Dino's Grotto

Dino's Grotto - Washington, DC
Tasted Thursday, February 5, 2015 by isaacjamesbaker with 301 views

Introduction

Fun times with Young Winos of DC at Dino's Grotto. Dean poured some unique wines from Calabretta and Cornelissen and shared his enthusiasm for these cool-funky wines. I ordered two of my favorite selections from the list afterward and we had a good ol' time.

Flight 1 (6 Notes)

  • NV Calabretta Terre Siciliane Cala Cala 88 Points

    Italy, Sicily, Terre Siciliane

    Spicy, nutty and raw almond notes add to the grapefruit and apricot elements. I get hints of tobacco and white pepper. Brisk acid, creamy body, an approachable wine that is still incredibly fresh. It didn't carry a vintage, but Dean said it was largely composed of fruit from 2009.

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  • 2013 Frank Cornelissen Susucaru Rosato 90 Points

    Italy, Sicily, Terre Siciliane

    Ah, Susucaru, such a unique wine. Of course, this wine has some effervescence. Looks and smells like a sour ale with strawberry, smoke, soil, white pepper, tobacco and saline elements on the nose and palate. Brisk, tangy, the dried pineapple, red apple and sour cherry fruit is laced with smoky, earthy, sea salt and seaweed notes. My favorite wine of the night. Unique, funky but also straight up fun and very food-friendly.

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  • NV Calabretta Sicilia Cala Cala 87 Points

    Italy, Sicily, Sicilia

    Earthy, tart, structured with juicy blackberries and red cherries. Interesting elements of cigar smoke and pepper. A blend of several vintages, this was the wine of the night with a few people.

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  • 2013 Frank Cornelissen Contadino 10 89 Points

    Italy, Sicily, Sicilia

    A bit less funky (relatively speaking) than the Susucaru, but still plenty of white pepper, gym socks and sea salt on the nose. Moderate tannins, tangy acid, lots of raspberry, plumy, sour ale and funk notes. Roasted beets and tomatoes with loads of spices. A bit of carbonation that tingles the tongue, this wine evolves a lot in the glass. Always kicks off conversation, a great wine to open with lots of people.

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  • 2013 Edi Simčič Rebula Rubikon 88 Points

    Slovenia, Primorska, Goriška Brda

    A really fun and interesting wine. Brisk, bracing, the apricot and grapefruit is backed up with all sorts of unique flavors, pith, dried flowers, candied orange peel, smoke. I always enjoy the experience of Slovenian orange wine.

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  • 2013 Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Nero d'Avola e Frappato 88 Points

    Italy, Sicily, Terre Siciliane

    Another good bottle from Arianna Occhipinti. Lots of spice and floral accents to the bright strawberry and cherry fruit. Medium-bodied and easily approachable but showing a good amount of complexity with spice and herbal characteristics.

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