Wine of the Month Club
Our Wine of the Month Club is the perfect option for those learning what wines they like or are interested in diverse recommendations from the owners of Piazza Discepoli.
The monthly fee, $29, is automatically charged to the credit card of your choice and the wine held for your pick-up at the store of your choice. Each month, you will receive two exciting selections and information regarding their history, origin, components, possible food matches, serving tips, aging potential, and more. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about wine in the comfort of your own home.
The example below shows the detailed information we provide our wine of the month members. If you are interested in joining, please contact your local Piazza Discepoli.
Sample selection:
Rapitala Casalj 2004
Rapitala Nuhar 2002
Sicily, due to its geographic vulnerability (out in the middle of the Mediterranean), has enjoyed a large variety of cultural influences. Beginning with the Greek colonization in the 8th century B.C., through Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Mormon and Spanish rules, up until 1860 when it became part of the kingdom of Italy, Sicily, to this day, exhibits a unique cultural diversity. The Arab influence, which dates back to 1064, is responsible for the unusual names of this month's offerings.
Tenuta Rapitala, pronounced ruh-pee-tuh-luh, meaning "river of Allah" in Arabic, is located in Camporeale in central Sicily. The property consists of approximately 475 acres, of which 250 are under vine. The gently rolling hills, at elevations of 1000-2000 feet, combination sandy/clay soils and abundant sunshine, make this area ideal for viticulture. In fact, vineyards have been planted on this property for centuries. The current owners purchased the estate in 1968 after an earthquake had destroyed most of the buildings. In reconstructing the winery, the Guarrasi family sought to combine the benefits of state-of-the-art technology with traditional vineyard practices. The result, a marriage of old world and new, mirrors what has happened with the Sicilian wine industry over the past twenty-five years. Sicilian wines have never been better and Tenuta Rapitala is among the best. In fact, they were recently named "best producer of dry wines in Sicily" – Oz Clarke, The Essential Wine Book
Rapitala Casalj 2004 - This dry white wine is made from 70% Cataratto and 30% Chardonnay grapes. The Cataratto, an indigenous Sicilian varietal, is fermented in stainless steel, while the Chardonnay sees about six months in small French oak. The wine is full-bodied with crisp, well-balanced acidity and an herbaceous, floral aroma. Pair it with Asian cuisine, chicken, pork, or shell fish. Serve chilled.
Rapitala Nuhar 2002 - The name means "flower" in Arabic and the wine is
a blend of the indigenous Nero d'Avala (70%) and Cabernet Sauvignon
matured in oak (30%). Exhibits plum and chocolate flavors and
hints of mint and earth to the nose. Serve cool with hearty
meat dishes.