Italy, A Refreshing Respite from Dull, Oak Laden Whites

I've never been shy about expressing my love for Italian wine. And while many are jumping on the Italian bandwagon because it's hot and popular, it's not just a fad for me, it is my passion and the reason I am in this business. To me, it is by far the most exciting area of the world in terms of diversity and quality and that is evident when you visit to the shop as the number of Italian wines lining the shelves far outweigh any other country or region. In fact if I thought it would work here in New Orleans, there would be nothing but Italian wine on the shelves!

One of the great things about Italian wines is that I never get bored. According to Attilio Scienza, a well-known professor of enology at the University of Milan, there are more than 800 distinct grape varieties to be found in Italy. So our job here at Swirl is to educate our inquisitive customers on the diversity and beauty of Italian wine. And if you allow yourself to go there, it opens you to a whole new world of wine and food experiences that to me is unparalleled by any other place on earth.

That being said, there are 4 new white wines in the shop this week that have me really excited! All retail for less than $16, are delicious with or without food, and really show the diversity that Italy has to offer. Buy a bottle of each and get a 10% discount!

So if you are looking for a refreshing respite from dull, oak laden white wines, bring your sense of adventure into the shop this week and try one of these amazing Italian wines, I promise you won't be disappointed!

2008 Nicodemi Trebbiano D'Abruzzo (Abruzzo) - Pretty jasmine and citrus on the nose with the distinct stony minerality on the palate that is typical of the good wines from the region. Zesty spices, herbs, little black pepper, and balanced acidity make this a fabulous food wine and a sophisticated daily drinker at $14.99! 2 glasses by Gambero Rosso

2009 Vinosia Malvasia Salento (Campania) - Aromas of golden apples, pineapple and a touch of honey. Medium-bodied with good concentration. Nice freshness, lively acidity and a clean, round finish. Made from a blend of three different strains of the Malvasia variety in steal at $12.99!


2009 Tasca D'Almerita Regaleali Bianco (Sicilia)- Although this wine has been a staple on our shelves, the newly acquired 2009 vintage is exceptional! Vibrant notes of peach, pear and citrus, Regaleali Bianco is dry and crisp with excellent structure and a deliciously fruity finish. Clean and refreshing, it is a blend of three Sicilian grapes, Inzolia, Catarratto and Grecanico and just screams SICILIA! $15.50

2009 Palazzone Dubini Bianco (Umbria)- This wine combines the best attributes of Orvieto with the modern thirst for truly dry white wine. Scents of acacia, apricot, and dried honey emanate from the glass and the palate offers a fresh, crisp, and slightly fruity blend of Procanico and Grechetto. “Unquestionably the number one small estate of Orvieto” -Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar. $13.99