Folgarelli’s Piccini Memoro d’Italia

Bottoms Up

By Lynda Wheatley | March 6, 2021

Because Nittolo’s pizza reminded us just how outstanding Italian food can be, we capped off the afternoon with a run to Folgarelli’s for a bottle of Italian wine, of which the Traverse City gourmet grocer has many, many bottles — often so many, they’ll stack a few boxes near the register up front and offer a sizeable discount on them. We selected this bottle for two humble reasons: It was marked $14.99, and well, it’s fun to say “Piccini.” Turns out, it’s also fun to drink. Considered an everyday red, this 2019 edition blends four different Italian grapes from four different regions — Primotivo from Puglia, Montepulcino from Abruzzo, Nero d’ Avolo from Sicily, and Merlot from Veneto. (All, also fun to say.) The result: A dark ruby gem with a beefy alcohol content (14% ABV) but velvety mouthfeel and the deep flavors and aromas of cherries, with just a touch of oak and spice. Find it at Folgarelli’s Market & Wine Shop, 424 W. Front St. (231) 941-7651, www.folgarellis.net.