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June 30, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels June 1, 2004 Off The Vine The pick of the Italian litter Lorn Razzano It cannot be overstated that Italian red wine embodies the soul and passion of the Italian people. If any one phenomena can describe an entire culture it must be the ever present powerful yet refined warm and generous reds of the Italian peninsula. These wines are at the same time rich in history, satisfying on many layers of sensations and technologically on the cutting edge. Even the less expensive Montepulciano d' Abruzzo and simple merlots from large wineries have a subtle yet alluring charm not found in similar wines at the same price points. It seems that the warm Italian sun and lazy dreamlike afternoons somehow weave their way into the black sugar laden grapes at the foot of sleepy hillsides. Years ago, noted wine expert John Wren once told me that "Italian wines seem to sit on one's very soul." How true he is. Here's a short list of my favorites: Barolo, Barbaresco- These two little villages sit on either side of Medford's sister city, Alba, in the northwest region of Italy called, Piemonte. For many wine folks these two nebbiolo based wines, (named for the townships) are the pinnacle of Italian winemaking. Pricing begins at the $40 dollar mark and what you get for your money is nothing less than spectacular. Powerful yet nuance driven wines with flavors that wrap around the palate like a fine weaving of fruit and spice sensations. Woody with soft leather and anise spice drops make this wine a thing of beauty. The vintages from 1995 to today are award winners. Brunello di Montalcino- The great Tuscan! Made from a variation of sangiovese grapes this profound red wine is the Italian dream wine. Powerful yet magnificently honed in subtle nuance and long warm finish, this is the Ferrari of the wine offerings. The 1997 vintage of the century Brunellos are selling quickly and start at a whopping $70 bucks a bottle! I can think of no better wine in the world than these history laden, one of a kind Tuscans. Montepulciano d' Abruzzo- Back to planet earth! For every day drinking try out these little offerings from many fine producers. You can find these lovely little reds for as little as $4.99 per bottle and they are delicious! The great Montepulciano run in the $15 dollar mark and are giants! Primitivo- The Italian zinfandel with volcanic soil and attitude. You can find these wines for anywhere from ten bucks to twenty bucks and they are well worth the price. Look around the region "Puglia" the toe of Italy. Lovely wines, affordable and memorable. Valpolicella- Once a derided little wine of high acid and little breading. Today these wines are steals! Soft, warm and generous with mouthfilling flavors and long silky finishes. Get to the twelve dollar mark and be surprised. Nice wines. Chianti- Today's Chiantis are nothing like the Chianti you tasted even five years ago. Once sold in straw flask bottles, the wine now sells in the traditional Chianti Bordolais bottle and how this wine has changed! Go with the $12 dollar and up Chiantis. These wine are better bred wines with great flavor sensations and powerful sangiovese laden fruits of every description. The Chianti Classico is from a smaller designated growing area and these wines can be profound indeed! The Riservas are yet another step in the evolution of greatness and elegance. If you have never tasted a fine Chianti, you are in for a great surprise and a lifelong friend. Nero d'Avola- Sicilian wines! Sicily has begun an explosion of superb red wines. The major grape to look for is the lovely, soft, Nero d'Avola. If you are a merlot drinker but want something with more heat and passion, go for this century old grape with a huge Italian following. You can find this grape almost everywhere in the under ten dollar mark. A great find! Remember, Italian wine are a natural with all kinds of cuisine. Have fun, be creative and enjoy the wine jewels of this wonderful country! DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams