VINO 2011, NYC: Pure Language of Wine
Posted By Joel on February 1, 2011
Figuratively speaking, I close my eyes. My ears, too, switch off. I remain undistracted by oenological Babel, leaning out of quiet darkness toward the pure language of wine.
During a tasting visit to the massive week long celebration of Italian wine known as Vino 2011 - held this year during January in NYC - I lean so exaggeratedly far toward that pure language of wine that I nearly fall out of my own skin 
Responsible for me almost exiting my epidermis are several producers and wines I’d like to mention here:
I was totally slain by stunning wines from Lombardia producers Ca’ Lojera, Citari, Civielle, and Frezza whose Lugana whites should not be missed, nor the incredibly satisfying Chiaretto also from Citari.
Bonarda, a wonderful “whole meal” wine from producer Fiamberti, totally charmed my senses.
From Fratelli Berlucchi – whose Casa Delle Colonne 2001 was especially grand – and LaValle, I tasted exquisite bottlings of Franciacorta that reverberate in their poetry.
Screamingly delicious Prosecco from producer Rive Della Chiesa reminded me what Italians know and Americans need to remember - that Prosecco is to be drunk not only for celebration, but for every day enjoyment.
The enchanting Gavi wines of Piemonte producer Ernesto Piccolo spoke to me the fresh, pure truth of Cortese.
Elegantly smooth, totally harmonic Valpolicella and Amarone from Benedetti showed their fine pedigree as did the Susumaniello, Primitivo, Negromaro of Poderi Angelini.
The wines of Tuscan producer Montenidoli create a mosaic masterwork of “place”. Especially impressive were il Templar 1999 and Sono Montenidoli 2004.
Other gems included dazzling, delicious Friulano from Stanig and La Tunella and from Giovanni Dri, a dessert wine called Ramandolo, a lightly sweet-tannic miracle of the Verduzzo grape.
Event organizers, too, hit a home run, providing gracious hospitality, thoughtful attention to detail and excellent organization – from platters of delicious food bringing sustenance to tired palates, to continuously emptied dump buckets, to incredibly efficient coat check – making the Vino 2011 experience convenient and pleasant.
About the author
Joel
Joel Mack has worked for a celebrated importer / distributor of Italian wines and continues to study the wines and winemaking of Italy. He has advised many restaurants in making their Italian wine list selections and has provided training to restaurant staff. Today, Joel conducts wine classes and leads specialized private and corporate tastings of Italian wines. Joel carried out his higher education at a highly regarded College of Music and continues to extend an artistic point of view to Italian wine, balanced with factual information about wine, its nature and identity. By day, he applies his time to collaborative software technology. Joel can be contacted at joel@vintrospective.com.Comments
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Interesting to hear about what producers were present at the event! Your writing is always beautiful;)
hi anna ! thanks for your comment and kind words ! if you will be at #barbera2 or #terroirvino i’ll look forward to meeting you in person. best, joel.
Hi Joel, it’s fine you write about Lugana, too! I hope to meet you in Genova, next June!
L.
I wonder how many times we walked passed each other. I didn’t know you were there!
Hi Lizzy, yes, Lugana wines are so lovely, aren’t they? Am glad to know you will be in Genova and so I shall look forward to meeting you in person ! Thanks for your comment
best, Joel.
Robbin ! Wow, so sorry we missed one another, it would have been super to meet you in person. I must do a better job of asking around about “who is going” prior to an event … or perhaps reading the hashtag timeline in realtime
THANKS for stopping by, hope to meet you soon ! regards, Joel.