A few Italians with friends

St. Joseph Day celebration for Kallende
Tasted Monday, March 21, 2016 by Loren Sonkin with 212 views

Introduction

My friend Gio invites us to be part of his hometown days celebration every year. He is from Kallende in Molisse, Italy. This is a very old town as evidenced by the K in the name. Italian has no K. This town was founded by the Greeks way back. On St. Joseph's day, they have a dinner and invite everyone to join them. The tradition has been carried over to the new world. They rent out the community center and have about 200 people over for a long, multi-course meal made by the members. Most of the wine is home made and decent if not great. They also stock a bar with some low cost alternatives. This was our second time attending, and I always bring a few bottles to share.

Flight 1 (3 Notes)

  • 2004 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia 94 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    What a great showing for this. Still youthful but really zeroing in on maturity. Ruby in color. The nose has cherries, slight cedar/sawdust, dust and roasted herbs. Lovely texture. Great balance/acidity. Wonderful with food. Still just a bit of oak showing. Some tannins left. Good finish. No harm drinking now, but so close, why not wait a few more years.

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  • 2004 Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

    Seems to be at maturity or damn close. Pop and pour, this took about 20 minutes to blow off some bottle stink and was great. Ruby in color, some purple at the core. The nose is cherries, slight dark cherries, roasted herbs and tea leaves. On the palate, lots of cherries and some dark cherries. Nice complexity. Good acidity. Tannins seem resolved. Good finish. Great with food.

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  • 2004 Vietti Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco 90 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

    Drinking great now. Perhaps at peak but not going anywhere soon. Ruby in color. The nose has cherries, slight tea, slight tar, and a bit of dried cherries. Good acidity. Still some tannins. Nice cherry fruit. Some depth and length. Good finish. Excellent with some pasta with raisins.

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Closing

So much fun, food and wine. Its amazing how welcome everyone makes you feel. Thanks Gio, look forward to next year.

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