Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2020 – excellent release from volcanic soil.

The vineyards for this impressive wine are perched on the southern side of the largest volcano in Europe- Mount Etna, planted on black soils at an altitude of 600 – 750 meters. Diego and Alberto Cusumano hold just over 500 hectares of Estate Vineyards, producing 3 million bottles annually- not bad for a vineyard establishedContinue reading “Alta Mora Etna Bianco 2020 – excellent release from volcanic soil.”

Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso 2020- in a word, delicious.

Bertani, a name synonymous with Amarone’s brings you this Ripasso Valpolicella. A Ripasso is considered a ‘baby Amarone’ given its juice is passed over the skins of Amarone grapes, adding richness with increased depth and complexity while still retaining the freshness and vibrancy, so characteristic of Valpolicella. This is an excellent example. This is aContinue reading “Bertani Valpolicella Ripasso 2020- in a word, delicious.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Villa Puccini Governo All’Uso Tuscano 2022

This is a blend of predominately Sangiovese with a splash of Ciliegiolo, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which they allow to hang a little longer, and dry on the vine. Governo usually refers to the Government but, in this case, it refers to an old vinification process that is mainly used, and presumably developed in Tuscany. RelatedContinue reading “Villa Puccini Governo All’Uso Tuscano 2022”

The 2022 Harvest in Italy has been called the ‘Harvest to End All Harvests’

This has been compared to the 1828, 1947, 1967, 1994, and 2011 harvests. The 2022 Harvest has been described as a ‘miracle harvest’ and will first show up in the US with Rosé, Whites, and then Reds which will trickle in over the next 5 years. The question is, could this be the greatest HarvestContinue reading “The 2022 Harvest in Italy has been called the ‘Harvest to End All Harvests’”

Something Special From Italy

Fontanabianca Barbaresco 2019. Made from the Nebbiolo grape grown around the village of Nieve, in Piedmont and is part of “I Borghi più belli d’Italia” which translates to “the most beautiful villages of Italy”. It’s a group of small Italian villages of historical interest and well worth a visit if your every in the region.Continue reading “Something Special From Italy”

Three More Interesting Wines from this weeks offerings.

Masseria Liveli Passamante 2019 The vineyard the grapes are sourced is next to a forest called Passamante which drew its name from couples that would sneak off for amorous rendezvous there. Pass meaning to pass by and amante meaning lover and quickly became known as the Forest of Lovers. An inspiring name for an inspiringContinue reading “Three More Interesting Wines from this weeks offerings.”