Castello di Volpaia 2013 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $17.99-$19.99 90 points, poured a colorful wine red with a broad clear wine ring.
Aromas were pleasant hints of cinnamon, earth, black olives, and potpourri.
Medium-bodied with good acidity and tight tannins managed excellent flavors of red fruit and mulling spices.
Finished well on a touch of sour plum, black tea, easy spices, and a nicely balanced 13% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with my pork stew and a dessert of dark chocolate hazelnut/toffee bark.
Varietals were 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot.
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Les Hauts de Lagarde 2015 Bordeaux Red Wine, $10.99-$12.99, 87 points, poured a lustrous purple/red and showing a moderately broad wine ring and a moderately leggy glass bowl.
Aromas were shy plum, blueberry, black olive, and earth.
Full-bodied with good acidity and firm layered tannins.
Flavors faithfully reflected the aromas.
Finished fair on warm spices, a hint of mint, tobacco, and a typical Bordeaux 13% alcohol.
Varietals were 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Cabernet Franc.
I enjoyed this wine more after I let it breathe for a few hours.
Paired well with our rare spiced rubbed rib eye steak.
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Onehope California 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, $8.79-$10.99, 87 points, was a light brass color, only clearing at the glass edge.
Smells of apple and peach were okay.
Light-plus body with good acidity carried bold flavors of the aromas with hints of cantaloupe, tangerine, and watermelon.
Finished fair on the trailing palate, a hint of ginger, a touch of mint, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with our Maryland crab cakes and Maritime lobsters.
I bought this Sauvignon Blanc at the Whole Foods of Bedford.
Sauvignon Blanc 2016 (Cali)
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Poggio Amorelli 2014 Chianti Classico (DOCG), $17.99-$19.99, 90 points, was a familiar red wine color with a clear wine ring and moderate legs.
Aromatic loam notes were complemented with cherry, cocoa, and a bit of toast.
Medium-plus body, good acidity, and firm supportive tannins carried an excellent rendition of the aromas onto the palate.
Finished fine with cayenne pepper, hint of plum, a bit chalky, and the trailing palate.
The 13% alcohol was unobtrusive.
Paired perfectly with our Texas burgers.
I bought this wine on the advice of Philip D. of the Bedford Whole Foods.
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Castello di Querceto 'Cignale' Colli della 2010 Toscana Centrale (IGT), $56.09-$65.99, 92 points, poured a clear burgundy color with a broad transparent wine ring and thick legs.
Smells of ripe blackberries, earth, black olives, sandalwood, and a hint of cedar were good.
Near full-bodied, quite silky, good acidity, and round supportive tannins culminated in a tasty red wine (flavors mirrored the aromas with iron and plum notes) which managed an elegant expression of the varietals.
The finish stretched very long on warm spice, a restrained 13.5% alcohol, and the trailing palate, especially iron.
Varietals were 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot.
Paired perfectly with my saucy baby-back pork ribs.
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La Magia 2011 Brunello di Montalcino $31.44-$59.99, 93 points, poured a lovely wine red color with a broadly wide clear wine ring and a heavily draped glass bowl.
Aromatic fresh laundered linen, cedar, and black tea were excellent.
This near full-bodied red wine was acidic with grainy firm tannins; a bold powerful wine accented with bourbon, cherry, tar, and tea flavors.
Finished long on intense spices, a bit oaky, hot (14.5% alcohol), bitter dark chocolate, and eucalyptus.
Paired perfectly with our meatballs and spaghetti.
If Brunello is your style, this is a great wine with a tremendous GPR.
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Bodegas Alvarez de Toledo 2014 Godello (Bierizo, Spain), $7.99-$10.99, 86 points, poured a straw yellow color.
Aromas were near 'dumb', but a hint of juniper and sweet creosol were okay.
Light-plus body with fair acidity was accented with a rather smooth mouth-feel and subtle flavors of tangerine and melon rind.
Finished quietly on the fading palate and an innocuous 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my fresh sautéed Icelandic cod loin.
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Heitz Wine Cellars Napa Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.29-$62.99, 93 points, showed moderate sheeting with a moderately broad wine ring; colors were purple/red but redder.
Aromatic crème de cassis, cocoa, and black cherry were excellent!
The silky near full body carried good acidity and a supportive underlayment of tannin.
Flavors of cocoa, menthol, black fruit, and sweet cooking herbs were nuanced and complex, more like a left-bank Bordeaux than a Cali-typical Cabernet (my style of Cab).
Finished long on licorice, blackberry liqueur, warm spices, and a well-balanced 14.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our saucy baby-back ribs.
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L'Ecole No 41 Columbia Valley "Frenchtown" 2013 Red Wine, $10.99-$22.99, 90 points, poured a deep purple/red with a broad clear wine ring.
Rich aromas of black fruit with a hint of cedar and violets were good.
This big red blend of a wine was so much about texture, and though a bit nondescript, the acidity was fine and the tannins were fine; It was tasty and downright quaffable, soft, round, and an ever so easy drinking red wine with black currants, blackberries, and floral flavors.
Finished long on the trailing palate, a hint of plum, and a nicely integrated 14.5% alcohol.
Varietals were 45% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 6% Malbec, 6%Cabernet Franc and 3% Mourvèdre.
Paired perfectly with our Philly steak subs.
I bought this wine on clearance; one of the best values in a red wine I've seen in a long time: QPR was very high.
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Oyster Bay Marlborough 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), $11.99-$14.99, 89 points, was a light brass color with green highlights.
Light, crisp, acidic with grapefruit, gooseberry, and grassy flavors which carried deep into the long finish accented with a hint of ginger and a modest 12.5% alcohol.
The real story of this wine was how for breakfast I made an American-cheesy scrambled eggs over a bed of salted and peppered chopped tomatoes and green peppers; paired perfectly! Even I couldn't believe it!
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French Blue 2016 Bordeaux Rosé, $8.79-$10.99, 88 points, poured a light salmon pink color.
Contrary to French Blue's web site, I found the aromas of red fruits and cotton candy to be rather shy.
Light-plus body of good acidity and just a hint of tannin managed robust flavors of ginger, red cherry, and watermelon which trailed deep into the fair finish with a welcoming 12.5% alcohol.
Paired fine with my spicy Italian goulash on pita bread and melted parmesan cheese.
Varietals were 80% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
I bought this French Rosé at the Whole Foods of Bedford.
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Coli Villa Montignana 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva, $9.99-$17.99, 88 points, was a deep ruby grading a coppery red at the clear wine ring.
Aromas of dusty red cherry and raspberry were good.
Medium-bodied with mouthwatering acidity and a layered underlayment of tannin carried straight-forward flavors of cherry, cocoa, and black tea.
Finished well on licorice, chocolate pudding, easy spices, and a spot-on 13.5% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our Papa Gino's pepperoni pizza.
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Italia, ti amo, non ti amo, ti amo. . .!
Alcuni anni fa ho fatto questo post: I Vini Italiani (Dove è Amare?), Perché sembra che di tutti i vini che amo e di cui parli, i vini italiani hanno gestito il minimo interesse. Di cosa si tratta? Nell'ultimo mese ho ricevuto migliaia di viste di pagina dalla Russia e anche i norvegesi sono curiosi di visitare il blog NHWM migliaia di volte, ma non una vista di pagina dall'Italia! Tieni presente che solo da questo mese ho fatto più di una dozzina di post su grandi vini italiani.
Quindi dico ancora: Dov'è la reciprocità dell'amore?
Italian Wines (Where's the Love?)
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Fleur de Mer Côtes de Provence 2016 Rosé,
$14.99-$21.99, 90 points, poured a Peach Rosé color from a lovely bottle.
Aromatic strawberry, peach, and a hint of mint were outstanding.
Light-plus body was smooth and the flavors of kiwi, watermelon rind, and strawberry were pure.
Mouthwatering acidity carried deep into the finish of watermelon, wet stones, and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Varietals were 82% Grenache, 9% Cinsault, and 9% other.
Paired perfectly with my nacho supreme, and okay with my Buffalo wings.
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Villa Antinori 2011 Chianti Classico Riserva (DOCG), $22.94-$32.99, 91 points, poured a lovely wine red color with a moderately wide clear wine ring and leggy glass bowl.
Aromatic black fruit, roses, anise, a touch herbal, and a hint of cocoa were superior.
Full-bodied with good acidity and round substantial tannins supported a rather unusual BIG Chianti marked by more than its weight, but by flavors of a rich black cherry liqueur, blackberry, cocoa, and plum; those that are enamored with lush soft Merlots just might find this Sangiovese to their liking.
Finished simply on the trailing palate and an appropriate14% alcohol.
Varietals were 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot.
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Viberti Giovanni 'La Gemella' 2014 Barbera D'Alba, $9.99-$18.99, 86 points, poured a deep ruby trending purple/red toward the clear wine ring.
Opening aroma of Gardena surrendered to a more pleasant red fruit, blueberry, and earth blend.
Medium-plus body with good acidity and a comfortable underlayment of tannin managed flavors that mirrored the aromas.
Finished dry and tart with a reincarnation of Gardena, and a potent 14% alcohol.
Varietal was 100% Barbera.
Paired okay with our Texas burgers.
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Marchesi Antinori Badia A Passignano 2009 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione (DOCG)
$32.29-$41.99, 92 points, poured a deep slightly cloudy garnet red with a clear wine ring and substantial legs.
Smells of earth, black cherry, rose, and a hint of sandalwood were excellent.
Medium-plus body managed a layered supportive underlayment of tannin and bright acidity.
Flavorful cherries were accented with black tea, truffle, and plum notes.
Finished strong on warm spices, the trailing palate, and a well-balanced 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our spaghetti and meatballs.
100% Sangiovese varietal.
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Roos Family Vineyards 'The Lemongrass' 2016 Sauvignon Blanc/Chenin Blanc (South-Africa), $12.79-$15.99, 86 points, poured a glossy gold color grading clear at the glass shallows.
Aromas were shy tangerine and Necco Wafers accented with wet slate.
Light, bone dry, crisp, mouthwatering, and though a bit thin on flavor, proved itself a good unobtrusive white table wine.
Finished fair on white pepper and a well-balanced 13% alcohol.
Varietals were 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chenin Blanc.
Paired nicely with my fried sea scallops and Maryland crab cakes.
I bought this wine at the Whole Foods of Bedford.
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Fontana Candida Frascati (town of) 2015 Secco DOC White Wine, Italy, $7.99-$9.99, 88 points, poured a light gold color with green highlights and broadly water clear at the glass shallows.
Aromatic orange peel, lime, and honeysuckle were excellent.
Light-plus body was marked by good acidity and flavors reminiscent of the aromas with a hint of black pepper.
Finished well on the trailing palate, ginger notes, and a spot-on 13% alcohol.
Varietals are a blend of Malvasia Bianca di Candia, Trebbiano Toscano, and Malvasia del Lazio.
Paired perfectly with our sautéed Maine lobster.
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Marchesi di Barolo 2010 'Barolo' (DOCG), $25.49-$42.99, 90 points, was a bright ruby grading a light garnet red toward the clear wine ring and moderately draped glass wall.
Aromas were shy floral, red raspberry, and cocoa.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, tempered tannins, and interesting flavors of ripe red raspberry, licorice, and plum.
Finished well on the trailing palate, black tea, easy spices, a bit metallic, and an appropriate 14% alcohol.
Paired perfectly with our meat-lovers Italian styled pizza.
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Giovanni Sordo 2012 Barolo (DOCG), $42.49-$49.99, 94 points, poured a candy-apple red with a broad clear wine ring and glass bowl of considerable 'tears'.
Shy aromas of fresh linen, sea breezes, and light red cherry were lovely.
Medium-bodied with good acidity, grainy underlayment of supportive tannin, and a clean elegant flavor profile were a complete package of sheer delight.
Finished long on black tea, red cherry, lively spices, citrus, a faint hint of bourbon, and a perfect 14% alcohol.
Pair with almost anything Italian.
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The PB and J challenge
Heidsieck and Co Monopole Blue Top Brut NV Champagne (France), $29.24-$32.99, 88 points, poured a brass color with a full head of foam and a continuous eruption of tiny bubbles.
Aromatic fresh bread and shy apple notes were pleasant.
Light and crisp with mouthwatering acids, but quite sleek; the tasty yeasty stone fruit, a bit nutty, and apple flavors were excellent.
Finished well on a vibrant ginger note and an easy 12% alcohol.
Pairing PB and J was the challenge which set this wine tasting in motion; we weren't disappointed; with perfection, this Champagne flawlessly complemented our French bread, peanut butter, and red cherry preserve sandwiches.
Photograph was provided by AEK.
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Cecchi La Mora 2013 Morellino Di Scansano (DOCG), $14.99-$17.99, 89 points, appeared core ruby trending garnet red at the glass shallows, broad clear wine ring, and modestly leggy bowl.
Smells of red cherry and shy mulling spice were okay.
Round, smooth, and fruity medium body carried good acidity, soft supportive tannin, and flavors reflective of the aromas with hints of citrus and plum.
Finished long on the trailing palate, warm spices, and a most restrained 13% alcohol.
Cecchi La Mora 2013 Morellino Di Scansano is 90% Sangiovese and a dollop of approved grape(s).
Paired perfectly with my barbequed spare-ribs.
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Sangiovese is Italy's signature grape, widespread, clonal, and broadly
variable in quality.
Below is a list of Sangiovese wines reviewed and divided mostly by
geographical viticulture, but I begin with Italian Sangiovese (is
there any other kind?) listed simply as Sangiovese or by miscellaneous regions.
Keep in mind that from small family farming to vast vineyards of famous trademarks, Italy is reported to have a million vineyards, and will make this post a 'work-in-progress' in perpetuity.
Sangiovese (miscellaneous regions):
Castelluccio Le More Di Romagna D.O.C 2011 Sangiovese, $13.59-$15.99, 88 points
Cecchi Toscana I.G.T. 2012 Sangiovese, $6.79-$9.99, 85 points
Marchesi de Frescobaldi 'Pater-Paterna' Toscana 2015 Sangiovese (IGT), $9.99-$20.99, 85 points
Tenuta Sassoregale DOC 2013 Sangiovese Maremma Toscana, $13.99-$16.99, 87 points
Brunello di Montalcino
Chianti, Italy's Classic Wine
Chianti Classico (Italy's Flagship Red Wine) Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Chianti Classico Riserva, Sangiovese With Class!
Chianti Rufina
Morellino di Scansano (Sangiovese, Region of Scansano)
Rosso di Montalcino
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
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