Joe's Winos Wine Club april 2018

ANDREA FELICI

VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI 2016

A softly sloping green valley covered in equal parts vines and woodland winds its way down to the Adriatic Sea. This is the Marche region of central Italy and heartland to Verdicchio, a native grape here. Andrea Felici is located in Apiro, the highest of the villages surrounding the town of Jesi (Castelli di Jesi). Andrea Felici was already considered one of the finest producers of Verdicchio in the region and Leopardo Felici has spent the last decade making drastic improvements. Since taking the reigns, Leopardo has transitioned the entire estate to organic farming and implemented wine making techniques only intended to highlight the beautiful expression of their varietal and vineyards. Lemon zest, starfruit, white pepper, wet stone, almond, salt water taffy, and chrysanthemum tea abound on the elegant bouquet. The palate is lush and juicy with zippy acidity and tight, mouthwatering minerality. Lime peel, lemon custard and dried mango lead to a dry, almost salty mouthwatering finish. Verdicchio was once the 15th most popular varietal planted in Italy. Perhaps it's time for a reprise?

Pairings:

Crudo (a famous dish in the Marche region), Fresh Tuna Salad with Avocado, Spaghetti with Mussels

BODEGA SEPTIMA

MALBEC 2016

The Codorníu Group has a very long history in Spanish viticulture. The oldest family owned company in Spain, Codorníu has owned vineyards since 1551 and is proudly responsible for the creation of Cava (Spain's champagne method sparkling wine). The collective has amassed an impressive portfolio of wineries including Scala Dei, Raimat, Nuviana, Abadía de Poblet, and Codorníu in Spain, Artesa in Napa Valley, and now Séptima in Mendoza, Argentina. Séptima (Seven) is Codorníu's seventh winery located at 3,600 feet above sea level in the Uco Valley at the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains. High altitude plantings in this arid, dusty region result in Malbec with thick skins adding to the aromatics and complexity. A very concentrated nose of cassis, dried cherries and cranberries, cocoa, pipe tobacco, leather, chicory, lilac, and bbq ribs lead to a velvety, full bodied palate offering dried baking spices, baker's chocolate, macerated cherries, mushrooms, and meaty notes. The finish is smooth and a hint smokey. This is a highly expressive Malbec at an incredible price point!

PAIRINGS:

Lamb Chops with Mint or Lavender, Blue Cheese Burgers, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms.