News and Wine Blog
Oct Vino Mas Wine Club - Ellena Giuseppe Selections!
10/01/2023
"Our wines interpret the grapes to bring out the true and authentic essence. They are the unbreakable bond that to join our family in these hills."
Today, three generations work side by side weaving tradition and innovation. In the vineyard, ancient viticulture is practiced with some hints of modernity. Pruning is short, and yields are low, obtained with thinning often carried out with two - three passages in the vineyard. Fermentation occurs with wild yeasts. All the wines are bottled without fining or filtration and just a small addition of sulfur. These wines are organic, natural, vegan and very small production.
The wines this month are Italian, my favorite! The Barbera d'Alba is the main wine for this month and has lots of red and black fruit notes. This grape variety produces wines that are fantastic, are very food friendly and have nice acidity. FUN FACT: Barbera is 1000 years older than Cabernet Sauvignon. Viticulturists suspect the origin of Barbera goes as far back as the 7th century. Compare that to Cabernet that has only been around since the 17th century. I paired this wine with Italian Caprese sliders. You can make these patties into regular size burgers also. The burgers are packed with Italian flavors that complement the fruitiness of the Barbera. Easy and flavorful!
The white is Nascetta this month. This wine shows floral, herbal and citrus notes. FUN FACT: This variety was very popular until the end of the 1800’s when it was basically abandoned, it was rediscovered in the last decade and still there are only about 25 acres throughout the world. This white can actually be decanted and will help it to open up. Brenda took on this wine to pair with food. She made browned butter and lemon Scallops that complemented the wine beautifully. The nuttiness of the browned butter, the lemon and herbs that were cooked with the Scallops were perfect with the wine. Brenda dished the Scallops with a basmati rice that had a bit of spice to it to round out the dish.
The complement Red this month is a Nebbiolo. This wine shows red fruits and floral notes. FUN FACT: Nebbiolo is an old grape, first being referenced as far back as the 13th Century! Even though Nebbiolo only makes up ~8% of all the grapes grown in Piedmont, more of this grape is grown there than anywhere else in the world. Nebbiolo is also a wine that shows better after it opens up. You can decant it, or just let it sit in your glass a bit. Deb made the dish to pair with this wine, she made a Beef Ragu. Nebbiolo has higher tannins and is full-bodied which pairs well with meaty beef pasta dishes. Meat dishes work really well as the fat content balances Nebbiolo's strong tannins. This meat sauce was so delicious, it is one that I will definitely make and double so that I can freeze some for a easy, quick weeknight meal at a later time.
Ellena Giuseppe Barbera d'Alba
NOTES: Full aromas, elegant, well-balanced and enduring, reminiscent of rose, undergrowth and oriental spices. Very powerful bouquet, sweetened by an overall softness. Fine structure accompanied by lively acidic freshness. Flavors conjure up Morello cherry and plum jam with a long finish of withered grape.
ONLY 500 Cases produced!
Recipe to pair with Barbera d'alba:
www.vinomas.com/Caprese-burger-paired-with-Ellena-Barbera-dalba
Recipe to pair with Barbera d'alba:
www.vinomas.com/Caprese-burger-paired-with-Ellena-Barbera-dalba
Ellena Giuseppe Nascetta
NOTES: The nose is intense with floral aromas and hints of iris and acacia flowers, fruit (apple, grapefruit, and tropical fruits) and honey. In the mouth the wine is fresh with citrus notes.
Ellena Giuseppe Nebbiolo
Post By:
Deanna Albertson