• hogsalt wine club •
This quarter’s wines inspired by Ciccio Mio.
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2023 Pietradolce Etna Rosso
The Winery
Perched on the northern slopes of Mount Etna around the village of Solicchiata, Pietradolce farms some of Sicily's highest-elevation vineyards, many planted to ungrafted vines growing in volcanic soils. The combination of altitude, lava rock, and dramatic day-to-night temperature swings produces wines of remarkable freshness and elegance, redefining what many expect from southern Italy.
Tasting Notes
Predominantly Nerello Mascalese, this Etna Rosso is fragrant and lifted, offering vibrant red cherry, wild strawberry, dried herbs, crushed volcanic stone, and subtle spice. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity create an energetic, Burgundian style that finishes with unmistakable mineral tension.
Pairing Recommendation
The lifted aromatics, vibrant acidity, and volcanic minerality of Etna Rosso make it an exceptionally versatile partner for earthy, herb-driven dishes. Pair it with the Orecchiette Pugliese, where the wine's freshness balances the richness of spicy pork sausage while complementing the bitterness of rapini.
2022 Montesecondo Chianti Classico
The Winery
Montesecondo is one of Chianti Classico's leading organic and biodynamic estates. Owner Silvio Messana embraces minimal intervention, allowing Sangiovese to transparently express the high-elevation vineyards of San Casciano in Val di Pesa. The result is a modern interpretation rooted firmly in tradition: vibrant, honest, and unmistakably Tuscan.
Tasting Notes
Pure Sangiovese delivers aromas of sour cherry, violets, dried herbs, and earthy spice. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and refined tannins, the wine balances bright fruit with savory complexity and a long, refreshing finish that invites another sip.
Pairing Recommendation
This is classic Italian food wine. Pair it with the Lasagna Bolognese, where its acidity cuts through the richness of the meat and parmesan, or the Meatballs with parmesan and herbs, echoing the wine's savory, rustic character.
2023 Tenuta di Trinoro "Le Cupole"
The Winery
Created by the visionary Andrea Franchetti, Tenuta di Trinoro transformed a remote corner of southern Tuscany into one of Italy's most celebrated estates. Le Cupole showcases the estate's signature Bordeaux-inspired philosophy, blending international varieties with Tuscan character to produce a wine of remarkable depth and finesse.
Tasting Notes
A blend led by Merlot and Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, Le Cupole is generous yet poised. Layers of blackberry, plum, violets, graphite, and warm spice unfold over silky tannins, finishing with freshness and exceptional length.
Pairing Recommendation
Its richness is perfectly suited to the Braised Beef Short Rib with red wine-tomato ragù and polenta, while the wine's structure also shines alongside the Coal Fired Ribeye finished with roasted garlic and rosemary butter. For pasta lovers, it's equally compelling with the Tagliatelle Carbonara, where its freshness balances the luxurious guanciale and gorgonzola.