Winter 2006/2007
Wines by the Glass Selections
at the feet of kings
There are those Italian wines that are traditionally tied to a region and considered the most coveted. Barolo, Barbaresco, Amarone, Brunello, & Taurasi are among the “royalty” of reds. Then there are the “lesser” wines, like the Spanna and Ripassa, that give you an affordable taste of their noble master. With these new & unique selections, try one of our “Sips” and see the differences.
Dessilani Spanna Reserva 1999/2001
In this area of Northern Piedmonte, Nebbiolo is called “Spanna.” Aged in third-use barrels for 6 months, this is a dry, yet younger, lighter version of Nebbiolo.
Colle dei Venti Barbaresco 2001
From famous enologist Claudio Icardi, this Barbaresco is an elegant, approachable and more feminine style of Nebbiolo.
Stefano Farina Barolo 2001
Considered the “King of Wines and the Wine of Kings,” this royalty of reds is dark and rich with earthy, also “port-like” flavors.
Santi Valpolicella Ripassa 2003/04
Considered the “Baby Amarone,” this red hints of Amarone’s spice and dried fruit by re-fermination on the pomace of its big brother.
Remo Farina Amarone Valpolicella della Classico 2001
Amarone is the pride of Valpolicella and the secret lies in the superb selection of Corvina that are then dried on wooden trays for several months. Ethereal, spicy fragrance with warm, robust flavors. Nothing like it!
Spanna and Ripassa Glass $9.50 Bottle $36.00
Barbaresco, Barolo and Amarone Glass $14.00 Bottle $54.00
Scala Sip of Two/Pick #1 Spanna plus Barbaresco or Barolo or #2 Ripassa and Amarone $8.00
Sip of Three (Spanna, Barbaresco and Barolo) $14.00
Deep south
When the Greeks called Italy “Oenotria,” the land of wine, that referred to the southern regions. This rugged, sunny and mountainous land is home to scores of fascinating grapes that are making a resurgence on the US market.
Cusumano Angimbe Insolia/Chardonnay 2004 Sicilia
A Sicilian alternative to Chardonnay. Slight creaminess with tropical fruit with a whiff of oak and butter cookies at the finish. Exclusive to Café di Scala.
Cantina del Taburno Falaghina 2004 Campania
Illusion of sweetness through balanced acidity and peach fruit. Another exclusive to Café di Scala. Trendy white from the Amalfi coast.
Librandi Ciro Rosso Classico 2003/04 Calabria
100% Gaglioppo from the region’s most important producers. Medium bodied with zesty acidity. Scala is named from the town here.
Scala Sip of Two $5.00 Glass $8.00 Bottle $30.00
ANCIENT ISLANDS
From the Mediterranean’s two largest islands, Sicily and Sardinia, these wines reflect the land in which they come.
Deep in flavor, full in body and ancient in roots.
Santa Anastasia Nero d’Avola 2002, Sicilia
Sicily’s signature variety with structured intensity, sturdy yet smooth tannins, and decidedly rustic Sicilian character.
Rapitala Nadir Syrah 2003, Sicilia
Full-bodied Syrah with sun-aoaked deep fruit flavors and lots of spice and hints of oak.
Santadi Antigua Monica di Sardegna 2004, Sardegna
Medium-bodied red of Spanish origin planted on the southern plains of Sardegna. Rich and round blend of Monica and Carignano.
Scala Sip of Two $6.50 Glass $9.50 Bottle $36.00
For the love of pinot
Everybody knows “Pinot” in today’s wine drinking culture.
The northern Italian regions are home to these famous grapes.
Oggi Pinot Grigio 2005, Veneto
Estate Pinot Grigio with attractive aromas of flowera and a smooth balance of fruit, mineral and acidity. A touch of Chardonnay added for added body and richness.
Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco 2004, Alto Adige
This wine shows a delicious and dimension of this grape’s potential. . .pronounced aromatics, zesty citrus fruit and almond finish.
Torti Pinot Noir 2002, Lombardy
Elegant, supple Pinot Noir from the cool region of Lombardy. Expressive blackberry and raspberry elements.
Scala Sip of Two $5.25 $7.00/26.00 (Oggi) $9.00/34.00 (Lageder) $11.00/42.00 (Torti)
BeyonD chianti
Everyone knows Chianti, which is made from Sangiovese, the grape that provides the framework for all great Tuscan reds. There are many clones of this famous variety, from light and simple to exalted, rich and chewy. Try one these Sangioveses from outside Tuscany.
Farnese Sangiovese 2004, Abruzzo
A lighter version of Sangiovese with fresh spring strawberry and black cherry fruit and a hint of vanilla from a few months in oak.
Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2004, Molise
Under the winemaking expertise of Riccardo Cotarella, this award winning Molise Sangiovese is a very different style of Sangiovese from an often overlooked region south of Abruzzo.
Castelluccio “Le More Sangiovese di Romagna 2003/04, Emilia Romagna
From the kingdom of Lambrusco rises this fresh and fruity Sangiovese with an expressive aromas of blackberry (“Le More”) that carries to the palate.
Scala Sip of Two $6.00 Glass $9.00 Bottle $34.00
Northeast elegance
From the hills and plains of the Veneto reaching to the lofty mountain vineyards of Fruili and Trentino,
these wines offer a montage of pure flavor with an affinity for a variety of food.
Inama Soave Classico 2004, Veneto
This Garganega is made by young, upcoming winemaker Stefano Inama. Rich, complex palate of citrus, white peach and almonds.
Marco Felluga Collio Tocai Fruiliano 2003/04, Fruili
Tocai is the Queen of Northeast White Grapes. Distinctive acidity with an infusion of minerality and peach/pear fruits.
La Vis Riesling 2005, Trentino
Beautiful floral aromas, dry with distinctive mineral and satisfying Riesling citrus fruit.
La Vis Lagrein 2005, Trentino
A soft and jammy red indigenous to this region. Grenache-like in texture and flavor.
Great entry into the world of reds.
Scala Sip of Two $6.00 Glass $9.00 Bottle $34.00
Adriatic breezes
Up and coming regions with ample sun, dry climate, hilly terrain and coastal breezes producing
interesting, warm, and full-bodied wines.
La Valentina Montepuliciano d’Abruzzo 2004, Abruzzo
Fashionable Montepuliciano is a extracted and full-bodied red with rich fruit of red currants and subtle hints of licorice.
Liveli Passamante Salento 2003 Apulia
Negroamaro, meaning “black and bitter,” yields a deeply colored and brawny wine with hints of exotic spice. Intriging.
Cocci Grifone Le Torre Rosso Piceno 2003 Le Marche
Rosso Piceno is a full-bodied blend of Montepuliciano and Sangiovese from the region’s choice Rosso Piceno hillside vineyards.
Scala Sip of Two $6.50 Glass $9.50 Bottle $36.00
Sweet-sparkling side of italy
This category is perfect if you are apprehensive about “too dry.” Put White Zinfandel behind and enter the Italian
world of sweet and sparkling indulgences. Perfect for beginning, during or after a meal.
Stella Rossa Il Conti d’Alba N/V, Piedmonte
Slightly frizzante and sweet trendy red from Northwest Italy.
Saracco Moscato d’Asti (375 ml), Piedmonte
The ultimate alternative sweet white wine. Perfect in sweetness, acidity and effervescence.
Villa La Selva “Vigna del Papa Vin Santo del Chianti, Tuscany
Made from estate Trebbiano and Malvasia, Villa La Selva drys the grapes then barrique ages this “Wine of the Saints” for 5 years.
Zardetto Prosecco, Veneto (187 ml)
A fresh, lively sparkling from the region’s “Prosecco Specialist.”
7.50/28.00 (Stella Rossa) $18.00 (Saracco 375 ml) $12.00/54.00 (Villa La Selva) $11.00 (Zardetto 187ml)