Gabbiano 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG)

Gabbiano 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $9.99-$$21.99, 88 points, poured a core deep ruby grading pomegranate red with a thin range of orange at the broad clear wine ring and glass bowl of considerable sheeting.
The aromas were not so typical black licorice, marjoram, tarragon, and plum, but a bit of developing red cherry returned the wine to normality.
Near full-bodied, rather smooth textured early palate for a Sangiovese, appropriately acidic and tannic with an undifferentiated blend of black fruit, red cherry, and plum flavors that were okay and more than acceptable for a $10 bottle of Riserva.
Finished fair with mint, oak, just a tad spicy, and a reserved 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with our Italian-styled pepperoni pizza and salad.
Just a quick note as to prices: many of these very good and inexpensive Italian wines are now competing with what I've always considered the best value wines in the world: Spanish wines.

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Tenuta Sassoregale DOC 2013 Sangiovese Maremma Toscana

Tenuta Sassoregale DOC 2013 Sangiovese Maremma Toscana, $13.99-$16.99, 87 points, poured a deep maroon trending a dark pomegranate red toward the transparent wine ring at the glass edge.
Aromas were black currant, earthy, and herbal.
Medium-plus body carried good acidity, a supportive underlayment of tannin, and a fair balance of flavors reflective of the aromas with a bit of blackberry and coffee to boot.
Finished long, but a bit astringent, on licorice, mint, pepper, leather, and a well integrated 13.5% alcohol.
Great table wine for $14.
Paired perfectly with Debbie's meatloaf.



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Incredibrew's NV Cranberry Pinot Grigio

Thank you Jen and Julie

Animal Rescue League of Bedford New Hampshire

Incredibrew's NV Cranberry Pinot Grigio, $12.99, 86 points, poured a medium gold color.
Aromatic pome blossoms, a hint of pineapple, and sweet apple notes were excellent.
Medium-bodied with fair acidity and moderately sweet flavors reflective of the aromas were tasty.
Finished fair on the trailing palate and a nearly unnoticeable 7% alcohol.
Incredibrew's NV Cranberry Pinot Grigio served well as an aperitif and paired great with my fried chicken fingers dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.
When purchasing these wines, some of the profits goes to the Animal Rescue League of NH.

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Col d'Orcia 2013 Rosso di Montalcino (DOC)

Col d'Orcia 2013 Rosso di Montalcino (DOC), $13.59-$15.99, 89 points, poured a core maroon transitioning to a bright cranberry red at the very broad clear wine ring and glass edge.
Aromas of red raspberry and lavender were a bit shy, but pleasing.
Medium-bodied with typically good acidity and rather scratchy tannins supported flavors reflective of the aromas with cola and fennel notes.
Finished long on a hint of bourbon, warm spices, and the apropos 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spiced rack of lamb.
This Rosso makes an excellent table wine at an excellent price (hard to beat the QPR).

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Santa Margherita 2015 Pinot Grigio (DOC)

Santa Margherita 2015 Pinot Grigio (DOC), $17.94-$22.99 ($2 less than 5 yrs. ago), 92 points, was a light brass color, and just short of the glass edge turned water clear.
Interesting aromas of lemon grass, lime, and fresh-cut hay were delightful.
Light, crisp, and mouth-watering acidity with flavors reflective of the aromas were excellent.
Finished lemony with energetic ginger and a well-integrated 12.5% alcohol.
I don't remember ever having a Pinot Grigio that so much reminded me of a great Sauvignon Blanc.
Paired perfectly with a Pu-pu platter.

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Austrian Wines

  Austrian Wines are a bit hard to find in New Hampshire, but every once in a while one will pop-up and I'll grab it off the shelf. Though my list is small, I welcome comments, especially those comments adding to Austrian wines found in NH.
  Typically I offer a link introducing a country's wines, but in this case I didn't think what I could find apropos to my purposes; I don't pretend to be an expert on Austria or its wines.
  As is my style, I buy wine in NH to be relevant and specific here (NHWM), if a wine is bought at the NHLS-Outlets it's assumed without stating; most of my wines are bought at one of their more than fifty stores, and if wines are bought at another venue, I mention that.

in-vino-veritas

Anton Bauer Gmirk 2017 Grüner Veltliner (Wagram/Austria), $13.50-$14.99, 89 points
Anton Bauer Wagram/Österreich (Austrian) 2008 Pinot Noir, $8.29-$19.99, 89 points
Höpler 2013 Grüner Veltliner, (100% Grüner Veltliner), $11.99-$14.99, 90 points
Höpler 2013 Pinot Noir (Austria), $16.99-$19.99, 88 points
Landhaus Mayer 2014 Grüner Veltliner (Austria), $11.99-$13.99, 87 points
Leo Hillinge Eveline 2014 Pinot Noir (Austria), $15.72-$19.99, 89 points
Meinklang Burgenland 2015 White Wine (Austria), $13.59-$15.99, 86 points
Meinklang Frizzante 2014 Pinot Noir Rosé $17.96-$19.95, 86 points
Pratsch Niederösterreich 2016 Rosé (Austria), $12.99-$14.99, 86 points

Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg, Kamptal, 2020 Grüner Veltliner, $16.99-$19.99, 89 points

Steininger, Kamptal, Austria Kamptal Reserve Ried Loisium 2020 Grüner Veltliner, $19.24-$22.99, 88 points
Steininger Young 2011 White Wine from Austria, $15.39-$16.99, 87 points
Szigeti NV Grüner Veltliner Brut Methode Traditionnelle (Austria), $13.99-$17.99, 88 points
Weingut Lagler 1000Elmerberg Smaragd 2015 Riesling (Wachau, Austria) $18.69-$21.99, 89 points




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Leo Hillinge Eveline 2014 Pinot Noir (Austria)

Leo Hillinge Eveline 2014 Pinot Noir (Austria), $15.72-$19.99, 89 points, poured a bright crystalline ruby with an exceptionally broad clear wine ring.
Aromatic cherry, wood, dry cooking herbs, a hint of blueberry, and pond-like smells were excellent.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, a mild underlayment of tannin, and fruity flavors of cherries, plums, cola, a hint of blueberry, and red licorice were quite tasty.
Finished long on the trailing palate, strawberry, warm spices, and a restrained 13% alcohol.
As the holiday season creeps irrevocably close, it is my favorite time of the year to drink Pinot Noir, and the Leo Hillinge Eveline 2014 Pinot Noir did not let me down ($15.72 equals high QPR); it paired delightfully with my roasted chicken, butternut squash, and red-skin mashed potatoes with gravy.

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Peter Yealands Marlborough 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)

Peter Yealands Marlborough 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $10.99-$15.99, 89 points, poured a core pale gold color quickly transitioning to water clear.
Profuse aromas of gooseberry and grass were extreme.
Light-bodied with mouth-watering acidity managed a strangely satisfying straight-forward flavor profile of gooseberry, grapefruit, and fresh-cut grass.
Finished long on the trailing palate, remarkable ginger notes, and a sweet-spot 13% alcohol..
Paired perfectly with our clambake.

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Château D'esclans "Whispering Angel" Côtes de Provence 2015 Rosé

Château D'esclans "Whispering Angel" Côtes de Provence 2015 Rosé, $18.99-$21.99, 88 points, poured a very light transparent apricot orange trending water clear at the glass edge.
Aromas of strawberry, strawberry, and more strawberry with hints of kiwi and Marshmallow Peanut Candy, were good.
Light, crisp, acidic and flavors that mirrored the aromas lead seamlessly into the fair finish of melon rind easy spices, a floral note, and a more than adequate 13.5% alcohol.
Paired well with my spicy vegetable stew in a beef broth.
Varietals were Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvedre.

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Bluegray Priorat (Spain) 2012 Red Wine

Bluegray Priorat (Spain) 2012 Red Wine, $15.29-$17.99, 92 points, poured black except toward the glass bowl and transparent wine ring.
Fragrant perfumed aromas were profusely floral and fruity with earth tones.
The full body was early palate silky while bright acidity and grainy firm tannins began to strengthen and dominate the aroma reflective flavors with hints of pomegranate.
Finished well on hints of coffee, black licorice, black currant, tobacco, an intense spearmint, and a potent 15% alcohol.
Varietals were 45% Garnacha, 30% Mazuelo, and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Paired perfectly with my stir-fried vegetable with beef.


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Ridge Estate Monte Bello Vineyard 2013 Merlot

Ridge Estate Monte Bello Vineyard 2013 Merlot, $40.79-$47.99, 93 points, showed deep/dark reds with a tint of maroon and a clear wine ring at the somewhat teary glass wall.
Unusual aromas struck my son's nose as varietal-specific (blind tasting), I found it floral, meaty, and herbal with hints of sage and clove.
Full-bodied, rich, lush, having more good complex qualities than most Cali Merlot wines you're likely to taste; the Ridge Estate Monte Bello Vineyard 2013 Merlot was mouth-wateringly acidic, displayed fine-layered tannins, and an unfolding panoply of flavors; plums, toasty blackberries, citrus, cigar, chocolate and violets to savory flavors that begged to be tasted alone, but paired beautifully with our spaghetti in a rich meaty tomato sauce, and paired surprising well with my son's Chinese five-spice apple tarts on an almond and pecan crust.
This 100% Merlot with a modest 13.8% alcohol finished as splendidly as it began.

Ridge, why it's a "go to" winery.
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Arnaldo Caprai Grecante 2015 Grechetto

Arnaldo Caprai Grecante 2015 Grechetto, $16.14-$18.99, 90 points, poured a light brass color with a green hue and grading water clear at the glass edge.
The aromas were shy, but hints of apple, honeysuckle, and juniper were good.
Light-bodied with good acidity managed delicious flavors of subtle pineapple, grapefruit, and a floral component.
Finished well on the trailing palate, a touch of ginger, black pepper, watermelon rind, and a balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my Asian cuisine.

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Fattoria La Lecciaia 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (DOCG)

Fattoria La Lecciaia 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (DOCG), $36.54-$47.99, 93 points, appeared an unusual core black radiating deep to bright red toward the clear wine ring and the heavily draped glass wall.
The bouquet was but a whisper of grape, sandalwood, and earth smells.
Full-bodied with strong acidity, strident fine tannins, and early palate fruit morphing more Brunello-like with truffle, bourbon, bay leaf, and tea flavors.
Finished muscular on evolving tannins, hot 15% by VOL. alcohol/oak-inspired spices, and the trailing late palate with a hint of spearmint.
Paired great with my mushroom ravioli covered in spiced beef and Phoenix-tail mushrooms.
Disclaimer: I liked this Brunello di Montalcino Riserva better than anyone except maybe the winemaker, and keep in mind whether you like high acidity, high (appropriate) alcohol, and very firm tannins.

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IL Poggione 2013 Rosso di Montalcino (DOC)

IL Poggione 2013 Rosso di Montalcino (DOC), $22.09-$25.99, 91 points, poured a crystalline cranberry red with a broad clear wine ring at the leggy glass bowl.
Aromatic red raspberry, violets, and red cherry with hints of strawberry were excellent.
Medium-bodied with bright acidity, a firm underlayment of tannin, and juicy red fruit were appropriately structured and flavorful.
Finished long on the trailing palate, red licorice, soft expressions of warm spices, and a well-integrated 14% alcohol.
Not nearly as tannic, complex, or as dry as the recently reviewed IL Poggione 2011 Brunello Di Montalcino, but delicious it was.
Paired perfectly with our cheese pizza and chef salad.

The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino wines are arriving; for joy!

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Angelini Veneto 2015 Pinot Grigio (IGT)

Angelini Veneto 2015 Pinot Grigio (IGT), $8.49-$12.99, 87 points, Poured a deep glossy gold color grading clear just before the glass edge.
Aromatic Lychee, honeysuckle, apple, and peach were outstanding.
The light-plus body was still crisp and mouth-wateringly acidic.
Flavors mirrored the whole kit and caboodle with a smidgeon of vanilla.
Finished mostly on the acidity, a short trailing palate, and a typically restrained 12% alcohol.
Paired nicely with my spinach Feta Pita.



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IL Poggione 2011 Brunello Di Montalcino

IL Poggione 2011 Brunello Di Montalcino (DOCG),  $67.99-$79.99, 94 points, poured a deep maroon throughout till the clear wine ring.
Roses, sandalwood, red cherries, sea breezes, and sage on the nose were remarkable.
Medium-bodied with mouth-watering acids and firm grainy tannins grabbed hold of aroma reflective flavors with sweet bourbon notes and carried them deep into a satisfyingly long finish of warm spices, orange-pekoe tea, mint, and a well-integrated 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my spice-rubbed rare rib eye steak.


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Planeta 2014 Chardonnay (Sicilia, Italy)

Planeta 2014 Chardonnay (Sicilia, Italy), $22.94-$26.99, 90 points, poured a deep polished gold color with a copper cast.
Rather well blended aromas of vanilla, caramel, melon, and the slightest hint of banana were excellent.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and flavors reflective of the aromas were satisfying.
Finished long on a developing lemon flavor, enduring white pepper, and an appropriate 14% alcohol.
Paired well with my Norwegian sardines in olive oil, feta cheese, and Nostraline Olives.

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Mazzie Fonterutoli 2012 Chianti Classico (DOCG)

Mazzie Fonterutoli 2012 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $18.69-$21.99, 90 points, poured an unusually dark maroon grading toward bright red at the broad clear wine ring and leggy glass wall.
Beautiful aromas of earth, roses, sandalwood, and cherries were outstanding.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, fine tannins, and a bounty of aroma-reflective flavors plus sweet plums, black tea, and red licorice were excellent, if a bit fading.
Finished with some power from the trailing palate, warm spices, and a sweet-spot 13.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 90% Sangiovese, 2% Malvasia Nera, 3% Colorino, and 5% Merlot.
Paired perfectly with my beef stew with cauliflower.


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Tuscan Vines Waxes Wine Philosophical

Tuscan Vines Waxes Philosophical.

 

"Wine's . . . very success depends upon the vagaries of nature and the whim of the winemaker who carefully acts as a devoted custodian."

 

Reminds me of: The best of Sideways: Mia's soliloquy.

There are other thoughts on wine, but the negative ones are not found here; what is expressed here is as John has well stated: "History."

 

In another post my own thoughts were expressed this way: "Old" man's Trek Into "Wine Country" is intended not so much a book of reviews, but of the beauty of wine, the vineyards, its people's blood, sweat, and tears, the earth, sun, air, water or lack of it, and the fruit itself, all evident in the "Vinification's" end product. . .

 

Galileo's quote is by far more succinct and enduring: "Wine is sunlight, held together by water."

 

Feel free to chime-in!

 

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Cantina Zaccagnini 2014 Riesling (Colline Pescaresi IGT, Abruzzo, Italy)

Cantina Zaccagnini 2014 Riesling (Colline Pescaresi IGT, Abruzzo, Italy), $7.64-$18.99, 87 points, poured a bright straw yellow grading toward a light gold color at the glass bowl.
The interesting aromas of shy jasmine and mint notes with more noticeable apple and fresh-cut hay smells were quite good, if atypical of the varietal.
The complex aroma didn't translate onto the palate, but rather neutral flavors of apple, melon, and apricot were just okay.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, a well-integrated 12.5% alcohol, and a good developing lemon with a floral vibe.
Paired fine with my Snow-crab salad.

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"It's A Head Snapper" D.O.C. Prosecco (Sparkling white wine)

"It's A Head Snapper" D.O.C. Prosecco (Sparkling white wine), $8.99-$11.99, 88 points, poured to an early vigorous head of foam settling-down quickly to a steady stream of rather large bubbles; a light brass color trended water clear at the glass edge.
Soft aromas of apricots and hazel nuts were good.
Typically Prosecco light, fizzy, acidic, and neutrally flavored with hints of tangerine and white grape which coalesced to refresh and companion with my leeks and spinach pita-pie.
Finished a bit short on the trailing palate, a hint of vanilla, quite dry, and with a well-balanced 11% alcohol.
A surprising good $9 Prosecco which I bought at the Shaw's Super Market of Londonderry.


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