Dang, is this wine for real? YES! It came recommended from a highly trusted source and did not disappoint. The story of how it all transpired started like many others in the year 2014: Facebook.
My buddy Cameron posted that this wine is available at the restaurant he manages. (Tavolata in Seattle; excellent, do go there.) And it’s good. (Duh, like he’d hype it just for the felines.) Naturally, I needed to find out how good. So this scene played out when I stopped by for dinner:
Me: “Hi, I’m looking for a red wine from Italy and, uh, it has cats on the label.”
Server: “Uhhhhh…I’ll have to ask someone about that.” [Backs away slowly, prepares to dial 911.]
Luckily, Cameron was there that night to retrieve the bottle, assisting the (justifiably) puzzled waitress. And it turned out to be fantastic:
2008 Fattoria San Lorenzo Rosso Conero La Gattara
It’s from the Marche region in central Italy. And it’s a big, rich red. No shrinking violet here! Yet never over the top. It also got better and better the longer it was open. I ended up buying a sixer of this three cat wine for the purposes of squirreling (!?!!) awaw a few bottles for a spell. If you crack one open now definitely give it a big decant. I guarantee you by the second glass it will be purring like a…well, you know. (Hint: Not a squirrel.)
In conclusion, this blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese unites two things that make life grand: wine and cats.
I believe there are still more bottles of cat wine that need to be consumed.
Uh-oh. I mean, yes of course. (Scrambling to the wine shop…)
My husband is a huge Italian red wine fan, especially of those from Montepulciano and Sangiovese. I can’t wait to tell him about this one. (And the cat angle for the story won’t hurt.)
Laura,
I’m sure he’ll love it. It’s a big, rich red. Really gets better the longer it’s open. Plus, cats!
Best,
Jameson
Hi Jameson:
We just had our first taste of this (2017) at a dinner at The Inn at Langley on Whidby Island in Washington State. It was wonderful. I discovered your blog in an internet search to locate where I might purchase a couple of bottles. Any online sources you could recommend?
Thanks!
Sirri
Sirri,
Thank you for the nice comment; glad you found my blog. I love Whidbey Island!
Indie Wineries is the distributor so I’d call them and they should be able to point you in the right direction: (206) 390-9609
Best,
Jameson