Gaja Barbaresco 2008

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose at first very closed. With some air it opens up, but the bouquet remains very subtle, with a predominance of underground. In the mouth a solid structure, with good acidity and well-integrated tannins. The aftertaste is at first very short, but after some air exposure it becomes fairly long.

Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and is considered among the finest wines in the world. Continue reading “Gaja Barbaresco 2008”

Wines <30 CHF

Last month I decided to do something different and to organise a blind tasting of wines that sells for less than 30 CHF.

The five wines we tasted have been freely picked by the participants to the event among the ones they prefer in this price range. Continue reading “Wines <30 CHF”

Vigna Pedale 2015

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose red fruits and spices. Raspberries, cherries, tobacco and anise come to mind. In the mouth medium body, medium acidity and soft tannins. The finish reminds me of black tea. The aftertaste is medium long.

A medium wine with plenty of awards: trebicchieri Gambero Rosso, Gold Medal Expovina, Gold Medal Mundusvini, Gold Medal Berliner Wine Trophy. Continue reading “Vigna Pedale 2015”

Nebbiolo

Last month I hosted another wine tasting event at my home. Four friends joined me to taste blindly six Nebbiolo based wines. What we found was much to our surprise.

Nebbiolo is one of the most prestigious grape varieties of Italy. Continue reading “Nebbiolo”

Fabelhaft 2018

The colour is medium purple. On the nose black cherries mixed with some tea. In the mouth light, with smooth but well present tannins and a pleasant acidity. Fairly long finish. Not really to my taste, but an enjoyable, easy to drink wine that delivers good value.

Fabelhaft is a very successful story. Continue reading “Fabelhaft 2018”

Solnia 2014

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose at first slightly meaty and quite alcoholic. Not too surprising given the 15% alcohol content. With some air, blueberries and blackberries appear and prevail for a short while. Later the dark fruits disappear and only some black pepper seems to be left. In the mouth rather rustic. At the end a pleasantly drying sensation, but not much aftertaste. Continue reading “Solnia 2014”

AALTO PS 2013

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose woody sensations and chocolate dominate the experience. With some air tomato and hot pepper also come on stage. In the mouth the wine is far from delivering the opulent experience you would expect. In the long aftertaste the woody sensations first perceived on the nose come back, as well as the chocolate. For my taste, this wine got too much exposure to oak. Continue reading “AALTO PS 2013”

Vigna del Gris 2008

The colour is deep garnet. Slightly cloudy. On the nose dark cherries and blackberries. The 14.5% alcohol is clearly perceived on the nose as well as in the mouth. The firm tannins characteristic of a Barolo wine dominates the sensations in the mouth and leave it clean and dry.

As any Barolo, Vigna del Gris is made with 100% Nebbiolo, the grape variety behind the top-quality red wines of Piedmont in north-western Italy. Continue reading “Vigna del Gris 2008”

Altos de la Finca 2014

The colour is deep purple. The nose has an herbal character, complemented by chocolate and dark cherries. In the mouth fresh, with round tannins and a long aftertaste of mocha, with hints of caramel.

Altos de la Finca is a blend of 60% Petit Verdot and 40% Syrah. It is aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. This explains the chocolate notes on the nose and the overpowering mocha sensation in the aftertaste. Continue reading “Altos de la Finca 2014”

Cooperation Wines Descendientes de J. Palacio 2017

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose liquorice accompanied by earthy notes. In the mouth smooth, up to the bitterish and drying finish.

This wine is the result of a partnership between Ricardo Perez Palacios and his famous uncle Alvaro Palacios, both heirs of the wine dynasty Palacios (Remondo) of Rioja. Descendientes de J. Palacios is the name of the company that the two have formed in 1999. Continue reading “Cooperation Wines Descendientes de J. Palacio 2017”