It’s not every day that I get to sample a sparkling Molinara. 100% varietal, this wine has a very bright strawberry nose — it almost smells like a Fanta strawberry soda with a bit of herb and spice added. It’s nice and dry on the palate, with crisp acidity and a long strawberry and mild herb finish. The name translates as “The Coward” and was made to thumb a nose at the Italian DOC after they removed Molinara from the assortment of grapes approved for blending into Amarone. They delivered the first case to the front step of the commission’s office. Che prende le palle!
Buglioni, Valpolicella (Veneto, Italy) 2011
By Rich Cook