Sometimes ordering wine can seem intimidating. At Pazzo!, we've tried to create a staff that is friendly, wine knowledeable and helpful. We realize that we do have an extensive wine list that is constantly progressing.

If you would like some suggestions on new, exciting wines, perennial favorites, inexpensive alternatives, or perhaps just like to talk about current trends in the "wine world," please don't be intimidated. We would love to assist you.

"Come quickly! I am tasting stars!"
Dom Perignon (1638-1714) - At his first sip of champagne

Super Tuscan - This is a modern day term used to describe the winesfrom Tuscany that do not Follow the government's traditional wine making laws. These wines, usually Sangiovese based, are of better quality and "break the rules" in order to make a better tasting wine. Techniques include aging wine in smaller oak barrels, blending different varietals of grapes or using higher quality grapes outside designated areas produce "super" wines.

Signature Blend - Also called "Meritage", Signature blend wines are hand crafted wines that are made by blending the five main Bordeaux grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petite Verdot. These wines give the wine maker the opportunity to create his own style or "recipe" as it were. The results are some of the world's best wines.

Cal-Ital - A newterm used to describe a California wine that is primarily Sangiovese usually blended with Merlot and Cabernet. These wines offer an exciting challenge to the homegrown wines of Tuscany.

Brunello Di Montalcino - Considered bymany as the best wine of Italy. Made from a Sangiovese clone called Brunello (meaning little dark one). The wines are powerful but with finesse. Brunellos are aged four years (three and one half in oak). From Tuscany, south of Siena.

Rosso Di Montalincino - From the exact same area and grapes as Brunello. However, the aging requirements are only one year, versus four years for Brunello, Rosso is a lighter, less intense wine with cinnamon, plum and berry flavors.

Chianti - From the heart of Tuscany! There are seven Chianti zones of which Chianti Classico produces perhaps the wines most well known and of better quality. Chianti is made in from a combination of four grape varietals, Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano, and Malvasia. The word "Riserva" indicates superior quality and a wine that has been aged at least three years. Chianti is a medium bodied, red wine, with cherry and cassis flavors and a smooth finish.

Amarone - Amarone fills your mouth and with plum, chocolate and opulent fruit flavors. Amarone is the only wine made from "sun dried" grapes, which are left out in the sun to dry for four to five months intensifying their flavor before they are crushed, yielding a unique, full bodied wine. Classico signifies the best growth areas.

Pinot Grigio - Stylish white wine from the Veneto and Friuli areas made from the Pinot Gris grape. This is a light, super fresh and clean wine with a slightly toasty, almond finish.

Soave - Italy's most popular white wine from the town of Soave in Veneto. Made from Garganega and Trebbiano grapes. Clean, refreshing with hints of almond and honey.

Valpolicella - A medium-bodied, slightly fruity wine with a slight scent of grape, offering bright cherry flavors along with a dry finish. Also from the Veneto region, it is made from the native Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grape varieties. It's best enjoyed while young.

Dolcetto - Translates to "little sweet one", Dolcetto is grown in Piedmont, producing a rich, fruity, ripe berry flavored delightful wine.

Sangiovese - Perhaps the oldest grape in Italy, Sangiovese is the predominate grape in Chianti, Brunello and Vino Nobile among others. California wineries are now starting to grow and market this grape in their new Cal-Ital wines.

Barolo - Called the "King" of Italian wines. Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape in Northwest Italy's Piedmont Region. Aged three years (two in oak barrels), Barolo wines are rich and full bodied.