Showing posts with label sangiovese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sangiovese. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedSaturday, October 10, 2015

Le Cimate Montefalco Rosso 2011 (Umbria) - Wine Review



red wine is from Cantina Le Cimate, a fairly new winery in Montefalco that was started up by Francesca Bartoloni in 2011 to continue his family's tradition in agriculture that dates back to the 1800's.

The name of the family-owned winery "Le Cimate" was inspired from the hilly area where the winery is located, and is only 1 km southwest from Perticaia - a beautiful wine I tasted in August. Le Cimate is located at the peak of a hill, where one can get a very nice view of the Martani mountains and the town of Montefalco.

Vines for this wine were planted in 2001 and sit on a silt-clay soil that is moderately calcareous, fresh and deep and faces southeast. The wine is fermented in steel tanks and macerated for 15 days. Ageing occurs for 24 months, 12 of which are in Slovenian oak barrels, and 6 months in bottle.

In Ontario, this red wine is available via private order from Cottonwood Agency.

Tasting Note:

LE CIMATE MONTEFALCO ROSSO 2011 - DOC, Umbria, Italy (XD) - $30.50
Blend of 60% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, 15% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Raspberry and blackberry aromas from the cork. Perfumed nose of black plum, cherry, and hints of apple wood from the glass. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with black licorice, herbal, blackberry and mild cedar oak notes. Some minty flavours mid-palate. Bright acids. Finish is long with earthy and woody notes. Sweet tannins still a bit tight, but has good structure to improve over the next 2 years. Drink over the next 6-7 years. Will be enjoyed with homemade Chicken Lasagne by Chez Megz and could pair with red meats. Score: 89 pts

Le Cimate Montefalco Rosso 2011 - DOC, Umbria, Italy (89 pts)


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  • Date publishedThursday, April 30, 2015

Wines of Donatella Cinelli Colombini (Tuscany)

Wines of Donatella Cinelli Colombini
, I had the pleasure of meeting Donatella Cinelli Colombini and tasting 8 of her wines at the Fine Wine Reserve. Donatella is a petite woman, but strong, and someone that I get a sense is very determined back home in Tuscany.

The history of the Colombini family dates back to 1592, when Donatella's ancestors began building Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda, while also paying taxes for the cultivation of Casato in Montalcino. They lost the property in Trequenda in disputes, but it eventually returned back to the family three hundred years later due to the efforts of Donatella's great-grandfather. Meanwhile, the Montalcino estate was always handed down, mostly from mother to daughter, and was eventually was handed over to Donatella. Later on, Donatella was appointed by her father to manage Fattoria del Colle.

Winemaking excellence began in the Colombini family in 1790, when Fattoria dei Barbi was founded. The heritage of Barbi continues on the labels of Dontella's wines with the (angled) shield on every wine. Furthermore, the Leono Rosso wine has a rampant lion on the label - this lion was the symbol of Donatella Cinelli Colombini's ancestors. Also found on the labels is a large white dove that appears to be flying away from the shield - this represents Donatella who is "fleeing the coop" so-to-speak from her ancestral roots.

Donatella Cinelli Colombini
Donatella has run the two estates since 1998 and has changed them dramatically by combining modern technology with tradition. Donatella has been a major force in the world of Italian wine, including conceptualizing "Cantine Aperte" - a nationwide day for winemakers to welcome visitors. She also salvaged the ancient Sienese rootstock "Foglia Tonda", a grape who's total acreage is apparently only 40 hectares worldwide, and now grown with much enthusiasm at Donatella's Fattoria del Colle estate in the relatively new DOC Orcia (inaugurated only in the year 2000.)

Casato Prime Donne winery was the first all-female winery in Italy, proving that producing great wines does not rely on gender, but on intelligence and spirit. Recently joining the team is world famous oenologist Valerie Lavigne. Hailing from Bordeaux, Valerie works on a team that consults with Chateau Marguax, Chateau d'Yquem, and Cheval Blanc. The only Italian winery that Valerie consults with is Donatella Cinelli Colombini.

All of these delicious wines are available through the winery's agent Le Sommelier via Consignment, except for the 2008 Brunello (which available via Private Order). Furthermore, at the time of this writing, there are a dozen bottles of the Brunello Riserva available in VINTAGES.

Tasting Notes:
2010 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Leone Rosso from DOC Orcia, Tuscany, Italy (88+ pts)2010 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Cenerentola from DOC Orcia, Tuscany, Italy (87 pts)2010 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Il Drago e le 8 Colombe from IGT Toscana, Italy (90+ pts)

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI LEONE ROSSO 2010 - DOC Orcia, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Merlot. Medium+ intensity aromas with a musky, matchstick, and smoke nose with underlying red cherry and berry notes.. It's fairly light-weighted with fresh acidity and fruit-forward flavours of red cherry, currant and red berries. Matured 18 months in French oak, the tannins are well-integrated. Finish is medium-length with subtle oak spice notes. Made in a very approachable style. Score: 88+ pts

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI CENERENTOLA 2010 - DOC Orcia, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $42.95
Blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% of the relativey rare Foglia Tonda. Nose seemed somewhat closed but showed elegant florals and cherries. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with oak spice, red and black cherry, blackberry and leather notes. Medium level of tannins with integrated oak and balanced acids. Spice elements come to the fore on the mid-palate, while the finish is medium-long with currant flavours. This will pair well with bigger meat dishes. Score 87 pts

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE 2010 - IGT Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $31.95
First vintage for winemaker Valerie Lavigne and contains 60% Sangiovese Grosso, 20% Merlot and 20% Sagrantino. Elegant flowers, dark cherry, tar, mineral, and spice scented nose with very nice aroma replays on the juicy palate. It's medium-to-full bodied with grippy tannins and fresh, vibrant acids. Well-balanced and lengthy finish. Could be cellared up to 5-6 years. Score: 90+ pts

2010 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino from DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (90 pts)2008 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino from DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (92 pts)2007 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino from DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (91 pts)

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $63.95
Medium intensity aromas featuring smoke, cherry, underbrush, blackberry and floral notes. Medium-bodied, lush mouthfeel on the palate with black cherry, plum, sweet spice and subtle oak flavours. It has fresh acids and firm tannins that are integrating nicely. Excellent length on the finish. Score: 90 pts

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $63.95
Highly aromatic with tobacco, leather, earth, and red fruits in a savoury, elegant style. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with integrated tannins, slightly chalky mouthfeel, and pleasing aroma replays. This is a well-balanced wine with balanced acids, good structure and clean, long finish. Score: 92 pts

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $63.95
Elegant, savoury aromas of barnyard, earth and red fruits of high intensity. Medium-bodied palate with nice aroma replays and subtle sweet spice notes. It is well-balanced with tannins integrating very nicely. It has very good structure, mouth-watering acids, and a very long finish. Score: 91 pts

2010 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino "Prime Donne" from DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (92 pts)2007 Donatella Cinelli Colombini Brunello di Montalcino Riserva from DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (91 pts)

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO PRIME DONNE 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $79.95
Medium-to-high aromatics with subtle tobacco, earth, black cherry, and smoked hickory notes. On the medium-to-full bodied palate, it displays a savoury, earthy profile with sweet oak spice, tobacco, cherry to keep things interesting. It is well-structured with mouth-watering acids and good balance overall. Drying tannins on woodsy, lengthy finish. Enjoyable now, but I would age this a couple of years. Score: 92 pts

DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#107508) (XD) - $97.00
Aged 3.5 years in oak barrels. Highly aromatic nose featuring florals, plum, red cherry, sweet spice and hints of barnyard and earth. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with pleasing floral, red & black cherry and blackberry flavours with fresh, mouth-watering acids. Finish length is excellent. Has good structure, but tannins are still a bit tight - would cellar 3-4 years. Score: 91 pts


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  • Date publishedTuesday, March 19, 2013

Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2008 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Received this red wine as a gift earlier this year. It's from the LCBO General List and is made using at least 80% Sangiovese, with the balance being Cabernet and Merlot. This wine was first made in 1927.

RUFFINO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DUCALE 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#045195) (D) - $24.95

Label photo of 2008 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale from Tuscany, Italy
Tasting Note:
Sweet cedar and meaty aromas from cork. Medium intensity violets, plum, forest floor and tobacco aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied with dark fruits, boysenberry, anise and herbal notes. Finish is medium-long and spicy, with hints of tobacco and cedar. Tannins are ripe and well-integrated. Has good acidity. Ready to drink now, but could be aged another 1-2 years. It will be enjoyed with one of my favourite dishes - homemade chicken curry.


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  • Date publishedSunday, February 17, 2013

Argiano Tasting at Fine Wine Reserve

Argiano Cantina Dal 1580 Logo
had the opportunity to taste some very fine wines from the historic Tuscan winery Tenuta di Argiano. The tasting event was hosted by Trialto Wine Group at the Fine Wine Reserve that is located in the King W and Spadina area.

There were 4 wines available for tasting and purchase - reviews are below. Two other wines - the Brunello di Montalcino 2004 ($50) and Solengo 2004 ($80) - were available strictly for purchase. All of these wines were Consignment Wines, meaning that they are not available at the LCBO and only available in cases of 6 bottles via the wine agent, Trialto.

At the summit of a hill, southwest of Montalcino in Tuscany, the Villa of Argiano was built during the Renaissance-period by the Pecci's, a noble family from Siena. Remaining for some decades under the Pecci family, it then passed to the Counts of Pieri, who bequeath it to the Marquis of Ballanti Merli and to the Duchess of Caetani from the Counts Lovatelli.

In 1992, the estate was purchased by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and was sold just last week. Winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers joined Argiano in 2003 and is the craftsman behind the wines. He will remain with Argiano. On hand to pour the wines was the Marketing Director Bernardino Sani.

The Argiano Estate covers 100 hectares - with nearly half dedicated to vineyards - while being protected in the southeast by Mount Amiata. Being from the Old World, the Argiano vineyards have been cultivated by noble families since the 1500's. Argiano has some of the oldest vines in Montalcino, at over 60+ years old. Wines from these vineyards have garnered awards dating back to 1934 and are consistently high-quality.

Label photo of 2009 Argiano Rosso di Montalcino
ARGIANO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2009 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $28.80
Hand-picked 100% Sangiovese grosso. The Rosso is considered the younger brother of the Brunello. Nice aromas of crushed blackcherry, red currant and cedar waft from the glass. Medium bodied on the palate with dark red fruits, cherry, oak, and hints of earth on the flavour profile. Very finely integrated tannins that is velvety smooth, with a medium-long finish and balanced throughout. Likely my favourite of the evening. Score: 89-90 pts

Label photo of 2007 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
ARGIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $45.00
First tasted last November. Light smoky oak, dried fruit and fig aromas from the glass. Full-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. Palate consists of more dark fruits and fig. Quite well-balanced. Tannins still somewhat tight, will reward 3-5 years in cellar. Score: 91 pts

Label photo of 2011 Argiano 'NC' Non Confunditur
ARGIANO 'NC' NON CONFUNDITUR 2011 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#072397) (XD) - $23.95
The 2009 was released in Vintages last July and is virtually sold out. Non Confunditur's initials "NC" are often though to refer to Argiano's longstanding owner Noemi Cinzano. The truth is that Non Confunditur is a latin term meaning "don't get confused". The 2011 is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 20% Sangiovese and has fruity aromas of red fruits and cherries. Medium-full bodied and round with more red fruits, cranberry-cherry notes and oak. Very good acidity, but overpowering at mid-palate with a very long finish. Chalky tannins show this red wine is still a bit young. Very long finish. Give it 2-3 years. Score: 88 pts

Label photo of 2009 Argiano Solengo from Tuscany, Italy
ARGIANO SOLENGO 2009 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#) (XD) - $75.00
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah. Lovely violet, lavender aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied with big tannins that need at least 7+ years to integrate. Nicely structured and shows finesse with black fruits and blueberries on the palate. Very nice wine that needs time, can be enjoyed up to 20 years from now. Score: 91+ pts

Wall at Fine Wine Reserve

History of Wines of Opened at the Fine Wine Reserve


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  • Date publishedFriday, December 2, 2011

2009 MezzoMondo Sangiovese Merlot (Puglia) - Wine Review

The roof of my mouth is slightly burnt from today's lunch, so this red wine may feel a little spicier than it really is. I received this one as a gift and having looked through my database, I found that I had tasted the 2008 version last year. Let's see how this vintage compares...

MEZZOMONDO SANGIOVESE MERLOT 2009 - IGT Daunia, Puglia, Italy (#079327) (D)

Tasting Note:
Aromas of crushed red berries, black fruits, herbal notes and touch of barnyard. Replays of red fruits on the light- to medium-bodied palate. Ripe fruit and is ready to drink now. A good, quaffable wine that can satisfy many palates at family gatherings. Will be enjoying the rest of this with KFC!

The 2008 was rated as follows:
Lots of red fruit aromas, candied berries. Red fruit, licorice, herb, menthol flavours.



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