Mostly Italian Sounding Wines@ Altamirano's

Join Nathalie and myself as we co-host a night of various wines that I expect will go really well with Altamirano's Italian cuisine.

Here is a link to their menu:
Altamirano's Menu

** The cost of this event is $38 and is for the cost of the wines.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). You will be expected to order at least 2 dishes (an appetizer and a main, or main and dessert) to help support the restaurant.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):

2022 Familia Nin-Ortiz Priorat Planetes de Nin - Blanc ($47) - WA 93 points, "The 2022 Planetes de Nin Carinyena Blanca (Carignan White or Vi Blanc de Varietats Antigues) is slightly different, as the slopes planted with the variety just entered in production that year. The grapes ripened well, and 30% of the blend was macerated with skins for 30 days in a concrete egg. It has a nose of pollen and yellow fruit, hints of quince, the effect of the skin contact very subtle, some dry straw, a little more Mediterranean. It has only 12.8% alcohol and a pH of 3.2 with five grams of acidity. 6,120 bottles produced. (drink 2023-2028)"

2021 Ignaz Niedrist Lagrein Alto Adige - Südtirol Berger Gei Riserva Gries ($49) - Lagrein is an ancient grape variety that finds its home in the sunny vineyards of Trentino-Alto Adige in northeastern Italy. Vinous 94 points, "The 2021 Lagrein Riserva Gries Berger Gei is decidedly savory and spicy, with an intense blend of dried black cherries, cloves, cedar shavings and dusty rose forming its bouquet. This is a more lifted interpretation of Gries Berger Gei, with a wiry framework and masses of tart wild berry fruits that saturate. It finishes tannic and long, leaving a tart blackberry twang and hints of sour citrus, adding to its youthfully tense persona. Patience will be required."

2021 Montes Purple Angel ($102) - From Chile, CT 92.5, WA 92 points, "The 2021 Purple Angel consists of 92% Carménère and 8% Petit Verdot, sourced from the Apalta and Machigüe estates in roughly equal parts and aged for 18 months in 70% new oak. It presents a tarry, spice-driven bouquet that evolves into resinous, herbal aromas with aeration. The palate is strikingly ripe and has a voluptuous texture, concluding with a sweet, luscious finish infused with oak. While it's undeniable that this is a truly massive wine, it remarkably maintains a sense of balance."

2022 JM Cellars Carménère Bramble Bump Carmenere Margaret's Vineyard & Seven Hills Vineyard ($40) - A rare Carmenere from WA state, we have had it before and loved it. It should make an interesting comparison to the Chilean Carmenere.

2018 Raul Pérez Petit Verdot Valtuille ($50) - From Spain, no reviews and the only comments on Cellartracker are mine. Here is my most recent tasting note, "94 Points
I shared this with my wine group last night and it was the WOTN. Most thought it was a Northern Rhone Syrah. Looking back at my notes, I made sure to open it early, and even poured some into glasses, where it sat for over 30 minutes before drinking. The extended air time really helped open this wine. Long finish. Dark color. Great nose."