Sommelier Journal March 15, 2010

WINERY SPOTLIGHT Arnaldo Caprai, Umbria, Italy

Catherine Fallis, MS, CWP

Marco Caprai has elevated Sagrantino to the top rank of Italian varietals. For Italy, Arnaldo Caprai is a relatively new wine producer—especially when compared with the centuries of experience of the Antinori, Frescobaldi, or even Biondi-Santi families. Arnaldo Caprai founded this Umbrian winery in 1971, after a long, successful career in the textile industry, with the idea of diversifying his investments and making his own wine as a hobby. As he and his son Marco discovere…

Spring is here! Celebrate by enjoying these light, fresh wine picks from grape goddess Catherine Fallis:

 - 2008 Monthaven Chardonnay, Central Coast, California 3-Liter “Octavin Home Wine Bar” $23.99

Tropical but with fresh lemony acidity, this lighter-bodied Chardonnay is also highly portable in it’s innovative and lightweight box packaging.

 - 2009 Georges Duboeuf Brouilly, Beaujolais, France $13.99

This 100% gamay has notes of strawberry, red licorice, and mushroom. It is one of the best cru (single vineyard) Beaujolais wines I have ever tasted – 2009 was Mr. Duboeuf’s vintage of a lifetime!

 - 2007 Hecht & Bannier Minervois, Languedoc-Roussillon, France $22

This dark and sultry French Syrah is medium-bodied with just a touch of oak spice.

-2008 Finca La Linda Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo-Mendoza, Argentina $10.99

Look at this price! A steal for such a rich, flavorful and balanced red that is excellent with grilled foods.

 - 2007 Concannon Petite Sirah “Conservancy”,  Livevmore Valley, California $15

Rich and spicy with berry pie, mocha and cedar notes, this supple red is just the ticket for BBQ ribs or chicken.

 - Noval Black, Quinta do Noval, Douro Valley, Portugal $22

This new style of port with its simple, straightforward name and rich, fruity style has crowd-pleaser written all over it. Delicious with dark chocolate.

Basil Magazine April 2010

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