Question of the day: Is it even possible to get an elegant Italian Beauty that over delivers, rated 99pt from an excellent vintage for under $100? How about $65. Allow me to introduce you to …
Castiglion Del Bosco Brunello Di Montalcino 2016.
This 100% Sangiovese is sourced from the 42 hectare Capanna vineyard facing the Mediterranean with cool afternoon breezes is a delight to drink and most definitely overdelivers.
Enticing aromas of red cherries, raspberries, floral notes of violets and lavender, spices and an earthy note to round things out. The palate is inviting with grippy tannins and attitude delivering ripe red cherries, raspberries and plum with secondary notes of savory spices and herbs reminiscent of an Italian kitchen. Beautiful balance and elegance with an exceptionally long finish. I decanted for 4 hours which gave it enough time to reveal itself, which I returned to the bottle for the following day- was event better.
Definitely needs a hearty meat, game or chicken dish- lasagna or a deep-dish Chicago style pizza would also work well. This Italian Beauty will cellar out 15 plus years.
Batasiolo Langhe Nebbiolo 2017
If you’re not be familiar with the Nebbiolo grape you may know it under its ‘regional’ names of Barolo and Barbaresco, both of which must be 100% Nebbiolo.
The Dogliani Family have been in the wine business in Langhe for three generations but the real story begins in 1978 when the brothers purchased the ancient Kiola Winery including several Cru vineyards. These Cru’s include Cerequio, Bussia Bonfia, Boscareto, Brunate and Briccolina and are widely recognized as some of these best sites in the Langhe region producing wines of elegance, depth and complexity.
It was ‘renamed’ Beni (meaning Estate) di Batasiolo to reflect the tradition and the inseparable relationship between the vineyard’s, the farmsteads and the people that live and work the land framed by beautiful rolling hills and rows and rows of picturesque vines.
Characterized by high tannins and acidity it makes a perfect accompaniment to Stews, Game including Turkey, Red Meat Pastas and Pizzas, Risotto, especially with mushrooms or truffles.
“In Piedmont, a beloved standard is the egg-yolk-rich pasta tajarin* with white truffles shaved on top”. www.foodandwine.com
Aromas of red cherries, red currents, rose petal, orange peel and truffles pour out of the glass. After a few hours of decanting mouthfeel is lively but inviting coating your mouth with an assortment of red fruits, freshly picked truffles with an earthy note. Wonderful balance with a long finish but I’ll let you discover that for yourself.
Will cellar out for 10 – 15 years without a concern, if you can wait that long.
*Piedmontese dialect for Tagliolini or Tagliarini- it is the thinnest and richest of all pastas. It resembles spaghetti in looks but is considered far superior.
Le Orme Barbara D’Asti 2020 – Works Well with Turkey!
This medium bodied DOGC Certified 100% Barbara comes from the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato Regions in Piedmont in North Western Italy. This area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
Two things you should keep in mind, meal time and this wine go hand in hand- see below for pairing ideas and second, it will soften and improve over the next 5 years of cellaring. Wine was fermented in Stainless steel and then aged in the bottle for 16 months before release so you won’t find any vanilla oaky characteristics in this wine.
The nose is all bright cherries, raspberries, brambles and spices. The palate showcases nice balance and structure dominated by cherries, raspberries with cooking spices and plum to round things out. Nice length on the finish.
Perfect to drink with Red Meat Stews, Ham and Salami, Pizza, Pasta, Roasted and Grilled Meats and light enough for game and white meat stews or just about anything with a tomato-based sauce. Don’t forget a crusty loaf with some hard cheeses- no self-respecting Italian meal would be served without, except maybe Pizza.
Vine to Table 
These look AMAZING.
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