Italian varietal wines in California

[BladeDE40]

Over the last couple years I have become quite fond of Italian wines such as Zinfindel, Barbara, and Sangiovese. I was turned on to these mostly by my Nono (grandpa) who grows grapes in the Central Valley and makes his own Sangiovese. I have since become a wine club member at Tamas Estates, part of the Wente Winery family, and have been enjoying their Italian wines. I would like to expand my collection and knowledge of Italian wines and was wondering if anyone can give some suggestions of good Italian wines that would be available in CA.

Thanks!

 

[Torcams]

Steve Clifton makes some interesting Italian varietal wines with his Palmina label. They're in the "wine ghetto" in Lompoc, CA.

I've yet to find a CA Sangiovese that comes anywhere close to a nice Brunello di Montalcino though.

 

[BladeDE40]

Steve Clifton makes some interesting Italian varietal wines with his Palmina label. They're in the "wine ghetto" in Lompoc, CA.

I've yet to find a CA Sangiovese that comes anywhere close to a nice Brunello di Montalcino though.

Thanks for the feedback....I'm not necessarily looking for it to be produced in CA, just available to purchase close by....is the Sangiovese you mentioned easy to find?

 

[Solemnsaint]

Over the last couple years I have become quite fond of Italian wines such as Zinfindel, Barbara, and Sangiovese. I was turned on to these mostly by my Nono (grandpa) who grows grapes in the Central Valley and makes his own Sangiovese. I have since become a wine club member at Tamas Estates, part of the Wente Winery family, and have been enjoying their Italian wines. I would like to expand my collection and knowledge of Italian wines and was wondering if anyone can give some suggestions of good Italian wines that would be available in CA.

Thanks!

I have a great suggestion. I used to grow grapes and work as a vintner in San Diego and one of the best makers I've had the pleasure knowing was Herman Salerno. Look him up. He used to be an Itallian opera singer in the 50's. Also look into Hacienda De Las Rosas. They specialize in Spanish but have several great Itallian wines. Just google the name. And if you contact either of them tell them that Mike Cebe said hi. Hacienda is run by William Holzhaur and Tammy Rymes (cousin to the famous Leanne Rymes). They're a hoot. And love to ship San Diego wines all over the world.

 

[cthip]

beltramos in menlo park
http://www.beltramos.com/category.aspx?CK=1&categoryid=1306&startpage=0

or

K&L in redwood city or sf
http://www.klwines.com/content.asp?...ry+Location:Special+Order)&Ns=QtySoldLast30|1

are good places to start. if you don't live on the peninsula, they'll deliver. if you do live nearby, they hold tastings regularly. K&L is doing italian wines on 10/2/2010 and stocks a barbera by the palmina label mentioned previously

 

[BladeDE40]

Thanks all for the great info...I will checking these out!

 

[Torcams]

+1 on K&L. I live (reasonably) close to the Hollywood location and they have a great selection and good pricing. I've purchased my last few Bordeaux and Brunello futures through them.

 

[Oglethorpe]

Out of curiosity, is there anything keeping you from buying Italian wines from Italy?

I deal with a private vendor who supplies local restaurants and liquor stores with Italian reds (chanti classico, super tuscan, montepulciano, valpolicella, amarone, piedmonte, etc, etc). I know they're available in stores, and for my money, nothing beats a sangiovese-based wine grown and produced in the homeland.

YMMV!