MCF Rare Wine
 

 
A New Gem from Abruzzo

Those of you familiar with the legendary names of Valentini or Pepe may want to pay attention here, as these wines (while not nearly as profound, of course) are a nod to the spirit of those two producers.

The reason I say that is because they wade into the funkier waters that the big boys do, but in a much more straightforward and easily palatable way.

Here we have two whites from a tiny, but fantastic (and organic) producer in Abruzzo by the name of Contesa.

The Abruzzo Pecorino is taut, structured and fresh, with a terrific citric profile and, like all good Pecorino, some nice salty, cheesy nuances lurking underneath.

The Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is softer and broader across the palate and shows more of the melon-tinged fruits and a slightly oilier texture.  There are also terrific nuances of smoke/meat that emerge with time.

Both of these wines will excel with the usual white wine suspects like fish, cheese, lighter pastas and salads, but, like all proper central/southern Italian whites, they can also veer nicely into more traditionally red wine territory.  Things like grilled or roasted pork or game birds, meat pastas and pizza would be no problem.

As I type this, I suddenly have a hankering for Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe and a glass of the Pecorino...


Matt Franco

MCF Rare Wine, Ltd
249 West 13th Street
NYC 10011
mcf@mcf-rarewine.com
212.255.8870
www.mcf-rarewine.com