Fontaleoni Vernaccia 2011

Italy | Chianti | San Gimignano

 “Fontaleoni is one of the elite producers in this zone, devoting much time and energy to Vernaccia, and making very good reds.” – International Wine Cellar Jul/Aug 07

Azienda Agricola Fontaleoni is a small estate whose vineyards are located at 200 meters above sea level, the ideal altitude for growing the Vernaccia varietal. It was established in 1959 when the Troiani family, vignerons for generations, moved to Tuscany. Restructured in the nineties, the cellar was renovated and new vineyards were planted in order to produce high-quality wines. To have modern and sophisticated equipment is particularly important for Vernaccia, as this grape has a delicate nature and a very very fragile skin that breaks easily when reaching full ripeness. Low yields of grapes, careful harvest and pressing of this fragile grape, and conscientious winemaking, have produced Vernaccia wines that continue to grow in quality and fame every year since the first bottling in 1994.

Veritable in its expression, Vernaccia can showcase a wide range of flavors, but one trait all Vernaccia possesses is a crisp acidity that the painter Michelangelo said, “…kisses, licks, bites, pinches and stings” with a subtle, pleasant finish often described as green almond. This 100% Vernaccia offers white peach, floral fruit on the nose with medium body and a dry, fresh finish. Paired beautifully with seafoods (mussels in particular), soft cheeses, and cream based sauces.

Castel Vecchio Orme in Rosso 2009
Italy | Firenze | San Casciano Val di Pesa

The Castelvecchio farm is in San Pancrazio in the municipality of San Casciano Val di Pesa, 20 km from Florence, in Chianti DOCG. Since 1960 the farm has worked 73 hectares of land, 30 of which are vineyards, and 15 are dedicated to olive groves. Historically, Castelvecchio was one of the most important holdings of the Cavalcanti family. The name of the property can be seen on a parchment from 1189, making note of a real estate transaction, and in which reference is made to a CastelVecchio (or Old Castle) in Val di Pesa. The building traces the variable fortunes of the Cavalcanti family until the battle of Monteaperti, where CastelVecchio was razed to the ground. In the 15th century, almost directly on top of the ruins, the present villa was built. Later abandoned, the house fell into disrepair where it languished as a simple farmhouse forgotten in the midst of a thick wood. In 1960, Renzo Rocchi properly restored the villa to its former elegance replete with the dignified air, becoming a Manor Estate. Though it was in a spirit of lightheartedness that the wine cellars were built and the vineyards planted, its resurrection stemmed from a love and passion for the country-side.

This wine is produced from a 50% blend of traditional Sangiovese with 30% Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot cultivated in CastelVecchio’s vineyards. Ageing of 12 months takes place in French oak barriques with further refinement in bottle. The first vintage presented was 2007. The label, with distinguishing red lines remind one of the Tuscan landscape ~ 3 hills in sequences and also the three generations producing this wine. Offering rich berry flavors, mild tannin, and balance – enjoy with grilled or roasted red meats.

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Enjoy the following selection of wines as part of Luci’s Annual Valentine’s Day Creativo Prezzo Fisso. This special menu is offered at both Luci Ancora & Ristorante Luci. our regular menus will not be in service, in order to make room for the creative elements of our Prezzo Fisso Menu.

The wines below are available as a flight with one 3 ounce pour per course or a la carte for glass and/or bottle service.
These wines are unique, rare, and hold a diversity of flavors to compliment our creative menu.

We hope you’ll join us!

Valentine’s Day Wine Flight

Matteo Carreggia Roero Arneis

Italy | Piedmont | Roero | Canale d’Alba

With grapes produced in over 20 hectares of vineyards and managed personally, the Matteo Correggia Concern produces a wide range of wines. The wines are naturally the products of the ground where grapevines put down their roots: sandy ground that has little clay or silt and is very loose and therefore extremely suitable to produce rich and refined bouquets. Bright, bracing, yet full of minerality and lush fruit. This Arneis has a long lees (6 months). Giving it vivaciousness and depth. Beautiful with seafoods, fresh cheeses, and light appetizers.

Don Chisciotte Fiano d’Avellino IGT

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.” With only 5,000 cases produced annually, this is a very rare 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 is a wine that should be recognized.

Cottanera L’Ardanza

Sicily | Castiglione | Cottanera

Etna itself flows in the lymph of the Cottanera vineyards. With its pioneer viticulture, Cottanera is one of the most extraordinary companies in Italian and international enology today. The vineyards grow over lava stone, 700 mts above the sea, on the northern slope of the volcano, rising and twisting with air of the volcano, becoming the mirror of a unique, precious territory, a fascinating, suggestive land. 100% Mondeuse, a grape typical of Upper Savoy. Ardenza is a very particular rich ruby red wine. One is enchanted from the first smell of its extraordinary, elegant bouquet. Fresh vegetal notes lead on to intense, fruity hints of morello, cherry and blueberry, which blend well with pleasant, fine mineral and spicy scents. Pleasantly creamy on the palate, it is well sustained by dense noble tannins and a pleasing full-bodied taste. Long lasting, persistent aftertaste.

Sallier de la Tour “La Monaca” Syrah

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.

Luci Valentines Day Wine Flight (PDF)