Nerello 2015

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose very mature, jammy fruits. In the mouth smooth with a medium body. The aftertaste is medium long.

This Nerello Calabrese varietal wine is made by Senatore Vini in Cirò.

Nerello Calabrese is the name given on the Calabrian side of the Messina strait to Nerello Mascalese, a highly regarded, dark-skinned grape variety that grows most commonly on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Continue reading “Nerello 2015”

Duca Sanfelice 2020

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose red berries and clay pot. In the mouth pleasantly rustic. The aftertaste is medium long.

Duca Sanfelice is made by Librandi with Gaglioppo grapes under the denomination Cirò DOC Riserva Classico Superiore.

In Calabria there are 9 DOC regions: Bivongi DOC; Cirò DOC; Greco di Bianco DOC; Lamezia DOC; Melissa DOC; Anna di Isola; Capo Rizzuto DOC; Savuto DOC; Scavigna DOC; Terre di Cosenza DOC. Continue reading “Duca Sanfelice 2020”

Cirò Tenuta Iuzzolini 2021

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose tea and sour cherries. In the mouth light but smooth. The aftertaste is short.

This wine is made mainly with Gaglioppo grapes, under the denomination Cirò DOC of Calabria.

The origins of Gaglioppo are unclear. The traditional theory is that the variety arrived with Aglianico at the time of the ancient Greeks occupation of southern Italy (Magna Grecia). Continue reading “Cirò Tenuta Iuzzolini 2021”

Benvenuto Orange 2022

The colour is pale copper. On the nose candied orange peel, peach, apricot. In the mouth light. The aftertaste is short.

This orange wine is made with 100% Zibibbo grapes macerated for over 40 days. Only 500 bottles a year are produced.

Zibibbo’s “scientific” name is Muscat of Alexandria. As the name itself suggests, a grape variety that was already cultivated in ancient Egypt. Continue reading “Benvenuto Orange 2022”

Terra 2022

The colour is deep purple. On the nose cherries, blackberries and cinnamon. In the mouth light but pleasantly fruity. The aftertaste is short.

This red wine is made by Cantine Benvenuto under the Calabria Rosso IGP, which covers the entire region of Calabria.

Wines under this far-reaching wine denomination can by made with any proportions of red grape varieties approved for the region of Calabria. In this case, 60% Greco Nero and 40% Magliocco grapes. Continue reading “Terra 2022”

Amarone Riserva Quintarelli 2003

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose liquorice, tea leaves, black cherries, plumbs, chocolate. In the mouth filling, with a solid structure. Dense and concentrated. The aftertaste is very long.

Amarone Riserva Quintarelli is a blend of 55% Corvina, Croatina, Rondinella and Nebbiolo, 30% Sangiovese and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. After manual harvests, the grapes were placed on wooden crates in a well-aerated room. Continue reading “Amarone Riserva Quintarelli 2003”

Cima Riserva della Casa 2009

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose blackberries, liquorice, coffee. In the mouth fresh, but with a not so pleasant bitter finish. The aftertaste is short.

This Barbera del Monferrato Riserva Superiore DOGC, obtained from overripe grapes and aged in French oak tonneaux for 36 months, is made by Accornero.

Barbera del Monferrato Riserva Superiore was separated from the standard Barbera del Monferrato DOC in 2008 and promoted to the highest DOCG status. Continue reading “Cima Riserva della Casa 2009”

Camartina 2008

The colour is deep ruby, with garnet reflections. On the nose black cherries, plums, black tea, cinnamon. In the mouth well structured and balanced. The tannins are velvety. The aftertaste is very pleasant but not especially long.

This wine is made in Greve in Chianti by Querciabella. The estate’s signature Super Tuscan since 1981, Camartina is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Sangiovese. Some 18’000 bottles are produced each year. Continue reading “Camartina 2008”

Percristina 2005

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose dark cherries, mocha and tea leaves. In the mouth gripping tannins. For the rest lighter than you would expect. The aftertaste is savoury and medium long.

For this wine I had high expectations. Probably too high. The result has been disappointment. A good wine, but far from great. Continue reading “Percristina 2005”