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”

Aveleda Alvarinho 2019

The colour is medium straw. On the nose peach, citrus, and tropical fruits. In the mouth fresh, but also rich and well balance. The aftertaste is pleasant and last for quite a while.

Alvarinho is the Portuguese name of a green-skinned grape variety native of the north-western corner of the Iberian Peninsula. Continue reading “Aveleda Alvarinho 2019”

Faustino I 2009

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose dried berry fruits, spices, vanilla and balsamic notes. In the mouth flavourful and fresh, with a drying finish. The aftertaste last for a long while and reminds of cherries.

Faustino I is a blend of 80% Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo grapes, made in the Rioja wine region of Spain. It is released for sale after a minimum of 25 months aging in French and American oak barrels, and at least 3 years in the bottle. Continue reading “Faustino I 2009”

The Chocolate Block 2016

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose at first closed. With some air, dark berries and smoky notes show up. Despite the name, no chocolate whatsoever. In the mouth velvety and fruity, with an enjoyable drying finish. The aftertaste is pleasant, but short.

The Chocolate Block is a barrel-aged red wine made by Boekenhoutskloof winery in the Franschhoek Valley (“French corner” in Dutch), a broad vineyard-lined valley that has been producing wine since the 17th Century, when exiled French Huguenots brought their viticultural know-how to their new home in South Africa. Continue reading “The Chocolate Block 2016”

Bricco dell’Uccellone 2009 vs. Bricco della Bigotta 2009

Bricco dell’Uccellone has a medium garnet colour. On the nose at first an unpleasant smell of fish and cabbage. With some air, a more pleasant plumb and cinnamon aroma. In the mouth very rounded and smooth, with a medium long aftertaste.

Bricco della Bigotta also has a medium garnet colour. On the nose a much more pleasant aroma that reminds of chocolate, gingerbread, tiramisu and panettone. In the mouth a bit less rounded and smooth than Bricco dell’Uccellone, with a slightly less long aftertaste. Continue reading “Bricco dell’Uccellone 2009 vs. Bricco della Bigotta 2009”

Château Phélan Ségur 2009

The colour is deep ruby. Not showing any sign of ageing yet. On the nose dark cherries, plums, forest, and some chocolatey and smokey notes. In the mouth very elegant, with well-integrated tannins and a good acidity. The aftertaste is delicious and last for quite a while.

Château Phélan Ségur is located in the Saint-Estèphe region of Bordeaux. Continue reading “Château Phélan Ségur 2009”

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”