Allegrini Amarone Classico

Allegrini Amarone Classico

Today is my last day in the Italian capital before my move to Venice and last night I celebrated in style at a local restaurant in my neighbourhood of Talenti. As always, the food here was first rate but their wine list is rather basic (read 50 main courses compared to just 6 bottles of red) so on arriving home I popped the Allegrini Amarone Classico 2004 I'd bought last week.

Allegrini Amarone Classico 2004, as mentioned in the last blog entry comes from the Valpolicella growing area of the Veneto close to Lake Garda. 2004 was an excellent vintage in the area and so I was expecting great things from the wine and was not disappointed.

Allegrini Amarone Classico is probably one of the best value wines on the market, I got a mag from Ebay for €50 and so can you if you're quick there are 3 days left on this baby. EBAY LINK

So today's blog entry is just a quick review of the Allegrini Amarone as I must make like an Umbrella Pine and leaf for Venezia with haste. I'm not sure Umbrella Pines have leaves, I do know they have huge pine cones that drop from 10 meters in the sky and smash your windscreen but that, my friends, is a story for another day. Ciao Ciao

Allegrini Amarone Classico 2004 - BUY - €50

A very deep dark red coloured wine with a complex and rich nose of prunes and figs, dark summer fruits and the usual chocolate spicy nature. Well structured and a little drying on the palate but sweet with the alcohol not making itself known with a smooth clean finish. Very well balanced but requires more cellar time. 93 Points

Where can I buy this wine?

Europeans - WebdiVino - €50

Americans - Izowine - $72 - (great deal)

Brits - Andrew Chapman - £42

Allegrini Amarone

Allegrini Amarone

Allegrini Amarone is produced around ten miles east of beautiful Lake Garda in the Valpolicella classico region. The most distinctive character of Valpolicella wines are their very high alcoholic content (up to 16%) with the very best producers, Allegrini, Quintarelli, Tedeschi and Dal Forno successfully managing to create structurally excellent wines where the alcohol level does not stymie quality and overtake flavour.

Allegrini Amarone, like all Amarone subjects the grapes to a loft drying process producing highly concentrated and potent wines that many Italians, especially those of the Veneto region displaying typical campanilismo, claim the best in Italy. The Allegrini vineyards have been on something of a decade long winning run, producing some of the finest Amarones and Valpolicella classicos to enter the market. Thanks in part to some blistering vintages but also due to the keen efforts of the Allegrini family to improve their product. The family are revolutionaries in the area seeking to move outside the D.O.C.G zones to produce other fabulous wines including the award winning La Poja Vino da Tavola.

Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella 2001 received the prestigious Tre Bicchere award and a 93 from WineSpectator. The 2006 releases from Allegrini represent the very best of top end affordability with the signature wine. Allegrini produce over half a million bottles annually and quality runs through the entire production with the cheapest wine, the La Grola '03, selling for under €10 and winning a Due Bicchere award.

Such quality along the entire huge production, with vision and attention to detail through the vinification process makes Allegrini a strong contender for the best producer in the region.

The international wine buying market, particularly the American market doesn't seem to be terribly up to speed on Amarone. Take a look at any wine discussion board or along the shelves of a US supermarket or wine merchant and Amarone is glaring in its omission. Perhaps it's the raisin like potent style or maybe the market can simply not cope with a third Italian wine, Brunello and Barolo are foreign words enough, can we really expect a third to be remembered? And, Amarones inclusion would break the rule of B, don't underestimate this (Bordeaux, Burgundy).

Moving to Venice on Tuesday, this particular wino had better get down with Amarone and in this spirit tonight I will be enjoying (let us hope) the latest Allegrini Amarone, the 2004, with my lovingly prepared Sunday Lunch. My past experience of Allegrini has always been fantastic, the QPR with Allegrini is always first rate and I've had the pleasure of several of their past bottlings with reviews below. I really recommend you try this producer they are one of the few names where you can pick any bottle off the shelf and never be disappointed.

Allegrini Amarone Classico 2001 - BUY - €40

Very dark ruby red in the glass quickly giving up rich aromas of chocolate cherries with some dried fruit and plum action. The palate was mouth pucker tannic, full bodied and fat but with plenty of fruity cherries on the mid palate. Lingering finish holding its alcohol well - 94 Points

Allegrini Amarone Classico 1999 - BUY - €53

Dark red verging on purple in the glass with a show stopping nose, rich in plums, cherries, chocolate and cinnamon. The palate is hot, lots of dark fruits and a little coffee action in the mix. The finish is extremely long and satisfying. Outstanding - 96 Points

Allegrini La Poja 2001 - PASS - €40

Lovely deep red in the glass, nice intensity. An oaky, spicy nose with the typical cherry aromas the palate is full bodied and tannic with some nice pepper and cherry notes on the palate. A little simpler and one dimensional than expected but with a good finish - 90 Points

Allegrini Valpolicella Classico 2006 - BUY - €10
Dark red in the glass the 2006 has a simple cherry chocolate nose, some surprising mineral notes too. A very enjoyable, silky wine if a little simple and hot on the finish. Good value - 88 Points

Where can I buy this wine? (Amarone '99)

Europeans - Parenti - €53

American - European Wine Resource - $72

Brits - Everywine - £43

Question of the Day

Simply, what was the last bottle of wine you drank and was it any good? Submit a review if the mood so takes you! Ta

Campania Wines

Campania Wines

Today I arrived back from my whirlwind tour of the Amalfi coast in an effort to learn more about Campania wines. Two years ago when I moved to Rome I had dreamed of heading down the coast and visiting Naples and its coastline. I'd been warned off visiting the area by my colleagues and friends, we can say that the Romans do not have a very high opinion of the Neapolitan work ethic, driving or dialect but what everyone in Italy can agree upon is the the quality of the food and drink of the region. The Amalfi coast is world famous for its quality local produce, its tomatoes and fish, with the Salt Cod from the region being among the most famous dishes in the world.

The coastline itself, when not dominated by concrete hotels is breathtaking and where I settled, at the Caruso Hotel in Ravello, I found the most fantastic view of the Mediterranean yet. I've lived in Spain and visited all the Costa's as well as the Tuscan, Lazio and Campania coastlines and here, sat precariously on a cliffs edge in Ravello I found the most beautiful vision of Italy yet.

Only a couple of week ago the whole area was completely crippled by sanitation strikes which ruined the image of Naples internationally. Photos and new footage of rubbish mountains in central areas of Naples caused the area huge embarrassment and badly effected the tourist trade. The Hotel Caruso itself is only starting to recover from the bad publicity with reservations for the hotel and the restaurant down 30% on the same time in 2007.

The Caruso Hotel's restaurant, as well as having one of the finest al fresco views in the world, has a tremendous wine list and whilst in Campania, I decided to go for their only D.O.C.G red wine, the full and show stopping, Taurasi. "You know when you've been Taurasi'd" - these wines are always packing some alcohol and serious heat and are a far cry from the feminine Barolos I usually opt for but this time, it was a fitting accompaniment to my Paccheri and rack of Lamb.

So what is Campanian Wine all about? The area is beginning finally to make use of its terroir and produce some wines worthy of the Tre Bicchere. While not overly blessed with D.O.C.G and D.O.C appellations, those it does have are increasing in quality year on year. The volcanic soil of Campania certainly produce something different, powerful reds and tangy zesty whites are coming out of the region in spades thanks to a couple of savvy producers. The area is also home to the white wine de jour of the Italian under 30 set, Falanghina.

Campania has had a crazy run of excellent vintages, with Taurasi, the most expensive and fully able to age wine of the region having success every year since 1993 with only the exception of the dire 2002 harvest. The wine comes from Aglianico grapes grown in the hills northeast of Avellino. The other notable red of the area, the Falerno Del Massico enjoy less international appeal but is a local favourite as is much cheaper than Taurasi. With the whites, Falaghina and Greco di Tufo are the best dry whites with the Fiano di Avellino offering something a little sweet.

Feudi di San Gregorio - By far an away the main players in Campania Wines, an internationally recognisable brand that is also capable of producing quality wines. 3,000,000 bottles a year with the producers top label, Taurasi Riserva Piano di Montevergine, taking a 95 point score from Parker in 1999. Also producing a sought after ITG wine "Serpico".

Galardi - Tiny production of 15,000 bottles but taking all the accolades for the region. Produces the most expensive wines releasing top labels at $300 a bottle. Produces just one wine, the Terra di Lavoro, an Aglianico/Piedirosso blend capable of ageing.

Montevetrano - Another producer focusing their efforts on one award winning product, the IGT Montevetrano, a really fruity blended wine of Cabernet, Merlot and Aglianico. However with only 10% Aglianico this is pretty much a Super Tuscan producer just 200km too far south. 30,000 bottles per year.

Baring in mind I spent one day in Naples and one night in Ravello I still managed to try two bottles of wine which I think you'll agree is impressive, or shameful. Either way, here they are.

Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici 2001 - BUY - €22

Dark purple in the glass, dark and heavy. On the nose the wine is all Taurasi with licorice, cherries and meat on the nose, a smoky barbeque style wine infact. On the palate the wine is full bodied and smooth and the fills every inch of your mouth, a real palate coating wine. Good length on the finish I suspect a few more years will do it some favours - 91 Points

Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina 2007 - BUY - €7

A straw yellow in the glass with green highlights. A great nose, honeyed, aromatic and tropical fruits coming forth. Really creamy bold palate, textured and fruity, some fresh hints of melon. I love this wine for QPR, a firm favourite - 88 Points

Where can I buy this wine? (Mastroberardino)

Europeans - Enoteca Carotenuto - €22

Americans - Corpwines - $38

Brits - Enoteca Carotenuto - £15

Question of the Day

Where is the most beautiful view in your world?

Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto

Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto

Bruno Giacosa makes arguably the world's best Barolo from his estates in the crus of La Morra and Serralunga the most revered being the Barolo Falletto (Serralunga) White Label and the Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto Red Label. The red label bottles have cult status in the wine world fetching incredible prices at auction for the very best vintages.

The 2004 release of the white label Barolo Falletto is up an incredible 80% on the 2001, in part due to the weak dollar and in part due to increased demand. 2004 is the best vintage for a few years now and so the Barolo and Giacosa's Barbaresco are in hot demand, pushing prices through the roof.

Luckily I get my Giacosa Barolo from Italian Ebay and usually in magnum for a third of the price you fork over on top wine sites in the States and the UK. I have yet to purchase a 2004 but in anticipation am going to share my notes on the last 5 vintages I've had the pleasure of sampling. I hope to visit this estate in the coming summer and will bring back a report on all Bruno's wine's including the world's best Barbaresco and some rather good white numbers.

When reading these tasting notes remember that all wines were sampled in the last 12 months, giving some favour to the 98 and 99 vintages and that the 98 came from magnum.

Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 1998 - BUY - €85
Pale brick red colour, looks a little dirty and cloudier than the other wines we had but the hues were surprisingly dark for the age. A beautiful expressive nose the second it was uncorked, berries, cherry, strawberries; acres of ripe fruits. The palate was like velvet with complimentary tannins and exceptional length. Breathtaking. The wine came from magnum - 97 Points

Bruno Giacosa Barolo le Rocche de Falletto Riserva 1999 - BUY - €115
Tre Bicchieri Rocche del Falletto appears a clean mid red in the glass and quickly offers up a memorable nose, clean, fruit overload with strawberries showing quickly with a floral and mineral aroma playing backup. The palate is so rich, opulent and light, this is a very feminine, balanced and delicate wine. A wine that benefits from decanting and changes from hour to hour, really complex and enjoyable experience. The finish is among the longest I can recall. For those who loves a structured and complex wine - 96 Points

Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2000 - BUY - €80
A really deep, intense ruby red with slight brownish hues typical of Barolo. Spectacular nose, truly opulent with plums, raspberries, and tar turning floral at the end. The palate is thick and jammy, really full bodied, sweet with berries and strikenly fresh and silky with perfectly balanced tannins. The finish is focused yet subtle and lasts a good half minute. Delicious wine that will improve over the next 10 years - 95 Points

Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2001 - BUY - €80
Lovely dark and rich ruby red. The nose is all Barolo for me, dark fruits, plummy, sweet, a little spicy with a nice mineral quality. The palate is really full and fruity, lush and thick with more of those dark fruits coming through on great silky tannis, really good finish to this wine, terrific length. The 2001 is a really solid effort, very satisfying - 94 Points

Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2003 - PASS - €70
The nose takes a long time to bring anything to the table, getting some vanilla and plums but really reticent nose here. The palate is better, very sweet and full boded, good tannic quality and a decent finish. Not much here yet. Blame the vintage - 90 Points

Where can I buy this wine? (98 Vintage)
Europeans - Enoteca San Dominico - €85
Americans - European Wine Resource - $128
Brits - Fine and Rare - £67

Question of the Day
If you could visit any vineyard in the world which would it be and why?

Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio

Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio

'Noon Ladies and Gents,

Today is a fabulous day in the Sarah Newton household as finally the OK has come from the bank for my new villa just outside of Perugia in the Umbrian heartlands. For 6 months I've been ferrying around between the local comune, questura, bank and villa and finally everything is in place and I can finally relax, put up my aching tootsies and celebrate with a glass of something red and Voerzio.

The 2004 Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio is supposed to be a stonker of a wine, critics say the best yet and while it's clearly infanticide to open a bottle so young, I think on this occasion I can afford a little gay abandon and kick it up Piedmont stylee.

Cerequio, along with Cannubi, is one of my favourite Barolo crus and seems to produce the better Barolo of the two major producers there, Voerzio and Chiarlo. Cerequio, situated in the communes of La Morra and Barolo is a beautiful area of the Piedmont. So, before I guzzle down the '04 I thought I'd go through some of my old tasting notes on past Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio wines.

Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio 1998 - PASS - €108

Intense dark ruby red with garnet hues. Very giving with aromas of roses, plums and spice-box. Still quite tannic needing another 5 years the Barolo is a little sweet for my tastes. Very fruity and jammy it will certainly please others. Very rich this is a wine for superior foods and special occasions. Structurally excellent with an amazing length on the finish, just not to my personal tastes. - 92 Points

Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio 1999 - BUY - €108
Opulence at its silkiest and most seductive, this is a superb Barolo with a flower filled nose with as pretty an aroma as I've ever sampled from a wine, some gentle spices and hints of coffee and chocolate complete a fabulous nose. The mouth feel is just gorgeous and alive, very delicate but still packing flavour and with fine tannins and a fine fruity mix in the mid palate. Can't think of many better Barolos from 1999. - 94 Points

Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio 2000 - BUY - €112

Great color to this Cerequio, very bright and tempting in the glass. The nose is utterly complex, I'm getting cherry jam, an earthy smokey quality, licorice, caramel, flowers and some spicy action too. The palate is especially fruity and very concentrated sweet flavours come through the entire palate experience, a thick and fruity wine with some gritty tannins on it, yet very pleasant. Warm and pleasing wine but from 2000 vintage not quite as great as I'd expected, but still very good. - 93 Points

Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio 2001 - BUY - €120

2001 Vintage + Roberto Voerzio's best wine = One of the best Barolos on the market right? Not quite. Really deep red with dark hues in the glass, we have a very subtle nose that opens up really very slowly, once it does we have pretty nose of strawberries, cherries and flowers and again, a mineral quality. On the palate the wine is full bodied with surprisingly silky tannins, the wine is ripe but opens up really at the last minute. Today the wine is worth 94 points but I get a sneaky feeling this is one to leave another 5 years at least.- 94 Points

Where can I buy this wine? (The 1999)

Europeans - Enoteca Grandi Vini - €108

Americans - Zachys - $184

Brits - Enoteca Grandi Vini - £84

Question of the Day?

What bottle of wine are you saving for the that special celebration?

Tuscan Wines

Tuscan Wines

Before you were a wine aficionado, as everyone surely is who reads this blog, you thought of Italian wines and imagined straw covered Chianti bottles sold in every third shop along a stupid steep hilltop town. Possibly you visited said towns, and maybe even purchased a bottle or two. Sadly, that is where the romantic idyll ends as from bitter experience you now know these offerings taste like swill.

Chianti is the Kiss me Quick hat of Tuscan tourism and so it's up to us (I use the term "us" loosely because I'm the Piedmont junkie) to champion Tuscan wine and educate those poor individuals who still bare the scars of straw covered Chianti.

An unfair label it is, good Chiantis are a plenty if you know where to look and the hippest wine of all, Brunello di Montalcino, hails from the Sangiovese too. Just to pack that killer punch, the region also has the "Super Tuscan", Italy's equivalent to burly Bordeauxs that get better and better every decade. Apparently they also produce some white wine which I'm contractually obliged to mention. Without further ado, let's look at the very best producers and wines coming out of Toscana.

Antinori - The Coca Cola of Italian wines, Antinori produce millions of wines out of Tuscany year on year from the mid priced to the high end super tuscans. The fabulous Tignanello is an Antinori super tuscan which many hail as the best wine of the region. The 2004 Chianti Classico is certainly a contender for best Chianti of the year.

Banfi - The Pepsi-Schweppes of Italian wines knocking out 10 million bottles a year. The premium Brunellos from the best vintages might be worth a look but everything else, especially their standard Chiantis are not to my personal tastes. A great vineyard to visit in a fabulous location in Montalcino.

Casanova di Neri - I'm guessing Jame Suckling is a fan, call it a hunch. The 2001 Brunello Cerretalto received 100 points and was hailed as one of the best Brunellos ever made. Now, try finding one under $300. It's actually well deserved praise the outfit operates with very low yields and pays fantastic attention to detail, all productions from this small outfit are quality.

Castello di Ama - Now we're talking Chianti Classico, superb producers of Italy's most famous wine in some of the finest terroir in the world. Producing elegant wines capable of ageing and not a rogue straw in sight. Proper Chianti for proper Chianti fans. The 2001 Bellavista and 2004 L'Apparita Vino da Tavola are outstanding.

Fontodi - Makes an interesting range of wines for such a small producer. Attention to detail here is important as the company strives for quality. The best bottling is the Flaccianello della Pieve, a Vino de Tavola wine made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. Also producing fine Syrahs, Chiantis and a great white "Vin Santo".

Isole e Olena - a forwarding looking vineyard who are known throughout Italy for their stylish and flavourful wines. The top wine is the Ceparello, a 100% Sangiovese wine that ages beautifully. Another wonderful wine is the Syrah, "Syrah Collezione De Marchi" and their Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc blend is another award winning offering. Lots of diversity here and a wonderful vineyard to visit.

Marchesi de' Frescobaldi - huge Brunello kings producing 95+ point Brunellos with every solid vintage. Another huge production with over 7,000,000 bottles hitting the shelves every year. 700 years of expertise have gone into producing some of the finest quality wines but there are a few hum dingers here too. Recommending the Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo Ripe al Convento Riserva, Chianti Rufina Montesodi, Toscana Giramonte (Merlot/Sangiovese) and Toscana Mormoreto (Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot) as great purchases in solid vintages.

San Guido - Sassicaia, the wine you can never get at a fair price on Ebay, at its very best in the 1980's it's one of those wines that just wont go out of fashion, a lot like George Michael. Revitalised in the late 90's and with a fabulous 2004 vintage Sassicaia is back baby and flying off the shelves. The first super tuscan, fighting it out with Tig and Ornellaia for the Super Tuscan crown (but losing).

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia - and losing to this bad boy. The Tenuta dell'Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia super tuscan is winning all the awards over the last couple of years and is one of Italy's most famous wines. However, it's not the only trick this producer has, even better than this super tuscan is the Toscana Masseto 100% Merlot table wine which noone I know will ever be able to find, rare and collectable.

Tua Rita - is one of only a handful of producers ever to receive 100 points from the legendary wine critic, Robert Parker. When Tua Rita is on its game it can produce the best wines in Italy. The Maremma estate produces quality fruity reds of many international varities. The best offering is the Merlot, "Redigaffi", very expensive but extremely impressive; an opulant wine to be cellared.

So I've left out the glaringly obvious again? Ok, tell me all about it under the unmoderated comments below. Now, moving along, I was asked via email (wine90@gmail.com) to recommend a good Chianti under €10, a Brunello under €40 and to review the 2004 Sassicaia. Here are my personal recommendation about the matter!

Chianti Classico Clemente VII Riserva Castelli Del Grevepesa 2003 - BUY - €7.50

Bargain of all bargains Chianti Classico, huge on flavour, with a generous fruity, plummy nose. A lovely, well made wine, generous round fruity flavours on the palate with a nice balanced tannic quality. Low price Chianti is a minefield but this is a little gem, drink immediately - 89 Points

Brunello di Montalcino Fanti 2001 - BUY - €33

Hugely dark and inviting in the glass, this is another really fruity ripe wine, giving a nose of licorice, dark fruits and a hint of meat. The palate is silky and enjoyable and another wave of fruity berries comes on the midpalate, the finish is good. Not a hugely complex wine as much as a kick in the juice box, very enjoyable! - 92 Points

Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido 2004 - BUY - €100

Opulent, sophisticated and understated, the 2004 Sassicaia is a beautiful wine. The colors in the glass are vibrant dark Ruby with lighter hues. The nose is layered with chocolate, licorice, cherries and blackberries that stand out immediately. On the palate it is all finese with rounded tannins, a medium-large body and a finish that keeps going till Christmas. Salut! Anticipated Maturity - 2010-2024 - 94 Points

Where can I buy this wine (Fanti Brunello)

Europeans - Enoteca San Domenico - €33

Americans - Grapes of Norwalk - $45

Brits - Enoteca San Domenico - £25

Question of the Day

Tell me about your wine disappointments. Which bottle did you have your eye on for months and turned out to be tasteless, corked or just plain weird.

Bricco del Drago

Hey Ratfans,

Bricco del Drago... we're going left field today kids.

What a beautiful day it is here in Rome, the sun is out, the birds are singing, the horns are blasting and I was only woken at 5.30am this morning by garbage trucks, guess it's a Tuesday right? RIGHT. I suppose the garbage boats on Venice island could be quieter, we shall soon see.

So back to business, this week I've been out and about, back to London, went a bit wild on some trashy U.S Zinfandel but I'm here now back in the saddle and will review 3 pretty decent mid priced wines from 3 pretty decent producers, Poderi Colla's Bricco del Drago 2004, Planeta's Merlot 2005 and Azelia's Barbera d'Alba Vigneto Punta 2003.

Now, I know, I know I've been neglecting Tuscany, but it's such a greedy attention grabber that sometimes I want to ignore it just to teach it a lesson. The next post will be, certainly, a Tuscany feature with some Brunello's, Chianti's and maybe a few randoms for good measure. It's a struggle, I don't like abandoning the Piemonte but, for you and your complaining emails, I will subject myself. Look at it just sat there, with its cypress trees, meandering lanes and rolling hills. So smug. Just ignore it.

Bricco del Drago Poderi Colla 2004 - BUY - €16

Luxury dark purple in the glass, looks thick and jammy because it is. 85% dolcetto and 15% nebbiolo d'alba go into an interesting blend that starts a little sharp but has lots going on and evolves in the glass and on the palate. I love wines that give you something to talk about and this wine does. The palate is full on with flavours but still opulent and silky, great tannins, basically it's like a blueberry muffin, liquefied with a dash of coffee. Really nice and unique wine, spicy nose, fair price for something different. I think it's the perfect age now but another 2-3 years aren't going to hurt - 90 Points

Merlot Planeta 2005 - BUY - €20
2005 was a star year in Sicily and Planeta is, in my opinion, the star producer in Sicily so almost all of the wines of this year from Planeta are superb. We have another dark wine in the glass, very dark purple, dark hues, could do with some time in the bottle. The nose was a little dull actually but definite hints of vanilla, blackberries and raspberries but again leads me to believe the wine should be left for a while. The palate was gorgeous, thick, jammy, fruity, very powerful, a little tannic but fulfilling. Giving it 89 today but thinking another couple of points may come thru in a couple of years time. - 89 Points

Barbera d'Alba Vigneto Punta Azelia 2003 - BUY - €20

Rounding up the third very dark wine. This Barbera I can recommend very highly, some Barbera's are a little rough and ready but this is a gem. We have a real concentration of dark berries, hints of oak but what strikes you is the wines fruity nature, you like fruit bombs? You'll like this. On the palate the wine is jammy, smooth and balanced and with a bonus of a silky, long finish. - 90 Points

Where can I buy this wine? (Bricco del Drago)

Europeans - Enoteca Grandi Vini - €14

Americans - Hi Time Wine - $30

Brits - The Cellar Door - £11

Question of the Day

Do you like Tuscany and/or Tuscan wines? If so, what's so great? Let me know and regarding the wines, I will go and try them. Share, when you don't it makes my bottom lip wobble.

Venice on my Mind

Real Apologies!

My last post was 2 months ago, I have not been fiddling whilst Rome burnt but have instead been very busy preparing for a move to Venice. Thanks for all the lovely emails enquiring about my well being but, as I'm sure many of you are aware, moving in Italy is something of a logistical nightmare with residencia's, 4 year rental contracts and the like so these past 2 months have been molto stressful and looking back, I really should have drunk more wine.

Although I will be sad to leave Rome it does mean I can swap cheap Frascati for cheap Valpolicella and be much closer to my favourite wine regions of Italy for lots of exciting tasting weekends in Amarone and Barolo country. So, today I'll ease myself back in with a few of the more interesting tasting notes from the past couple of months starting with my new home wine that I need to get partisan about, Amarone, from Masi.

Masi Amarone 2004 - BUY - €30
Wonderful deep purple, very dark hues showing a clearly young wine the nose was super tight and even after two hours only the subtlest hint of blackberries and vanilla. On the palate though the wine was classic, great balance with still quite strong tannins, firm and fruity wine that held its 15% alcohol excellently, easy to drink, mid-palate giving some walnut action, will improve with age. 90 Points

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Pio Cesare Barbaresco 2001 - BUY - €40
An intense mid ruby red with darker hues than expected on a 2001 proving the class of this vintage. The nose was very sweet with some floral notes, strawberries and plums. Fruity palate, a real tasty wine, silky tannins. The overall impression here is of complexity and femininity, it's a really opulent Barbaresco for the price with a full 30 second finish. Another couple of years should see this wine at its premium drinking age. 92 Points


Cornell Chardonnay 2004 - BUY - €23
From the Alto Adige I was asked to try this Chardonnay after waxing lyrical about Planeta's Chardonnay and yes, this is completely different wine. More refreshing and light, the wine was a beautiful golden honey colour in the glass with a nose of apples, butter and a mix of citrus fruits. The palate was thicker than expected with a very smooth mouth-feel. A white wine at €23 had better be good, and it is. 91 Points


Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi 2003 - PASS - €20
Stunning in the glass, hugely dark purple, exceptionally dark hues, wine or petrol, I wasn't sure. The nose gave some interesting chocolate notes, with berries and cherries I expected and beef that I didn't. The palate was thick and jammy, the wine was quite tannic but not in an unpleasant way. Personally, I'm not jumping up and down for this, even at €10 I'd pass. 88 Points


Gaja Langhe Costa Russi 2001 - PASS - €200
Simply stunning, bolshy bruiser of a wine that you don't mind letting into your house and robbing you blind. Silky and engaging with a complex and beautiful nose with plum and cherries and an earthy mineral quality too. Fruity and oaky on the palate this is a class above and for a special occasion, huge and persist ant finish. How can I pass this wine? €200 is why. Birthdays, bah mitzvahs, Weddings okay, otherwise take 4 bottles of the 95 Point Ceretto Barolo Bricco Rocche 2000. 95 Points


Where can I buy this wine? (PC Barbaresco '01 - If you live in Italy it's sold everywhere no need to buy online!)
Europeans - Enoteca Constatini - €42
Americans - Mission Licquor - $45
Brits - Robert Granger - £29


Question of the Day
So, now you know what I've been doing but how about you guys? How has 2008 been treating you so far and what wines have been making the table this year? Share your exciting 2008 discoveries and I'll give them a whirl and review.