and more:
• Big Wines Passport: For the Enthusiast
• Sergio's Cellar: For the Collector
• Wine Club Membership Gift

A Quest for Quality in Italy

Pulitzer Prize winning author and wine writer James B. Stewart wrote in an article for Smart Money Magazine, “What we can say emphatically is that our panel has never tasted 12 different wines that we rated so consistently outstanding. This isn't to say that they were indistinguishable; the wide variety, with each wine a close reflection of its own soil, microclimate and vinification process, was one of our most exciting discoveries.” He and his panel of four tasters had experienced a mixed case offering which was available to our clients. My goal this week is to aid with the exploration of quality in the complex world of Italian wines through an assorted case and through our wine club, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this month. I don’t believe there are better tools to aid our clients in discovering which wines are best for them: although you should find every wine to be of quality, the point is that you’ll prefer some to others. This is the easiest way to find the best styles or “types” which are most pleasing to you, and the first step is working with our Portfolio Managers so they can better serve your needs.

The Italic peninsula was known in classic times as Oenotria, or 'wineland,' and is now the world's largest producer and exporter of wine. There are 20 regions subdivided into 103 provinces that include more than 450 appellations governed by Italy’s classification system. In this geographic and political landscape, the Boot proffers more than 2,000 grape varietals with 28,000 producers squeezing out more than eight billion bottles annually. Given these conditions, distinguishing quality over quantity is critical! With these large numbers it is important to recognize that quality wines from Italy represent a small fraction, and only a small percentage receive my Stamp of Approval. You can be sure that the selected Barolos, Brunellos, Amarones, Super Tuscans, and others represent the best of Italy.

Here's an introduction to the diversity of quality Italian wine. I have put together this case to demonstrate the variety in producer styles, regions, indigenous and international varietals, and vintages. Our Portfolio Managers will help you find selections that best match your palate profile and buying objectives. To order these wines by the case or by the bottle, please contact Perry Porricelli at 212.473.2323.

My best,
Sergio

Read last week's feature on Sassicaia!

Exploring Italy for Quality

Caparzo 1999 Brunello di Montalcino $39.50
From a ripe vintage, but maintains the Montalcino elegance. Dark fruit and earth. One of the best Brunellos for the dollar.

Abbona 2000 Barolo ‘Pressenda’ $48.95
An excellent introduction to the ripe 2000 vintage in Piemonte. Approachable now and an IWM favorite.

Sportoletti 2001 Villa Fidelia $54.00
This Bordeaux blend from Umbria under Riccardo Cotarelli earned 95 points from Parker. Concentrated, velvety, refined.

Cerbaiona 2000 Cerbaiona Rosso $49.00
A unique Super Tuscan from this ‘old style’ Brunello estate. Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, and Malvasia aged in Slavonian oak. Concentrated fruit tinged with spice.

Gaja 2000 Sito Moresco $59.95
The legendary Angelo Gaja's take on a Piemonte blend. Get a taste of the "Barbaresco King" with this Nebbiolo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon mix.

Castell’in Villa 1993 Chianti Classico Ris. $32.58
A traditional wine from one of the oldest estates in Chianti Classico. Balance and grace in an austere style.

Castello dei Rampolla 2000 Sammarco $82.00
Sangiovese/Cabernet come together in a Tuscan blend from this historic estate and Giacomo Tachis. Dark fruit and cigars with youthful concentration.

Ciacci Piccolomini 2001 Ateo $28.95
Named the "Atheist" as an attack on the strict Italian wine laws, this Sangiovese/Cabernet blend displays Tuscan typicity crafted in a modern style.

Damijan 2001 Prelit Rosso $38.50
Breaking the confines of tradition and shunning modern practices, Damijan learned natural winemaking from the great Gravner. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Big and plush.

Le Macchiole 2001 Rosso $31.50
The Campolmi family produces some of the most consistently outstanding Super Tuscans. Sangiovese with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Strong and meaty with a thick, jammy mouthfeel.

Petrolo 2001 Torrione $42.50
Decidedly modern. This barrique-aged Sangiovese is the sibling of Galatrona. Plump, soft, seamless, and suave.

Vestini Campagnano 2001 Casavecchia $66.90
This grape is believed to be a descendant of the ancient Roman Trebulano. A massive varietal, bold in structure and focus.

Assorted Case Price (one of each): $541.77*
*Free delivery in Manhattan

Click here to order the case or bottles by fax!

Exploration Passport: For the Novice

Each month of IWM's "Exploration" Passport offers a new and distinct learning experience in the unique wine regions and indigenous varietals of Italy. This club is the ideal adventure for the novice looking to explore quality Italian wines that are "ready to drink" today.

Includes:
- Three Wines per Month
- Wines Delivered Below Market Value
- Producer / Tasting Notes
- Vino Italiano (Hardcover)
- Six Brunello Wine Glasses

Recent Selections:
- Castell'in Villa Chianti Classico Riserva
- Massolino Barolo
- Planeta Merlot

Passport Fees:
6-Month Program: $ 624.00 ( $104.00 / month avg )
12-Month Program: $1,164.00 ( $97.00 / month avg )

Click to learn more about Italian wines!

Big Wines Passport: For the Enthusiast

IWM's most popular passport, "Big Wines" includes Barolos, Brunellos, and Super Tuscans as well as some of Italy’s major powerhouse wines. These wines, which are drinkable now but may improve with age, are first-class choices to share with friends.

Includes:
- Three Wines per Month
- Wines Delivered Below Market Value
- Producer / Tasting Notes
- Vino Italiano (Hardcover)
- Six Brunello Wine Glasses
- Free Delivery in Manhattan

Recent Selections:
- Allegrini Amarone
- Aldo Conterno Barolo
- Jermann Vintage Tunina

Passport Fees:
6-Month Program: $ 984.00 ( $164.00 / month avg )
12-Month Program: $1,884.00 ( $157.00 / month avg )

Click for additional offers from IWM!

Sergio's Cellar: For the Collector

IWM's "Sergio's Cellar" selections will suit the serious connoisseur with many low yield, single vineyard bottlings from the icons of Italian wine; Gaja, Sandrone, Antinori. Whether you sample them to find the favorites you want in your cellar or lay them down right away, these wines will benefit from proper aging.

Includes:
- Three Wines per Month
- Wines Delivered Below Market Value
- Producer / Tasting Notes
- Gambero Rosso 2004
- The Mystique of Barolo
- Free Delivery in Manhattan

Recent Selections:
- Mascarello Barolo
- Santa Restituta Brunello Rennina
- Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne
- Dal Forno Valpolicella

Passport Fees:
6-Month Program: $1,473.50 ( $245.58 / month avg )
12-Month Program: $2,823.50 ( $235.29 / month avg )

Click here for other Sangiovese greats!

Wine Club Membership Gift

Here's a wine gift that keeps the celebration alive for months! A "Passport" to IWM's wine club is a sophisticated way to experience quality wines from the indigenous to the classic and into the cult wines of the Boot. Choose the "Passport" that's right for the enophile in your life or treat yourself to this edifying journey through the Boot!

Membership Includes:
- Three Wines per Month
- Prices Well Below Market Value
- Producer and Tasting Notes
- Vino Italiano (Hardback)*
- Six Brunello Wine Glasses*
- Gambero Rosso 2004 (Paperback)**
- The Mystique of Barolo (Hardback)**
- Wine Club Welcome Kit
- Free Delivery in Manhattan^

Wine Club Starter Gifts (3 months):
Exploration Passport......... $354.00*
Big Wines Passport........... $534.00*^
Sergio's Cellar Passport..... $798.50**^

Click here to register!