Recommendation: A unique Italian white that’s simply delicious.
Winery/Producer: Cascina degli Ulivi, Italy.
Grape Variety: Cortese
Geographic Region, Appellation: Piedmont, Italy.
Vintage: 2011
Price: $21.60 With a 10% mixed case discount.
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: Tortellini with pesto sauce, summer squash and garden fresh tomatoes.
Tasting:
He said: Chilled before drinking. Clear, dark wheat straw color. The initial aromas were earthy and slightly oxidative; but in only a few minutes they changed to a combination of caramel, lemon and slight yeast aromas. The delicious very ripe apple taste and crisp acidity were pronounced and carried through a long mineral finish that had lots of nuttiness. However, the “Jumping-up-and-down” best part of the wine was the OUTSTANDING pairing with the rich walnut and olive oil in the pesto sauce. Every mouthful was a culinary experience as each sip of the wine cleared the palate for the next bite of tortellini. Simply a wonderful combination of wine and food!!! This was a unique Italian white that was simply delicious.
She said: Golden yellow, slightly murky, lots of thin legs moving at a steady speed. The non-descript aroma led to a slightly sherry taste I associate with orange wines. In addition to being flavorful the wine was medium bodied, acidic, dry and had a long finish. It was a great accompaniment for the dinner because it cut though the olive oil and nut in the pesto. The wine got better as it warmed up and became very delicious. Its ability to clear the palate makes it a good choice as an accompaniment to pate. Not cheap, I would still buy it again and again to go with a dinners like this that are heavy on fat.
Comments: This was an “Orange wine” and some oxidative aromas and tastes are to be expected.
Alcohol: 11-14%
Bar code: NA
Imported by: LDM Wines; New York, New York.