Northern Rhône Syrah

Mid October I organised a tasting of Northern Rhône Syrah wines. I visited the region with my wife in Mai 2015. Back then I bought wines from the best denominations: Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage and Cornas. I let the bottles age in my cellar for six years and now I’ve decided to taste a couple with some friends. Continue reading “Northern Rhône Syrah”

Alter Ego de Palmer 2009

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose ripe black fruits, chocolate and mocha. In the mouth well integrated tannins and balanced. The aftertaste is elegant and last for very long. Very good wine, although I find this bottle less exciting than the one I tasted one year ago.

Alter Ego de Palmer is a second label (not a second wine) produced by Château Palmer since 1998. Continue reading “Alter Ego de Palmer 2009”

Trousseau 2018

The colour is pale ruby. On the nose, orange marmalade, lemon peel, cured meats, and ripe cheese. In the mouth, firm tannins and good acidity. The aftertaste is tasty, and last for a while.

This exemplar of varietal Trusseau is produced by Fruitière Vinicole de Pupillin, under the Arbois AOC. Pupillin is in the Jura department of France, on the hills between Burgundy and Switzerland. Continue reading “Trousseau 2018”

Merlot del Ticino 2010

2010 has been a very good year for Ticino wines. Back then I was just starting to get an appreciation of wine and was curious to see how the best products of my region would age. I therefore bought a few bottles of wines produced by three friends: Sassi Grossi made by Alfred De Martin (12 bottles), Rompidée made by Andrea and Giada Arnaboldi (12 bottles), and San Giorgio made by Mattia Bianda (6 bottles). Continue reading “Merlot del Ticino 2010”

Rayon 2019

The colour is medium straw. On the nose apricot, pear, melon, honey, and a hint of mountain herbs. In the mouth, refreshing, but not very tasty. The almond aftertaste is very discreet, but last for quite a while.

This wine is made with 100% Prié Blanc grapes by Cave Mont Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle under the denomination Vallée d’Aoste DOC Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle. Continue reading “Rayon 2019”

Savagnin 2017

The colour is deep gold. On the nose pears, nuts and curry. In the mouth well-balanced and tasty. The savoury taste last for a long aftertaste.

This wine is reminiscent of a Fino Sherry. In fact, it is aged for four years under a layer of yeasts, called “voile” in French.

It is advised to open a Savagnin that has aged “sous voile” at least four hours before tasting. Continue reading “Savagnin 2017”

Terre More dell’Ammiraglia Cabernet 2018

The colour is deep ruby. The nose is very appealing, with notes of currant, dried figs, and coffee, among others. In the mouth smooth and slightly fruity. At first the finish is a bit rough, but the aftertaste is pleasant and last for a while.

Terre More is produced by Frescobaldi under the Maremma Toscana DOC. Continue reading “Terre More dell’Ammiraglia Cabernet 2018”

Poggio del Cardinale 2019

The colour is pale gold. On the nose pineapple, apricot, golden apple, and some banana. In the mouth well balanced, smooth, with a tasty finish that last for a satisfying while.

This wine is produced by Antica Cantina Leonardi under the Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC, a white wine appellation situated northwest of Rome, near Lake Bolsena, in central Italy’s Lazio region. Continue reading “Poggio del Cardinale 2019”

Marie-Gabrielle 2019

The colour is deep purple. On the nose prunes and over-ripe blackberries, combined with wood and a hint of tobacco. In the mouth smooth, with drying fruity finish. The aftertaste is medium long.

This wine is produced by Domain Cazes under the Côtes du Roussillon denomination of southern France. Continue reading “Marie-Gabrielle 2019”

Leukersonne Cornalin 2016

The colour is deep purple. On the nose black cherries with a bit of blood. In the mouth juicy, with silky tannins. The aftertaste is fairly long and fruity.

Cornalin is the name given to two distinct, but related, red wine grape varieties from the Alps. One found in the Italian Aosta Valley: “Cornalin d’Aoste”, and one from the Swiss Canton of Valais: “Cornalin du Valais”. This wine is made with Cornalin du Valais grapes. Continue reading “Leukersonne Cornalin 2016”