Desert Wines and Spirits

Saturday, September 26, 2009

4 to 6 pm

$5.00 per person

Home of: ExecutiveGiftService.com

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264,

760-327-7701, 800-925-0030

Most everyone loves Italian wines, especially with Italian cuisine. In fact, the wines of Italy cry out for food to be partnered with them. California wines probably fare better for the majority of imbibers due to the fruity nature being prevalent. Wines from Italy tend towards the earthy and minerally style, showing excellent depth but dry with a racy acid. Food wine. Wine makers in California have attempted to emulate the Italian style but “fruity” keeps getting in the way.

2007 Tenuta Ca’Bolani Pinot Grigio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

List price 15.95; our price 11.75

This comes from as far north as you can get in Italy, at the foot of the Alps. It has a bouquet perfumed with fragrant acacia flowers, melon and subtle spice. It is quite lush and smooth textured, with ripe apple, orange and honeydew flavors forming a broad base that is accented by just a hint of minerality and crisp, refreshing sweet lemon acidity.

2008 Lasorda Pinot Grigio delle Venezie

List price 16.00; our price 14.99

This wine comes from the municipalities of Soave and Monteforte d’Alpone, where exist the original and ancient areas of production of Soave and Pinot Grigio. The nose explodes with a pleasant bouquet of citrus fruit; crisp, wide, full, and persistent. The delicious citrus flavors merge with accents of minerals and flowers to produce a bolder, richer version of this classic wine. The bright, crisp, full flavors are achieved by having longer contact with the skins during fermentation.

2006 Coltibuono Chianti Classico, Tuscany

List price 17.99; our price 13.95

This wine, made from selected Sangiovese vineyards, is the result of collaboration with a small number of local producers, located in the best Chianti Classico micro-zones. It is intense and fruit-forward, ready for drinking immediately, but over time it gains an added complexity. It was made by star wine-maker Roberto Stucchi.

2004 Agricole Rizzello Terre D’Uva Salice Salentino, Puglia

List price 21.00; our price 14.99

This fine wine comes from the town of Salice in the region of Salento in Puglia, the south of Italy. The blend is 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera which spends a minimum of 2 years in French oak. Once past the ripe fruit aromas, the wine shows the austere flavors of the Negroamaro and the soft gentleness of the Malvasia Nera. The tannins are still young but should smooth out with age. The wine won a gold medal at the Southern Italian Wine Conference.

2003 Cantine Bonacchi Chianti Riserva, Tuscany

List price 26.00; our price 22.95

This traditional style Chianti Riserva is 100% Sangiovese, aged up to 2 years in French Oak. It is full on the nose with rich lingering aromas and spiced notes. This elegant, well balanced, well structured wine has subtle flavors of vanilla, cocoa and spice, smooth body that is soft and warm, ending with a long, slightly dry and velvety finish. Decanting helps.

Casa Abbazia Malvasia Rosé Asti, Piemonte

List price 14.99; our price 12.95

Centuries ago the ruling kings throughout the region would often use this delicious and enticing sparkling rosé wine to impress the women they were courting as a romantic gesture. The only difference today is we are short on kings. This 100% Malvasia Bianca Spumante, at 7% alcohol, has a delicate aura of roses and ripe fruit. The palate is sweet, aromatic and supple with a deliciously long finish.