Ciao Tutti!
This weekend we will taste the Il Nero Casanova 2021, IGT ($23.25, 13.5% ABV) from the Sassontino vineyard of the La Spinetta winery in Terricciola,Toscana. Since its debut at Piazza last year, it has become a favorite of mine and many other customers. It is hard not to like a Sangiovese, whether it is this young wine, or vinified into a Chianti Classico, a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Rosso di Montalcino, or a Brunello di Montalcino, Italy’s most planted grape always satisfies!
The story of Spinetta began in the early 1960’s with Giuseppe (Pin) Rivetti and his wife, Lidia, who were both farmers. Farming soon became winemaking and the second generation of the four Rivetti children, Bruno, Giorgio, Giovanna and Carla, assumed management of the winery with the first production of Moscatos in 1977, which became some of the first single-cru Moscatos to be produced in Italy.
They quickly built upon their initial success and soon the focus was red grapes, culminating in 1989’s Barbera Ca di Pian, followed by Pin, in honor of the family patriarch. In 2001, Toscana beckoned and they created a “new winery”, Casanova della Spinetta with two vineyards; the Sassontino vineyard is devoted to Sangiovese.
Oceanic sediments are present in the soil of Sassontino which impart great richness and elegance to the wine. Giorgio Rivetti believes the elegance of their Sangiovese reminds him of the floral scents and grace of a great Nebbiolo.
The Il Nero di Casanova is the most representative wine from the Casanova estate. “Nero” derives from “vino nero”, which was the original name of Tuscan red wines. On the nose it has hints of dark fruits-blackberries, blueberries, and cherries; its taste is full bodied, tannins are velvety, with good acidity for a great finish.
I enjoy pairing the Il Nero Di Casanova Sangiovese with grilled meats, veal ragu, cured sausages, tomato-based pasta sauces, mushroom risotto, and Gorgonzola cheese.
Come join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 for this outstanding Sangiovese!
Cin Cin!
Jenn
Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center at 218 N. Washington St., suite 23, in Easton, MD
