As we head into spring, we are excited to bring you three bright and easy-drinking wines from Italy! Italy produces more wine than any other country in the world from light whites to bold, age-worthy reds. This month’s wine club box has a delightful and slightly effervescent Ortrugo, a low-alcohol Tuscan blend, and food-friendly Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
Santa Giustina Ortrugo Vivace 2022
This delightful white wine is made from the native Italian grape Ortrugo. The grapes are grown organically, hand harvested, and entire clusters are gently pressed before fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is finished in pressurized tanks, resulting in a lovely light ‘vivace’ spritz in the glass. Sage and roses on the nose, with a bright acidity on the palate. Pair with shrimp ravioli.
The Producer: Santa Giustina
Santa Giustina is a picturesque estate situated 1,000 feet above sea level in the northern part of Italy. The 100-hectare property is comprised of many different crops, forests, vineyards, and a private game reserve. Antonio and Gloria Bucciarelli established the winery in 1970 and today their daughter Gaia is head winemaker. They farm 30 hectares of organic grapes, and use minimal intervention in their winemaking. The name of the winery is taken from the church of Santa Giustina, located on the estate and built in 870.
The Region: Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna spans nearly the entire width of the northern Italian peninsula. Its winemaking roots date back to the seventh century BC, making it one of the oldest regions in Italy. Stretching from coast to coast, Emilia-Romagna has a variety of climates and terroirs, from rolling hills in the west to coastal lowlands in the east. The Po River flows through the region, helping moderate temperatures.
The Grape: Ortrugo
This white grape is native to the Emilia-Romagna region. Traditionally used in blends, recently Ortrugo has been used as a varietal wine. It has high acidity and bright floral notes and is often used in sparkling wines.
This is a light, easy-drinking red blend from the Chianti area in Italy. The name pays homage to the Alberese soils found in the region. Made with a blend of Sangiovese and Trebbiano, the wine has energetic fruit flavors and typical Tuscan earthiness. Drink slightly chilled and pair with Cacio e Pepe.
The Producer: Frattoria di Sammontana
The property now known as Fattoria di Sammontana has a history in Tuscany that dates back to the 12th century. It was owned by an Italian noble family who donated the land to the Church of San Lorenzo. The monks mostly used the church as a place of rest and relaxation, but they also built a cellar and elaborate facility for making terracotta pottery. In 1867, a Polish nobleman, Michele Dzieduszycki purchased the estate and surrounding farmland. Today, his descendants (fourth generation) run the farm according to organic and biodynamic criteria, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking secrets of this land.
The Region: Toscana IGT
In 1992, the Italian government created the designation of Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT). This new classification was successful in creating a middle ground between highly regulated DOCG and DOC classifications and the lowly, unregulated Vino di Tavola (table wine). The Toscana IGT label is permitted for any wine produced within Tuscany. This flexibility allows winemakers to create high quality wines in almost any form imaginable, from rom bone-dry whites to sweet reds and sparkling rosés.
This is a medium-bodied dark red wine made from 100% Montepulciano. The wine undergoes a slow fermentation, then is aged in large oak vats for eight months before bottling. This ageing brings out sweet spice flavors with a hint of cocoa on the finish. On the nose are aromas of dried flowers and fruits along with soft leather. The wine is pure and fresh and not too heavy. Pair with pasta Bolognese.
The Producer: Italo Pietrantonj
Italo Pietrantonj is the oldest winery in the Abruzzo region, with records dating back to 1791 and an official start date of 1830. The winery is now run by two sisters, Roberta and Alice, whose great-great-great grandfather Niccolo was the first certified winemaker in the Abruzzo region, gaining a diploma from the Royal School of Conegliano Veneto in 1889. The estate farms just over 60 hectares of estate vineyards high up in the rolling hills of the Apinine Mountains. They still use oak and walnut barrels from the 1870s as well as two 37,000 gallon tanks lined with Murano tile that were constructed in 1893.
The Region: Abruzzo
Abruzzo is an Italian wine region on the east Adriatic coast. It is a rugged, mountainous region with a lengthy coastline; its lush, green landscape is scattered with national parks and forests. The region is home to Gran Sasso, one of Italy’s highest peaks at 9,554 feet. The region is a perfect haven for grape growing. Vines flourish thanks to the terroir, the abundance of sunshine, the generous rainfall, and a variable climate.
