INSIDER'S PICK: A TRIO OF WINES FROM IMPORTER DIEGO DeCORTE

(NOTE: Cote-Rotie food truck unfortunately will not be here today due to a pressing engagement. They will be missed today but will be back again soon)

Over the past several years, we have built both a professional and personal relationship with local Italian win importer Diego DeCorte and the wineries he represents. In the same way the more famous importers like Kermit Lynch, Louis Dressner, and Neil Rosenthal began, Diego only works with wineries he feels represents his passion. Primarily small artisan producers, often with little or no previous American representation, yet with great history and connection to the vineyards they farm. His wines are such a certainty for quality that we have rarely passed on any winery we have tasted, it's just a matter of  'how many bottlings?' For both today and tomorrow we will also have the pleasure of Diego's company in the store during much of the tasting, giving you a chance to share in his passion and knowledge of his wines, which for the best Italian wines is a major part of the appeal.

On deck for the tasting are a trio of wines, all of which will take the 10% discount by the bottle we feature in the Insider's Pick. First up is a great example of how it IS in fact possible to find wines from an artisan, eco-conscious producer that are still incredible values.The 2014 Agriverde Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 'Piane di Maggio ($9.99)comes from a winery that is organic in the vineyards and has won awards for both its Bioarchitecture and Biotechnique in the winery and vineyard management. The fresh, clean character provides a crisp and slightly savory side in a price range where most everything else is fruity and soft, as well as a texture that shows more than enough body to hold up to flavorful seafood and pastas. Next up will be the 2013 Guado al Melo 'Bacco in Toscana' Rosso ($17.99), a fun and innovative Tuscan red from the award winning (and recent Charlottesville visitor) Michele Scienza. As a viticulture professor with a large library dedicated to Italian winemaking, Michele's knowledge of Italy's past is unparalleled, and he brings that to balance the very modern and forward thinking wines from the Bolgheri region. This tank aged blend of Sangiovese and Syrah has been our most consistent wine from Diego, and while the combination may seem odd at first look, the taste is undeniably Tuscan and delivers great character and value. Finally we have the2012 Ortaglia Rosoo Toscana 'Tignolo' ($17.99), the 'basic' bottling from this Vino Nobile di Montepulciano producer. Built with much less oak to create a more approachable style, yet retains much of the traditional character in the use of blending grape Canaiolo and even the white grape Malvasia Bianca, this is full of red fruit with fine tannin throughout, and the Malvasia brings out a lovely citrus aromatic. A lot of fun to be had here with these wines; come on by and give them a try!