Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/113109
REVEAL #3 C�� del V��nt 2006 Sospiri Brut Millesimato, Franciacorta ($65) C Mirko Redaelli, Sales Manager for importer/wholesaler/ distributor Ribevi Wines International. �� del V��nt was established in 1994 in Northern Italy���s Lombardy province, just within the territory of Franciacorta, famous for its sparkling wines. The house takes a natural approach to winemaking,using only a bare minimum of sulphur and copper, and no synthetic substances. The 40-year-old vineyards are rich with clay and limestone soils, producing excellent minerality in the wines. The fruit is hand-harvested. and the sparkling wines are produced in the traditional method. The 2006 Sospiri is 100% Chardonnay aged on its lees in the bottle for a minimum of 36 months. The color is an intense yellow-gold with tiny persistent bubbles. Ribevi Wines International Our Panel���s Notes: ���With its tiny bubbles and decisiveness on the palate, the Chardonnay character bursts through the core of hazelnut, caramel and coconut.��� ���Henri Marquis ���Like a sparkling white Burgundy, the oaky notes ascend to citrustinged honey and tropical fruit on the nose. The palate is angular and mineral-driven and the fruit is quite mature with butterscotch lemon on the inish.��� ���Alex Weil REVEAL #4 Terlato Family Vineyards 2011 Pinot Grigio, Russian River Valley ($20) T he Terlato family knows Pinot Grigio. Patriarch Tony Terlato is responsible for bringing the ever-popular Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio to the U.S., establishing this varietal as a favorite. Moving from Old World to New World, the Terlato Family is trying their hand at producing Pinot Grigio in California���s Russian River Valley, with its late afternoon fog and cooling breezes. With winemaker Bryan Parker at the helm, the Pinot Grigio is produced using a ���hands-off��� approach. Two Alsatian clones were chosen for the vines, and the wine is aged on its lees in stainless steel and 20% neutral oak barrels. The Pinot Grigio 2011 has a creamy soft texture and notes of melon, sweet orange blossom and honey. Quite a mouthful for its great value! Terlato Family Wines Our Panel���s Notes: ���Fabulous, complex nose with hints of lime, orange peel, vanilla and nutmeg. The pleasant, long inish leaves you wanting more.��� ���Bill Brandel ���Clear, bright intensity with an abundance of fruit on the nose: pear, citrus and melon. High tones of lowers and grassiness, pepper and cheese rind. The mouthfeel is impressive with weight and balance.��� ���Paul Sanguinetti 128 / the tasting panel / march 2013