The overall impressions of this sampling of 2006 Brunello were that they were all well made, better with food than on their own, and despite their differences, they all had a similar strength, making them hard to judge one over the others. All improved with aeration. While the top two wines easily won the […]
Brunello di Montalcino Brawl #2 (The 2006s) Read More »
The much anticipated Barolo Battle did not disappoint. The wines exhibited classic varietal flavors, complexity, and uncommon power. The top wine was a clear winner, and the third place bottle was a good value. The only wine that received no points was not a Barolo. First Place: Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino Vigna Dei
The “Battle Of The Unusual Italian Whites” was an opportunity to taste some white wines other than the all-too-common Pinot Grigio from Italy. The ones chosen were by no means the only unusual white wines in the marketplace; we could have chosen Vermentino, Pinot Bianco, or Orvieto also. But we only have six seats at
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The Barbera grape is grown in many parts of the world, but its real home is in the Piedmont region of Italy. In Italy, on the slopes surrounding Alba and Asti, Barbera grapevines take up residence in less valued, cooler vineyard spots that are not favored for Nebbiolo, which ripens later. It plays second fiddle
Despite recent controversy surrounding Brunello di Montalcino, the appellation remains the most highly regarded in all of Tuscany, and some would argue, all of Italy. Though some producers have recently been accused of illegal grape blending, Brunellos are made of a single clone of the Sangiovese grape, called Sangiovese Grosso, grown in the areas
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The May wine tasting was a departure from our regular format, consisting of a cross-section of wines from the island of Sicily. Six different wines were tasted, from a simple, refreshing white to a rich red blend. Gilles brought what was agreed upon as the best wine of the evening, an 80% Nero d’Avola
David feels that wines are meant for consumption. He feels that wines should not be held in a cellar just for impressing people with their expense or rarity. Rather, they should be enjoyed (when ready) with people who can appreciate them, and learn from tasting them. The format for this tasting was of four
Cellar Inventory Reduction Read More »
Perhaps the most well known appellation in all of Tuscany is that of Chianti. And while there are many appellations that can produce bottles with the word Chianti on their label, the best of these is Chianti Classico. Representing the original heartland of Chianti, the more specific appellation of Chianti Classico also has stricter rules
Chianti Classico Challenge Read More »
Amarone is one of the world’s most distinctive wines. Made in the northern Italian area around Valpolicella, the grapes used to make them (Corvina, Rondinella, & Molinara) are partially dried to concentrate their flavors and sugars. This results in a uniquely Italian wine of big, ripe flavors and alcohol contents of around 15%. Because
Grown in the Veneto region of Italy, the grape named Prosecco (now know as Glera) is responsible for bubbly wines that are fresh, delicate, and a bargain. Rarely does a bottle of Prosecco exceed $20. Sarah’s decision to utilize her trusted advisory at Campus Wines has once again served her well. In another very
Prosecco Pandemonium Read More »