Throughout February, Luci Ancora & Ristorante Luci will feature two special wineries

Don Chisciotte & Sallier de la Tour

 

Enjoy “Don Chisciotte” Fiano d’Avellino & “La Monaca” Syrah from Sallier de la tour throughout February at Luci Restaurants.

 

Don Chisciotte Fiano d’Avellino 2010  $13/gls
Italy | Campania | Irpinia Highlands | Avellino | Calitri

This wine is a an unusual take on one of this region’s most promising indigenous white varieties from the father-uncle-son team of Michele, Pierluigi and Guido Zampaglione. Made in a natural style; it is organically farmed, with no additions of yeast, enzymes, or chemicals; limited use of sulfur and it’s also fermented on its skins, where it acquires a distinctive golden-orange hue and the classification of an “Orange Wine.”

The taste is fruity, long, lingering and very pleasant with mild residual tannic to clean the mouth and stimulate the drink. With amazing aromatics of nuts, spice, tangerine, apple, and herbs, the palate is fresh and tangy with spicy citrus notes. A bit of tannic grip, with beautiful balance reflects its ability to be a brilliant food companion. Despite its wildness, it is not clumsy or rustic. Expanding one’s imagination, this wine is extremely rare for its style combined with it’s limited availability – only 5,000 cases are produced annually, this is one for the cellar and for those moments when you want something out of the ordinary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sallier de la Tour “La Monaca” Syrah 2008  $10/gls
Italy| Sicily | Palermo | Monreale | Pernice Estate

 

This Syrah, represents the peak of Sallier de la Tour and the realization of a dream which came true, thanks to the strong belief, a deep trust in these lands, and the people working for the project. The estate is at the center of the fertile Jato Valley with vines planted in clay, sandstone, and tufo, along the Sicilian “Strada” for Syrah. The winery itself was a marvel when constructed in 1850 and today, its innovation is still applicable. Built by French architect, De Fry, it was made to store rainwater, manage, and recycle all its grey water.

Made from 100% Syrah from vines planted 20 years ago, the belief and trust in the land has paid off, as one can understand in the depth of character this wine exhibits. With inky-ruby hues, it is expressive. Full-blown aromas of blackberry, smoke, fresh herbs and black pepper. Dense, sweet and spicy, with the hints of fresh herbs joining simple black fruit flavors. Intensely flavored with a finish of good energy and smooth tannins.

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