Sei Solo 2012

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose cherries, blueberries, caramel, coffee. In the mouth smooth with a chocolate and toffee flavour. The aftertaste is medium long.

Sei Solo is the results of a project started in 2007 by Javier Zaccagnini, a well-known name of the Ribera del Duero wine scene. After heading the Consejo Regulador of the Apellation, he co-founded AALTO with Mariano Garcia, the winemaker at Vega Sicilia for over 30 years. Continue reading “Sei Solo 2012”

Château Mouton Rothschild 1975

The colour is medium tawny, still clear and lively. On the nose mandarins, cooked black fruits, mushrooms. In the mouths silky and well balanced. The aftertaste is savoury and last for a while.

For this bottle I had very low expectations: 1975 was a tough vintage and the wine level in this bottle was barely mid-shoulder. I was afraid it wasn’t drinkable. Instead, what a surprise! The wine was not only drinkable but even enjoyable! Continue reading “Château Mouton Rothschild 1975”

Nerello 2015

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose very mature, jammy fruits. In the mouth smooth with a medium body. The aftertaste is medium long.

This Nerello Calabrese varietal wine is made by Senatore Vini in Cirò.

Nerello Calabrese is the name given on the Calabrian side of the Messina strait to Nerello Mascalese, a highly regarded, dark-skinned grape variety that grows most commonly on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Continue reading “Nerello 2015”

Duca Sanfelice 2020

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose red berries and clay pot. In the mouth pleasantly rustic. The aftertaste is medium long.

Duca Sanfelice is made by Librandi with Gaglioppo grapes under the denomination Cirò DOC Riserva Classico Superiore.

In Calabria there are 9 DOC regions: Bivongi DOC; Cirò DOC; Greco di Bianco DOC; Lamezia DOC; Melissa DOC; Anna di Isola; Capo Rizzuto DOC; Savuto DOC; Scavigna DOC; Terre di Cosenza DOC. Continue reading “Duca Sanfelice 2020”

Cirò Tenuta Iuzzolini 2021

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose tea and sour cherries. In the mouth light but smooth. The aftertaste is short.

This wine is made mainly with Gaglioppo grapes, under the denomination Cirò DOC of Calabria.

The origins of Gaglioppo are unclear. The traditional theory is that the variety arrived with Aglianico at the time of the ancient Greeks occupation of southern Italy (Magna Grecia). Continue reading “Cirò Tenuta Iuzzolini 2021”

Benvenuto Orange 2022

The colour is pale copper. On the nose candied orange peel, peach, apricot. In the mouth light. The aftertaste is short.

This orange wine is made with 100% Zibibbo grapes macerated for over 40 days. Only 500 bottles a year are produced.

Zibibbo’s “scientific” name is Muscat of Alexandria. As the name itself suggests, a grape variety that was already cultivated in ancient Egypt. Continue reading “Benvenuto Orange 2022”

Terra 2022

The colour is deep purple. On the nose cherries, blackberries and cinnamon. In the mouth light but pleasantly fruity. The aftertaste is short.

This red wine is made by Cantine Benvenuto under the Calabria Rosso IGP, which covers the entire region of Calabria.

Wines under this far-reaching wine denomination can by made with any proportions of red grape varieties approved for the region of Calabria. In this case, 60% Greco Nero and 40% Magliocco grapes. Continue reading “Terra 2022”

Amarone Riserva Quintarelli 2003

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose liquorice, tea leaves, black cherries, plumbs, chocolate. In the mouth filling, with a solid structure. Dense and concentrated. The aftertaste is very long.

Amarone Riserva Quintarelli is a blend of 55% Corvina, Croatina, Rondinella and Nebbiolo, 30% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. After manual harvests, the grapes were placed on wooden crates in a well-aerated room. Continue reading “Amarone Riserva Quintarelli 2003”

Guvrin Stream 2020

The colour is medium purple. On the nose cherries, anise, dark chocolate, a lot of spices and some menthol notes. In the mouth herbaceous, well balanced, with a pleasantly tasting finish. The aftertaste is pretty long.

Guvrin Stream is made by Tel Maresha Winery with a blend of 50% Pinotage and 50% Syrah grapes, under the Judean Hills appellation of Israel. Continue reading “Guvrin Stream 2020”

Teperberger Inspire Meritage 2019

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity. Blackberries, plums, cherries, and pomegranate. In the mouth medium body, round and silky, with smooth tannins and a nice acidity. The aftertaste is pretty long and chocolate tasting.

This Bordeaux-style wine is made by Teperberger winery by blending 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot grapes. Continue reading “Teperberger Inspire Meritage 2019”