Wine

I just got back from a wine trade show up in Nags Head, N.C. Rest assured; the wines I am about to discuss are also available in Alabama. Thirty-six representatives of wineries, suppliers and importers were on hand to taste their wines, and one importer’s wines shined brighter then all of the rest combined. I’m happy to announce that WineBow is producing amazing wines at prices far lower than their quality would suggest.

Started in 1980 by Leonardo LoCascio, Winebow imports and distributes Italian wines. All of their wines carry the “Leonardo LoCascio Selections” label; a symbol of high quality. Most of us equate Italian wines to thin, watery, acidic Chianti, grapey-sweet and frothy Lambrusco, or characterless Soave, but WineBow’s small army of high quality producers will definitely change our minds.

Using indigenous varietals from all corners of Italy, plus international stars such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, WineBow offers exciting, original and affordable wines that deserve a place on your table. I’ve detailed a few of them below, but don’t hesitate to try any wine from their portfolio; the level of quality is unmistakeable.

I’ve been a fan of Argiolas Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino DOC for three years. Located on the island of Sardegna, the Argiolas Estate grows Vermentino in Costamolino vineyard, and ferments the juice in stainless steel tanks. The warm climate produces a full-bodied wine with tropical fruit aromas and flavors. Unquestionably outstanding, this wine is worth every penny of the $13 it sells for (2005 is the current vintage).

Zenato produces wines from the Veneto region of Italy. While best known for their Valpolicella, Ripassa and Amarone, the Trebbiano impresses with flavors of ripe pear called 2005 Zenato Lugana San Benedetto DOC ($16). With less body and viscosity than the Vermentino, the Lugana would pair perfectly with grilled Tilapia or Flounder. If you’d prefer a red wine with your fish, the Zenato Valpolicella Superiore DOC offers up delicate flavors and aromas on a sturdy frame.

Another great Veneto wine producer is Fausto Maculan. His winery sits at the foot of the Alps in the village of Breganze. Only his wines eclipse the enchanting mountain views. The 2005 Maculan Pino & Toi IGT ($16) is a blend of Tocai, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio grown in and around the foothills surrounding Breganze. The cooler mountain air creates a light-bodied wine with flavors of yellow grapefruit, excellent acidity, and hints of limestone on the finish. The 2003 Maculan Brentino IGT ($23) is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. I highly recommend this wine as a suitable replacement for either on any wine list. The depth of flavor, texture, and tannin quality are almost unheard of at this price!

While most of us are familiar with the lightly sparkling Moscato d’Asti from Piemonte, Italy, we rarely hear much about the reds from that region. The 2003 Coppo Camp du Rouss Barbera d’Asti ($21) is bursting with black cherry and vanilla.

This wine saturated my palate with long-lasting and intensely fresh fruit, framed by chunky tannin and stretched with acidity. This may have been my favorite wine of the evening.

The only wine I tried and didn’t care for was the 2001 Castello Di Bossi Chianti Classico DOCG ($23). It was pale salmon and brown colored, with almost no fruit and lots of tea flavor. Generally light reds that are aged in stainless steel aren’t meant to last that long. With every other WineBow selection tasting so good, I was surprised it was even shown.

The majority of WineBow’s less expensive wines won’t improve much after release. Look for recent vintages, and visit their Web site (winebow.com) if you’d like to know more. Their Web site also acts as an excellent educational resource, with maps, regional descriptions and a basic tasting tutorial.

Contact Matt Devan at wineguy@lagniappemobile.com.

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