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Vol.04-071423
This month is all about Movies and Wine. I often think about what wine would best suit a favorite movie of mine. Working at the Italian Market makes my brain buzz with the classics: Sicilian Nero D’Avola with The Godfather; Brunello and Raging Bull. But what about one of the best Trilogies ever made? What wine goes best with The Lord of The Rings? What one grape binds the minds of men and ensnares the senses… Nebbiolo.
It is sensual and evocative, as well as severe and dominating. It’s harsh tannin and acids developing and giving way to ethereal aromas and plush fruit flavors. Journey across Italy and you will taste the many styles this grape can produce. Just as Tolkein’s epic trilogy develops along the journey across Middle Earth.
The Fellowship of The Ring
Langhe Nebbiolo matches the mood best with this film. Fresh an approachable. A youthful levity and soft fruits make these wines a real treat for newcomers to Nebbiolo and those with seasoned palates as well. The bountiful Langhe hills roll out like the green knolls of The Shire. But the ribbon of dry tannins and whip of acid that frames the wine reminds drinkers of the power imbued in this wine, foreshadowing the potential depths that this grape truly possesses. Like the lingering specter of Sauron across Middle Earth.
Tredibberi Langhe Nebbiolo My choice for a Langhe Nebbiolo. The winery describes this wine as being “Fruity and easy drinking, but not trivial.” Which I agree. This is a serious wine for elevated times with friends and Charcutterie.
$28.99 14%ABV
The Two Towers
At the Battle of Helms Deep our Heroes fight through the night against the Army of Saruman. The morning sun touches their overtired faces and the words of Gandalf ring true across their shared thoughts: “Look to the East!” And with the rising sun, Ganfdalf leads the Vangaurd of Rohirim Horse lords down the slope with blinding force, crushing the remaining enemy.
So did I too, look to the East from the Piedmont when choosing my next wine. East of the Langhe lies the region of Lombardy, whose steep slopes lead up into the rocky Alps. Here a fresh and lighter style of Alpine Nebbiolo is grown and these steep outcroppings are known as Valtellina.
Sandro Fay “Costa Bassa” Valtellina Superiore
The higher altitude of this region creates a wine with delicate finesse. Sour cherry, savory herbs, rose hips, pepper, and an earthy undertone that reminds you of its origins. The refuge of Valtellina make wines as soft as morning light, but with its same power to extinguish darkness.
$33.99 13.5%ABV
The Return Of the King
Nebbiolo has been praised for centuries. Lauded by the likes of Pliny The Elder in the 1st century, and by the 11th century it was the court wine for the House of Savoy, the ruling Piemonte family for over 800 years. Nebbiolo is the wine of Kings. So it was only fitting to return to its rightful homeland of Barolo, just as Aragorn returned as the rightful king of Gondor.
Barolo wines carry with them all the makings of a King: they are firm but giving; they are commanding, but lead as an example; and with age they develop into true masters of their domain, whose names are
written into history and made legend.
Sandrone “Le Vigne” Barolo
Luciano Sandrone was a pioneer who devoted his life to producing the finest Nebbiolo. His entire range of wines, all limited in production, are jewels of impeccably balanced concentration and precision, and the ability to age for long periods of time.
$144.99 14.5%ABV
Wine Sale Every Monday all wines 15% off.
Free Friday Wine tastings from 5-7pm
Wine events TBA as they are established
Good wine is not an optical pleasure,
it is an inward emotion
-Henry James