Free tasting | Saturday, November 2, 2019 | 4-6PM

Brendan from Matchvino is visiting with a bagful of Italian wines. Andiamoci!

Italian Wines with Matchvino Line-up:

2017 Cascina Praié, il Canneto Pigato Riviera Ligure di Ponente

Who: Massino Viglietti 

What: 100% Pigato

Where: Liguria, Italy (Cascina Praié is set high in the Ligurian hills, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, halfway between Nice in the French Riviera and Genova)

How: After maceration, this Pigato is pressed and moved to acacia barrels made by two Austrian coopers. Fermentation continues in these barrels, with weekly lees stirring for about four months, then the wine is moved to steel vats. Zero sulphur is used during fermentation. 

Farming Method: Organic

Fun Fact: The estate is set in the midst of a splendid micro-climate. Situated on high hillsides, the vineyards receive ample sunlight throughout the days, and cooling winds that blow down from the Alps and the northern Apennines, which help protect the vines from humidity and disease.

Tasting Notes: Pigato is a straw yellow hue, with aromas of yellow peaches and citrus. Light, fresh and mineral-driven.

2016 Marina Danieli, Merlot

Who: Fifth generation family-owned winery, now run by Letizia Barbi (pictured above) and her family

What: 100% Merlot 

Where: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy (Located in the village of Buttrio in the province of Udine; the 86-acre estate benefits from the Adriatic Sea, southern exposure, and soil composed of marl and sandstone.) 

How: 50/50 oak aging and stainless steel aging

Farming Method: Sustainable leaning organic

Fun Fact: The donkey on the label is the family’s coat of arms and designed by Letizia’s grandfather who considered himself as stubborn as a mule!

Tasting Notes: Medium-to-full-bodied with aromas of cassis and raspberries; notes of sagebrush, bay leaf, slate and a hint of black pepper. 

2016 Fabulas, Societa Agricola, Fara Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Who: Fabulas is a collaboration between a  few farmers, friends and a fabulous winemaker. 

What: 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Montepulciano is a native vine of central Italy, specifically between the regions of the Marche and Abruzzo.)

Where: Abruzzo, Italy 

How: Zero sulfur added; fermented and aged in neutral oak; partially aged in ceramic vessel

Farming Method: Biodynamic (Demeter certified) (Sheep also live and graze on their property!)

Fun Fact: The label of ‘Fara’ represents the annual folklore festival held on January 16th in the town of Fara Filiorum Petri, a small town down the slopes of the Majella. Citizens bring bundles (le farchie) to the main piazza of Fara and light them on fire in front of the of church of Saint Anthony of Abate. Le Farchie are constructed from pieces of cane woven to a large tree trunk, or in some neighborhoods, the canes have been tightly woven together to take the place of the trunk. Le farchie burn in a unified manner from the “piticone” (bottom of the farchie) to the “cima” or "fiocco" (the head or top of le farchie) when set on fire. The completed farchie are approximately 25 feet in length and 3 feet in diameter. 

Tasting Notes: This ‘Fara’ Montepulciano is FIRE. It’s rich and decadent while still being fresh and lively. Notes of dark cherry, smoke, and slate. 

2018 Fabulas, Societa Agricola, Fortitudo Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo 

Who: Fabulas is a collaboration between a  few farmers, friends and a fabulous winemaker. 

What: 100% Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 

Where: Abruzzo, Italy 

How: Zero sulfur added, fermented in wooden barrel and aged in ceramic vessels

Farming Method: Biodynamic (Demeter certified)

Fun Fact: Cerasuolo is the Italian word for cherry, which describes both the dark hue and the prominent notes of red cherry on the palate.

Tasting Notes: A gorgeous Italian rosato! Intense and brilliant cherry pink color. Fragrances of raspberries, pomegranate and balsamic vinegar. 

2013 Gabriele Scaglione, Barolo Passione di Re

Who: The Man, The Myth, The Legend…Gabrielle Scaglione

What: 100% Nebbiolo 

Where: Piedmont, Italy 

How: 36 months of aging of which 24 months is in French oak barrels 

Farming Method: Sustainable 

Fun Fact: Gabrielle is a force of nature, and his wines speak of terroir. His pure affection for wine, arts and great food brought him back to his roots in Piedmont, where his family has made their home for generations. 

Tasting Notes: We made it through another year of Halloween in Salem, which calls for a beautiful bottle of Barolo! A rich, meaty, bold Barolo.