AUSTIN, TX (March 6, 2014) – Eight stylishly seductive wines from some of Italy’s most notable winemakers will be highlighted at Whole Foods Market stores across the country this spring. At excellent values and all under $16, the featured wines range from a fun-loving, flirty prosecco from Veneto that is a perfect bubbly for brunch, to a rich, rustic red from Sicily that begs to be sipped at sunset outdoors.
Italy’s wine producing regions are some of the oldest in the world. Known for their great versatility and quality, Italian wines provide a diverse range of around 350 varieties from 20 growing regions.
“We have carefully selected a set of high quality Italian wines with a real sense of place that encourage wine lovers to taste their way through the country,” said Doug Bell, global beverage buyer for Whole Foods Market. “In this selection, we included some traditional varietals as well as some off-the-beaten track wines.”
Twitter Tasting
Wine enthusiasts 21 and older can taste these wines at Whole Foods Market store tasting events or join two Twitter Tastings using hashtag #WFMwine. Dates, times and wines featured include:
Thursday, March 13, 7-8 p.m. CT:
- Ruffino Orvieto Classico
- Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi
- Donnafugata Sedàra
- Gran Passione Rosso
Thursday, April 10, 7-8 p.m. CT:
- Caposaldo Pinot Grigio
- Monrosso Chianti
- Verrazzano Rosso
- Presto Prosecco
Featured Italian wines include:
Caposaldo Pinot Grigio – White fruit, cut flowers and intriguing mineral aromas are on the nose followed by kiwi tartness balanced by mellow honeydew notes. The finish is dry, crisp and crowd-pleasing.
Pairings: Feta, ham, oysters, fish and chips, and Linguine with Wilted Cabbage and Ham
Ruffino Orvieto Classico – Fresh flowers and citrus on the nose are followed by ripe green apple up front, sassy acidity and a characteristic touch of mineral. The finish is long and fragrant with almond notes.
Pairings: Piave, shrimp scampi, egg dishes, and Mango Quinoa Salad
Banfi Principessa Gavia Gavi – Vivid aromas of pineapple and tangy green apple are on the nose, and there is a lovely balancing act between juicy ripe pear notes and bright acidity with a clean, delicate finish.
Pairings: Robusto, spicy jerk chicken, garlic scallops, and Pineapple-Chicken Kabobs with Quinoa
Donnafugata Sedàra – Fresh cherry and strawberry aromas give way to cascading notes of sun-dried cranberries, then black olive then peppercorn. The finish is rich, deep, and rustic.
Pairings: Sottocenere, lamb, mushroom risotto, crusty artisan breads, and Smoky Mushroom Gratin
Monrosso Chianti – Lavender and cranberry aromas blend in this soft, rich ruby red wine. Gentle tannins, abundant fruit, and a well-balanced finish characterize this textbook Chianti.
Pairings: Parmigiano Reggiano, grilled salmon, roasted lamb chops, pasta carbonara, pizza, and Puttanesca Pasta
Verrazzano Rosso – This red has complex aromas of fresh fruits and violets followed by Tuscan herbs, black currant and pomegranate flavors that move to a smooth finish.
Pairings: Pecorino Toscano, osso buco, gnocchi, hummus, rosemary flatbread, and Sun-Dried Tomato and Salami Couscous Salad
Gran Passione Rosso – Ripe blackberry and chocolate-covered cherries distinguish this delicious aroma. This rich red is juicy with notes of black fruit and a satisfyingly long, dense finish.
Pairings: Taleggio, dry-aged steaks, shepherd’s pie, chocolate covered strawberries, and Lamb Stew with Spring Vegetables
Presto Prosecco – This sparkler has orange blossom aromas and honey notes. Frisky flavors of apple and citrus bubble to the front and then make room for a light fresh finish.
Pairings: Bonhomme Brie, smoked salmon, crimini mushroom frittata, hollandaise, and Brie Pimiento Cheese
For more information and images about these Italian wines and the Twitter Tastings, go to wholefoodsmarket.com/wine.
