The 2015 Il Barbiglione Terre di Pisa Rosso is a diverse, Italian red blend approaching its peak drinking window… Name: Il Barbiglione Vintage: 2015 Producer: Usiglian del Vescovo Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy; DOC Terre di Pisa Grape Varietal(s): Predominantly Syrah, with small proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (percentages unknown) Alcohol Level: 14% abv. Consumed: At … Read more
A very good IGT from a spectacular region in Italy… Name: Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo Vintage: 2015 Producer: Poggio al Tufo Region/Country: Maremma Toscana, Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) Alcohol Level: 13% Consumed: At home on a brisk fall evening Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO … Read more
A good-to-very good Chianti Classico Riserva from the heart of the Chianti region… We very much looked forward to opening this Chianti Classico Riserva after having cellared it for a number of years. As expected, it offered a gorgeous and vibrant ruby-garnet hue, which caught more than one eye during dinner. Produced in the heart … 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
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
You know you have a great bottle of wine when you look forward to drinking it again… Name: CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Vintage: 2009 Producer: Tenuta CastelGiocondo, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Region/Country: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese Consumed: October 1st 2016 at home Recommended By: LCBO vintages Cost: $50 Bottle Presentation: Classic and distinctive. We … Read more
An intriguing IGT with a beautiful bottle that divulges its secrets over time… Name: Diadema Vintage: 2009 Producer: Diadema Wine & Champagne, SRL Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): 75% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah Consumed: June 24, 2016 at home Recommended By: A good friend (we received it as a wedding gift) Cost: … Read more