2015 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Chalumaux”Comtesse de Chérisey
France | Burgundy
$120
Producers
The most full-bodied of this trio of reds but still in the welterweight category, this is the inaugural vintage for this very serious and to-be-watched-closely azienda on the “south side” of the Mount Etna volcano in Sicily. Walking their incredible vineyard, a 45-degree slope of pure lava rock with vines clinging to the rubble, inspired my imagination of what this land could produce. Wonderfully, the wine itself did not disappoint afterward, perfectly translating this incredible site overlooking the Mediterranean far below. The tannins are present but particularly silky for Nerello, the stoniness and smokiness are palpable, the aromas sumptuous. Don’t miss their white from the same site, a ravishing, honeyed beauty with an equally strong sense of place.
—Dixon Brooke
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2017 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 90% Nerello Mascalese, 10% Nerello Cappuccio |
Appellation: | IGT Terre Siciliane |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Sicily |
Producer: | Grottafumata |
Vineyard: | 1.4 ha total, 40-100 years |
Soil: | Volcanic |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 13.5% |
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily | IGT Terre Siciliane
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Portelli Italy | Sicily | Vittoria Frappato
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata means “smoky caves,” named for the caves formed by a nearby river that has eaten through the lava and the smoke from naturally occurring sulfur in the lava that steams up from the caves. Mauro and Mariangela have won many awards for their olive oil in Italy and we can see why. It is an incredible all-around oil—herbaceous and savory with a light touch and it tends to go well with everything.
Their wine project is on the opposite eastern slope of Mount Etna. The contrada where their vines are located is called Monte Ilice, situated between the towns of Trecastagni and Zafferana Etnea. Monte Ilice is an absolutely incredible slope, due east, that rises at least at a 45-degree angle, high on the slopes of Etna at 700 to 840 meters above sea level. Grottafumata works 1.4 hectares here, along with the help of the landowner who is in his eighties and still works the vines with his brother. Many of the vines are franchi di piede (planted on their own rootstock) and up to 100 years old.
Italy’s southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has no shortage of sunshine to grow high-quality grapes on a yearly basis. It also does not lack a history of winemaking: since the Greeks settled here almost three millennia ago, the vine has played a major role in the island’s agricultural makeup. Production of cheap bulk wine for blending dominated much of its recent history until now, as we are witnessing a quality revolution that puts forth its great diversity and quality of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and local production methods.
While Sicily’s historical reputation is for sweet wines—Marsala and the Muscats of Pantelleria stand out—a number of dry whites and reds are enjoying the spotlight today. The cooler, high-altitude slopes of Etna, with its ashy volcanic soils, have seen an explosion of activity from producers both local and foreign; both whites (primarily from Carricante) and reds (Nerello Mascalese) here are capable of uncommon freshness and finesse. Other noteworthy wine regions are Eloro, where Nero d’Avola gives its best; Noto, an oasis of dry and sweet Moscatos; Vittoria, with its supple, perfumed Frappatos; and Salina, where Malvasia makes thirst-quenching dry whites and deliciously succulent passiti.
Countless foreign invasions over the centuries have given Sicilian architecture and cuisine a unique exotic twist, making it a fascinating destination for gourmands as well as wine importers. With a wealth of dedicated artisans proud to show off the riches of their land, you can bet there are many exciting things still to come from this incredible island.
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily | IGT Terre Siciliane
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
Riofavara Italy | Sicily
Portelli Italy | Sicily | Vittoria Frappato
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily | Etna Rosso
Riofavara Italy | Sicily | Eloro
Riofavara Italy | Sicily | Sicilia Noto
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Every three or four months I would send my clients a cheaply made list of my inventory, but it began to dawn on me that business did not pick up afterwards. It occurred to me that my clientele might not know what Château Grillet is, either. One month in 1974 I had an especially esoteric collection of wines arriving, so I decided to put a short explanation about each wine into my price list, to try and let my clients know what to expect when they uncorked a bottle. The day after I mailed that brochure, people showed up at the shop, and that is how these little propaganda pieces for fine wine were born.—Kermit Lynch
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/bpa