Reserve Wines

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)

 

 


 

644 18th street · des moines, ia · 50314 · (515) 244-1353 · Copyright © 2006 Cafe Di Scala

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