100 Point Test at Private Undici Taverna Rustica Tasting

While at Wine Spectator, James Suckling served his first 100 Point review of Tenuta San Guido’s 1985 Sassicaia. When Vic & Verdoni asked Suckling to put this 100 Point to their own test years later – the trio of wine aficionados where unanimous in their results; The 1985 Sassicaia deserved the 100 Points then, and would score a grand 100 plus now.

For years Victor Rallo and Tony Verdoni have traveled the world in search of unique Italian wines. Its their passion for wine that brought them together with world renown wine guru, James Suckling. Upon their first meeting, which came together at New Yorks Standard Hotel this past January, the trio new they had common ground in their passion for Italian Wines. Rallo, who showed up at the meeting with a messenger bag filled with his 3 favorite wines.

James was more than impressed with the precious cargo and suggested he extend his trip to conduct a private tasting with Vic and Verdoni on Superbowl Sunday at Rallo’s infamous Undici Taverna Rustica Restaurant in Rumson, New Jersey. Well and the rest as they say is history – but fortunately for wine lovers around the world-the entire tasting was captured on video.

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

Vini Bianchi (White Wines)

La Scolca Gavi di Gavi 2008 (Piemonte) 46
(100% Cortese)

Castello d’Albola Pinot Grigio 2009 (Friuli) 28
(100% Pinot Grigio)

Edi Keber Collio Bianco 2008 (Friuli) 60
(70% Friuliano 15% Malvasia Istriana 15% Ribolla Gialla)

Gravner Ribolla Gialla ‘Anforna’ 2002 (Friuli) 150
(100% Ribolla Gialla)

Bisci Verdicchio di Matelica 2007 (Marche) 38
(100% Verdicchio)

Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2007 (Trentino) 32
(100% Pinot Grigio) Unique Oak Aged

Vinosia Falanghina 2008 (Campania) 35
(100% Falanghina)

Niedermayr Gewurztraminer 2008 (Trentino) 52
(100% Gewurztraminer)

Argiolas Vermentino 2008 (Sardegna) 40
(100% Vermentino)

Salviano di Salviano 2007 (Umbria) 45
(50% Chardonnay 50% Sauvignon Blanc)

Vini Rossi (Red Wines)

Cantina Rotaliana Teroldego 2006 (Trentino) 42
(100% Teroldego)

Domus Vitae Brunello di Montalcino 2004 (Toscana) 110
(100% Sangiovese Grosso)

Donatella Cinelli-Columbini Brunello di Montalcino 2004 (Toscana) 100
(100% Sangiovese Grosso)

Avignonesi Desiderio Cortona 2005 (Toscana) 130
(85% Merlot 15% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno 2007 (Toscana) 190
(50% Sangiovese 25% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot)

Col di Bacche Cupinero 2005 (Toscana) 120
(100% Merlot)

Tolaini Picconero 2006 (Toscana) 160
(65% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Petit Verdot)

Colle dei Venti Barbaresco 2006 (Piemonte) 75
(100% Nebbiolo)

Michele Chiarlo ‘Tortoniano’ Barolo 2006 (Piemonte) 120
(100% Nebbiolo)

Cavalier Bartolomeo Barolo 2005 (Piemonte) 110
(100% Nebbiolo)

Ceretto Monsordo 2000 (Piemonte) 90
(50% Cabernet Sauvignon 27% Merlot 15% Syrah 8% Nebbiolo)

Michele Chiarlo Montemareto Countacc 2000 (Piemonte) 90
(40% Barbera 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Shiraz)

Sottimano ‘Bric del Salto’ Dolcetto d’Alba 2008 (Piemonte) 35
(100% Dolcetto)

Dolcetto Langhe ‘Visade’ Clerico 2007 (Piemonte) 40
(100% Dolcetto)

Gillardi Dolcetto di Dogliani Cursalet 2006 (Piemonte) 48
(100% Dolcetto)

Feudo Maccari ReNoto 2006 (Sicilia) 28
(85% Nero d’Avola 15% Syrah)

Ceuso Ceuso 2004 (Sicilia) 90
(50% Nero d’Avola 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot)

Terradora Aglianico 2007 (Campania) 39
(100% Aglianico)

Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato 2006 (Campania) 42
(100% Aglianico)

Terre Del Principe Pallagrello Nero Ambruco 2006 (Campania) 105
(100% Pallagrello)

Damijan Rosso Prelit 2004 (Friuli) 130
(70% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Cantine Ciolli Silene 2004 (Lazio) 40
(100% Cesanese

Corte Dei Papi Cesanese del Piglio 2007 (Lazio) 40
(50% Cesanese di Affile 50% Cesanese Comune)

Provenza Fabio Contato 2004 (Lombardia) 100
(25% Barbera 25% Sangiovese 25% Marzemino 25% Gropello)

Li Veli Salento Passamante Rosso 2007 (Puglia) 35
(100% Negroamaro)

Colli di Serrapetrona “Collequanto” 2007 (Le Marche) 35
(100% Vernaccia Nera)

Ars Poetica Agliainico del Vulture Riserva 2000 (Basilicata) 50
(100% Aglianico)

Basilisco Aglianico 2004 (Basilicata) 95
(100% Aglianico)
Vini Dolci (Dessert Wines)

Principe Pallavicini Stillato 2006 (Lazio) 500ml 48
(100% Malvasia)

Fattoria Lavacchio Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina Riserva 2001 (Toscana)
(80% Malvasia 20% Trebbiano)

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

Vini al Bicchiere (Wines By the Glass)

Vini Bianchi (White Wines)

Castello d’Albola Pinot Grigio 2009 (Friuli) 9
(100% Pinot Grigio)

Salviano Orvieto Classico Superiore 2008 (Umbria) 10
(30% Trebbiano Toscano 30% Grechetto 20% Chardonnay 20% Sauvignon Blanc)

Boira Pinot Grigio della Venezie 2009 (Veneto) 11
(100% Pinot Grigio) Certified Organic

Pieropan Soave 2008 (Veneto) 11
(85% Garganega 15%Trebbiano)

Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2007 (Trentino) 12
(100% Pinot Grigio) Unique Oak Aged

Terlano ‘Classico’ 2008 (Trentino) 12
(Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay)

Girlan Indra Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Trentino) 12
(100% Sauvignon Blanc)

Bastianich Friuliano 2008 (Friuli) 14
(100% Friuliano)

Terlano Vorberg 2006 (Trentino) 14
(100% Pinot Bianco)

Jermann Chardonnay 2008 (Friuli) 14
(100% Chardonnay)

Michele Chiarlo Gavi 2009 (Piemonte) 14
(100% Cortese)

Vini Rossi (Red Wines)

Di Majo Norante Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Molise) 9
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Feudo Maccari ReNoto 2006 (Sicilia) 9
(85% Nero d’Avola 15% Syrah)

Villa Rocca Pinot Nero Pinot Nero 2008 (Veneto) 9
(100% Pinot Nero)

Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2008 (Puglia) 9
(100% Primitivo)

Sottimano ‘Bric del Salto’ Dolcetto d’Alba 2008 (Piemonte) 11
(100% Dolcetto)

Barone Ricasoli Chianti 2009 12
(80% Sangiovese 10% Merlot 10% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Salviano Turlo 2008 (Umbria) 12
(50% Sangiovese 30% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot)

Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti 2008 (Piemonte) 12
(100% Barbera)

La Mozza ‘I Perazzi’ Morellino di Scansano 2007 14
(85% Sangiovese 4% Syrah 4% Alicante 4% Ciliegiolo 3% Colorino)

Agricola Punica Montessu 2007 (Sardegna) 14
(60% Carignano 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Cabernet Franc 10% Merlot 10% Syrah)

Melini La Selvanella Chianti Classico Riserva 2005 (Toscana) 17
(100% Sangiovese Grosso)

Tenuta San Guido ‘Le Difese’ 2007 (Toscana) 18
(70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Sangiovese)

Vini Rosati (Rose Wines)

Poggio al Tesoro Cassiopea 2009 (Toscana) 1
(70% Merlot 30% Cabernet Sauvignon)

Bastianich Rosato 2009 (Friuli) 10
(100% Refosco)

Vini Dolci (Dessert Wines)

La Gaminella Moscato D’Alba 2008 (Piemonte) 10

Marenco Brachetto D’Acqui 2008 (Piemonte) 10

Diecigrani Zibbibo N/V (Sicilia) 10

Principe Pallavicini Stillato 2006 (Lazio) 14

Vini Spumanti (Sparkling Wines)

Zardetto Prosecco N/V (Veneto) 12

Collalbrigo Prosecco di Conegliano Rose N/V (Veneto) 12

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

I’ve been drinking wine for over 40 years. Some of the world’s best…and worst! My favorites have always been the ones made by farmers, families, fathers, lovers, artists, and the believers in a simple life. Honest wines, not fancy wines. Giacomo, in recent history, has treated me to some of the most special moments in my wine experience.

Throughout my life, when it came to wine, I’ve always related it to a color spectrum. This spectrum begins with the corporate wineries; the conglomerates, pushing out large quantities of wine at all price levels. No love, all business. To me, if you’re going to drink these types of wine, drink coca-cola.

At the other end of the spectrum are the Brunellos of Casanova di Neri; small production wineries with emotion and passion. I see it as the treasure at the end of the rainbow… as good as wine gets. Like the Barolos of Vieti and the Montepulcianos of Emedio Pepe, Casanova di Neri’s Brunellos, although not commercially or always critically acclaimed, one sip makes you scream, cry, and laugh all at once.

Luckily, you don’t have to wait until you reach the end of the spectrum. Nestled high atop the arch, are some equally spectacular views. You can undoubtedly spend many enjoyable nights now with Casanova di Neri’s Rosso di Neri and Pietradonice.

I hope one day I can inspire Giacomo with a plate of my food the way he has inspired me with every sip of one of his wines. Mille Grazie Giacomo!

TASTING

Rosso di Casanova di Neri 2008
Aromas of violet, fruity and dry, a 5 star every day wine. Drink it now!

Casanova di Neri Brunello do Montalcino 2006
Way too young. Alcohol. Relaxed notes of cherries and spice. Look forward to drinking in 5+ years.

Casanova di Neri Brunello do Montalcino 2005
Dry and tart. Ethereal, with hints of tar. Visions of sugar plums 10 years away!

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2005
Light color and viscosity. Pleasant tastes and aromas of rose petals. Very special wine.

Casanova di Neri Brunello do Montalcino Cerretalto 2004
Fruity with dry finish. Great with bold foods like Lasagna Bolognese. Good stuff! Future is exciting.

Casanova di Neri Pietradonice 2006
A long, smooth, and elegant Cabernet. The future is now!

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

The response to the tasting with Giacomo Neri at Undici was outstanding, with many guests asking if there were be another one down the road. Our guests enjoyed the Casanova di Neri wines so much, that we’re now proud to offer a superb tasting flight of Neri’s wines. The Casanova di Neri flight will be $36 and offers diners a 2 ounce tasting of four wines that were handpicked by Neri.

The flight which will be available through June 2011 includes:

• 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Peitradonice comes from the land where the wine is planted, which is very rich in onyx. It is a wine which uses exclusively Cabernet and Sauvignon grapes: almost a challenge, to achieve a product which fully returns the flavor of the earth and its stone.  If we add very low yields per plant and the climatic factor, we can see it – and we say this with a touch of conceit – as the wine which most tangibly represents Casanova di Neri. Pietradonice succeeds in reconciling international flavor with local tradition and, in the end, all the personality of Montalcino floods out.

• 2005 and 2006 Brunello Etichetta Bianca (renamed White Label for the American market) Brunello di Montalcino Casanova di Neri is characterized simply by its white label, to the point where it has now been renamed “White label” on the American market. This “Etichetta Bianca” is born in vineyards that look to Montalcino from the east, at an altitude which varies from 350 to 480 metres above sea level, very close to our cellar. The main characteristics of this wine are elegance, finesse and longevity.   It matures in big old barrels for about 42-45 months and perfectly represents the desire to express a product distinguished by character and tradition.

• 2008 Rosso Casanova di Neri is possibly the wine that best represents the attempt to marry innovation and tradition. It is the synthesis of the strong personality and character conveyed by Sangiovese, together with the immensely drinkable quality of Colorino, a typically autochthonous grape, which makes it particularly well suited to drinking with meals every day.

So if you find yourself in our neck of the woods, stop by and request this limited edition Casanova di Neri wine flight.

Giacomo Neri knows wine and anyone who has the opportunity to talk with him will quickly see what differentiates him in the wine world. Passion, family and tradition are synonymous to him which I quickly learned during our time together at this year’s Vinitaly. The chat at Vinitaly fueled our next meeting – a meet and greet wine dinner at my restaurant Undici in Rumson, New Jersey. The sold out event brought local wine aficionados together in one room to hear from Neri and I, taste 6 of his choice wines from Casanova di Neri which we paired with classical Italian cuisine, and share on his vision for his vineyards. The next day found Neri and I together again to support our good friend James Suckling at his “Bellisimo Brunello’s” event which was held at City Winery in New York City with the support of wine merchant, Zachys. Neri has received much notoriety for his wines, including earning 100 points from James Suckling for his 2006 Tenuta Nuova.

Before the sold-out wine dinner at Undici, Victor Rallo had time to catch up and talk with Giacomo Neri, Mr. 100 pointer himself. Great vineyards in Montalcino, tradition, and a little bit of luck has made Casanova di Neri wines a powerhouse in Italian Brunello.

Click here to view the photo gallery from the event

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

TODAY (March 17th) from 5 – 7pm, come celebrate the Italy’s 150th birthday with a complimentary tasting of Bellavista Wines with Owner Sara Padarli!

Bellavista Wines is the top producer of sparkling wines! Come and taste greatness for yourself. All wines being tasted will be available for purchase at special pricing during this event.

This event will be a complimentary tasting, so no reservations are necessary.

Mattia Vezzola! 2008 Tre Bicchieri WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR

The Wines Being Tasted

Bellavista NV Franciacorta Brut

Rating: 91
The NV Brut Cuvee is simply beautiful. White peaches, jasmine, minerals, ash and grapefruit are some of the aromas and flavors that come together in this taut, focused Franciacorta. This is a superb example of Italy’s best reasonably priced methode Champenoise wine. I loved it.
-Antonio Galloni (February, 2011)

Bellavista Grand Cuvee 2004

Rating: 91
The 2005 Brut Gran Cuvee is another super-impressive wine from Bellavista. This understated, elegant wine shows lovely inner perfume and fabulous overall balance in an open, approachable style best suited for drinking over the next few years. Rich, seductive fruit finds a lovely counterpoint in an underlying streak of minerality on the impeccable, chiseled finish.
-Antonio Galloni

Bellavista Grand Cuvee Rose 2005

Rating: 91+
The 2005 Gran Cuvee Rose is a pretty, delicate wine that is almost certainly not showing the fullest breadth of its potential. Though still somewhat buttoned up, the 2005 occasionally reveals its gorgeous inner perfume. The mousse is exceptionally fine in this polished, understated wine.
-Antonio Galloni (February, 2011)

About Bellavista

Scale and charm do not generally go together; yet in Bellavista’s case, they are perfectly compatible. This remarkable operation, masterminded by owner Vittorio Moretti and winemaker Mattia Vezzola, combines grandeur and star quality with familiarity and simplicity. The estate’s larger-than-life facilities, miles of underground cellars, impressive contemporary architecture (helipad included), and 1,250 surrounding acres of Franciacorta soil – 462 acres of which (187 hectares) are now under vine – leave you awestruck. At the same time, the exuberant Mattia, ebullient Morettis and likable, friendly Bellavista staff inspire immediate empathy.

Moretti founded the estate in 1976, and the first bottle of Franciacorta was issued in 1984. Over these three decades, the style of Bellavista has become a benchmark to the DOCG – so much so it has prompted countless imitations. Its vineyards now constitute 8% of the entire appellation, in extraordinarily favorable positions: some 60 selections that go into one million bottles yearly.
A choice number of special Reserves from the finest vintages rest in 3.5 million 3-lt. bottles, in Bellavista’s immense underground cellars. This treasury of excellence continues to nurture the Bellavista cuvées, providing the winery’s signature leitmotiv. The past couple of years have seen Mattia implement yet another phase in the estate’s constant crescendo: increasing élevage, on average from 36 to 48 months, so as to achieve the greatest possible quality consistency and personality.

WHAT IS FRANCIACORTA?

Franciacorta is not only an appellation; it is also a vinification method – metodo Franciacorta – for sparkling wines known as Franciacortas. There are only two world regions whose bubbles enjoy such distinction: Franciacorta, and Champagne. The Franciacortas of Bellavista consist of classic méthode champenoise/metodo Franciacorta from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, awesome in every detail: minuscule, persistent perlage, ample, elegant bouquet of bread dough, ripe apples, pears and apricots with subtle notes of vanilla and peach jam; creamy, silky texture, unique concentration and long, pure finish.
Franciacorta’s clayey/limestone soil is richly endowed with the elements of Champagne, ideally enhanced by in-depth genetic research, organic-only fertilization, phased out harvests, parcelled out crops (the 60-plus selections are separately fermented in oak/stainless steel), vertical presses (Marmonnier and the more recent Coquard), up to 6 years’ bottle age in the vast underground cellars, refermentation directly in the bottle for the larger-format sparkling wines, remuage by hand for all sparkling wines etc. Both still and sparkling are from prime hillside vineyards, clonally selected material, densely planted stock. The still DOCs of the range are called Curtefranca (an ancient designation for the area).

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

Act 2

The Wines:

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino 1993

Giacomo Conterno makes two Barolos which are both from the Cascina Francia vineyard, one of the greatest vineyard sites in Piemonte. The vineyards were purchased by Conterno in 1974 and measure six hectares (approximately 12 acres.) Conterno traditionally makes the Cascina Francia in every vintage with exception of 2002 and only makes the second Barolo, Monfortino Riserva in exceptional years.

In those years, a selection of the best fruit is made in the Cacina Francia vineyard and that fruit becomes Monfortino Riserva. Monfortino Riserva is perhaps the most iconic wine in all of Barolo. The Monfortino is made exclusively with natural yeasts and the maceration last 4-5 weeks and is carried out without temperature control. Current vintages are aged 7 years in large oak barrels prior to release. Monfortino is legendary for its longevity which is not measured in years but decades.

To me the 1993 Monfortino Riserva was much more traditional in color and style. I guess you would expect that from a traditionalist. The color in the glass was a light garnet ruby. The 1993 vintage was not an exceptional year for Barolo producers; most of the Barolos are austere and have a hard edge but that is not the case here.

This wine, like all Conterno wines, is bottled without filtration or fining thus revealing the total picture of the terrior and Nebbiolo’s varietal character. On the nose there are autumn leaves, leather and dried concentrated black cherries and a nice balance of acidity and oak tannins. This wine was simply elegant and delicious. I would definitely drink it now as I thought it was the best wine of the four Barolo’s we tasted. But do not get me wrong, this wine still has 10-20 more years of age ability. WOW my eyes are wide open to Giacomo Conterno Monfortino, great even in an off vintage.

Bruno Giacosa Collina Rionda Barolo Riserva 1990

Bruno Giacosa is known for making legendary wines especially the wines that bear the “Red Label,” trademark of his reserve wines. Giacosa only makes the Riserva wines in the very best vintages and when he does make them they are legendary. Yes, legendary.

Most would say, as would I, that Giacosa is a traditional Barolo producer. But by the mid-1980’s, Giacosa began to move toward an enlightened traditional style using small French oak barriques instead of large traditional botti. Fermentation and barrel aging however remain very much within the framework of traditional winemaking, resulting in a mind blowing combination.

The 1990 Giacosa Collina Rionda Barolo Riserva had a beautiful yet light characteristically Barolo color, garnet colored turning to orange brick colored on the edges. For me this wine had an aroma of over-ripe fruit, almost like prunes and it was very pronounced. On the palette the wine had good balance between acidity, (still high) tannins and fruit. This wine was rich, dense, aromatic and fantastico. James chose this as his favorite wine and I notched it in as second place. I would drink this wine now or within the next 10 years. Cheers as always to Bruno Giacosa.

Angelo Gaja Costa Russi 1990
Angelo Gaja declassified his wines, so they are not technically Barolos. By doing so, he could add other varietals usually 2-4% to the Nebbiolo to enhance its quality and characteristics of his wines. Even though they are not technically Barolos they are almost always listed and tasted with the great Barolos of Piemonte.

The Costa Russi is the most new world of all the wines we tasted often resembling a French Chateauneuf du Pape or a big California Zinfandel.

The 1990 Costa Russi has all the tell-tale Nebbiolo characteristics. It’s very rich and has jammy black cherries, with rich oak tannins in the nose. Angelo Gaja was the first Piemontese producer to use French barriques instead of the large Botti that were traditionally used. This wine tasted slightly out of balance to me, and it seemed the oak treatment over shadowed the luscious fruit and crisp acidity that Nebbiolo usually offers. This wine was clearly a baby at 21 years of age. I would let this sit several more years, 8-10 before re-tasting. I rated this wine number 4 out of the Barolos we tasted. But remember as Verdoni says, this is a high end beauty contest and all of the wines are stunning; we are discussing the minutia amongst great producers and at the end, it’s personal taste. Some like ‘em blonde and some always fall for the brunette.

Roberto Voerizio Vecchie Viti dei Capalot e delle Brunate DOCG 2001

Roberto Voerizio produces some of the richest, deepest and most texturally beautiful Barolo in Piemonte. Voerizio is best known for his low yields. Twenty years ago the idea of green harvesting was still radical in Piemonte, a poor, agrarian region were cutting off bunches of grapes was seen as the equivalent of throwing away money. Voerizio was convinced otherwise and followed his instincts by pursuing this radical approach to low yields. Voerizio cuts bunches off his plants, to the point the rows between his vineyards are literally strewn with fruit. The bunches that remain are meticulously trimmed, particularly to the bottom and the sides of the bunch, where the harsher tannins are believed to lie. The typical triangular Nebbiolo bunch is trimmed into a small roundish bunch with yields that are the lowest in Piemonte and most of the world.

Voerizio also stepped away from tradition by using small oak barriques instead of the large botti which are so typical and very traditional of Barolo producers.

With all this said Roberto Voerizio’s Vecchie Viti dei Capalot e delle Brunate DOCG 2001, was the deepest in color of all the Barolos tasted, as expected; it is a testament to the low yields and tremendous concentration Voerizio achieves. The traditional brickish red color has been transposed by Voerizio into a glimmering dark almost ink colored wine; this is very unique coming from Nebbiolo grapes.

The nose had notes of aged balsamic and black cherry with exceptional fruit and vibrant fresh flavors. On the palate there was still a very tannic acidic quality (in a good way) that showed this wine’s youth. I think this wine is difficult to fully appreciate today, but it is beautifully made and has tons of aging potential. Cellar this wine for at least 10 more years. Just a note: when we drank this wine with food it really balanced out, if I was to drink this wine today it would be with a Hearty Roast, Osso Bucco or pasta with meat sauce and a sharp grated cheese. This wine I rated #3 for today and #1 for continued aging.

Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 1985

Everyone has a hallmark by which they measure things; I measure baseball by Babe Ruth, I measure women by Bo Derek in the movie 10, cars (that’s easy) a 1952 Ferrari Barchetta 512 and for Italian wine it can only be Sassicaia 1985.

I have had the pleasure of staying on the Tenuta San Guido Estate several times and each time I visit I get a clearer picture of how they created one of the greatest red wines ever made. Tenuta San Guido is located in Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast about 5 miles from the ocean. The maritime weather and the excellent terrior allow them to grow some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the world. Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia has won the coveted Tre Bicchieri Award 10 years in a row and I guess that tells you something about consistency.

This is the first wine that James Suckling rated 100 points while at the Wine Spectator and Antonio Galloni of the Wine Advocate followed by also rating Sassicaia 1985 100 points. So wouldn’t it be great to open this bottle and taste it 26 years later? Life is too short so we opened it up. But would it live up to our expectations????

James was afraid to taste it at first because of the wonderful memories he had of this wine tasting it from its inception and then on several occasions following its release. He did not want to be disappointed, but we all settled in and began to taste this incredible wine and believe me none of us were disappointed.

The wine had a majestic deep rich color, and fresh aromatics; I even smelled the sea. The wine had vibrant flavors on the palette; I tasted ripe plums, black fruits and casis with a balanced light oakiness and silky smooth tannins. This wine is truly elegant and deserving of 100 points. If you own this wine sip it slow I believe it has another 20 years to go.

James did make a confession: that he was sorry that he gave the wine 100 points upon release for it was better now and he could only rate it 100 plus!!!!

Enclosed are some pictures from the event, and as Warner Wolf says, “let’s go to the video tape,” you will have to wait and see the video for a full review of the interview and the tasting.

La Forza del Vino,

Vic

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

March 31st

Scavino Langhe Nebbiolo 2007  This 100% Nebbiolo wine is this wine is made from the same grapes that make the world-renowned Barolo wines.  This wine is a great introduction to Barolo – a tribute to the grape that made this land famous. A fresh and fruity nebbiolo with berry, citrus and tobacco notes. A clean and simple wine with nice body and layered complex flavors. 12 Bottle Case – $240 Bottle – $21

Scavino Barolo 2006 Scavino Barolo “Classic Label” 2006 – This bottling is a blend made with grapes from Scavino’s prized vineyards.  It represents the philosophy of the Scavino estate.  It is aged in small French Oak for one year, then large oak for one year followed by one year of aging in the bottle.  The result is a perfumed fruit with a touch of oak balanced by firm tannins and a rich mouth feel.  This wine drinks great now and will only get better with age.  This classic Barolo is decadent and exotic with wild aromas of ripe berries and black truffles. Full-bodied with ultra fine tannins and an incredible finish. 12 Bottle Case  – $525 Bottle – $46

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

The Accademia del Vino Wine Lecture Series continues through 2011 with events throughout the spring, including “Our Favorite Chianti’s with Vic and Verdoni” on March 7^th and “The Wines of the South: Puglia, Calabria, Basilicata, & Sicily with Vic and Verdoni” on March 28^th. Each event begins at 6:30 and includes the seminar, dinner, and wine tasting, all for only $65.00 per person.

Past Lecture Series events have been a huge success with everyone enjoying an elegant evening of wining and dining, and this month’s upcoming events look to be equally delightful and delicious.

In addition to the two March Lecture Series dates, Undici’s has scheduled a couple more Accademia del Vino Wine Lecture Series events for April 18^th and May 2^nd. For complete details about these premier NJ wine tasting events contact Undici’s restaurant.

The Undici restaurant is also excited to announce that Elisa Scavino will be on hand for a meet and greet on March 31^st. No reservations are required as the event is complimentary. Make sure to become a fan of the Undici Taverna Rustica restaurant on Facebook to receive all of the inside scoop.

NJ Wine Tasting Events Near You

In addition to hosting premier NJ wine tasting events, Undici’s also offers amazing Italian cuisine. Undici’s only uses the freshest ingredients available and each dish is prepared with care. All pasta, including gnocchi and ravioli are homemade daily using only Caputo Italian flour. Their wood fire oven produces some of the best pizza around and their wine room is home to the largest and finest collection of Italian wines in the state. Every dish is an inspired celebration of both an Italian region and the current season.

Undici’s creates a dining experience like no other. The restaurant, which is a Tuscan farmhouse replica complete with ancient stone, wood, tile, and plaster provides a taste of the Tuscan countryside a little closer to home. This one-of-a-kind restaurant provides a rustic and charming atmosphere perfect for any occasion. The Undici Taverna Rustica restaurant is located at 11 West River Road in Rumson NJ.

To reserve your seat for one of the upcoming NJ wine tasting events call 732-842-3880 today.

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

Giovanni Folonari will be signing bottles and talking wine during this exclusive tasting at Undici. Special pricing on these wines will be available during the tasting.

Italian cheeses and salume will be served. No reservations necessary!

Click to view this event on Facebook

Campo al Mare Rosso Bolgheri 2006

60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot.

Made with grapes from Campo al Mare Estate of our property located in the area of Bolgheri near the sea side.
A true Super Tuscan, the wine shows red fruit, and licorice on the nose with rich flavors and a velvet texture on the palate.

Bottle – $29
Case – $330 (12-Pack)

Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva 2006

100% Sangiovese

Located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, the family-run Nozzole estate dates back to the 1200s. The Nozzole Riserva uses only the finest Sangiovese grapes selected from Nozzole’s 200 acres of vineyards in the Chianti Classico zone between Florence and Siena. Villa Nozzole Chianti Classico is made from dedicated, select lots of Tenuta di Nozzole estate grapes

Ripe, crushed red cherry aromas and flavors with an earthy
note are balanced by pleasant acidity and round tannins.

Bottle -  $25
Case -  $286 (12-Pack)

Nozzole Le Bruniche Chardonnay 2009

100% Chardonnay

The Chardonnay vines for Le Bruniche are planted on one of the estate’s highest hillsides at 900 feet above sea level.  The site’s excellent exposure as well as the limestone and marl soil help maintain optimum thermal ground temperature.

Hay yellow with verdant hues, citrus and exotic fruit on the nose, with notes of apple and banana on then palate.  The use of stainless steel vats during vinification (no oak) allows the Chardonnay to shine through.

Bottle – $12
Case – $135 (12-Pack)

Santa Martina Rosso Toscana

Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

Grapes are cultivated in the Chianti and Maremma regionsaccording to the soil type that best suits the respective variety.  Chianti Classico provides soils with higher clay content well-suited to the Sangiovese grapes, while Maremma’s unique climate and sandy soils are optimal for the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah grapes.
Intense ruby red color with hints of violet. Aromas of wild berries with a thick, full-bodied taste, a spicy finish and ripe, rounded tannins.

Bottle – $11
Case – $125 (12-Pack)

TorCalvano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

90% Sangiovese, 10% other varieties depending on the vintage

High vine density and October harvests ensure mature grapes with balanced sugar and acidity. Contact with skins and extended temperature-controlled maceration give the Sangiovese a rich color. The wine is aged in small new oak barrels for 20 months and spends at least 6 months in bottle before release.

Intense ruby red in color with hints of granite, violet and cherry on the nose, balanced in the mouth with a sustained finish.

Bottle - $23
Case – $255 (12-Pack)

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

Twice a week wine enthusiasts can indulge in selecting fine wines from Undici’s menu at a generous 50% discount. Visit the NJ wine bar on Wednesday nights for half priced wine bottles from their seasonal selection and on Thursday nights for half priced wines by the glass from their wines by the glass list.

NJ’s Finest Wine Bar

Undici is a standout NJ wine bar.  Minutes outside of Red Bank, Undici provides an authentic Tuscan ambiance with a rustic Italian feel throughout the restaurant’s 2 spacious floors.  Outside seating is available in the front during warmer months. The intoxicating aroma of fresh Italian cuisine hints at the delicious menu of fresh produce, fish, meats, gnocchi, pastas and more.  Everything is homemade.

Not to be missed are Undici’s wine tasting and lecture series, part of Accademia del Vino. The evenings consist of three main parts:  a dinner, lecture and wine tasting.  The events, which cost $85.00 per person (all inclusive), are offered throughout the year. Accademia del Vino brings together NJ wine enthusiasts and aspiring connoisseurs for an evening of exquisite wine paired with authentic Italian cuisine.  Three dates have already been announced for 2011, January 25^th, February 7^th and February 21^st.

Details for all the upcoming wine tasting events can be found online with Undici.

The best way to get the latest updates on events at Undici is to join their mailing list.

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

This extensive collection of over 600 plus labels from every Italian region has been a consecutive recipient of the Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, and continues to wow wine enthusiasts. Undici Restaurant’s spectacular wine list, has the largest all Italian wine selection in NJ.

Your New Jersey wine bar has the best selection of Italian wines from a list that keeps on growing. Wine enthusiasts can visit Undici’s Academia del Vino events for spectacular wine tastings that include lectures explaining the different types of wine followed by a taste of each. Each Academia del Vino event focuses on a different region or type of wine. Attendees can expect to taste many wines and learn to taste and understand the complexities of the wine.

Patrons of Undici Restaurant can expect a wine list that features Vina della Casa (House Wines), Vina al Bicchiere (Wines by the Glass), Vini Rossi (Red Wines), Vini Rosati (Rose Wines), Vini Spumanti (Sparkling Wines), Vini Dolci (Dessert Wines), Champagne, Prosecco, and La Lista Stagionale (Seasonal Special List).

The Italian wine list in Rumson’s wine bar restaurant has so many wines available for their clientele, that the wine tasting events Monmouth County are the perfect option for wine enthusiasts who want to taste them all. Your wine tasting dinner Rumson will allow you to taste many different types of wines all while enjoying authentic Italian food.

Undici Restaurant provides a wine tasting NJ experience that is incomparable. Wine tasting events and dinners at Undici Restaurant make their extensive list of labels accessible. Attend an Academia del Vino for your favorite Italian region or attend them all for a truly spectacular and delectable experience.

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

Undici Taverna Rustica in conjunction with Winebow, and Leonardo Locascio Selections Presents: The Winebow Portfolio Tasting Sunday September 26, 2010 With over 50 Italian wines featured in The Wine Spectator, The Wine Advocate, and Gambero Rosso Italian Cheeses, Prosciutto de Parma, Salumeria Biellese cured meats, fresh baked bread and crostini. From 12-4 pm Reservations are $18 per person plus sales tax* *[Update] Reservations for this event are now sold out. We will still be taking guests at the door for $25 on a first come, first serve basis until we reach capacity. $25 at the door on the day of the event Please call 732-842-3880 Credit Card necessary for reservation You can not reserve for this events online You can also view our upcoming Accademia del VIno lineup on our Events Calender at UndiciRestaurant.com. Click here to view RSVP and share this event on Facebook Whites Sparkling/Light Whites

Zardetto Prosecco Di Conegliano Brut

Zardetto Prosecco Zeta DOC 2008

Botromagno Gravina Bianco 2008

Tasca D’Almerita Regaleali Bianco 2009

Falesco Vitiano Bianco 2009

Tiefenbrunner Pinot Bianco 2009

Whites Medium Bodied

Argiolas Costamolino 2009

La Carraia Orvieto DOC 2009

Kris Pinot Grigio 2009

Tramin Pinot Grigio DOC 2009

Whites Full Bodied

Mastroberardino Fiano di Avelino 2007/2008

Maculan Sauvignon 2009

Poggio Al Tesoro Solosole Vermentino 2009

Zenato Lugana DOC 2008

Tramin Gewarztraminer 2008/2009

Red Wines Light Bodied

Tasca D’Almerita Regaleali Le Rose 2009

Stella Sangiovese 2008

Palladio Chianti DOCG 2008

Kris Pinot Noir 2009

Argiolas Costera 2008

Zenato Valpolicella 2008

San Polo Rubio 2008

Mastroberardino Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosso 2008

Tasca D’Almerita Regaleali Lamuri Nero D’Avola 2007

Red Wines Medium Bodied

Castellare Chianti Classico DOCG 2007

Altesino Rosso di Altesino 2008

Coppo Barbera d’Asti Camp du Rouss Doc 2006

Giacosa Dolcetto 2009

Cortese Nebbiolo Langhe Doc 2008

Valle Reale Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Doc 2006

Valdipiatta Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006

Allegrini Pallazo della torre 2006

Librandi Ciro Duca San Felice Riserva 2005

Leone de Castris Salice Salentino Riserva Doc 2005/2006

Falesco Merlot 2007

Di Majo Norante Ramitello Rosso 2007

Argiolas Korem 2006

Pratesi Carmignano DOCG 2004

Red Wines Full Bodied

Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo DOCG 2006

Mastroberardino Radici Taurasi DOCG 2005

Prunotto Barolo 2005

Bisceglia Gudarra Aglianico del Vulture Doc 2006

San Polo Brunello 2003

San Polo Brunello 2004

Poggio Al Tesoro Sondraia 2006

Allegrini la Poja 2003

Allegrini la Amarone Classico 2005/2006

Zenato Amarone 2005

Dessert Wines

Maculan Dindarello 2008

Allegrini Recioto Giovanni Allegrini 2006

Coppo Brachetto D’Acqui Passione Doc 2007

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives

This event is only the most recent New Jersey wine tasting held at Undici Taverna Rustica.

The evening featured a special tasting and pricing of several wines including the Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2006, which scored an 97 points in Robert Parker’s Wine Spectator.

The featured wine of the evening was the Tenuta San Guido Le Difese 2007.

Tenuta San Guido “Le Difese” is exclusive to Victor Rallo’s restaurants and cannot be found anywhere else in New Jersey.

Guests of the event enjoyed hors d’ouvres and sampled Le Difese and the other vintages while mingling with Sebastiano, who gladly shared his first-hand wisdom about wine making.

Anthony Verdoni, “The Professor,” a guest at the event, shared his own thoughts on Le Difese.

Verdoni makes several astute points about Le Difese. He noted that Le Difese is an incredible value because the wine is made with the same barrels and by the same wine makers, as the Sassicaia, but it is available at a fraction of the cost. For its taste and for its value, Anthony whole-heartedly recommends Le Difese.

Learn More about the Best NJ Wine Restaurant

For more information about upcoming events and to view the best NJ wine list, visit: http://www.undicirestaurant.com/

• About
• Testimonials
• Press Kit
• Archives