ROENO ENANTIO WINE 2018

“Latin is a language, as dead as dead can be. First it killed the Romans. Now it’s killing me!”
I learned this poem as a young Latin Scholar. (I took Latin for three years back in high school.)

I know I have mentioned this before but it is worth repeating and is very pertinent here. Very often what attracts me to a wine is an attractive label. Something that catches my eye, makes it interesting. That is the case here.

Enantio wine is a newcomer in a way. It is also known as Lambrusco a Foglia Frastagliata or jagged leaf Lambrusco. It is derived from a little known grape native to the Trentino Province of Italy which is known to be fairly disease-resistant and can thrive in the sandy soil here which, in turn, leads to higher yields. It is a red grape used to make some sparkling wines but mostly for deeply colored reds with a rich flavor and texture. More on this later. This particular wine is a product of Valdadige Terradeiforti and it kind of defines the area.

Now, as to the label. Written in the language of the Ancient Romans, during the days of the Empire, Plinio the Elder, a statesman and friend to the emperor Vespasian, in the first century after Christ, wrote “La brusca: hoc est vitis sylvestris, quod vocatur oenanthiu” which translates as, “It is a wild vine called Enantio.” This inscription appears on the bottle in bright white lettering. (It took me a while to get out my old Latin dictionary and figure it out, but it also added to the mystery of the wine.) At the time it was highly regarded for its healing properties. During the 19th century it was widely planted in the Trentino region but as its popularity fell, as many other wines did, it became more and more scarce until the 1990’s when it was reintroduced as Lambrusco.

Aldige

The vineyards are hugged by mountain slopes bordering the Adige River which feeds the vineyards with fresh, quick moving water. The climate is ideal for wine-making as nights tend to be cool and days warm so the grapes can mature at their own rate. There is no rush here to production which is the true Italian method.

Trentino

This is a very good table wine. Deep and rich in color and bouquet,great light reflection on the table and bold on the palate. Made from 100% Enantio grapes which are harvested by hand, destemmed and pressed. It is then fermented in steel, aged in oak for a minimum of ten months, bottled and finally stored at a constant temperature.

Note the leaves described by Plinio

As with all red wines, this will benefit from a long, about two hour aeration in your best decanter. Use it then as a centerpiece for your dinner table as it absorbs and reflects light magnificently. Pour it slowly into the glass to get the full effect of its transformation from bottle to glass. Marvelous legs, a magnificent bouquet and deep color all add to this experience. And an experience is what it is. This is an excellent wine for dinner or casual drinking. We paired it with a pork roast, stuffed with garlic, spices and olive oil and roasted fresh vegetables. The entire meal was outstanding and this wine was memorable, to say the least. It will stand up to the most hearty roasts and macaroni dishes but also pairs very well with ricotta cheese, making it an excellent mate to a margherita pizza or an appetizer like bruschetta or bacon wrapped scallops.

I believe that a glass of wine, especially one that I am not familiar with, is an adventure. A journey worth embarking on. Wines such as this, with a rich history are also an educational experience. Now, education is life, not a part of life. So when I saw this bottle it was one I knew I had to try and I am very glad I did. It may be a little tough to find, but if you have a favorite wine shop, ask for it by name. You will not be disappointed. It is drinking very well now and will stay for the next several years. With a rich bouquet and an equally rich taste it will not be a stranger to my table.

Closure – Natural cork
Alcohol – 13%
Price – $26
In all I found this wine to be what I look for. As for a personal rating I would give this a strong 9 out of an unattainable 10 grapes. Maybe a little on the pricey side, but for an occasion, for someone special, well worth it. And you don’t have to be a Latin scholar to appreciate it.