October 2022 BRONZE Tier Wine Club

2021 Marjan Simcic Ribolla Gialla, Brda, Slovenia

Josef Simcic started to make wine here in 1860. Five generations later, Marjan Simcic carries on the tradition. His 18 hectares of vineyards straddle the border between Italy and Slovenia. Ribolla Gialla is commonly known to American wine fans as an Italian variety from the Friuli province, but just over the border in the Brda appellation of Slovenia, magic takes place with beautiful results.   

This Ribolla, from middle-aged vines, spends a few days on the skins, then about 9-10 months on the lees in stainless steel vats before bottling. It is light yellow, with gold accents; the bouquet is specifically soft (notes of lemon, green apple, citrus and grapefruit) and fruity. Its full body and distinct minerality makes an excellent pairing with all manner of cuisine.   

2019 Andrea Scovero Rosato, Piedmont, Italy

Azienda Andrea Scovero is located in the tiny village of Bionzo about 7 miles south of the town of Asi - 170m above sea level, situated in a natural amphitheater, a ciapin, in local dialect.   He produces several wines all from local varieties.  The vines for the ciapin are 40 to 45 years old planted by his grandfather.  

This beautiful wine really took us by surprise.  We love his Barbera red wines, which are incredibly robust and powerful.  This rosé, also made entirely from Barbera, is the complete opposite end of the spectrum: delicate, elegant, gorgeous.  Starting with its beautiful, dusty rose color, to the gentle, floral aromatics and finally expressive flavor spectrum (fresh fruit, tart fruit, a touch of earth and nuttiness) this is a really special wine.  no sulfites added. vegan.

2020 De Forville Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy

The DeForville family emigrated to Piedmont from Belgium in 1848 and established themselves in the village of Barbaresco in 1860. Famed importer Neal Rosenthal has worked with the Anfosso-De Forville family since 1978. 

These organic Nebbiolo grapes come from young vines in De Forville’s Barbaresco cru vineyards.  The wine is fermented in stainless steel, with indigenous yeasts, for 10 days to 2 weeks and then is refined in large oak barrels for an additional year before being bottled with minimal sulfur addition.  This wine is an astonishing value for Italian wine!

2018 Bibi Graetz Testamatta Toscano Rosso, Tuscany, Italy 

In Italian, Casamatta translates to "crazy house". This moniker, self-designated by super-Tuscan winemaker Bibi Graetz, is an homage to his very home-cum-winery-cum-art gallery. This fantastic place serves as home, winery, and art studio complete with kids, farm animals, barrels, grapes, and colorfully painted canvases. Hence, Casamatta is a place where chaos meets life in a place where love of family, love of winemaking, and love of art all take place. It is here, where Bibi artfully crafts his Casamatta wines.

This Sangiovese sees no oak, only vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks to keep it nice and fresh. With lots of cherry and raspberry, a nice acidity which helps with food and a round medium body with low tannins and vibrant back palate.   Put a nice chill on this to drink by itself or pair with vegan curry or cauliflower pizza.