The 2012 Le Vignole is an oak-aged white wine from central Italy. Long skin maceration times add a saturated golden hue to the wine's sophisticated appearance. The nose is heavy with thick tones of dried apricot, toasted almond, freshly churned butter and butterscotch. No doubt, this is a full-bodied white to pair with chicken, pork or shellfish. The finish is full of fruit flavor but is also a bit flat in terms of acidic freshness.

Sizeable, and good aging potential is the 2001 Colle Picchioni Le Vignole, endowed with a complex nose which features both the spice of Malvasia and the grapefruit/green pepper notes of Sauvignon. Honeyed and with attractive light vanilla flavors along with peach and apricot fruit, its volume and depth suggest that it will provide pleasurable drinking until 2006. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620