I sidled up to the Domaine Select table at the Society of Wine Educators' International Tasting to sample a couple of wines. Sidling was required because there were a couple of double wide-bodied wine appreciators who had firmly stationed their fat asses directly in front of the table and refused to move...or let anyone else have access...until they had slowly and studiously tasted every single wine while asking lengthy questions about each wine and making copious notes.
Having to meet rudeness with rudeness, I sidled around one chubber, then shoved my glass around her rotundity and asked for a pour.
I got the Movia Ribolla, Brda, Slovenia 2003. I was sorely disappointed, as it was rather bland and unfocused. Since this is the first Kristancic Ribolla I've had, I seriously hope it's a casualty of the 2003 vintage, because I've been impressed with the Sauvignons he's been putting out lately. I'll reserve judgement and hope for better things succeeding vintage releases.
Sidling once again, for the Immovable Large Objects are still there, I request an Alois "Caiti" Palagrello Bianco, Casera, Campania 2004. Hmmm, long term family farm in Campania, advice of Cotarella and Traducca, focus on autochthonous varieties (doesn't autochthonous sound neater than indigenous, or the puny local?), organic/bio....could be interesting.
And it is, but not very. At a suggested $30 retail, I certainly wouldn't buy it, opting instead for a more vigorous Greco, or Fiano or Falanghina or even a Lachryma Cristi Bianco. The Palagrello was very light, seemed thin, and had very little aroma. Hollow in the middle and lacking in fruit. My first and only Palagrello, so again I'll withhold judgement as to the variety. This one was interesting, but not compelling.
The two lumps still emplaced, I tired of executing flanking movements, gave up, and went to other tables.
