Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
$20.00 $17.00
The town of Abruzzo in Central Italy is nicknamed ‘the green region of Europe’ thanks to its three national parks, 38 protected areas (more than ⅓ of the whole town) and the numerous lakes and mountains scattered through the landscape. It’s often an overlooked area, less travelled than the big name regions, though for many wine lovers, Abruzzo is like El Dorado– the holy grail of big red wines, all available at Tuesday Night prices. Vinous’ recent report on the region called the wines in Abruzzo, “not only improving, but have never been better.”
Certainly the same can be said about Umani Ronchi, a winery who for nearly 80 years has been dazzling the region with their Montelpulciano and Verdicchios, but lately has been making wines that most consider to be their finest work to date. Scattered throughout multiple municipalities throughout Abruzzo, are the vineyards that Umani Ronchi uses for their “Jorio” Montepulciano. The goal is to cut most of the fruit production, favoring the clusters that allow for ideal air circulation around the vine and cutting the rest off. This allows for maximum concentration and maturity in the clusters, which brings an energetic, lifted feel to the wines. This is a great one to buy by the case to have around the house.
Out of stock
92 Points, James Suckling
Aromas of ripe plum, sour cherry, licorice, oregano and oyster shell. It’s medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Juicy, flavorful and fresh. Delicious now.
90 Points, Vinous
The 2018 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Jorio takes its time opening up in the glass. At first the wine is smoky with peppery florals and hints of camphor. Patience is rewarded, as this deepens with shades of violet, giving way to crushed blackberry and hints of spiced citrus. It’s silky yet lifted in feel, with juicy acids and soothingly ripe red and black fruits. This closes incredibly fresh with a flourish of pretty inner florals and hints of licorice. The 2018 Jorio really captures the energy of the vintage and is a pleasure to taste.
94 Points, Decanter – 93 Points, Parker’s Wine Advocate – 93 Points, James Suckling
Massolino’s inaugural effort is superb. Typical of the very finest Nebbiolo, floral elements dominate the nose, here violets & rose with a touch of dark candy sweetness. The tannins are obvious but supple and refined, making this wine a much more approachable in its youth than you might expect. The 94 point Decanter review is worth reading below. Like most other Barbarescos from top vineyard sites, I expect these wines to reach firmly into the three figures in no time.
Made by Bo and Heidi Barrett’s rising superstar daughter, Chelsea, this Right Bank ode is a gorgeous Bordeaux blend that leads with dark fruits like black cherry and plum with clove, hints of vanilla and hint of nutmeg. It’s a very round, plush mouthfeel with smooth, silky tannins that expertly support the wine along with a rich, dark-fruited finish that steals the show.
Once again dialing up fruit from 1000-1500ft in elevation in the Dundee Hills, Chad’s 2021 is juicy, laser focused and roaring out of the gates. Chad tells me that similar wines (very similar wines) off this vineyard are raising their prices up to $55/bottle from $45 this year due to 2020’s lost year. But where most people are raising prices to recoup last year’s losses, the CHAD Pinot Noir price is somehow lower. A true gift from our favorite winemaker.
92 Points, Vinous – 91 Points, Wine Spectator
Feudo Montoni has been one of the best producers in Italy for literally hundreds of years, most notably for their work with Nero D’Avola grape in Sicily. It’s a gorgeous expression at such a good price. The 2020 “Lagnusa” is the perfect pizza or Thanksgiving wine with juicy black fruits, grippy tannins and a wonderful, fresh and herbaceous finish. Vinous Media gave the wine 92 points and raved, calling it “remarkably fresh yet long, leaving the mouth watering while still resonating on hints of blackberry.” You’re going to love this.
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