November 14, 2015

Wines of Italy Tasting, West Linn, OR

Non Vintage Tesoro della Regina Prosecco (Veneto) – 100% Prosecco (aka Glera) grape
“This wine's brisk, consistent bubbles carry a green almond scent, driving home crispness and freshness. It's clean and still manages to feel generous. For aperitifs." (translation of “Tesoro della Regina” is Treasure of the Queen) Rated 90 Wine & Spirits Magazine

2013 Terredora Dipaolo Falanghina Irpinia (Campania, Italy) – 100% Falanghina grape
“Light-bodied and crisp, with a good balance between the bright acidity and the fleshy texture of the melon, fresh herb and apricot notes. Offers a zesty finish, showing an echo of mineral. Drink now.”  Rated 87 Wine Spectator Magazine

2013 Donnachiara Greco di Tufo Montefalcione (Campania, Italy) – 100% Greco grape
"This is very perfumed with lots of dried-mango and papaya character. It is full-bodied with plenty of rich fruit and a fresh, clean finish. Dried-lemon aftertaste.”  James Suckling Rated 91

2013 Albino Armani Pinot Grigio Valdadige (Valdadige, Veneto) – 100% Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris grape
“This delicate, floral pinot grigio has flavors of apple, mineral and hints of spice. This wine is an outstanding testament to Armani's decision to produce wines from prime vineyards under its own label. The perfect aperitif, great with seafood, pasta or salads.”  TotalWine.com

Non Vintage Azienda Agricola "Trentatre" Vallarom  Tresillable Trevitigni Trevalli (Veneto) – blend of Moscato Giallo, Nosiola and Verdealbara grapes
Splendidly aromatic and refreshingly peculiar, Villarom’s Trentatre, a blend of three indigenous varieties – Moscato Giallo, Nosiola and Verdealbara – defies classification. The wine delivers a fascinating mix of muskmelon, fennel, grapefruit, orange marmalade, juniper, nutmeg, tilleul honey and gardenia blossoms. Crisp and zippy on the palate, attention-grabbing expressions of tangerine zest, lime juice, sweet cinnamon, vetiver and jasmine mingle with a chalky, stony mineral undercurrent and a beguiling floral perfume. Long and lingering on the palate, the Trentatre’s kaleidoscope of floral, citrus, spice and herbal expressions changes from sip to sip. This mind-bending northern Italian wonder is a must try, especially as an eye-opening brunch wine or a welcoming aperitif this holiday season, or as a complement to quiches, mild fish recipes and vegetable frittatas.  Rated 88 The Wine Advocate

2010 Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino (Montalcino, Tuscany) – 100% Sangiovese grape
The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is a ripe and fruit-forward expression that bursts with energy and red fruit intensity even at this young stage in the wine's life. Thick layers of cherry, blackberry, cassis, vanilla and cinnamon give the wine a bold, opulent personality. The tannins are super tame and docile, even for this more structured vintage. The wine boasts a medium build with bright garnet and ruby highlights. I think Castiglion del Bosco does a great job of executing and delivering this softer style of Brunello that works so well as a companion to the hearty, wintery foods we love most. You can drink it in the near or long term. It has that level of aging flexibility. The 2010 vintage is a great one to taste and buy.  Rated 94 The Wine Advocate

2012 Tenuta Sette Ponti “Crognolo” IGT (Tuscany) –90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot grapes
"Richly layered, colored, perfumed and sculpted with dazzling red fruits, a great mouthfeel, silky tannins and exceptional balance. A tremendous follow-up to the superb 2011. Drink now but best in 2017." Rated 95 James Suckling

2009 Rocca di Frassinello “Le Sughere di Frassinello” IGT (Tuscany) – blend of 50% Sangioveto, 25% Merlot & 25% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
"The 2009 Le Sughere di Frassinello is simply dazzling in this vintage. Expressive floral notes are woven throughout a fabric of vibrant dark fruit in this intense, supple red. Racy and expressive from start to finish, the wine impresses for its fabulous harmony and ripe, explosive finish. Le Sughere is best described as the estate’s second label. It is a 50% Sangioveto (a clone of Sangiovese, also known as Sangiovese Piccolo), 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 12 months in French oak, 50% new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021."  Rated 93 The Wine Advocate  #69 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2011

2004 Barreri & Rovati Barolo Riserva (Barolo) – 100% Nebbiolo grape
“An opulent, full-bodied and complex red wine. Deep garnet red, with typical orangish tints, it is warm and intense, with generous scents of spices, liquorice and violets. Well-integrated tannins accentuate the wine’s elegance and richness.”  Latitudewines.com

2005 Corte Rugolin Recioto della Valpolicella (Amarone della Valpolicella Classico) – blend of 40% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, & 20% other native grapes (Molinara, Dindarella, Croatina) grapes
“Originally this wine was obtained from the “recie,” the small loosely-packed bunches (or parts of bunches) that have had the best exposure to sunlight, and which have been dried for several months. It has an intense yet elegant bouquet of irises, violets, wild roses and cherries. It goes perfectly with pandoro (a traditional Christmas cake from Verona), shortbred or other dry cakes and biscuits. Try it, too, with chocolate-based desserts.”  K& L Wines