Astrolabe Fronton 2014

This wine is deeply pigmented. On the nose notes of violet, blackberries and some spices. On the palate it is velvety and pleasant, but the finish leaves you with a disturbing bitterness, which I guess is due to a suboptimal use of oak. Fortunately, after some exposition to air, this defect disappears. Nevertheless, I find this imperfection a real shame, given the otherwise pleasant profile of this wine made with a unique grape variety: Négrette. Continue reading “Astrolabe Fronton 2014”

Fébus Jurançon Sec 2017

On the nose the typical aroma of apricot and citrus of the Manseng grapes comes forward, although in a faint version. In the mouth there is a prickly acidity at a level I personally find kind of disturbing. Beside some light apricot hint, no aftertaste worth mentioning.

Jurançon is, along with Marcillac, Gaillac, Fronton and Madiran, one of the five French AOC I intended to visit in July during my last trip to France with my son. Continue reading “Fébus Jurançon Sec 2017”

Pacheca Grande Reserva Touriga National 2015

From the first sight this Portuguese wine gives the impression of being opulent. The deep purple color certainly contributes to this impression. In reality, on the nose the aroma is elegant, with violet, bergamot, blueberry and some mint. In the mouth the wine is still very young, although already enjoyable thanks to the pleasantly integrated tannins, which influence mainly the drying aftertaste. Continue reading “Pacheca Grande Reserva Touriga National 2015”

Defayes & Crettenand Humagne Blanc 2017

The colour is greenish yellow. The nose is refreshing, with mild notes of menthol accompanying white peaches, lime and some nutty undertones. In the mouth crispy, well-balanced and tasty, with an aftertaste that linger for a long while and is characterised by a hint of fennel.

Humagne Blanche is a light-skinned and fragrant grape variety reportedly grown since the 12th Century in the Valais region of Switzerland. Continue reading “Defayes & Crettenand Humagne Blanc 2017”

Lafnetscha 2016

The color is medium gold. The nose is very inviting, with notes of ripe banana and elderberry. In the mouth smooth and pleasantly fresh. The aftertaste, which last for a while, is dominated by the sustained acidity.

This rarity made with Lafnetscha is certainly worth trying at least once, especially if you are a wine enthusiast like me, who get thrilled by tasting godforsaken grapes. Continue reading “Lafnetscha 2016”

Superiore Riserva Teroldego Rotaliano 2015

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose light notes of cherry, but with a background that doesn’t feel right. In the mouth more present, although a bit rustic, with good acidity and a drying finish that last for a while. Usually, wines tend to be richer on the nose than in the mouth. Interestingly, in this case it is the opposite.

This Teroldego Rotaliano DOC is produced by Cantina Rotaliana di Mezzolombardo. Continue reading “Superiore Riserva Teroldego Rotaliano 2015”

X

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose a bouquet of eucalyptus, tobacco, menthol and balsamic notes. In the mouth pleasantly lighter and fruitier than I was expecting, well balanced and with a savoury finish that let be enjoyed for quite a while.

This wine, named X, is as eclectic and unique as its producer. It is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Carminoir, Arinarnoa, Syrah and Merlot. Made out of three vintages: 2010, 2011 and 2013. Continue reading “X”

Kerner della Valle Isarco 2018

Kerner della Valle Isarco 2018: This white wine displays a medium straw colour. On the nose the aroma is dominated by pear, although apple and citrus can also by detected. In the mouth the wine is well balanced, with a refreshing aromaticity that last for a satisfying while. The kind of white that even my wife, who usually drinks only red and sparkling wines, can enjoy. Continue reading “Kerner della Valle Isarco 2018”

Granbussia 1974

Granbussia 1974: This bottle, made one year after I was born, is among those that make it worth the multiple disappointments anybody brave enough to keep experimenting with very old wines necessarily goes through.

Having a deep passion for the wine-world, I’m one of them. My fascination with wine gives me an almost compulsory urge to try wines from anywhere in the world, made with any grape and in any vintage. Continue reading “Granbussia 1974”

Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009

On the nose the 2009 is at first very elegant, mentholated with some prune. After some time more spices come out, rosemary and sandalwood can be detected. In the mouth the wine has a similar evolution. At first very smooth, showing firm, but already well integrated tannins. After a while the tannins become more gripping and drying. Continue reading “Château Pape Clément 2005 vs 2009”