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Sibling Success in Umbria and Puglia
At Vinosia and Tenuta di Salviano
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Perhaps the regions of Umbria and Puglia have something in common with the "city of brotherly love." Both have producers, run by a duo of brothers, who are passionately in love with wine.
Mario and Luciano Ercolino are no strangers to winemaking. In 1986, their parents founded Campania's Feudi di San Gregorio, one of the region's biggest estates. The family also has winemaking facilities in nearby Puglia, which is where the brothers have taken their passion and skills to establish Vinosia. There, they grow indigenous varieties like Aglianico, Negroamaro and Primitivo and want the true expression of each indigenous variety to shine through, including their Malvasia. Unlike some central Italian producers who usually blend the variety with Trebbiano, 100 percent of various Malvasia clones are utilized in this Vinosia white.
Along Lake Corbara in Umbria, lies the Tenuta di Salviano estate run by brothers Piero and Giovanni, grandsons of Sassicaia's founder Mario Incisa della Rocchetta. Among their nearly 5,000 acres, 173 are planted with vines full of Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano Toscano and Grechetto. Originally built in 937AD, the Tenuta di Salviano's antique cellar is situated inside the Titignano castle, which also houses guest rooms and the Salviano restaurant, which serves traditional Toscana and Umbrian dishes.
Today we offer you a wine from each of these producers, including a Malvasia from Vinosia and Tenuta di Salviano's Solideo di Salviano.
Vinosia
Malvasia 2009, 750ml, $10.99
Malvasia has many different expressions. It comes in all forms--dry, sweet, white and red. Vinosia utilizes a blend of clones to make their dry, white version: Malvasia di Novoli, Malvasia di Candia Aromatica and Malvasia Candida. Despite patches of rain earlier in the season, the Malvasia were not adversely affected; the extra moisture helped the fruit stay hydrated through the hotter months of June through August. Intensely strewn with tropical fruits, this Malvasia has crisp acidity on the palate.
Tenuta di Salviano
Solideo di Salviano 2006, 750ml, $53.68**
A 80-20-percent blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the varieties are vinified separately and fermented in stainless steel vats for 15 to 20 days before aging in barrique for 18 to 20 months. This wine is elegant and round with hints of ripe red fruits and spice on the nose with a long finish and can age up to 15 years.
**Indicates pre-arrival. |
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