Barrile 2016

Barrile 2016: The colour is deep ruby. On the nose dark berries, black cherries, plums, and liquorice. In the mouth smooth, with well-integrated tannins and a fruity finish. The aftertaste is slightly bitter and doesn’t last long.

Barrile is made by Contini under the Isola dei Nuraghi IGT. It is a blend of (mainly) Nieddera, with Caddiu and other native varieties. Continue reading “Barrile 2016”

Orfeo 2015

The colour is deep ruby, almost impenetrable. On the nose prune, blackcurrant, blackberry, cinnamon, nutmeg. All soaked in spirit. In the mouth good acidity and well-integrated tannins. Maybe slightly too alcoholic. The aftertaste is medium long.

Orfeo Riserva is made under the Colli Bolognesi DOC of eastern Emilia-Romagna (Italy). The DOC was introduced in 1975 and covers both red and white wines. Continue reading “Orfeo 2015”

1865

The colour is medium gold. The perlage is very subtle, almost fading. On the nose not much. The same in the mouth. At the entrance there is a disturbing effervescence, followed by marked acidity.

This wine is the most important Classic Method sparkling wine made by Conte Vistarino winery. It is produced with 100% Pinot Noir grapes from the 2014 vintage. Continue reading “1865”

Malvasia di Bosa Riserva 2012

The colour is medium amber. On the nose marzipan, dates and dried fruits under spirit. In the mouth sapid, warm and slightly bitter. The aftertaste last for quite a while.

According to the DOC rules, Malvasia di Bosa is made with at least 95% Malvasia di Sardegna grapes. In the case of this Riserva made by Emidio Oggianu, 100%. The wine is subject to ageing under the flor, a film of yeast that grows over the wine and protect it partially (but not totally) from oxidation. Continue reading “Malvasia di Bosa Riserva 2012”

Domain de Thalabert 2017

The colour is deep purple. On the nose blueberries, black olives, meat and liquorice. In the mouth it is full-bodied and rich, with fruit and ripe tannins on the lingering finish.

Produced entirely from Syrah grapes, Thalabert’s Crozes-Hermitage is vinified from 40-60-year-old vines. It is made by Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné, which in 2006 was bought by the Frey Group, which also owns vineyards in Champagne and Bordeaux (Château la Lagune). Continue reading “Domain de Thalabert 2017”

Vin Jaune Château-Chalon 2012

The colour is medium gold, although the name would suggest a yellow. On the nose nuts, dried fruits and panettone. In the mouth good acidity and a prickly sensation. The aftertaste is savoury and very long.

Vin jaune is a special and characteristic type of white wine made in the Jura region of eastern France. It is similar to dry fino Sherry and gets its character from being matured in a barrel under a film of yeast, known as the voile, on the wine’s surface. Continue reading “Vin Jaune Château-Chalon 2012”

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”

Imperial Reserva 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose attractive and complex, combining the fruit driven notes from the blend of varieties with those from the ageing in French and American oak barrels. Black cherries, plums, vanilla, cocoa powder, and some rosemary, among others. In the mouth well rounded, with depth and structure. Opulent and elegant, warm and fresh at the same time. A pleasantly sweet finish and a long and savoury aftertaste. Continue reading “Imperial Reserva 2016”

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”

Le Dix de Los Vascos 2016

The colour is deep ruby. The nose is dominated by tobacco leafs, cinnamon and nutmeg, with notes of saffron, cedar, and coffee. In the mouth the tannins are pleasant, but with a bitter finish. The aftertaste is not very long.

This wine was created in 1999 to commemorate the 10 years of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)’s work in Chile. Le Dix de Los Vascos originates from 70-year-old vines located in the terroir known as “El Fraile” of Colchagua Valley in Chile. Continue reading “Le Dix de Los Vascos 2016”