2021 Beaujolais-VillagesAlex Foillard
France | Beaujolais
$32
Producers
Sadly for the great dessert wines of the world, the general public’s inclination is trending toward wines that taste drier and drier. As Tintero’s Moscato so poignantly demonstrates, this could prove to be the biggest mistake in the history of trends since fanny packs, mullets,* and popped collars. Have a sip of this delectable nectar—what possibly is there not to love? Who could resist such a heavenly ambrosia, with its scent of kaleidoscopic spring wildflowers, fragrant citrus blossoms, and succulently ripe grapes? It is just sweet enough, but not too sweet, while a razor-crisp acidity and tickling spritz cleanse and stimulate the taste buds with each gulp. There is simply no better pairing for panna cotta, cobbler, or spicy chicken wings on NFL Sunday. This may be the forbidden fruit of Eden, partially fermented and bottled for our quaffing pleasure.
*Sincerest apologies to all our mullet-bearing customers.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | white |
Vintage: | 2020 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Moscato |
Appellation: | Moscato d'Asti |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Piedmont |
Producer: | Cantine Elvio Tintero |
Winemaker: | Marco Tintero |
Vineyard: | 30 years average |
Soil: | Clay, Limestone with Rocks |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 5.5% |
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont | Moscato d'Asti
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont | Langhe
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont | Langhe
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont | Barbaresco
Kermit’s love affair with the great reds of Piemonte dates back to the early days of his career: the very first container he imported from Italy, in fact, featured legendary 1971 and 1974 Barolos from Vietti and Aldo Conterno. Regular visits since then have seen our portfolio grow to now twelve Piemontesi estates, with a strong focus on the rolling hills of the Langhe.
Nebbiolo rules these majestic, vine-covered marl slopes, giving Italy’s most mystifyingly complex, nuanced, and age-worthy reds. When crafted via traditional production methods—long macerations and extensive aging in enormous oak botti—the powerful, yet incredibly refined Barolos and Barbarescos provide haunting aromatics of tar, raspberry, incense, tea, roses, and more. At times austere in their youth but well worth the wait, they pair beautifully with the hearty local cuisine starring veal in many forms, braised beef, pastas like tajarin and agnolotti, and of course, Alba’s famous white truffles.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Piemonte’s climate is continental, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Nebbiolo is only part of the story here: juicy, fruity Barberas and Dolcettos represent the bread and butter throughout the region, and other native grapes like Freisa, Croatina, and the white Arneis are also noteworthy. Value abounds in the Monferrato, while Alto Piemonte also has its share of thrills to provide.
Every corner of Piemonte is rich with tradition, especially when wine is concerned. It’s no wonder we have been singing the region’s praises for over forty years.
Il Palazzotto Italy | Piedmont | Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont | Barbaresco
Tenuta La Pergola Italy | Piedmont | Monferrato Rosso
Cantine Valpane Italy | Piedmont | Barbera del Monferrato
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont | Barbera d’Alba
Giulia Negri Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont | Langhe
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont | Barolo
Trust the great winemakers, trust the great vineyards. Your wine merchant might even be trustworthy. In the long run, that vintage strip may be the least important guide to quality on your bottle of wine.—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