Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/26650
Some of the other creative entries in our Italian Wine Write-Off . . . Il Vino: Poggio alle Sughere 2007 Morellino di Scansano by Doug Nufer, European Vine Selections, Seattle, WA My dream trip of a lifetime to Toscana Awakened me in a dark enoteca Where straightaway I found la dolce vita. How to relate that pure burst of aroma The essence of intense Sangiovese The reverie of it regales Italia! Bold, ripe, and red, kissed by some Cabernet From oak to bottle to il bicchiere I tasted Poggio alle Sughere ’07 Morellino di Scansano And I was full of enophile amore Beholding il divino vino. Poggio alla Sughere Splendido by Daniel Brashi, Store Manager, Manley’s Wines & Spirits, New York, NY Dandelions blown. Splendido’s bou- quet recalls joyful abandon. Geranium propels, Seasons turn me, to the embrace of my mother. The painter. Like brushstrokes, petal becomes fruit, drawing plumy ripeness. Cherry and strawberry’s harmo- nious composition. Splendido covers my palate-father’s firm embrace. Tender reminder, structure compliments grace. Earthy nuances sprout from my buds, tossed willingly into autumn leaves. Fruit, earth and tannins dance. Tannins bow away. But like memories, the best linger, persuading, taste again. Engage another memory. Villa Pozzi Nero d’Avola by Chris Szczepanski, AJ’s Fine Foods, Chandler, AZ This wine is two steady hands tying a strong knot in a good rope . . . a corded forearm, flexing, as the wrench it holds frees the manifold’s last rusted bolt . . . a soccer ball, balanced on a knee along the way home to the stone kitchen oven, evenly glowing its thorn-embered crackle, as the evening meal is readied. It’s a blue checkered tablecloth. Hands held. The everyday miracles. It is more than what is in the bottle. Villa Pozzi 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon by Jason Forbes, Wine Director, Villa Macri Ristorante, Granger, IN I do not like cab from a box. I do not like cab on the rocks. I do not like cab that smells of socks. I do not like cab served with lox. But Villa Pozzi cab from Sicily has toasted notes of blackberry. A touch of pine. A slice of plum. We have enough for everyone. With chocolate flavors and a garnet hue I like this cab and so will you. march 201 1 / the tasting panel / 93 PHOTO: DEBORAH PARKER WONG