The colour is pale straw for the first and medium ruby for the second. On the nose Il Bianco di Chiara gives very discreet mineral and citrusy sensations, Il Rosso di Chiara displays mainly oak aromas, with some blackberries. In the mouth the white is dominated by the oak, but in an elegant way. The aftertaste is pleasant, but not very long. The red has less structure than you would expect and seems fading, although it is only 4 years old. The aftertaste is not very long. Continue reading “Il Bianco di Chiara 2019 e Il Rosso di Chiara 2017”
Tag: Premium
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”
Cleos Anfora 2016
The colour is medium ruby. On the nose cherries and bay leaves. In the mouth fresh and easy to drink. With air exposure it evolves in the glass. The aftertaste is medium long. Overall an interesting wine and a pleasant drinking experience.
This wine is made in limited quantity (only 2’200 bottles are produced) by Agriloro, with Merlot grapes, and vinified in 1’700 litre Cocciopesto amphora. Continue reading “Cleos Anfora 2016”
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”
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”
Aleatico Passito dell’Elba 2016
The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity, with primary aromas of raisins, mulberries and blackberries. In the mouth savour of ripe grapes and a drying sensation that last in the medium long aftertaste.
Aleatico is an aromatic red grape variety thought to be native to Tuscany, but the vine may have been brought to Italy by the ancient Greeks. Its most famous expression is this sweet wine from Elba. Continue reading “Aleatico Passito dell’Elba 2016”
Syrah/Shiraz
Last week I hosted a wine tasting event at my home. Three other wine enthusiasts joined me to taste blindly four Syrah/Shiraz based wines.
Since everyone brought a bottle of his choice, we ended up without any Syrah from the Rhône Valley. Continue reading “Syrah/Shiraz”
Altos de la Finca 2014
The colour is deep purple. The nose has an herbal character, complemented by chocolate and dark cherries. In the mouth fresh, with round tannins and a long aftertaste of mocha, with hints of caramel.
Altos de la Finca is a blend of 60% Petit Verdot and 40% Syrah. It is aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. This explains the chocolate notes on the nose and the overpowering mocha sensation in the aftertaste. Continue reading “Altos de la Finca 2014”
Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Vidal-Fleury 2009
The colour is medium purple. At first the nose is dominated by animal musk. Fortunately, with some air it fades away and leaves space to more pleasant earthy notes and some prunes. In the mouth an explosion of savour characterises the final. An enjoyment that seems to finish abruptly, only to surprise a few seconds later by coming back for a long-lasting aftertaste rich in fruity sensations. Continue reading “Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde de Vidal-Fleury 2009”