Many of you took the time to read and comment on the lineups posted from my post earlier this week. I thank you and appreciate your comments! I loved that the choices were a little of everything.

Today’s lineup will prove to be somewhat geeky with varietal wine that some may have never heard of. If you get a chance to try any autochthonous grapes from Italy, do it! (there’s only two in this lineup!) If anything, you could be one of the few people that can say “Hey, I tried that!” Have fun with this lineup and choose wisely… 🙂

Adriano Adami Prosecco – one of the cleanest, brightest, most classic Proseccos I have ever had. Would make the Bellini shine for sure! – $26

Braida Brachetto d’Acqui – if you’ve never had Brachetto before, you need to find one NOW! This one is frizzante in style, and I’m not kidding, it’s like a red fruit salad in a glass. Slightly sweet and tart all at the same time with that slight sparkle, this is a dangerous wine. At only 5.5% alcohol you might drink the whole bottle before you know it! And then you’ll want a second…and maybe even a third… – $35

Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay – If you’re looking for a big, buttery, oaky, coconut, full mouth feel Chardonnay, this one’s for you!  From a reputable producer, this product remains pretty consistent year after year – $58

Greywacke Pinot Noir – From winemaker Kevin Judd, who uses mostly ambient yeasts, this wine is not only delicious, it would be great for those with allergies. Nothing but natural in this wine with true cool climate Pinot Noir flavours and aromas or raspberry, blueberry, flint and smoke. A solid choice – $52

Settaporte Nerello Mascalese – from the region of Sicily, where the wines are hot, hot, hot!  Hot as in trendy, and if you’re wanting to step away from Nero D’Avola, the Etna wines are busting a move all over the place with this grape grown on its slopes and tasting of dried herbs, sour cherries and fresh volcanic soil minerality. I love this grape so much I’m getting it tattooed on my arm! – $47

Henschke Henry’s Seven – no it’s not Hill of Grace, but from the same iconic producer, is this solid GSMV( grenache, shiraz, mataro, viognier blend) that exhibits the typical dark berry flavours and aromas as well as the violet and pepper hints. Not for the faint of heart though as it’s big, rich and full bodied – $66

Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Vin – wondering if I might throw a Malbec in there? Well kind of. Although Malbec is least likely to be any choice of mine, blend it with other grapes and it has a fair chance. Although this is 69%  Malbec, it’s balanced by Cabernet Sauvignon at 19% and a little of Petit Verdot, Syrah and Merlot, it’s very Bordeaux like with some significant time in French oak- $58

Easier lineup? More difficult? For me this is kind of a no brainer…I’ll pick the Nerello Mascalese every single time. Seriously. I love this grape. People have often asked me what my favourite wine in the store is. My standard answer is “whatever is in my glass”. But if I had to choose one…just ONE, it’d be this one. A haunting ethereal nose with dried Italian herbs, a sour raspberry/cherry and ashy, wet rock, stony minerality. It’s really unforgettable.  I think I would pay pretty much any price to try different producers. Love it!

Happy long weekend and happy rest of the summer everybody! My shameless plug for my blog happens right now: I’m seriously close to 1000 followers which is a huge milestone for me. Make it happen peeps! Always and forever grateful for your following! Cheers!