Read My Lips "MORELLINO di SCANSANO" --a Hidden and Affordable GEM from Tuscany by Philip S. Kampe

The UNIVERSE of the WINE WORLD never ceases to SUPRISE me. As a student of wine, I realize how little I really know about the micro-wine regions of the world.

Yes, we all know Tuscany--its beauty, its wines and the sheer Magic that "LIGHTS UP OUR EYES" when we say the word, 'TUSCANY'.

ROMANCE is involved.

When we think of wines from Tuscany, naturally we think of BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO, CHIANTI, VINO NOBILE di MONTEPULCIANO and VIN SANTO.

NEVER has MORELLINO di SCANSANO entered our consciousness. Maybe we are not aware because the region is Italy's newest DOCG (2007). Maybe because SCANSANO is located in southwest Tuscany, close to the ocean and far from the normal Tuscan tourist route.

Not all roads lead to SCANSANO.

A little history:
MORELLINO di SCANSANO is an Italian red wine made in the hilly village of SCANSANO, in the MAREMMA, which includes a part of the coast of southernwestern TUSCANY. MAREMMA has an ancient (1500's), but obscure, tradition of winemaking. MORELLINO is the 'local dialect' and name for the SANGIOVESE grape varietal. Many people think the name MORELLINO comes from "MORELLO" (brown), the color of MAREMMANO horses. The name may also come from the MORELLO cherry. It's origin is still being debated.

MORELLINO di SCANSANO was granted DOC status in 1978 and was upgraded to DOCG in 2007. The wine has been produced for several hundred years and was very popular in the 1800's. It fell out of fashion. Both CHIANTI and BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO surpassed MORELLIONO di SCANSANO.

Today, MORELLINO di SCANSANO is overshadowed by CHIANTI, BRUNELLO di MONTALCINO and VIN NOBILE di MONTEPULCIANO, thus making it a very AFFORDABLE wine. The wine is released very young and should be consumed within a couple of years of bottling, while the RESERVA can be cellared up to 15 years.

The wines must consist of a minimum of 85% SANGIOVESE grapes, blended with up to 15% of other varietals. The wines of MORELLIONO di SCANSANO have soft tannins followed by hints of licorice and cherry. In 1978 there were TEN wineries making MORELLINO di SCANSANO. Today, there are ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO vineyards, according to the BOOK released by the CONSORZIO TUTELA MORELLINO di SCANSANO.

MORELLINO di SCANSANO does not have to age in wood and can be released in March after harvest, meaning that it can be found on the shelf with less than eight months of life. The wines are fresh and crisp. Prices generally run from $10 to $15 a bottle.

MORELLINO di SCANSANO RESERVA can be released on the 1st of January, two years after harvest. Of the two years, one year must be spent on oak. These wines have richer acidity and higher tannins. Prices for this wonderful wine run from $30 to $40.

The wines from MORELLINO di SCANSANO are TRUE VALUE WINES and should be DISCOVERED by everyone who loves Italian wines. The QUALITY is high and the price is LOW.

Recently, I had the opportunity to dine with several producers from the region and they opened my eyes and palate up to wines that seem to have not gained the necessary recognition they deserve.
What I learned was that the MORELLINO di SCANSNO is an obvious option to purchase for a meal rather than a bottle of Chianti. It is fresh, ready to drink and a total food wine. Softer tannins and cherry on the palate create a wine that can handle both pasta and wild boar. It is a wine, due to the soft tannins, that makes you want more and more.
MORELLINO di SCANSANO RESERVA is an elegant wine with richer acidity,more pronounced tannins and a VALUE option to Brunello di MONTALCINO and VINO NOBILE di MONTEPULCIANO.

The producers that I recommend for MORELLINO di SCANSANO are:
AZIENDA BRUNI (Imported by VIAS Imports)
AZIENDA AGRICOLA FATTORIA Le POPILLE (Imported by Winebow)
FATTORIA MANTELLASSI (Imported by Nardone Wine)
FATTORIA SAN FELO (Imported by CV Tuscany Wine Imports)
TERRE di FIORI-TENUTE COSTE (Imported by Wine 4 All)
AZIENDA AGRICOLA BARONCINI BRUNA (Imported by Margate Wine & Spirits Company)
AZIENDA AGARIA SANTA LUCIA di SCOTTO LORENZO (Impoted by Old Bridge/Guido & Son)
PAOLVS MOLINO (Imported by The Wine Hub)

MORELLINO di SCANSANO is my new red wine of choice. Pretty strange, considering only a week ago, I knew very little about the wines!!

To learn more about MORELLINO di SCANSANO, visit: www.ConsorzioMorellino.it

To order a THE WINE HUB recommended MORELLINO di SCANSANO, visit: www.bit.ly/nmlNMO

PHILIP S. KAMPE
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

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One of the pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy having discoveries...

TheWineHub exists to help you with that.

VINITALY IN THE WORLD TOUR 2011 comes to New York and D.C. by Philip S. Kampe

Mark your calendars Washington, D.C. (October 17th) and New York City (October 19th) for the VINITALY IN THE WORLD TOUR 2011.

VINITALY is striving to become an instrument of permanent EDUCATION and PROMOTION for Italian wines, according to STEVIE KIM, General Coordinator Vinitaly International. Vinitaly can assist Italian wine producers with its expertise on the international level to connect with important players in the wine business.

Special seminars have been set-up for the tour that will enhance importers, distributors, retailers and consumers vision of Italian wines in their marketplace.

VINITALY takes place each year in VERONA and represents over 4,500 producers, producing over 35,000 wines.

ITALIAN WINE SALES in the U.S. have reached RECORD LEVELS. The secrets behind the success include the U.S. love affair with Italy, importance of Italian cuisine on the U.S. palate and the increasing trend of focusing on unique 'terroirs', such as Italy's diverse landscape and various regions of beauty.

The list of wineries that are being represented in D.C. and NYC include such well known vineyards as:
ALLEGRINI
BOLLA
CANTINA di SOAVE
MARCHESI di BAROLO
ZONIN
BOLLA
CASTELLO BANFI
MASI
VILLA SANDI
BERTANI
FEUDI di S. GREGORIO
LUCE
MORELLINO di SCANSANO

VINITIALY IN THE WORLD TOUR 2011 Visits:
WASHINGTON D.C.:(October 17th), The Italian Embassy, 3000 Whitehaven NW.
NEW YORK CITY:(October 19th), Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street.

For further Information Visit: www.vinitalytour.com

PHILIP S. KAMPE
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

SCHRAMSBERG Wine & Food Dinner at UNION SQUARE CAFE (NYC) on October 17th by Philip S. Kampe

TICKETS are still AVAILABLE ($185 plus tax and gratuity) for a SPECIAL WINE & FOOD Dinner on Monday, October 17th at New York's UNION SQUARE CAFE. The evening will feature SCHRAMSBERG, America's House of Sparkling Wine.

At 6pm, Chef CARMEN will serve a FIVE COURSE Dinner that will compliment the OFFICIAL SPRARKLING WINE of the WHITE HOUSE-- also a favorite of UNION SQUARE CAFE'S General Manager, SAM LIPP.

SCHRAMBERG has been an integral part of the history and evolution of NAPA VALLEY since it's founding in 1862. The highlight of the evening will be a presentation by Winery President, HUGH DAVIES, who will share stories and insights about SCHRAMSBERG.

This will be a night to be remembered...

UNION SQUARE CAFE is located at: 21 East 16th Street (212)243-4020

Tickets can be purchased by e-mail through MELISSA PLOTKIN at: mplotkin@unionsquartecafe.com
Space is LIMITED.

PHILIP S. KAMPE
philip.kampe@#thewinehub.com

12,000 Wines and Then There's SELECTION PAS MAL by Philip S. Kampe

For the past month, the New York TRADE Wine Tasting Marathon has been taking place.
During this 30 day period, I have attended THIRTY EIGHT Wine Tastings, SEVEN winemaker meals and THREE weekend Wine and Food Classics at LEGENDARY locations, such as, Tanglewood, the Newport Mansions and Chelsea Piers Food Network's New York Wine and Food Festival.

At last count, well over 12,000 wines have crossed my vision this past month. I did purchase a "TALLY HAND COUNTER" for $6.49 from the www.TallyCounterStore.com to keep track of how many wines I have sampled. The Grand Total from 7 September to 5 October is 3,828 wines. (Fortunately my wife does not read my articles or else I would be in trouble)

Tasting over 3,800 wines in a month does make you realize how COMPETITIVE the wine world is. There are over 125,000 wines listed in the New York version of the beverage Media Trade Magazine. All 125,000 wines are sold in New York State. Wine salespeople have an EXTREMELY hard job knocking on potential customers doors and showing their wines to store owners or buyers.

That is why these Portfolio tastings take place--to show the shop owners, buyers and media what they have to offer.

Media plays an important role in wine sales. A Great wine write-up often stimulates sales and gets the word out. A Great wine write-up coupled with wines that are rated above 90 points helps insure the Validity of the wine to the consumer.

As a wine journalist, my Wine discoveries are mainly Personal. I look for Quality and Value in a wine and try to pass along those wines to my readers. I, also, look for wines that are 'Special'. Those wines are not always Value wines.

Out of the 12,000 wines that entered my world this past month, ONE Portfolio Tasting stood out above the rest. The 'FRENCH' Portfolio of SELECTION PAS MAL, created by MICHAEL FEUERSTEIN and ALAN MARSCHOK took FIRST PRIZE.

PAS MAL highlights CHAMPAGNE and BURGUNDIES in their Portfolio. From VALUE Selections to VALUABLE Selections, the wines are 'OFF THE CHART".

When Michael Feuerstein talks about Champagne he quotes Napoleon Bonaparte,
"IN VICTORY YOU DESERVE CHAMPAGNE, IN DEFEAT, YOU NEED IT".

And after tasting their Incredible Selections from FRANCE'S 'BEST Small Producer' CHAMPAGNE houses, it is easy to understand why CHAMPAGNE stands alone in the world.

These are my SUGGESTIONS:
CHAMPAGNE...
CHAMPAGNE LAHERTE FRERES...Look for their 100% MEUNIER Extra Brut and Seven Grape LES CLOS NV.
Located in Village de Chavot,in the Valley de la Marne, CHAMPAGNE LAHERTE FRERES was founded in 1889 and is bound by TRADITION. They have 74 parcels in 10 different villages, which gives them the ability to utilize the different 'terroirs' best suited for each grape variety.

CHAMPAGNE JOSE DHONDT...Look for their 100% Chardonnay BLANC de BLANC 'MES VIELLES VIGNES Grand Cru 2006.
Located in COTE de BLANCS, Jose Dhondt produced his first vintage in 1976. Jose practices 'culture raisonnee', known as 'SUSTAINABLE' in today's terms. Low production and high concentration is his trademark.

CHAMPAGNE DEMIERE-ANSIOT...With only 2000 cases produced, NICOLAS DEMIERE focuses on QUALITY. His 100% Chardonnay, 2005 BLANC de BLANC GRAND CRU and his BLANC de BLANC NV are OUTSTANDING. Nicolas produces mostly Vintage Champagnes. If the harvest is not good enough, he sells grapes and doesn't make wine that year. With that philosophy, you are assured of only the BEST CHAMPAGNES when he releases his Vintage wines.

CHAMPAGNE HERVE DUBOIS...Since 1979 HERVE DUBOIS, from the Village de Avize, has been producing incredible 100% Chardonnay Champagnes. His BLANC de BLANC 2005 GRAND CRU AND NV IS A great example of Champagne with low yields, chalky soil and nice exposure. Only 1,800 cases are produced each year.

CHAMPAGNE VAZART-COQUART....The Vazart-Coquart Family has been involved in the wine business since 1785. The vineyards are in CHOUILLY. Sustainable agriculture and the first 'GREEN HARVEST' were introduced to the Champagne region by the Vazart Family...
The BLANC de BLANC 'GRAND BOUQUET GRAND CRU' 2004 and 2005 are Highlights, as is the 2005 'SPECIAL CLUB' GRAND CRU...

CHAMPAGNE MARCEL MOINEAUX...from the Village de Chouilly...known for his 50 year old vines, the BLANC de BLANCS GRAND CRU 2004 (100% Chardonnay) stands out as a PREMIER Champagne from the MOINEAUX Family.

CHAMPAGNE BERNARD GIRARDIN...Locate in the Village de Mancy, Bernard started making wine over 50 years ago. Now, Bernard's daughter, Sandrine and her husband, run the vineyard. They believe in very Traditional methods performing everything by hand and tasting every step of the way to insure quality. The BRUT VINTAGE 2004 and BRUT 'CUVEE BG' NV are Outstanding examples of their wines.

CHAMPAGNE GERARD LORIOT...The LORIOT Family vineyards are located near Epernay. The first vines were planted in 1921. Today there are 40 small parcels located on 16 acres. The vineyards in MESNIL le HUTTIER are famous for growing some of France's Best PINOT MEUNIER. With production of 5,500 cases a year the BRUT TRADITION NV (100% Pinot Meunier) stands out..

CHAMPAGNE BARON D'AUVERGNE (A Bouzy) has vineyards made up of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay...Of interest are: 'PRIVELEDGE' GRAND CRU NV; 'OIEL de PEDRIX' GRAND CRU NV; 'ELEGANCE' ROSE GRAND CRU NV; 'SAPHIR' GRAND CRU NV and 'SWEET VINTAGE' GRAND CRU NV...

CHAMPAGNE HUBERT PAULET...founded at the end of the 19th century. The vineyard is being run by the 4th generation of the Family. Their 'GOAL' is to EXTRACT the best from the terroir. Vines average 22, which keeps yields low. Look for BRUT VINTAGE 1er CRU 2004 and 'CUVEE RISLEUS' 1er CRU NV...

CHAMPAGNE GUY DE CHASSEY....Since the early 1800's, the DE CHASSEY Fmily has been producing outstanding Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. On only 25 acres, the Family has produced some of the finest Champagnes in the World. Look for their complete line, highlighted by the BRUT GRAND CRU NV, BRUT ROSE NV, NICOLAS D'OLIVET 'RESERVE' GRAND CRU NV and the VINTAGE BRUT GRAND CRU 2002..

CHAMPAGNE THIERRY MASSIN...Considered the pioneers in the grower Champagne sector of COTES de BAR, the MASSIN Family focuses on 'sustainable farming'. They work parcel by parcel, carefully, aerating the soil to get the best results. With close to 30 acres to work with, the MASSIN Family has focused on the PINOT NOIR and CHARDONNAY grapes. Favorites include: SELECTION BRUT NV and MILLESIME BRUT 2002.

SELECTION PAS MALS PORTFOLIO is known for other wines beyond Champagne..
Of note are:
DOMAINE SYLVAIN PATAILLE Bourgogne Blanc 'CHAPITRE 2007' and Marsannay 'CHARMES AUX PRETRES 2007, Marsannay 'CLOS du ROY 2009' and Marsannay 'L'ANCESTERALE 2009.

DOMAINE NICOLAS ROSSIGNOL--All VOLNAY, POMMARD and BOURGOGNE Selections from 2008 amd 2009.

DOMAINE LUCIE & AUGUSTE SELECTIONS from MOREY, MUSIGNY and GERVEY.

VALUE WINES:
((WHITES) DOMAINE LUCIE & AUGUSTE LIGNIER Bourgogne Aligote 2009 and Petie Chablis 2009 from Agnes and Didier Dauvissat.

(REDS) DOMAINE LUCIE & AUGUSTE LIGNIER Bourgogne Passetougrain 2009 and Bourgogne Rouge 2009.

Wine Tasting is a 'LABOR OF LOVE'. I hope that you enjoy these Selections from PAS MAL as much as I do.

"BURGUNDY makes you think of silly things. BORDEAUX makes you talk of them and CHAMPAGNE makes you do them"
Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

PHILIP S. KAMPE
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

MEDINET WINES --GREAT WINE in a ONE LITER Bottle by Philip S. Kampe

For the past 40 years MEDINET WINES have been the TOP SELLING WINES in Germany's Food Retail Segment. Thanks to NICHE Imports of Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, MEDINET will be readily available for the U.S. market.

There are two wines that are being sold under the MEDINET name: ROUGE (red) and BLANC (white). The vineyards for MEDINET are located in southern France. The wines reflect the Mediterranean lifestyle. They are clean, easy to drink with a rich bouquet and a long finish.

MEDINET Rouge is pleasently full-bodied and fruity with a rich bouquet and a soft, clean finish. It is made of a blend of GRENACHE, CARIGNAN and SYRAH. The wine is a perfect food wine for meat, game and BBQ's.

The MEDINET Blanc is well balanced, slightly sweet with white fruit overtones. The wine is smooth on the palate, with a refreshing finish. MEDINET Blanc is made from a blend of CHARDONNAY, SAUVIGNON BLANC, MARSANNE and COLUMBARD. The wine is ideal for fish, seafood and poultry.

The Retail Price for the one LITER Bottle is $9.99.

Look for the pear-shaped LITER bottles at your favorite wine shop or Visit: www.OurNiche.com for more information.

PHILIP S. KAMPE
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com

What's your favorite design for our new t-shirt? http://www.thewinehub.blogspot.com/2012/01/winelover-which-design-would-look.html TheWineHub Store http://www.thewinehub.com/  One of the pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy having discoveries... TheWineHub exists to help you with that.