Hello from the Caviste -
We hope you are enjoying all the wildlife out there. We're getting wild ourselves and throwing another rosé tasting, mostly all-star Italians and a lone Spaniard in the lineup.
This Wednesday, May 13, 5-7 drop in, Sophie from Haw River is pouring an All-Star Rosé lineup - from legends Giusto Occhipinti (COS), Elisabetta Foradori, and Elisabetta Fagiuoli (Montenidoli) and longtime classic Rioja producer, Ostatu. As you know, we love roses and this is the season, please join us.
We have also finalized a date for our next wine dinner - Tuscany Wine Dinner - THURSDAY, June 11. Jay Murrie from Piedmont Wine Imports will be your host, and all of the fan favorites will be in the lineup, from Corzano e Paterno, Caparsa, to an incredible Brunello. We are taking reservations, but the menu is still under development.
We hope you have a great week.
Cheers |
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All-Star Italian & Spanish Rosés
with Sophie from Haw River
Wednesday May 13, 5 - 7pm drop in, $5 tasting fee
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Rosado, Ostatu | Rioja, Spain | Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura
A classic Spanish producer of a practicing organic, polycultural estate. The single-vineyard Rioja Alavesa reds are stellar, so you know their rosé will have the same precise attention. The grapes are high-altitude, bush-trained vineyards of indigenous tempranillo, garnacha, and viura vines in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. Crisp, refreshing, an absolute delight. $19
Rosato, Montenidoli | Tuscany, Italy | Canaiuolo
If you have been with us for awhile, you know we are big fans of Elisabetta Fagiuoli's wines - from her Chianti to her rosatos. The grape, Canaiuolo, has depth, structure, violets and minerals. Great with grilling vegetables, seafood platter, or any patio setting. $24
Rosa di Lupo, COS | Vittoria, Sicily, Italy | Nero d'Avola
A legend in every right. Giusto Occhipinti (the "O" in COS), is Arianna Occhipinti's (the other famous Occhipinti) uncle and mentor, who essentially put the Vittoria appellation, and Sicilian wine, on the map for the rest of us. He conscientiously farms, hand harvests, and is known for aging wines in terracotta amphora. The grapes were so good this year and the juice so dark, Giusto said they 'had' to make a rose, for the first time ever. This is a direct press wine (no skins time) and drinks like a sand beach island inflected Tavel or other heftier rose. Certainly worth starting your next spring supper with or pairing with a Greek salad - don't skip the black olives. A serious rosé, full-bodied, but with wild strawberries, blood orange, a little saline, a little incredible. $27
Lezèr, Foradori | Alto Adige, Italy | Teroldego
We snuck in a light red, for this tasting we are considering it a dark rosé. Elisabetta Foradori is another legend who is renowned for reviving native varietals from the Alto Adige - a bucket list travel destination for many of us. Ripe strawberries and clove, soft tannins, vibrant, incredibly just so memorable and juicy. $28
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FEATURE WINES
COS from Sicily
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This time of the year, who doesn't think about heading to an island? And, in the wine world few islands are more intriguing to visit than Sicily. With over 3,000 years of wine making history, resting off the coast of southern Italy but in sight of the African continent, this is a land of surprisingly diverse wines. We were fortunate to have one of the OG producers in the store to taste us through his wines, each and everyone strikingly delicious.
COS was founded by three men whose last names start with C, O and S. The "O" represents Giusto Occhipinti, since the beginning he has sought to portray the authenticity of the land and its grapes. They are located on the southeastern tip of Sicily. And while they have southern exposure, they are on high altitude (250 meters), bringing a microclimate of high cool winds - a perfect thriving place for Nero d'Avola.
Like all of our favorite producers, he believes this starts with attentive but low intervention farming. Here, the topsoil is only a few feet deep over the limestone which brings elegance to the wine. Giusto has also worked hard to refine the vessel choice for each wine using concrete, amphora and sometimes barrels depending on the grape and where it is growing.
COS is the quintessential Sicilian winemaker - an ambassador, a tour guide, a true representation of this island. Buy a bottle or two and explore what this island has to offer.
We had the privilege of Giusto visiting us (and a few of our wine friends in town :-)) for a great tasting. Giusto is the white-bearded gentle soul who invited all of us to go see him on the island (yes, please!).
Pictured (from left to right of the wines)
Frappato 2024 - $28
Cerasuolo di Vittoria (Nero d'Avola / Frappato) - $34
Nero di Lupo (Nero d'Avola) - $25
Rosa di Lupo (Nero d'Avola) - $27
Contrada (Nero d'Avola) - $45
Feature wine:
Contrada 2020 - This flagship is one of the few wines to see some oak (mainly used) as well as extended bottle aging. It is only made in the best years and shows the richness of the island sunshine but with an elegance from the limestone soil. Savory, broody, dusty, with stomped red currants, lean, elegance, and certainly one you savor with lamb ragout, grilled fare, or just a quite midnight sip.
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EVENTS
Wine Tastings
Rosé Tasting Part II
with All-Star Italians & Spanish
with Sophie from Haw River
Wednesday May 13, 5-7pm drop in
*all wine tastings are $5, waived with feature bottle purchase
Wine Dinners with Bobby Boy Bakeshop
at Bobby Boy Bakeshop's new fine dining space
845 South Poplar Street
Tuscany Wine Dinner
Jay Murrie of Piedmont Wine Imports
THURSDAY, June 11, 6pm
RSVP only, $150++ per person
- - HOURS - -
Tuesday-Saturday 12pm to 7:30pm
Wines open / Corks pulled all day
Small snacks offered all day
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Have a great week!
The Caviste Team
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