Culdrée 2012

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose blackberry jam, prunes and some balsamic notes. In the mouth smooth, with well-integrated tannins and a pleasant freshness. At first the aftertaste lacks the fruitiness perceived on the nose, but after some exposure to air the prunes show up.

Culdrée is made with Merlot grapes by Enrico Trapletti, who founded his winery in 1992. Continue reading “Culdrée 2012”

Tenimento dell’Ör Pinot Nero 2016

The colour is pale ruby. The nose is dominated by floral aromas of rose petal and geranium, accompanied by some cola. In the mouth it gives a drying sensation. The aftertaste reminds of red fruits and is fairly long.

This Pinot Noir is made by Agriloro, a winery located in the southern part of Switzerland that stands out for the wide variety of grapes it cultivates and vinifies in Ticino. Continue reading “Tenimento dell’Ör Pinot Nero 2016”

X

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose a bouquet of eucalyptus, tobacco, menthol and balsamic notes. In the mouth pleasantly lighter and fruitier than I was expecting, well balanced and with a savoury finish that let be enjoyed for quite a while.

This wine, named X, is as eclectic and unique as its producer. It is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Carminoir, Arinarnoa, Syrah and Merlot. Made out of three vintages: 2010, 2011 and 2013. Continue reading “X”

Costamagna 2013

It reminds me of a Mon Chéri, the famous single-wrapped chocolate, consisting of a “heart” of cherry floating in a liqueur and contained in a bittersweet chocolate shell.

In fact, although in a fairly discrete way, the 14.5% alcohol reveals itself from the first sniff, giving a sensation of fruits under spirit. The time spent in the barrique adds a clear chocolate flavour.  Continue reading “Costamagna 2013”

Trentasei 2009

8 November 2017

On the nose, the wood and the alcohol dominate the fruit. Some eucalyptus’ notes, but not much complexity. After a while more fruit shows up, but it soon fades away.

In the mouth less rich than you would expect from a wine made with grapes that get raisined before fermentation. The persistence is also disappointing. Continue reading “Trentasei 2009”

CAGI Monte Carasso 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”