Italian WInes — Off The MRKT

Annabella Pardo

We begin by featuring a unique rosé-styled wine, the Pinot Grigio Ramato by Attems , which allows wine lovers to differentiate themselves while still staying on top of the latest rosé wine craze.

Attems - Pinot Grigio Ramato 2022 This rosé-styled Pinot Grigio, known as Ramato since the ancient times of the venerable Republic of Venice, unveils a seductive coppery hue derived from a specific winemaking technique that involves a brief contact of the must with the skins.

Immerse yourself in the aromatic symphony of juicy peaches, broom shrub fragrances, and hints of marasca cherry, beautifully entwined in its bouquet. As you savor this exquisite wine, its dynamic and persistent character will captivate your palate, offering fresh sensations of gooseberry and citrus pee and leaving you craving another delightful sip.

The label, designed by English illustrator Micheal Driver is a tribute to the rich artistic heritage of Venice: this complex, colorful image harmoniously blends modernity and classic elegance, mirroring the unique nature of this exquisite wine.

Attems, a name synonymous with the history of wine in Friuli Venezia Giulia, embodies a millenary tradition in Collio and since 2000 it has been proudly owned by the Frescobaldi family, who continue to honor and innovate upon its distinguished heritage.

Stretching across 44 hectares in the Gorizia area, the Attems estate is located in an idyllic environment, which makes Friuli Venezia Giulia one of Italy's premier grape-growing regions.

*Photo via @****scharffenbergercellars***

Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Rosé The Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Rosé is a captivating blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and is the ideal combatant to the heat. This exquisite sparkling wine is known for its crisp, dry, and complex taste, offering delightful aromas of persimmon and raspberry, and vibrant flavors of white-raspberry and white-peach. The wine's taut acidity, combined with its mesmerizing rose gold bubbles, offers a refreshing balance, making it a perfect companion to a hot summer day.

Produced in Mendocino County, its maritime influences enhance its cooling properties. The lasting, intricate finish allows for an extended moment of refreshing indulgence, proving it to be an ideal selection for those seeking an elegant and cooling experience.

La Fête du Blanc is the newest line from La Fête Wine Company, the makers of luxury rosé La Fête du Rosé. La Fête du Blanc was initially introduced in 2021 as a limited-release white wine and, due to its popularity, has since become a permanent offering. It is made in partnership with the prestigious winemakers from Château Saint-Maur, situated in the Golf de St. Tropez. The blend of the 2022 vintage is 65% Rolle, 26% Viognier, and 9% Colombard. Besides the great taste, setting the wine apart is that the company donates a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold to various programs that send underserved youth on unique travel experiences.

Château de Pennautier, Cabardès 2020 The vineyard is situated on the sunny, south-facing lower slopes of the Montagne Noire, at between 200 and 300 meters of altitude. South facing, on limestone soils. Ruby colour. Candied fruit and sweet spiced scents. On the palate, pepper, cloves and dark fruit aromas. Light tannin end notes which leave lasting and fresh tastes. Perfect with grilled meats, roasts, poultry, and hard cheeses.

That Maxime Magnon is part of one of the most revolutionary wine movements in France should give him a justifiable swagger to his step, yet he is nonetheless a reluctant hero. Most of Maxime’s vineyard land is comprised of schist and limestone subsoils in the sub-appellation Hautes Corbières, bordering Fitou to the South. This is incredibly tough terrain to farm in, as there is virtually no topsoil, just pure rock and garrigue. The Corbières “Rozeta” is a blend of these two district terroirs. This blend is particularly unique, from Carignan vineyards that are dispersed with numerous varietals of older vines, namely Grenache Gris, Macabou, and Terret, which are all picked and fermented together—a true field blend of the old school. “La Démarrante” is a blend of Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah. It is terrific young and deliciously quaffable. Maxime’s tête de cuvé, “Campagnès,” is a single vineyard of the hundred-year-old Carignan, and is the most age-worthy in his line-up. All wines are aged in second-hand, Burgundian barrels sourced from a producer in Chassagne. “La Démarrante” ages both in cuve and in foudre. His wines offer great expression of fruit with immediate approachability.

Domaine Ventenac Cuvee Diane Rosé - Delicate and fruity on the nose with notes of red berries. Fresh and lively on the palate with remarkable length. Olivier and Stephanie Ramé took over the domaine from Stephanie’s father in 2010 and have become a driving force behind the quality and credibility of the Cabardès appellation. They now own approximately 130 hectares of land, which primarily consists of white limestone soil, unique to the region. Their vineyards are farmed organically (certified as of the 2021 vintage) and vinified plot by plot, using indigenous yeasts and little to no sulfites. Heavily influenced by his travels throughout the winemaking world, Olivier has begun to use amphorae (terracotta) for aging and is focused on the unique terroir of each parcel. Olivier describes his wines as being pure, fresh and “without makeup,” showcasing the soul and potential of the region.

CHÂTEAU HAUT GLÉON APPELLATION D’ORIGINE PROTÉGÉE CORBIERES - a deep, brilliant pink colour with raspberry reflections. Intense on the nose, dominated by raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Powerful and rich in flavour on the palate (wild strawberries, mild spices) with a long, fruity finish. Ideal with spicy dishes, tapas, grilled meat or dessert with strawberries. Serve 12°C.

Argentina is known for Malbec. While it’s true that the South American country transformed a mostly forgotten French grape into a popular red wine, it has become pigeon-holed into the red wine category.

Luckily, a white wine revolution has been taking place in the domestic market, and the world is now filled with high-quality white wines ranging from the native Torrontés grape to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and more. As inflation keeps prices very high, these refreshing options are unbeatable substitutes for expensive Burgundies and California whites that cost over $100!

Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontés 2022 Innovation is one of the pillars of Susana Balbo Wines. This wine was the first of its style, fermented in French oak barrels (compared to steel tanks), and showcasing Argentina’s native grape in new clothes. This wine boasts a golden hue with fragrant notes of tropical fruits, especially lychee, and complex hints of citrus, lemon peel, and delicate floral aromas. The palate is silky and harmonious, with high acidity balanced by intense fruit flavors. Despite its round texture, it is unmistakably Torrontés at its finest!

Osmosis Sauvignon Blanc 2022 , Osmosis Wines crafts premium wines made from sustainably-farmed, estate vineyards located in Agrelo and Alto Agrelo, Mendoza in Argentina. The winery is changing the game by creating wines with 85-90 calories per 5oz serving with zero sugar and low alcohol, all while maintaining fresh and full flavors. This Sauvignon Blanc is bright and crisp with notes of grapefruit, citrus and passion fruit, and is naturally dry with zero sugar but has a hint of sweetness from pineapple flavors (thanks to the latest harvest). The wines are certified gluten-free and vegan.

Argento Artesano White Malbec 2020 You read that right: White Malbec. Bodega Argento has given the U.S. market its first-ever white Malbec, made with 100% organic grapes, and it is made in the ‘Blanc de Noir’ technique for a racy, bright end result. The grapes are pressed immediately with no skin contact and fermented in stainless steel, resulting in a wine with powerful aromas of green apple, citrus and white flowers, a delicate, yet structured and fresh, palate, and, underlying minerality that provides a sense of place This wine is pressed directly off the skins with aromas of green apple, citrus, white flowers and mineral notes.

Viña Cobos Vinculum Chardonnay 2019 , Viña Cobos makes wines that are authentic expressions of the terroir from which they come. Paul Hobbs, founding partner and winemaker at Viña Cobos, has worked since 1988 in the exploration of the different terroirs of Mendoza, looking for the most distinguished regions in Luján de Cuyo and the Valle de Uco, to produce wines that uniquely express their origins. The Vinculum Chardonnay is a beautiful wine made with 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Uco Valley at high elevation 3,330 to 3,845 feet. Aged for 12 months in new French oak this wine offers aromas of green apple, apricots and hints of cinnamon achieving great purity and intensity.

*Photo via @****otroniapatagoniaextrema***

Otronia Block III & VI Chardonnay 2020, Born in the harsh climates of Patagonia, Argentina, this 100% Chardonnay from Otronia is defined by its freshness, depth, vitality, flavor and long persistence. The natural acidity of the Patagonian terroir gives it a very attractive character and tension, and also guarantees a long-life aging in the bottle. It is a rare treat to behold, born on the edge of impossible.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or submit here to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.