Two Italian Wines for Daily Drinking

This post focuses on two affordable wines as a counterbalance to my earlier post on the expensive 2004 Iskra.  The families which created the wineries featured in this post have roots outside of Italy.  The Lechthaler family moved from Lech Valley, Austria to Trentino, Italy where they begin producing wine one century ago. Today the estate is run by the Togn family.  This selection is produced from the Teroldego varietal which is only recognized in the single Teroldego Rotaliano DOC.  The Braggiotti family brings French and Turkish roots to Tenuta Mazzolino.  Since 1980 the estate has been updated with the winery redeveloped and the 22 hectares vineyard replanted.   The family brought over Kyriakos Kynigopoulos and Jean-Francois Coquard from Burgundy to produce their wines.

Vineyard, Image from Tenuta Mazzolino

Both of these wines will drink well over the short-term and are priced for daily consumption. While I recommend both of them I give a nod towards the Mazzolino for it is complete in all aspects. These two wines are available at MacArthur Beverages.

2010 Lechthaler, Teroldego Rotaliano, Trentino- $14
Imported by Vias Imports.  This wine is 100% Teroldego sourced from sandy and gravelly soils.  It was fermented then underwent malolactic fermentation in stainless steel.   There nose was light.  In the mouth the black fruity flavors were focused with tangy black fruit in the middle.  There were notes of stone and a touch of concentration to some grapey flavors.  This easy drinking wine finishes up with tart fruit and a decent aftertaste.  ** Now-2015.

2011 Tenuta Mazzolino, Terrazze, Pinot Nero, Provincia Di Pavia IGT – $13
Imported by Michael R. Downey Selections.  This wine is 100% Pinot Noir sourced from estate vineyards.  It was fermented then underwent malolactic fermentation in stainless steel.  The color is a light to medium ruby.  The medium-strength aromatic nose reveals fruity strawberry and perhaps raspberry.  In the mouth the wine is very clean with light-red fruit driven flavors which are uplifting.  There is a slightly tangy finish with hints of orange.  With air a vein of fresh, dark fruit develops and continues into the aftertaste.  There are minimal tannins, good acidity.  It is perfect for what it is.  ** Now-2013.