Poggiarellino Wine In California

[Marlene Hench]

I think the world or at least the West Coast has discovered Ludivico and Ana Ginotti’s wines. After returning from our Tuscany South Untour in 2005 where we stayed at the Ginotti Farm/Vineyard/Winery, we found that a local distributor in San Francisco occasionally imported some of their Rosso and Brunello wines. Of course, we had to have a couple bottles. Last year we were too late. When we received the newslatter, they were already sold out.

Last week we received the K&L newsletter and they were advertising the Rosso di Montalcino again. This time it was from the grapes that were growing on the vine when we visited. Of course, Frank went right away to the phone and ordered a few bottles. They arrived at our door yesterday and we just had to try it. Yes, their wine was as superb as it was in Ana’s kitchen in the summer of 2005.

Below I am copying the K&L write-ups. They actually featured three Rossos from Montalcino area. I don’t know if any of the other wines are from Untours associated properties or not but here they are. Thought you all would enjoy the write-ups.

“Three Stunning Tuscan Sangiovese DIs: Almost Brunello”

Review by Greg St. Clair

“2005 Baricci Rosso di Montalcino ($18.99) Baricci’s position on the “Montosoli” hill gives them one of Montalcino’s best pedigrees. Their Rosso is full of spice, earth and wild cherry aromatics wrapped around a long and vibrant core; drinkable spicy and with a long finish, try with Tagliatelle and Porcini mushrooms, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and mangia!”

“2005 Poggiarellino Rosso di Montalcino ($17.99) Passione Senile or senile passion is the way that Lodovico and Anna Ginotti describe themselves! They are the Tuscan equivalent of the old TV show Green Acres, yet they can actually make wine! Their wine is powerful, with layers of spice, amarsca, sotto bosco and plum stretched over a long and well muscled body. Drinkable now especially if you pair it with lasagna.”

(I have to admit it went awfully nice with Lima Bean soup last night too!)

“2005 Ferrero Rosso di Montalcino ($17.99) Claudia Ferrero’s lush Rosso feels so warm and soft in the mouth it is almost reminiscent of California wine. It is bursting with lush, warm fruit that makes it easy to drink as a cocktail but if you pair this with your favorite pasta shape and your mother’s best ragu recipe, you’ll be in heaven.”

K&L Wines are located in Redwood City, CA

If you have been wishing for another taste of Ginotti’s Rosso, you might try K&L’s toll free number [phone]. I don’t know what the shipping rules are for your state but if you’re in California, go for it!!

Salut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mary Lou Grier]

Good report, Marlene! I've printed it out and will take it
to Anna next May. I just love the K&L reviewer's comment that Anna & Lodovico consider themselves
Passione Senile! Will have to remember that when I
see them. Of course, their Rosso is a testimonial to
that description - Anna's olive oil, too.