Chillin' & Grillin'

The warm weather is here, hopefully to stay, and you know what that means: time to break out the grill! And what is the best thing in the whole wide world to match with the first grilled foods of the season?: Italian red wine - especially a zesty Barbera. We are featuring a killer line-up of amazing Italian reds in different styles and prices. Some of these wines are already in stock, others will be here shortly!

D’Angelo Aglianico del Vulture Riserva “Vigna Caselle” 2000, Basilicata ~ Easily those most unusual wine of the group and probably my favorite. This wine is stone-cold old-school with no apologies! The rustic Aglianico grape makes what is essentially the Barolo of the South; D’Angelo is the only producer left making this wine in the traditional style. Fermented and aged in “Botti,” or large, neutral wood casks, the wine presents beautiful spice-scented notes on the nose and robust tannins from the grapes, and not the wood.

Gorgeous wine for true aficionados who cringe at the sweet world-wine paradigm. Serve with goat or other crazy stuff! We got a great buy on this wine and are happy to pass the savings to our customers. About $15.00/btl (Believe me, people pay 4X this much for this quality in Tuscany & Piedmont!)

Bibi Graetz Casamatta 2006, Tuscany ~ This wine is 100% Sangiovese, from various vineyard sites, fermented in stainless steel. Soft, forward fruit makes this a perfect choice for a thick burger or ribs. $16.99/btl.

Bucaro Montepulciano Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2006, Abruzzo ~ Don’t walk. Run down here, RIGHT NOW, and stock up on this delicious wine. Made from organic grapes, this is stand out Montepulciano wine from the grape of the same name. Rich fruit, but even more impressive structure. Make sure you let this wine breathe for 45 minutes or more after opening; it tastes a little fruity and simple on opening but rights itself quickly. VERY LIMITED SUPPLY! $17.99/btl.

Fratelli Seghesio Barbera D’Alba 2006, Piedmont ~ Has there ever been a more perfect wine to serve with roasted yard bird with a spicy-sweet BBQ sauce? The answer is no! Loads of rich, ripe fruit and the crisp acidity you need for tomato-based sauces. $21.99/btl.

Carpineta Fontalpino Montaperto 2005, Tuscany ~ A classically structured wine from a very unusual combination of grapes; this one blends Sangiovese, Alicante, and a little Gamay to excellent results. If you are looking for a fruit-bomb, look elsewhere. This wine has more in common with a top Bordeaux than an overripe Shiraz. Serve with a choice steak. Let it breathe for a couple of hours for best results. $28.79/btl.

Braida Monferratto Rosso “Il Bacialè” 2006, Piedmont ~ Braida is probably the master of Barbera, and this wine is a tour de force (or the equivalent Italian phrase). It may not be typical, but this blend is 60% Barbera, 20% Pinot Noir, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot. This all adds up to 100% delicious! This one should be served with more elaborate grilled dishes to match the complex nature of the wine. $35.00/btl.

Fattoria Montellori Salamartano 1999, Tuscany ~ People happily pay twice this price for Claret-style wines like this from prestigious Bordeaux producers. Equal parts Cabernet and Merlot, this is stylish wine and a great value. Serve this when the grilled fare comes inside to a white table cloth and crystal glasses! Exquisite! $44.99/btl.

We have many other great selections for the grill, including more from Italy!

Note: This post was written by Philip Bernot.