Expand your palate with a romp through 6 great wines made form rare Italian grapes. Kendall Cook (WSET Level 2) will be here to talk about the wines. Of course, you will enjoy a charcuterie plate and lots of good folks.

Regaleali Bianco (Sicily, Italy)
Region: Italy (Sicily)
Grape: Inzolia, Catarratto, Grecanico, Chardonnay
Taste: “A delicious, minerally and salty white. On the nose it shows aromas of sliced apples, cinnamon and peaches. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity and character. Delicious and succulent.” Suckling
Rating: 91 (Suckling)

Massican Annia
Region: California (Napa Valley) (yes, not in Italy)
Grapes: Tocai Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco
Taste: “Offers a refreshing, distinctive and aromatic mix of lemon blossoms, wildflower honey, marzipan, ripe and salted melon, and apricot. Vibrant acidity keeps the flavors fresh and light on their feet, and a note of wild fennel lingers effortlessly.” Wine Spectator
Ratings: 92 (Suckling); 92 (Wine Spectator); 91 (Vinous)

Cantele Primitivo (Puglia, Italy)
Region: Italy (Puglia)
Grape: Primitivo (Zinfandel, okay this grape is not rare…)
Taste: “Ruby red with delicate garnet undertones. The minerality of the nose creates a delicate combination of morello and sour cherry and prune. Floral and spicy notes follow in a superbly persistent finish. Gentle tannins, impressive acidity combine with the classic delicacy and alcoholic content of Primitivo in the flavors of this once forceful but now elegant and noble wine.”
Rating: Unrated

Regaleali Lamuri Nero d’Avola
Region: Italy (Sicily)
Grape: Nero D’Avola
Taste: “Rich floral and fruit aromas come off the nose of this wine, with black cherry, violets and rose petals plus stony notes of pavement and crushed rock. The palate brings an edge. A savory blend of spices, soil and a hint of balsamic vinegar push against more berries. Tannins are substantial and chewy.”
Rating: 91 (Wine Enthusiast)

Alovini Al Volo Aglianico
Region: Italy (Basilica)
Grape: Aglianico
Taste: “”Hint of chocolate, cherry, clove on the nose. Big cherry flavors which soften to an almost walnut like taste as it lingers”
Rating: Unrated

Planeta Etna Rosso (Etna, Italy)
Region: Italy (Etna)
Grape: Nerello Mascalese (very rare grape)
Taste: “Vanilla, sour cherry, wild strawberry, a very clean flowery touch. Fleshy and smooth in the mouth. Very expressive fruit with more complex aromatic intrusions of undergrowth, myrtle and oriental spices. A wine which unexpectedly transforms itself into a champion of red drinks, with marked flavor and a tasting profile with emerging and exciting traces of iron, rhubarb and black pepper.”
Rating 94 (Suckling)