Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy, Organic products and more

Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

The other day, we had the great privilege to welcome at the store Emanuela Stucchi Prinetti from the renowned Tuscan winery “Badia a Coltibuono”. We just bought 3 of her wines and she happened to be in New York to promote her estate’s portfolio.

Like pretty much everything they do at “Badia a Coltibuono”, as far as I can read and taste, their wines are well crafted and inviting, and their website is also full of info, very interactive and well designed. Therefore, I invite you to go and visit it at www.coltibuono.com , to find out more about this Tuscan organic jewel.

The ancient estate, which is in fact an old Abbey, is located in the upper Tuscany, near Montegrossi, in a gently rolling hills area about 68 kilometers southeast of Florence (Firenze) and about 36 kilometers northeast of Sienna.

One of the oldest and most established estate of Tuscany’s Chianti Classico region, Badia a Coltibuono estate (which means Abbey of the Good Harvest) exists since the middle of the 11th century. In 1051, the monks of the Vallombrosan Order, a Tuscan reform of the Benedictines, founded the Abbey and also began planting the first vineyards in the Upper Chianti area. Slowly extending their vast land holdings, which include many thousands of acres, they developed a flourishing wine production and commerce.

In 1810, when Tuscany was under Napoleonic rule, the monks were forced to leave Coltibuono and the monastery was secularized.

First sold by lottery, Coltibuono was then bought in 1846, by Guido Giuntini, a Florentine banker and great grandfather of Piero Stucchi-Prinetti, the present owner. During the years the estate was still under the guidance of Piero Stucchi Prinetti, the estate grew and developed a solid reputation in Italy and abroad through the high quality of its products.

Nowadays, his children Emanuela, Paolo and Guido continue the activities embarked upon by their ancestors with the same dedication, enthusiasm and careful attention to details.

The estate offers many services and products including: Agritourism, Bed & Breakfast, Cooking classes, Restaurant, Olive Oil, Vinegar and Wine, of course. The best of it, they do everything the organic way from their kitchen in the restaurant and classroom, to their fruit and vegetable orchards and more importantly their vineyards and wines.

Agroturismo in Italian, or Agritourism in English, which was once a peculiar and disparate thing in the European countryside and a few rare parts of the rest of the world (still a few years ago), has flourished a great deal over the last 5-10 years with the organic/biodynamic/sustainable movement and more especially the need for the ever-busy-big-town people to find a peaceful place where they can rest and enjoy the local traditions and products, without having to pay the demanded astronomical prices of some of the family and luxury resorts and hotels through out the world.

Moreover, it is usually more practical and enjoyable for families or group of friends that also would like to visit and learn about a specific area without getting the frantic attitude of the other surrounding tourists crowding the same usual visited places.

In most cases and in fact, it is like renting a house or a room in the middle of nowhere, or on the contrary somewhere remote and out of the usual beaten path, to be able to truly experience the area plunged with the locals, their traditions, culture, recipes and local products, without feeling like the average Joe lost in a mass of other American tourists (or else) that have made the same decision and ended up at the same cheap resort (Come on! You’ve been there… you know what I mean…).

You should try, Agritourism is fun and often eye opening, and people are usually more open and easy to deal with because they see that you want to participate, discover and embrace their native habits and ways of living, rather than just be an annoying tourist.

To get back to Coltibuono, we used to carry their 2006 Coltibuono Chianti Classico that we liked very much; however, we just bought their current releases, 2007 and 2008, and like them even better.

Without falling into bad generalization, I can firmly say that from all the wines that I tasted in the store and different events, the 2007 vintage in Tuscany, Piedmont and overall in all the northwestern part of Italy, is, in my opinion, a great vintage rivaling with the 2001 and 2004 vintage which, (here again, in my opinion), were surely the other two best vintages of the last decade for these long established Italian regions. Although the 2009 vintage seems promising, yet it is somehow too early to say because most aged wines won’t hit the market until the end of the year 2010 for some of the earliest and spring 2011 for most of the other.


Despite their more traditional wines sold under the classic “Badia a Coltibuono” brand (or label), the Stucchi family also has a commercial line sold under the name of “Coltibuono” only (a brand or label, including the following “Cancelli” and “RS” wines). Enhanced by the family oenological expertise acquired over the years, the “Coltibuono” label offers a portfolio of wines selected from the best areas of Tuscany that are also distinguished for their good quality/price ratio.




2008 Coltibuono “Cancelli” Rosso Tuscany IGT Italy
Suggested retail price $8-$11
Imported/Distributed by Martin Scott in NYC

Fairly new to Coltibuono portfolio, “Cancelli”, (named from the drawing on the label which represent an ornamental or structural interwoven framework, like an arrangement of dark crossing laths), is a blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Syrah from Tuscany yet outside the classic DOC appellations. Fermented in stainless steel tanks, this wine wasn’t aged in oak at all and underwent a short period of refinement i9n the bottle before release. The addition of Syrah completes the wine with more stuffing and confers a modern touch to it, without totally imparting the taste of this less traditional yet still earthy, approachable and juicy Sangiovese. At this price, it is a great everyday value offering nice, ripe fruit and a straightforward mouthfeel with a gentle finish. Better within the first 2-3 years after bottling, pair this organic, friendly wine with pretty much everything.




2007 Coltibuono “RS” Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $16-$19
Imported/Distributed by Martin Scott in NYC

The initial “RS” on the label stands for “Roberto Stucchi”, brother of Emanuela and Guido's great-great grandson, who is the in-house oenologist and co-winemaker. Part of the “Coltibuono” label, this Chianti Classico is a great approachable Chianti that has character and attitude with generous fruit and substantial tannins. The acidity really enhances the fruit and balance the overall profile. The selected grapes went through separate vinification process depending on the parcels of origin and desired extraction, then the obtained wines were aged for a few months in French oak casks and barriques from the Allier forest. Once blended and bottled, the final wine rested for an additional a period of refinement in the bottle before release.

2007 Coltibuono “RS” Chianti Classico exhibits a bright, youthful ruby color. The nose is quite expressive with wild summer berries, spices, leather and dried plum aromas with earthy notes. The palate is rather fruity, soft, well rounded and balanced with refreshing acidity and lingering finish with present yet integrated tannins. Overall, a very pleasing wine offering plenty of layers for a Chjanti Classico at this price.




2007 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $18-$22
Imported/Distributed by Martin Scott in NYC

Benefiting of the ICEA certification since 2003 (the Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification, better known in Italy as “Instituto per la Certificazione Etica E Ambientale), this wine is the result of entirely natural production methods using handpicked organically grown Sangiovese and Canaiolo grapes from Badia a Coltibuono vineyards. It is considered to be one of the most representative wines of the Chianti Classico appellation. The wine was crafted with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo from vineyards located in the erea of Monti in Chianti (SI) including Poggino, Vignone, Montebello and Argenina parcels. Vineyards are located between 250-320 meters above sea level and benefit of a South, Southeast –Southwest, orientation. The vines averaging between 10-55 years old are planted on mainly clay with limestone rocks soils. This wine was aged for about 12 months in French and Austrian oak casks and barrels of varying sizes.

2007 Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico is quite complex and layered. Behind its bright ruby color of medium intensity, the nose reveals attractive floral and fruity earthy aromas combining the scent of violet and roses with notes of tobacco, black pepper and ripe red and dark cherry. The palate is really well balanced, yet a touch tight and young with refined structuring tannins, mineral and earthy notes, enlightened by a cleansing acidity. The finish is long and persistent with very good ageing potential. Although quite approachable and really enjoyable now, it shows promising signs of settling down and getting even more harmonious within the next few years. Drink it with a little decantation or keep it a little to appreciate it even more.


Overall, Badia a Coltibuono really surprised me by the quality and the consistency of their wines, moreover, being organic and that approachable in their youth, yet don’t get me wrong, with good potential. I hope one day to visit them in Tuscany to fully understand and appreciate all their products.

Enjoy,

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken from the winery website at www.coltibuono.com

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2004 Castello dei Rampolla "Sammarco" IGT Tuscany Italy

Castello dei Rampolla "Sammarco" IGT Tuscany Italy

Since 1739, the di Napoli family has owned and managed the 13th-century estate of Castello dei Rampolla, which is situated near Panzano in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. Once apparently inspired by Sassicia, this historic estate now produces beautifully crafted and somewhat traditional super Tuscan IGT wines under the skilled supervision of famous oenologist Giacomo Tachis.




2004 Castello dei Rampolla "Sammarco" IGT Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $130-$140
Imported/Distributed by VIAS in NYC

Sammarco is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 % Sangiovese from vineyards in Panzano, planted on slopes with southeastern exposure and calcareaous, marly rocky soils, at an altitude of 1140 ft. This wine was aged for18-24 months (Sangiovese in Slavonian oak, Cabernet Sauvignon in barriques, of which 30% new); the assemblage occurred in stainless steel with a light egg white fining before bottling.

2004 was an excellent vintage in Tuscany and the resulting wine is quite impressive. Behind its dense ruby-purple color with bright reflects, the nose is ripe and rich with cigar box spices and tobacco notes intermingled with dark wild berries, smoke, minerals, black currants, and toasted oak hints. Medium to full-bodied, with good intensity, the palate is dense, rich, with a very good sense of purity and harmony. The finish is long and structured with bright acidity and supporting tannins that enhance the quality of the fruit. Pair it with game, red meats and aged cheese.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info taken from the importer website at www.viaswine.com

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1998 Elisabetta Geppetti Fattoria Le Pupille "Poggio Valente" Maremma Tuscany Italy

1998 Elisabetta Gepetti Fattoria Le Pupille

Poggio Valente Maremma Tuscany Italy

Located in Maremma, a region of Tuscany, Elisabetta Geppetti has been making excellent wines in Fattoria Le Pupille, since 1985.

In 1978, Morellino di Scansano DOC was created, and in the same year the first harvest of the wine of the same name was made at Le Pupille.

A fairly new wine for this estate, Poggio Valente’s first vintage was the 1997. The history of Poggio Valente began in 1996, when Elisabetta decided to buy a beautiful 12 hectares vineyard near the town of Pereta. Poggio Valente is somewhat of a cru of Morellino di Scansano, which is awaited year after year by the connoisseurs.

Poggio Valente is made with 4 clones of Sangiovese and a touch of Alicante
. The Vineyard consists of 12 hectares planted at an altitude of 280 meters above sea level, with east/south-east sun exposure. The soil is predominantly sandy, rich of stones and sandstone. Date of plantation: 6 hectares in the early 1970s, 6 hectares in 1996 with constant researches and studies of the soils and the planting of the most adapted clone. The completed restructuration of the entire vineyard was finished in 2006. 


Harvest period usually occurs in the first half of October when the grapes attained ideal ripeness. Alcoholic and Malolactic fermentations take place in temperature controlled stainless steel vats. Then, the wine stays for 15 months in 40% new and 60% second usage barriques. It is put on the market the third January following its harvest, meaning 3 years later (roughly 18 months after bottling in order to rest in the bottle to reach perfect drinking conditions). Average annual production: 45,000 bottles.

1998 Elisabetta Geppetti Fattoria Le Pupille "Poggio Valente" Maremma Tuscany Italy

Suggested retail price $40-$45

Imported/Distributed by ....

Despite its age, the 1998 vintage is still alive and kicking, boasting secondary and tertiary aromas and flavors enhanced by a great acidity and tannin structure. Once young, this wine used to be quite ripe and rich yet quite bright, plush and rounded at the same time, but somewhat a bit austere. It needed time. Since then it has nicely evolved, time hasn’t wizened this wine, on the contrary it has helped it to settle down and integrate. Behind its garnet color of medium to full intensity and brick orange reflects on the rime, aromas of dark berries, plum, underbrush, forest floor and bitter chocolate mingled with floral, roasted coffee and tobacco hints. The palate seems to have kept its balance and harmony between the fruit, the acidity and the tannins. The once slightly austere and earthy finish is now more open and enjoyable, yet still a bit dry; it left the spotlight to the mature plumy and berry fruit. Although I lately tasted better wines from Fattoria Le Pupille, overall, the 1998 Poggio Valente was interesting experience and definitely a food friendly wine.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Find more info about this wine on the winery website at www.elisabettageppetti.com

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2001 Poggio Scalette "Il Carbonaione" Alta Valle della Greve IGT Tuscany Italy

Poggio Scalette "Il Carbonaione" Alta Valle della Greve IGT Tuscany Italy

I first came across this very-hard-to-pronounce-for-a-French-guy wine strangely pronounced, or even butchered should I say, in my Franco-English with a twist of somewhat Italian accent way: "hill-carbo-na-yoneh", when I was a young Sommelier at Monte's Club (on Sloane street) in the late 90s back in London.

It was one of my first experiences with an IGT Tuscan wine and it happened to be one of the favorite wines of my Chef Sommelier at the time (blink of an eye to Tim McLaughlin-Green who taught me quite a few things and tricks about wine when he took me under his wing, before leaving the restaurant scene to run the "Sommelier's Choice Ltd", a small European boutique wines importer based in London). He corrected me every time I was trying to pronounce the name of this wine. It took me years to get it right. And here I'm again trying to get it out of my mouth: "Il Carbonaione".. (try it, you'll see...)

Established in 1991 in Greve (Chianti) and run by renowned Vittorio Fiore and his wife Adriana Assjè di Marcorà, Podere Poggio Scalette is a classic producer of rich and characteristic Tuscan wines.

The slopes of the Greve Valley are indisputably one of Italy's most ideal locations for the cultivation of vineyards and olive groves. The combination of exposure and soil composition contribute to the excellent quality of the wines and the extra virgin olive oils of the area. Named for the river that passes through as it travels from a medieval hilltop town, this area happens to be one of the most important historical centers of the Chianti Classico region.

Poggio Scalette takes its name from the landscape which is characterized by dry stone walls that support the terraces on which the vineyards and olive groves are planted. From a distance the impression is of a series of stairs climbing the slopes of Greve.

Located on the Ruffoli hill (Greve, Chianti), they bought several plots of land and a rural building from an inheritance division and disposal of several real estate pieces, including farm houses, vineyards, olive groves, pasture and woods, that had been neglected for years, since the death of the previous owner.

Initially this led to the establishment of a first nucleus of the Estate, to which, in 1996, another plot was added, following the purchase of the adjacent property, provided with working cellar and extensive buildings, bringing the Estate total area to about 40 hectares. Vittorio and Jurij Fiore, the oenologist-winemakers, produce quite a few wines that have been and remain great examples of excellent Tuscan wines.

On a large plot of terraced land named “IL CARBONAIONE” by local farmers, are planted Sangiovese vines that have been the first vines to be planted in 1920, the decade following the end of World War I (1914-1918) and the destruction of most of European vineyards between the end of 1800s up to the early 1930s by the devastating Philloxera. Thus, these vines, that have reached the venerable age of roughly 90 years, are, without doubt, one of the very rare – if not the only – examples of the famous “Sangiovese di Lamole” original clone presence inside the Chianti Classico territory.

"Il Carbonaione" is the culmination of knowledge and experience and therefore an important message of quality. Vittorio Fiore dedicated this wine to Tuscany and to Sangiovese; the region and the variety that have allowed him to fulfill his aspirations to produce the highest possible level of quality wine.

Therefore, "Il Carbonaione" is a unique and distinctive wine produced with 100% “Sangiovese Il Lamole” (a naturally low yielding clone of Sangiovese) from roughly 90 years old vines growing at about 450 meters above sea level (between 1.350 and 1.477 feet to be more precise), from vineyards oriented west-southwest and planted on sandy, silty soils very rich in fractionated stones.

During the vinification process, the maceration on the skin usually lasts for about 12 days with manual punch down to ensure greater extraction and concentration of the color, texture and especially flavors. The ageing/maturing process occurs for about 12-14 months in 350 liters Tonneaux (big French and American oak barrels larger than the usual 225 liters Bordeaux barrels or 228 liters Burgundy barrels and close to the 300 liters hogshead barrels used mainly in the new world, yet smaller than the large Slovenian “Foudres” of 18 to 25 hectoliters usually found in the northern part of Italy). The wine spent an additional 6 months in the bottle before release to attain perfect harmony and equilibrium. The resulting wine is a keeper that will remain vibrant and expressive for at least 8-12 years and more depending on the vintage.




2001 Poggio Scalette "Il Carbonaione" Alta Valle della Greve IGT Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $58-$62
Imported/Distributed by Winebow in NYC

The 2001 Poggio Scalette “Il Carboniaone” is surely one of my favorite and one of the best that I have tested from this estate, yet the 2001 vintage, like the 2004 and 2007, was excellent overall in Tuscany and in the Northern part of Italy as far as my taste buds are concerned.

It combines ripeness, freshness and balance in a convincing and inviting profile from the attack to the lingering finish. At first a bit shy yet still expressive, black berry, earthy, smoky aromas emanates from the glass. After a few swirls, it starts to show off some warmer notes of riper fruit and slight touch of forest floor and mineral. Boasting dark berry, earthy and mineral flavors slightly influenced by the oak treatment, the palate has a great structure and texture, balanced by a good amount of acidity that makes this wine fresher than I expected. In the seamless finish, the youthful tannins are present yet already fairly soft and integrated and suggesting that this wine may need another 5 to 10 years to really settle down and reach perfect harmony. Pair it with earthy and substantial food like game, venison, steak and cheeses.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info taken partially and respectively from the importer website at www.winebow.com and from a PDF format about the wines produce by Poggio Scalette.

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Montevertine: Tuscany's landscape depicted in a wine

Montevertine: Tuscany's landscape depicted in a wine

I first came across this producer about 2 years and a few months ago, during my first week at the store as the new Wine Buyer/Manager and store co-manager.

I was tidying the temperature-controlled cellar downstairs and pulled a wooden six-pack case of “Montevertine Pergole Torte” 2001. I didn’t know anything about it and never really heard of it before, but the attractive, unusual and soft pinkish colorful label, representing in a very artistic way the visage of a lady, immediately charmed me.

The case was open and I put a bottle aside on a wine rack next to me, which was, I discovered soon after, totally unsteady. Trying to move a case of another wine in the cellar, I accidentally push the bottle, which broke in two pieces on the floor. I thought that it was a good beginning, not even there for a week, and I already broke an expensive bottle of wine.

As I tried to clean the mess, I realized how expressive and aromatic this wine was. It was delightful and pleasant. So I decided to continue reorganize the bottles of the cellar, gratefully intoxicated by the smell of this incredible wine.

I ended up trying the wine at some point a few months later. It was one of my most revealing experiences among all the Tuscan wine I tried in my 18 years working in the wine business.


We just bought Montevertine “Le Pergole Torte” 2004 vintage and “Pian del Ciampolo” 2007 from Rosenthal, 2 young wines that also deserve your attention.

Montevertine

Situated in the heart of the Chianti district, Montevertine was first developed in the 11th century and was purchased by Sergio Manetti in 1967. The first vintage from Sergio was the 1971. Due to Signor Manetti’s devotion to the Sangiovese grape, all of his wines were produced nearly exclusively with Sangiovese. The Montevertine estate is now in the hands of Martino Manetti, son of Sergio, who remains dedicated to the style and philosophy of his father.

The Montevertine estate constitutes approximately 10 hectares of vineyards planted almost exclusively to the Sangiovese grape. Small amounts of Colorino and Canaiolo are planted to supplement the Sangiovese, and a touch of Malvaisia.

Wine production at Montevertine is essentially devoted to three wines.

• "Pian del Ciampolo", composed of Sangiovese with a tiny amount of Canaiolo blended in, is the basic red wine of the estate. It sees 18 months of aging in large barrels and is the most precocious of the wines.
  

• "Montevertine" is the standard bearer of the estate. It is aged 24 months in large barrel and is based on at least 90% Sangiovese with some Colorino added.
  

• and "Le Pergole Torte" is the prestige wine of Montevertine and is not produced every year. This ultimate wine is aged in large barrel for 18 months and then racked into small French barrels for the final stage of its elevage (ageing process). It is produced exclusively from Sangiovese.
  

After a manual harvest, the wines are fermented in large (150hl) cement cuves (vats) for at least 25 days. The malolactic fermentation also occurs in large volume in cement cuves (vats) before it is racked into both small (Alliers oak) and large (Slavonian oak) barrels for 18 to 24 months, depending on the cuvée. The wine is never pumped, all movement of the wine is by gravity, and the wines are bottled without filtration and then held in bottle for at least 4 months prior to first release.



2001 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $78-$95
Imported / Distributed by Madrose / Rosenthal

From the acclaimed 2001 vintage and made from 100% Sangiovese grapes aged for 18 months in large Slovenian barrel and rack into smaller French barrel for the final stage of the aging process, Le Pergole Torte is a classic, earthy, very expressive, aromatic, balanced and harmonious wine. Beside his bright garnet-ruby color of light to medium intensity, this wine combines red and dark berry fruits aromas with floral, liquorice, cider wood, tobacco, underbrush and earthy notes. The palate is soft, refined, elegant, integrated and vibrant at the same time, with great acidity lifting the fruit towards the lingering finish. The tannic structure nicely framed this gorgeous and flavorful Tuscan landscape depicted in this wine. I loved it. Wine lovers should make a point of finding some bottles to complete their own cellars.



2004 Montevertine Le Pergole Torte Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $82-$100
Imported / Distributed by Madrose / Rosenthal

Here again, same vinification as the previous one from another classic vintage in Tuscany, Le Pergole Torte 2004 is a beautifully crafted wine with promising ageing potential. Obviously younger, it bursts lovely, refined yet present tannins that will need a bit of time. The delicate floral scent intermingled with the red cherry and dark berry aromas and hints of oak spice and earth are the feminine and attractive signature on the nose. Although, a bit tight, the palate is already defined and refined yet it will take a few more years to integrate and express its full potential. Decant it if you would like to taste a glimpse of this very promising wine.



2007 Montevertine Pian del Ciampolo Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $23-$27
Imported / Distributed by Madrose / Rosenthal


A blend of mostly Sangiovese with Canaiolo grapes, aged eighteen months in oak and a further six in bottle, Pian del Ciampolo 2007 is a rich and traditional expression of Tuscany. Redolent of soft cherry fruit, spice, licorice, tobacco and oak, its earthy tannins and nice acidity suggest pairing with classic meat-sauce pastas, grilled meats and aged cheeses. The tannins are still quite tight and need a bit of time to be tamed and more integrated. Decant it to fully appreciate it or wait for it a few more years to fully discover its nuances.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info and Pictures taken from Madrose/Rosenthal website at www.madrose.com

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2006 Striolo Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy

Setriolo

Susanna Soderi together with her mother meticulously run this small estate near Castellina in Chianti. The territory, because of its marly chalk and sandy soil is known within the Chianti region for its elegant, delicate and fragrant Sangiovese. The four hectares of vineyards, planted in 1999 are cultivated at a quasi-organic regime and produce a mere 7200 bottles of wine.

The philosophy of Setriolo is clearly expressed in the 2 images on their label which represent the historic farm and a stylized image of the one olive tree that survived the big frost in 1985 and still stands today, alone amidst the newly planted vineyards: a desire to move forward, while respecting nature and history.


2006 Setriolo Chianti Classico Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $21-$23
Distributed by Jan d'Amore Wines in NYC

This organically farm wine was made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, carefully harvested and selected from young vines planted (at 300 feet above sea level) in 1999 and 2005. The wine undergoes a fermentation of 20 days in stainless steel tanks and cement vats where the malolactic also takes place. About 60% of the wine was then matured for 12 months in second-used French barriques, the remaining 40% in stainless steel tanks and cement vats, then blended and bottled.

The medium to light intensity color is clean, clear and bright ruby red. The nose is earthy, floral, with hints of red berry and roses. The palate is, overall, soft, rounded and well balanced with great acidity and good length. Young and juicy, this is a really enjoyable, bright and traditional Chianti Classico. Lovely.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken from Jan d'Amore website at www.jandamorewines.com and for more info also visit the winery website at www.setriolo.com

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2003 Azienda Agricola La Torre Brunello di Montalcino

2003 Azienda Agricola La Torre Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy


Brunello di Montalcino is literally a red Tuscan wine made with Brunello grapes (a clone of the Sangiovese grape variety also known as Sangiovese Grosso) from vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino, located roughly 110 km (70 miles) south of Florence and 40 km south of Siena.

In 1980, the Brunello di Montalcino was awarded the first "Denominazione di origine Controllata e Garantina" (DOCG) designation. Today, it remains one of Italy's best-known and most expensive wines, along with its 2 other siblings: Chianti Classico DOCG and IGT Super Tuscan.

Montalcino is a small town situated on a hill covered with olive groves and the famous Brunello vineyards dominating the Asso, Ombrone and Arbia valley.

The Anania family originally comes from Calabria in the south of Italy and owns a farm that produces "bufala mozzarella" as well as other farm products. Luigi Anania, the owner and winemaker at La Torre, purchased this property in 1977. The estate is located in the commune of La Sesta, approximately 8 km south of Montalcino, towards the town of San Angelo in Colle. The first vintage at La Torre was the fabled 1982 which set a fine precedent for the future work.

The original domaine was 5.5 hectares, but several years ago an additional 1.5 hectares of adjoining property was added. The vineyards are planted entirely to the Sangiovese Grosso grape and have a full southern exposure. Wines from three appellations are produced: Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, and Rosso di Toscano.

La Torre Brunello is fermented in stainless steel for three weeks. It is then racked into large oak barrels (called "botte" made by Gargalotto) and left to age in barrel for three years. The wine for the Brunello is selected from the oldest vines and the best vineyards. It is bottled without filtration and rest for a few more months in bottle before release.

They also produce a Rosso di Montalcino which is handled just like their Brunello but is aged in large barrels for only one year instead of three.

Rarely produced, they also craft a Rosso di Toscano made from Sangiovese resulting in a friendlier, less tannic wine. This wine spends three months in small barrel before being bottled.

2003 Azienda Agricola La Torre Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $47-$50
Distributed by Rosenthal/Madrose in NYC

The 2003 La Torre Brunello di Montalcino is a great wine, despite my dislike of the 2003 vintage (overall in Europe). The nose delivers quite ripe dark wild berry aromas (nothing surprising for the vintage) enhanced by great minerality bringing a touch of freshness. After a few minutes in the glass, it opens even more with some slightly floral notes (rose, violette) and more blackberry intermingled with oak hints. The palate is ripe, dark, earthy, woody and a bit tannic. In the mid-palate, the oak notes are quite present yet integrated, pronounced but not hard or dry. The finish lingers with earthy, ripe, oaky, chocolate, moccha flavors. Well made wine overall, with great smooth, ripe, earthy mouthfeel and depth.

In conclusion, I need to say that, despite its ripeness due to the 2003 vintage, it also has very good acidity and balance which make it more approachable and drinkable despite its young age.

Enjoy,

LeDom du Vin

Info and picture taken from www.Madrose.com (Rosenthal)

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2006 Piandibugnano Nanerone Toscana IGT Italy Sweet red dessert wine

Piandibugnano Nanerone Toscana IGT Italy Sweet red dessert wine

Piandibugnano winery is nestled in the small hill top village of Seggiano, located in the Province of Grosseto, southern Tuscany, about 100 km south of Florence.

Three friends and co-investors created Piandibugnano. Giorgio Bucelli, a veteran wine salesman and now in charge of marketing; Paolo Trappolini, the eonologue for Avignonesi winery as well as this venture; and Carlo Filippeschi, a restaurateur who manages the business end. They joined forces to create a promising new name in southern Tuscany.

Founded in 2002, this 3.5 hectare (9 acre) winery sits at the uppermost zone of grape and olive cultivation in the chilly Montecucco zone, where the climate and terrain are dominated by the 1800 metre / 5400 foot Mount Amiata.

Piandibugnano wines exhibit a dynamic combination of warm- and cool-weather characteristics: big and rich, yet always held in check by a bracing line of acidity and intriguing scents and flavors of the Mediterranean maquis (macchia in Italian or Garrigue in French).
Nanerone is made of 100 % Aleatico, a rare and wonderful red grape variety mainly grown in the island of Elba, west of Tuscany, to produce the famous Aleatico di Portoferraio but also found in Lazio and Puglia.

The grapes come from vineyards planted at 400-520 metres / 1300-1650 feet above sea level, on slopes with north and northeast exposure, and mix of calcareous and volcanic soils.

The vinification is quite traditional: the grapes are handpicked then transported to the cantina in small plastic basket. After destemming and crushing, fermentation lasts around 3 weeks, with pumping over 3 times daily to maximize the concentration and optimize skin contact. Once racked off, the malolactic fermentation takes places in barriques (barrels), where the wine remains for 9 months before bottling. Nanerone is aged in bottle for at least 6 months before released.

2006 Piandibugnano Nanerone Toscana IGT
Suggested retail price $37-$40
Distributed by Domenico Selections in NYC

Made 100% Aleatico red grape, the 2006 Piandibugnano Nanerone boasts rich and complex aromas of red ripe wild cherry and blackberry with floral and nutty notes. On the expanding palate, this wine imposes harmonious flavors of luscious dark fruits deepening to chocolate, mocha and cloves. The long finish is persistent and delectable.

Usually, sweet Aleatico wine is made by drying the grapes prior to fermentation. The resulting wine is a rich, luscious end to any cool night dinner and outside BBQ as a digestif. It is also superb with seasoned cheeses and chocolate dessert.

Enjoy!

LeDom du Vin

Info partly taken from the importer website www.domenicoselections.com

Step into the Green! Drink more Bio and Organic Wines (and Food) from sustainable culture and respect the environment!

Tasting Session: Skurnik (02/05/09)

All the following wines were tasted at the store on Thursday February 5th 2009, with Sabina from Michael Skurnik Wines (Importer/Distributor).


2005 Raventos I Blanc "L'Heureu" Brut Reserva Cava Spain
Suggested retail price $14-$17
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines in NYC

First, I need to say that I never been disappointed by Raventos, and once again, I wasn't with this one. Moreover, I like the fact that they are organic.

Made from 60% Macabeo, 20% Xarello and 20% Parellada, the 2005 Raventos I Blanc l'Heureu Brut Reserva has a yeasty, golden apple, fresh almond nose. The palate is light to medium bodied and expresses the same flavors in a nuttier kind of way. Well balanced with a lovely dry yet juicy mouthfeel, it is quite long and pleasant. Intermingled notes of almond, nut, peach and zesty lemon characterize the finish. Very enjoyable and organic on top of that. Step into the green! (Tasted 02/05/09) LeDom du Vin

For more info go to: www.raventos.com or to: www.skurnikwines.com



2007 Stefano Massone Gavi Vigna Masera Piedmont Italy
Suggested retail price $11-$14
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines in NYC

Very characteristic from the Cortese grape, the 2007 Massone Gavi Vigna Masera boasts intense peach blossom aromas with delicate touch of white juicy fruit and mineral notes. It is as inviting on the palate as it is on the nose. Well rounded attack, medium bodied and soft with a good amount of acidity to balance it. Fresh peach, apple and lemon define the fruit flavors in this balanced, focus, uncomplicated easy drinking white wine. A very good value for money for everyday drinking. (Tasted 02/06/09) LeDom du Vin

For more info go to: www.marcdegrazia.com or to: www.skurnikwines.com



2007 CantinaMatta "Casamatta" Toscana IGT white wine Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik wines in NYC

Made from 100% Vermentino, 2007 Casamatta has characteristic notes of fresh haye, straw, green almond, almost barnyardy in some way, on the nose and on the palate. In a kind of sherryesk way (without the extreme freshness or the see breeze, lightly salty attitude of a Fino), the attack and mid-palate is full of grenn and ripe golden apple, straw, hay, nutty flavors mixed with hints of minerals and lime. The finish is somewhat nutty, well rounded, kind of lush. Here again, another good value for money to enjoy with grilled chicken, dry aged cheese, nuts and spicy chorizo. (Tasted 02/05/09) LeDom du Vin

For more info go to: www.skurnikwines.com



2008 Mud House Wines Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough New Zealand
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik wines in NYC

Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes coming from Mud House own vineyards in the upper Wairau Valley, as well as from other selected growers vineyards in the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, this a classic Marlborough Sauvignon at a lesser price than the most well-known houses (which are, by the way, nearly all, own by the same few big corporate companies).

Definitely usual and tipical NZ Sauvignon Blanc nose offering a mix of very grassy, green, goose berry aromas with white pepper and herbal notes. The attack and mid-palate deliver a lot of fruit, lime, lemon and white peach in a rounded, well balanced and focus way. Nice and clean overall without being too complex. A refreshing Marlborough at a good price. (Tasted 02/06/09) LeDom du Vin

For more info go to: www.mudhouse.co.nz



2007 Piazzano Chianti DOCG Green Label Tuscany Italy
Suggested retail price $10-$13
Imported/Distributed by Michael Skurnik wines in NYC (a Marc de Grazia Selection)

Made from 100% Sangiovese, Piazzano Chianti green label boasts fresh and fragrant red berry, cherry aromas on the nose. Quite ripe and charming in the same time, it is somewhat old school in taste: earthy, red cherry predominant on the mid-palate. Overall pretty balanced and focus, it has a light touch of green tannins on the finish (some may taste bitterness or tartness), however the ripe red juicy fruit and the overall structure of the wine compensate for it. Pretty enjoyable anyway in this price range, in my opinion. (Tasted 02/05/09) LeDom du Vin

Enjoy! and don't forget to step into the green! Drink more organic and biodynamic and wine coming from sustainable culture. It is good for you and good for the environment.

LeDom du Vin