I was recently contacted by Piero Pagliardini about sharing information regarding his fall wine tour to Le Marche, Italy. Many of you reading may ask, where? I am familiar with Le Marche (Mar-kay) as a result of a spring #WineStudio hosted by Protocol Wine Studio; however, many wine lovers, even Italian wine lovers, are not familiar with the area or the wines produced. I liked the idea but had two questions with Piero’s request: 1) How do I promote to my readers a wine tour that I am unfamiliar; 2) How do I promote wines from wineries I have never tried? Since Piero already provided me the tour information (which is incredible!), I asked if he would also be willing to provide me two samples of wine (a white and a red) from a winery visited on the tour. Much to my surprise Piero responded with an invitation for my husband and I to meet he and his lovely wife Katherine (we all live in Dallas) at a local Dallas wine store/bar called Brian’s to meet, share some wine and receive a couple samples to try at home. What transpired on this evening was an incredible night of wine, new friendship and fun!

First let me say Brian’s Wine has a great selection of wine and if you live in Dallas and have not been there go check it out. Bruce Candia, a wine consultant and expert was our host for the evening. We began by getting to know one another over a bottle of Tasmanian Sparkling Wine from Bruce’s private collection that was quite lovely. As our evening moved from introductions to discussion of Piero’s business and the tour, Piero opened a wine suitcase and placed five bottles of Italian wine from Marche region on the large wooden table. WOW! I wish I had taken a picture but since I was not sure what to expect I was not planning on writing a blog post on this evening; however, as the night went on it became apparent I need ed to share with you Piero and Katerine’s kindness as well as the delicious wine we enjoyed from Marche. Piero opened three wines for us to enjoy as our lively conversations continued. Since Piero lived most of his life in Marche he shared great stories of the wonderful region in Italy near Tuscany and the great wines produced there.

(Stay with me please, this post is a bit longer than usual with a great treat at the end!)

Terracruda Pergola Rosso 2011 The Best Unknown: I had never smelled a wine with such a unique and pleasing bouquet as this red wine. It poured soft garnet into the glass and enveloped the nose with an inviting array of rose petals, red cherries, strawberries and dried herbs. The aroma was fresh and full but not sweet, very pleasing. The palate was quite interesting because, though it was quite good, it did not necessarily follow the smell.  Lost was the strong floral bouquet; instead it came forth with cherries, soft vanilla, toasted hazelnuts and beautiful minerality. It was medium dry with a full mouth coating of well balanced acidity. I really liked this wine! The Pergola Rosso was 100% Vernaccia de Pergola (Aleatico), which was a descendent of the Muscat grape. This wine is a compilation of grapes from several vineyards within the villages in Le Marche. The yields were restricted to just over 2 tons per acre and all the grapes were handpicked to minimize bruising. After destemming, the must was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel. The Pergola Rosso DOC was made to be consumed young and fresh; therefore, it only rested 6 months in glass, before being released. SRP $13.50; a great value for an easy drinking wine that is light and refreshing that is perfect for the summer heat.

Terracrude Vettina 2011 Pergola Rosso: This wine offered a similar bouquet to the previous wine because like The Best Unknown, this wine was also made from 100% Vernaccia de Pergola (Aleatico); therefore, it offers the similar floral and fresh red fruit bouquet of the Muscat grape. However, this was a single vineyard Pergola Rosso, which Piero wanted us to try so we could taste the subtle differences. Those differences were there; this wine offered a deeper ruby color and followed on the palate with more of an earthy terrior along with hints of chocolate and tobacco. It was still a light and refreshing wine and was equally enjoyable to drink. This wine was produced in Pesaro E Urbino in Marque, Italy in clay soil that was rich in sand. The grapes received prolonged maceration for more than 20 days and were fermented in stainless steel before aged for at least a year in French barriques barrels. It contained 13% alcohol and the SRP is $14.00. Pair each of these wines with pizza, spaghetti with meatballs or Bolognese, lasagna, or angel hair pasta with fresh tomatoes, basil and Italian sausage. YUM!

It was quite evident after drinking these two wines that the Vita Verde Wine Tour offers great wine! I cannot wait to share the notes from the other three wines with you as well as more information regarding the Vita Verde Fall Wine Tour. In the meantime while you take a look at the itinerary outline keep in mind a deal I have made with Piero for my Rockin Red Blog readers:

Rockin Red Blog readers please enter this special promo code “Rockin Red” on the Vita Verde Imports web page under the registration tab for a special discount of $100/person or $250/2 people who register together for the fall tour in October 13-24.

The New Wine Country Wine Tour through Tuscany and Marche October 13-24, 2014            

The Destinations…

Day 1:  Arrive in Rome, private transfer to hotel & Welcome Dinner

Day 2:  Montepulciano – Lunch and wine tasting in the historical center

Day3:   Day trip to explore Siena. Wine Dinner in Montepulciano

Day 4:  Wine Lovers Tour in Montepulciano, including 3 vineyards, lunch and sommelier

Day 5:  Transfer to Urbino, free time to explore the Renaissance town. Traditional dinner.

Day 6:  Day trip to Cartoceto with tasting of local wine, oil &“Formaggio di Fossa.” Fish dinner on the coast.

Day 7: Visit to Terracruda Winery for lunch, tasting, and to participate in the wine making process.

Day 8: Day trip to Sant’Angelo in Vado for the annual “Truffle and Wine Festival”

Day 9: Return to Sant’Angelo in Vado for a private Truffle hunt & winery visit.

Day 10: Day trip to “Apecchio Beer City” to visit a world-famous Italian brewery

Day 11: Transfer to Rome & Farewell dinner

Day 12: Departure with private transfer to airport

*Want to come but can’t make the whole trip?  Contact Vita Verde about their 7 DAY abbreviated tour!

Doesn’t it sound AMAZING! Please go to Vita Verde Imports for more information, a more detailed itinerary and to register with your discount today!

My Song Selection: I chose one song to pair with these two delicious wines and to sum up a great evening as well as look forward to a great fall trip to Le Marche, Italy! The song I chose is Come Fly With Me by Michael Bublé. Buble’s version is up tempo and fun (like our night with Piero, Katherine and Bruce) but as always he maintains the authenticity of the classic version (like the delicious new wines from very old vines in Le Marche, Italy). Furthermore, anyone who knows me knows I adoreMichael Bublé! He is great in concert and this video illustrates that as he performs Come Fly With Me in Los Angeles. He is fun and stylish; Piero’s Le Marche tour will be fun and stylish and with your special “Rockin Red” discount you will have a few extra Euros in your pocket to ship home fantastic well priced Le Marche wines!!!

However, if you are a purist and really want Frank Sinatra’s version I will accommodate because I enjoy Sinatra too!

Get yourself a bottle of Terracruda Pergola Rosso 2011 The Best Unknown AND Terracuda Vettina 2011 Pergola Rosso and let me know what songs you would pair with them. Better yet, head over to Vita Verde Imports and register for the October Le Marche, Italy with your “Rockin Red” discount and when you return from your wonderful wine tour vacation let me know what song you would pair with it!!  Cheers!