|
|
Oct 27, 2014
It's hard to believe some of the top
selling Italian wines in eastern Canada are only breaking into the west now, after 20 years.
Umberto Cesari established his namesake winery fifty years ago in Emillia Romagna after purchasing a 20-acre vineyard.
Emilia Romagna is known as, "The land of slow food and fast cars," says Gianmaria Cesari, referring to this region recognized not only for its incredible cuisine and restaurants but also as being the home of Bugatti, Ferrari and Lamborghini et cetera.
(Photo: Cesari family. Gianmaria, Guiliana, Ilaria, Umberto Cesari. Credit, Umberto Cesari)
Today the estate is 170-hectares in size and the vineyards sit upon the hills of Castel San Pietro Terme between 250-400 meters above sea level.
These warm and windy vineyards are perfect to produce the wonderfully fresh and fruit forward wines that seem indicative of this estate.
Cesari grows four classic varieties: Sangiovese, Albana, Trebbiano and Pignoletto, In addition, they grow international varieties to use as blenders: Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet.
Umberto's son, Gianmaria Cesari, was in Canada last week, introducing his wines to those of us on the left coast. He made a quick stop in Vancouver to visit some buyers in local private wine stores. I'm told they were very appreciative, which is good news for wine lovers here.
It was my first introduction to Gianmaria and the wines of Umberto Cesari, which are being imported by Tandem Wine Selection. Tandem is the name of the western, Ontario, and Atlantic arms of an established agency based out of Montreal called Vini-Quatro.
Look for some of these wines coming to private stores near you. No word yet on upcoming availability in British Columbia Liquor Stores.
Prices are approximate only.
iove Bianco, 2013
A fresh and fruity quaffer laden with clean fruit, citrus, honey and floral notes. It has a wonderful fruit sweetness and perfect for spicy dishes, sushi, fish. Made from Pignoletto and Pinot Grigio.
Pronounced E-O-vay.
$18
iove Rosso, 2013
Like its white counterpart, fruit is what drives this wine. Made entirely in stainless steel it is a juicy red with high-toned berry notes. Made from Sangiovese with 20% Merlot. A perfect pizza wine.
$19
Moma Bianco, 2013
The best selling Italian white wine in Quebec, the Moma is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Banc and Trebbiano. There is more complexity here - a wine with dominated by citrus, crisp white fruits and mineral.
$19
Moma Rosso, 2012
Like its sibling, Moma Bianco, the Moma rosso is a step up from the fresh and lively iove series. It has a bit more depth, texture and weight with attractive red and purple fruits. Made from Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot.
$22
Sangiovese di Romagna Riserva DOC, 2011
Entirely Sangiovese, this sumptuous red offers sweet spices, plummy notes, cherries and a plushness rarely seen from  Chianti-made Sangiovese. A generous wine, which is entirely delicious.
$25
Liano Rubicone, 2011
Mostly Sangiovese Grosso with 30% Cabernet, the Liano takes it to the next level, still offering pristine and generous fruit but with more structure. Wonderful balance here, the acidity compliments the fruit and enlivens the palate.
Good complexity without being stuffy. The tannins are polished.
The best selling red wine over $25 in Quebec. Also available in Alberta.
$37
~Daenna Van Mulligen
|
|
|
