VINO FRIZZANTE | by MEDICI ERMETE
MORE ON LAMBRUSCO: VINCENT GASNIER MATT KRAMER VINO ITALIANO
| Reviews of Italy's Coolest Wines |
| QUERCIOLI - SOLO - CONCERTO - BOCCIOLO - DAPHNE - NEBBIE |
| Solo |
"This is a blend of 55% ancellotta and 45% lambrusco salamino, and it is remarably different from the "Concerto" wine I listed in the "15 Best Sparkling and Rose Wines" rankings. The ancellotta adds a tremendous amount of color, making the wine almost black (in fact, ancelotta is a variety that has long been a favorite of sangiovese producers who need to kick up the color of their wines a bit) and also adds softness and an apparent sweetness. Those who find lambrusco a bit too tart will undoubtedly prefer this version, which has a creamy, smooth mouthfeel." |
Once relegated to the back of the bodega, sparkling red wine was a second-class beverage reserved for ?rst-time toasts and youthful adventures. Thanks to sophisticated offerings and a growing demand, red bubbly has grown up and is making its way onto wine lists in restaurants across the U.S. The cold, fresh fruitiness of sparkling red delights white-wine lovers, while its deep color and pleasing tannins entice those who prefer red. These bubblies are ready to drink — no need for cellaring. 2006 Medici Ermete |
Tenuta Quercioli Solo Reggiano Lambrusco DOC 2006 |
"The Medici family understands the simple secret of making excellent Lambrusco: serious hard work in the vineyard to harvest good quality grapes and the best equipment  in the cellar to transform them without too much manipulation. This becomes clear on visiting the two estates, Rampata and I Quercioli, where the grapes are grown for the Concerto and Solo wines. However, we are certain that the real secret is actually that the Medici family show the same respect and consideration for lambrusco grapes that producers in the best winemaking areas reserve for traditionally more noble varieties. This is obvious in the Solo 2004, which reached the Three Glass finals for the first time thanks to its rich extract. This flavorsome, soft mouthfilling wine satisfies the palate without sacrificing the freshness and fragrance typical of the variety."~ Gambero Rosso 2006, Page 479 |
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/ LAMBRUSCO Medici Ermete 2005 Solo Lambrusco Reggiano Secco (Emilia-Romagna) "Here's a traditional Lambrusco with a concentrated ruby color and loads of blueberry aromas. Beyond the berry notes, you'll find a nice touch of almond paste. Although the nose is simple, the wine offers good structure and body." ~ Wine Enthusiast (December 15, 2006) |
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Paint the town red with Italian bubbles Jon Bonné, Chronicle Wine Editor Friday, December 29, 2006 "Producers like Medici Ermete & Figli are committed to making excellent Lambruscos in a variety of styles, showing every facet of the grape. For the first time, wines like Medici Ermete's Solo made it to the final award tastings of Italy's prestigious Gambero Rosso guide." ~ San Francisco Chronicle (12/29/2006) |
Bubbly or bust New York's sparkling experts offer MEDICI ERMETE SOLO REGGIANO 2005 LAMBRUSCO, $13 Red-wine aficionados don't have to skimp on bubbles, either. This Emilia Romagna Lambrusco import is a favorite with Patrick Watson and Michele Pravda at Smith & Vine in Carroll Gardens (246 Smith St., 718-243-2864). "What we love the most is the deep dark color with refreshing bright red fruit and a soft bubble," notes Watson. "With prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano on a lazy Sunday afternoon with close friends and family, this wine shines." |
Wine Gifts: An Expert’s Best Advice
I wish I was on your gift list. Parmigiano-Reggiano, made from part-skim cow’s milk in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, is one of the world’s great cheeses, and it pairs nicely with a wide range of wines...But my favorite wine pairing for Parmigiano-Reggiano would probably be a dry, frothy, zingy, slightly chilled Lambrusco Reggiano (which has nothing in common with the cheap, sweet Lambruscos of the 1970s). The cows that produce the milk that becomes the cheese actually graze quite close to the Lambrusco Reggiano vineyards. Medici [Ermete] Lambrusco Reggiano ['Solo'] ($12) is my favorite." |
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| Summertime and the wine is light By L.J. BUTTERFIELD When entertaining family and friends this summer, try something different and experiment with lesser known wines that are gaining a buzz this season in the wine world. There are great options in light wine to serve your guests besides the classic Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio or Pinot Noir. With these five alternatives you can pique the interest of your guests and expand your summer wine cellar. These wines are made to be sipped fresh and young, so look for 2004 or 2005 vintages. Lambrusco is a delight to drink in the summer. It’s carbonated, red, light and lively. A frothing and fruity wine that seems to go with everything, but really pairs best with slices of salty prosciuto. The Lambrusco grape is grown primarily in the central Italian region of Emiglia Romagna, including the towns of Modena, Parma and Reggio. It’s a perfect companion for a picnic lunch or barbecue. Finding a good Lambrusco can be tricky but not impossible. Lesser Lambruscos can be too sweet (so stay away from magnum-size bottles in the under $7 range). Try speaking with the clerk at your wine shop and ask for a drier specimen... Try: ...Medici Ermete Solo Lambrusco Reggiano - $13.99.~ Westchester County Business Journal Luxurious Living (05/29/2006) |
| QUERCIOLI - SOLO - CONCERTO - BOCCIOLO - DAPHNE - NEBBIE |
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"Every holiday season, my wife and daughter and I buy an 80-pound wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano to cut into large pieces for gifts. This year we are planning to add a bottle of wine for a few close friends. What do you recommend to accompany the cheese?" 
