Posted By Joel on July 29, 2009

Paladin Salbanello delle Venezie 2006, IGT

In Italy, Annone Veneto is a place that takes its name from Ad Nonum Lapidem, referring to its ninth mile placement along the old Roman road via Postumia. Here, the Paladin wine estate sits surrounded by its vineyards, quite nearby the border with Friuli, where regional ways seem to flow together in an area of unique enological and cultural interest.

Managed entirely by the Paladin family and headquartered in the Veneto, the Paladin Group markets 4 different brands of wine. Salbanello delle Venezie belongs to the estate’s Paladin range of wines which focuses on wines made from both native and international varietals. The Paladin estate was founded nearly 50 years ago by Valentino Paladin, whose children - Lucia, Carlo and Roberto - have influenced the estate toward more modern viticultural / enological practices and who today manage the day to day business.

Important members of the Paladin crew also include renowned consulting enologist Franco Bernabei who oversees production and Gianluigi Zaccaron who minds vinification.

Paladin’s Salbanello delle Venezie 2006 is made from Cabernet (80%) and Malbec (20%) grapes grown in calcareous clay soil. Fermentation is carried out in approximately 20 days time and the wine is then aged for 4 months in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes / Impressions:

A radiant ruby red, this wine’s harmony is found in its richness of fruit married to soft tannins. Aromas of red fruit and earth on the nose, with concentrated, velvety sensations of currants and berries on the palate that stay on to a svelte, pleasing finish. Utterly, wonderfully drinkable.

Food Pairing Suggestions:

Meats: baked ham, turkey, veal, sausages; Pasta: Salbanello is a great partner to pasta of most kinds, especially try pasta filled with meat or cheese, or dressed with ground meat ragu; Risotto: flavored with small bits of meat or earthy mushroom; Polenta: served with boiled meats and cabbage or sauteed in butter and flavored with Asiago cheese; Salumi: gorgeous with mortadella, soppressata, etc.; Cheeses: asiago, gorgonzola dolce, mozzarella.

This wine’s versatility makes it a great one to pair when enjoying “small bites”, small portions of several different kinds of foods.

For an eclectic food / wine experience, try this wine, slightly cooled, with Indian curry or masala !

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Categories: $ (Under $25), Uncategorized, Veneto, Wine
Tags: Cabernet, Sauvignon