What is VITIANO?

[Randy Caparoso]

Okay, here I come: The Falesco "Vitiano" is a truly wonderful wine for the price. One of the great buys in the wine world today. Period. If you see it in a restaurant or retail store wise enough to recognize great drinking for what it is (not what they've "heard"), buy it!

Some background: "Vitiano" is grown and vinified by one of Italy's most revered winemakers, Riccardo Cotarella. In Italy, Cotarella's talents and instincts for great vineyards and grapes are looked upon with awe. Each year, Gambero Rosso (for Italy, sort of like a Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate rolled into one) unfailingly names Cotarella's superpremium Falesco "Montiano" (a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee) among the country's top 10 or so wines). Plus, like a Tony Soter, Helen Turley, and Ken Wright rolled into one, his influence in Central Italy is such that he consults for over 30 wineries (such as Colli Amerini, La Palazzola, La Carraia, and Sportoletti) at a time, on top of maintaining his own brand (Falesco).

Sorry about the serious tone, gents. Can't help myself when it comes to this dude.