Click image to enlarge.

This week, I had the opportunity to try a couple of Italian reds imported by our friends at US Wine Imports in Ann Arbor. As previously reported, US Wine Imports specializes in uncovering and distributing wines from boutique producers from Europe and California, selecting small batches (less than 1000 cases each) that balance quality and value. Both of these are fine examples, as they are very pleasing, both to the palate and the pocketbook.

2008 Rondinetto Colli Aprutini Pinot Nero IGT, 12% alc., $8.99 SRP: From the Fattoria Giuseppe Savini stable of “Young wines,” this shows clean color that’s fairly dark for the variety (known as Pinot Noir just about everywhere else in the world), along with good depth and concentration, especially for so few dollars. Good varietal character here, with plum and cherry shaded by a little earth underneath and a touch of that certain leathery “sticksiness” that is undeniably Italian in character. Ample acids and soft tannins make this good to go right now and over the next few years, and of course, it’s quite food friendly with a variety of dishes. Smooth, harmonious and satisfying, and ain’t that what it’s all about? Find this wine

Click image to enlarge.

2007 Filimei Salento Rosso IGT, Negramaro 95% Merlot 3% Primativo 2%, $16.49 SRP: This doesn’t look like a particularly “heavy” wine from the color; it’s a clean medium dark garnet at best, almost resembling Pinot Noir. It throws a big tarry black fruit and mineral nose though, following through on the palate with tarry black currant, blackberry and black cherry shaded with a shovelful of earth and mineral, all on a medium-to-medium-full bodied frame. Very good depth, concentration, structure and length, and a most welcome relief from “the usual suspect” reds. Likes air and will improve with some time in the bottle, but already drinking really well. Terrific QPR, and it adds support to Eric Asimov’s recent New York Times article praising unsung grape varieties. Find this wine

Reporting from Day-twah,

geo t.

Related posts:

1. QPR All-Stars from La Vieille Ferme
2. Palmina—California’s Italian Variety Specialist
3. 5 Reds with Jarred Gild

One Response to “Two QPR Italian Reds”