Wine of the Week - September 04, 2006

It should be no secret that I have a sweet tooth. It's apparent to me and, well, anyone who knows me. So, it should be no surprise that I like sweet wines. And fruity wines.

So, I'm recommending Cafele's Recioto Di Soave "Le Sponde." Most years are good; I'm drinking a 2000 that's phenominal. A viscous dessert wine, its very fruity with apricot and, to me, a touch of honey. It's got a strong fruit nose and is very smooth. My only real letdown with it is that it has a very short finish, not lingering in the mouth very long after a sip. Some people might find this a blessing, as it's very much a sweet dessert wine. Almost like a white port, but not as mature.

Here's some intersting information on this wine (taken from http://sette-bello.blogspot.com/2006_03_01_sette-bello_archive.html):

Le Sponde, Recioto di Soave... [is a] vino dolce. This wine comes from the Coffele vineyard outside Verona. It's made from a perculier grape called the garganega. It's what they call a "creeper" because the vines like to stretch out their arms. In this area, the vintners tend to situate them on pergolas to get the most sun exposure... It was incredibly smooth with a powerfully fruity taste. According to the vintner, it's best with dry cakes and biscotti, but also with cheeses like Gorgonzola.

Interesting pairing ideas, to be sure. I'll have to check out that gorgonzola pairing.

This wine isn't cheap, however: my local, discounted price (I'm in a wine club at a local liqour store over in Brooklyn Heights) is $30.00 But, if you find it and have the money, I'd defintely buy a bottle. It's a great finish to a meal and an excellent little wine to sip & relax to after a long day—whether that day's spent hard at work or hard at play... or hard at rest :)

Ciao!