Local wineries are hidden gems

Thought I’d start this week with a little local information. Sposato Family Vineyards has a very nice schedule of events during the year. You can view their calendar at www.sposatofamilyvineyards.com. You may wish to sample their lovely 2013 Malbec Reserve. These are produced in Mendoza, in Argentina. Although the vines are young, this Reserve shows lots of promise. They are very dark wine-colored, think black violet. The nose is a bit muted but I detected raspberry, floral and barrel-driven spice aromas. I was expecting a tannin bomb but 14 months in oak and careful craftsmanship plus plenty of fruit flavor have already softened the tannic grip I expect from Malbec. The web page lists the many restaurants and “likker” stores in our area where you can locate the wine.

While you are searching check out the Nassau Valley Vineyards schedule at www.nassauvalley.com, as well. Suzette, Peggy and their merry band always have some very cool events planned. This is a wonderful place, just up the road from the Cape Gazette offices. While in the area, be sure to stop in to tell Dennis and Trish how much you love this column. I need a job security boost. When visiting NVV, taste, then buy some wine. NVV has a full range of wines, and many are award-winning efforts. In fact, NVV just cracked the 400-medal mark. During their 23 years they have won international and nationwide acclaim. Every Delaware winemaker should tip their hat to Peggy. She is the driving force that caused to Delaware to modify its arcane liquor laws to allow commercial winemaking in the state. Her efforts 25 years ago also opened the door for our many brewers.

The wine at NVV is a diverse collection. Barbara and I love True Blue Blueberry. They recommend it with chocolate and other desserts. Let me tell you, folks, lay some in. Then, when the blueberry season comes on, pick yourselves up some lamb. Roast, grill or broil it. Save most of the pan drippings, then deglaze with True Blue. I add some pie spice and the fresh berries after straining the sauce. Just heat the berries through until the skin cracks; it’s killer. This rendition works for duckling or pork with the Peach Ambrosia also. Roast the peaches first. Fruit wine is one area, among others, where they excel. During your visit, take a look through the vineyard and the gallery-displayed art. Right now the vines are burgeoning and the harvest may have started. The banquet facilities are excellent. Like all good venues, you need to plan ahead. They have an arbor area and several well-appointed indoor rooms. The website says from 20-400 or more seated guests. Always a worthwhile visit. Just realized that may have sounded like an ad. Not so! NVV is one of the Lower Slower gems in my book.

OK, so I promised some other Italian wines. Keep in mind the best-made Italian whites improve with some aging. When looking for Verdicchio always be sure these phrases are in the label “dei Castelli di Jesi” and the initials DOCG Reserva. The 2012s are a no-brainer if you can find them. If not, 2014 is next best. Felici, Bucci or Battaglia are my best producer choices. My experts are Galloni or Gambero Rosso. Rosso uses a slightly different rating system, 0-3 glasses. The names listed were suggested in the tres Bicchieri (three glasses) realm. The Bucci 2014 are pale straw-colored. They show plenty of fruit with Golden Delicious apples and almond notes. These are nicely balanced with a round mouthfeel and a medium, clean finish. Do not serve too cold to enjoy the complex aromas, which provide balance. Under $200/case rates them a solid 91 McD points. Avoid the 2013 and ‘15. They are just OK.

Just noticed that that Snooth put up an article on Soave today. Good article. They could have saved me some liver damage and research, if they moved a bit quicker.