Wines From Umbria Make a difference by purchasing

Wines From Umbria Make a difference by purchasing wines from Umbria and thereby help to preserve wine industry jobs in this earthquake stricken area. October 23, 2016

Thank You All our volunteers who helped with today’s meeting. Set-up and Breakdown • Joe and Kathy Wirth • John and Pat Barnes Food Pairing • Kathy Booher - Bruschetta • Minetta Davis - Sausage Bread • Jan Stoklinski - Pasta • Salters - Chicken

Thank You!!

Future AWS/Chapter Events Ø Nov. No Meeting Ø Nov. 3 -5 AWS National Conference Ø Nov. 18 th Producer Family Wines (Southport) Ø Nov. 25 th Beer & Brats Ø Dec 12 th Wine Dinner at Angelo’s (Joint Meeting) Ø Jan 22 nd Dr. Frank Wines Ø Feb 6 th Angelo Wine Dinner to Benefit the Museum Ø Feb 19 th Your Favorite Wine Under $20

AWS and Chapter News ØRenew your membership for 2017. Consider multi year option and save money. Ø The 2017 National Conference will be held Nov. 2 -4 at the Pocono Manor in Pa. Celebrate our 50 th Anniversary. Ø We have our scheduled dates for 2017. Need your help on input as to the types of tastings you’d like to have. Ø “AWS MEMBERS WELCOME” Program rollout.

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AWS WELCOME Program Ø Program was launched in Washington State Ø Primary focus is wineries, but any establishment involved in the wine industry is welcome to join; … restaurants, wine stores/shops, etc. Ø AWS needs foot soldiers in this effort. We need all of you! Ø AWS Welcome Here Newsletter Ø AWS will use social media

Light Drinking May Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer, Study Finds A 30 -year study out of Finland revealed that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the prospect of developing prostate cancer. According to researchers, moderate drinkers exhibited a lower risk than both heavy drinkers and those who abstained.

Amatrice

Umbria, Tuscany’s Secret Southern Cousin

UMBRIA § A place named after the Greek word Ombrikoi, which means rainy. § Umbria, is the only region of Italy without a coastline or an international border. § Umbria has around a dozen wine zones (DOC, DOCG & IGT) and while great wine can be found in all of them, there a select few that really make large enough amounts to be available on the American market. § Orvieto DOC, Montefalco DOC and Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG are the most well known.

Orvieto DOC § Umbria’s largest production zone, was awarded its DOC status in 1972, and produces 80% of the entire region’s wine. § Wines from this area have been celebrated since the Middle Ages. § Orvieto is known for its dry white wine. These wines are refreshing on their own, but shine is when paired with food. § The whites of Orvieto are blends comprised of local grapes such as Grechetto and the light and minerally Trebbiano along with other native varieties such as Drupeggio (Canaiolo Bianco) and Malvasia. § The wines are soft and deep with notes of almonds and chamomile and hints of crisp golden apple. The weightier whites have more Grechetto in their blends and are often found in the Classico sub zone. § Pair Orvieto’s white wines with meat and cheese plates or the Umbrian classic porchetta.

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG § Umbria is full of breathtaking hilltop towns and Montefalco is one of them. § This is the home of the Sagrantino grape. Wines made from this grape are full of power and depth with a significant tannin structure. § Sagrantino has some of the highest tannin levels of any grape in the world, which allows it to age for a very long time. § Montefalco Sagrantino’s DOCG was awarded in the 1990 s when Italy was in the throes of a Super Tuscan craze and the wines from this area were celebrated not only for their quality but for the fact that they cost less than the big guns to the north. § This wine is for big dishes. Inky purple in color and dark to its core, this wine goes right to the soul and stays there with notes of plum, cinnamon and earth mingling with dark cherry. As it ages it sometimes even develops a slight smoky note as well.

Montefalco Rosso DOC § Part of he Sagrantino DOCG is this sub zone, allows winemakers to release wine to the market while the Sagrantino is aging. § This wine also gives focus to Umbria’s other important grape, Sangiovese. Where Sagrantino is deep and powerful, Montefalco Rosso tends to be softer. The blend is mostly Sangiovese (60%-70%) with up to 15% of big ol’ Sagrantino. § The DOC also allows Cabernet and Merlot in the blend, all the way up to 30%. This grants winemakers quite a bit of room for individuality. Generally these wines aren’t meant for long aging and are calmer and more vibrant in youth than Sagrantino. The Sangiovese does its job brightening up the party with vibrant cherry fruit while the Sagrantino brings the muscle, holding up the structure of the wine. § When Merlot – often used in larger quantities than Cab – is blended in it adds a soft suppleness to the mix, making the wine of the most versatile food-friendly reds from Italy.

Santa Cristina by Antinori Orvieto Classico Campogrande 2014 Straw yellow in color, the wine shows delicate aromas of fruit and flowers along with notes of tropical fruit and orange blossoms. Fresh and supple on the palate, the wine is savory on the finish with a white fruit aftertaste. 12. 0% alc.

Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio 2015 Borgo Conventi Pinot Grigio is a lively, medium-bodied Pinot Grigio with complex aromas of wild flowers, ripe pear and a hint of bread crust. Elegant with a fine balance between structure, fruit, and acidity and a full, lingering finish. Serve as an aperitif or with dishes such as soft-shelled crabs, grilled prawns, pasta primavera and pork tenderloin. 13% alc.

Colpetrone Sagrantino di Montefalco 2009 Intense ruby red in color with an ample nose of red fruit with spices and a subtle hint of vanilla. Well-structured with concentrated tannins in its youth. James Suckling - "Lots of chocolate, hazelnut and dried berry on the nose. Full-bodied, tangy and chewy but there's a bright fruity finish. “ JS 93 14. 5% alc.

La Carraia Sangiovese Umbria 2014 Brilliant ruby-red in color, aromas of ripe blackberries and black fruits develop into notes of strawberries and currants with subtle hints of mocha, tobacco, and sweet spice. On the palate, it is full and rich with soft tannins and lively acidity. Pair this wine with barbecued meat, tomato sauces, pizza, and spicy soppressata. 13% alc.

The Falesco Winery Falesco was founded in 1979 by Riccardo and Renzo Cotarella, brothers that also happen to be two of Italy's most acclaimed winemakers. Their philosophy is to strike a balance between the uniqueness of native Italian varieties and the versatility of more "international" grapes. As evidenced by the enormous popularity of their wine and the countless worldwide accolades they have received, they have clearly succeeded in achieving their goal. Falesco makes some of the top value wines in Italy, if not the world. Falesco's most popular wine is Vitiano, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese grown in Umbria. This is a perennial must-buy: It's lush and fruity, and always seems to garnish outstanding scores from the wine critics.

Falesco Vitiano Rosso 2014 Deep ruby-red in color, aromas of plums and black fruits are complemented by undertones of black cherry jam, licorice, and tobacco leaves. On the palate, smooth tannins and acidity balance this wine to make a food-friendly red wine. 13% alc. JS 91

Falesco Assisi Rosso 2010 Deep ruby in color, youthful aromas of red fruits and berries complement undertones of plums and cherries. On the palate, crisp acidity and smooth tannins make for an easy-to-drink, refreshing wine. Pair this wine with spicy chorizo, tomato sauces, roasted venison, and beef carpaccio. 13. 5% alc.

Falesco Tellus Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Red and black fruits comingled with herbaceous elements brighten flavors of rich food, such as the obvious lamb, steak or burger. Echo the wine sensory experience of herbal notes with herb seasoned dishes that feature thyme, rosemary or basil. Vegetables with a bitter edge such as broccoli rabe, radicchio, or brussel sprouts counteract the leafy, herbal notes of Cabernet. 13. 0% alc. RP 90 JS 92

Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2012 The 2012 Montefalco Rosso opens with rich and brilliant ruby red color in the glass. Sensationally intense, with notes of ripe red fruit and delicate hints of vanilla. Full bodied, rich, dry with a long finish. A blend of 70% Sangiovese 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot James Suckling - "This is very aromatic with dried-berry, mineral and floral character. Full body with firm tannins and a juicy finish. Lots of tannins but polished and chewy. Drink now. " 14. 0% alc. JS 91

Quote of the Month “Wine is to women as duct tape is to men. It fixes everything!” (Anonymous Truism)

Till next month. . . be good, behave and be well. Godspeed and Best Wishes everyone!!