Showing posts with label piedmont. Show all posts
Showing posts with label piedmont. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedWednesday, August 23, 2023

La Luna e I Falò Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2020 (Piedmont) - Wine Review



red wine review is a delicious red wine from Italy that's made with the Barbera grape varietal. It arrived at the LCBO last weekend in the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Vite Colte, a co-operative winery whose name means the art of cultivating the vine. The co-op is made up of 180 small winegrowers with 300 hectares of vineyards, all situated within Piemonte. The people of Vite Colte share a strong belief in the concept of quality, where the responsibility of individuals is an integral part of the final result. As winegrowers, partners, and friends, the members of Vite Colte are accomplices in a project that demands dedication to quality, which is every bit as strict as the protocols implemented in its pursuit. In order to obtain the highest level of quality, each winegrower is remunerated on the basis of the size of the vineyard, and not on the quantity of product.

The winery, whose architectural design has been reviewed by numerous modern architecture magazines, was inaugurated in 2000 and is located below some of the most prestigious Barolo cru vineyards. New technologies and a philological study of the territory, which gave the Langhe its specificity and identity, were top of mind when architect Gianni Arnaudo designed the winery. Vite Colte also paid great attention to integrating the winery into the landscape, while using eco-compatible signs and materials.

The philosophy at Vite Colte is that quality stems from innovation, as well as knowledge that comes from the interaction between different worlds and generations, such as rural knowledge, experience, tradition, and the Piedmontese passion for meticulous work, combined with modern research and science. Their goal is an absolute and constant quality standard that is the result of agronomic choices aimed at sustainable and selective vineyard management which is focused on achieving perfectly ripe fruit. Each winegrower complies with the protocol, taking prompt action in the vineyard, and defining and monitoring the progress of their work while keeping in contact with the company's team of agronomists. Vineyards used to create their wines are selected based on various factors such as vineyards that are at least 15 years old, low yields per vine, hand harvesting with great attention to harvesting dates, and integrated and/or organic viticulture.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Barbera that was carefully selected from over 60 hectares of low yield vineyards that participate in the "Superbarbera" project. The grapes were blended from vineyards with slightly different soils and micro-climates, which allowed Vite Colte to produce a better wine with the best balance between structure and aroma. It was traditionally vinified, with 10 days of maceration at temperatures between 20-30°C, and then underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barriques to further enhance its structure. From a very good vintage, let's see how this 2020 Barbera d'Asti is tasting tonight...

La Luna e I Falò Barbera d'Asti Superiore 2020 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

LA LUNA E I FALÒ BARBERA D'ASTI SUPERIORE 2020 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#627901) (D) - $24.95
The open, medium-high intensity nose offers attractive aromas of plummy, ripe dark red cherry and black berry fruit with mocha, chocolate, vanilla, and spices adding savoury tones. It's medium+ bodied with fresh acidity and some sweetness on the ripe palate with plummy, black cherry, vanilla, and oak spice flavours. Supple, grainy textured tannins deliver a pleasing mouthfeel. Very good length on the crisp, dry finish, with hints of mineral. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next few years. Score: 89 pts

A Barolo by Vite Colte is currently on clearance at the LCBO, while other wines from this producer can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, April 26, 2023

April 29, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Classic European Regions

LCBO Wine Picks: April 29, 2023 VINTAGES New Release Collection
Here are my top wine picks from the April 29, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection which is titled "Fine Wines from Classic European Regions". Also included in the printed magazine is a sneak preview of the next release which will be the return of the monthly "Online & Flagship Exclusives" only release, with no associated in-store release. All of the wines from the last release of April should be in stores across Ontario by Saturday.

We begin with the theme on wines from classic European wine regions that features nineteen wines, of which eight are included among my top wine picks. Can you guess the eight classic European wine regions that span three countries featured in the theme? They are Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto, and Rioja. From France, the Rhône Valley wines are the Châteauneuf-du-Pape which is crafted with 58% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre, and 2% other permitted varieties, while the Côtes du Rhône is mainly Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre in support. The white Burgundy from France is made with Chardonnay, while the white wine from Piedmont is made with the indigenous Cortese varietal. From Tuscany, the Chianti is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Colorino/Canaiolo, while the Cepparello Super Tuscan is 100% Sangiovese. From Veneto, the Amarone consists of 47% Corvina, 39% Corvinone, 6% Rondinella, and 8% other varieties. And lastly, the 2015 Rioja is a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano, while the 2018 Rioja which is also the Wine of the Month is crafted with 100% Tempranillo.

Xavier Vignon Côtes du Rhône 2020 (89 pts)Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune Blanc 2020

Giacomo Mori Chianti 2018 (91 pts)Isole e Olena Cepparello 2019

Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2015 (92+ pts)Marqués de Cáceres Excellens Cuvée Especial Colección Privada Crianza 2018

The only blend among my red wine recommendations from the main release is the Syrah from Chile that actually consists of 90% Syrah, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Viognier. Otherwise, there is a nice variety of other red wines to check out, such as a pair of Cabernet Franc wines - one from Niagara and one from Argentina. There is also a Pinot Noir from Niagara, a Malbec from Argentina, and a Mencía from Bierzo in Spain.

Montes Alpha Syrah 2020Pittacum Val de la Osa Mencía 2017 (91+ pts)

Cave Spring Estate Grown Cabernet Franc 2020

Among my white wine picks, it was a somewhat surprisingly small release of white wines and all of my recommendations are mono-varietal wines. Dry white wines include a pair of Sauvignon Blanc wines - one from Chile and the other from New Zealand, as well as a Viognier from Australia, and the Riesling from Austria. If you like your wines a little sweet, the Riesling from Niagara is a perennial favourite!

Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2021

Both rosé wine recommendations are dry in style and predominantly made with Grenache, with the Tavel composed of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Clairette, and 10% Cinsault, while the rose wine from California is Grenache-based and blended with Syrah and Carignan.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

  • CAVE SPRING ESTATE GROWN CABERNET FRANC 2020 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#523001) (XD) - $19.95
  • XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2020 - AP, France (#297317) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  • LA POSTA FAZZIO MALBEC 2020 - Sustainable, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina (#444687) (XD) - $19.95
  • MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES EXCELLENS CUVÉE ESPECIAL COLECCIÓN PRIVADA CRIANZA 2018 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#10684) (XD) - $19.95
  • MONTES ALPHA SYRAH 2020 - DO Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#612) (XD) - $20.95
  • FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA CABERNET FRANC 2021 - Mendoza, Argentina (#492736) (XD) - $21.95

  • GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2018 - Palazzone, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#68858) (XD) - $23.95  91 pts  wine review
  • PITTACUM VAL DE LA OSA MENCÍA 2017 - Old vines, enclave singular, DO Bierzo, Spain (#31200) (XD) - $28.95  91+ pts  wine review
  • LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE PINOT NOIR 2020 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#33894) (XD) - $29.95
  • BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2015 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#642496) (XD) - $34.95  92+ pts  wine review
  • DOMAINE DES SÉNÉCHAUX CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2019 - AC, Rhône, France (#677922) (XD) - $63.95
  • BRIGALDARA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2017 - Sustainable, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#300012) (XD) - $78.95
  • ISOLE E OLENA CEPPARELLO 2019 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#12818) (XD) - $159.95

White Wine:

  • YALUMBA ORGANIC VIOGNIER 2021 - Vegan, sustainable, South Australia (#288217) (XD) - $16.95
  • LEYDA GARUMA SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Coastal vineyards, DO Valle de Leyda, Chile (#99309) (XD) - $17.95
  • TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2021 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#89029) (M) - $19.95
  • FONTANAFREDDA GAVI DI GAVI 2021 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#366948) (XD) - $23.95
  • STADT KREMS STEINTERRASSEN RIESLING 2021 - Sustainable, DAC Kremstal, Austria (#30595) (XD) - $24.95
  • FRAMINGHAM SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#606848) (XD) - $24.95
  • NICOLAS POTEL BOURGOGNE HAUTES CÔTES DE BEAUNE BLANC 2020 - AC, Burgundy, France (#29712) (XD) - $34.95

Rosé Wine:

  • ANGELS & COWBOYS ROSÉ 2022 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#493155) (XD) - $24.95
  • CHÂTEAU D'AQUÉRIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2022 - AP, Rhône, France (#319368) (XD) - $24.95


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  • Date publishedMonday, January 16, 2023

Michele Chiarlo Tortoniano Barolo 2017 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

After enjoying the beautiful 2018 Michele Chiarlo Reyna Barbaresco back in November, red wine review is a lovely Barolo that landed at the LCBO a couple of weekends ago as part of the VINTAGES Release.

Even though Michele Chiarlo was only established in the 1950s, its story begins in 1898 with the birth of Pietro Chiarlo who was born into a farming family in Bubbio. Pietro worked as a farmhand and then at the winery in Canelli during his adolescent years, and in the 1930s, after working for a period in Abyssinia, he returned to Calamandrana determined to invest in the estate and production of wine. Peitro, along with his brother Felice, tilled the lands, breaking the soil by hand to replant the vineyards, and had a sense that wine was the future of the Piedmont hills.

Michele Chiarlo, Pietro's first son, was born in 1935, and he attended a winemaking school in Alba and his classmates were the future protagonists of Italian winemaking: Renato Ratti, Ezio Rivella, Franco Ziliani, Giuliano Noè, and Giacomo Tachis. In 1956, Michele Chiarlo started his adventure as a producer of wine and understood that quality wine in the Piedmont hills began with the choice of vineyards in the most suitable areas. The first cru of Barolo bottled under his name dates back to 1958.

Through the 1960s, Michele expanded the market boundaries for wine, and was among the first producers in Piedmont to believe in the success of Italian wines abroad. He consolidated his success by building a larger, more functional winery in Calamandrana, and began purchasing select vineyards in important positions in Langhe, Monferrato, and the area of Gavi. As a founding member across a number of organizations, including Istituto Grandi Marchi and Accademia del Barolo, the family wine business of Michele Chiarlo is now run by Michele and his two sons Stefano and Alberto Chiarlo. Together, they have an international outlook with great attention to the details at home, including the maniacal care of the vineyards, vinification while respecting the terroirs and vines, and artisanship of the processes. Situated in Calamandrana, Michele Chiarlo is one of the most important oenological realities in Piedmont.

This Barolo is crafted with 100% Nebbiolo grown on calcareous marl clay soils of sedimentary marine origin from the Tortonian period of 9 million years ago. The soil is also composed of 12% active limestone and a basic pH, with a significant presence of micro-elements, specifically magnesium and manganese. The vineyards have southeast and southwest exposure to the sun. After manually harvesting the grapes, it was vinified in steel tanks and underwent 17 to 18 days of skin maceration, with a soft "shower" system of wetting the cap at a temperature between 32°C and 27°C. It was aged for a minimum of 3 years, with the first 24 months spent in average-sized oak casks, followed by refinement in bottle.

According to winemaker Stefano Chiarlo, the 2017 was characterized by a long summer with very little rainfall. In the vineyard, they adopted agronomic practices that allowed them to keep the soil moist and preserve the freshness of the grapes. Some of these practices include doing extraordinary work on the soil to oxygenate the roots, not eliminating excess leaves to prevent sunlight from directly hitting the bunches and avoiding sunburn, while also delaying leaf thinning operations in order not to risk damaging the fruit. To maintain elegance, freshness, and avoid excessive alcohol content, harvest was brought forward by about ten days compared to normal. Chiarlo thinks that 2017 can be compared to vintages such as 2007 or 2011 in terms of climate and organoleptic characteristics. Let's see how this 2017 Barolo is tasting tonight...

Michele Chiarlo Tortoniano Barolo 2017 (92 pts)

Tasting Note:

MICHELE CHIARLO TORTONIANO BAROLO 2017 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#586388) (XD) - $44.95
100% Nebbiolo. Intensely fragrant with lovely, complex aromas of new leather, earth, red cherry-berry, fine wood spices, juniper berry, and cedar, with touches of rose floral, orange, and barnyard. On the medium-full to full-bodied, structured, slightly creamy palate it is quite approachable right now with red cherry, wild berry, forest floor, wet earth, and savoury wood spice flavours with a touch of orange. Acids are juicy and well-balanced. The structured tannins have some chalky grip, but are accessible now. Forest floor, cherry, and wild berry notes linger on the very long, savoury finish. Enjoyable now and should drink well to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Many other lovely wines by Michele Chiarlo are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Univins & Spiritueux.


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  • Date publishedThursday, November 10, 2022

Michele Chiarlo Reyna Barbaresco 2018 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

I got my first taste of this beautiful Barbaresco when a previous vintage made its debut in LCBO VINTAGES a few years ago. red wine review is the latest vintage that arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on and is featured as part of the theme on "fine holiday wines that would make a perfect gift".

It is produced by Michele Chiarlo, one of Italy's top wine producers and one of only eighteen members of Istituto Grandi Marchi. The story of Michele Chiarlo begins in 1898 with the birth of Pietro Chiarlo who was born into a farming family in Bubbio. As an adolescent, he worked as a farmhand and then at the winery in Canelli. In the 1930s, after working for a period in Abyssinia, Pietro returned to Calamandrana determined to invest in the estate and production of wine. With his brother Felice, he tilled the lands, breaking the soil by hand to replant the vineyards, and had a sense that wine was the future of the Piedmont hills. In 1935, Pietro's first son, Michele Chiarlo was born. After completing middle school, Michele enrolled in the winemaking school in Alba and his classmates were the future protagonists of Italian winemaking: Renato Ratti, Ezio Rivella, Franco Ziliani, Giuliano Noè, and Giacomo Tachis.

In the 1950s, with a passion for the land and viticultural experience, Pietro Chiarlo would take leadership of Cooperative Winery of Calamandrana as president and played a vital role that contributed to the development of viticulture and oenology in Piedmont and Italy. In 1956, Michele Chiarlo started his adventure as a producer of wine and understood that quality wine in the Piedmont hills began with the choice of vineyards in the most suitable areas. The first cru of Barolo bottled under the name of Michele Chiarlo dates back to 1958.

In the 1960s, Michele expanded the boundaries of the market for wine and was among the first Piedmont producers to believe in the success of Italian wine abroad. In 1972, Michele consolidated his success by constructing a larger, more functional winery in Calamandrana. He also selected and purchased some of the best parcels of land in Langhe, Monferrato, and the area of Gavi, including some of the most prestigious crus in Piedmont. In the 1990s, Michele's two sons join the winery with Stefano taking care of the agricultural and oenological side, and Alberto in sales and marketing.

Today, Michele, Stefano, and Alberto Chiarlo continue to work and following the tradition of a family business with an international outlook. They pay great attention to details, maniacal care of the vineyards, and vinification while respecting the terroirs, vines, and artisanship of the processes. Based in Calamandrana, they are one of the most important oenological realities in Piedmont. The Chiarlo family firmly believes in the exclusivity and continued investment in indigenous grape varieties.

This 100% Nebbiolo was grown in the Piedmont region in an area of the Langhe within the communes of Barbaresco and Neive on bluish-grey calcareous clay marl soils with good presence of micro-elements, with the Barbaresco vineyard containing more sand than the vineyard in Neive. The vineyards have southeast / southwest exposure to the sun and were trained using the Guyot system. The grapes were manually harvested and vinified in steel tanks, followed by aging for a minimum of 2 years with 18 months in large casks before further refinement in bottle.

The 2018 vintage was characterized by a late winter and spring with abundant snow and then rain which helped restore the precious water reserve after a dry 2017. The months of May and June put the winegrower sternly to the test, requiring prompt interventions with anti-mildew treatments and suitable agronomic operations aimed at maintaining the grapes’ perfect health. Summer was hot and dry, but the abundant quality of fruit required the elimination of excess bunches and allowed the grapes to continue it's balanced maturation. The ideal climate in the last weeks of summer, along with mild days and cool nights in September allowed for gradual maturation and the development of strong and elegant aromas. According to winemaker Stefano Chiarlo, the wine expresses a fine bouquet, revealing strong
characteristics of the terroir of origin. Let's see how this 2018 Barbaresco is tasting tonight...

Michele Chiarlo Reyna Barbaresco 2018 (93 pts)

Tasting Note:

MICHELE CHIARLO REYNA BARBARESCO 2018 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#583260) (XD) - $36.95
100% Nebbiolo. Fine, intense aromas of cedar wood and spices layered over perfumed dark red cherry, rose floral, dried herbs, forest floor, and a whiff of orange. It's full-bodied and structured with lovely tangy dark red cherry, fine cedary wood, spices, herbs, and rose florals with touches of dried cherry-floral notes. It juicy, well-balanced acids and smooth, structured, and fine tannins that are somewhat youthful. Juicy and minerally on the long, very satisfying finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 10+ years. Score: 93 pts

Other lovely wines by Michele Chiarlo are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Univins & Spiritueux.


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  • Date publishedThursday, May 19, 2022

Fontanafredda Pradalupo Roero Arneis 2020 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

Following up on the lovely 2019 Fontanafredda Gavi di Gavi that I enjoyed last May, white wine review is another delicious Italian white wine from the same producer. This wine is made with the Arneis variety and arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Fontanafredda was founded in 1858 by the first King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, when he purchased the estate for the woman he loved - Rosa Vercellana. Although Fontanafredda is a large Piedmontese producer (known mostly for their Barolo) making fine wines from the most important DOC and DOCG of Piedmont, they are artisans who promote interaction between the vine, soil, and the hand of man.

There were many accomplishments over the years, including several firsts for the region, but the big change happened after 77 years when Fontanafredda returned to Piedmontese ownership in 2008 when Oscar Farinetti and Luca Baffigo purchased the estate. In 2015, Fontanafredda moved towards sustainability and starting the process of converting all of their vineyards to organic farming with the first certified organic harvest coming three years later.

This Arneis was grown in the Roero DOCG north of Alba in Piedmont, across the Tanaro river from the legendary Barolo and Barbaresco denominations. The vines sit between 200 to 300 metres above sea level and were planted in unique sandy soils that are rich in yellow, calcareous marl. The grapes were hand-harvested with 50% de-stemmed, crushed, and cold macerated, then softly pressed, while the other half is direct pressed. Fermentation occurred at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks, followed by another 4 to 5 months ageing on its dregs (or lees). Let's see how this 2020 Roero Arneis is tasting tonight...

Fontanafredda Pradalupo Roero Arneis 2020 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

FONTANAFREDDA PRADALUPO ROERO ARNEIS 2020 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#577700) (XD) - $18.95
The fragrant, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely lemon citrus, white floral, white peach, and hay aromas with subtle leesy, herbal, and flor notes adding further complexity and interest. There's very good weight and concentration on the crunchy, medium-full bodied, dry, and slightly oily palate with citrusy, white peach, herbal, hay, and leesy flavour replays, plus apple in a honeyed profile. Acids are fresh and juicy, while honeysuckle, citrus, white peach, and leesy notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

You can explore other lovely wines by Fontanafredda as they are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Dandurand.


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  • Date publishedFriday, May 28, 2021

Fontanafredda Gavi di Gavi 2019 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

wine review is this lovely white wine from Italy made with the Cortese grape that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The historic Fontanafredda was established in 1858 when Vittoria Emanuele purchased the estate as a gift for "La Bella Rosalina", the woman he loved. In 1866, Fontanafredda purchased their first Barolo vineyard and produced their first wines in 1870. The estate achieved great success and expanded its production and sales over the years, only to be devastated by phylloxera in 1931, and then sold to a bank.

During the 1950's, after the Second World War, Cavalier Giuseppe Bressano led the development of the brand's reputation and image of producing high quality wines. Many of Fontanafredda's "firsts" are related to Barolo, but in 2006 it became an "olympic wine" at the Olympic Winter Games in Turin. It was around this time when the pursuit and awareness of sustainability in wine was growing. In 2008, Fontanafredda returned to Piedmontese ownership and in 2015 they began the process to convert all of the estate's vineyards to organic farming techniques.

Even though Cortese grape is used to make this white wine, the wine is more commonly known as "Gavi di Gavi" because the grapes are grown within the commune of Gavi, Piedmont, in northwestern Italy, just southeast of Turin. Cortese grapes have been cultivated in Gavi since at least the 17th century. The grapes for this Gavi di Gavi were organically cultivated in Rovereto (an historic sub-zone of Gavi) and its surrounding area on hillside vineyards between 200 and 300 metres above sea level and on sandy soils with a high content of arenaceous marl. It is interesting to note that while most of this wine was fermented in stainless steels tanks, 15% was fermented in barriques. Let's see how this delicious white wine is tasting tonight...

Fontanafredda Gavi di Gavi 2019 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

FONTANAFREDDA GAVI DI GAVI 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#366948) (XD) - $21.95
100% Cortese. The medium-high intensity aromas offers a lovely and intriguing nose of floral, wet straw, waxy, and mealy notes surrounding a core of pear and apple. The dry, mid-weighted palate has a slightly creamy texture and delivers more pear, apple, floral, waxy, and mealy flavours that are supported by fresh, well-balanced acidity. Hints of leesy-yeasty minerals and peach join the apple and floral notes on the slightly chalky textured finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Fontanafredda can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.


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  • Date publishedThursday, April 22, 2021

Tenuta Fratelli Povero Terre del Conte Roero Arneis 2019 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

To celebrate , wine review is a lovely white wine made with the Arneis varietal from its native home in Piedmont and arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the feature on wines from Piedmont in the LCBO VINTAGES Release on .

It is produced by Cantine Povero, a family that has been winemaking on the lands of Roero, Monferrato, and Langhe in Piedmont for almost 200 years. In 1948, Grandfather Tumlin planted his first vineyard and felt a strong emotional bond towards the land and pride to continue the traditions of his ancestors, whose roots go back to 1837.

In 1976, the sons of Tumlin, brothers Giovanni and Michelino Povero acquired their current headquarters in Cisterna d'Asti, at the foot of a medieval castle in Piedmont and planted 10 hectares of vineyards to expand their production. In 1987, Giovanni's three sons founded Tenuta Fratelli Povero where they produce wines from the best grapes of the oldest vineyards in the Roero area. The winery was renovated in 1998, and in 2010 they installed an innovative photovoltaic system that satisfies most of their energy needs with renewable sources. Dedicated to both tradition and innovation, the 3rd and 4th generation of the family is leading the winery into the future with a strong commitment to nature, while also transforming its fruits into wines that delight.

The name 'Arneis' literally translates into 'little rascal' in Piemontese and is so called because this varietal is somewhat difficult to grow. However, it has found a home in the hills of the Roero, northwest of Alba, where it is part of the DOCG wines of Roero. This particular Arneis comes from Tenuta Fratelli Povero's own organic vineyards in the hilly, sandy, and clayey soils of Roero. The grapes were manually harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks, while also spending 2-3 months sur lie. Let's see how this Arneis is tasting tonight...

Tenuta Fratelli Povero Terre del Conte Roero Arneis 2019 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

TENUTA FRATELLI POVERO TERRE DEL CONTE ROERO ARNEIS 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#436915) (XD) - $17.95
This organically grown Arneis has a medium+ intensity nose that leads with mineral followed by lovely ripe, lemon citrus, green apple, and yellow floral with delicate hints of honey. The medium-bodied, ripe palate is creamy and dry with honeyed notes of floral, citrus, pear, and apple and subtle spice flavours. It has very good, well-balanced acidity with notes of oyster shell minerality, lemon, apple, and pear lingering on the juicy finish, with very good length. Lovely! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Cantine Povero can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, April 14, 2021

April 17, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Sustainable + Piedmont

LCBO Wine Picks: April 17, 2021 VINTAGES Release
The major theme of the April 17, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on Sustainable Wines from around the world, while the mini-theme looks at wines from Piedmont. All of these wines, plus those from the rest of the Release should be on shelves across Ontario by Saturday.

We begin with the main theme on Sustainable Wines from around the world. Of the nineteen wines featured, four are included among my top wine picks. The concept of Sustainability is broken down into three areas of impact - in the vineyard, in the winery, and within the community. The Fumé Blanc from Niagara is an organic wine that consists of primarily Sauvignon Blanc aged in oak barrels (and concrete eggs), as well as a splash of Semillon. Villa Maria has many sustainability initiatives as it is a core value of this quality producer, and their Sauvignon Blanc from Wairau Valley is definitely a worthy buy. The last two wines that follow sustainability principles are the Rasteau that is a GSM blend consisting of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, and the Gran Selezione Chianti Classico is a blend of 97% Sangiovese and 3% Abrusco.

Villa Maria Wairau Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (90+ pts)

From the feature on Piedmont wines, four of the nine wines listed are included among my top wine recommendations. While Piedmont is mostly known for their red wines, there are some fine white wines as well. After Moscato Bianco, the top still white wine grapes are Cortese and Arneis. In this Release, the wine from Gavi is made with Cortese, while the best-known examples of Arneis come from Roero. The king of red wine varieties from Piedmont is without a doubt Nebbiolo, but did you know that the Barbera grape is actually the region's most widely planted varietal? You can explore Barbera by Stefano Farina, as well as the relatively rare Grignolino varietal.

Tenuta Fratelli Povero Terre del Conte Roero Arneis 2019 (89 pts)

There are quite a few French red blends from the rest of the Release. The Bordeaux red is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the red from Southwest France consists of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and the local varietal Abourriou. From Rhône, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape consists of 50%  Grenache, 35%  Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre, while the Rioja is a blend of 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha, and 10% Graciano & Mazuelo (Carignan). Single varietal wines include a fine Beaujolais made with Gamay, as well as the maturing wine from Abruzzo that is made with Montepulciano.

Bayle-Carreau Château Landreau 2016 (90 pts)Domaine de Côtes Rémont 2018 (90 pts)

Castorani Amorino Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2013 (89 pts)

Among my white wine recommendations, the only blend is the Greek wine that consists of 75% Assyrtiko, 15% Athiri, and 10% Aidani. For those that prefer slightly sweet wines, you'll want to pick-up the pair of Riesling wines from Niagara to compare and contrast.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cin cin!

Red Wine:

  • STEFANO FARINA BARBERA D'ALBA 2018 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#10601) (XD) - $17.95
  • GÉRARD BERTRAND GRENACHE/SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE 2018 - AP Corbières, Languedoc, France (#394288) (XD) - $17.95
  • ACCORNERO BRICCO DEL BOSCO GRIGNOLINO MONFERRATO CASALESE 2019 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#426635) (XD) - $19.95
  • DOMAINE DE CÔTES RÉMONT 2018 - AP Chénas, Beaujolais, France (#18368) (XD) - $20.95  90 pts  wine review
  • DOMAINE DE BEYSSAC INITIAL 2016 - Unfined and unfiltered, AP Côtes du Marmandais, Southwest, France (#18367) (XD) - $20.95
  • BAYLE-CARREAU CHÂTEAU LANDREAU 2016 - AC Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux, France (#18535) (XD) - $20.95  90 pts  wine review
  • CASTORANI AMORINO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2013 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#366732) (XD) - $24.95  89 pts  wine review
  • DOMAINE DE L'ESPIGOUETTE PAS DE MEUNIER RASTEAU 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#18797) (XD) - $24.95
  • CHÂTEAU FORTIA CUVÉE DU BARON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2017 - Sustainable, AC, Rhône, France (#959999) (XD) - $51.95
  • BARONE RICASOLI CASTELLO DI BROLIO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#942607) (XD) - $59.95
  • R. LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA RESERVA 2008 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#356337) (XD) - $63.95

White Wine:

  • TENUTA FRATELLI POVERO TERRE DEL CONTE ROERO ARNEIS 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#436915) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
  • LA GIUSTINIANA TERRE ANTICHE GAVI DI GAVI 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#17658) (XD) - $18.95
  • RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC 2018 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13338) (XD) - $18.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • JULES TAYLOR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#224428) (XD) - $19.95
  • CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING 2018 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#286377) (D) - $19.95
  • CHARLES BAKER B-SIDE RIESLING 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#523845) (D) - $21.95
  • VILLA MARIA WAIRAU VALLEY RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Sustainable, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#536201) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
  • NYKTERI SANTORINI 2018 - PDO, Greece (#18923) (XD) - $27.95  FE
  • HIDDEN BENCH FUMÉ BLANC 2019 - Rosomel Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#68825) (XD) - $29.95
  • TESCH KRONE RIESLING TROCKEN 2018 - Qualitätswein, Nahe, Germany (#18253) (XD) - $34.95
Radford Dale Vinum Chenin Blanc 2018 (90+ pts)

Sparkling Wine:

  • CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#213983) (XD) - $29.95

Fortified:

  • GRAHAM'S QUINTA DOS MALVEDOS 2009 - Bottled in 2011, DOP, Portugal (#18363) (S) - $59.95  FE


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  • Date publishedSaturday, February 13, 2021

Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Nebbiolo & Valpolicella

Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Nebbiolo & Valpolicella
On , I had the pleasure of attending a masterclass titled "Great Italian Wines" that focused on understanding the indigenous varietals of Italy. This class was the first in a series being held by the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada) and focused on Nebbiolo and the varieties of Valpolicella.

Italy is the world's largest producer of wine by volume, representing 20% of the global production of wine. Approximately 40% of Italy's wine is exported to other countries, with Canada among the top 5 export destinations. With approximately 2000 indigenous varietals, Italy has the greatest number of varietals of any country. Approximately 300 to 400 of these varietals are actively used throughout Italy's 20 wine regions, with each region having it's own distinct varietals and styles.

Nebbiolo is almost exclusively grown in Italy, at the foothills of the Alps in Langhe, Piedmont, in northwestern Italy. It has been cultivated since the middle of the Roman Age and used to be known as 'Nubiola' (Latin for fog) because of the deep, intense fog that sets in the area of Langhe. The grape also develops a fog-like veil as it reaches maturity, and became known as a Nebbiolo in the 1200s. Nebbiolo is medium-sized and blue-black in colour. It is one of the earliest to bud, while also being the latest to harvest in late-October or early November. It needs ample sun exposure and a dry climate, while also preferring calcareous marl soils and higher altitudes in the range of 200 to 550 metres above sea level. Nebbiolo is the most terroir-expressive red grape in Italy and produces wines known for their high acidity and strong tannins, and can be aged for decades. The highly acclaimed wines of Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG are made with Nebbiolo.

Valpolicella translates to "The Valley of Many Cellars" and is not a grape. It is, in fact, a 25 km area in western Veneto, within the province of Verona, near Venice, at the foothills of the Alps and bordered by the Lessini Mountains to the north and east, and Lake Garda to the west. The cultivation of vines in this area can be traced back to prehistoric and Roman times. The soils are a mix of ancient volcanic tufa, calcareous, limestone and clay rich soils.

Valpolicella wines are blends with the indigenous Corvina the most important varietal. Corvinone and Rondinella grapes also play important roles, while other varietals such as Molinara, Oseleta, and Croatia can also be included as part of the blend. Corvina, meaning "Little Raven", has been in use since at least the 18th century and is mainly grown only in Veneto. Corvina is a thick-skinned grape that is good for drying, and produces light coloured wines with low tannins and high acidity. Corvinone means "big Corvina" and is a distinct grape that produces large clusters of grapes on the vine. Corvinone is a source of tannins, adding structure to the wines, making it a fine companion for blending with Corvina. Rondinella, meaning "Little Swallow", is a versatile grape that has a high sugar content and is good for drying, adding perfume and fruitiness to the wine.

Besides Valpolicella DOC and Valpolicella Superiore DOC wines, there are Valpolicella Ripasso DOC wines which are young Valpolicella wines that undergo a second fermentation - a "re-pass" or "go over again" - using the grape skins left from Amarone and Recioto wines. Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG wines use the Appassimento technique and significant ageing to create concentrated, structured wines that are age-worthy. The last style of Valpolicella wines are the Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG wines - a sweet, dessert wine made from dried grapes.

Both of the wines tasted as part of the masterclass are represented by Cavinona, an Ontario-based wine agency that specializes in Italian wine. They represent more than 70 Italian producers to offer a great selection of Italy's vast array of indigenous varietals. These producers are small, mostly family-run businesses that have been passed down over generations and have a commitment to craft quality and authentic wines that best express the native grapes and soils of their region.

These delicious wines are available for purchase by the case through Cavinona's online web store, as well as by the bottle at Terroni restaurants and wine shops. Additionally, the food items such as DOP Grana Padano (similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano) and DOP Piave cheeses are also available at Terroni restaurants.

With two more masterclasses on other Italian indigenous varietals to come, you can also attend by registering for the free class here. These classes are more enjoyable with the wines being tasted. As such, you will be able to purchase the wines for these classes from La Bottega di Terroni. To participate on social media, follow @trueitaliantaste and these hashtags on Instagram: #ExtraordinaryItalianTaste #TrueItalianTaste #iffoodcouldtalk.

Tasting Notes:

ODDERO LANGHE NEBBIOLO 2018 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (XD) - $45.06
100% Nebbiolo from La Morra. The medium-high intensity aromatics offer red berry, cherry, floral, spice, and earthy tones with a hint of balsamic and orange rind. The palate is light-bodied with flavours of dark red sour cherry, spice, floral, and earth. Acids are fresh and juicy, along with a touch of warmth on the mid-palate, but still well-balanced. Tannins are fine-grained and textured with a supple grip. Savoury, earthy notes flecked with cherry and floral linger on the long, juicy finish, with excellent length. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 91 pts

Oddero Langhe Nebbiolo 2018 (91 pts)Piccoli 'Rocolo' Valpolicella Superiore 2016 (91+ pts)

PICCOLI 'ROCOLO' VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2016 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (XD) - $42.80
Blend of 40% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 25% Corvinone, and 5% Oseleta, Molinara, and Croatina. The lovely, elegant, fragrant and complex nose has perfumed aromas of floral, red berry, dried herb, sweet wood spice, meaty, and barnyard notes with touches of olive that continually evolve in the glass. It is light-to-medium bodied on the dry palate with more floral, sweet wood spice, berry, and vanilla flavours supported by fresh, lively acidity and smooth, refined, and well-knit tannins. Floral and savoury notes linger on the long, succulent finish. Score: 91+ pts


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  • Date publishedSunday, March 22, 2020

Boasso Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba 2015 (Piedmont) - Wine Review

Italy has been hit very hard by COVID-19, so for wine review, I opened this lovely Barolo from Piedmont.

It is produced by the Azienda Agricola Boasso Franco, a family-run winery that started producing it's own wines from its family-owned vineyards in the early 1970's. It is located in Gabutti, a first-class sub-zone within the commune of Serralunga d'Alba and managed by Franco Boasso and his sons, Ezio and Claudio. The wines are produced from their 4.5 hectares of vineyards that are located in the sub-zones of Meriame and Margheria, as well as Gabutti, with special attention, dedication, and conviction to produce great wines (like this Barolo) from prime quality grapes.

The age-worthy wines are produced at Boasso are thanks to green harvesting, taking great care in the vineyard, and selecting the optimal time for harvest. Nebbiolo grapes for this Barolo are hand-harvested, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged for 36 months in new oak casks, followed by 6 months in bottle before release.

You can show your support for Italy by picking up this excellent Italian wine when it arrives at the LCBO as part of the upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Boasso Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba 2015 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

BOASSO BAROLO DEL COMUNE DI SERRALUNGA D'ALBA 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#109116) (XD) - $39.95
Fragrant nose of nutmeg, wood spice, and ripe red cherries surrounded by earthy, forest floor notes. Hints of orange and floral also appear out of the glass. On the full-bodied palate, it has lovely, balanced aroma replays of ripe red cherry, earth, forest floor, rose floral, and nutmeg flavours. Acids are juicy and mouth-watering, while the smooth, structured tannins have some grip, but are very approachable right now. Orange, rose floral, earthy, and cedar oak spice notes linger on the long, structured, mouth-watering finish. Enjoy over the next 10+ years. Score: 91 pts


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  • Date publishedWednesday, March 18, 2020

March 21, 2020 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Classic Euro Regions + Okanagan + Annapolis

LCBO Wine Picks: March 21, 2020 VINTAGES Release
In these extraordinary times with COVID-19 at top of mind, this post seems almost irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. However, since the LCBO is still open (with reduced hours as of Thursday, March 19) and I think we would all like to step back and take a breather from all of the Coronavirus pandemic news, the next batch of new wines arriving at the LCBO are from the LCBO VINTAGES Release. The main theme of the Release focuses on wines from Classic Euro Regions, while the mini-theme looks at the Canadian wine regions of the Okanagan and Annapolis Valleys. So long as LCBO outlets remain open, the new wines from this Release will be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks at eleven classic wine regions of Europe: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône, Loire, Rioja, Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont, Mosel, and Port. These are some of the world's most venerable and venerated wine regions, and with twenty wines featured as part of this theme, six are included among my top wine picks. From Hautes-Côtes de Beaune in Burgundy is a Pinot Noir, while the Champagne is a blend of 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay. Also from France, there are a pair of very nice Rhône reds - the Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, and 15% Syrah, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is also primarily Grenache with Mourvedre and Syrah completing the blend. From Italy, the Amarone from Veneto consists of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara. Last but not least, there is a very nice Riesling Kabinett from the Mosel.

The mini-feature on wines from the Okanagan (British Columbia) and Annapolis (Nova Scotia) Valleys features a combined total of just five wines. While none of the wines from the mini-theme made my list of wine picks, there are a couple of noteworthy wines such as the Burrowing Owl Merlot ($40, #585737) from British Columbia, and the now-iconic Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 Sparkling ($25, #256289) sweet bubbly from Nova Scotia.

From my red wine picks, the Portuguese red is a blend of 35% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), 25% Tinta Barroca, 25% Touriga Franca, and 15% Touriga Nacional, while the red from South Africa is made with 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cinsaut, 12% Petit Verdot, 10% Malbec, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Merlot. The last red that is a blend is the 2010 Rioja that consists of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Maturana. The rest of the reds are all single varietal wines made with Garnacha from Spain, Cabernet Franc from Niagara, Malbec from Argentina, and a Shiraz and Pinot Noir that are both from Australia.

Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir 2018 (89 pts)

Among my top white wine picks, the white wine from Greece is a blend of 60% Malagouzia, 20% Asyrtiko, and 20% Chardonnay, while the White Meritage from Niagara consists of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon. There are a pair of delightful single varietal white wines from Italy - Grillo and Greco. Lastly, there are a pair of delicious Rieslings - an off-dry version from Alsace, and a medium-sweet version from Niagara.

Gorghi Tondi Coste a Preola Grillo 2018 (88 pts)

In sparkling wines, the Cava is a blend of 65% Parellada, 20% Xarel-lo, and 15% Macabeu, while the fortified wine from Niagara is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet, and Shiraz that was fortified with a Cabernet Franc brandy.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers and stay safe!

Red Wine:

  • EL VIVERO DE USALDÓN COLECCIÓN ORIGEN GARNACHA 2018 - Finca Casa Balaguer, DO Alicante, Spain (#13624) (XD) - $15.95
  • CASA FERREIRINHA PAPA FIGOS TINTO 2018 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#11157) (XD) - $15.95
  • CAVE SPRING CABERNET FRANC 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#523001) (XD) - $17.95
  • YALUMBA ORGANIC SHIRAZ 2018 - South Australia (#280883) (XD) - $17.95
  • ANDELUNA ANDUCO LIMITED EDITION MALBEC 2017 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#12025) (XD) - $19.95
  • XAVIER VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2016 - AC, Rhône, France (#12987) (XD) - $20.95

  • INNOCENT BYSTANDER PINOT NOIR 2018 - Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia (#178897) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
  • LE RICHE RICHESSE 2016 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13320) (XD) - $23.95
  • DOMAINE MAZILLY PÈRE & FILS CLOS DU BOIS PRÉVOT BOURGOGNE HAUTES-CÔTES DE BEAUNE 2017 - AC, Burgundy, France (#11904) (XD) - $28.95
  • CONDE DE VALDEMAR GRAN RESERVA 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#960427) (XD) - $29.95
  • LA FERME DU MONT VENDANGE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2017 - AP, Rhône, France (#309245) (D) - $52.95
  • MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2015 - Collezione Ca' del Pipa, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#75127) (D) - $53.95

White Wine:

  • GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER 2018 - IGP Pays d'Oc, Roussillon, France (#147975) (XD) - $14.95
  • MEGA SPILEO CUVÉE III WHITE 2018 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#14186) (XD) - $17.95
  • GORGHI TONDI COSTE A PREOLA GRILLO 2018 - DOC Sicilia, Italy (#11670) (XD) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
  • CATENA ZAPATA APPELLATION TUPUNGATO CHARDONNAY 2017 - Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina (#10964) (XD) - $19.95
  • ADAMO FOXCROFT RIESLING 2017 - Grower's Series, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#11236) (M) - $19.95
  • RUHLMANN VIEILLES VIGNES COTEAU DU BLETTIG RIESLING 2016 - AC Alsace, France (#10722) (D) - $21.95
  • MONTEMAJOR GRECO DI TUFO 2018 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#10955) (XD) - $23.95
  • JACKSON-TRIGGS GRAND RESERVE WHITE MERITAGE 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#360297) (XD) - $25.95
  • DR. LOOSEN ERDENDER TREPPCHEN RIESLING KABINETT 2017 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#393181) (S) - $29.95

Sparkling Wine:

  • STARS BRUT NATURE RESERVA CAVA 2016 - Traditional method, DO, Spain (#515221) (D) - $16.95
  • THIRTY BENCH SPARKLING RIESLING - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#469478) (XD) - $38.95
  • PIPER-HEIDSIECK BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2012 - AC, France (#409326) (XD) - $79.95

Fortified:

  • UNION FORTÉ 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#361758) (S) (500 mL) - $17.95


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  • Date publishedWednesday, October 24, 2018

Mauro Molino Barolo (Piedmont) Wine Tasting

Mauro Molino Barolo Wine Tasting

At the , I was invited to a special tasting of some very fine Barolo wines from Piedmont's highly acclaimed Mauro Molino. The tasting was held at the Fine Wine Reserve on King St. W. in downtown Toronto.

Mauro Molino was born in Piemonte and graduated from Alba Winemaking School in 1973. After a few years of making wine in Emilia-Romagna, he returned to start his own winery in the Langhe following the passing of his father in 1979. His father left him some vineyards, which Mauro then envisioned as an opportunity to embark on a new winemaking career in his beloved homeland. After spending a few years improving his vineyards and cellar, which is built in Annunziata of La Morra, he began producing wines such as the top-end Conca in 1982, one of the Barolo area's smallest and unique single vineyards.

In 2003, Mauro's son, Matteo, joined the company as winemaker, and in 2009 his daughter Martina began working with the commercial aspect of the company. Both graduated from Alba Winemaking School and are an integral part of the winery today.

The family winery continues to produce wines in Annunziata of La Morra, with the utmost respect for traditions. In total, they have 14 hectares of vineyards, 50% of which is planted to Nebbiolo destined for Barolo.

Fernando Burani, Export Manager

Representing the winery at this tasting was Export Manager, Fernando Burani. He graciously poured the first few of the 10 wines that were available for tasting.

Wine reviews of my top 5 wines are provided below. All of the wines available at the tasting can be ordered online via lcbo.com. Thank you Le Sommelier for the invite and the opportunity to taste these fabulous wines.

Tasting Notes:

MAURO MOLINO ROERO ARNEIS 2017 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#588755) (XD) - $27.95
Medium-high intensity nose offers appealing notes of papaya, white peach, orange citrus and hints of Flintstone vitamins. It's medium-full bodied on the structured palate with lovely mineral and savoury character joining the ripe fruits. Clean acids and excellent length with a nice minerally finish. Score: 90+ pts

Mauro Molino Roero Arneis 2017 (90+ pts)Mauro Molino Dolcetto Langhe 2017 (89 pts)

MAURO MOLINO DOLCETTO LANGHE 2017 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#588763) (XD) - $21.95
Nice dark berry, floral, mint and tobacco aromas and flavours, with a touch raisiny character on the medium intensity nose. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with supple tannins offering nice structure and texture. Very good fruit concentration and a long, balanced finish. Score: 89 pts

MAURO MOLINO BAROLO BRICCO LUCIANI 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#588714) (XD) - $82.95
From vines located 270 metres above sea level on compact clay and limestone soils, this has a gorgeous, highly aromatic and pretty nose featuring rose florals, dried cherry, clove, and sweet vanilla oak. It is full bodied with softened tannins that have presence. Very nice aroma replays and well-balanced overall. Classy, elegant, long-lasting finish. My favourite of the tasting. Score: 93 pts

Mauro Molino Barolo Bricco Luciani 2014 (93 pts)Mauro Molino Barolo La Serra 2014 (92 pts)

MAURO MOLINO BAROLO LA SERRA 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#604065) (XD) - $96.95
From vines located in the highest part of the municipality of La Morra, at 370 to 400 metres above sea level, on calcareous/clayey soils, this has a generous nose of dark berry, blackberry, and oak spice aromas with leafy hints. It's medium-full bodied on the crunchy palate and balanced acids. Nicely balanced tannins gain presence with time. Curranty flavours add complexity on the mid-palate. Excellent finish length. Still youthful, will be better in 3-4 years. Score: 92 pts

MAURO MOLINO BAROLO CONCA 2014 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#604073) (XD) - $125.95
The nose seems shy at the moment, offering glimpses of oak spice, dark cherry, cassis and berry aromas. The palate is structured with firm tannins and flavours of mocha, chocolate and red berry notes wrapped around fresh acidity. A big wine that needs 3-4 years to integrate. Score: 92+ pts

Mauro Molino Barolo Conca 2014 (92+ pts)


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