Tomatoes have always been one of our favorite parts of summer. Whether raw and chopped into a bruschetta, baked into a tart, or cooked down into a rich tomato sauce, an in-season tomato is an entirely different fruit from the out-of season variety. For tomato inspiration, check out this list.
And chez nous, when tomatoes are on the table, Poggerino is never far away. The lone Italian source in our portfolio, the Fattoria Poggerino’s star has risen dramatically in recent years. Writer Rajat Parr calls them “some of the purest expressions of the grape in Italy.” The Wine Spectator recently profiled the vineyard, calling their wines “impeccably balanced” and “pure, honest wine.”
Poggerino’s young-vine “Labirinto” cuvée is pure Sangiovese from 35+ year old vines. The nose is very ripe and juicy, with plum and sweet cherry notes. The mouth is young, earthy, and vibrant, with sturdy tannins under a smooth patina of fruit jam. Pair it with a tomato lemon tart on puff pastry, or a simple homemade pizza.
For a buck more a glass, there’s Poggerino’s traditional Chainti Classico. The 2015 is unusually good, with strawberry jam and anise on the nose, and cherries and roses in the mouth. The texture is firm and long, with excellent aging potential; but today the wine opens beautifully in a glass or carafe. Serve it with Marcella Hazan’s iconic tomato sauce over pasta.
And finally Poggerino makes a Chianti Classico Riserva they call “Bugiala.” This wine requires aging, and in an excellent vintage like 2015, is a bottle get out for a special occasion. Jancis Robinson called the 2015 Riserva “particularly polished,” and the Wine Spectator awarded a whopping 96 points. For your elegant roast lamb with rosemary and tomatoes, go with the Riserva.
____________________________
Poggerino Labirinto 2017
bottle price: $19.95
Poggerino Chianti Classico 2015
bottle price: $25
Poggerino Chianti Classico Riserva 2015
bottle price: $45
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES
