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2009 De Filippo Grechetto Colli Martani DOC

 

The House

This Month’s white wine hails from Umbria, a land-locked region in central Italy that lies between Tuscany to the West and the Marche to the East.    The de Filippo estate is situated near Assissi, in the rolling shadowy landscape that dominates this central Italian region.    At de Filippo, because they believe the quality of the wine starts in the vineyard, they have been farming their 30 hectares (72 arcres) of vines organically since 1994 and have been moving towards biodynamic practices.  

 

The Wine

This wine is a bit of an anomaly in the sense that in Umbria, Grechetto is more commonly used as a blending grape (usually with Trebbianno and Malvasia).  Grechetto is generally a low yielding grape with a thick skin, which allows for a rich wine with a density of flavor and structure.  We love how this wine has an electric burst of acidity, a richness throughout the middle and a rocky and persistent finish.  

It would pair beautifully with any type of seafood dishes, greens, olive oils and hard cheeses.

 

 

2009 Bernabeleva Navaherreros Garnacha

 

The House

This month’s red wine comes from the rugged and mountainous region of San Martín de Valdeiglesias , about an hour east of Madrid.  This estate (named Bernabeleva or Bear’s forest after the ancient bears carved from boulders to mark forests dedicated to the hunt goddess) was purchased in 1923 by a doctor turned winemaker who deemed the site a special place for Garnacha.  His winemaking dream was put on hold due to the civil war that broke out shortly thereafter.  It was not until 2006, 80 years after these Garnacha vines were planted, that his winemaking dream was revived.  Two of his grandchildren vowed to carry on what he had started, and have been making biodynamic wines from this unique estate.  As the doctor predicted, it is an excellent site for Grenache.  

 

The Wine

Navaherrerros is made from Grenache grapes from every different vineyard in the estate.  The warm days and cool nights at Bernabeleva allow for a wine that has juicy fruit coupled with vibrant acidity.   The  Navaherrerros Garnacha is aged  (depending on the character of the fruit) either in neutral oak barrels of varying sizes, stainless steel, or concrete tanks to highlight the minerality and character of this special place.  

This wine would be muy delicioso with charcuterie and hearty savory dishes.