In the South, we know that summer-like weather usually persists through October. Therefore all manner of seafood, fresh from the coast, is always a season-extending treat. One wine that will accompany that craving is Soave. Americans used to drink a ton of Soave Bolla. (That name was so ubiquitous that many thought it was a single word!) But cutting-edge Soave specialists are in the U.S. now; estates that specialize in and provide memorable drinking. One of the best is Inama – you may have seen their handsome labels with beautiful script and Renaissance images. Today’s wine is their “Vigneti di Foscarino” bottling, with all the grapes coming from their oldest vineyard sites and finished in old barriques for smoothness. The intensity of color and flavor may forever change your perception of this infamous wine!
2016 Inama Soave Classico, Vigneti di Foscarino $24 srp
Bright yellow in color with amber flecks. An exotic nose of baked apple, stone fruits, melon and lime with elements of toast, fresh herbs and almond as the wine warms in the glass. The mouth feel is medium-bodied with apple, yellow plum and licorice flavors. There’s a honeyed aspect throughout the unctuous texture, with a nutty persistence and a mineral-laden, salty backdrop on the piquant finish. (100% Garganega) Try with shellfish, sushi or buttery polenta. Drink now-2020.
91/100 points
P.S. The discovery of old Carmenére vines in this region inspires a remarkable red from Inama called “Carmen ere Piu.” This richly colored red reminds me of the finest Chilean versions. Mouth-filling, warmly succulent and remarkably good in the 2015 vintage. (90/100 points, $20)
