One of our professors, Jack Chase, now works for Phoenix Wine & Spirits, Phoenix W&S and I reached out to him to ask which of their Italian wines he’d serve to students. These wines would be perfect food pairing with pizza or a nice caprese salad. See below for the grades… one received a solid “A”!

WINE REVIEWS

Terredora Falanghina Irpinia 2010
Campania, Italy
12.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $13.99
Cork
100% Falanghina

Winery says… Offers a rich and intense aroma of fruit with hints of apple, pineapple, quince and pear. It is fresh and clean in the mouth with excellent acidity, good structure and a floral finish. A wine for the whole meal equally at home with hors d’oeuvres, soups, fish and fresh cheeses.

Critics say… 88 pts., Wine Advocate

FSW students say… “B”

Castillo di Luzzano Tasto de Seta 2009
Emilia Romagna, Italy
13.0% alcohol
Est. Price: $18.99
Cork
100% Malvasia di Candia

Winery says… A very intense, aromatic, floral nose of acacia, cypress and mint. Balanced and soft on the characteristically fragrant palate, with excellent length. Excellent as an aperitif; well suited for risottos, dishes made with fresh pasta, egg and veggies, salami and white meats. Exceptional with fish and crustaceans.

Critics say… 90 pts., Wine Advocate

FSW students say… B-

Terredora Aglianico 2009
Campania, Italy
12.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $13.99
Cork
100% Aglianico

Winery says… Intense ruby red with violet reflections, it shows black cherry, wild blackberry and plum fruit flavors with a spicy, toasted overtone. Ideal with soups, cold cuts and white and red meats.

Critics say… 90 pts., International Wine Cellar

FSW students say… “C”

Langhe Nebbiolo 2009
Piedmont, Italy
13% alcohol
Est. Price: $20.99
Cork
100% Nebbiolo

Winery says… Medium bodied, with nice spice notes of white pepper, anise and violet. Perfect with sausages, ham and salami, pizzas and pasta with simple sauces, spicy food.

Critics say… 89 pts., Wine Advocate

FSW students say… “B-”

Cantele Salice Salentino 2007
Apulia, Italy
13.5% alcohol
Est. Price: $10.99
85% Negroamaro, 15% Malvasia

Winery says… This wine is full-bodied with a deep, ruby-red color and a complex bouquet. The flavor of mature fruit is accented by harmonious notes of vanilla from the French and American oak. Perfect for pasta and meat sauce, as well as goat stew and any red meat dish.

Critics say… 87 pts., Wine Advocate

FSW students say… “A” (“Great wine, but we’ll skip the goat stew.”)