Publication: Grape | 02 June 2006
Author: Cathy van Zyl
Have you noticed how Woolworths is into Italy in a big? way? Not just in the food department, but on the wine-shelves too. Some have been blended under the guiding hand of their maestro Selection manager, Allan Mullins, but importer Stefano Gabba of Melgab International has sourced this trio. Only the Chianti is not a Woolies exclusive.
What they primarily offer the winelover unfamiliar with Italian wines is an affordable opportunity to savour something completely different. If some or none appeal (doubtful), well, it’s not going to break the bank.
Sicilian wine generates many compliments these days; this grillo should show why. Grillo, a white grape, and cataratto go into the fortified wine?, Marsala?. While this is declining in popularity, grillo produces a very decent, dry? table wine? on its own. Its appearance is as bright? as the Sicilian sunshine and there’s also a sense of warmth in its dried herbs and gentle tropical tones. It is fresh but also has some creamy? richness, with a tuck of grip to the dry finish? adding interest – though IM noted a short finish More vinous than fruity?, and medium-bodied, all combine to make it very food friendly – a virtue of Italian wines generally. For early drinking.
The red nero? d’avola is also from Sicily, and the red of the moment as far as Italian varieties go. The antithesis of modern thick, oaky? monsters, the tone of this light textured, medium-bodied wine is set by the clear cherry hue. While we all agree on its unpretentiousness, there is satisfaction in the warm dried herb, aniseed and fennel? attractions, delicious gamey finish. Drink and enjoy now.
