Dominick Chirichillo, the owner and winemaker at Domenico, learned his craft growing up in New York City from his grandfather, Domenico Giovinazzo. Today, he carries on those old-world ways by producing an array of wines from traditional Italian grape varieties. It makes for a beautiful blend, not only of the generations, but of two renowned wine making regions. Domenico’s tasting room is located in San Carlos, Ca. So if you live or pay a visit to the SF Bay Area, you can stop in and taste for yourself.  Our panel certainly enjoy the selection.

 

Grape(s): Primitivo 85% & Syrah 15%

Winery: Domenico

Region: Amador County

Year: 2007

Price: 30-35

Review:

An aged bouquet of boysenberries, plums, prunes, spice, and dark chocolate greets the senses. Blackberry, cherry, and plum flavors meld with notes of sweet spice and dark chocolate on the palate. A smooth, approachable wine with plush tannins, fans of reds with a smooth, dark-fruit character will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 89

Grape(s): Montepulciano 78%, Syrah 11%, Aglianico 11%

Winery: Domenico

Region: California

Year: 2007

Price: 20-25

Review:

Aromas of blackberries and dried cherries meld with suggestions of spice and floral notes on the nose. Flavors of bing cherry, cranberry, and blackberry come together with hints of sweet earth and spice on the palate. A lighter, fairly bright wine that brings California and Italy together rather nicely. Fans of easy-going reds should give this one a try. Just 209 cases produced.

Rating: 89

 

Grape(s): Barbera 97%, Mourvedre 4%

Winery: Domenico

Region: Amador County

Year: 2007

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromatics of cherries, raspberries, and boysenberries come together with notes of vanilla and spice on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of boysenberry and cherry with accents of spice and leather. A lovely, lively wine with a food friendly acidity, enjoy a bottle with pizza, your favorite BBQ dish, or on its own if you prefer brighter reds. 519 cases produced.

Rating: 90

Grape(s): Aglianico

Winery: Domenico

Region: Amador County

Year: 2006

Price: 25-30

Review:

Notes of cherries, plums, and cassis meld with suggestions of vanilla, clove, and musty earth on the nose. The palate opens up with flavors of bright cherry, currants, and plum accented by nuances of cola, sweet spice, and earth. A fairly light wine, with a welcoming acidity and plush, aged tannins, it’s surprisingly approachable for an Aglianico. Drink now with your favorite Italian fare.

Rating: 90