Where Italy meets Burgundy 

It's fitting that Mount Etna in Sicily reminded us last week of its unique influence of beauty, terror and inspiration. It's in the surrounding steep slopes that are home to small, rugged vineyards which for centuries have felt the impact of raining lava, ash, snow and rain that the world's most intriguing wine scene has developed. 

The environment of Europe's tallest active volcano has created a gold rush of sorts the past 20 years for winemakers from across Europe to acquire property in this once forbidden zone.  Etna's combination of volcanic, nutrient-rich soils, old-vine vineyards, high elevations, warm Mediterranean breezes, hot summers, cool nights and the Sicilian wine community's dedication to indigenous varietals has put wines once considered backward into a must-have on any good sommelier's wine list. 

Stay tuned to our selection as we redefine Sicily and Mount Etna in the shop, but today we're featuring Tascante Ghiaia Nera - a red wine from the elusive Nerello Mascalese grape. Translating to "black gravel," the Ghiaia Nera and many other Etna wines have seized the attention of both Italian and Burgundy drinkers for the exceptional quality-to-price ratio and Burgundian nuances. Displaying a light, translucent color, Nerello Mascalese derives from Sangiovese and Mantonico Bianco. But the magic in the bottle is much more reminiscient of Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir, making these wines very value priced for consumers. 

Tascante Ghiaia Nera Nerello Mascalese 2012

From the famed family of Guiseppe Tasca of Tasca d' Almerita. A project the family started in 2008.  A pure 100% Nerello Mascalese from vineyards surrounding Mount Etna - offering an intriguing concoction of rose petal, blueberry, deep cherry, wild herbs, balsamic, fresh leather and dusty black granite tannins. Showing a warm ripeness as per the vintage. Tremendous value for the quality.

 93 POINTS - JAMES SUCKLING  /   92 POINTS - WINE ENTHUSIAST  / 90 POINTS - WINE ADVOCATE

REGULAR PRICE: $22.99

YOUR PRICE: $19.99 per bottle

https://www.pearsonswine.com/wines/2012-Tascante-Ghiaia-Nera-w1002066q7

* Quantites are extremely limited of the 2012 vintage before we transition into the 2013 vintage.  For immediate purchase please contact Erick Urbina, erick@peasonswine.com or call us direct at 202-909-5536.

More Weekly Wine Specials

Garofoli Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi Macrina 2014

Arguably Italy's best indigenous white varietal, Verdicchio likewise has undergone a quality revolution since the 1980s and Garofoli was at the forefront of the movement.  Today, the winery is known for the standout Verdicchio called "Podium," but we're offering the economical "Macrina." A fresh, clean, lively, unoaked wine offers stone fruits (peach and apricot) mixing with apple and pear flavors and is balanced with an elegant mineral richness.

YOUR PRICE: $15.99

https://www.pearsonswine.com/wines/2014-Garofoli-Verdicchio-dei-Castelli-di-Jesi-Classico-Macrina-w5419063ul

Tenuta Sant'Antonio Scaia Corvina 2013

Say hello to your new house wine for pizza, pasta and anything casual! Corvina means "little raven" and is the most important varietal for Valpolicella and Amarone wines from the Veneto growing area outside Verona. Tenuta Sant'Antonio is a rock-solid producer and has built a phenomenon by bottling Corvina as a varietal. It's a wine that's fresh, fruit-driven and bright. A pretty nose of violets opens into blackberry, plum and wild white cherry flavors. Medium bodied.

Wine Advocate calls it "an unbelievable deal" and scored the 2012 vintage at 90 Points

REGULAR PRICE: $13.99

YOUR PRICE: $11.99 per bottle

https://www.pearsonswine.com/wines/2013-tenuta-Sant-Antonio-Scaia-Corvina-w6199954n6

UPCOMING TASTINGS

• Thursday (5-8), Friday (5-8) and Saturday (2-5): Marie Daffau Bas Armagnac and Du Peyrat Organic Cognac
• Friday Night Wines (5-8): Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay, Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Ritual Pinot Noir, Sette Ponti Crognolo and Stags Leap Wine Cellars Hands of Time Reb Blend.
• Saturday Scotch and Bourbon: Glenfarclas, Revival, Dad's Hat, Cynus Noble and more...

PEARSON'S WINE & LIQUOR 
www.pearsonswine.com

2436 Wisconsin Ave NW 
Washington, DC 20007 
202-333-6666 Phone 
202-333-3392 Fax

Store Hours: 10AM--8:45PM Monday-Saturday. 12PM--6PM on Sunday.