Castel Noarna “Mercuria”
Rosso 2015 | IGT Dolomiti
For December, I knew I wanted to feature a red wine from a mountainous region in Italy that is big enough to warm the heart, but still balanced and versatile to go with all of the food that accompanies the holidays. En route to the Castkills, I stopped in at Kingston Wine Co., just a few hours north of New York City, where owner Michael suggested this beautiful wine from the Dolomites in northern Italy.
About the Winery
Castel Noara is an 11th Century castle in Trentino, one of the northernmost regions of Italy. Here, amongst the Dolotmite Mountains at about 1100 feet above sea level, Marco Zani tends to the happy, biodynamic vineyards situated on slopes rich in limestone, slate and silt, under south-eastern-exposed sun.
About the Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend. Medium-full bodied, nice acidity and minerality; complex: blackberries, plums, mixed with balsamic and sage notes, and a touch of tobacco. “Mercuria” is the name of a supposed witch in the area from the 1600s.
About the Wine Shop
The “art of retail” has been a gene passed down for generations in the families of Kingston Wine Co. owners, Michael and Teresa Drapkin. From a pharmacy in Washington D.C. to a wine shop in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, this wine-specialist-and-graphic-designer couple are seamlessly following in the footsteps of their talented ancestors. The shop, found in a historic building in downtown Kingston, NY, specializes in sustainably-produced wines and ciders from around the world. They host a Wine Share, similar to a CSA delivery program, highlights two exciting, lovingly-made wines delivered each month and an excellent online wine shop. I love their carefully-curated selection and their fun instagram feed.
