From the wine cooperative of Le Rocche Malatestiane, named after the Malatesti family who played an important role in Rimini history, we have Albana di Romagna, one of precious few wines to be awarded DOCG status by Italian wine authorities and it is one that has quite a history. In Italian, "Baciami" means "Kiss me." And what could be more appropriate than the "kiss" of this sweet little wine? According to the story, when the Roman Princess Galla Placida first tasted this in AD 382,  she declared that this wine was so smooth it "should be drunk in gold." But that was then. So we'd say: if you don't have a gold cup to drink it in, don't worry - a simple wine glass will do just as well!

Tasting notes: The perfect match to the Cagnina, sweet but no sticky with pleasing ripe fruit, aromas and flavors.

Region: Emilia-Romagna
Classification: Albana di Romagna DOCG
Area of Production: Hills of Bertinoro Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole
Grape Variety: 100% Albana
Soil: Clay
Average Age of Vines: 15 years
Spacing of Plants: 3 m. between rows. .50 m. between plants
Trellising System: Guyot
Production per Acre:  4.02 tons
Vinification Technique: Cryo-maceration and soft pressing followed by fermentation at controlled temperature of 15/16º C
Maturation: Matured in the bottle for 6 months.
Total Acidity:  6.85  g/l
PH: 3.02
Sugar Content:  60 - 75 g/l
Alcohol: 9%
Total Cases Produced:  2,500

 Nose: really fruity, with notes of grapefruit, lemon, and exotic fruit.

In mouth: soft and oily. 

Service Temperature:  Best enjoyed at 50°F to 54°F

Domaine Barou is an independent vineyard and produces 17 acres of AOC and VdP

Wines, including St. Joseph Red, Condrieu, and VdPs Syrah, Viognier, and Marsanne. Organically farmed, this family winery focuses on showcasing the varietals and bringing out the maximum of “terroir” expression.

From the steep Rhone slopes near St. Joseph,a delightful red wine that will complement anyone’s table.

An expressive wine with notes of black cherry and cassis and the nuance of cedar and tarragon this well-balanced and harmonious red is quite versatile and will pair well with many foods from tomato sauces to barbecues, to fowl and red meats as well as cheeses and dark chocolate.

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Organically grown, hand-picked and produced with care, this wine may have slight sediment or “wine diamonds” on the bottom, which is a sign of quality.

Details on Domaine Barou SYRAH :

Location: Collines Rhoadaniennes near St. Joseph

Type of soil: granitic composition

13% alcohol by volume

100% Syrah

Cultivation techniques:

Organically Grown

Organic fertilizers

Summer pruning of grapes to limit yields

Vinification:

Grapes picked by hand, then de-stemmed

Cold maceration for 2 days followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts over 2 weeks with skins followed by maturation in tank for over 6 months

** Special order only. Not currently available in store.

Villarrobledo, Spain; La Mancha Region 

60% Macabeo 40% Airen 

Pale golden amber color.

Very fruity and floral;aromas of perfumed plums and candied apricots follow through to a fruity medium body with ripe pear and earthy flower accents.

Finishes with a tangy, delicate, peach skin and mineral fade.  

A very appealing sipping wine, or pair with salads and spicy grilled foods or Asian cuisine. 

92 pts - Gold Medal - Tastings.com 

Silver - Bacchus 2008 Competition

From Bodegas Senorio De Huedas in the Rioja Province of Spain comes this superb tempranillo.

Delicious Spanish red with dark fruits, spicy notes, black pepper and clove. Plush palate that continues to deliver through to the finish.

Type of wine: Moscato Sweet Wine

Degree: 12 % Vol.

Variety: 100% Muscato

D.O.: Valencia

Degustation characteristics: Sight: Straw yellow color. Clear and clean

Nose: Pleasant, with typical Muscat aromas: jasmine, orange blossom.

Palate: Sweet and well balanced.

Finish: With delicate taste and good persistence.

Recommendations: Serve between 5 and 7ºC. Appetizers and desserts.