BUON GIORNO OPERATIVA E OPERATIVO!

And Happy Italian American Heritage and Culture Month.

What better way to celebrate than with a Store Takeover. One fully stocked with the goods, flashy like paparazzi, yet priced for the paisano. Learn-a how to mambo, if you’re gonna be a square you ain’t-a gonna go nowhere… 🎵

We can’t mambo. But we can limbo the price tags down with the best of them. And your devoted Agents Cru, Noir, Vine & Rôtie just returned from Vinitaly USA. Risking their lives (livers?) to find you the best possible deals, and down kilos of crema Alpina pistachio shakeratos…

Ahem, where were we? Italiano all day! And what’s more statuesque than a Brunello rising like David at the Accademia.

Does Capanna di Cencioni sound Italian enough? Well, they are a benchmark winery backed up against the famous hill of Montesoli surrounded by names you know, such as Livio Pertimali, Altesino, Le Chiuse…. So, we’re definitely in the right neighborhood for prime fruit.

And the right vintage, with the right amount of cellaring!

Per Vinous “many of the 2018 Brunellos come across as quite Burgundian in nature, where a combination of vividly dark, ripe fruit, balanced acidity, and refined tannins adds a brilliant dimension that shines already today yet promises a steady and prosperous evolution over time.”

Speaking of Vinous they also point out that “Patrizio Cencioni continues to do fabulous work, and yet Capanna remains very much under the radar considering the quality of the wines. These classically proportioned Brunellos offer tremendous appeal and all of the beguiling nuance for which Montalcino’s Montosoli hill is so famous for.”

We were beguiled, alright. This Brunello is made of mulberry silk. It offers the perfect mélange of juicy red fruits with dusty tannins, vibrant acidity, and an herbal lift that elevated Tuscan reds are known for. What took us by surprise is how drinkable this Brunello is today, ideal while you await the bigger reds in your stash to come around.

Oh, last but not least, the RIGHT PRICE. Well-rated (a 95 and triple 94s) Brunello under $50 is rare as an affordable Maserati.

Oh, and wait. One more thing.

What’s a good Italian wine without the proper grub?

Grab half a case while you can and WIN that EVOO. Just clicka-the-linka and presto, you’ve got a FREE bottle of EVOO (with $200+ order) awaiting you.

Remember to head to the Store to round that locker out with other irresistible cherries… just make it with a bit, bambino, iss-a like-a vino… 🎶

95 Points – Raffaele Vecchione *“Graceful and decidedly dynamic in the primary profile alternating notes of rose petals, red flowers, cherries, elderflowers, gunshot powder and white pepper. In the background, the crunchiness of pomegranate blends with grapefruit and gives bite and brilliance. Full-bodied, perfectly matured tannins and a finale of commendable beauty. Amazing from the start with class and balance. Better from 2023.

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “The 2018 Capanna Brunello di Montalcino is ripe with cherry leather, a bit of umami with dried shitake, and licorice candy. It is medium-framed but has elegant concentration, with wild strawberry, fresh herbs, and lavender. It is a very attractive wine to drink 2024-2036.”

94 Points – Wine Enthusiast “A classic Brunello nose features aromas of cherry, orange peel, soil and graphite, along with a fresh burst of fennel and mint. The cherries, soil and bitter orange notes define the palate, but a sprinkling of anise brings subtle, pleasing spice. Acid flows over round, smooth tannins like a river polishing stones.”

94 Points – Falstaff “Bright ruby garnet, medium density. Open and inviting nose with fine notes of cherries and blood orange, very clear. A lot of ripe berry fruit on the palate, then notes of raspberries and dark cherries, finely meshed tannin, prances along lively, salty finish.”