The Grand Hall in Chicago’s Union Station was abuzz with an Italian vibe on the afternoon of February 11. Gambero Rosso was proud to present to the wine trade and media the best Italian producers with their latest award winning wines from many regions in Italy. The Tre Bichierri 2014 World Tour was launched in 1988 with the guidebook to Italian wine, Vini D’Italia Guide. Each year, tasters from Gambero Rosso travel and taste wines throughout Italy to find those worthy of their “one, two, and three glasses” designation and the Gambero Rosso website offers a list of the winners. Congratulations to these wineries which produced some of the most interesting Italian wines I have tasted. Now if I could just work on my Italian language skills so that I can converse intelligently with these brilliant winemakers!
During the presentation, each winemaker or owner added their own perspective of the wines offered, their process of vinification, history of the region, and what makes their winery different from the others. Participants tasted twenty two outstanding wines and each was special. But what I absolutely loved about this tasting was that there were wines produced from grapes I knew existed yet had never had the opportunity to taste…and I have a few standouts of my new grape friends as well as some of my old favorites to share with you. Below, the name of each winery and region are in bold with a link to their website which you should absolutely check out for more information about their viticultural techniques, terroir, and environmentally conscious mission.
Daldin Spumanti (Veneto)
Valdobbiadene Extra Dry Vidoro – My first wine of the day just had to be a glorious Prosecco! With citrus, green apple, floral, and fruit forward notes, I loved the zesty finish…and I kept going back to this glass during the tasting!
Rubinelli Vajol (Veneto)
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2009 – Raisins, earth, spiced apple, red and black berries, perhaps some blueberries and raspberries tickled my nose and satisfied my palate…are you enticed yet? This concentrated, high alcohol Amarone from the Corvina grape was rich and delicious.
Guado al Melo (Tuscany)
Guado al Melo Bianco 2011 – This wine from the Vermentino (or Rolle) grape was blended with Petit Manseng. I loved the high acidity, salinity, balance, and easy drinking qualities…the winemaker referred to this as their “coastal white wine”… And yes, please! I’d love to sip this on the coast of Tuscany with you ~
Trappolini (Lazio)
Lazio Rosso Paterno 2010 – Consisting mostly of Sangiovese this wine is meant to be enjoyed while young. A classic wine with tastes of rich cherries, smooth tannins, and balance was just what I loved and appreciated.
Conti Malacari (Marche)
Conero Riserva Grigiano 2008 – Rich and red, this wine from Montepulciano grapes is from revered old vines and the winemaker shared that it is considered a “workhorse” with its low maintenance. I loved its austere and aristocratic tastes and with its fresh finish, I felt well, quite, royal…
Cantine del Notaio (Basilicata)
Aglianico del Vulture La Firma 2010 – With elegance and balance, this red wine of the Aglianico grape, one of my new favorites, was just delicious with its complex aromas of fruit, chocolate, and spice. As the top label of this winery, there is a strict selection of grapes which are grown on slope side vineyards in volcanic soil.
Ferreri & Bianco (Sicily)
Sicilia Catarratto Brasi 2011 – Ahhhh, I was thrilled to taste and enjoy yet another grape with which I was unfamiliar: Catarrato which is widely grown in Sicily. The mild, spicy aromas led to lemon, lime, and pineapple tastes with a fresh, snappy minerality which I love so much.
Salut to appreciating the excellence and quality of the wines from these unique boutique wineries in Italy! ~ Cindy
