Edizione Cinque Autoctoni 2017

The colour is deep purple. On the nose dark cherries, blackberries, pepper, leather and some menthol. In the mouth very filling, with a drying finish. The aftertaste is fruity and very long.

This is a big and powerful wine, which doesn’t surprise given the provenience and the blend. Edizione is made with Montepulciano, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Negroamaro and Malvasia grapes from two regions of southern Italy: Puglia and Abruzzo.

This wine was inspired by Hugh Johnson, one of the most famous wine journalists in the world, and produced by Farnese Vini, a leading wine export company in the South of Italy, with a production of over 24 million bottles.

Edizione 2017 has been awarded 99 points by Luca Maroni, an Italian wine critic, who I never heard about before (unlike Robert Parker, James Suckling or Jancis Robinson).

For this bottle I paid 17.40 CHF at LIDL, 38% off the original price of CHF 28.50. I have the impression that this wine is on sale most of the time, meaning that the real price is closer to 18 CHF than 28 CHF. At 18 CHF I find it delivers a very good price/quality ratio for consumers that like fruit bombs. For my taste this wine is a bit “tiring”. A kind of wine of which I enjoy the first glass much more than the third.

Country: Italy
Region: Puglia, Abruzzo
Grapes: Montepulciano, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Negroamaro, Malvasia
Type: Red
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Farnese Vini
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5

Plantscher 2016

The colour is medium gold. On the nose notes of apple, apricot, honey and chamomile. In the mouth very fresh. It stimulates salivation and overall gives a silky sensation. The aftertaste is very dry and not very tasty, but it last for a fairly long time.

This unique wine is produced by Chanton, a winery at the center of rare grape preservation in Valais. Continue reading “Plantscher 2016”

Chateau Haut-Lavignere 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose charmingly fruity. Prunes, cherries and the ever-present blackberries come to mind. In the mouth not much of a body, with a unpleasantly bitter and drying finish. The aftertaste is medium long. When you start eating, the flaws in the mouth disappear and the appealing sensations on the nose make the overall experience with this wine very enjoyable. Continue reading “Chateau Haut-Lavignere 2016”

ARUMA 2017

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose herbs, green tea and menthol. In the mouth well balanced, but with a rather abrupt and tasteless finish.

This wine is made by Bodegas CARO. A joint venture between Nicolás CAtena and Domaines Barons de ROthschild (Lafite). An alliance between two wine cultures (French and Argentine), two noble grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec), and two renowned wine families. Continue reading “ARUMA 2017”

Vecchia Torre Salice Salentino Riserva 2013

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose mainly chocolate and mocha, with some balsamic and smoky notes. In the mouth still fresh, although the flavours are fading away. The finish is a bit bitter and rather short.

This wine is classified as Salice Salentino DOP, which to me is confusing. It makes me wonder what the difference with Salice Salentino DOC is. Continue reading “Vecchia Torre Salice Salentino Riserva 2013”

Maître de Chais Vieilles Vignes 2017

The colour is medium gold. On the nose Valais apricots and pears, accompanied by honey on a buttered brioche. In the mouth discrete, with a medium lasting aftertaste.

This wine is made with Marsanne and Rousanne grapes, both autochthonous of the French Rhône Valley, which geographically start in the Swiss Canton of Valais, where this wine is produced. Continue reading “Maître de Chais Vieilles Vignes 2017”

Juan Gil Blue Label 2018

The colour is dark ruby. On the nose dark cherries, dark berries and dark chocolate, accompanied by balsamic and spicy notes. In the mouth smooth, with a marked sensation of dark chocolate that last in the long aftertaste. With air the sensations change and become more subtle, which makes tasting this wine interesting.

This wine is a blend of 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. It ages for 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Continue reading “Juan Gil Blue Label 2018”

Bodegas Volver & Casa Rojo

Despite the COVID-19 resurgence in Spain, early August I decided to stick to my plans and to go discover the wines made in the area around Alicante and Murcia.

My first visit right out of the plane has been Bodegas Volver, which I discovered by reviewing a wine I bought at Denner: Solnia 2014 (www.thelovedwine.com/solnia-2014). Continue reading “Bodegas Volver & Casa Rojo”

Aleatico Passito dell’Elba 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity, with primary aromas of raisins, mulberries and blackberries. In the mouth savour of ripe grapes and a drying sensation that last in the medium long aftertaste.

Aleatico is an aromatic red grape variety thought to be native to Tuscany, but the vine may have been brought to Italy by the ancient Greeks. Its most famous expression is this sweet wine from Elba. Continue reading “Aleatico Passito dell’Elba 2016”

Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Fèlsina 2008

The colour is medium amber. On the nose nuts, dried fruits and honey. In the mouth rich and velvety. The aftertaste is subtle, but very long.

This Vin Santo is produced by Fèlsina, a winery dedicated to the production of good quality mono-varietals wines, made mainly with the indigenous Sangiovese grape, but also with international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The winery is located at the border between the Chianti Classico DOCG and the Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG. Continue reading “Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Fèlsina 2008”