Tasting Notes of Wines around the World
29 October 2017
This Aglianico del Vulture presents itself with a nose dominated by blueberries. In the mouth tannins and alcohol dominate.
Neither is surprising, given the 14.5% alcohol content and the fact that the Aglianico grape is known for its tannins. Continue reading “Carato Venusio 2011”
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”
18 October 2017
Pleasant bouquet of tobacco, liquorice and plums. In the mouth smooth and elegant. Well-developed tannins and pleasant persistence.
A really nice left bank wine, that shows the clear superiority of the Bordeaux Crus over most of the world’s wine production. Continue reading “Château Barde-Haut 2001”
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”
10 September 2017
Pleasant black cherry, plum, mocha and herbaceous notes on the nose. In the mouth smooth, rounded and easy to drink. Good persistence.
This mid-range (26 CHF) Merlot from the Ronchi around Bellinzona offers a decent price/quality ratio. Unfortunately this is not often the case with the Merlot del Ticino. Continue reading “CAGI Monte Carasso 2013”
27 August 2017
A refreshing white wine made with Petit and Gros Manseng grapes cultivated in one of the smallest AOC of France, around the town of Irouléguy, in the basque area of France (close to the border with Spain).
A very pleasant wine with a vibrant natural acidity. Continue reading “Domaine Abotia 2016”
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”
6 August 2017
I received this late harvest Vermentino di Gallura as a present. I didn’t it know it, but I hear it is widely praised and judged as one of the best in its class.
The nose makes me build up expectations: it is very appealing. Continue reading “Sciala 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”
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”