"Lastly...I have just discovered a new producer (new to me) of fizzy Emilia-Romagna red, whose wines I like very much...and whose wines are fabulous additions to the summer table. The producer's name is Medici Ermete, and its wines are available through a terrific importer in Pasadena, California, named JK Imports."
--- David Rosengarten
Underrated Question:
"Of course we know and trust the Eric Solomons, Terry Theises, Bobby Kachers, and so on. But I wanted to see what others think are some of the best importers who don't receive a lot of specific attention on this board."
-- Tom Fishler
Answers:
"JK Imports (to name a few)." -- Jack Everitt, San Francisco
"JKI for bringing in some of the most individual small quality Italian producers I can think of. Ottaviano Lambruschi and Zidarich to name a few." -- Lyle Fass, New York
What we're looking for:
1. The wine has to taste of the varietal (authentic).
2. The wine has to taste like it comes from a place (marketing wine, such as: fruit juice with alcohol, vs. character wine).
3. The wine has to have an original story and be estate bottled.
4. The winery has to be family owned and every single wine made has to be of quality.
5. The wine has to taste like it costs more than it does (value).
6. The wine has to provide enjoyment / pleasure and invites you to ask for a second glass.
Medici Ermete You'll find the latest news about
Medici Ermete (Lambrusco 'Concerto', Lambrusco 'Quercioli Secco & Dolce', Malvasia Secco 'Daphe' & Malvasia Dolce 'Nebbie'), here.
"Some of you may have heard me preach of lambrusco, the foaming, almost purple sparkling wine from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
No, not the semi-sweet fizzy stuff that was so popular in the 1970s, but the real, dry, earthy lambrusco, from producers like Medici Ermete...Served icy cold, it’s wonderful with just about any simple dish, be it fried chicken or pizza or burgers." --- Eric Asimov, New York Times, July 2nd, 2008
NEWEST ARRIVALS For the latest releases from Mastri Vinai Papadopoli (Primitivio 'Arke' 2007 and 'GekoRosso' 2007;), Giacomelli (Vermentino 2007, 'Boboli' 2007, 'Pianacce' 2007), La Distesa (Verdicchio 'Terre Silvate' 2007, Riserva 'Gli Eremi' 2006 and Marche Rosso 'Nocenzio'), Kuenhof (Sylvaner 2007, Gruener Veltliner 2007, Riesling 2007, Gewuerztraminer 2007), Franz Gojer (Santa Maddalena 'Rondell' 2007, Lagrein Riserva 2006, Merlot 'Spitz' 2006), Moro di Rinaldini (Lambrusco Grasparossa Secco 'Vecchio Moro', Emilia IGT 'Moro di Moro' 2004, Malvasia Frizzante Secco 'orom' 2007), and Lambruschi (Vermentino 'Sarticola' 2007 and 'Costa Marina' 2007), click here.
Quotes
"The list of noteworthy Italian wine importers is a long one, but one of the important names to remember is JK Imports."
- Vino Italiano
Most of our Estate Wines (Weinkontor and Vinissimo Estate Selections) are exclusively available at top US restaurants. However, if you've enjoyed one of our Estate Selections, you'll be able to special order them at any of these retailers or directly from us.
Please visit our trade page for current reviews of some of our selections. We also invite you to add your email address to either our TRADE EMAIL (US wine buyers) or CONSUMER EMAIL (wine lovers) LIST.
If you would like to find out which types of wines we like, check out our BLOG.
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Estate Selections
vs.
Branded Wines
"Techniques in the winery are now so advanced that, with recourse to appropriate grapes, a winemaker has many options.
The art of making the mass-production wines is to make each batch and vintage the same so that the brand is reliable and affordable.
Estate wines, by contrast, are a true reflection of their land and culture. These wines are the wines that evoke passionate discussion, genuine loyalty - and a hugley variable price range.
They are also the wines that can undergo near-miraculous flavor transformations when laid down to age."
Wine is Art. Wine is Culture. Wine is a Love Affair with the People and the Land.
What we're looking for:
