Wine On The Water ~ Hidden Gems of Italy Series Continued!

Dear Friends,

Is it just us or is the heat finally starting to let up just the tiniest bit? We had a wonderful summer full of fun new rosés, chillable reds and eclectic whites from all over the world. As Autumn begins to feel closer we find ourselves looking forward to wines with a little more weight and intensity. Perhaps something that pairs with squash, roasted vegetables, and even braised dishes as the weather cools.

Still, it is plenty summery out and while we are ruminating on some new fall favorites, we found ourselves with a new run of amazing Italian wines that we cannot wait to share with you. This month we return to our “Hidden Gems of Italy” series, this time in partnership with Orsini Wines. We will be tasting four exceptionally delicious wines that are completely unique to their growing regions. While we love the tried and true Italian classics, we love delving into the lesser known treasures that abound on the peninsula. After all, wine should be an adventure!

Please join us on Wednesday, September 16th for a wonderful tasting of special Italian wines. Tickets are $15/person and walk-ins are welcome. We will provide a thoughtful spread of cheese, charcuterie and light bites to pair with the following wines:

Castiadas Vermentino di Sardegna ‘Praidis’ 2025

This elegant and imminently drinkable Vermentino comes to us from the Iron Coast of Sardegna and boasts a beautiful bouquet and mouthwatering palate. Aromas of lemon blossom, Bartlett pear, and orange citrus fruits. The palate is lively and bright with a distinctly saline minerality that runs throughout. An easygoing yet elegant choice for so many of our favorite lowcountry dishes.

San Francesco Costa d’Amalfi Bianco 2024

This beautiful white is evocative of the stunning coast from which it hails. An unoaked gem made from a blend of the local grapes Falanghina, Biancolella and Pepella grown on a pergolas in steeply terraced vineyards. It is lively and vibrant with aromas of tropical fruits, melon, fresh thyme and wisteria. Plenty generous but very refreshing and mineral. A lovely accompaniment for shellfish, fresh herbs, and salty olives and capers.

Patria ‘Sensi’, Etna Rosso 2016

A wild and slightly smokey red made at the oldest wine producing estate on Mt. Etna’s steep volcanic slopes.  A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, this aged beauty offers up aromas of wild cherry, sanguinello, antique lilac and beeswax with a beautiful lattice of acid and tannin at the core. A stunning example of how the reds of Etna change after a few years in the bottle. This would be a worthy companion to a great many dishes, especially a roasted duck, chestnut mushrooms, and oil cured olives.

Guado al Melo ‘Rute’, Bolgheri Rosso 2022

A standout representative of the wines of Bolgheri in the Alta Maremma. Made with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah it is full of intense red and black fruit with aromas of chestnut, rosemary, macchia, and dark chocolate. Pretty red licorice and more savory, herbal components come through as the wine opens. The palate offers juicy mulberry and black cherry with lots of dramatic spice, chewy tannins and moderate acid. This is a great wine to cellar for several years,but already drinks beautifully!

We hope to see you there!

The Wine & Spirits Shop of Charleston Team