Wine of the Week 09/11/23

Di Lenardo Refosco

Normally $15.99 / Now on Sale for $12.96
100% Refosco

Di Lenardo has a history of winemaking dating back to the 1800s but they would claim 1987 as the year they took several steps forward in the quality of their production. This is the year that marked them making wines only from their own grapes, planting new selected varieties and adjusting some vineyard practices with a mind toward the highest possible quality fruit. Along with Dal Maso, they are among our favorite value Italian wineries. Their wines are sustainably produced and made without oak aging. They are expressive and straight forward, perfect for everyday meals and gatherings.

Refosco is a family of grapes native to the Veneto and neighboring regions in the northeastern part of Italy. (Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is probably the most well known of this not so well known variety.)

Once the grapes have been separated from the stems, the cool temperature maceration/fermentation phase is completed within around 10 days. The wine is then left to settle after the pressing process before being racked into stainless steel tanks, where it goes through the natural process of malolactic fermentation — the conversion of harsher Malic acid into a softer Lactic acid. The presence of Lactic acid promotes a subtler, rounder wine that is pleasantly mellow and less abrasive to the palate.

The darker fruits in the Refosco are a great match for heavier meals. Pair it with full-bodied dishes such as red meats that have acidic sauces or marinades and ample salt. Try it also with sausages, cold cuts, game, beef and grilled meats usually with an acidic sauce or marinade.