2008 Sella Majoli Rosato

L

Levi Dalton

Levi Dalton
Fruitier and rounder than the 2007 or 2006, especially for this stage in the game. The 2007 was tight as a drum this time last year. The 2008 is also a darker shade of pink this go around.

The flavor profile is largely the same as in the past, in terms of types of fruit, etc. I did pick up some bubble gum on the 2008, which is a new one on Sella for me.

I know a lot of folks will like this vintage more than the previous two, but I miss those already.
 
Good timing.

I was thinking about ordering a few bottles, just on general principles.
Sella making a Rosato, it sounds like it should be wonderful.
Having missed out on the prior vintages, I'm sure I'll like it.

Levi, off topic, but have you tried any wines from Librandi? We were at one of our favorite local restaurants last night and I noticed a couple of bottles on their list, the white was "Val di Neto, Efeso" and the red "Ciro Duca San Felice". The waitress hadn't tried them and couldn't tell me anything about the wines. Thanks in advance.
 
The former marketing manager for Sella described their rosato as smelling like watermelon and pomegranate, and I think he's right, particularly about the watermelon. I like the wine.

(NB I import Sella for CA)
 
originally posted by Marc D:

Levi, off topic, but have you tried any wines from Librandi? We were at one of our favorite local restaurants last night and I noticed a couple of bottles on their list, the white was "Val di Neto, Efeso" and the red "Ciro Duca San Felice". The waitress hadn't tried them and couldn't tell me anything about the wines. Thanks in advance.
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Librandi is probably the most established producer in Calabria. Certainly they are the most well-known Calabrian producer on the export market (part of the Winebow portfolio). They make about 2 million bottles of wine a year, I believe, and are regular Tre Biccheri winners for some of their wines, like the "Gravello".

One of the things that is cool about Librandi is that they have spent a lot of time doing DNA analysis on some of the specific native grape varieties of Calabria, then propogating some virtually extinct examples for the purpose of micro-vinification. They also try to bring attention to the wines of Calabria through hosting symposiums on the subject at their winery. On the other hand, they do a significant amount of work blending native grape varieties with the international set of options (the "Gravello" is Gaglioppo blended with Cabernet Sauvignon + new French oak). In fact, Librandi was sort of a trendsetter in terms of planting international varieties ahead of most Italian wineries, back in the early 1980's.

About the wines you mentioned: the "Duca San Felice" is a single vineyard Ciro made from Gaglioppo that has been aged in steel and glass. The "Efeso" is a Mantonico. One could do worse than try either. On the other hand, I don't think your life will change if you do.

Personally, I rather enjoy the straight Librandi Ciro Rosso (non-Duca San Felice), which is a wine I like in the summer. Or with a simple lunch out of doors.

You might search out the Ciro of Ippolito 1845 or San Francesco, other producers whose wines I have enjoyed.
 
I checked in with the lastest releases from Librandi today.

The Efeso struck me as a potentially nice wine that had seen too much oak. A strong whiff of oak on the nose was off-putting.

The Duca San Felice was too sweet for my taste.

The Ciro Rosso normale '07 was simple in the most charming way, and I liked it. Not as big, or as rounded as the '06. More translucent in flavor. I would enjoy it with a meal.
 
originally posted by Levi Dalton:
2008 Sella Majoli RosatoFruitier and rounder than the 2007 or 2006, especially for this stage in the game. The 2007 was tight as a drum this time last year. The 2008 is also a darker shade of pink this go around.

The flavor profile is largely the same as in the past, in terms of types of fruit, etc. I did pick up some bubble gum on the 2008, which is a new one on Sella for me.

I know a lot of folks will like this vintage more than the previous two, but I miss those already.
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Finally got around to this today, I will be buying more.

Watermelon bubblegum, that is exactly right, but that sounds awful when written down in words and the wine is very good, easy to drink, much better with food in fact.

Anyway it was very delicious with garlicky lamb, but I am sorry to have missed those previous vintages.

A sunbreak in the winter gloom.
 
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