Mallory's Staff Pick - Montemelino 'Malpasso' Rosso

Montemelino 'Malpasso' Rosso 1L Non-Vintage

Region: Umbria, Italy
Grape(s): Sangiovese
Winemaker: Sabine Cantarelli
Drinks Best: Now

Mallory's Notes:

Margaret Etten Cantarelli, a German ex-pat living in Umbria, made her first vintage of wine in 1961. With the help of her husband, Guido, they organically farmed the land overlooking Lake Trasimeno for over 50 years. Their daughter, Sabina, recently took the reins and is continuing her family’s legacy of making traditional Umbrian wines and small batch, artisanal olive oil. ‘Malpasso’ is their table wine, made entirely from Sangiovese and bottled in larger format liter bottles that are perfect for sharing at the dinner table. This is an approachable style that is extremely versatile with food – especially Italian food. Fruit driven aromas of black cherry, plum, and dusty earth introduce a medium-bodied palate loaded with red berry fruit and the perfect amount of spice. This wine has the perfect amount of tannin to stand up next to rich, hearty pasta dishes but is juicy and fruity enough to enjoy on its’ own.

What's Cooking?

Pasta alla Norcina – creamy pasta with Italian sausage

What do I like to drink?

Now that it's cooling off, a little, I am drinking fuller bodied whites like unoaked Chardonnay as well as all of the Cremant and Champagne I can afford! Red wine finds its' way home with me more frequently this time of year as well - Gamay, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc are my vibe this time of year. And I can't forget my #1 fave - orange wine - the PERFECT wine for Fall and Winter.