Wine Tasting: Importer Russ Lorber - Valtellina, Trentino, Puglia and Piedmont Regions

Join us in our outdoor courtyard as we introduce to you to new wines from the Valtellina, Trentino, Puglia and Piedmont Regions. Come meet Russ Lorber, Importer & Founder, Wide Roots, as we visit these regions without leaving St Michaels this Saturday from 12:30-4:30pm. Try any three of these fabulous wines:

Pietro Nera “La Novella” Nebbiolo Bianco 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, cured meats, and an outdoor view.

Müller-Thurgau Trentino DOC Superiore Valle di Cembra 2019: A fresh white wine from some of the highest vines in Europe.  Grown on steep slopes with views of the Dolomites, Müller-Thurgau grapes offer a bouquet of wildflowers, complemented by crisp lemon and apple. An age-worthy white wine.

Rocca Nero di Troia 2020 Puglia IGT: Great value, off the beaten path. A very deep ruby red hue with notes of ripe red fruits and cherries with hints of spices and tobacco, this wine showcases Puglia’s high quality, indigenous Nero di Troia. This wine is perfect for lamb and pork dishes!

Rocca 8 Gocce Piemonte DOC 2015: Awesome value Italian red blend! Includes 3 international and 5 local Piemontese grapes, aged traditionally in large barrels and finished in small new oak barrels. Great for Cab drinkers looking to cross over into other varietals. Pairs well with spicy dishes and grilled meats.

We hope to see you at Simpatico in our outdoor courtyard "Piazza" 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.