5/28/09

Saladini Pilastri, Rosso Piceno "Vigna Montepradone" 2001

This was one of those experiments I like to undertake with my cheap-y bottles. I bought this wine when I first moved New York in 2002. I thought it was a really good expression of Montepulciano when I originally tasted it. It was rustic, but with great spicy fruit and a nice solid spine of acid from a presumably dose of Sangiovese. I thought, "Hey, why not? I'll just lay it down for a couple years."


First whiff is of funky tertiary aromas: Rotting leaves, carion and mushrooms. On the palate it was totally limp with a watery middle and no acid to speak of. I'm wasn't sure if I wanted to drink this so I popped a bottle of "Chateau Montelena, Riesling, Potter Valley 1995" while I waited for the Rosso Piceno to either disintigrate or wake up.


One and half hours later the Rosso Piceno is exploding out of the glass. A classy if still rustic blend of wet earth, raw meat and asian spice box. There's all the text book aroma's of Montepulciano but with a bright strawberry note poking through. The palate reinforces the nose with more red sangiovese fruit lending focus.

As the wine continued to breath the Montepulciano softened and the Sangiovese began to take over. Stronger red fruits with cedar and a brunello like aroma of rose petal and burnt orange. A complete wine with complexity and lots of bang for the buck.

Overall this was a great experience. Was this a "great" wine? Maybe not, but it was full of soul and charisma. It's the kind of wine that reminds me why this profession is a hobby. And why wine geeks are so lucky.



Riesling, Chateau Montelena, Potter Valley 1995

To those who have no experience with this wine, I'm sorry: You've missed out. I first experienced Montelena Riesling when I was dragged to a tasting at the estate some time in 2003(4?). Every wine we tasted prior to this was a bore, but not this one. I quickly convinced the nice lady conducting our private tasting that although the Riesling was not available for wholesale purchase, it would be a really good idea if she sold me 15 cases. (3 cases, 5 vintages) I purchased it for the monstrosity of a Japanese restaurant I was creating a beverage list for. I Also snagged a couple bottles for myself. Here it is...

Petrol dominated nose with vibrant white flowers and honeysuckle, not unlike a wine from Graach, but not as airy or fine. Lime zest mingles with meyer lemon and powdered mineral while there's a slightly herbal note filling out the bottom.

Modestly unctous on the palate with sufficient acid and a certain compexity of texture. It's not sweet, but not dry. You wouldn't mistake it for german, but you wouldn't call it fingerlakes either. My brain said New World, but my heart felt it was Old. It's a tasty and wonderful conundrum. Some people will hate this wine because its too German, some will hate it becuase it' not German enough. I don't care. I love Montelena Riesling.

As Ice Cube once said, "I gotta say it was a good day". . .for wine at least