Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico 2021- Invite an Italian for Christmas.

This Chianti Classico is predominately Sangiovese- 85% with a splash of Merlot, and then aged 2-3-year-old French oak, small barrels for 10 months. The grapes were sourced from vineyards in the Chianti Classico region, which, some would argue, produces the best Sangiovese in Tuscany. One sip will convince you that it expresses a real senseContinue reading “Tenuta Di Arceno Chianti Classico 2021- Invite an Italian for Christmas.”

A Red and A White for your consideration.

Tenuta Di Nozzole Chianti Classico Riserva 2020 The estate dates back to the 1,300’s and was acquired by the Folonari family in 1971. Perched on the top of a picturesque hill, this 385-hectare estate, consists of 90 hectares under vines and 15 hectares of olive groves. They also have a separate farmhouse with extensive gardensContinue reading “A Red and A White for your consideration.”

Scaia Rosso 2021 and Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva 2021.

Q: What do four brothers do when they inherit 50 acres of vineyards in the eastern section of Valpolicella from their father? A: Buy 75 more acres and start a Winery of course. They released their first wine in 1995 under the Tenuta Sant’Antonio label before launching a new project in 2006 under the ScaiaContinue reading “Scaia Rosso 2021 and Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Reserva 2021.”

Two Italian Sparkling’s you will want to invite to your next party.

Altemasi Trentodoc Brut This is produced from 100% Chardonnay and sourced from the best vineyards on the hilltops around Trento DOC- located between 450 and 600 meters above sea level. This area is known for producing some of the best sparkling outside of Champagne. It is also second in the world, to Champagne, as anContinue reading “Two Italian Sparkling’s you will want to invite to your next party.”

Brancatelli Valle Delle Stelle 2020- great Italian red but needs decanting!

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon- 89% with just a splash of Cabernet Franc- 11%. from Tuscany that is dominated by cherries with little room for a hint of floral and spices. The palate is silky smooth (I must point out that I allowed 2-3 hours decanting) with tannins evident but not obtrusive. ThisContinue reading “Brancatelli Valle Delle Stelle 2020- great Italian red but needs decanting!”

Two Great Italians I got to Hang out with this week.

Angelo Negro Onorata Lange Favorita 2022 This wine is sourced from the Langhe region in Piedmont, known as the Favorita del Roero- we know it as Vermentino. Vibrant shimmering greenish-yellow hues with aromas of peach, citrus, honeysuckle, and pear issue an invitation to taste. The palate is tight and focused with crisp mouthwatering acidity wrappedContinue reading “Two Great Italians I got to Hang out with this week.”

Two Tuscan Gems- one from the descendants of the Father of Chianti plus …

Morellino Di Scansano Tuscan Red 2021 This delightful Italian Red comes from Morellino di Scansano which lies in the Maremma region of coastal Tuscany. This region of Tuscany could just be the most over looked, underappreciated wine regions in all of Italy. It must be a minimum of 85% Sangiovese which is the basis forContinue reading “Two Tuscan Gems- one from the descendants of the Father of Chianti plus …”

Ellena Winery- Piedmont does it like only Piedmont can.

If you talk with a travel agent, they will tell you there are dozens of things to do and places to see in the picturesque commune of la Morra, with wine tasting at the top of the list. These rolling hills with rows and rows of vineyards and centuries-old hilltop villages with snow-capped mountains inContinue reading “Ellena Winery- Piedmont does it like only Piedmont can.”

Four Excellent Wines from a 600-year-old Winery- Mazzei.

There is so much history with this family, it’s crazy. Established in 1435, they have been making wine in Tuscany for nearly 600 years. Can you imagine for a minute the same family nurturing the same vineyards for 25 generations? That is a serious commitment. As a matter of interest, their ancestors were the firstContinue reading “Four Excellent Wines from a 600-year-old Winery- Mazzei.”

Malvira Roero Arneis 2022- Is Arneis Italy’s Unsung Hero?

Just a little about the winery. The Damonte family established Malvira in 1950 farming and selling for use in bulk wine. In 1975 the focus shifted to producing quality wine and the aim has been achieved over the intervening years. Today, their entire production comes from six distinct vineyards spread over 40 hectares and isContinue reading “Malvira Roero Arneis 2022- Is Arneis Italy’s Unsung Hero?”