Kairós 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity (well matured dark fruits), with some herbs. In the mouth rich and savoury, with a lot of sensations, probably the result of using a wide variety of grapes. The aftertaste is medium long.

Kairos is made by blending an astonishing 16 grapes. Continue reading “Kairós 2016”

Rocca Guicciarda 2017

The colour is medium red. On the nose aroma of cherries, with light oaky notes. In the mouth good acidity and well-integrated tannins. The finish recalls the fruit perceived on the nose. The aftertaste is subtle, but medium long.

Rocca Guicciarda is produced by Barone Ricasoli, whose Castello di Brolio is one of the most important and historic Chianti Classico’s producing estates. Broglio Castle has been in the family’s ownership since 1141, but it was Bettino Ricasoli, who made it prominent. Continue reading “Rocca Guicciarda 2017”

Edizione Cinque Autoctoni 2017

The colour is deep purple. On the nose dark cherries, blackberries, pepper, leather and some menthol. In the mouth very filling, with a drying finish. The aftertaste is fruity and very long.

This is a big and powerful wine, which doesn’t surprise given the provenience and the blend. Edizione is made with Montepulciano, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Negroamaro and Malvasia grapes from two regions of southern Italy: Puglia and Abruzzo.

This wine was inspired by Hugh Johnson, one of the most famous wine journalists in the world, and produced by Farnese Vini, a leading wine export company in the South of Italy, with a production of over 24 million bottles.

Edizione 2017 has been awarded 99 points by Luca Maroni, an Italian wine critic, who I never heard about before (unlike Robert Parker, James Suckling or Jancis Robinson).

For this bottle I paid 17.40 CHF at LIDL, 38% off the original price of CHF 28.50. I have the impression that this wine is on sale most of the time, meaning that the real price is closer to 18 CHF than 28 CHF. At 18 CHF I find it delivers a very good price/quality ratio for consumers that like fruit bombs. For my taste this wine is a bit “tiring”. A kind of wine of which I enjoy the first glass much more than the third.

Country: Italy
Region: Puglia, Abruzzo
Grapes: Montepulciano, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Negroamaro, Malvasia
Type: Red
Vintage: 2017
Producer: Farnese Vini
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5

Le Difese 2018

The colour is deep ruby. Not much neither on the nose, where I barely detect some sour cherries, nor in the mouth, where I feel drying tannins and a bitter finish. The aftertaste is short.

Le Difese is made by Tenuta San Guido, the producer of the famous Sassicaia, first produced with the 1968 vintage. Le Difese is the third wine of the estate, first produced with the 2002 vintage. In between, the winery produces a second wine, labelled Guidalberto, first produced with the 2000 vintage. Continue reading “Le Difese 2018”

Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Fèlsina 2008

The colour is medium amber. On the nose nuts, dried fruits and honey. In the mouth rich and velvety. The aftertaste is subtle, but very long.

This Vin Santo is produced by Fèlsina, a winery dedicated to the production of good quality mono-varietals wines, made mainly with the indigenous Sangiovese grape, but also with international varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The winery is located at the border between the Chianti Classico DOCG and the Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG. Continue reading “Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Fèlsina 2008”

Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2015

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose very light aroma of red fruits: cherries with some strawberries and raspberries. In the mouth similar to a canoe: close to water. No aftertaste worth mentioning.

This wine is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, with some Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Riserva Ducale is an iconic brand of Chianti. It has seen almost 90 vintages. Continue reading “Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2015”

Val di Suga 2011

10 December 2017

Very pleasant and satisfying from the first sniff. Ripe and intense nose of predominantly red fruits. In the mouth soft texture, despite the firm tannins. Some orange like sensations. Smooth finish and pretty long aftertaste.

This Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Italy’s first DOCG, alongside Barolo) Continue reading “Val di Suga 2011”