Millesima USA LLC – New York Fine Wine Merchant
Lioco Chardonnay and Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino
Lioco
Chardonnay 2014
Lioco is known for their single vineyard bottlings that range from $50 to $75 but they also have their entry level bottlings that offer great value. This Sonoma County bottling is a selection of vineyards in Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Coast AVA. The grapes are hand harvested and destemmed before being pressed into stainless steel tanks with just a small percentage of the juice aged in large oak casts to balance out the wine. This Chardonnay displays a pale gold hue with a light green tint which leads to a beautiful aroma of lemon peel and citrus fruit from the glass. It finishes with a chalky minerality that one finds in old world Chardonnay. Enjoy with shellfish, pasta, and risotto with spring vegetables.
Uccelliera
Rosso di Montalcino 2013
Rosso di Montalcino is located in the heart of Tuscany in the vicinity of big brother Brunello di Montalcino. The DOC was established in order to make the most of the fruit from younger vines. This style of wine needed considerably less ageing (Only one year minimum) compared to Brunello (five years minimum with two years in oak). This style of wine is made to enjoy early and doesn’t need long bottle aging like Brunello’s require. The Uccelliera Rosso is ample and broad in style with dark cherry, plum and spice notes on the palate. The wine has a lovely vibrant minerality that balances out its soft tannins. Enjoy with pasta dishes, lasagna and firm cheeses.