Wine Tasting: Importer Russ Lorber - Piedmont, Valtellina, Campania, Puglia & Sicily

Join us Saturday February 19th as we introduce to you to new wines from the Piedmont, Valtellina, Campania, Puglia & Sicily Regions. Come meet Russ Lorber, Importer & Founder, Wide Roots, as we visit these regions with fabulous wines for you to taste.

About the wines, taste any 3:

Terre di Valter Greco di Tufo DOCG 2020 - A white wine perfect for seaside views. We visit the Campania region, not far from the Mt. Vesuvius, and discover this wine made from 100% Greco. Crisp and dry, with ripe fruit and mineral characters and a slight herbal note. Perfect for seafood and poultry.

Pietro “Satiro” Nera Rosso di Valtellina DOC 2018 - An important Italian grape with an American connection. An affordable entry into Nebbiolo. Made from the same grape as Barolo and Barbaresco, this Nebbiolo is grown in Valtellina, where a cooler season softens the tannins. An approachable Nebbiolo with red fruits and rose aromas; expressive and easy to drink.

Hisotelaray "Filari de Sant’Antonii Negroamaro Salento IGT 2020" - Organically-grown grapes with a conscience. Made from the underrated Negroamaro grape, this wine is complex, with fresh fruit, pepper, and herbal notes. Best with Puglian dishes, like sausage and vegetables with red pepper. Part of the Libera Terre anti-mafia movement.

Dezzani Albarossa Piemonte DOC 2018 - Discover one of Piemonte’s up-and-coming grapes. A cross between Nebbiolo and Barbera, the Albarossa grape is gaining prominence. Deep ruby, dark fruit notes, and firm tannins and acidity. Pairs well with risotto, game, pasta, and aged cheeses.

When Satiro runs out:

Centopassi “Argille di Tagghia” Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2018 - The classic Sicilian grape, organically grown. This Nero d’Avola pairs perfectly with pasta and tomato sauce or grilled meat. Dried rose and autumn leaf aromas, dried cherry and blackberry on the palate. Centopassi is part of the anti-mafia movement in Sicily.

We hope to see you at Simpatico to explore these amazing wines! Cin Cin!

About Russ Lorber: In 2013, I set off on a path of demystifying the wines of Europe–a section of stores and wine lists that I previously avoided. This path rewarded me with an understanding of what wine really is…a centerpiece of gatherings with families and friends; something to facilitate celebration. When visiting family wineries in Europe, I found the experience to be like an invitation to a family gathering, and I admired the passion of the winemakers for their craft. I launched Wide Roots, a wine import/wholesale company based in Baltimore, to bring the essence of this experience to more wine drinkers, hoping to help them in unlocking this world much the same way that I did for myself.  I am certified by Vinitaly International Academy as an Italian Wine Ambassador, have achieved Level 2 with distinction for Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), and have passed Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1. My prior experience includes operations management, finance, and supply chain.