A surprisingly, or perhaps unsurprisingly, good Cabernet blend from the well-known Amarone and Ripasso producer, Zenato… We thoroughly enjoyed this Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend, weighted on the Cabernet Sauvignon side, from Sansonina, the second label of the well-known Northern Italian producer, Zenato. A well-balanced, complex offering, and the tannins, although drying, did not … Read more
A bright, balanced, and enticing Barolo from Poderi Colla in Piedmont, Italy… This Dardi Le Rose Bussia Barolo from Poderi Colla in Piedmont, Italy offered an enticing mix of balance, complexity, and structure. Red cherries, savoury spices, uncooked red meat, and tomato sauce in nose combined with tart, red cherries, white pepper, savoury spice, and … Read more
A balanced, easy-drinking Soave from Northern Italy… This 2014 Suavia from Soave in Italy, made from 100% Garganega, offered plenty of citrus flavours to complement almond, mineral, and white pepper notes. We particularly enjoyed the hints of spearmint and ginger in the nose, although we found the bitterness in the finish a little off-putting. Light-to-medium … Read more
A very good Blauburgunder from Sϋditrol-Alto Adige… This Blauburgunder (another name for Pinot Noir) offered a fruity, fragrant nose with a tart, vibrant mouth. The tannins came across as somewhat sharp, yet not over-bearing, and the high degree of acidity added a welcomed touch of crispness. We paired it with an Italian-style margherita pizza and … Read more
A big, bold Barolo we would definitely drink again… Name: Barolo Vintage: 2012 Producer: Batasiolo Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Nebbiolo Consumed: At La Cucina restaurant in North Vancouver, Canada Recommended By: Picked it off the wine list Cost: $72 CAD (although we found it for $29.95 CAD at the LCBO) Bottle Presentation: A simple, … Read more
A Merlot-Sangiovese blend with excellent potential… Name: La Vite Lucente Vintage: 2014 Producer: Luce della Vite, Frescobaldi Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Merlot and Sangiovese Alcohol content: 13.5% Consumed: At Bella Gelateria and Pizzeria in Vancouver, Canada Recommended By: Picked it off the wine list at the restaurant Cost: $75 CAD at the restaurant (available … Read more
This Etna Rosso, with some interesting varietals, resulted in a good blend of fruit, herbaceous, and earth notes… Name: Calderara Sottana Etna Rosso Vintage: 2013 Producer: Tenuta delle Terre Nere Region/Country: Sicily, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio Consumed: At Le Club Chasse et Pêche in Montreal, to celebrate someone’s 40th birthday. Recommended … Read more
A layered offering from Montemercurio in the tradition of the Montepulciano region… Name: Messaggero Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vintage: 2008 Producer: Montemercurio Region/Country: Montepulciano, Siena, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese Consumed: On a Friday, after a long week. Recommended By: LCBO Cost: $29.95 Bottle Presentation: Very classic Italian, reminiscent of Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel. Appearance: … Read more
A complex, tantalizing nose with plenty more to follow for this Brunello di Montalcino… Name: Filo di seta Brunello di Montalcino Vintage: 2011 Producer: Castello Romitorio Region/Country: Montalcino, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese Consumed: On a cold Canadian Saturday evening Recommended By: LCBO Cost: $58.00 Bottle Presentation: Artistic, distinctive label reminiscent of a painting from Monet … Read more
A strong, balanced Amarone from Tommasi, just as one would expect… Name: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vintage: 2011 Producer: Tommasi Region/Country: Valpolicella Classico, Verona, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta Consumed: On a cold Canadian Saturday evening Recommended By: It was a gift Cost: It was a gift (apparently $49.95 at the LCBO) Bottle … Read more