Staff Favorites from Italy
- Posted on
- By Emily Jensen
What We’re Drinking This Week
One of the most gratifying aspects of being part of TWW family is sharing our wine recommendations with clients. Needless to say, we try a lot of wines in order to sniff out the good stuff (literally and figuratively). Furthermore, we always find great wines in a range of styles and price points from all over the world. This week, we’re highlighting staff faves from Italy.
Jill: Casa d'Ambra Le Ninfe, Campania, Ischia
Casa D'Ambra lies on the Island of Ischia, just off the coast of Napoli. Its high-elevation, tuff soil, cliff-side vineyards are as extreme as winemaking locations get. Given their unique location, and over 130 years of winemaking experience, it’s easy to see why the family’s white wines easily compete with the top whites in Campania. Their complex and age-worthy reds are not to be missed either. Jill solidified her love for this wine after visiting the estate and tasting with the current generation, sisters Sara and Marina (whom she claims she might be distantly related to... We can only hope!)
Miguel: Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
In a very short amount of time, Giulia Negri went from being the new kid on the block in La Morra - literally taking over a well-established estate at age 24 - to becoming a renowned and highly respected figure in the Barolo winemaking community. Now known as “Barologirl”, Giulia’s attention to detail and nod to traditional techniques has catapulted her wines to the upper echelon. Despite that, her ‘Pian delle Mole’ Nebbiolo remains reasonably priced and drinks like a dream.
Emily: Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Derthona Timorasso, Colli Tortonesi, Piedmont
Founded in 1761, Borgogno is the oldest continuously operating winery in Barolo. They are dedicated to organic winemaking, along with traditional methods, such as long spontaneous fermentations in concrete tanks and long periods of aging, strictly in large Slavonian oak barrels. This is a red wine drinker's white wine, with ample texture and intoxicating aromas. Don’t be fooled by the 14.5% ABV. There’s nothing hot or abrasive about this wine. It’s as balanced as big wines come. This is one that you have to taste to understand.
Stewart: Fontodi 2018 Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico
First produced in 1985, Vigna del Sorbo sits at the apex of Fontodi’s range. It was elevated from Riserva to Gran Selezione with the introduction of the category in 2014. The vineyard extends over eight hectares, with the oldest plantings now well over 50 years old. Vigna del Sorbo is a masterful expression of Sangiovese. True to its western Panzano origins, the framework is firm and sturdy. Tight with a concentrated core, but not overly dense, and with seductively rich tannins. Subtle hints of sundried tomato and grilled herbs evolve to darker tones of violet and liquorice. Finishes with savory black plum and toast.
Adam: Giacomo Fenocchio 2020 bussia, Barolo
The Giacomo Fenocchio estate can be traced back to 1840, when the family uprooted from the comune of Dogliani and resettled in Monforte d’Alba - inside a nascent wine zone that would become Barolo. Today, fifth-generation winemaker Claudio Fenocchio carries on his late father’s legacy, bottling five estate Baroli that have reached cult status in recent years. The Bussia is a gorgeous example of a cask-aged, classic Barolo. Ample and layered, it offers a compelling mix of dark fruit, mocha, spice, leather, and dried herbs. There is penetrating power to the aromatics and flavors, which evolve nicely with time in the glass.
Jeremiah: Paolo Bea, Umbria (View all in stock)
When I asked Jeremiah what his wine pick was this week, he didn’t hesitate for a second…
Jeremiah: “Paolo Bea!”
Emily: “Which one?”
Jeremiah: “All of them! Have you tried them?”
Emily: “No, but I sure will now.”
One of the distinguishing features of Paolo Bea's winemaking philosophy is their dedication to minimal intervention, organic farming and the implementation of biodynamic practices. Copper-sulfate treatments, cover crops between the vines, and annual plowing are all part of their meticulous vineyard management. The family takes great pride in manually harvesting the grapes from their estate vines, ensuring the utmost care in the selection process. This minimalist philosophy extends into the cellar as well, with spontaneous fermentations and no fining or filtration, amongst other things. The wines of Paolo Bea are intriguing, and in some ways unparagoned, which has placed them among the absolute top wines being made in Italy today.
Unfortunately, 2024 has been a very difficult year for the Bea family, with the passing of Paolo Bea in January, followed by his son Giuseppe just a few months later. Despite the tragedy, the estate remains an icon of the region, with a portfolio exceeding expectations yearly. We are grateful to be carrying their wines and look forward to seeing what great things they continue to do.
If you have inquiries about our Italian wine selections, or any other wine recommendations, please reach out at [email protected]