Recomendations (Name of wine and vinard) for fine Italian wines

[Juan G]

Hello,

Could somebody please provide me with a couple of really nice suggestions for fine Italian wines to serve at my brother's rehersal dinner. The menu isn't quite defined yet, but I'd appriciate knowing the names of your top 3 reds and whites.

Thanks.

Juan G

[Bucko]

(fine Italian wines)

That is an oxymoron, isn't it? }:>

Bucko

[n144mann]

Hmmmm looking for fireworks with that comment Bucko??? [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

Nancy

[Randy Caparoso]

I'm sure you can get some help, Juan, but we'd really need a price range. The top Italian wines now run in the hundreds of dollars (per bottle). I'm sure this is not what you have in mind. Let us know exactly what you need to spend, and the specific quantities.

[Juan G]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I'm not certainly not looking for $100+ bottles for the dinner. Perhaps mid-$20's and were looking at two cases. I appriciate the information. My knowlegde of Italian wines is lacking. I understand they are now producing some very nice Cabernets.

Thanks

Juan G

[Thomas]

Dispense with Italian Cabernet -- overpriced stuf, generally. Look toward the south, specifically Puglia (Apulia). Truly nice reds from that region at great prices. Ask a retailer to get you some Salice Salentino, to start with.

Here's a wine I just came across last week. Terre Al Monte 1996 Aglianico Rosso.

It is from Apulia; it is fruity, clean and medium-bodied. Under $10.

[Jerry D Mead]

There are lots of really good Chiantis for $20 or less...Castello di Gabbiano is one that is very reasonably priced.

[Scoop]

What is on the menu?

CM

[misterjive]

Castelcosa Cabernet Franc is awesome, the exception that proves the rule. Banfi Mandrielle Merlot is awesome, so who says Italians can't make great non-Italian varieties!?! Nebbiolo-based wines can be profound (and sublime over time), so pick up a Barolo, Barbaresco or Gattinara (Borgogno, Vietti, and Dessilani, respectively).
And now for three whites: any of Silvio Jermann's Chardonnay, some Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, and Gavi di Gavi. Or what about Berlucchi? (a great blend of Pinot G., Pinot Bianco, and chard.)....

[Thomas]

Not many people realize that Italians have been growing Merlot for more than a century, and producing fantastic ones at that, especially in Friuli, where their Sauvignon Blancs are superior products.

[Juan G]

Sorry to have ducked out of the loop for a while. Thanks to all for the fantastic suggestions. To reply to menu question, I know guests will have the choice of one of the following entrees:

Talapia Medditeranean - (served in a light oil sauce toped with roasted pepper, sun-dried tomato, black olive, and feta cheese.)

Gnochi Woodsman - (Gnochis served in a molassas and brandy sauce with large garlic cloves and sub-dried tomatos.)

Chicken Rustica - (Chicken Breast cooked in a hearty red sauce with bell peppers, italian sausage, tomatos, mushrooms, and leeks.)

I think I've got this right. Anyway, something to wet your whistle. :-)

[sharky]

Luna de luna is a very good italian wine, I'm not sure of the vineyard but it is a very moderately priced wine that delivers more than what you pay for it. Its readily available as well.