Spencer & Lynn Presents: The Ancient and Indigenous wines of Italy! at Spencer & Lynn Wine and Spirit Merchants – Downtown Mystic – Groton, CT

Discover Italy’s indigenous grapes off the beaten path.

We’ll taste lesser-known regions side by side to see exactly how place shapes aroma, texture, and finish—comparing volcanic Campania, coastal/plains Emilia-Romagna, sun-drenched Puglia, and Tuscany’s stony hills. Led by Jim Morrison of D.B. Wines, this seated masterclass blends fast regional snapshots with comparative pours: we’ll define what “indigenous” means in Italy, trace grape origins and local traditions, and connect geology, climate and elevation to what you experience in the glass.

What this masterclass covers:

What “indigenous” really means in Italy-and why these grapes taste unlike international varieties.

How geology and climate-volcanic vs. coastal/plains vs. southern heat vs. stony hills- change aroma, texture, and structure.

Lesser-known regions—why they matter:

• Campania (Vesuvio): ash/lava soils + sea breeze = smoky minerality, bright acidity, savory edges.
• Emilia-Romagna (Forlì): fossil-rich spungonelimestone, coastal influence = lifted reds with tangy fruit and herbal snap.
• Puglia: limestone plateaus, Adriatic/Ionian winds, hot days/cool nights = ripe fruit framed by firm tannin and spice.
• Tuscany (San Gimignano): sandstone/marine sediments, elevation = saline, stony whites with clean lines and texture.

Regional winemaking signatures—how technique amplifies sense of place:

• Campania: stainless/neutral vessels preserve volcanic freshness; moderate maceration for savory detail.
• Emilia-Romagna: gentle extraction, neutral oak, fresher picking = brightness over heft.
• Puglia: bush-trained vines (alberello), careful harvest timing, neutral/older oak = lush fruit balanced by structure.
• San Gimignano: stainless with lees (occasional subtle oak) = mineral drive with a lightly creamy mid-palate.

What we’re pouring:

1. Panizzi Vernaccia San Gimignano DOCG — Tuscany (San Gimignano)
2. Cantine Olivella “Lacrimabianco,” Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOP — Campania (Vesuvio)
3. Cantine Olivella “LacrimaNero,” Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOP — Campania (Vesuvio)
4. Fattoria Paradiso Barbarossa “Lo Spungone” Forlì DOC — Emilia-Romagna (Forlì)
5. Domus Horae “Kalinero” Nero di Troia IGT — Puglia
6. Domus Horae “Remoto” Primitivo IGT — Puglia

Event Details:
Date: Monday, November 11th
Time: 6:00–8:30 PM
Where: Spencer & Lynn Wine & Spirits Merchants
Address: 17 W Main St., Mystic, CT

Tickets: $30 per person
–10% off all purchases in-store for the evening!

-Hope to see you there!