Winemaker Notes
TIAMO, which simply means "I love you" in Italian, is a line of two varietal blends that represent top quality wines from the best growers in their respective regions- Puglia (Italy's heel) & Veneto (Venice region). Owner Mel Master was always excited by the potential of the wines of Southern Italy and eventually went there to put together his own blend. He met an American winemaker who lives in the capital of Lecce and was introduced to the right people. The result was a lovely blend of Sangiovese (unusual in Puglia because very little is grown there) and Primitivo.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.