June 2018

Somehow, the experience of a great wine is brought to even greater heights when it’s backed up by a great story. Villa Russiz, located in Italy’s far north east region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, is just such a winery. Even better, the story behind it continues today. Romance, charity, and great wine. Who could ask for more? I met with Wine Maker, Giovanni Genio to hear this fantastic tale and of course to taste some delicious wine.

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Vinitaly 2014 Friuli

Giovanni Genio, Wine Maker, Villa Russiz

2015 Villa Russiz, Les Enfants, White Blend

The nose leads with pronounced minerality followed by aromas of lemon peel, stone fruit and white flowers. Gorgeously balanced texture. Flavors of apple, and citrus peel. Clean, elegant body.

SRP: $23

2015 Villa Russiz, Pinot Grigio

A firm minerality leads the way on this complex and intriguing pinot grigio. Flavors of ripe, red grapefruit, sour orange, and nutty notes are balance by mouthwatering acidity all combining to make a serious and elegant pinot grigio.

SRP: $24

2015, Villa Russiz, Sauvignon Blanc

Herbal nose combined with aromas of subtle minerality and hints of passion fruit and pineapple. On the palate, subtle mixed tropical fruit flavors combine with balanced acidity to make this full bodied wine an easy drinker.

SRP: $25

Often times makers of wines from classic, old world regions create wine in a style that demands aging in order for it to not only appreciate full potential, but in many cases to be even remotely drinkable. Because of advancements in both farming and wine making, today, creating making a wine that is both age-worthy yet approachable and enjoyable to drink at a young age is a possibility. Staunch traditionalists sometimes decry these modern styles as varying too far from the style of wine that a specific region is known for. But thank goodness for forward thinking producers like the brothers Castagnedi of Tenuta Sant’Antonio. These four siblings come from generations of grape growers, yet, have only been making wine for the past few decades. Today, they are making some delicious wines from Valpolicella. Like may producers of the region they produce Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone. Their Amarones are made in the modern style which drink well now, yet will age and improve for decades to come. I sat down with Armando Castagnedi to talk about the complex nature of wine making in Valpolicella, and what makes their modern approach to Amarone so special.

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Armando

Armando Castagnedi with John Lenart

2015 Tenuta Sant’Antonio, Monti Garbi, Valpolicella Superiore, Ripasso

Aromas of violets, red cherry, a touch of fresh herbs, black pepper and a bit vegetables. On the palate this wine shows a wonderful balance of fresh red berries, nice acidity, herbs, black pepper moderate tannins and a spicy finish.

SRP: $19

2013 Tenuta Sant’Antonio,Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG Selezione Antonio Castagnedi

Aromas of dried red fruits, leather, and hints of red roses. Great silky texture. Fine integrated tannins, moderate fresh acidity. Flavors of plum, licorice, espresso and hints of tobacco. Quite drinkable now but will age gracefully for a decade or more. Great to pair with food.

SRP: $45

TSACDG

2013 Tenuta Sant’Antonio,Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG Campo dei Gigli

Complex and elegant nose of mixed dark berries, cedar, and coffee notes. On the palate bold flavors of dried currants, dried mixed berries, fresh herbs, cocoa and cinnamon are balanced by balsamic notes and fine tannins. Wonderful velvety texture.

The Honest Pour with John Lenart

Taking you beyond the bottle.

Month

Ep. 44 Giovanni Genio, Wine Maker, Villa Russiz