An Italian Renaissance: 3 Tuscans and a Surprise from Alto Adige
The Director of Italian Wines from a major wholesaler came into our store for the first time last week. He was absolutely stunned at finding such a comprehensive Italian wine selection in a store on Cape Cod. The Director was so impressed he crowned us Ambassadors for Italy!
With over 100 different wines, our Italian wine selection is truly one of the finest on the Cape. In all our years of professional studies and wine accreditation we have to admit Italy was always one of our favorite areas. Who could help but be thrilled with Italian wines?
Italy has more indigenous grape varieties than any other country. It's virtually impossible to grow bored with Italian wines. There's so much room for exploration and enjoyment.

Today we offer you our latest arrivals.

Aia Vecchia Vermentino 2010 (Tuscany)   Aia Vecchia Vermentino 2010 (Tuscany)
Vermentino is grown in two main areas in Italy. The most famous is the island of Sardinia, while a less recognized zone is Tuscany.
Maremma, Tuscany's southwestern coastal frontier, is home to some of the ancient region's most dynamic wines. Here, the Vermentino grape shows its true Mediterranean colors with bright acidity, refreshing flavors of white peach and citrus, and an insistent minerality which adds to the wine's vibrant focus.
The Pellegrini family has cultivated Vermentino for generations and made it something of a specialty alongside its better-known reds. With only 585 cases made, this is truly a small production wine.
$11.99/bottle or $115.10/12 pack case ($9.59/bottle) or just $9.59/bottle in a mixed case of wine.
Selvapiana Chianti Rufina 2009 (Tuscany)   Selvapiana Chianti Rufina 2009 (Tuscany)
Chianti Rufina was first identified as an area of exceptional production in Cosimo III de' Medici's edict of 1716.
“Frescobaldi is the largest producer in the zone, while Selvapiana has historically been one of the best.” -- According to wine guru Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine, in “The Oxford Companion to Wine”:
"The 2009 Chianti Rufina opens with a burst of red fruit. It is an intensely perfumed, seductive wine loaded with personality. Sweet, silky tannins frame the exquisite finish. This is another drop-dead gorgeous wine from Selvapiana. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2029. Selvapiana is a reference point for fine, traditionally made Chiantis that can age beautifully. The Chianti Rufina is a consistent overachiever within its price range." (Wine Advocate)
Wine Advocate: 89 points
Wine Enthusiast: 86 points
   
$16.99/bottle or $163.10/12 pack case ($13.59/bottle) or just $13.59/bottle in a mixed case of wine.    
Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2009 (Tuscany)   Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2009 (Tuscany)
We tasted this lovely wine with the Director of Italian Wines, along with its big brother, the exceptional Oreno 2009 (Wine Advocate: 94+ points; $114.99/bottle). This is a truly elegant wine.
"The 2009 Crognolo is a beautiful, fleshy red. Dark black cherries, mint, flowers and minerals are woven together nicely in this fresh, delineated entry-level wine from Sette Ponti. The tannins remain a touch firm, so ideally the Crognolo should be cellared for an additional 6-12 months. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Antonio Moretti’s Sette Ponti continues to make important strides, especially with the flagship Oreno. " (Wine Advocate)
Wine Advocate: 91 points
"Round and lush, offering black cherry, black currant and violet aromas and flavors. There's adequate acidity, but this is delicious now, with fine length. Sangiovese and Merlot. 7,500 cases imported." (Wine Spectator)
Wine Spectator: 89 points
$35.99/bottle or $172.75/6 pack case ($28.79/bottle) or just $28.79/bottle in a mixed case of wine.  
St.-Michael Eppan Pinot Noir 2009 (Alto Adige)   St.-Michael Eppan Pinot Noir 2009 (Alto Adige)
The Gambero Rosso (Italy's most important wine reviewer) chose St. Michael- Eppan as the best Italian winery of the year in 2000. They also named Hans Terzer, master winemaker for the past 30 years at St. Michael-Eppan, one of the ten best winemakers in the world.  
Pinot Noir is also known as Pinot Nero in Italy, where it is grown predominantly in the north. Here the cool climate can produce watery, thin, and vegetal Pinot Noir, but not in this case. We really like how clean and bright this wine shows, with lovely fruit and mild acidity. This is an excellent wine to pair with food.  
A dazzling garnet red color with aromas reminiscent of wild berries - from blackberries to black currants. Elegant and luscious in a very Old World style.  
$14.99/bottle or $143.90/12 pack case ($11.99/bottle) or just $11.99 in a mixed case of wine.  

Ciao!


* Wine & Spirit Education Trust Certified *

Town Center Wine & Spirits
Cape Cod's Most Trusted Wine Merchant

  Location
4550 State Highway
North Eastham, MA 02651
(Next to the Royal Thai Restaurant in the Town Center Plaza)
Tel: 508 255 3660
Fax: 508 255 6736

 

Autumn Hours
Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
We are open year round.
Only closed on Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas