
wUst Fine Wine Imports
wines U should try!
The Vinum
The Vinum is an interesting project of an inspired young winemaker, Roberto Dragani, whose original family roots are in Abruzzo and whose vineyards are farmed organically. I originally selected the wine of very interesting local white grape from Abruzzo (Cococciola) that is produced in his family vineyards. Roberto's family also has vineyards in Tuscany and Piemonte and so he produces wines from those regions as well. A second selection from The Vinum is a delightful and expressive Chianti. An interesting characteristic of his family's vineyards is that they are in hilly areas of each region which promotes a higher diurnal temperature variation between day and night which then results in fresher, more expressive, and higher quality fruit.
The Wines
The Vinum (Abruzzo) Cococciola 2018 (OC, NF)
Aromas are of clover honey, linden, honeysuckle, and white flowers. Flavors are of white peaches, nectarines, and honeydew melon along with hints of cantaloupe. There is a really refreshing fully saturated medium body as the wine moves across your palate along with perfect balance and acidity.
Food pairings would include halibut, crab, sole, tuna, mussels, seafood pasta, seafood and vegetable fritto misto, veal, pork, grilled chicken, sausages and charcuterie, Asian pork and vegetable stir frys, Indian Tandoori, seafood enchiladas, pork and chicken verde, chicken suiza, grilled vegetables, and mild cheeses.
The Vinum Chianti DOCG 2018 (OC, NF)
This is a very nice blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Aromas are of blackberries, old roses, boysenberries, blueberries, dark cherries, ripe red peaches, and a hint of cocoa. Flavors include blackberries, boysenberries, dark cherries, and hints of cantaloupe. There is a very smooth medium body, very good balance across the palate, perfect acidity, and a nice saturated and lingering finish with a perfect hint of slightly sweet tannins.
Food pairings would include Filet Mignon, New York Steak, Roast Beef, Short Ribs, beef stew, beef bourguignon, beef stroganoff, lamb chops and rack of lamb, veal chops and cutlets, pork tenderloin, grilled pork, grilled sausages and charcuterie, grilled chicken, coq au vin, cassoulet, salmon, clams, mussels, paella, jambalaya, Indian Tandoori dishes, Asian beef, pork, and chicken dishes, pork and chicken enchiladas, pork verde, vegetable casseroles, black beans and pinto beans, and mild, medium, and creamy cheeses.

