By Liz Miller, West End Wine Manager
A friend of mine recently lost her grandfather. Just a few weeks before he passed, he called her very late one night to ask if she would take one of his birdhouses to Italy and leave it in “the spot”. For a bit of context, her grandfather constructed birdhouses, made clay pots for plants, and had his hands in various other crafts to keep him busy in his old age. My friend, Michelle, asked her grandfather where “the spot” was, and he nonchalantly said to her, “you’ll know, you’ll know… Ciao, ciao”, and hung up.
When the time finally came for her big trip to Italy, she hoped that her intuition would guide her to find “the spot” that her grandfather spoke of. She brought his birdhouse with her everywhere she went, trusting that she would be steered in the right direction.
When she arrived in Positano, she knew she was in the right place. It was a place that he loved, with epic views in every direction. She climbed to the top of a staircase, searching for the perfect spot. She felt it was right, but was a little scared that the place she chose would be subjected to harsh weather, causing the birdhouse to fall. She went with her gut, hoping and praying that it would be safe - but how would she know for certain?
Fast forward to today, one year later… She found the birdhouse, still perched on the side of the mountain as if it had been super glued in place. She felt as if her grandfather had settled in, securely nested on his perch, forever. Today confirmed that she had found “the spot”, and that her grandfather was taking in the beautiful Positano views - his soul immortalized by his craft and labor of love.
These wines, like Carmine’s birdhouses, are a labor of love from true Italian artisans. They are wines that we revisit every vintage, regardless of who the hot new wine in town is. Like a life well lived, these wines have complex stories to tell. They’ve shared beautiful experiences with us - like date nights, dinner with friends, anniversaries, celebrations, etc. Each is an outstanding example of Italian juice that, like Carmine, has created a legacy by way of their craftsmanship.
Elisabetta Foradori Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco 34.99
This cross between Riesling and Pinot Bianco embodies the personality of the Fontanasanta vineyards. Being patient is necessary for it to develop, as Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco is a wine that really shines at least three years after harvest. Fontanasanta is a well-known and enticing wine, with intense notes of peach flesh, spiced pear, white flowers, honey, and a distinct mineral finish. On the palate, it starts with outstanding balance and structure, while bracing acidity gives the wine a solid backbone, and minerality balances out its luscious components. Pair with a bowl of homemade speck canederli.
COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 51.99
The COS Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico is a blend of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato - certified organic, and sourced from estate vineyards in the Vittoria region of Sicily. It has aromas of dried cherry, chocolate, smoke, wild herbs, and exotic spices. It’s soft, round, and fruity with a medium bodied palate and a good dose of acidity. Pair with pasta con le sarde and a rustic loaf of bread (pane rustico) with olive oil for dipping (COS makes an incredible, lightly spicy olive oil as well).
Occhipinti SP68 Rosso 33.99
Arianna Occhipinti has been a trailblazer in Sicilian natural winemaking since the ripe age of 21. She has since gained a cult following in the biodynamic movement. Arianna started becoming involved with wine at the young age of 16 in her uncle Giusto Occhipinti's cellar – one of the proprietors of Vittoria's most famous winery, COS. The 2023 SP68 Rosso is a blend of 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d’Avola, also from the region of Vittoria. A lovely entry into Occhipinti’s signature style, this is beautifully aromatic with layers of roses, violets, ripe strawberries, raspberries, and freshly cracked white pepper. A medium bodied palate offers ripe wild berry flavors that are accented with gentle citrus and herbal notes. Enjoy with a plate of arancini al ragu and pecorino Siciliano.
