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”

Jema 2015

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose mocha, chocolate, cinnamon. In the mouth edgy and light-body, with a drying finish. The aftertaste is rather short.

This wine is made by Cesari under the Veronese IGT denomination with 100% Corvina grapes.

Corvina is famous as a key constituent of Valpolicella DOC(G) wines, notably Amarone. When it is bottled on its own, it’s relegated to lowly IGT status. Continue reading “Jema 2015”

Sono Montenidoli 2015

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose black cherries, plum, tobacco and game. In the mouth elegant and well balanced, with a drying long aftertaste.

Sono Montenidoli is made with 100% Sangiovese grape by Montenidoli winery. Before release the wine refines for 24 months in barriques and ages for 3 years in bottle. Continue reading “Sono Montenidoli 2015”

Gaston Cheq Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2015

The colour is pale gold, with fine, medium-lasting bubbles. On the nose citrusy and floral, with notes of bread. In the mouth similar citrusy and bakery aromas, with a medium long, fragrant finish.

This vintage champagne is made with 100% Chardonnay grapes from the Côte des Bar subregion of Champagne, located at the very south of the AOC. Continue reading “Gaston Cheq Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2015”

Quinta da Terrugem 2015

The colour is deep ruby/garnet. On the nose hints of red berries, balsamic notes, vanilla and dark chocolate. In the mouth light and fresh. The aftertaste is slightly bitter and very short.

Quinta da Terrugem is a Portuguese red wine made by Bacalhôa in the Peninsula de Setubal wine region. It is produced from the local red grapes Trincadeira and Aragonez (Tempranillo), with the addition of the international Cabernet Sauvignon. Continue reading “Quinta da Terrugem 2015”

Orfeo 2015

The colour is deep ruby, almost impenetrable. On the nose prune, blackcurrant, blackberry, cinnamon, nutmeg. All soaked in spirit. In the mouth good acidity and well-integrated tannins. Maybe slightly too alcoholic. The aftertaste is medium long.

Orfeo Riserva is made under the Colli Bolognesi DOC of eastern Emilia-Romagna (Italy). The DOC was introduced in 1975 and covers both red and white wines. Continue reading “Orfeo 2015”

Acrux 2015

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose red berries jam. In the mouth drying tannins and a bitter finish. The aftertaste is rather short.

Acrux 2015 is made by Viña Sutil winery by blending 37% Carménère, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot. These are the original six red grapes of Bordeaux. Continue reading “Acrux 2015”

Alex’s Saperavi 2015

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose a hint of red cherries and raspberries, with a lot of acetone. In the mouth raw, with drying tannins. The aftertaste is long.

Saperavi is a dark-skinned, pink-fleshed grape variety grown widely throughout the Caucasus. It is originally from Georgia and its best expression comes from the Kakheti region, near the eastern border with Azerbaijan, where this wine has been made. Continue reading “Alex’s Saperavi 2015”

Gagliasso Rocche dell’Annunziata 2015

The colour is pale garnet. On the nose very ripe fruits, plum and cappuccino. It reminds of a Tawny Port. In the mouth well integrated but still gripping tannins. The aftertaste is disappointingly short.

Rocche dell’Annunziata is one of the most historic and renowned Nebbiolo vineyards in La Morra. Its importance is also shown by the fact that many great producers have vines in this cru. Continue reading “Gagliasso Rocche dell’Annunziata 2015”

Spain

Last month I organized a wine tasting focused on the main wine producing regions of Spain.

In the last few years, I travelled extensively to the different wine regions of Europe and I covered all the major denominations of Spain. Continue reading “Spain”