Tuscan Treasure: La Banditaccia Vigna Allegra 2018 Riserva Montecucco Sangiovese

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Amiata, sacred to the Etruscans,La Banditaccia is an organic farm just a stone's throw from the quaint village of Monticello Amiata. This organic farm boasts breathtaking 360-degree views of Tuscany's Val d'Orcia and beyond. Its roots go deep, with records dating back to 1700, showing a longstanding tradition of producing top-notch wine and olive oil.

The Petrecca family, Tuscany lovers, recently took over La Banditaccia. They've poured their hearts into reviving and enhancing the vineyards and ancient olive groves, focusing on quality and integrity. Besides their exquisite wines and extra virgin olive oils, they're now crafting lavender essential oil and soon, even truffles and related products.

This 18th-century estate spans 272 acres, enveloped by olive groves, vineyards, woods, and lavender fields.

La Banditaccia's commitment to purity and excellence shines in their wine, olive oil, and lavender products. It's a testament to their dedication to preserving the natural beauty and bounty of the region.

La Banditaccia Vigna Allegra Riserva 2018 Montecucco Sangiovese - The Sangiovese grapes for this wine are located 500 meters above sea level. Fermented and aged for 14 months in large Slovenian oak vats. Then, in small French wooden barrels.  It was a beautiful wine with aromas of black cherry, dark fruit, and a hint of anise. The palate was full of dark fruit, hint of tobacco, leather, spice with medium plus acidity.

Tuscan Treasure: La Banditaccia Vigna Allegra 2018 Riserva Montecucco Sangiovese

Nestled on the slopes of Mount Amiata, sacred to the Etruscans, La Banditaccia is an organic farm just a stone's throw from the quaint village of Monticello Amiata. This organic farm boasts breathtaking 360-degree views of Tuscany's Val d'Orcia and beyond. Its roots go deep, with records dating back to 1700, showing a longstanding tradition of producing top-notch wine and olive oil.

The Petrecca family, Tuscany lovers, recently took over La Banditaccia. They've poured their hearts into reviving and enhancing the vineyards and ancient olive groves, focusing on quality and integrity. Besides their exquisite wines and extra virgin olive oils, they're now crafting lavender essential oil and, soon, even truffles and related products.

This 18th-century estate spans an impressive 272 acres, enveloped by olive groves, vineyards, woods, and lavender fields.

La Banditaccia's commitment to purity and excellence shines in their wine, olive oil, and lavender products. It's a testament to their dedication to preserving the natural beauty and bounty of the region.

La Banditaccia Vigna Allegra Riserva 2018 Montecucco Sangiovese - This wine's grapes are 500 meters above sea level. Fermented and aged for 14 months in large Slavonian oak vats. Then in small French wooden barrels.

It was a beautiful wine with aromas of black cherry, dark fruit and a hint of anise. The palate was full of dark fruit, hint of tobacco, leather, spice with medium plus acidity.

Have Winery Visits Lost Their Personal Touch?

Turning 30 twice is a reason to celebrate in style, and I told myself, this year I was going to explore some of New York's wine regions I haven’t been to in a while and venture down to Loudoun County, Virginia’s wine region. I embarked on a mid-week wine-tasting journey, expecting to experience the warmth and knowledge that has always accompanied such excursions. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed a significant change in the wine-tasting experience, particularly during my visit to Loudoun County, Virginia.

A Shift in Wine Tasting Experience

While touring the Long Island, Finger Lakes, and Hudson Valley wine regions in New York, I enjoyed wine tastings that were not only delicious but also informative. The tasting room staff engaged with customers, visited our table at least twice to check on us, answer questions, and created a relaxed atmosphere for tasting and discussion. This personal touch enhanced the overall experience, allowing me and my husband to taste each wine and discuss without feeling rushed. We did visit during the less crowded mid-week days.

However, my recent visit to Loudoun County, Virginia (mid week as well), revealed a different story. Although the wineries were dog-friendly (a bonus for us traveling with our Boykin Spaniel, Gigi), the wine-tasting experience lacked the personal touch that had previously been so integral to our wine adventures. Only two flight options were available, red or white, and the opportunity to explore unique grape varieties like Tannat and Petit Manseng was limited. The biggest issue, however, was the absence of the engaging, knowledgeable staff we had come to appreciate. Instead, we were handed our flights, took them outside to taste, returned them, and left with a simple "Thank You."

What's Missing and Why It Matters

The heart of wine tasting lies in more than just the wine itself; it's about the experience. The personal touch, the hospitality, and the connection with the winery and its history elevate wine tasting from a mere here you go, hope you like it, to a memorable journey. In Virginia, I longed for someone to explain the wines, share the winery's story, delve into the soils and growing conditions, what grows well, and transport me into the world of each vineyard's unique terroir. These connections are not just niceties; they are the essence of the wine-tasting experience, enriching our understanding of the wines we taste and creating a connection and lasting memories. Perhaps even a wine club membership.

Bringing Back the Personal Touch

As a restaurant owner, I understand the value of personal touches in creating memorable guest experiences. As my servers get to know customers and make their dining experience special, wineries can do the same. Here are some simple solutions to bring back the personal touch to wine tasting:

1. Engage with Guests: Tasting room staff should engage with customers, ask about their preferences, and share insights about the wines tasted. Stop by the table at least twice to check on them. See what they like and if they have questions.
2. Tell the Story: Wineries should take the opportunity to share their history, the journey of winemaking, and the unique characteristics of their wines and vineyards.
3. Offer Variety: Providing a broader range of flight options if available, especially unique or regional varieties, can pique customers' interest and enhance their experience.
4. Educate and Connect: Offer information about the grapes, growing conditions, and winemaking processes. Establish a connection between the wine and its origin.

In my recent wine-tasting adventure, the absence of a personal touch left me yearning for the days when wine-tasting was not just about the wine but also about the stories, the knowledge, and the connections. I know staff is hard to find. Educate and train the ones you have, find out what the customer likes, and see if they want to join a wine club. We were never asked those questions.

Let's bring back the personal touch, one pour at a time. It only takes a few minutes to make someone feel special and make that connection and sale.

Indulge in the Virtual Journey to Argentina's Malbec Magic with Winephabet Street!

Join us on our journey to South America, where the rich soils of Argentina have produced some of the world's best Malbec wines with guest Veronica Kathuria from Wines of Argentina.

Argentina it's located in the southern most corner of South America the South American content And it's about in a better way I have I will speak kilometers and miles because I still go to kilometers but it ranges about 38 kilometers distance from extreme north to extreme south.

A Brief History: Malbec's Journey to Argentina Malbec's origins can be traced back to France, especially in regions like Cahors and Bordeaux (It's one of the Bordeaux 5). However, the grape variety found its true calling in Argentina, where it thrives.

It was in 1868 when Michel Aimé Pouget, a French agronomist, introduced Malbec to Argentina. He had been hired to help improve the country's wines. Today, Argentina is the leading producer of Malbec, with the province of Mendoza being where the concentration of Malbec is grown. The high-altitude vineyards provide Malbec with the ideal conditions to develop deep colors, velvety textures, and an incredible range of flavors.

Understanding Malbec: The DNA Deep Dive
In 1992 it was discovered that Malbec is a sibling of Merlot. They share the same mother, Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, and its father is Prunelard.

What Does Malbec Mean to Argentina? For Argentines, Malbec is more than just a wine; it's a symbol of national pride and a celebration of their unique terroir. Argentina has become synonymous with this varietal with over 75% of the world's Malbec acreage. Don't forget to mark your calendars for World Malbec Day, April 17

Our conversation with Veronica will provide insight into the Malbec grape, the growing climate in Argentina and travel to Argentina. Veronica is a wealth of knowledge and kept of captivated for an hour! Our conversation could have gone longer and we hope to have her back again. I hope you enjoy the episode.

PS. My Boykin Spaniel Gigi makes her Winephabet debut during our tasting.

Malbec Wines Tasted:

Argento Single Vineyard Finca Agrelo Organic Vineyard Malbec 2021 - Notes of cooca, stewed tomates, smooth with black fruit, baking spice and nice acid on finish.

BenMarco Sin Limites Valle de Uco Organico Malbec 2020 - Intense color. You’ll get purple teeth color. Medim bodied. Not a heavy heavy red. Will drink nice in the summer with steak. More austere, nicely structured with dark plum and black fruit and refreshing acidity. Hint of cinnamon on finish.

Alta Vista Single Vineyard Albaneve, Campo De Los Andes, Valle De Uco, Malbec 2018 - Alta Vista was the first Argentinean vineyard to produce single vineyard wine. Nice structured wine with big tannins and bouncing acidity. Notes of plum, blackcherry, leather and tobacco.

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El Coto Winery: A Gem from Rioja, Spain

Established in 1970, El Coto de Rioja has become one of the largest wineries in Rioja. They have over 730 hectares, spread over seven different parts of Rioja, with their Los Almendors vineyard being the largest in the Denomination of Origin Rioja.

When you think of El Coto, think everyday wine, every celebration wine, a wine you can reach for, anytime and for anything. Reasonably priced, these wines should be a go to.

Being that we are having summer in fall, and I’m certainly not complaining, the El Coto White, Rosé, and Crianza are exceptional choices to relish right now. They're versatile, refreshing, and with the holidays just around the corner, these wines promise to be delightful additions to your celebrations.

El Coto Blanco 2022 SRP $11.99 - This wine is a blend of 93% Viura(indigenous white grape to Rioja), 4% Sauvignon Blanc & 3% Verdeho. All the grapes come from their Finca Carbonera Vineyard which is at the highest altitude of 840 meters in Rioja. Fresh with floral notes, citrus, honeydew melon, and very easy drinking. I paired this with Day Boat Scallops.

El Coto Rose 2011 SRP $11.99 - This wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Granacha. Fresh and inviting. This beautiful salmon color rose, very fresh, had hints of strawberry with lime zest on the finish.

El Coto Crianza 2019 SRP $16.99 - crafted from 100% Tempranillo grapes. Aged for 12 months in 225 liter American oak and an additional 6 months in the bottle, this wine delights with notes of red fruit, subtly infused with hints of vanilla and spice on its memorable finish. Whether enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled, this wine is a perfect companion for anytime meals, particularly when served with a sizzling grilled steak.

Rose and Canned Fish Pairings for Summer Fun

Many people might conjure images of humble, quick pantry meals when we mention canned fish. However, with a little creativity and the right wine, these often-underestimated sea treasures paired with Rose wine can be the perfect pairing for an afternoon delight.

I was presented with the opportunity to explore the pairing of canned fish with rosé wine, specifically, Josh Cellars rosé with white tuna in olive oil, and Fleurs de Prairie rosé with sardines in olive oil, both from the premium offerings of Siesta Co. I took to the boat and set sail with fish and wine in hand for the perfect afternoon. Mind you, I’ve waited a long time to do this, the weather just wasn’t cooperating.

Josh Cellars Rosé with White Tuna in Olive Oil

First up is the pairing of Josh Cellars Rosé and Siesta Co.'s white tuna in olive oil. Josh Cellars, known for crafting balanced, high-quality wines, produces a rosé that's brimming with bright notes of strawberry, white peach, and hint of grapefruit. Its soft refreshing acidity and hint of minerality make it a perfect match for the rich, firm texture of the white tuna.

The white tuna from Siesta Co., preserved in olive oil, provides a flavor profile that's both savory and slightly sweet, offering a delightful contrast to the crisp, fruity rosé. When you first take a sip of the rosé, the soft flavors prepare your palate for the slightly briny flavor of the white tuna. The olive oil's smoothness complements the wine's slight acidity, balancing it out and creating a nice pairing in your mouth.

Fleurs de Prairie Rosé with Sardines in Olive Oil

Next, we have the vibrant pairing of Fleurs de Prairie Rosé with Siesta Co.'s sardines in olive oil. The Fleurs de Prairie, is from Provence, a region famous for its rosé wines, has an elegant bouquet of wild fresh strawberries, citrus, and hints of lavender. It has a soft crispness with a beautiful, lingering finish that makes it an ideal match for the more robust sardines.

Siesta Co.'s sardines are rich, packed with a delightful oceanic flavor, and preserved in high-quality olive oil. This gourmet delight imparts a dense, texture, with a hint of sea salt that goes nicely with the fruity and floral notes of the rosé. Honestly, this pairing was a bit difficult. I put on my big girl pants and bit into the sardine. It was a first for me and most likely my last sardine. But for the sardine lovers, have at it!

Both pairings demonstrate that canned fish be a highlight of an afternoon on the boat, especially when paired with a well-chosen wine. The play between the fruitiness and acidity of rosé wines and the rich, savory nature of canned fish creates a nice pairing.

Whether you're planning a casual lunch, a picnic, or boat ride,these pairings travel well. All it takes is a bit of imagination, a nice bottle of rosé, and the premium canned fish offerings from Siesta Co. to enjoy a nice wine and fish pairing wherever you may be.

Uncovering the Heritage of Valdo Prosecco: A Journey into Floral Rosé Brut and Marca Oro Brut Prosecco Doc

Every year, the beautiful Italian town of Valdobbiadene paints a picturesque tableau of lush, green vineyards against a pristine blue sky, with rolling hills housing an Italian secret - the Valdo Prosecco winery. Nestled within this idyllic landscape is a timeless tradition of viniculture, where each bottle encapsulates the magic of Italian terroir, heritage, and centuries-old wine expertise. Two wines stand out at the heart of this tradition: the Floral Rosé Brut and Marca Oro Brut Prosecco DOC.

For over 90 years, the Valdo Prosecco winery has upheld an unwavering commitment to creating sparkling wines that symbolize the essence of the Valdobbiadene region. That passion is especially evident in the Floral Rosé Brut and Marca Oro Brut Prosecco Doc.

The Floral Rosé Brut ($15.99)

No discussion about Valdo Prosecco would be complete without mentioning the enchanting Floral Rosé Brut. This charming bottle, designed by the Italian artist Fabrizio Sclavi, captures the essence of an untouched, natural world alive with flora and fauna.

The Floral Rosé Brut is a unique blend of two native Italian grape varieties, Glera and Nerello Mascalese. Glera, known for its delicate flavor profile, is the primary grape-producing Prosecco. On the other hand, Nerello Mascalese, a red variety typical of Sicily's warmth, lends the wine its distinctive color.

Together, these grape varieties create a rosé that's both delicate yet intensely aromatic. With its refreshing notes of blackberries and cherries, underscored by a fine perlage, this bottle embodies an enchanting springtime into summer tale. It is, undeniably, a bottle of wine that complements a warm, sunny afternoon, an afternoon at the pool or on the boat, promising to enthrall your senses with its unique fusion of flavors.

Marca Oro Brut Prosecco Doc ($14.99)

Another gem from the Valdo Prosecco winery, the Marca Oro Brut Prosecco DOC, is a testament to the art of winemaking in Valdobbiadene. This bottle brims with the promise of a crisp, delicate experience.

The Marca Oro Brut Prosecco Doc envelopes you with its floral aromas, captivating your palate with fresh notes of honeysuckle and citrus fruit. Every sip is cheerful with its fresh, vibrant flavors.

With a delightful balance of acidity and sweetness, it truly represents the Prosecco region's unique characteristics. Each glass serves as a celebration of the region's history, culture, and dedication to winemaking.

Wine, much like art, is a reflection of its place of origin. Each sip transports you on a journey through the culture, history, and tradition that gave it life. The Valdo Prosecco winery, with its Floral Rosé Brut and Marca Oro Brut Prosecco DOC, presents us with a beautiful, bubbly snapshot of the Italian heartland of Valdobbiadene. These wines encapsulate the region's spirit - passionate, vibrant, and ever-enchanted by the timeless beauty of nature.