Coopers Tasting – Feb 24th and 25th
Borgo Magredo Pinot Grigio
This is the largest estate in Friuli and is located in the Grave del Friuli DOC. The soil in this area is rich of pebbles and stones carried to the vineyards by the Meduna River as it flows down from the Alps. The soil is so meager, hence the Italian word ‘Magredo’, that the vines appear to be planted in a streambed. These stones have always been part of a local tradition: the art of mosaics. In fact, the 6th century mosaic in the cathedral of Santa Eufemia was created with stones taken from the area where Borgo’s vineyards are now located.
The unique soil also determines a particular microclimate: the stones capture heat during the day and release it at night, protecting the grapes from the low temperatures. The warm draft then flows towards the mountains, its low-pressure drawing cooler breezes from the snowy peaks. The cool-warm temperature cycles span over 4 square miles of Grave vineyards and contribute to the unique aroma, flavor and fragrance of Borgo’s wines.
Regular Price $14.99
Cooper’s Price $12.99
Illuminati Riparosso Montepulciano d’ Abruzzo
With over 120 years of history and tradition in winemaking, the Illuminati family continues to grow and innovate without sacrificing quality or the essential characteristics of homemade products: a genuine wine, reflecting the territory where it is produced. In 1890, Mr. Nicola Illuminati founded his own wine company, run as a small scale production center to ensure the authenticity of the wine produced. This craftsman-type production system was inherited by Nicola’s grandson, who has been leading the family company since the 1950’s. The Illuminati family winemaking has achieved excellence in production, with reserve wines which are renowned worldwide.
Regular Price $14.99
Cooper’s Price $12.99
Villa Vignamaggio Chianti Classico
Located just outside the town of Greve, in the heart of the Chianti Classico DOCG, and winemaking here dates back to the 14th century. Mona Lisa, model in the famous portrait by Leonardo da Vinci, was born at Vignamaggio in 1479 and was the daughter of the owner of the estate at the time, Anton Maria Gherardini. In 1988, Avvocato Gianni Nunziante purchased Vignamaggio and initiated an extensive renovation of the buildings, gardens and vineyards. The historic wine cellars, located below the villa, were equipped with modern temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Nunziante also invested in replanting a lot of the vineyards, where a few old vines of Cabernet Franc were found, among the many rows of Sangiovese. These precious vines were preserved and are now used for the 100% Cabernet Franc.
Regular Price $17.99
Cooper’s Price $16.99
Marques de Grinon Caliza; Valdepusa, Spain2011
50% Syrah – 45% Petit Verdot – 5% Graciano. “Caliza” means limestone in Spanish, used in naming this wine so as to pay homage to the unique soil profile at this Dominio de Valdepusa estate. The moderate layer of clay topsoil over rocky limestone leads to elegantly structured wines. The Syrah and Petit Verdot are fermented in stainless steel followed by one year in new and second year French oak.
Tasting Notes Deep purple in color with ruby reflections, this wine shows alluring notes of blackberries and cassis with undertones of cinnamon, wet leather, and sweet pipe tobacco. On the palate, it is beautifully full-bodied and silky with refreshing acidity and flavors that unfold into the long-lasting finish. The tannins are majestically intertwined with the fruit.
Kevin’s Notes: Every now and then, when I taste wines with my wholesalers, I will turn to them and ask, “How much of this wine do you have in stock?” This is signal to my sales reps that I REALLY love the wine and if the inventory is right, I may buy all they have. Well, I bought all 4 cases of this wine and it’s for you to enjoy. I look forward to hearing you say,
“WOW this is great”. This is one the greatest producers of Cabernet in Spain so why should I be surprised to see them make a crazy red blend that blows my mind. Warning: when this is gone, its gone. Cheers!
Regular Price $26.99
Cooper’s Price $22.99
