto Adige (Sylvaner is said to be originally from Austria). The Eisacktal is one of two places that grow excellent Sylvaner, the other being Franconia in Germany. Kuenhof's is outstanding. (The overall quality of Sylvaner from both of these two places is very high compared to the examples from Alsace, although some good wines are made there too.) The wine is medium to full-bodied, complex in aroma and flavor (pit-fruit, spices, hints of pea shoot), and shows electric liveliness on the palate."
Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 91 points by International Wine Cellar: "Bright, pale yellow-green color. White stone fruits, yellow apple, thyme, and an earthy nuance on the scented, subtle nose. Fruity, tactile and fairly intense, with a floral element lifting the yellow apple and nectarine flavors. Finishes with good juicy persistence and a hint of quinine. Very serious sylvaner from Kuenhof, who is probably the master of the variety in Italy."
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$27.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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Importer notes: "Kuenhof, owned by Peter and Brigitte Pliger, is one of the best white wine estates in Italy. Their steep, stony vineyards are in the part of the South Tyrol called the Val d'Isarco (or Eisacktal), not far from the border with Austria. They grow Sylvaner, Veltliner and Riesling organically, and their wines show an almost electric mineral character. If the duty of a great wine is to be distinctive, these wines stand out like beacons -- great terroir, careful grape-growing, brilliant winemaking, and extraordinary wines.
100% Grüner (Green) Veltliner - the plants brought from Austria. (The appellation 'Veltliner' here can in fact include Roter (Red) Veltliner, or a blend of the two.) This variety shows a range of different flavors depending on where it's grown. I've found pepper, Ruby Red grapefruit, and a range of other aromas and flavors in various examples from Austria. The Pliger's bottling is in between the Riesling and the Sylvaner in weight, and it is silky and elegant on the palate with a very attractive balance between acidity and fruit flavors. The flavors are hard to describe, as is so often the case with very good wine, but include hints of peach, melon, and herbs. Intriguing and very long. I have not had aged examples but would think that it would do very well with 5 years or more in the bottle. (It has been suggested that the name Veltliner originally came from the Valtellina, not far from the Alto Adige.)"
Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 92 points by Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Veltliner is a wonderfully complex, nuanced white. Smoke, bacon fat, ash, crushed rocks and grapefruit are just some of the aromas and flavors that flow from this multi-dimensional, highly intriguing white. This is a compelling bottle in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016."
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$19.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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List $28.00
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Georg Mumelter's farm, Griesbauerhof, is situated outside Bolzano, the principal city of the Alto Adige. His tiny cellar is underneath the house, with the vineyards just outside. Mumelter is meticulous and quiet; his wines show great character and are exceedingly well-made. Isarcus is comprised of 94% Schiava and 6% Lagrein. The delicious Schiava varietal is Italy's answer to Beaujolais, and Lagrein is one of the great Italian red grapes and deserves to be much more well known. The best examples are deep purple in color, with aromas of blackberries and Assam tea.
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$15.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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This dry white wine is pale straw-yellow in color. The clean, intense aroma and dry flavor with pleasant golden apple aftertaste make Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio a wine of great character and versatility. Excellent as an aperitif, ideal accompaniment to seafood salads and fish- and shellfish-based pasta and rice courses. Perfect with white meats and boiled or grilled fish and with soufflés.
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$15.95
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WS 87
WA 87
Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
1
available
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List $20.00
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87 points Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] A pleasant Chardonnay, offering clean, juicy acidity bolstering white peach, Gala apple and smoke notes. Light-bodied and easy to drink, with a modest finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 200 cases imported. (2011)"
87 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$20 list] The 2009 Chardonnay delivers good varietal character in a mineral-driven, taut style. This unoaked Chardonnay is best enjoyed on the young side. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013. (Aug 2010)"
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$15.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Brilliant light straw yellow. The aroma of this Chardonnay releases exotic fruity impressions with nuances of banana, quince, passion fruit, mango and sugar melon plus a hint of lemon balm. A touch of pear gives the Chardonnay a mouthfeel that is very soft and harmonious combined with sweetish exotic fruit components. Its slightly mineral note makes this wine very smooth and adds an intriguing contrast. Alcohol 13.5%."
Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 88 points by both Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator, which wrote: "This light-bodied white mixes yellow apple and pear notes with hints of smoke, cream and spice. A touch of lemon zest shows on the fresh finish. Drink now. 400 cases imported."
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$17.95
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WA 89
WS 87
Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
1
available
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List $21.00
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89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$21 list] The 2007 Muller Thurgau is one of the highlights of the entry-level wines. It possesses gorgeous, floral aromatics that meld into white peaches and mint, with a delicate, subtle note of petrol that lingers on the close. Everything about this wine is beautifully delineated from start to finish. This vibrant, pure white should be enjoyed over the next few years. It is a winner. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. Cantina di Terlano is one of my favorite sources for value-priced wines in Alto Adige. The winery was founded over 100 years ago. Like many estates in the region, Terlano is a cooperative, yet the wines are first-class in every sense of the term. (Aug 2008)"
87 points Wine Spectator: "[$21 list] Plenty of green apple and kiwifruit, with hints of mineral on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, with plenty of fruit and a long finish. Drink now. (8/31/08)"
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$17.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
1
available
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Wine Enthusiast: "[$20 list] Müller Thurgau is widely planted in the steep valleys of Italy’s Alto Adige where it finds cool climatic conditions that help safeguard the variety’s natural floral and fruity aromas. This expression is light and food-friendly and there’s a touch of white pepper on the close. (Nov 2010)"
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$17.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
8
available
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List $20.00
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Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 90 points by Wine & Spirits: "The fruit scents of this wine start out as peach fuzz and pear skin, a greenness that transitions to litchi and pineapple flavors without turning sweet. It finishes cool with a pleasing rasp to the acidity, a refreshing companion to grilled whole fish."
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$14.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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List $21.00
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Wine & Spirits: "[$21 list] The scent is clean, spicy and light, the flavors creamy and gently sweet in this soft, honeyed white to serve with roast chicken. (Aug 2012)"
Producer notes: "Color: clear pale yellow with a slight greenish shimmer. Smell: On the nose this classic Pinot Bianco scores with crisp notes of pear mingling with aromas of raspberry and lime, plus a touch of chamomile and lemongrass. Taste: Body and balance sum up the Pinot Bianco, which intrigues the palate with the fruit of the pear and quince aromas combined with a salty minerality. The wine tickles the tongue and goes on to deliver a persistent aftertaste. Food pairings: A good companion with hors d’oeuvres such as vitello tonnato or salmon and tuna carpaccio; courgette flowers with a stracchino cheese or in combination with burrata; avocado salad; regional dishes like spinach spaetzle or schlutzkrapfen; also in combination with spaghetti alla carbonara; scallops au gratin, and grilled scampi, dentex or sea bream."
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$19.95
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WE 89
Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Wine Enthusiast: "A true pleasure to drink, this cool-climate Pinot Grigio offers a silky, smooth texture, with bright aromas of peach, lemon and pineapple. There's even a touch of dried mountain herb on the finish. Alcohol 13.5%. (Aug 2012)"
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$51.95
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WE 92
Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
10
available
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List $60.00
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92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$60 list] This is a lovely, sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc, with rich aromas of candied fruit, apricot, honeysuckle and amazing aromatic intensity. Thick, creamy and enduring on the palate, this beautiful wine shows the structure for long cellar aging. Alcohol 14%. (Jul 2012)"
Producer notes: "Delicate as the fine inclusions of quartz in Terlano’s volcanic porphyry rock -- that is our Sauvignon Selection, which does full justice to its name. Quartz offers a combination of fine texture, depth and salty aftertaste that has given this noble white an international reputation. Color: brilliant straw yellow. Smell: This Sauvignon is enticingly exotic in the glass, with multilayered fruit of mango, papaya, lime and red grapefruit, and herbal aromas reminiscent of lemon grass, lemon balm, mint and green tea. It also reveals mineral notes of flint combined with a hint of elderberry syrup. Taste: On the palate, the wine offers a fascinating interplay of juicy fruit aromas and delicate minerality creating a harmonious opulence with a long and impressive finish."
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$11.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
9
available
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List $24.00
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Dry muscats (and these wines are bone-dry, with very fresh acidity) make wonderful aperitifs, and are also very good with cured or smoked meats such as the local 'Speck' ham, occasionally available here in the US. This is a typical example, showing huge exuberant aromas of peaches, flowers, and muscat spice. It is bone-dry on the palate, very flavorful and crisp. Wine-lovers and beginners alike will love it.
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$8.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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List $12.00
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Wine Enthusiast: "[$12 list] Easy, toned and fresh, this opens with citrus, peach and honey aromas. The mouthfeel is lean, sharp and brightly acidic. (Aug 2012)"
Producer notes: "The Tiamo Pinot Grigio is sourced only from certified organic vineyards near the town of Treviso in the Veneto wine growing region of Italy. No oak is used in making the wine in order to keep it fresh and crisp but the wine is also floral and full of fruit due to the high quality of the organic grapes used in its production. Light straw yellow. Fresh and rich fruity aromas of apple and pear with a hint of citrus fruit that fade into the floral bouquet. Fresh and fruity, very clean and crisp. Tiamo Pinot Grigio pairs well with a wide array of lighter cuisine, especially fish, shellfish, poultry, pastas in cream sauce and softer cheeses. It’s also an ideal aperitif. Alcohol 12%."
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$9.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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List $15.00
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Producer notes: "This wine is pale yellow in color with green reflections. It has the pleasant aroma that characterizes the variety, with exotic fruit notes and a trace of meadow flowers. Slightly spicy, well-structured and full in the mouth, it has a lingering finish on the palate. Food pairing: light appetizers, fish dishes South Tyrolean cuisine. Alcohol 13.5%."
Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 87 points by Wine Enthusiast: "Crisp, fresh and luminous, this bright Pinot Grigio would pair with salads, vegetables or seafood. It rolls over the palate with citrus, peach and pineapple."
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$18.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
4
available
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Importer notes: "Andreas Widmann is a producer of very small quantities of excellent wine (in my opinion some of the best made in the Alto Adige). His family has made wine here since 1824. The wines are impeccably made and full of character, an ideal combination. The only problem here, as with many of the best small growers from the south Tirol, is that there is very little wine available, as the local market is so strong. Vernatsch is the local name for the Trollinger (or Schiava) variety, which produces pale red, delicious and very drinkable table wines (sort of like a cross between Beaujolais and Bourgeuil and as mouthwatering and savory as that description suggests). Andreas's version is top-notch, with hints of spices and herbs. It is an excellent complement to most pork dishes and great with salumi (or the local Speck ham, which I am starting to see over here). This is a wine to be drunk and not discussed."
Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 89 points by Wine Advocate: "The 2009 Vernatsch offers up sweet red berries, crushed flowers and sweet spices in an appealing, mid-weight style. There is nothing fussy here, just a delicious, finessed red to enjoy now and over the next year or two. Served slightly chilled, the Vernatsch will make a great summertime wine as temperatures warm up. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2013."
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