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.”

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 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 …”

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.”

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’”

Bertani Winery- their new 1 Cru Di Bertani wine plus one other exceptional Valpolicella release.

Their new releases of wines dubbed 1 CRU DI BERTANI are exceptional wines reflecting both their attitude to winemaking and the unique vineyards the grapes are sourced from. Two important labels have birthed out of this new project and their desire to produce wines that are extraordinary drinking wines that reflect the classic Valpolicella style.Continue reading “Bertani Winery- their new 1 Cru Di Bertani wine plus one other exceptional Valpolicella release.”

Campo al Mare Bolgheri Rosso 2020.

Another great example of an Italian wine made from grapes varietals not native to Italy. This is a blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet, 15% Cab Franc, and 5% Petite Verdot sourced from the Bolgheri DOC on the western edge of Tuscany boarding the sea. This region was a hidden gem until the 1990’s whenContinue reading “Campo al Mare Bolgheri Rosso 2020.”