Wine Tasting: Importer Russ Lorber - Valtellina Region

Join us Saturday December 11th as we introduce to you to new wines from the Valtellina Region. 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:

Pietro Nera "La Novella" 2019 Alpi Retiche IGT - White wine from Nebbiolo? Certainly! This blend of Nebbiolo (80%), Chardonnay, and locally historic Rossola comes from the Valtellina region of Italy, near the Swiss border. Crisp, fresh fruit and delicate minerality. Pair with risotto, young cheese, and cured meats.

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

Pietro Nera "Alisio" Valtellina Superiore DOCG Sassella 2016 - Experience a soft yet rich Nebbiolo. In the very north of Italy, Valtellina features Nebbiolo vineyards on steep mountainsides. Produced by the Nera family, and responsibly farmed, this wine has fresh cherry and rose, with distinct minerality. Serve with pasta, cheese, or roasted meat.

Pietro Nera Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG 2016 - A combination of Nebbiolo and the Amarone style of winemaking. Distinct dried cherry and rose characters. The grapes are dried for several months prior to vinifying. A rare combination of power and elegance, and perfect with game and aged cheese.

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.