Some advice on a couple of brands

[curiousbridetobe]

I'm getting married in less than two weeks and my husband's family is Italian. We want to get good Italian wines, a friends of ours can get some wines for us on a discount. I was curious to know about some particular brands that she had mentioned, quality and reputation. The wines are:

Fontanassa Gavi di Gavi 97

Castelcosa Tocai 95

San Rustico Amarone 94

We weren't able to find them in wines stores we visited today, we're wondering if anyone has information on these?? Your advice is greatly appreciated!

[Jackie]

Anyone able to help our new member and bride to be??

Jackie

[winecollector]

Sorry, but I'm a blank on all three. My guess would be that the Amarone would be the most powerful of the three, and should only be purchased if you will have some real wine lovers there, as an untrained pallate may not appreciate a wine like that. Also, it's been my experience that just about everything I've drank from Italy from the 97' vintage has been wonderful, though I realize it's not a good idea to purchase a wine for your wedding based on such a broad generalization. Sorry I could not be of more help.

Where's Bucko when we need him?

[Innkeeper]

Our resident Italian Wine expert is right now in Nu Yawk preparing his own wine store for opening. In the meantime call his "uptown" competition. There is an Italian Wine Store at 143 E. 27th Street, called Vino. Sorry don't have their phone number, but am sure they can help you.

[Jason]

Agree with notes on Amarone. The wines you mention will be very hard to find due to the vintages of all. These are older vintages and probably no longer available at retail.
None of these is really collector stuff either, so its not likely on a scendary market. Try a retail with good italian selections and update your vinatge requests.