Quater Vitis Rosso 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose cherries soaked in alcohol, with the addition of nutmeg, cinnamon, tobacco and cacao. In the mouth dense, rich and fruity. The aftertaste lasts for a while.

I appreciated the first glass of this bottle in Cefalù, facing the town and the sea from the balcony of a very nice hotel room. During the day I visited the Firriato winery on Mount Etna. A day with a lot of driving. Continue reading “Quater Vitis Rosso 2016”

Il Frappato 2019

The colour is pale ruby. On the nose at first a little bit of vinaigrette, typical of natural wines. With some air, this disturbing element disappears and way more pleasant aromas of sour and red cherries appear. In the mouth light, but well balanced. The aftertaste is discretely fruity and last for some time. Continue reading “Il Frappato 2019”

Barrile 2016

Barrile 2016: The colour is deep ruby. On the nose dark berries, black cherries, plums, and liquorice. In the mouth smooth, with well-integrated tannins and a fruity finish. The aftertaste is slightly bitter and doesn’t last long.

Barrile is made by Contini under the Isola dei Nuraghi IGT. It is a blend of (mainly) Nieddera, with Caddiu and other native varieties. Continue reading “Barrile 2016”

Maestro 2018

The colour is deep wild salmon. On the nose raspberries, strawberries and some ginger. In the mouth very savoury, but with a taste that reminds me of a candy, a trait that I personally don’t find very appealing. The aftertaste last for quite a bit.

Maestro is a Classic Method sparkling wine made 100% with Sorbara grapes. Sorbara is regarded as the best of the many Lambrusco clones. Continue reading “Maestro 2018”

Solaris Schloss Heidegg 2020

The colour is medium gold. On the nose pleasantly perfumed, with hazelnut, banana and white peach. In the mouth aromatic, with medium acidity. The aftertaste last for quite a while.

Solaris is a hybrid white wine variety grown mainly in Baden, a wine region of Germany, where it was developed in 1975. Its parent varieties are Merzling and the functionally named Gm 6493 (a crossing of Zarya Severa and Muscat Ottonel). Continue reading “Solaris Schloss Heidegg 2020”

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”

MV Gran Reserva 2017

The colour is deep purple. On the nose plums, blueberries, raspberries and some cinnamon. In the mouth warn, with well integrated tannins. The aftertaste fades away quickly.

This wine is made in Argentina with 100% Malbec grapes and on the back label is declared to “undergo 15 months aging in new French and American oak.” Given the wording, I wonder if the wine goes in the wood or the wood in the wine. Continue reading “MV Gran Reserva 2017”

Malvasia di Bosa Riserva 2012

The colour is medium amber. On the nose marzipan, dates and dried fruits under spirit. In the mouth sapid, warm and slightly bitter. The aftertaste last for quite a while.

According to the DOC rules, Malvasia di Bosa is made with at least 95% Malvasia di Sardegna grapes. In the case of this Riserva made by Emidio Oggianu, 100%. The wine is subject to ageing under the flor, a film of yeast that grows over the wine and protect it partially (but not totally) from oxidation. Continue reading “Malvasia di Bosa Riserva 2012”

Vin Jaune Château-Chalon 2012

The colour is medium gold, although the name would suggest a yellow. On the nose nuts, dried fruits and panettone. In the mouth good acidity and a prickly sensation. The aftertaste is savoury and very long.

Vin jaune is a special and characteristic type of white wine made in the Jura region of eastern France. It is similar to dry fino Sherry and gets its character from being matured in a barrel under a film of yeast, known as the voile, on the wine’s surface. Continue reading “Vin Jaune Château-Chalon 2012”

Gjola 2020

The colour is medium copper. On the nose it is not very expressive. My nose is hard pressed to distinguish some nectarines and red apples. In the mouth refreshing, with a pleasant peach aftertaste that last for a while.

This rosé wine is made 100% with Caricagiola grapes. The Caricagiola grape is a black grape variety widespread in Sardinia and is probably also native to it, in particular from the Gallura area. Continue reading “Gjola 2020”