Wines from the Italian Islands with Nicole Keiley

When speaking of Italian wines, many automatically think of Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco and to a greater degree Barolo, Brunello, etc.  Italy's two island powerhouses are Sardinia and Sicily. Sardinia is best known for its production of French grapes with Italian aliases, while on Sicily the primary focus these days is on indigenous varieties. Together, they yield an exciting range of wines that showcase Italian island living.

During this class, Nicole Keiley , owner of Housatonic WIne Co here in New Haven, walks us through a tasting of 5 wines that we feel best showcase each island's viniculture.

From Sicily, we'll visit the organic vineyard and winery that is run by two sisters, Clara and Anna Maria Sala, in the town of Mazara del Vallo (a Sicilian city well known for its fishing and famous for its shrimp). A bird sanctuary surrounds the 115-hectare property and is 100% women-owned, which is all too rare in Italy.

• Clara Sala Sicilia Bianco
• Anna Maria Sicilai Rosso

In Sardinia, we'll meet Sergio Loi, a 4th generation traditional Sardinian producer, whose family winery from the early 900s has always practiced no chemical farming and minimum intervention in the cellar. The Cardedu [car-DAY-do] vineyards are located on the island’s sparsely populated Southeast, on crumbling granite soils near the coast, and schist in the ragged-dry hills and cliffs around Jerzu.

• Nuo Vermentino
• Caladu (Canonau di Jerzu)
• Bucce (Orange / Macerato)

Housatonic Wine Company (located in New Haven) is a small and curated wholesaler of wines servicing Vermont & Connecticut. Housatonic works closely with Mary Taylor Wines, along with other small and independently owned import companies. All wines represented by Housatonic Wine Company are in partnership with winemakers and farmers who hold the highest respect for their land, their farming techniques, and wine-making practices. HWC values working with winemakers who are highly passionate about their craft and feel honored to share their stories.

Seating is limited to 30 people in order to provide safe and adequate social distancing to ensure everyone's comfort level.

Last day to sign up is 9/12/21

$40pp includes the class, wine tasting and individual charcuterie box.  Please specify when purchasing your tickets if you have any allergies.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL.  Please plan accordingly.

If minimal class attendance is not met by 9/12, the class will be canceled and all ticket holders will receive a full refund.