Two Worthy Italians

Looking for something new?

Here are two Italian wines we enjoyed recently, a white and a red.

The red, Grosjean Frères 2004 Vallée D'Aoste Torrette and a delicious white, Cantina Del Taburno 2005 Beneventano Greco.

Both will go very well with your fall dining.

You can find them at Amanti Vino.

Grosjean Torrette is produced in the Valle D’Aosta, in the Northwest on the border of Switzerland. This is the smallest wine producing region in Italy.

An area occupied, over the centuries by Celts, Ligurians, Romans, Byzantines, Goths, Longobards, Franks, Bergundians, Bourbans and  Savoians.

Made from an unusual grape, Petite Rouge, it is a delicate wine of medium body, refreshing acidity, subtle, but very flavorful, spicy black cherry, some smoke, bread, well rounded.

They say if you like Gamay from Beaujolais you will like Petite Rouge.

Imported by Neal Rosenthal of Mad Rose Group, former corporate and international lawyer, is passionate about wine . I find his selections to be consistently reliable.

The second find is a Greco from Cantina Del Taburno in the south in the province of Benevento, Campania.

From Greece it is said that the white Greco grape was imported by the Hellenes before the founding of Rome.

"Deep straw yellow in color, this young wine has an extraordinarily elegant, fruity nose with notes of dry apricot, citrus peel and honey.  Quite supple on the palate, it is full, warm and fresh in the mouth, with equally pronounced fruit flavors.  An excellent match for fish and shellfish, it would also pair well with vegetable risotti."   Importer

I loved this wine, found it deliciously and seductive. It would pair well with chicken dishes, spicy or lively-flavored entrees.

Both wines can be found at Amanti Vino, Church Street, Montclair.