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REDS:
1) Camarato Villa Matilde 2001
2) Le Vespe 2004
3) Tommasi Fiorato Recioto della Valpolicella 2004 (DESSERT RED WINE)
4) Gattinara Bianchi 2001 (Organic)
5) Sagrantino di Montefalco
Uno di Tre 2000
6) Crognolo, Tenuta Setteponti, Toscana IGT 2004
7) Amarone della Valpolicella Farina 2004
8) Barolo Ginestra Paolo Conterno 2003
WHITES:
1) Ribolla Gialla DOC 2007, La Tunella
2) Chiaretto Bardolino Classico DOC 2007, Tommasi
3) Roncolato Recioto di Soave 2003
4) La Tunella Noans 2006
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AUGUST 15, 2008
TASTING NOTES:
REDS:
1) Camarato, Villa Matilde 2001
From the Falerno del Massico DOC in Campania - 100% aglianico grapes
This wine’s colour is deep ruby with hints of orange. It has rich, complex aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis layered over mushroom, mocha, and sweet spice. Initially, it grips the mouth with ripe tannins and then leaves it with a long cassis-flavoured finish.
2) Le Vespe 2004
From Toscana (IGT)—80% sangiovese grapes plus other indigenous grapes
Rich ruby in colour, this Tuscan blend displays aromas of fresh berries and sour cherry, with layers of cinnamon, clove, and just a hint of nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, it is smooth and velvety in the mouth and has a long, cherry-flavoured finish.
3) Fiorato Tommasi, Recioto della Valpolicella 2004 (DESSERT RED WINE)
From the Recioto della Valpolicella DOC in Veneto - blend of 65% corvina, 30% rondinella, and 5% molinara grapes
Deep ruby in color, this dessert wine’s aromas are of ripe black cherry, stewed black plum, and prunes. Medium to full bodied, it is rich and fresh in the mouth.
4) Gattinara Bianchi 2001 (Organic)
From the Gattinara DOCG in Piemonte - 100% nebbiolo grapes
Delicate aromas of violet and raspberry combine with those of baked plum and dried fruit in this wine, which is cherry-coloured with orange hues. Medium-bodied and tannic, it starts fresh and lively in the mouth and ends with a long dry finish.
5) Sagrantino di Montefalco Uno di Tre 2000
From the unique Sagrantino grape variety that only grows on the vines around the town of Montefalco in the central region of Umbria.
Complex and layered bouquet, with prominent cherry jam and leather features. Delightful mature tannins soften up with age and perfectly integrated. Long warm finish, with a touch of bitterness.
6) Crognolo, Tenuta Setteponti, Toscana IGT 2004
A new world style wine in an ancient wine growing region. Blend of Sangiovese and Merlot
Dark ruby with garnet hues. Intense and persistent aromas of ripe black plum and blackberry, with hints of black pepper and cardamom. It is soft and mouth filling with a long finish and soft tannins.
7) Amarone della Valpolicella Farina 2004
From the Amarone DOC in Veneto - blend of corvina, molinara, and rondinella grapes
Concentrated and complex aromas of dried fruits, black currants, and sultana raisins combine perfectly with scents of chocolate and sweet spice in this rich, full-bodied wine. Intense ruby in colour, it is luscious and velvety in the mouth and has a long, warm finish.
8) Barolo Ginestra Paolo Conterno 2003
From the Barolo DOCG in Piemonte—100% nebbiolo grapes
Earthy aromas of black truffle and forest floor mingle with those of spicy dried fruit and violet in this deep ruby-red wine. Its firm tannins make this full-bodied wine pleasantly grainy in the mouth, and it finishes long, warm, and spicy.
WHITES:
1) Ribolla Gialla DOC 2007, La Tunella
Another fantastic product from La Tunella, a modern winery in North East Italy. Ribolla Gialla is a rare white grape, only found in those semi-alpine areas. Very aromatic with a hint of tropical fruits and a surprisingly full bodied and harmonic balance of acidity, alcohol and soft components (in spite of the exposure to the northern climate). Food match: scallops, tuna, and...yes, even scamorza al prosciutto!
2) Chiaretto Bardolino Classico DOC 2007, Tommasi
from one of the most known producer of Amarone.
The grapes used for this wine grow near Lake Garda in the DOC Bardolino, in the region of Veneto. Rose’ wines are enjoyed everyday by the locals who match them with fish from the lake.
3) Roncolato Recioto di Soave 2003
Garganega and Trebbiano grapes from Veneto
This wine is gold in color and displays intense aromas of honey, spice, white flowers, and baked pear. This dessert-style wine is rich and luscious in the mouth.
4) La Tunella Noans 2006
From the region of Friuli. 33% Sauvignon, 33% Riesling and 33% Traminer.
A blend of three northern grapes that are commonly found in cooler climates. On top of the wonderful aromaticity and scent of peaches, apricots and tropical fruits we found spices, honey and an elegant touch of nuttiness. Some of the grapes are vinified with the ‘passito’ technique (dried before pressing) and some are affected by Botrytis Cinerea, the rare, sought-after noble fungus that gives the wine an extra layer of softness and richness. Cheese plate.
JULY 15, 2008
TASTING NOTES:
REDS:
1) Camarato Villa Matilde 2001
From the Falerno del Massico DOC in Campania - 100% aglianico grapes. This wine’s colour is deep ruby with hints of orange. It has rich, complex aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis layered over mushroom, mocha, and sweet spice. Initially, it grips the mouth with ripe tannins and then leaves it with a long cassis-flavoured finish.
2) Le Vespe 2004
IGT Toscana - 80% sangiovese grapes plus other indigenous grapes. Rich ruby in colour, this Tuscan blend displays aromas of fresh berries and sour cherry, with layers of cinnamon, clove, and just a hint of nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, it is smooth and velvety in the mouth and has a long, cherry-flavoured finish.
3) Tommasi Fiorato Recioto della Valpolicella 2004 (DESSERT RED WINE)
From the Recioto della Valpolicella DOC in Veneto - blend of 65% corvina, 30% rondinella, and 5% molinara grapesDeep ruby in color, this dessert wine’s aromas are of ripe black cherry, stewed black plum, and prunes. Medium to full bodied, it is rich and fresh in the mouth.
4) Barbaresco Faset Castello di Verduno 2001
From the Barbaresco DOCG in Piemonte - 100% nebbiolo grapesDelicate aromas of violet and cinnamon combine with those of baked plum and dried fruit in this wine, which is cherry-coloured with orange hues. Medium-bodied, it starts fresh and lively in the mouth and ends with a long dry finish.
5) Sagrantino di Montefalco Uno di Tre 2000
6) Basadone Verduno 2006
From the Verduno Pelaverga DOC in Piemonte - 100% pelaverga grapesThe medium weight of this wine comes as a surprise given its cherry colour and enchanting aromas of rose petals and spiced berries: strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry. It is a lively, refreshing wine from a grape we rarely see in Canada.
7) Amarone Salvalai Vejo 2001
From the Amarone DOC in Veneto - blend of corvina, molinara, and rondinella grapesConcentrated and complex aromas of dried fruits, black currants, and sultana raisins combine perfectly with scents of chocolate and sweet spice in this rich, full-bodied wine. Intense ruby in colour, it is luscious and velvety in the mouth and has a long, warm finish.
8) Barolo Ginestra Paolo Conterno 2003
From the Barolo DOCG in Piemonte—100% nebbiolo grapes
Earthy aromas of black truffle and forest floor mingle with those of spicy dried fruit and violet in this deep ruby-red wine. Its firm tannins make this full-bodied wine pleasantly grainy in the mouth, and it finishes long, warm, and spicy.
WHITES:
1) Vernaccia di San Gimignano Vigna Aprico 2006
From the Vernaccia San di Gimignano DOCG in Toscana -100% vernaccia grapes. Baked pear and honeyed aromas are beautifully balanced by hints of white flowers and a touch of citrus. Pale straw in colour, this wine is crisp and light to medium bodied.
2) VinSanto del Chianti Falchini 2001
From the Chianti DOC in Toscana - blend of trebbiano and malvasia grapes. This dessert wine’s amber colour hints at its rich aromas of caramel, almonds, and baked red apple. Medium bodied, it feels luscious in the mouth while its fresh acidity prevents it from being cloying.
3) Roncolato Recioto di Soave Il Fiore 2003
Garganega and Trebbiano grapes from Veneto. This wine is gold in color and displays intense aromas of honey, spice, white flowers, and baked pear. This dessert-style wine is rich and luscious in the mouth.
4) Planeta Moscato di Noto 2005
Muscat grapes grown in Sicily. This deep golden dessert wine is highly perfumed, with aromas of ripe apricot and peach and floral notes as well. It has a rich and creamy texture in the mouth.
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2008 Wine picks
by Antonio Mauriello, Mario Couture, Cinzia Tosetti, Rutha Astravas.
Welcome to the wine picks page! On this page we will be posting tasting notes and short articles on some of the best Italian wines and wineries (those we like, anyway...!)
We also send out a free newsletter with wine news and a calendar of educational wine and food events, held by DiVino Wine Studio.
Send us an email if you wish to be added to the mailing list!
Happy tasting!
Antonio Mauriello
antonio@divinowinestudio.com
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PRODUCER: Tenuta Sette Ponti
WINE NAME: CROGNOLO
GRAPES: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
APPELLATION: TOSCANA
CLASSIFICATION: IGT
REGION: TUSCANY
YEAR: 2004
ALCOHOL %: 13.5
DRINK: Now - 2012
COST: LCBO $29.70 SAQ 2005 $34.00
SAQ#: 10297039
LCBO#: 727636
The Tenuta Sette Ponti estate is situated in the heart of the Chianti region between Firenze and Arezzo and it has been the property of the Moretti family since the 50's. The Crognolo was first introduced in 1998. Today the Estate counts approximately 330 hectares, of which little over 50 are occupied with vines grown at an elevation of +∕- 250m. The Crognolo takes his name from a bush, the Cornus, which grows in abundance around the Estate. It is produced from grapes of 20 to 30 years of age and it matures in French oak barriques for 6 months.
This well refined, stylish blend of Sangiovese and Merlot possesses fascinating aromas that combines fruit lushness, reminiscent of strawberry jam and concentration with a palate of ripe wild cherries, truffles, dried cranberries, leather and vanilla repeated in the aromas. Firm, elegant tannins (almost chewy) and integrated oak end in a balanced finish.
It's a great wine that offers a lot of flavour and a lot of pleasure and you can also enjoy it now at Divino Wine Bar and Enoteca. The very knowledgeable staff will gladly indicate which dish lends itself to it best.
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PRODUCER: Feudi di San Gregorio Az. Agr. SPA
WINE NAME: Vigne di Mezzo
GRAPES: 100% Aglianico
APPELLATION: AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE
CLASSIFICATION: DOC
REGION: BASILICATA
YEAR: 2004
ALCOHOL %: 13.5
DRINK: Now – 2010
ACCOMPANIMENT: Red meat, Lamb
COST: SAQ $21.80
SAQ#: 010675917
It could probably be debated but because of its tradition and dedication to the land and quality of their products, Feudi di San Gregorio is indubitably Campania's leading winemaking estate. They established themselves in 1986 in a joint venture between the Ercolino and Capaldo families of Irpinia, and are located in the tiny village of Sorbo Serpico. This winery is also a great promoter of the indigenous grapes of the region.
It is no secret that the soils of this region are benefiting greatly from the rich deposits of volcanic ash left from the many volcanoes of the area over time. Couple that with the microclimate of their surroundings and you’ve got a perfect set-up.
The important thing to know here is that Vigne di Mezzo is a company owned by the group Feudi di San Gregorio and that this wine is not produced in Campania but in Basilicata in a town named Barile. The vineyards are at the feet of Mount Vulture, an extinguished volcano. Actually the appellation Aglianico Del Vulture is so particular in this area, that it is often called the "Barolo of the South".
This wine is quite a treat. It is an elaborate refreshing wine that offers great complexity, encompassing aromas and flavours of the whole spectre. It has a ruby-red colour with crimson glares. The initial impact on the nose is fruit, and lots of them, mainly small fresh berries, but plums and sour cherries also. If you wait a while it evolves towards the vegetable and toasted notes. Hints of green peppers, mint and eucalyptus accompanied with a scent of burnt caramel. On the palate it is soft, very fresh and we can well appreciate the dark chocolate flavours, and its spiciness. On the finish it possesses a pleasant mentholated feel and it leaves us with balsamic and vanilla flavoured notes. Enjoy!
Mario Couture
Mario participated to a DiVino Wine Studio tour of Tuscany in May 2007. He tastes hundreds of wines every year and he is very knowledgeable and passionate about Italian wines.
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PRODUCER: Azienda Vinicola Umani Ronchi Spa
WINE NAME: CÚMARO
GRAPES: Montepulciano 100%
APPELLATION: Conero Riserva
CLASSIFICATION: DOCG
REGION: Marche
YEAR: 2004
ALCOHOL %: 14
ACCOMPANIMENT: Rare-cooked red meat, game-birds and mature cheese.
COST: SAQ $26.95 2005 - $28.95
SAQ#: 00710632
The Azienda Vinicola Umani Ronchi was founded in 1957 by Gino Umani Ronchi and is now under the direction of Massimo Bernetti (its sole proprietor), joined in the management of the company by his son Michele. Together they have created wines which are appreciated throughout the world. Since the beginning of its history, the winery has discerned itself as a great advocate of two of the most typical wines of the Marche region, Verdicchio and Rosso Conero.
Currently, the land planted with vines covers an area of 210 hectares, distributed over twelve distinct parcels of land each with unique characteristics; 110 hectares of Verdicchio Classico, 60 hectares of Rosso Conero and 30 hectares of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo / Colline Teramane, making the most of the terroir and indigenous vines of the Marche and Abruzzo.
Rosso Conero, became one of the Company’s leading products. The first year of production for the Cumaro was 1985. The name Cumaro is a tribute to Mount Conero, which means ‘arbutus’: an evergreen shrub which grows freely in its woodlands. The wine is aged in oak barriques for a period of 12-14 months, and after bottling is left to age further for about 6-8 months.
It possesses a deep ruby red colour. The bouquet is quite intense. The first aromas we perceive are hints of fine ripe plum and black currant. Then it evolves towards spicy notes of black pepper, vanilla and tobacco. This wine is very soft and the tannins very round. It fills the mouth, everything is well integrated. Oh, and chocolate, lots of it on the finish. Very enjoyable.
Mario Couture
Mario participated to a DiVino Wine Studio tour of Tuscany in May 2007. He tastes hundreds of wines every year and he is very knowledgeable and passionate about Italian wines.
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PRODUCER: Spadina
WINE NAME: Una Rosa Signature
GRAPES: 100% Nero d’Avola
APPELLATION: Sicilia
CLASSIFICATION: IGT
REGION: Sicily
YEAR: 2002
ALCOHOL %: 13.5
DRINK: Now - 2009
ACCOMPANIMENT: Spicy Pasta
COST: SAQ $23.05, LCBO: $19.80
SAQ#: 00869438
LCBO#: 10330---> check availability in Ontario Liquor Stores
Nero d'Avola, the grape for this wine, evolved through clonal experimentation to reach its current distinction as Sicily's most promising native grape.
The color is a deep garnet; the nose is jammy, mainly of raspberry and offers leathery notes. It is a big, fruit-forward wine, with soft tannins, and good acidity. The fully ripened velvety fruit texture has a supple sweetness and distinct character with hints of cedar and a long spicy, lasting finish. This wine is ready to drink now and is a very good value for your money. It was number 97 on Wine Spectator's 2005 Top 100 Wines of the Year.
Mario Couture
Mario participated to a DiVino Wine Studio tour of Tuscany in May 2007. He tastes hundreds of wines every year and he is very knowledgeable and passionate about Italian wines.
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PRODUCER: Marcarini
WINE NAME: Moscato d'Asti
GRAPES: Moscato Bianco
APPELLATION: Moscato d'Asti
CLASSIFICATION: DOCG
REGION: Piemonte
YEAR: 2007
ALCOHOL %: 5.0%
DRINK: Now, if not sooner
ACCOMPANIMENT: On its own, with tropical fruit, light cake, biscuits, gelato, coconut-based curries and sweet chili sauces. Also accompanies friends, apologies, or celebrations.
COST: LCBO $17.65
LCBO#: 60889---> check availability in Ontario Liquor Stores
Situated in Langhe, near Alba, the Marcarini family has produced Barolo and other Piedmontese wines for five generations and owns 25 hectares of vineyards. Their traditional viticulture practices include pruning to reduce yields and composting with organic substances on their Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera and white Moscato vines. Accommodation for 'agroturistmo' is offered onsite.
Tasting notes: This is a charming wine for spontaneous drinking and gifting. It has an enticing, intense and persistent bouquet of muscat notes, ripe grapes, apricots, ripe pears, sultanas, and guava. It is straw coloured and lightly fizzy with small bubbles. On the palate it is very sweet but balanced by a nice acidity, weight, and slight minerality. Its long, fruity, almost candied finish is delightful.
Rutha Astravas
Rutha has assisted in selecting, serving, and presenting various topics at many DiVino Wine Studio classes and seminars. Rutha is Communications Director for the National Capital Sommelier Guild. She has visited wine regions on five continents and enjoys discovering lesser-known native grape varieties.
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PRODUCER: Castell'in Villa SPA
WINE NAME: SANTACROCE
GRAPES: 50% Sangiovese, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: TOSCANA IGT
REGION: TUSCANY
YEAR: 2003
ALCOHOL %: 13.5
DRINK: Now to 2012
COST: SAQ $39.50
SAQ#: 00869438
Winemaking has long been the central focus of Castell’in Villa, a country house inn (‘agriturismo’) in Tuscany. The estate covers an area of 298 hectares, of which 54 hectares are vineyards and 32 hectares are olive groves. There are also crops and woodland, a perfect hunting ground for hare, pheasants, and wild boar. The main objective of the estate is to produce high quality wines from low-yielding vineyards.
The Santacroce is Castell’in Villa’s flagship wine made from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and 50% Sangiovese grapes. It is a thorough, complex wine, combining both the old and new styles of wine making. The Santacroce is an example of a ‘Super-Tuscan’ wine. It is the result of the best methods and ingredients, mixed with the creativity of the wine maker. Since the wine does not comply with the local rules for the DOCG, it is only allowed to be classified as IGT Toscana. The wine is stored for 18 months in barriques, traditional Bordeaux 225-litre oak barrels.
Tasting notes: This full-bodied, dark garnet-red coloured wine, teems with jammy fruit, aromas of dark plums and black cherry. The nose is complex, with accents of leather and licorice, embellished by cocoa fragrances. On the palate it shows great acidity and structure. It is earthy and mineral flavoured, with notes of plum and cherry. On the finish, it evokes flavours of currants. Revealing a full texture, it persists lengthily and beautifully.
Mario Couture
Mario participated to a DiVino Wine Studio tour of Tuscany in May 2007. He tastes hundreds of wines every year and he is very knowledgeable and passionate about Italian wines.
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PRODUCER: Cantine Giorgio Lungarotti
WINE NAME: RUBESCO VIGNA MONTICCHIO
GRAPES: 70% Sangiovese, 30% Canaiolo
APPELLATION: TORGIANO ROSSO RISERVA
CLASSIFICATION: DOCG
REGION: UMBRIA
YEAR: 2000
ALCOHOL %: 14.0%
DRINK: Now to 2015
ACCOMPANIMENT: Roast pork
COST: LCBO 38.95$ SAQ $37.50 (2001)
SAQ#: 10295789
LCBO#: 941369 ---> check availability in Ontario Liquor Stores
Giorgio Lungarotti, whose family owned land in Torgiano (Umbria), became interested in wines in the late 1940’s. Today, the Cantine Giorgio Lungarotti is Umbria's most important and best-known winery. It's also one of the largest, with 260 hectares of vineyards currently in production, and another 20 in Montefalco (producing Sagrantino grapes). Giorgio Lungarotti died in 1999 and the leadership of the winery has passed to his daughters, Chiara and Teresa. This wine is Lungarotti's flagship wine. It is never released until at least 4 to 5 years after harvest, following an oak cask and barrique aging of 12 months and another (unfiltered) 3 years in bottle.
Tasting notes: This wine is just plain delicious. It bears a rather deep, garnet-red dress. The nose is evocative and complex, but at the same time delicate, deploying hints of rich berry fruits, floral notes as well as spices. It is a complete package, rounded off with traces of violet, leather, blackberry and especially cocoa! In the mouth, it shows a nice balance, softness, with its rich red berry fruit supported by firm tannins, which increase its elegancy and comfortable sense of warmth. The refreshing acidity, the fine tannins and the long finish, make it a great ‘food-friendly’ wine.
Mario Couture
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