Amarone Vigne Alte Zeni 2013

22 October 2017

Strong notes of mocha and black chocolate, both on the nose and in the mouth. Very good persistence, with a predominance of spirit soaked fruits, which doesn’t surprise, given the 15.5% alcohol typical for an “appassito” wine.

At around 30 CHF a bottle (at Coop), this is a fairly good Amarone. Continue reading “Amarone Vigne Alte Zeni 2013”

Sassicaia 2010

15 October 2017

On the nose smell of barnyard and dairy products, at first. With time some more pleasant undergrowth notes appear. In the mouth not much beside astringency, thin and absolutely disappointing.

Maybe still too young, maybe already past its prime, maybe not a very good vintage. Continue reading “Sassicaia 2010”

Ottagono 2013

17 September 2017

This Castel del Monte DOCG produced by Torrevento is officially priced at 24.30 CHF, but is currently selling for 16.50 CHF at Denner.

The wine is made with Nero di Troia grapes: Troia being the town of the Odyssey, where the grape supposedly originated from; Nero referring to the intense ruby color, almost black. Continue reading “Ottagono 2013”

Collezione 50 2012

13 August 2017

This Salento IGT produced by Cantine San Marzano is officially priced at 29.90 CHF, but is currently selling at both Denner and Otto’s for 17.50 CHF.

The wine is the enjoyable result of a blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo, the two main red grape varieties of Puglia. Rich in well matured, but not overripe, fruits. Continue reading “Collezione 50 2012”

Luccarelli Old Vines 2015

9 July 2017

From 60 years old vines. Powerful, fruity and fairly persistent. Unfortunately, it doesn’t suit my taste.

In my opinion the Primitivo grape has some clear limits on how far it can go in producing good wines. The very old vines make this Primitivo di Manduria special. Continue reading “Luccarelli Old Vines 2015”

Cesanese 2013

2 July 2017

Didn’t know this kind of grape existed till I visited Frascati a few months ago and discovered that it is an autoctone variety from Lazio. This one is a IGT, but there is also a Cesanese del Piglio DOCG (also from Lazio).

Didn’t have much expectations, given the general mediocrity of the Frascati, Continue reading “Cesanese 2013”