Falesco Marciliano Cabernet Igt 2008 750ml

Winery: Falesco

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Since their conception in 18th century France, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have flourished across the Old and New Worlds and have changed the way we think about red wine forever. Their sharp and astringent nature has a wonderful ability to mellow and round with age, and when helped by being blended with Merlot and Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc varietals – as is done in Bordeaux and elsewhere – the results can be truly remarkable. What is most special about Cabernet Sauvignon grapes is the fact that they have a true affinity for oak, and when aged in barrels made of this fragrant wood, the wine which comes out of them a few years later holds an amazing array of flavors and aromas, making Cabernet Sauvignon based wines some of the most memorable in the world. Single variety bottles from the New World made from this grape are also increasing in popularity, as the strong flavors and full-bodied nature of these wines is a great match for many global cuisines.

Region: Umbria

The beautiful central Italian region of Umbria may well be a fraction of the size of neighboring Tuscany, but still manages to impress and surprise the international wine community with their outstanding produce and the volume they make it in, with the region turning out over twenty five million gallons of wine per year. However, Umbrian wine makers have been exceptionally keen to emphasize the fact that they are primarily concerned with creating quality, characterful and unique Italian wines, often made from blends of native varietals, with imported Bordeaux grapes. In particular, the aged white wines of Umbria, made from Chardonnay and Grechetto grapes, have proven to be a huge success internationally, demonstrating how this particular region is ready to blend traditional practices with innovation and the pursuit of perfection when it comes to making wines.

Country: Italy

It isn't difficult to understand why Italy is famed not just for the quality of its wines, but also for the vast variety and range of characteristics found in the wines there. The terrain of the country varies wildly, from the lush rolling green hills and valley of Tuscany, to the sun drenched rocky coasts of Sicily, the mountainous and alpine regions of the north, and the marshy lowlands of the east. Italy really does have a little bit of everything. Combine this huge range of landscapes with an almost perfect climate for grape cultivation, and you have a country seemingly designed for viticultural excellence. The results speak for themselves, and it is clear to see that wine has become an inseparable part of Italian culture as a result of its abundance and brilliance. Each village, city and region has a local wine perfectly matched with the cuisine of the area, and not an evening passes without the vast majority of Italian families raising a glass of locally sourced wine with pride and pleasure.