SOHO will showcase the wines and flavors of Italy throughout the month of March. The Italian tour begins on flight night Wednesday, March 3.

 

 The vineyards of the Caparzo winery

 

This week, SOHO will first pour a 2008 Attems Pinot Grigio. The Attems family has been producing wine for centuries – they were granted an estate in 1106 from the Bishop of Salzburg for the purpose of cultivating vineyards. The 2008 is an exceptional wine according to resident SOHO wine expert Lars Snavely, as the climate that year allowed for the grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex, concentrated aromatic compounds.

 

SOHO will also pour a 2005 Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino this week. The Caparzo winery is the only estate bottled producer of Brunello di Montalcino to have estate vineyards on all five sides of the hill of Montalcino – ensuring that regardless of climate challenges, the winery is still able to harvest great grapes. The Rosso di Montalcino is light ruby in color with a lovely soft bouquet. Finally, SOHO will offer a 2007 Castello Romitorio. This is the first of several great wines from the excellent 2007 vintage in Tuscany that SOHO will be presenting this month. The Castello Romitorio has big flavors of plum and other stone fruits, a good acid balance, and a very nice finish.

 

Chef Joe has created three Italian tapas plates to pair with each wine this week. The following will be available through March 10:

 

2008 Attems Pinot Grigio, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

100% Pinot Grigio

Roasted chicken stuffed with prosciutto and leeks with a roasted red pepper coulis

 

2005 Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino, Montalcino, Italy

100% Sangiovese

Veal and porcini mushroom baci with sweet peas, sun dried tomatoes, in a spicy tomato and vodka cream sauce

 

2007 Castello Romitorio, Morrelino di Scansano, Italy

85% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

Mini grilled soppressata pizza with asiago cheese

 

Sample each wine in a flight (three three-ounce glasses and a cheese plate) for $18. Or, pair a wine and tapas for $12. Of course, the wines and tapas are available individually as well ($9/glass and $6/tapas). Please join us soon for a taste of Italy!