PETIT WEEK IN WINE | February 28th - March 3rd 2024 | |
|
TASTING FLIGHT:
Escape to the Mediterranean Isles
Wines from Mallorca, Santorini, Sicily, and Corsica
| |
|
Embark on a Mediterranean Odyssey...
Picture yourself on the sun-drenched shores of Mallorca, the windswept vineyards of Santorini, the historic landscapes of Sicily, and the rugged charm of Corsica...
Now prepare your palate for a voyage like no other! This week, we invite you to join us on an extraordinary odyssey as we uncork the treasures of FOUR Mediterranean islands on our Tasting Flight.
As you swirl, sip, and savor, you'll be transported to these captivating islands, each sip a passport to a unique terroir and winemaking heritage. For the whites, did you know that Mallorca's indigenous grapes create wines that echo the island's vibrant culture? Or that Santorini's Assyrtiko is shaped by volcanic soils and delivers a crisp and mineral-laden symphony?
The second half of our Tasting Flight takes you from the sun-soaked vineyards of Sicily, where Frappato & Nero d'Avola reign supreme, to Corsica's rugged beauty mirrored in its robust reds.
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to elevate your wine journey this week with our $22 Escape to the Islands Tasting Flight - it promises to rejuvenate your palate and get you ready for your travels in 2024... Wine is YOUR transport.
Please read on for Flight Hours, and additional information on both the featured islands and wines. Cheers!
Mark
| |
|
PARK ROAD:
5:00 - 7:00pm Wednesday
5:00 - 9:00pm Thursday-Friday
1:00 - 9:00pm Saturday
1:00 - 7:00pm Sunday
| |
|
SOUTH END:
5:00 - 9:00pm Thursday-Friday
1:00 - 9:00pm Saturday
1:00 - 7:00pm Sunday
| |
|
MALLORCA - SPAIN
Wine making has been part of Mallorca’s culture dating right back to Roman classical times. The wine industry prospered from the 14th century right up until the end of the 19th century. Its sweet 'Malvasia' wine, similar to Madeira wine was particularly famous and heavily exported to England, the Netherlands and Germany.
With suitable land and a similar climate to the South of France, Spain and Italy, it should be no surprise that Mallorca possesses optimal vine growing conditions. Local wine is protected under two 'Denominació d'Origen' (DO) or appellation of origin, Binissalem and Pla i Llevant, and several regulated 'Vi de la Terra' labels (the equivalent of 'Regional Wine').
Having some of the most famous ‘Old Wine’ regions in the world as its neighbours, Mallorca’s wine has a lot to live up to. The 21st century has seen its wine industry flourish, the reason why you might not have come across any of the island's wine yet is that Mallorcan wines aren’t typically exported. Yes, that’s right, since they’ve been producing the good stuff, they have been keeping it for themselves and the millions of tourists the island attracts each year.
| |
|
SANTORINI - GREECE
Assyrtiko and Aidani (whites), along with Mavrotragano (red), are perhaps the most well-known of Santorini’s dozens of indigenous grapes. Also look out for Vinsanto, a dessert wine made with late-harvest white grapes that are sundried for up to two weeks.
But the path to successfully grow these grapes wasn’t easy.
The common theme of Santorini’s wine story is perseverance. Locals have practiced viticulture here for at least 3,500 years. But a volcanic eruption in the 17th century B.C.E. wiped out nearly all traces of life.
It took three centuries for the island to resettle and for vines to be replanted. However, the eruption would serve to not just define Santorini’s iconic topography of caldera and cliffs, but its terroir.
Vineyards are planted into pumice soil with almost no organic matter or clay. There’s a bit of ash and lava, but it’s this sandy, clayless composition that has prevented phylloxera from ever taking hold. So there’s no crop-destroying louse, but that doesn’t mean grape-growing in Santorini is an easy task. Its conditions might lead you to believe that the island isn’t suitable for viticulture at all: It rarely rains, and irrigation is limited to young vines. So where does the fruit get its water? The answer lies in the moist sea air, critical to one of the most defining characteristics of wines here: salinity.
Strong, ever-present winds pose a real threat to the vines. Because trellises can be easily blown away, producers have taken to pruning vines into the shape of a basket or a wreath, called koulouri. This technique, which essentially weaves canes around one another to create a ring, allows the fruit to grow inside the basket, protecting it from intense summer heat and wind-blown sand.
| |
SICILY - ITALY
From the warm waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the snowy peaks of Mount Etna, Sicily has most of the climates found in the rest of Italy concentrated in one beautiful island.
The Greeks, Phoenicians, Arabs and Italians have all held sway over Sicily. Though the Greeks brought their advanced viticulture techniques, Sicilians have been making wine since 4000 BC. Its dry, warm climate features regular sunshine and moderate rainfall that suits wine production. Arid conditions reduce the chance of rot and mildew, especially in areas kissed with coastal breezes. This makes Sicily a prime candidate for organic farming. Olives, citrus and grains drive the agricultural sector beyond wine.
In the past, however, farmers opted for higher yields, which turned Sicily into a bulk wine center. They distributed to mainland Europe to boost thin wines, as well as to China and India, who imported concentrated Sicilian must to sweeten foods.
Heritage regions like Marsala did put Sicilian wine on the map. Wine traditions in each of the island’s regions, from Vittoria to Mount Etna, have remained strong. In the 1980s, a resurgence in interest brought improvements in viticulture and winemaking. Today, Sicily turns out some of the most exciting labels in Italy.
| |
|
CORSICA - FRANCE
Corsica, a remote island in the Mediterranean, is the one French wine region that perhaps owes as much to the Italian winemaking tradition as the French winemaking tradition. Part of that has to do with the island’s location – it is 90 kilometers west of Italy but 170 kilometers southeast of France. It was only in 1769 that the island finally came under French control.
There are three grape varietals that are most popular in Corsica – Nielluccio (which is similar to Sangiovese and is sometimes called “the spice wine of France”), Sciacarello and Vermentino. Overall, there are more than 40 grapes that are grown on the island, with many of them reflecting Italian influences. Of these grape varietals, the most popular is Nielluccio.
There are 9 different appellations (AOCs) for Corsica, including one that covers the entire island. The first one, Patrimonio, was established in 1968. Other important appellations include Muscat du Cap Corse, Ajaccio, Calvi, Sartene and Figari. The most popular wines from Corsica are simply known as “country wines from the Isle of beauty.”
In terms of geography and climate, Corsica is a mountainous island that is warmer and drier than mainland France. The average elevation of the island’s vineyards is 300 meters above sea level. On Corsica, the use of irrigation is prohibited for vineyards.
| | |
|
|
ANIMA NEGRA
'Quíbia' 2022
Mallorca, Spain
$30 btl/retail
| |
Founded in 1994 when two self-taught friends, Pere Ignasi Obrador & Miquelàngel Cerdà, decided that the wines of their native Mallorca weren’t reaching full potential. Thanks to 50-85yr old vines and biodynamic farming practices, Anima is producing unique, elegant wines that have garnered worldwide praise, and earned a loyal following.
Varietal: 60% Premsal and 40% Giró Ros. It matured with lees in stainless steel before being bottled. It has 12.9% alcohol and good freshness
Tasting Notes: The color is an enticing straw-lemon with greenish highlights. Quíbia has aromas of white peach, pear, sea brine and jasmine. On the palate the wine is weighty with silky olive oil texture and concentrated flavors of ripe peach, Anjou pear and capers. Crisp, lively and well balanced.
| | |
|
|
KARAMOLEGOS
Feredini Assyrtiko 2022
Santorini, Greece
$31 btl/retail
| |
Feredini is the traditional knife used for harvesting in Santorini, the place where Assyrtiko is mostly planted due to its volcanic soils. This is your eternal Greek island sunset wine...
Varietal: 100% Assyrtiko planted in the famous volcanic soil. Vnified at a controlled temperature. Maturation on fine lees for 1 month.
Tasting Notes: White-yellow in color that is immediately recognizable as a classic Assyrtiko with forward salinity and aromas of lemon and lime. On the palate it has the characteristic combination of intensity and acidity, but also a clarity in definition. It’s mouth brings out the metallic character of Santorinian soil, finishing with a proper after taste.
| | |
|
|
COS
Frappato Terre Siciliane 2022
Sicily, Italy
$34 btl/retail
| |
COS, an avant-garde winery in Sicily, embraces a deep respect for ancient winemaking traditions. With a vision to express the unique terroir, they crafted the Terre Siciliane Frappato 2022, showcasing the essence of Sicily's heritage. I freakin' love this wine.
Varietal: 100% Frappato. The grapes are sourced from a certified organic vineyard in Vittoria. Spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks with aging a further 9 months.
Tasting Notes: A buoyant and fresh red wine. Frappato is often compared to Gamay from Beaujolais, a lighter red that is fruity and easy drinking. COS is the legendary producer of natural wines in Sicily whose influence has shaped the entire movement in southern Italy.
| | |
|
|
DOMAINE COMTE ABBATUCCI
"Faustine" Vieilles Vignes
Rouge 2021
Corsica, France
$48 btl/retail
| |
JC Abbatucci farms the rugged, windswept, granite slopes of southern Corsica, applying biodynamic farming practices to Corsican varieties to produce this Faustine Rouge- named after his daughter. Fresh & light with structure- serve slightly chilled
Varietal: 70% Sciaccarello, 30% Nielluccio.
Tasting Notes: Characterized by a cherry color with ruby reflections in the glass, the powerful nose immediately evokes freshly harvested red berries and pomegranate seeds. The palate reveals red fruit and overlaps with floral aromatics also present on the nose. Hints of spices and pepper on the finish.
| |
|
mark@petitphilippe.com | www.petitphilippe.com
Wine Emergency? text us at 415.306.4283
| | | | |
