Showing posts with label italy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label italy. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedSunday, March 17, 2024

Clemente VII Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2019 (Tuscany) - Wine Review



red wine review is a lovely Gran Selezione Chianti Classico from Tuscany that arrived at the LCBO yesterday in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the 2019 Castelgreve Riserva Chianti Classico I enjoyed last month, this red wine is produced by Castelli del Grevepesa, a modern co-operative winery that has a history which is deeply intertwined with the rich winemaking heritage of the Chianti Classico wine region of Tuscany, Italy.

Castelli del Grevepesa was established in 1965 by visionary Sir Armando Nunzi and an initial group of seventeen winegrowers as one of Italy's first co-operative wineries. Together, they recognized the potential of pooling their resources and generations of know-how to produce wine collectively. By coming together, the group of small-scale growers were able to safeguard and maintain the age-old tradition of Tuscany winegrowing. In the co-operative model, individual vineyard growers maintain their own autonomy in the vineyard, while benefiting from shared facilities, including equipment, and sharing knowledge.

Over the years, Castelli del Grevepesa experienced steady growth to become Chianti Classico's largest family today, with over 120 associate growers. Situated in the heart of Chianti Classico, they use modern and innovative winemaking techniques and technologies to improve the quality and achieve greater efficiency when producing their wines. Castelli del Grevepesa is dedicated to crafting high-quality wines that represent the essence of the Chianti Classico wine region, while also upholding the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship to preserve the land for future generations. With a great passion and love for their land, Castelli del Grevepesa's mission is to produce wines of high quality at affordable prices.

This red wine is from Grevepesa's Clemente VII range, which celebrates a member of the famous Florentine Medici family - Giulio de' Medici - who became Pope Clemente VII in the year 1523. Giulio lived in Campoli, within the Chianti Classico region where Castelli del Grevepesa produces their wines today.

Gran Selezione is a relatively new type of Chianti Classico. It was introduced in 2014 and is at the top of the qualitative pyramid of the Chianti Classico denomination. Crafted with 100% Sangiovese, this red wine was grown in Grevepesa's vineyards in Campoli, within the municipality of San Casciano in Val di Pesa, in the Chianti Classico appellation of Tuscany. The vines where this Sangiovese was grown are planted on hills rising up from the alluvial plateau with geological formations of Sillano and Alberese stones. Trained using the Guyot, spurred cordon vine training system, the vines now average 20 to 30 years old. The grapes were harvested from the end of September to the beginning of October by hand, only selecting the best grapes. To vinify this wine, the grapes were gently crushed, fermented in stainless steel tanks with maceration on the skins for 15 days at a thermostatically controlled temperature of a maximum of 28°C. It underwent malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks, followed by ageing in Slavonian oak cask for 24 months, and at least another 6 months in bottle for further refining.

While it is difficult to generalize the growing season in Chianti Classico, 2019 was comparatively easier than the two prior years as it was much drier with no humidity, but avoided drought and heat spikes. The productive vintage resulted in both high quantity and quality, as well as a later harvest into October that is very good for the late-ripening Sangiovese grape varietal. Overall, 2019 is an excellent vintage that will enhance the characteristic features of the Sangiovese grape and the many facets of such a widely varied area in soil diversity and microclimates. Let's see how this 2019 Gran Selezione Chianti Classico is tasting tonight...

Clemente VII Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2019 (91+ pts)

Tasting Note:

CLEMENTE VII GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - Sustainable, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#573493) (XD) - $35.95
100% Sangiovese. Elegantly refined, open, and pretty aromatics of pure red cherry, sweet spices, cinnamon, and rose floral notes with a hint of orange layered savoury forest floor aromas. On the chewy, medium-full bodied palate it delivers spicy, savoury earth, dark red cherry, forest herbs, and chocolate flavours. It has very good, juicy, well-balanced, and lightly tangy acidity, while the tannins are smooth and refined, with good structure. Savoury, earthy, and chocolate notes linger on the long, classy finish. Should drink nicely over the next 6-8 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Other lovely wines by Castelli del Grevepesa are available not only at the LCBO, but also through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.




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  • Date publishedSunday, March 3, 2024

Brancaia N°2 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent, organic Cabernet Sauvignon from the Maremma Toscana DOC in Italy that arrived at the LCBO this weekend as part of the feature on Italian Women in Wine in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Brancaia, a prominent and modern estate winery that was revived in 1981 when the Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer fell in love with each other and purchased an abandoned winery on the Brancaia hill in Castellina in Chianti. There were four hectares of vineyards on the site, and with their location on a hill they thought it should be possible to produce first-class wine here that reflects the character of the region. The Widmer family was able to move forward with the production of quality wine and the infrastructure and know-how of the Mazzei family.

In 1986, the family winery gained recognition at an important 1983 vintage Chianti Classico tasting and international acclaim followed soon thereafter. The success of the winery led to expansion in Radda in Chianti in 1989. In 1998, the Widmer's acquired 82 hectares of land facing the Mediterranean Sea (only 10 kilometres away) in the Maremma, within the territory of the municipality of Grosseto, to establish Brancaia in Maremma. Like their other estates, Brancaia planted vineyards in Maremma that were surrounded by forests and, thus, protected it from any spray from their neighbours.

While the Swiss couple laid the foundation stone, Brancaia has long been in the hands of the second generation of the Widmer family. Today, the family business is run by Barbara Widmer, daughter of Brigitte & Bruno. Living on the estate since the 1990s, Barbara took part in her first harvest in 1993, and began studying oenology in Switzerland in 1995. She is supported by the whole family, including the 3rd generation, who is now also involved in smaller tasks, but getting more and more involved every day. For example, her daughter, Nina, helps out with social media activities, while her son, Nicolas, likes to help out in the Osteria’s kitchen.

Brancaia is a top-producer of high-quality, organic wines. Since 1982, only a year after their founding, Brancaia has been cultivating organic viticulture because their vineyards on Brancaia hill were always completely surrounded by forest, and they never had to be concerned that spray from their neighbours would reach Brancaia. All the wines are vinified at Brancaia in cellars and a logistics centre that meets the highest standards. The Widmer family values traditions and feels a strong connection to Tuscany, while also not being afraid to break new ground. Since day one, Brancaia has been producing top-quality wines typical of the region and without compromise. While they are proud of what they have achieved so far, the Widmer family has a drive to keep developing.

First produced in 2015, the "N°2" is the little brother to their flagship Ilatraia wine from Maremma. It is crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that was grown exclusively in their vineyards in Maremma and is classified as a Maremma Toscana DOC wine, a relatively new appellation that was elevated to DOC status in 2011. The vineyards where this Cabernet Sauvignon was grown are planted on sandy loamy soil, with two-thirds sand and one-third silt and clay, and situated between 75 and 175 metres above sea level with a southwest exposure to the sun. The climate in this area is mediterranean with very hot summers and very mild winters. There are also massive differences between day and nighttime temperatures, as well as a nearly constant coastal breeze from the sea in the west that assures continuous ventilation of the vineyards. To craft this wine, the grapes were hand-picked and spontaneously fermented using cultivated yeast at 28°C, with up to 18 days of must contact. It was matured for 12 months in used tonneaux, followed by further ageing for a few months in bottle.

From a good-to-excellent vintage, let's see how this 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany is tasting tonight...

Brancaia N°2 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (92 pts)

Tasting Note:

BRANCAIA N°2 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - DOC Maremma Toscana, Italy (#28451) (XD) - $33.95
This organic 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose that is ripe with black cherry, red currant, cassis, and Doris plum aromas accented with savoury whiffs of earth and reductive notes. On the medium-full bodied, well-structured palate it has ripe and spicy flavours of black cherry, red currant, plum, forest herbs, mineral, and wet earth with touches of iron. It is juicy with crisp acidity and ripe, well-structured tannins that have some youthful grip. Savoury minerals linger on the long, grippy, well-structured finish. Enjoyable now, but will reward with a few years in the cellar. Drink over the next 8-10 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Minimal quantities of other fine wines by Brancaia can be found at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedThursday, February 29, 2024

March 2, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Italian Women in Wine

LCBO Wine Picks: March 2, 2024 VINTAGES New Release Collection
Here's my top wine picks from the March 2, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection which is titled "Women in Wine - Italian Tastemakers". There are 89 wines included in this release, which also includes a selection of Online & Flagship Exclusives. In keeping with what seems to be the trend of the year, the number of wines in each release does seem to be smaller than in the past. Having said that, it is a very good release with many lovely wines to add to your collection. All the wines in this release should be available for purchase by this Saturday.

The feature of this release focuses on twenty-one Italian women in wine. There are thirteen wines as part of the theme, and four are included among my top wine picks. At the top of the list is the pioneering Donatella Cinelli Colombini and her Brunello di Montalcino that is crafted with 100% Sangiovese. There is also an organic Cabernet Sauvignon from Tuscany by Barbara Widmer, who uses a terroir-driven approach and is the daughter of the founders of Brancaia. Chiara Lungarotti and Teresa Severini are the daughters of Giorgio Lungarotti, and they bring us a lovely white blend that is composed of 50% Vermentino, 30% Grechetto, and 20% Trebbiano. And lastly, the white wine from Sicily is predominantly Lucido (a synonym for Catarratto), by Gabriella Anca Rallo, who founded Donnafugata with her husband.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino 2018 (93+ pts)Brancaia N°2 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (92 pts)

Lungarotti Torre di Giano Bianco di Torgiano Vermentino / Grechetto / Trebbiano 2022 (90 pts)

The blends among my red wine recommendations include a red wine from the spectacular 2020 NIagara vintage that is composed of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Syrah, while the red wine from Spain is crafted with 70% Monastrell, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Portuguese red is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Barroca, while the Roussillon red is made of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan. The other red wines are all single-varietal wines, including the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico that is made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso.

Kacaba Cabernet/Syrah 2020 (90 pts)El Goru Gold Monastrell / Syrah / Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (89 pts)

Among my white wine picks from the rest of the release, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of roughly equal parts Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Picpoul, while the wine from Croatia is composed of 70% Pošip, 20% Chardonnay, and 10% Vugava. White wines from Bordeaux are usually blends, including the Lagarde Blanc that is 60/40 Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, but the Savas Cuvée Eva is actually made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The Riesling from Australia is crafted in a dry style, while the delectably sweet fortified wine from Greece is made with White Muscat.

Les Hauts de Lagarde Blanc 2022 (89 pts)Samos Vin Doux White Muscat (90+ pts)

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release. Cin cin!

Red Wine:

  • EL GORU GOLD MONASTRELL / SYRAH / CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Vegan, DOP Jumilla, Spain (#13621) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES GRENACHE / CARIGNAN / SYRAH 2020 - AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France (#119354) (XD) - $19.95
  • ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC 2022 - Sustainable, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#723478) (XD) - $20.95
  • CRASTO 2020 - Vegan, DOC Douro, Portugal (#81588) (XD) - $21.95
  • CASAS DEL BOSQUE GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2022 - Sustainable, Valle del Cachapoal, Chile (#36166) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
  • KACABA CABERNET / SYRAH 2020 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#26424) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
  • BRANCAIA N°2 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - DOC Maremma Toscana, Italy (#28451) (XD) - $33.95  92 pts  wine review
  • BABICH WINEMAKERS' RESERVE SYRAH 2017 - Single vineyard, estate grown and bottled, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#32412) (XD) - $36.95  FE  91+ pts  wine review
  • BIBBIANO VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#32287) (XD) - $49.95
  • DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $73.95  93+ pts  wine review
Babich Winemakers' Reserve Syrah 2017 (91+ pts)Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Carmenère 2022 (89 pts)

White Wine:

  • WAPISA PATAGONIA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina (#36181) (XD) - $17.95
  • LUNGAROTTI TORRE DI GIANO BIANCO DI TORGIANO VERMENTINO / GRECHETTO / TREBBIANO 2022 - DOC, Umbria, Italy (#268110) (XD) - $17.95  90 pts  wine review
  • DONNAFUGATA ANTHÌLIA BIANCO 2022 - Sustainable, DOC Sicilia, Italy (#195115) (XD) - $18.95
  • LES HAUTS DE LAGARDE BLANC 2022 - Vegan, AC Bordeaux, France (#387787) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • DOMÄNE WACHAU TERRASSEN FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER 2022 - Sustainable, Qualitätswein, Austria (#31534) (XD) - $19.95
  • STINA CUVÉE WHITE 2022 - PDO Central and South Dalmatia, Croatia (#32035) (XD) - $19.95
  • SAVAS CUVÉE EVA 2020 - AC, Bordeaux, France (#35368) (XD) - $21.95
  • MITCHELL WATERVALE RIESLING 2022 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#487785) (XD) - $21.95
  • PAPAGIANNAKOS ASSYRTIKO 2022 - Vegan, PGI Attica, Greece (#33260) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • DOMAINE CHANTE CIGALE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 2022 - AP, Rhône, France (#102962) (XD) - $48.95  FE
Papagiannakos Assyrtiko 2022 (90+ pts)

Fortified:

  • SAMOS VIN DOUX WHITE MUSCAT - PDO Samos, Greece (#44578) (S) - $15.95  90+ pts  wine review


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  • Date publishedMonday, February 26, 2024

Castelgreve Riserva Chianti Classico 2019 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely Riserva Chianti Classico from Tuscany that arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Castelli del Grevepesa, a modern co-operative winery that was established in the Chianti Classico wine region of Tuscany in 1965 by visionary Sir Armando Nunzi and an initial group of 17 winegrowers. Situated in Greve in Chianti, the co-operative model allowed small growers to pool their resources to collectively make wines. Castelli del Grevepesa was one of Italy's first co-operative wineries.

Today, Castelli del Grevepesa is Chianti Classico's largest family with over 120 associate growers. Together, they promote the land, while also safeguarding and maintaining the age-old tradition of Tuscan winegrowing. As many of these growers are small, family-owned farms that have been handed down along ancestral lines for generations, the long-established knowledge and traditions are still transferred from one generation to the next. As a co-operative, they also share knowledge and use modern and innovative production methods and techniques to craft their wines. With passion and love for their land, Castelli del Grevepesa's mission is to produce wines of high quality at affordable prices.

This red wine is from Castelli del Grevepesa's historical line of wines named Castelgreve, a collection of wines that have been produced since the 1970s and whose name is derived from the company's full name. The Castelgreve collection of wines reflects the winery's dedication to crafting high-quality wines which represent the essence of the Chianti Classico region. Like the 2018 Castelgreve Riserva Chianti Classico that I enjoyed about a year and a half ago, this red wine is crafted mainly with Sangiovese (min. 80% as per the regulations), plus other permitted varieties. After hand-harvesting the grapes with individual grape selection, it was fermented at a controlled temperature. It was matured for a minimum of 24 months in oak barrels, followed by further refinement for 3 months in bottle.

While 2018 was a challenging vintage, 2019 was a comparatively easy ride as it was much drier with no humidity, as well as without the drought and heat spikes of 2017. Quantity and quality is high across the region, with an excellent vintage that will enhance the characteristic features of the Sangiovese grape and the many facets of such a widely varied area in rich soil diversity and microclimates. Let's see how this 2019 Riserva Chianti Classico from Tuscany is tasting tonight...

Castelgreve Riserva Chianti Classico 2019 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

CASTELGREVE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - Sustainable, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#344416) (XD) - $23.95
Crafted mainly with Sangiovese, the medium+ to medium-high intensity nose offers enticing red and black cherry, spices, cedar wood, wet earth, and baking spice aromas. It's medium+ bodied and dry with elegant red and black cherry, and savoury wet earth flavours accented with oak spice, cedar, and forest floor notes. It has fresh, juicy acidity and while the grainy textured tannins have some tannic grip. There's a touch of graphite minerality on the mid-palate which lingers through to the savoury, smoky, long, and juicy finish. Best enjoyed over the next 4-5 years and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Castelli del Grevepesa are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, February 24, 2024

Bertani Catullo Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2019 (Veneto) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore from Veneto that arrived at the LCBO as the Wine of the Month in last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the excellent 2020 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena that I loved last month, this red wine is produced by Cantine Bertani. Situated in the heart of Veneto, Cantine Bertani has a long and storied history that began in the mid-19th century. It was established in Valpantena in 1857 by Gaetano and his brother Giovan Battista Bertani, after Gaetano returned from Burgundy, where he learned from his friend and well-known winemaker Jules Guyot about the most modern techniques in viticulture and winemaking.

Today, one of Cantine Bertani's most essential values is to remain coherent with their authentic identity. With more than 150 years of winemaking history, Bertani is recognizable for its identity and wines with a clear and unmistakable stylistic profile. The path for Bertani has always focused on wines of a territory, even when method is guiding them. While the path of territory can be difficult at times, it does build relationships and has led to countless numbers of happy customers. The values of Respect, Coherence, and Patience are the foundation of the company and remain solid and strong today. To continue to perpetuate their style, Bertani uses innovation as respect for tradition - meaning that they respect what has been done and, at the same time, re-evaluate it every day in order to assure quality worthy of their potential and reputation.

The grapes for this red wine come from Tenuta Novare, within the Valpolicella Classica zone. Valpolicella is embraced by the warm air from Lake Garda to the west and the cool breezes from Monti Lessini from the north and east. The geological structure of Valpolicella's soil has been influenced by both the Adige River to the south and Alpine glaciers to the north. Moreover, the valley landscapes fan out from Monti Lessini and slope down into the Veronese plains. As such, the soils have great diversity - basalt soils, marine gravel, limestone and clay mixtures, red and white limestone - which benefits a great variety of wines.

From Bertani's Tradition range of wines - which only consists of an Amarone della Valpolicella Classico and this wine - this Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is crafted using 70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella, with all the fruit grown at their Tenuta Novare Estate in Arbizzano di Negrar. The vineyards are planted on marl-limestone soil with clay deposits and trained using the Double Guyot system, with the vines averaging 20 years old. It is crafted using the ripasso method of double fermentation. In the ripasso method, the first fermentation turns the must into basic Valpolicella, while the second fermentation was triggered in March by adding slightly sweet skins left over from Amarone Classico production. It was aged for 12 months in 75 hectolitre French oak barrels, followed by a year in 100 hectolitre concrete vats. The wine was matured further by spending at least 6 months in bottle prior to release.

The 2019 growing season began with a cool and rainy spring, along with the coolest temperatures that April and May have seen in the last 30 years. It was followed by a hot and dry March. Summer was very hot, with heat waves reaching 38°C at the end of June and into July. While drought conditions marked June, hailstorms took place in July and August, with temperatures returning to normal in early August and throughout September. From a very good to excellent vintage, let's see how this 2019 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is tasting tonight...

Bertani Catullo Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2019 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

BERTANI CATULLO VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2019 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#17777) (XD) - $26.95
Blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella. The elegant and refined nose of medium-high intensity has attractive red berry, cherry, strawberry aromas followed by sweet and savoury spice, and sandalwood notes. On the medium+ bodied palate it is well-structured and dry with red and dark red cherry, strawberry, earthy spices, and white pepper flavours. Although quite pale in colour for this style of wine, it has very good structure with some grip to the gently chalky tannins. Very good acidity. Lovely cherry, strawberry, and earthy notes are joined by mineral touches on the long, crisp finish. Still feels quite young. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 91 pts

Fine wines by Bertani can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, February 7, 2024

Attems Pinot Grigio 2022 (Friuli) - Wine Review

white wine review is a lovely Pinot Grigio from DOC Friuli in northeastern Italy that returned to the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Attems, an estate winery with a dynasty that dates as far back as 1106 with documentation that confirms ownership of the land dedicated to viticulture in Collio. Synonymous with the history of wine in Friuli Venezia Giulia, there are also general ledgers from 1764 for the production of Ribolla Gialla and Refosco wines.

With a thousand years of tradition, Attems has become a local reference point with Count Douglas Attems as the key protagonist. It was Douglas that founded the Consorzio dei Vini del Collio in 1964, the third (in chronological terms) Consorzio founded in Italy and the first in the Friuli wine region. The story of Attems is interwoven with history from the Patriarchate of Aquileia to the County of Gorizia, from the First World War to the present day. As the area is particularly suited to viticulture, Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of Italy's leading grape-growing regions.

Today, Attems is situated in the Collio Goriziano, in the far eastern part of northern Italy, with 44 hectares of south-facing terraced slopes to the west of Gorizia. This unique territory is protected from the cold northern winds and the characteristic “bora” wind of Trieste. The estate is surrounded by nature that is unspoiled and rich in biodiversity, important factors in the cultivation of grape vines. The microclimate of the territory has three distinctive features - the diversity of the three types of soils, diurnal temperature fluctuations and summers that are not excessively hot, and the refractive sunlight from the Adriatic coast a mere 15 kilometres from the vineyards that provides optimal ripening conditions. The philosophy at Attems is to create wines that are an expression of the territory, and with no intervention.

In 2000, Attems was acquired by the renowned Frescobaldi family, and with a fascinating past and an accomplished present, the future will be filled with innovation. With the Frescobaldi family at the helm, they continue to pursue Attems tradition with great respect for the estate's distinctive characteristics.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Pinot Grigio that was grown in vineyards located between the plains and slopes in the Province of Gorizia, at the far eastern edge of Friuli Venezia Giulia, at an average of 60 metres above sea level. The vineyard age averages 20 years old and is planted on soil that is composed of Eocene sandstone, which was formed when the sea bed lifted 50 million years ago, naturally moist clay-rich soil, and deep soil with many pebbles. The grapes were hand-harvested from the last ten days of August to the beginning of September and gently pressed upon arrival at the winery. The juice was left to decant for 24 to 48 hours and then began its alcoholic fermentation at low temperatures in mainly steel containers, and 10% in barriques. After fermentation, the wine was aged on its noble lees.

The growing season in 2022 began with a dry winter, with little rainfall and mild temperatures. Attems delayed the opening of the buds by about 10 days (compared to local averages) by using late pruning techniques. Spring was characterized by mild temperatures and generally good weather, which ensured constant vegetation growth. The Pinot Grigio grapes reached full bloom on around May 25, which was much earlier than the previous two vintages, while the summer heat in June and July was mitigated by some beneficial rain, which allowed the grapes to head into August without an excessive water imbalance. The Pinot Grigio bunches were relatively sparse, and harvest was carried out over as many days as possible, which allowed for a good balance between sugar content and acidity in the must. Within the first few days of fermentation, the must was already releasing some excellent aromas. Let's see how this 2022 Pinot Grigio from Friuli is tasting tonight...

Attems Pinot Grigio 2022 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO 2022 - DOC Friuli, Italy (#707950) (XD) - $19.95
Elegantly aromatic with a medium-high intensity nose of lemon peel, citrus, melon, tropical fruit, orange, floral, and mineral aromas with a tinge of honey. It is impressively concentrated on the dry, medium+ bodied palate with lovely ripe citrus, grapefruit, honey, yellow floral and spice flavours. It has a very nicely textured mouthfeel and fresh acidity. Balanced and intriguing with leesy mineral and spice notes lingering on the long, gently sticky, and dry finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

While only a small quantity of the fabulous Attems Cicinis is available at the LCBO, the full portfolio of wines by Attems can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, January 24, 2024

Orestiadi Ludovico 2008 (Sicily) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon that I purchased nearly a decade ago from the LCBO VINTAGES Release. Of course, it is long sold out by now, but you can grab the latest vintage of this wine (link in product code below) as it arrived in LCBO VINTAGES late last year, with some bottles still available for purchase now.

Orestiadi Ludovico 2008 (91+ pts)

Tasting Note:

ORESTIADI LUDOVICO 2008 - IGT Rosso Sicilia, Italy (#388645) (XD) - $19.95
This blend of Nero d'Avola and Cabernet Sauvignon pours a deep garnet colour. Lovely, medium-high intensity bouquet of dried floral, dried & stewed dark berry, savoury wet earth, and sweet spice aromas. It's medium-full bodied and dry with smooth, fine-grained tannins that are resolving nicely and with very good acidity. Flavours are savoury with wet earth, forest floor, and woody flavours, plus touches of desiccated dark berry, violet, and dark plum. Still quite composed and balanced, with just a touch of warmth and some chalky grip on the mid-palate. Earthy and savoury, with some stewed dark berry notes on the satisfyingly long finish. Aging nicely and should continue to drink well over the next few years. Score: 91+ pts


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  • Date publishedSaturday, January 20, 2024

Fazi Battaglia Passerina 2022 (Marche) - Wine Review

white wine review is a lovely wine crafted with the ancient and indigenous Passerina grape varietal. It is brand new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across Ontario today as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Fazi Battaglia, a winery that was formed in 1949 by the union of two families - Fazi and Battaglia. It was founded in a small cellar in the town of Cupramontana, in the Province of Ancona, within the region of Marche, but grew into an historical wine brand only a few years later after the Angelini family got involved. In particular, it was the efforts of Francesco Angelini, founder of a pharmaceutical company and mayor of Ancona.

Angelini and Fazi Battaglia are known for their Verdicchio wines that are bottled in an amphora-shaped bottle which was inspired by ancient Etruscan containers. In the 1950s, this uniquely shaped bottle would make the little-known Verdicchio immediately recognizable, as well as be an image that would be linked not only to the winery, but also to a grape variety and the whole territory. Investments in improving the vineyard quality and a strong belief in Verdicchio also played an important role in the success of the grape, the winery, and the wine-producing region of Marche.

Today, Fazi Battaglia is back in the hands of the Angelini family as they pursue the road towards quality and innovation that they started in the 1950s. They are also taking on the role of great interpreter of the authentic identity of Italian winemaking. The philosophy at Fazi Battaglia is focused on respect for territorial suitability and promoting the identity of native varieties with transparency and precise production. The winery facility has been completely renovated, while retaining the original external architecture. In the cellar, the new smaller tanks will allow Fazi Battaglia to separate batches to enhance differences in soil, clonal selection, and vineyard exposure. With integrity and transparency, research and innovation, and exploring new production methods, Fazi Battaglia always remains anchored in tradition. While Fazi Battaglia is committed to promoting the Marche territory and synonymous with Verdicchio, they also produce wines using other Italian varieties.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Passerina, an ancient and indigenous grape variety grown traditionally and primarily in the central Italian wine region of Marche. The small grapes grow in medium-to-large clusters and are considered a high-yielding variety. For this wine, the Passerina grapes were grown on sunny hillside vineyards in Marche and picked by hand. After undergoing cold maceration in the press, the grapes were softly pressed and then fermented in steel tanks. It was aged on its fine lees for 4 months and then bottled. Let's see how this Passerina from Marche is tasting tonight...

Fazi Battaglia Passerina 2022 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

FAZI BATTAGLIA PASSERINA 2022 - IGT Marche, Italy (#36275) (XD) - $16.95
100% Passerina. The lovely, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose is quite complex and evolving in the glass with delicate mineral, lemon citrus, peach, apricot, and stone fruit aromas, plus spice and herbal notes. It has good weight on the dry, medium+ bodied and fleshy palate with ripe, lightly honeyed flavours of lemon citrus, peach, stone fruit, and melon flecked with leesy minerality. It has a finely textured mouthfeel, along with juicy well-balanced acidity. Leesy mineral notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

The Verdicchio by Fazi Battaglia is available at the LCBO, while other fine wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSunday, January 14, 2024

Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena 2020 (Veneto) - Wine Review

red wine review is an excellent Amarone della Valpolicella that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Cantine Bertani, an Italian winery situated in the heart of Veneto with a long and storied history that began in the mid-19th century. It was established in Valpantena in 1857 by the Bertani brothers - Gaetano and Giovan Battista - after Gaetano returned from Burgundy where he learned from his friend and well-known winemaker Jules Guyot about the most modern techniques in viticulture and winemaking.

In 1860, inspired by the modern French winemaking techniques, Bertani introduced a revolutionary dry style of wine at a time when the sweet Recioto was the everyday wine in Valpolicella, and a decade later Bertani was awarded internationally for its premium quality wines and innovative winemaking techniques. In 1889, the Veronese Academy of Agriculture awarded a gold medal to Bertani for its exceptional wines, while in the same year a Symposium was held by a group of specialists to discuss the Secco-Bertani winemaking process to create dry table wines. The early years of the 20th century had Bertani linked to royalty, while 1958 marked a turning point as Bertani produced their first Amarone della Valpolicella Classico using the natural appassimento method.

The core values at Bertani are based on respect, coherence, and patience. These values are the foundation of their 150-year history - respect for their own territory, stylistic coherence that has never flirted with easy production options, and the patience required to produce an iconic wine like Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. At Bertani, perpetuating a style has never sufficed. As such, they are always using innovation as respect for tradition - meaning that they respect what has been done and, at the same time, re-evaluating it every day in order to assure quality worthy of their potential and reputation. Further developments over the years, including a focus on territory, led to the introduction of single vineyard Amarone della Valpolicella wines.

A territory only has value if one is able to fully express its full potential. The Veronese zone is a varied territory with a long oenological tradition that is known as one of the most prestigious wine regions in Italy. Historically, Bertani has always believed in the individual territories of the Veronese zone, from Valpolicella Classico to Valpantena, from Soave to Lugana, and used an approach that is respectful to both the vineyard and the cellar to develop a style that has been rethought over the years, thus staying up-to-date and modern, without ever compromising.

This Amarone is from Bertani's Territory range of wines. It is crafted with 80% Corvina Veronese and 20% Rondinella, with the fruit grown in the Valpantena territory, which is located in the northeast of Verona. Valpantena is a pre-alpine valley at the heart of the Monti Lessini mountain range and has been known since ancient times for its fertile soil, as well as being rich in iron and calcareous marl. The name Valpantena means "Valley of the Gods", and is derived from the pantheon built at the entrance of the valley. The wine comes from vineyards that feature marl-limestone soil on the eastern slope of the valley and clay-limestone soil on the western slope. The vines average 15 to 20 years old and were trained using the Guyot and Pergola systems. To craft this wine, the grapes were dried in drying rooms at the winery located in Grezzana. It was fermented with a long maceration time on the skins to extract fruit notes, followed by ageing in a combination of 30, 54, and 75 hectolitre barrels for 24 months, and underwent further maturation in bottle for 6 months.

The 2020 growing season was a warm vintage that produced bright fruit and acidity, along with excellent concentration and elegant tannins. Let's see how this 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella is tasting tonight...

Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Valpantena 2020 (93 pts)

Tasting Note:

BERTANI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA VALPANTENA 2020 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#568741) (D) - $57.95
Blend of 80% Corvina Veronese and 20% Rondinella. The nose takes some coaxing to reveal itself at this stage with intriguing red & black cherry, blackberry, and spice aromas followed by hints of cocoa, cinnamon, tobacco leaf, and floral. It is medium-full to full-bodied on the dry, rich, and warming palate with lovely and complex black cherry, savoury spice, cinnamon, blackberry, floral, plum, oak spice, tobacco leaf flavours. Acids are crisp, juicy and succulent, while the smooth, refined, and well-structured tannins have a touch of grip. Cherry notes taper to minerals on the long, crisp finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy now or over the next 15+ years. Score: 93 pts

Only small quantities of other fine wines by Bertani are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, January 9, 2024

Josh Cellars Prosecco (Italy) - Wine Review

sparkling wine review is a delicious and relatively new Prosecco from Italy that is available not only at the LCBO, but also should be available at grocery stores across Ontario. Although I haven't checked the latest pricing at grocery stores, it is on clearance at the LCBO right now with a savings of $4.50.

It is produced by Josh Cellars, a wine brand that was established in California by Joseph Carr in 2007 as a tribute to his dad, Josh, and to honour all that his father had done for him. Josh was a lumberjack by trade who also served in the U.S. Army and volunteered as a local firefighter. Josh worked hard and instilled the values of dedication and perseverance in his twin children, Joseph and Lisa. These values drove Joseph to create Josh Cellars, and with hard work and commitment to ensure that the wines are well-balanced, delicious, and crafted to exacting standards, while also representing the best of California.

Today, Josh Cellars is one of a number of brands owned by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. The wines of Josh Cellars are made up of 11 varietals, including a Reserve collection of wines that come from some of California's most prestigious appellations, the North Coast, and Paso Robles, as well as a pair of Prosecco wines from Italy. Every vintage is a labour of love, a commitment to quality, and a very personal promise to make great wine in honour of Joseph's father, Josh. The winemaker at Josh Cellars is Wayne Donaldson. Wayne took over winemaking at Josh Cellars in 2009 and has been a leader in the international wine industry for over three decades. Josh Cellars is also committed to giving back to the community and supports various causes that reflect their values.

When Joseph Carr worked at a winery in Italy many years ago, he fell in love with the country and Italian wines. In 2019, Josh Cellars launched their first sparkling wine, this Prosecco, when they partnered with Villa Pozzi, a small, family-owned producer that are 5th generation winemakers. It is made with the same care and uncompromising commitment to quality that was instilled into Joseph by his father, Josh. This Prosecco is crafted with 100% Glera that was sourced from vineyards between Conegliano Veneto and Valdobbiadene, in northeastern Italy. Let's see how this Prosecco is tasting tonight...

Josh Cellars Prosecco (88+ pts)

Tasting Note:

JOSH CELLARS PROSECCO - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#16947) (D) - $21.95 $17.45
100% Glera, the medium+ intensity aromatics are clean, fresh, and attractive, delivering fresh pear, white floral, and yellow citrus aromas with hints of orange and melon adding further interest. The crisp palate is off-dry with delicious pear, floral, citrus, melon, and orange replays on the flavour profile. It's supported by fresh, zesty acidity, and lovely, effervescent bubbles. The pear, floral, and citrus tones linger through to the finish, with very good length. Chill and enjoy this widely appealing, recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines by Josh Cellars are available at the LCBO (and likely grocery stores), as well as through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedMonday, December 25, 2023

Piera 1899 Terre Magre (Friuli) Virtual Wine Tasting

In , I had the pleasure of attending an exclusive virtual wine tasting via Zoom to taste the latest wines from Piera 1899's Terre Magre line of wines - a pure expression of Friuli. Leading the presentation and tasting were Anna Polon, Sales and Marketing Director, and she was joined by Gianpietro Poveglian, Oenologist at Piera 1899.

Terre Magre wines from Friuli by Piera 1899

The wines of Terre Magre are produced by Piera 1899, a winery whose story begins in 1899 on a farm that was situated in the commune of Padua in northern Italy's Veneto wine region, when the first generation of the Martellozzo family entered the world of wine.

Today, the family business is led by Piera, the granddaughter of Giovanni Martellozzo. Grandfather Giovanni took his first steps in the world of wine during an important time in history, as he understood that the rise of new social classes would create demand for a different type of drink - wine. He seized the opportunity to make a wider audience appreciate wines from his territory, as well as those from other regions. Piera's operations stretched from Veneto to Friuli Venezia Giulia in the north, to Southern Italy, passing through Umbria. In the 1960s, Giovanni spent most of his time working on the countryside property located in Lison Pramaggiore, while leaving the main house in Padua to his children. Mario, one of five Martellozzo brothers, would lead the company towards the future by expanding production and taking sales beyond national borders. Mario always had a vision that his daughter, Piera, would be the future leader of the family business, and in 1992 that vision became a reality when he handed the entire company over to her.

With Piera at the helm, she aimed to distinguish the company's activities by working on the quality of the products, re-evaluating native varieties, and creating a very close bond with other territories, particularly in Triveneto. Since the 90s, the greatly overlooked native varieties of Raboso del Piave and Ribolla Gialla have been revived, while in 1998 Piera created their first line of organic wines.

In 2001, Piera 1899 acquired a company in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, a territory that was close to Piera. She decided to make this property her home and move the family business into the heart of Friuli Grave - an area known for the remarkable organoleptic characteristics of its vines which yield fragrant and aromatic wines thanks to strong seasonal and diurnal temperature variations. The ensuing adventure in Friuli began with an extensive analysis of the territory and its extraordinary biodiversity through a more complete mapping of the various winegrowing areas with the help of Gianpietro Poveglian, an Oenologist and Agronomist appointed to select the grapes for Piera's project. Open to innovation while respecting traditions, Piera would set a new course in the family's history, while becoming the face of the brand named after her - Piera 1899.

Today, while Piera 1899 is still family-owned, it is part of Gruppo Martellozzo, a group that also includes the brands Martellozzo and Blu Giovello. Gruppo Martellozzo was one of the first producers in Friuli, and it is currently made up of 26 professionals who work in synergy while forging a strong territorial identity of their wines. Interestingly, the company exports over 50% of their wines abroad, with Canada as the top export country with 45% exported to Canada.

The philosophy at Piera 1899 is based on expertise and quality, with the aim of bringing wines of territorial identity to the world. They invest in not only native varieties, but also international varieties that can aptly express the territory on which they are grown. Endowed with a deep knowledge of the terroir, Piera 1899 also has an eye towards the future. As one of the first wineries to believe in organic farming, Piera 1899 is an advocate for protecting the environment, while also being a pioneer of an approach based on sustainable agriculture.

Piera 1899 is situated within Friuli Grave DOC, a denomination within the wine region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Friuli Grave is located at the foot of the Dolomites, an area sheltered from the cold, northern winds, that also benefits from the mitigating influence of the nearby Adriatic Sea to the south, thereby creating a microclimate that is particularly suitable for vine cultivation. Historically, this area has been cultivated with vines since the Roman Era. An area of about 7,500 hectares, the Grave is characterized by a steppe of alluvial origin called the Magredi - a rocky area that offers a unique landscape thanks to the particular microclimate and porous composition of the soil, where water flows between the stones and resurfaces in springs downstream. The natural landscape is distinguished by a plain and the erosive actions of the Meduna, Cellina, and Tagliamento rivers. The waters dragged huge amounts of limestone-dolomite material that was deposited downstream, along the riverbed. The result is more evident in the northern area known as Magredi, an area where the vine has found its ideal habitat with white pebbles in the vineyards that absorb the sun's heat, protects the plant, and favours a distinct seasonal temperature variation.

The range of Terre Magre wines faithfully express the wine heritage of Friuli Grave and embody Piera's philosophy. The labels of Terre Magre wines represent the territory, with the top edge representing the Dolomites, while just below are vineyards and pebbles which are embossed on to the label, and lastly, the lines represent the Meduna and Cellina rivers. Terre Magre wines are highly recognizable, mono-varietal wines characterized by good structure, drinkability, persistent fruity and mineral notes, distinct flavour, and typical scents of the territory. The grapes of each Terre Magre wine flourish in a naturally enchanting and splendid environment in Magredi.

Piera 1899 Terre Magre (Friuli) Virtual Wine Tasting

I tasted 6 of the 11 wines in the Terre Magre line, and my clear favourites were both Pinot Grigio wines, and Friuli's rising star - Ribolla Gialla. All the wines in the Terre Magre line are vegan-friendly and vinified and aged in stainless steel.

Thank you to Piera 1899 and Wellcom Marketing for arranging the opportunity to taste these lovely wines. While these wines aren't currently available at the LCBO, in Ontario, they can be ordered through their Agent - Andrew Peller Import Agency.

Tasting Notes:

TERRE MAGRE RIBOLLA GIALLA 2022 - DOC Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy (XD)
Elegant and fresh, the medium+ intensity nose offers attractive aromas of white floral, melon, mandarin orange, honeysuckle, and white peach with some leesy mineral notes adding a savoury component to the bouquet. It has very good weight on the dry, medium-full bodied and textured palate with lovely, floral and citrusy aroma replays plus ripe apple and pear notes, supported by fresh, succulent acidity. It has a very pleasant, fine leesy texture on the mid-palate. The melon, honeysuckle, peach, orange citrus, and leesy mineral notes all appear right through to the long, balanced, and very satisfying finish. Score: 90+ pts

Terre Magre Ribolla Gialla 2022 (90+ pts)Terre Magre Sauvignon 2022 (89 pts)

TERRE MAGRE SAUVIGNON 2022 - DOC Friuli, Italy (XD)
100% Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh, fragrant, and highly aromatic on the nose with ripe lemon/lime citrus, sage, tropical fruits such as kiwi, guava, and passion fruit aromas, plus notes of grass and herbs. It has good weight on the medium-full bodied and ripe palate with delicious lemon/lime citrus, sage, grassy, grapefruit, and tropical fruit flavour replays flecked with ripe, honeyed fruit notes. It has a fine, leesy textured mouthfeel that is supported by gentle acidity, while leesy mineral and lime citrus notes linger on the long, flavourful finish. Score: 89 pts

TERRE MAGRE PINOT GRIGIO 2022 - DOC Friuli, Italy (XD)
Aged on its lees until spring, this has a medium to medium-high intensity nose that offers attractive aromas of orange blossom, lemon citrus, and floral notes with hints of honey suckle, lemon peel, and herbal tones. It is impressively weighted on the medium+ to medium-full bodied, and nicely textured palate. It’s dry and ripe with lightly honeyed flavours layered over citrus, orange blossom, and floral notes, plus touches of sweet herbs and leesy minerals adding complexity. Crisp acidity is fresh and juicy, while leesy mineral and lemon peel notes linger on the long, textured finish. Score: 90+ pts

Terre Magre Pinot Grigio 2022 (90+ pts)Terre Magre l'Altro Pinot Grigio 2022 (91+ pts)

TERRE MAGRE L'ALTRO PINOT GRIGIO 2022 - DOC Friuli, Italy (XD)
A limited edition bottling of approx. 6,000 bottles, this was partially fermented with skins for 10-15 days and aged on its lees for 6-7 months. Pretty, pink salmon colour. The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose is elegant and quite complex with pink grapefruit, leesy mineral, citrus, and floral aromas joined by hints of melon, honeysuckle, and creamed corn. On the medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it is impressively weighted, concentrated, and dry with spiced flavours of pink grapefruit, citrus, melon, and floral characters. It has a very nice, chalky textured mineral mouthfeel on the mid-palate, plus fresh and vibrant acidity. Lovely leesy mineral notes linger on the long, juicy, and balanced finish, with excellent length. Score: 91+ pts

TERRE MAGRE PINOT NERO 2022 - DOC Friuli, Italy (XD)
Fresh and fruity nose delivers aromas of ripe red cherry, strawberry, and cranberry nuanced with earthy beetroot, spice, and a touch of tea leaf. The fruity notes continue on the light-to-mid-weighted palate with red fruited cran-cherry, strawberry, spice, earth flavours with herbal, mineral, and saline touches on the mid-palate. It’s supported by fresh acidity and elegant, light, fine, and dusty textured tannins. Savoury with mineral notes linger on the long, textured finish. Score: 89 pts

Terre Magre Pinot Nero 2022 (89 pts)Terre Magre Merlot 2022 (89 pts)

TERRE MAGRE MERLOT 2022 - DOC Friuli, Italy (#29821) (D) - $22.95
Unoaked, 100% Merlot with 8% appassimento style. The medium-high intensity aromatics are fragrant, open, and complex with fruit forward dark and red berries, cherry, black cherry, and currant aromas, plus some spices and dried herbs. It’s medium+ to medium-full bodied on the dry palate with delicious currant, black cherry, dark berry, and cocoa flavours with hints of dark plum and savoury, earthy undertones. It has a supple mouthfeel with well-structured tannins, while the fresh acidity hides the kiss of sweetness. Cocoa and savoury earth notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts


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  • Date publishedSaturday, December 2, 2023

La Vite Lucente 2021 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely Super Tuscan that arrived at the LCBO today and is part of theme of Fine Wines for Festive Entertaining in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Tenuta Luce, a winery project that was formed in the early 1990's when Vittorio Frescobaldi met Robert Mondavi. From that meeting, a new chapter in great Tuscan wines was written, with a dream to create a wine in Montalcino (Tuscany), the land of choice for the production of excellent wines that, while acknowledging and celebrating tradition, went beyond the boundaries of tradition by treasuring the experiences of two historic wine families. The ambitious project took the name of Tenuta Luce - a name that evokes the sunlight of Montalcino. The sun is also the source of life and nourishment, while also marking the passage of the seasons and sets the pace for all agricultural activity. Sol Solis, or the radiant sun, is the inspiring symbol of Luce's brand. It is the sun that is chiseled on the main altar of the Church of Santo Spirito, in Florence, that was commissioned in the 15th century to Brunelleschi and built on land donated by the Frescobaldi family. Luce is an homage to the sun that provides warmth, energy, and life.

Tenuta Luce is located on the land of Montalcino, a land which is the origin of everything and their home, as well as a magical place where wine is life, tradition, and culture. The land of Montalcino is perched on an enchanting hill that retains is medieval charm, while the surrounding area is classically Tuscan with gentle slopes covered with vineyards, olive groves, and woods. Montalcino is also a territory with a microclimate of unparalleled value for the cultivation of grapevines.

The values at Tenuta Luce begins with wine that is the most natural expression of the territory where it is produced, while also reflecting the characteristics of the grapes from which it is obtained. The work begins with great care in tending the vines to enhance the precious harmony in the vineyard and continues all the way to the winery, where the ripe grapes are brought in and vinified in steps with great attention to detail that reflects the philosophy of the Estate. Respect is also a core value at Tenuta Luce - respect for the land, the vineyards, and the people who work there. People's intelligence and curiosity must be respected and stimulated, as this intelligence encourages and fuels continuous improvement. The beauty of nature must be preserved and nurtured, protected and nourished, as it is from this beauty that they draw inspiration to exceed and do better. As guests of this world, Tenuta Luce is driven to leave the land in a better place than how they found it for future generations. As such, the vineyards are planted only and strictly according to the suitability of each parcel, while aiming to safeguard the biodiversity of the land that makes Luce unique.

Luce's vineyards are situated on slopes to the southwest of the village of Montalcino. The heterogeneous vineyards have different exposures to the sun, a variety of soils, and altitudes ranging from 280 to 418 metres above sea level. The soils are schistose in the upper range, rich in yellow sands and sandstones in the central belt, and mixed-clayey at lower elevations. The altitude and southern exposure of the vineyards support a slow and complete ripening of the grapes to produce wines of great concentration and vigor, while the cool, breezy nights help preserve the aromatic complexity of the grapes and acidity in the wines. Merlot is an integral component of Luce's wines, as the first Merlot grapes arrived in Montalcino thanks to the Frescobaldi family.

This red wine is crafted with Merlot and Sangiovese. Both grapes were harvested in magnificent weather in September (the Merlot on September 3 and Sangiovese ten days later), and after the grapes were brought to the winery, they were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 10 days, with maceration on the skins for 20 days. After undergoing malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in new and used barriques.

The growing season in 2021 began with a severe winter that brought little moisture, followed by a spring that started dry and mild, with above-average temperatures at times, particularly in March. While temperatures plunged to freezing at the beginning of April throughout Tuscany, Tenuta Luce's vineyards fortunately suffered no damage due to the high-elevation Sangiovese vineyards that were situated above the cold air, while the Merlot buds were still protected by their cottony sheath. Preceding the flowering stage, the first bout of heat arrived in late May. The summer months were hot and dry, while a timely rainfall in mid-July helped lower temperatures, provided relief to the vines, and created the ideal conditions for veraison. In August, there was some beneficial rainfall that lowered the heat and encouraged significant diurnal temperature variation between day and night, conditions which helped preserve aromatic crispness and ripeness in the berries. Harvest was carried out in magnificent weather with no rain. From a good-to-excellent and healthy vintage, let's see how this 2021 Super Tuscan is tasting tonight...

La Vite Lucente 2021 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

LA VITE LUCENTE 2021 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#747030) (XD) - $32.95
This blend of Merlot and Sangiovese has a medium+ intensity nose takes some coaxing to open up, offering attractive notions of rich and ripe red & black cherry, cedary wood, baking spice, and savoury wet earth aromas. It's medium-full bodied with lovely, ripe, red and black cherry, baking spice, rose floral, clove, sandalwood, and earthy flavours that are supported by fresh and juicy acidity. Rich, structured tannins are youthful and somewhat grippy with a slightly chalky texture. Earthy with mineral notes linger on the long, grippy, and well-structured finish. Having tasted several vintages of this wine, this is probably my favourite. Enjoyable now, but will reward with time in the cellar. Best over the next 7-8 years and a highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other fine wines by Tenuta Luce recently arrived at the LCBO, but can also be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedMonday, October 23, 2023

Cavaliere d'Oro Riserva Chianti Classico 2018 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

red wine review is a consistently well-made and lovely Riserva Chianti Classico that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Castello di Gabbiano (CDG), an historic castle and winery whose story began with the construction of the cellars in the year 1124 in the heart of the Chianti region in Tuscany, Italy. In that epoch, the castle belonged to the Bardi family, one of the most important banking families of Florence. In the second half of the 13th century, the family began the extension of the fortress by building perimeter walls and battlements in the typical Guelph style of the era. The castle remained in the Bardi family until the early part of the 15th century, until it was passed on to the Soderini family, one of the most politically influential families in Florence.

The Soderini family converted the turreted family house of Gabbiano in Fattoria, which was completed by the late 15th century. It was during the period of Soderini's ownership, in 1464, when the land survey was presented by Tommaso Soderini to the "Officials" of the Land Registry of the Republic of Florence, where it was noted that wine and oil were the most highly prized produce of the estate.

Over the course of a century, the Soderini family added new buildings on several occasions, as can be deduced from the stonework which revealed various phases of development, until it was converted into a large quadrilateral building, which also formed a kind of private fortalice that was anchored with four cylindrical turrets reinforcing the corners. By 1505, the Soderini family converted the castle into a structure more like the present day version, with a round tower erected at each corner of the castle, displaying French architectural influence. Unfortunately, the Soderini's were declared rebels by the powerful Medici family during a struggle in the 16th century, which led to them being banned from Florence, and the castle abandoned for a long time. However, the Soderini family was able to return to their homeland in the 17th century and gave the castle new life.

From the 19th century onwards, the families who owned the property carried out various restoration works, while fully respecting the architectural features of the castle. One such building is a neo-classical style private chapel that was built in the 19th century while under the ownership of the Del Turco family.

Today, Castello di Gabbiano is owned by the multinational alcoholic beverage company Treasury Wine Estates. Castello di Gabbiano is situated in UGA of Castellina in Chianti and has 147 hectares of vines, of which 109 hectares are DOCG Chianti Classico, with 85% of their vines planted to Sangiovese, while applying certified sustainable viticulture practices across all of their vineyards and respecting the environment. In the winery, ancient traditions are combined with innovation and modern technology. The ancient cellar of the castle, which has been in use since the 14th century, has been skilfully restored while fully respecting the original architecture.

The winemaker at Castello di Gabbiano is Federico Cerelli. He joined CDG in 2011 after gaining 10 years of experience working at prestigious Italian wineries and supervising important winemaking projects in Tuscany and the Chianti Classico wine region. Federico trusts the most traditional practices that, over time, have become established the best - while embracing modern technology. This led to the creation of the first fermentation system with a mechanized and computerized punching down system.

Named Cavaliere d’Oro, which means "The Gold Knight", this red wine is crafted with 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot, using only the finest grapes from their estate vineyards. The fruit parcels from the different sites were kept separate during the vinification and ageing process, providing the winemaker with an enticing range of flavours and textures to create the final, blended wine. The grapes underwent alcoholic fermentation on skins in small, stainless steel tanks, followed by a secondary natural malolactic fermentation - with half in stainless steel and the other half in natural French oak - to help round out the wine while obtaining optimal acidity and freshness. The oak ageing occurred for 10 months in 15 to 30 hectolitre casks and 225 litre barrels, with only 10% new oak, and underwent further maturation for 12 months in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this 2018 Riserva Chianti Classico from Tuscany is tasting tonight...

Cavaliere d'Oro Riserva Chianti Classico 2018 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

CAVALIERE D'ORO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#216309) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot has richly fragrant and spicy aromas rising out of the glass, followed by attractive and captivating notes of pure red cherry, cinnamon, sweet spices, clove, forest floor, and orange citrus with hints of wet earth. The spicy notes continue on the medium-full to full-bodied palate, joined by lovely dark red cherry, savoury oak spices, forest floor, leather, and orange citrus flavours. Some dried herbal characters appear on the juicy mid-palate, with fresh acidity, while the fine-grained tannins are impressively structured. Savoury with touches of mineral and leather linger on the long, juicy finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy to the end of the decade! Score: 91 pts

One other wine from Castello di Gabbiano is available at the LCBO, while other wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.


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