Vintage LIVIO FELLUGA, MONSANTO and CAPEZZANA Dazzle New York's Finest Wine Writers!! by Philip S.Kampe

As our Palates develop through the years and our sense and Understanding of Wine Grows, it is fitting to say that at a recent MOET HENNESSY Italian Wine Portfolio Tasting, hosted by Amelia Durand, the Vintage wines presented exceeded all expectations of this wine writer.

Danny Meyer, New York's top Restauranteur, and owner of the new and incredible Roman Trattoria, MAIALINO Restaurant http://www.maialinonyc.com/ , overlooking Gramercy Park, paired these incredible wines with food that was beyond your imagination.

The tasting was originally scheduled to have Family members from LIVIO FELLUGA, MONSANTO and CAPEZZANA present, but, due to the Volcanic eruption in Iceland, the plan was abandoned. Well, not really! Thanks to Amelia Durands' GENIUS, the Represenatives from the three vineyards were present, due to a Virtual hook-up.

It was as if Andrea Felluga (Felluga), Beatrice Bonacossi ( Capezzana) and Laura Bianchi ( Monsanto) were in the room with us. This twist and imaginative solution made this special tasting intense and focused.

How often can you ask live questions to visual wine producers who are six time zones away?

How often can you dine on Carciofini Fritti ( Fried artichokes with Anchovy bread sauce); Spaghetti alle Vongole ( Pasta with white wine, garlic and clams) and Abbacchio alla Cacciatora ( Braised lamb with potatoes and frascati), while speaking virtually to these wine producers?
In the 21st Century, anything electronic is possible.

The wines:
LIVIO FELLUGA
Terre Alte 1996 2001
Picolit 2004
Vertigo 2007
Pinot Grigio 2008

MONSANTO
Il Poggio 1968 1977 1997 2004
Vin Santo 1993
Nemo 2003

CAPEZZANA
Villa di Capezzzana 1983 1996 2000 2005
Tiefiano 2003
Barco Reale 2007

MyTop Three Favorites:

Livio Felluga TERRE ALTE 2001 is considered one of Italy's most prestigious wines. The balanced blend of Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc and Friulano create an intense, well structured wine with a nose of flower and fruit aromas yielding a rich, harmonious, seductive mineral and herb, soft, vibrant flavor with butterscotch notes.

Monsanto IL POGGIO CHIANTI CLASSICO RESERVA 1996 is a true Sangiovese classic. This magnificent wine has a bright garnet hue, complex ripe fruit aromas and classic strawberry and cherry fruit flavors mixed with a hint of leather and spice. The intensity of this wine and it's drinkability make 1996 a true classic.

Capezzana VILLA di CAPEZZANA 1996. The Count Bonasossi family in Tuscany's Carmigiano region is renowed for it's vineyards that date back to 804. A.D. The Villa di Capezzana 1996 is a historic wine in true Carmigiano fashion. Using 80% Sangiovese grapes combined with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is rich and intense with dark fruit flavors followed by hints of chocolate, mint and spice.

It was not an easy task to choose only three wines to comment on. All of the wines are or will be Exceptional with time.

Moet Hennessy http://www.mhusa.com/ is not a company that is known only for it's Champagne:

Krug
Dom Perignon
Moet & Chandon
Chandon
Ruinart
Veuve Clicquot

or Spirits:

10 Cane
Belvedere
Ardberg
Chopin
Glenmorangie
Grand Marnier
Hennessy
Navan

Moet Hennessy is known in the Wine World as an "Industry Leader".
Vineyards, as special as, LIVIO FELLUGA, MONSANTO AND CAPEZZANA are only a few examples of Moet Hennessy's amazing wine portfolio, which includes:

Cape Mentelle Vineyards
Chateau Cheval Blanc
Chateau d'Yquem
Chateau de Sancerre
Chateau la Nerthe
Cheval des Andes
Cloudy Bay Vineyards
Esperto
Lapostolle
Newton Vineyard
Numanthia
Terrazas de los Andes

Tasting the Complete Wine Portfolio of Moet Hennessy is my GOAL.
It is a task I look forward to.
And I hope you do, as well!

PHILIP S. KAMPE