TUSCANY | ITALY | $20
Concentrated blackberry and dried cherry with a savory earthy structure and notes of graphite, rosemary and citrus pith. Medium bodied and easy drinking, nicely integrated and reasonably complex with a smooth texture and a dry, tannic finish. Lean, dark and well-tailored, he moves easily and confidently through narrow, rustic streets — nothing to worry, always in the now. A Super Tuscan blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot 20% Syrah, 20% Sangiovese. A very good wine. (reviewed 12/23/12)
Category Archives: Italy
Argiano ‘Non Confunditur’ Rosso Toscano 2009
Filed under $20 and less, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italian Varietals, Italy
Ruffino ‘Modus’ 2009
TUSCANY | ITALY | $25
Forward boysenberry, plum and pomegranate with flavors of dried cranberry, nutmeg, tar and camphor. A lively, medium-bodied wine showing focused fruit and nice acidity with a dry finish. Nimble on the corners, quick and responsive, a pleasure to drive — an Alpha Romeo. A Super Tuscan blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. A very good wine. (Reviewed 12/9/12)
Filed under $21 to $50, Italian Varietals, Italy
Cantine Valpane Perlydia Barbera del Monferrato Superiore 2003
PIEDMONT | ITALY | $18
A nose of dried fruit and wisps of barnyard and kerosene gives way to rustic berry, cherry and plum fruit with notes of vanilla, cedar and spice. Finishes with a natural bright acidity. Unrestrained and an exciting ride, but like an Alfa Romero, tiresome every day. A good wine and an excellent value. (Reviewed 1/8/11)
Filed under $20 and less, Italian Varietals, Italy
Villa di Geggiano Chianti Classico 2006
TUSCANY | ITALY | $28
Vivid dark berry fruit with woody spice notes. Soft and approachable with a rounded but firm structure. A perk of acidity welcomes enjoyment with food. Pleasantly lacks the musty-cave quality of inferior Chiantis. And yet, a lack of bad manners does not, of its own, a debutante make. A good wine. (Reviewed 2/26/11)
Filed under $21 to $50, Italian Varietals, Italy
Colosi Nero D’Avola 2009
SICILY | ITALY | $15
Light cherry and blueberry fruit with a backbone of earthy minerals, cedar, black tea and green tannins. Medium bodied and nicely balanced, if given ample time to breathe. Otherwise heavy, impertinent acidity and bitter tannins rule. A child, as such, would be sent to bed sans supper. Decant or allow some air, and the wine matures quickly into a well-mannered, entertaining and youthful drink. A good wine. (Reviewed 9/13/11)
Filed under $20 and less, Italian Varietals, Italy
Punta Crena Mataossu Colline Savonesi 2009
LIGURIA | ITALY | $19
Crisp green apple and tart grape with hints of guava, Meyer lemon, grapefruit and celery. Bracing and vibrant, a very slight effervescence sparks on the finish. It’s a cold-swim-in-the-Mediterranean slap in the palate. A good wine. ( Reviewed 2/5/12)
Filed under $20 and less, Italian Varietals, Italy
Castello d’Albola Chianti Classico 2007
TUSCANY | ITALY | $13
Cherry, rhubarb and golden currant with hints of cedar and undertones of forest floor and orange pith. Light Pinot Noir-like body and slightly tannic with an easy, natural fruit acidity. Low 12.5% alcohol and an attractive price. A real charmer — soft spoken, witty and playful, with substance. Sangiovese. A good wine. (Reviewed 12/14/11)
Filed under $20 and less, Italian Varietals, Italy
