Colonel Jack Daniels' latest column,
"In Vino Veritas" may be found in the online Newsletter

January, 2008

We began our three-month exploration of Italian wines focusing on the South. The Greeks named their colonies "oenotria", the land of wine. The South produces 40% of Italy's total wine.

Our first session tasted four white wines. Two tied for first with 14 points (one point for a first and two for a second). They were Feudo Arancio 2006 and La Cala Vermentino 2006. The Feudo is a Grillo which is a local Sicilian varietal while the La Cala is a local Sardinian grape. Tipping the scales to Feudo slightly is the $8.47 price tag to the $11.65 for the La Cala. A close third was Terredora di Paolo 2005 with 12 points. It is a Falanghina, a local grape of Campania grown on ancient vines that are thousands of years old. Its cost is $13.77. The fourth wine was La Segreta 2005, which means "the secret". We think it can remain so as it got no votes and cost $14.83.

Our second session was on red wines. The clear winner was Colosi 2006, a 100% Nero D'Avola from Sicily earned 21 points. It cost $15.89 and had hints of cherry and blackberry. Second was Taurino Salice Salentino Reserva 2003 named for a small town in Apulia (the heel of Italy) totaled 15 points. It costs $12.71 and is made from vines brought by the Greeks which are not trained or pruned resulting in smaller yields of intense grapes. It has the Italian designation of DOC and is made with minimal filtration and aged in oak for 6 months. Our third choice was Tenuta Rapita Nuar 2005 and is a blend of 70% Nero D'Avola and 30% Pinot Nero. Baked in the heat of Sicily which gives it its color, softness and depth unlike elsewhere. It costs $12.71 and is aged in oak for 9 months. Last was Mastroberardino 2004 called Lacryma Christi Del Vesuvio ("The Tears of Christ of Vesuvius"). It costs $18.01 and got only 2 points.

Next month, we move on the Central Italy. Tune in for details.