IL Carbonaione Podere Poggio Scalette Alta Valle Della Greve 2007 Red Wine (Sangiovese), $42.49-$49.99, 94 points, is beautiful, lush, and very big. Want a special wine? Don't mind a slight premium? Then there she is. Recommended by Jim at the Salem, NH State Liquor Store (Thank you Jim). Wished I'd bought two of them.
The color is very deep ruby with purple tones, and nearly black at the core.
The aroma is very nice and distinctive with hints of asparagus, plum, and sweet cooking spices.
The nearly full body carries layers of smooth tannin and food enhancing acids. Flavors of rich fruit, black currant, blueberry, blackberry, boysenberry, and plum are adorned with violets, and the finish is splendid, having a long expression of licorice and menthol, with spice as a garnish.
I found that this wine needed no time to breathe, but was great on first pouring, and still great the next day. The 13.5% alcohol was unnoticeable.
This is a special wine, and certainly the price is a bit expensive, but for wine lovers, especially Chianti lovers, don't miss this at least once in your life-time.
Paired perfectly with a spiced rib-eye.
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Nice note. I remember having this wine a lot years ago, but then kind of got away from it. I haven't seen it in a while. It used to be 100% Sangiovese, any idea if that's still the case?
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that would turn me off re: your note is the asparagus. That is not a good thing in my book.
Saluti,
J
John, The Bottle doesn't say if it is 100% Sangiovese, but from what I can tell, through some research, it is. The hint of asparagus is just that, and my guess is that few would notice it. If anybody out there has tried this and can comment, I'd appreciate that.
DeleteIt's funny though, I give these guys credit. This wine has gotten tre-bicchieri a few times and it's still under $50. Many similar wines (see Flaccianello, Le Pergole Torte, Percarlo) now push $100. It's a shame. I used to buy those wines in lots of 3 or 6. Now I'm forced to find alternatives. Fortunately, great Sangiovese can be bought fairly in the form of Brunello. It's one of the reasons I started my website, so I guess it's good.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I had my "three glasses" and sadly, this wine was gone. I'll stick to my first impression of this wine: drink upon opening!
ReplyDelete