NICHE NICHE TRAVELS TO SOUTHERN ITALY
The Menu
Scallop Crudo with Calabrian Chile and Olives
Cantine del Notaio, IL preliminare 2016
Cantine del Notaio is located in Rionero in Vulture, in the green heart of Basilicata at the foot of an ancient inactive volcano. Gerardo Giuratrabocchetti opened the winery in 1998 and he was soon able to establish himself consistently in the select circle of top winegrowers in southern Italy. Although, winery's focus is on Aglianico, production also includes sparkling, white and rosé wines, the names of which - like the red ones - are associated with the family's notarial activities.
Region: Basilicata
Grapes: Malvasia, Moscato and Chardonnay
The Wine: Harvest is done by hand between August and September. Fermentation in steel tanks at controlled temperature. Aged for two months in bottle before releasing.
Caesar Salad with a Parmesan & Herb Gremolata
Mastroberardino NovaSerra Greco di Tufo 2016
The iconic Mastroberardino family has been farming grapes and producing wine since the mid-18th century, dating back 10 generations. The family settled in the town of Atripalda in 1878, in the district of Irpinia, at a time when the royal House of Bourbon still occupied the land. Returning home after WWII, Antonio Mastroberardino found his family's estate in ruins; the result of war, phylloxera, and neglect. Determined to rebuild and grow his family's business, he began a comprehensive restoration project at the estate and vineyards. He spent the next few decades purchasing the best vineyards and dedicated plantings to three nearly extinct ancient Campanian grape varietals: Fiano, Greco and Aglianico. While many other Italian winemakers chose to cultivate international grapes at the time, Antonio wanted to preserve Campania's winemaking tradition and resuscitate its indigenous grapes, a decision that has shaped all Campanian wine production since.
Region: Campania
Grape: Greco di Tufo
The Wine: The Montefusco vineyard is dedicated solely to the production of Nova Serra Greco di Tufo. These 15 year old vines are 550m above sea level and have a South-East exposure with clay-calcareous soil and traces of volcanic ash along the profile. Manual harvest takes place at the end of October. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. Refinement in bottle for three to four months before release.
Lasagna Bolognese, Roasted garlic focaccia
Masseria Felicia, Falerno del Massico Etichetta Bronzo 2010
Masseria Felicia was officially founded in 2002 with just 5 hectares of land and now produces wines of great character that reflect the unique terroir of Sessa Aurunca. The soil is of volcanic origin, comprised mainly of grey tufa, pumice and volcanic ash, with the sea no more than 10 km. away. Today, Masseria Felicia, in addition to having found success in Italy among the fans of Falerno Del Massico, exports 50% of production to the United States, thanks to a fortuitous encounter with Wine Enthusiast magazine which awarded high scores to her wines. The vineyard follows organic principles, and few interventions in the cellar, where the yeasts used are indigenous and not commercial ‘off the shelf’ varieties.
Region: Campania
Grapes: 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso
The Wine: The vineyards are 200 meters in elevation. Fermented in open conical chestnut barrels. Aging is in barriques for 12/14 months and 12 months in bottle before release.
A bit about Falerno del Massico: Falerno del Massico Rosso DOC is part of the Campania region, situated in southern Italy. It is inextricably linked to the greatest wine of Roman times, the seductive and ancient Falerno (also known as Falernum). One legend tells of how Bacchus, Roman god of wine, turned the slopes of Mount Massico into vineyards. This was in response to the kindness that Falernus, an old farmer, bestowed on the scruffy mortal version of Bacchus. From that day on, Falerno was praised by classical Roman poets and was the drink of the ancient armies of Rome. In days gone by, its alcoholic strength was so immense that it was often diluted. On the other hand, due to its high quality, connoisseurs would leave it in its natural form. Pliny the Elder stated that, if a good-quality Falerno was held near a naked flame it would catch fire!
Citrus Tiramisu with Caramelized White Chocolate
Masseria Li Veli, Salento Negroamaro Primerose (2019)
The crumbling Masseria Li Veli was acquired in the late 19th century by Marchese Antonio de Viti de Marco (1858–1943), an important economist and professor who was influential in the theory of public finance in the Kingdom of Italy. The Falvo family, former owners of the Avignonesi winery in Tuscany but with Puglian roots, purchased the masseria and its 128 acres of land in 1999 and breathed new life into de Viti de Marco’s project. The vision is to establish a new quality benchmark in the region, through both vineyard management and vinification.
Region: Puglia
Grape: Negroamaro
The Wine: Grapes are hand harvested, then fermented and aged in stainless steel for 3 months.
