Unit 4 – Day 4: Central and Southern Italy

On Day 4 of Unit 4 in the Intensive Sommelier Training we learned about Central Italy Northern Italy, Southern Italy and the Italian Islands in a whirlwind fashion. While there is a huge quantity of wine produced in these regions they are not the highest in quality, though they are home to many unique varietals. Since there are so many regions to cover I’ll only do so in a brief summary fashion.  I will then review the 9 nine wines we tasted in class.

Central Italy

The Marches (Marche)

Marche is a hilly and mountainous region along the Adriatic coastline bordered by Abruzzo and Umbria to the south and west, and Emilia-Romagna to the north. Although a massive amount of wine is produced in this region about 80% is below the DOC level of classification. Wine production is centered on dry white wines made from Verdicchio, Malvasia and Trebbiano as well as soft red wines made from Sangiovese and Montepulciano. The two notable appellations are Vernacia di Serrpetronia DOCG which produces dry and sweet sparkling red wines and Rosso Conero DOCG which produces red wine from Montepulciano.

Umbria

Umbira is located in the very center of Italy and it is the only region that is completely landlocked as it is surrounded by Tuscany, Marche, and Latrium. Much of the wine production is Vino da Tavola. However, they do have one white wine DOC and two red wine DOCG appellations. The Orvieto DOC is located in the southwest corner of Umbria and it produces white wine from Malvasia and Trebbiano as well as other indigenous varietals as well as some sweet wines. The Sagrantino di Montefacto DOCG specializes in the Sagrantino grape and Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG grows mostly Sangiovese and Caniolo.

Latrium (Lazio)

This region is dominated by white wine production; primarily from the Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes. The only DOCG in the region is Cesanese del Piglio DOCG. The most notable DOC appellation is Est! Est! Est! di Monteliascone DOC which is more well known for its odd name than the quality of the wine.

Abruzzo

Abruzzo is a mountainous coastal region in central Italy bordered by Latrium to the south, Marche to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Most of the vineyards are on hillside and the region accounts for about 5% of Italy’s production, although most of it is Vino da Tavola. The two main DOCs focus on two varietals: the white grape Trebbiano Abruzzo (aka Bambino Bianco) and the red grape Montepulciano. Montepulciano DOC is the only DOC in the region.

Molise

Until the 1990s Molise was an autonomous province of Abruzzo. The newest official region in Italy, it is only now beginning to recognize its winemaking potential. Currently they only produce about 1% of Italy’s wines.

Southern Italy and the Islands

Campania

The region of Campania is located to the west of Bascilaata and south of Molise. Most of the wine production is Vino da Tavola although it is also home to several DOCs and 3 DOCGs, more than any other region in southern Italy. The Fiano di Avelino DOCG produces white wines from the Fiano grape and the Greco di Tufo DOCG produces white wines from the Greco grape, which is believed to have been first planted by the Greeks. The most important wines come from the Tauasi DOCG which is located in a hilly area northeast of Naples. It produces tannic wines form the Aglianico grape.

Puglia (Apulia)

Known as the “heel of the boot” Puglia is a long narrow region that runs more than 200 miles down the eastern coast of southern Italy. Hot and long growing seasons are the norm which results in high levels of ripeness and often very large yields. Most of the millions of gallons of wine produced are Vino da Tavola quality, less than 2% qualify for DOC and there are no DOCGs. The region is most well-known for Primativo (a clone of Zinfandel), Uva di Troia and Negroamaro.

Basilicata

Basilicata is surrounded by Puglia to the north, Campania to the west and Calabria to the south. It produces very little wine and the only DOC is Aglianico del Vulture DOC located on the slopes of Mt. Vulture, an extinct volcano, which produces wine form the red grape Aglianico .

Calabria

Calabria is the toe of “the boot” of Italy and it makes up the southernmost tip of mainland Italy and is bordered by Basilicata. They only produce red wines made from grapes that grow along the mountain slopes that rise up from the Mediterranean. Calabria has 12 DOC regions but only 4% of the yearly production is classified as DOC wine. The most important is Cirò DOC. The wines of the regions are predominantly red containing at least 95% of the Gaglioppo grape and up to 5% of the white Greco Bianco and Trebbiano grapes permitted. Rosés and white wines from at least 90% Greco Bianco and up to 10% Trebbiano are also made in Cirò but in very limited quantities.

The Islands

Sicily

Sicily is a large island off the tip of Calabria and is the southernmost region of Italy. It is one of the top wine producers of Italy – more than 10,000,000 gallons of wine each year. Most of the production is IGT or Vino da Tavola and most of the producers prefer the looser regulations of these designations or their own system in which quality wines will have a Q on the label or capsule.

Grapes that do well in heat thrive in Sicily as the island is home to hearty red wines such as Nero d’ Avola and Pignatello. Top white wines include Catarratto, Trebbiano, Inzolia and Grillo.

One of the most important areas of production in Sicily is the DOC. Marsala is a fortified wine similar to Port, Madeira and Sherry. Marsala is produced using the Grillo, Inzolia, and Catarratto white grape varietals, among others. Marsala contains about 15-20% alcohol by volume. Different Marsala wines are classified according to their color, sweetness, and the duration of their aging. The three levels of sweetness are secco (with a maximum 40 grams of residual sugar per liter), semisecco' (41-100 g/l) and sweet (over 100 g/l). The color and aging classifications are as follows:

·       Oro has a golden color.

·       Ambra has an amber color. The coloring comes from the mosto cotto sweetener added to the wine.

·       Rubino has a ruby color, made from red grape varieties such as Perricone, Calabrese, Nero d'Avola and Nerello Mascalese.

·       Fine has minimal aging, typically less than a year.

·       Superiore is aged at least two years.

·       Superiore Riserva is aged at least four years.

·       Vergine e/o Soleras is aged at least five years.

·       Vergine e/o Soleras Stravecchio e Vergine e/o Soleras Riserva is aged at least ten years.

Sardina  (Sardegna)

Sardina is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the west coast of mainland Italy and just south of the French Island of Corsica. The terrain and wines are very harsh for grape growing as the soils are thin and the climate is arid and windy. Consequently production is very small. The most important grapes are Carignan and Cannonau (Grenache) and the white varietals Vermentino, Moscato and Malvasia. Vermentino di Gallura DOCG is the only DOCG on the island.

Learning Objectives of Unit 4 – Day 4: Southern Italy

At the beginning of class lectures a list of learning objectives is provided to the students. By the end of the class, the students should have a certain degree of understanding from their own reading and the lectures and be able to provide the answers to a list of questions. The Learning Objectives for Unit 4 - Day 4 along with the answers are as follows.

By the end of class, students should be able to:

(1)  What are the difference between Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Vino Noble Montepulciano?

Answer: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is named according to the grape Montepulciano in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy whereas Vino Noble Montepulciano is from the name of a town in Tuscany that makes a wine from Sangiovese (Prugnolo gentile) (minimum 70%), blended with Canaiolo Nero (10%–20%) and small amounts of other local varieties such as Mammolo.

(2)  Describe the wine of Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG.

Answer: A typical red Umbrian wine obtained from the grapes of the Sagrantino.

(3)  Describe Fiano di Avellino DOCG and describe the style.

Answer: White wines from the Fiano grape.

(4)  Name the grapes and style of Taurasi DOCG

Answer: Made from Aglianico produced in the Province of Avellino in the Campania region.

(5)  Name the synonym for Zinfandel in Southern Italy

Answer: Primativo

(6)  State the type of wine from Marsala DOC and where it is made

Answer: A fortified wine made from Grillo, Inzolia, and Catarratto and other white grape varietals on the western side of Sicily.

(7)  Describe the wine Vermentino di Gallura

Answer: Vermentino di Gallura is Sardinia’s only DOCG appellation, and covers white Vermentino-based wines.

(8)  Name the grapes and style of Greco di Tufo DOCG

Answer: Greco di Tufo is a DOCG of the Campania wine region in southern Italy. The Greco di Tufo grape is a clone of Greco Bianco and is believed to have been introduced to Campania by the Pelasgians, an ancient people from Thessaly in Greece.

(9)  Name the principle grape variety for the red wines of Etna DOC

Answer: White wines form Carricante and Catarratto. Red wines from Nerello Mascalese with Nerello Cappuccio.

(10) Describe the attributes of any wines tasted today

Answer: See below

The Wines

On the second day of Unit 4 we tasted the following wines:

1. 2011 ColleStefano, Verdicchio di Matelica, Marche

This is a clean white wine, pale straw-yellow with a slight tint of green, it is star bright, with medium viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate aromas of zesty lemon, apples, fennel, with hints of dried beard, waxed candle and anise. On the palate it has flavors of fresh lemon-lime, pear and a hint of chalk. It is dry with medium+ acidity, medium body, medium+ alcohol, low complexity and a long finish. This wine is 100% Verdicchio which derives its name form the word verde (or “green”) which refers to the slight green/yellow hue that often appears in the wines. Overall it is sort of a non-descript wine that lacks anything unique to make its identity stand out so, white I am sure it would pair well with sea food it would be extremely difficult to recognize this varietal in a blind tasting. This wine sells for about $16.

2. 2012 Cherchi-Usini Vermentino de Sardegna Pigalva Sardegna

This is a clean white wine, pale straw-yellow, it is day bright, with medium viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate aromas of bruised pear, lemon-lime, ginger ale, a hint of white pepper and very subtle bready notes. On the palate the nose is confirmed with additional briny notes. It is dry with medium+ acidity, medium body, medium+ alcohol, low complexity and a long finish. This wine is made from 100% Vermentino and I have had very few experiences of this varietal so I don’t have a large basis for making a fair assessment of tis quality. This wine sells for about $15.

3. 2010 Terredora di Paolo Falanghina Irpinia, Campania

This is a clean white wine, pale straw-gold, it is day bright, with medium viscosity. On the nose it is clean with subtle aromas of oxidized apples, dried mango and minor floral notes. On the palate the nose is confirmed with additional notes of sourdough bread, walnuts, with a funky finish reminiscent of steamed carrots. It is dry with medium+ acidity, medium body, medium alcohol, low complexity and a medium length finish. This wine is made from 100% Falanghina which is a grape I have never experienced before so I don’t have a basis for comparison to assess its quality. It sells for about $12 to $15.

4. 2003 Sportoletti Rosso, Villa Fidelia IGT Umbria

This is a clear dark ruby red wine with moderate rim variation of garnet and a touch of orange/brown, at the rim with medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with subtle aromas of dried black fruits, prunes, black licorice, tobacco, dried roses, black pepper and old leather. On the palate the nose is confirmed, it is dry with medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, medium alcohol, moderate+ complexity with a medium length finish. It is a bit difficult to get any specifics as to the make up of this wine other than it is an Italian version of a Bordeaux blend. It many ways it seems like a Bordeaux, except that the fruit is cooked and not due to age so it is obviously from a very warm region. But I would like to have taste a more recent vintage for comparison. It is an interesting wine worth buying as it sells for only about $19 to $20.

5. 2008 Terredora di Paolo Taurasi Fatica Contadina

This wine is clear red wine, root-beer in color at the core to garnet at the rim with a touch of brown, it has medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is “clean” with subtle aromas of dried cherries, bramble bush, and tomato stems and a hint of VA. On the palate it has flavors of dried black fruits, tobacco, black pepper and cloves. It is dry with medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, moderate complexity and a medium length finish. Personally, I think this wine is past its prime and a bit “over the hill.” Prices for this wine seem to be all over the map as I have seen it listed in the mid $25 to $30 range and as high as $50.

6. 2006 Paolo Bea Sagrantino di Montefalco Secco Vigneto Pagliaro, Umbria

This wine is clear red wine, root-beer in color at the core to garnet at the rim with a touch of brown, it has medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with subtle aromas of roasted peppers, dried cherries, dried leaves, leather, and black licorice. On the palate it has flavors of cooked cherries, sandalwood, and black tea. It is dry with high tannins, medium+ acidity, moderate complexity and a medium length finish. This wine is 100% Sagrantino and its 3 years younger than the previous wine and yet it is actually ageing quite nicely. The only experience I have had with this wine is from a few producers in California, namely Belleserie Vineyards in the Napa Valley and Jaccuzzi FamilyVineyards in Sonoma. But it is a bit expensive as this wine sells for $56 to $74.

7. 2011 Donnafugata Ben Rye Passito di Pantelleria, Sicily

Tis wine is clear, golden-orange, star-bright with medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense aromas of ripe oranges, canned peach syrup, caramelized pears, marmalade, and honey. On the palate it has flavors of peach, dried apricots, and guava. It is dessert sweet with medium+ acidity, full-bodied, thick viscosity and a medium+ length finish. This wine is made form 100% Zibibbo (Moscato d'Alessandria) and sells for $35 to $40 per 375 ml bottle.

8. NV Marco De Bartoli Vecchio Samperi “Ventennale” Marsala, Sicily

This wine is clear, copper-orange in color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with powerful aromas of golden raisins, orange peel, caramel, butterscotch, toffee, pistachio and dark brown bread. On the palate the nose is confirmed, it is off-dry, with medium+ acidity, HIGH alcohol, full bodied, with a very long nutty finish. The nose on this wine is quite deceptive as it leads you to think that it is sweeter than it actually tastes. This wine probably should have been tasted prior to the previous wine as the sweetness of it made this wine seem dry by comparison. This wine sells for $73 to $76.

Unit 4 – Day 3: Tuscany

In the last review I covered the Northeastern regions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. At this point in the Intensive Sommelier Training, if we were being as through as our study of France, we should have studied Central Italy which includes Abruzzi, Latium, Marche, Tuscany, and Umbria. But due to time constraints and the expectations of the Certified level of Sommeliers exams we only covered Tuscany. But Central Italy will be combined and quickly covered with Southern Italy in the next review.

Overview of Tuscany

Premium wines are produced throughout Tuscany and it is second only to Piedmont in its number of DOCG regions. Winemaking in this region dates back to around 800 B.C. so I won’t even attempt to cover its history, other than mention that it became part of the Roman Empire in the 1^st century B.C. and during the Middle Ages (5th to the 15th century) it became a very wealthy region and cultural center of Italy. The city of Florence is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance as well as of such well-known artists as Botticelli (1445-1510), Michelangelo (1475-1564) and Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519).

The Grapes of Tuscany

Tuscany has a temperate to warm climate with a Mediterranean influence. Of the three quality wine-producing regions (Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany) Tuscany is by far the warmest. Tuscany is bordered by Emilia-Romagna to the north and northeast, and Umbria and Latirum to the southeast. Most of the region’s vineyards are planted on rolling hillsides that dominate the landscape.

About 80% of wine production in Tuscany is red wine. The top red grape is Sangiovese (Brunello) which goes into just about every red wine and the second is a non-native grape - Cabernet Sauvignon. There are hundreds of Sangiovese clones grown throughout Tuscany but the two main clones are Sangiovese Grosso and Sangiovese Piccolo.

The top wine regions include Chianti DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, and Toscano IGT for the Super Tuscans. In different regions the Sangiovese is referred to by the name of the clone:

Important white grapes in Tuscany include such as Vernaccia, Trebbiano, Malvasia, Chardonnay, and Vermentino. Vernaccia is used in Tuscany’s only white DOCG - Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG.

Other important red grapes include Canaiolo, Merlot and Syrah. Canaiolo is one of the main grape varietals used to complement Sangiovese-based blends.

Tuscany DOCGs

Although our class textbook The Sommelier Prep Course states that there are 6 DOCGs in Tuscany, and some online resources list 9, there are actually 11 which are as follows:

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

Carmignano DOCG

Chianti DOCG

Chianti Classico DOCG

Elba Aleatico Passito (Aleatico Passito dell’Elba) DOCG

Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG

Morellino di Scansano DOCG

Rosso della Val di Cornia 
(Val di Cornia Rosso) DOCG

Suvereto DOCG

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 
DOCG

The most important DOCGs are Chianti DOCG with its sub-region Chianti Classico DOCG and Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. The Tuscano IGT wines are also very important as this is the designation used by many Super Tuscan producers.

Chianti Overview

The Chianti region is over 40 miles from Florence south to the city of Siena. The appellation is made of 7 zones including:

Rùfina

Colli Fiorentini

Montespertoli

Colli Aretini

Colline Pisane

Colli Senesi

Montalbano

If a wine is labeled simply Chianti DOCG without a zone indicated then the grapes were grown in two or more zones. For Chianti DOCG wines and its zones it must consist of at least 75% Sangiovese with up to 10% of other red grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah or others as well as white wine grapes such as Trebbiano and Malvasia.

If it is Chianti Classico DOCG it must consist of at least 80% Sangiovese with up to 20% of other red grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah or others. As of 2006, NO white grapes may be used in producing Chianti Classico DOCG.

Brunello Montalcino DOCG

Brunello Montalcino DOCG is a small appellation that utilizes Brunello and Sangiovese Grosso which are local 
synonyms for Sangiovese. These wines must be aged for 4 years with a minimum of 2 years in in oak. Ror riserva wines they must be aged 5 years with a minimum of 2 years in in oak. Rosso di Montalcino DOC is made from young vines or declassified Brunello.

Moscadello di Montalcino DOC is a white wine made which comes in tranquillo (still), frizzante (sparkling) and late-harvest Vendemmia Tardiva forms. The precise genetic identity of Moscadello remains unconfirmed as some theorize that it is related to Muscat of Alexandria, but the Moscadello di Montalcino DOC laws cite it as Moscato Bianco.

Other Tuscan Red Wines

Other Tuscan red wines include Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG which is made from a minimum of 70% Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese). The Bolgheri DOC is an appellation created in 1994 which includes the sub zone ‘Bolgheri Sassicaia’ one of the most well-known “Super Tuscans” and it was established as a DOC to feature international varieties. The Sant’Antimo DOC was created in 1995 to bring other Super Tuscans into DOC system specifically from Montalcino.

Super Tuscans

The Super Tuscan style of wine was first produced in the last 1960s and early 1970s when several winemakers, rather that abiding with the DOC system, decided to forgo the regulations and produce high quality blends using Sangiovese and Bordeaux varietals and label them as Vino da Tavola. The irony is these wines ended up demanding higher prices than many DOCG wines. Their success motivated the revamping of the wine laws in 1992 and the creation of a new designation called Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT). Some of the Super Tuscan wines have even been granted their own DOC designation. Some of the most well known Super Tuscans are as follows:

Sassicaia was created by Tenuta San Guido and the 1^st vintage was in 1948. Typically it is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% 
Cabernet Franc.

Tignanello was created by Marchesi Antinori and the 1^st vintage was in 1970. Typically it is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet 
Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Solaia was created by Marchesi Antinori and the 1^st vintage was in 1978. Typically it is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% 
Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc. 


Ornellaia was created by Tenuta Dell’Ornellaia  and the 1^st vintage was in 1984. Typically it is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% 
Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petite Verdot.

Tuscan White Wines

Although Tuscany is primarily known for its red wines about 20% are white wines. The Pomino DOC (Bianco) produces dry white wines from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Trebbiano di Toscana (aka Ugni Blanc). The Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG produces dry white wines from the Vernaccia grape with up to 10% Chardonnay and Trebbiano di Toscana. Vin Santo are dessert wines produced from passito Trebbiano di Toscana and Malvasia grapes fermented slowly in small wooden barrels (caratelli). These are included in few DOCs such as Chianti Classico and they must be matured at a minimum of 3 years and may be aged up to 6 years.

Learning Objectives of Unit 4 – Day 3: Tuscany

At the beginning of class lectures a list of learning objectives is provided to the students. By the end of the class, the students should have a certain degree of understanding from their own reading and the lectures and be able to provide the answers to list of questions. The Learning Objectives for Unit 4 - Day 3 along with the answers are as follows.

By the end of class, students should be able to:

(1)  State the ageing requirements for Brunello and Brunello Reserva

Answer: Brunello is 4 years, 2 in oak and Brunello Reserva, 5 years, 2 in oak

(2)  Name 2 DOCGs in Chianti

Answer: Chianti Ruffina, Chianti Fiorentini

(3)  Name 1 DOC created to include Super Tuscans

Answer: Sant’Antimo DOC

(4)  What is Tuscany’s only white DOCG

Answer: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG

(5)  Describe the production and style of Vin Santo

Answer: Dessert wines produced from passito Trebbiano di Toscana and Malvasia grapes fermented slowly in small wooden barrels (caratelli).

(6)  Note the only non-traditional grape of the 1^st Super Tuscan

Answer: Cabernet Sauvignon

(7)  Name a red Tuscan DOCG other than Chianti and name the grape

Answer: Morellino di Scansano DOCG, Sangiovese (85% minimum)

(8)  Name a new DOCG of Tuscany

Answer: Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG

(9)  Describe the attributes of any wines tasted today

Answer: See below

The Wines

 

On the third day of Unit 4 we tasted the following wines:

1. 2012 Collezione Privata Chardonnay, Toscana Bianco IGT

This is a clear white wine, yellow-gold in color, star bright with medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense aromas of peaches, nectarines, baked apples, creamed corn with a hint of buttered popcorn. On the palate it has flavors of baked apples and peaches, lemon and a touch of chalky minerality with a hint of caramel on the finish. It is dry with medium+ acidity, medium+ body, medium+ alcohol and a very long finish. I was really surprised to be tasting a Chardonnay from Italy and was pleased with the quality of this wine. It seems to have one foot in the old world and one foot in the new world – it has the style of California but reflects the terroir of the old world. This wine sells for about $38 to $40 per bottle.

2. 2010 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

This is a clear red wine, dark ruby at the core to pink at the rim, moderate concentration with medium viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense aromas of cherries, raspberries, black currants, cinnamon stick, dried roses, green herbs, and a hint of rusty nails and gunflint. On the palate has flavors of black cherries, rusty nails, a hint of chocolate and the woodiness and texture of a tongue depressor. It is dry with medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, medium body, medium+ alcohol and a medium length finish. This wine is a blend of 85% Prugnolo Gentile, 15% Colorino, Canaiolo e Merlot and it sells for about $18 per bottle.

3. 2009 Fattoria Selvapiana Bucerchiale Chianti Reserva, Rufina

This is a clear red wine, garnet at the core with a tint of orange at the rim. It has medium concentration and medium viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense aromas of dried cherries, raspberries, dried tobacco, dried roses, green herbs, and old leather. On the palate it has flavors of dried cherries, black tea, cloves, and a touch of black pepper. It is dry with medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, medium+ alcohol, medium body and a medium length finish. This wine sells for about $28 per bottle.

4. 2010 Isole e Olena Chianti Classico

This is a clear red wine, dark ruby at the core to garnet at the rim, day-bright with medium concentration and medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense aromas of baked cherries, blood oranges, fruitcake, cherry cola, decaying soil and a hint of dried herbs. On the palate it has flavors of blood oranges, dried cherries, decaying soil and dried herbs. It is dry with medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, medium+ alcohol, medium body, it is moderately complex with a medium+ length finish. This wine sells for about $24 per bottle.

5. 2008 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

This is a clear red wine, dark ruby at the core to garnet at the rim, day-bright with medium concentration and medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense aromas of prunes, dried cherries, lavender, black pepper, cinnamon and a hint of smoke and charred wood. On the palate it has flavors of intense black cherries with sort of a medicinal quality, cloves, cola, dried cinnamon and texture of a tongue depressor. It is dry with some residual sugar, it has medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, medium+ alcohol, medium body, it is highly complex with a medium+ length finish. This wine sells for about $24 per bottle.

6. 2011 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia

This is a clear red wine, dark ruby at the core to garnet at the rim, day-bright with medium concentration and medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense aromas of dried red fruits, beef jerky, smoke, dried earth and a hint of mint. On the palate it has flavors of black currants, black cherry, black licorice, mint, a hint of oak and a chalky minerality. It is dry with medium+ tannins, medium acidity, medium+ alcohol, it has a medium body, with a medium length finish. The nose and the palate of this wine are very different. On the nose it is Syrah-like but on the plate it is more Bordeaux-like. This wine sells for about $23 per bottle.

7. 2010 Antinori, Tignanello

This is a clear red wine, ruby at the core to garnet at the rim, day-bright with medium concentration and medium+ viscosity with tears that stain the glass. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense aromas of dusty black cherries, plums, black licorice, cocoa, mint and a hint of dried herbs. On the palate it has flavors of black cherry, plum, green bell peppers, black licorice, and cocoa. It is dry with medium+ tannins, medium+ acidity, medium+ alcohol, it has a medium body, it is well rounded and highly complex with a medium length finish. This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and it sells for about $80 per bottle.

8. 2006 Badia a Coltibuono, Vin Santo

This is a clean white wine, it is caramel/copper in color, star-bright with minimal rim variation and medium+ viscosity. On the nose it is clean with moderate intense a0mas of dried oranges, golden raisins, caramel, toffee and walnuts. On the palate it is sweet with medium+ acidity, medium body, high viscosity, medium+ alcohol, with a silky texture and an extremely long nutty finish. This wine sells for about $35 per 375 ml bottle.