Tedeschi Wines (Agricolla F.lli) Tasting Notes 7-21-2006

Tedeschi Winery is a family owned operation from the Veneto that dates back to 1824. One of the benefits of being family owned and operated is that there is a complete control of the quality of the wines. This can ceratinly swing to both sides of the spectrum, and family ownership does not neccesarily guarantee a high level of quality - but I find that it usually does; in the case of Tedeschi there is no question about the high level of quality.

I have had the pleasure (not at this tasting, though) to taste Tedeschi Wines with Riccardo Tedeschi and gain first-hand knowledge rom the experience. The newest generation of Tedeschis is really putting the fulle effort into maintaining and improving on the already outstanding wines.

Here are my notes:

Soave Classico "Monte Tenda" 2003
A single vineyard selection made from 100% Garganega grown on volcanic soils; bright gold color; reductive aromas of pineaplle and candied fruits, marmalade; very clean on the palate with salty minerality; pure, clean finish. Quite good.

Valpolicella Classico "Lucchine" 2004
Produced from 25% Corvina, 25% Corvinone, 30% Rondinella, 10% Molinara, 10% Rossignola, Oseleta, Negrara, Dindarella. Very nice, deep garnet color; briary and rich aromas with spice notes; smooth and with raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of almost saltiness on the palate; smooth, juicy finish. Very good.

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, 2000
Very dark color; raisin aromas, sweet deep dark fruit aromas; juicy and full on the palate, chewy and earthy - perhaps getting dried out (?), but still quite good. One of the better values in its competetive category.

website: http://www.tedeschiwines.com/

Girlan Winery Tasting Notes 7-21-2006

Girlan Winery is located in the Northern Italian region known as the Alto Adige. It is an important winery for the region as it is relatively old (formed in 1923) and is a cooperative that pays its memebers based on quality, not quantity.

It has been recognized by major review publications (such as Gambero Rosso below) for this outstanding quality, and resulting value.

“Girlan is presenting a long series of absolutely flawless wines, something not to be taken lightly when the winery produces more than 1,000,000 bottles per year. These are the fruits of efforts by its 230 members and the sure hand of “Kellermeister” Gebhard Eisenstecken. All the wines here are highly reliable in quality and sensibly priced. To sum up, this historic winery has rapidly carved itself a fundamental niche amongst the best producers in the region. “ - Gambero Rosso

Here are my notes for the wines tasted, today:

Pinot Grigio DOC "Filadonna" (Alto Adige) 2004
Shows a touch of color, almost brassy; chalky, mineraly on the nose; smooth on the palate with a clean quality; finishes with just a touch of oxidative flavors mixed with velvety chalk and a slight almond note on the finish. I happen to like this style that has been produced by having a bit of age on the wine. I would suggest though that this vintage is not for the long-term and should be finished-up through the next few months.

Gewürztraminer DOC "Aimè" (Alto Adige) 2005
Bright, straw-gold color; flowery aromas on the nose; spicey, wheat beer/banana aromas; clean with loads of minerality on the palate; quite fresh and drinkable through the finish. The wine is generally more in the dry camp so it does not come across as cloying in any way. Very nice.

Pinot Noir DOC "Patricia" (Alto Adige) 2003
Garnet color; dry leaves, sweet cherries and summer plums on the nose; smooth and supple on the palate; finishes somewhat clean and quick. Nice enough, but nothing special.

Lagrein DOC "Laurin" (Alto Adige) 2004
Quite dark in color, purple/black, opaque; grapey and smokey on the nose with added aromas of coffee/mocha; smootha nd quite rich on the palate; juicy and jammy flavors continue through the somewhat long, dry finsh. Quite good.

website: http://girlan.dreyfusashby.com/index.htm

Saturday Night Summer Feast

And why not FEAST?

It is mid-summer. The garden is crankin' out some tasty veggies. The 2005 Euro-wines are as fresh and good as they can be. Just the perfect combination for creating some home-done masterpieces. Here's what I am having tonight:

• La Vieille Ferme Rose 2005 - there is simply nothing that can compete with this wine, this summer. I have had a bunch of Rose this year, and this is by-and-far the best tasting, most balanced, goes with anything and certainly the best value ($6.00!!!)!
• Salsa de la Jardin - Yellow peppers, red peppers, FIRE roasted plum tomato’s, sweet onions, cilantro, some black beans, fresh lime and a dash of cumin and red pepper spice to top it off. UUUMMM, Good!
• Cracklin' Vermont Cheddar.
• Sweet and Buttery corn on the cob - bathed in an appropriate amount of butter, of course.
• Fresh bag of salty tortilla chips.
• FEAST!
  

All the colors of the veggies are as they are supposed to be - nothing is washed out and bland because it is out of season. They salt on the chips makes the spice and fiery flavors in the salsa pop. So, so good, and sssooooo simple.

The wine (at 13% alc) goes with everything and does not have any alcohol burn like the bigger wines from CAli and other regions will. A kaleidoscope of flavors and color that is what really makes summer cooking so good.

Desert will be fresh & juicy, locally grown red plums (quartered) over vanilla glace and topped with fresh whipped cream and minced Basil (yes, Basil) - just try this, it is a freakin’ treat and is so simple. You can also use fresh raspberries, blueberries, rhubarb, strawberries - whatever is in season.

Get cookin' - JUST do it, alright!