Much to our surprise, one of the top sellers at our Big Reds in Barrington event was not a red!

Outselling a stunning 100-Point Rhône Red and some brilliant California Cabs and Zins, the 2024 Marramiero Pecorino is a sultry white that, with just a few sips, transports your mind to the rugged coast of Abruzzo.

Imported by our good friend Paolo Cerruti, this stunning Italian activates the taste buds in a beautiful way and, from both a flavor and textural perspective, leaves the mouth watering for another sip. Thanks to Paolo being both importer and distributor, yet only charging once for his services, the Marramiero is able to perform this magic for just over twenty bucks a bottle!

It has been a while since we've had a white that got our blood going like this, and we are beyond excited to share it with you. Read on for the full story and for another of Paolo's imports, a 95-point Super Tuscan from Fattoria Poggerino, then hammer down fast on the Big Green Button. Supplies of both wines are limited, and we expect they'll go fast.

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2024 Marramiero Pecorino
Abruzzo, Italy
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When we tasted this jaw-droppingly gorgeous white with proprietor Antonio Chiavaroli, we asked him the secret to its impressive depth of minerality and signature saltiness.

He explained that while most of Marramiero's vineyards are best suited for and planted to Trebbiano and Montepulciano, his Pecorino is on a very particular parcel of land. Growing in soil laden with clay and lots of stones, the vines are over 25 years old and have dug deep into the earth of this east-facing site overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

This special microclimate allows for the warm sunny mornings and afternoons to be perfectly balanced out with cool night breezes from the Adriatic. These breezes give the signature salinity that makes this wine so darn appealing and so refreshing to drink.

Pop the cork and you'll be greeted immediately with entrancing aromas of citrus pith, lemon peel and peach blossom, all complemented by generous amounts of mineral and salty sea breeze notes. Fermented and matured in stainless steel tank, this clean, crisp and complex white offers impressive weight and texture due to a short period of skin contact during fermentation. The result is a mineral-driven wine with a full and round mouthfeel that lingers long on the palate.

Pair this beauty with light appetizers, fresh salads and, of course, anything with seafood. Heartier dishes like grilled chicken served over pasta tossed with a lemon-white wine-fresh herb sauce will be equally sublime.

The only downside is that there isn't much produced. As it does every year, our allocation will swiftly sell out. Scoop up your own supply today, and make sure to get enough to get you through the spring and summer!

Vin Chicago Price: 21.99

A Fabulous 95-Point Super Tuscan Red Blend from Poggerino!

2021 Poggerino "Primamateria" Rosso
Tuscany, Italy
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Also today, don’t miss a special bottling from Fattoria Poggerino. No, it is not their widely adored Chianti Classico or single vineyard “Bugialla” Riserva. This is their 2021 “Primamateria” Toscana Rosso, a unique and special wine that blends Tuscany’s signature Sangiovese grape with Merlot and a touch of Cabernet to create a 95-Point masterclass in balance, complexity, and sheer drinking pleasure.  

Proprietor Piero Lanza took full advantage of the outstanding 2021 vintage to create a Super Tuscan that shook us to our core. Transparent and nuanced flavors of fresh red and black fruits are layered with spices, dried herbs and flowers. There's a warm, rocky earthiness that is extremely enticing, and the medium- to full-bodied frame is in perfect balance with the vibrant acidity, soft caressing tannins and miles-long finish. 

We are a big-time enthusiastic 94 points. Going even higher, Antonio Galloni writes this glowing 95-point review...

“The 2021 Primamateria, mostly Merlot, with some Sangiovese and a smattering of Cabernet Sauvignon, is fabulous. Dark fruit, mocha, licorice, spice and espresso all saturate the palate. The interplay of intense fruit, bright acids and structure is nothing short of compelling. This spent two years in 500-liter barrels, 30% new. It’s a tremendous wine from Piero Lanza and Poggerino. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2036.”
          - 95 Points, Vinous - Antonio Galloni (6/2024)

If you’ve not yet experienced the magic of Poggerino, now is the chance. Grab a few bottles before our supply of this very small production red disappears! 

Vin Chicago Price: 42.99