Providing a Unique & Affordable Selection of High Quality Red Wines and White Wines for Your Enjoyment. Also featured: Rosé, Port, Icewine, Champagne and Sparkling Wine for Special Occasions. Cheers!
This wine comes from Tenuta PoggioVerrano, located in the Maremma wine region in southern Tuscany. The vineyards are 27 hectares in size with rocky soils of calcareous and clayey nature, and height between 170 and 300 metres above sea level, and 15 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea. PoggioVerrano uses gravity flow technology that is fully underground and must be quite the impressive sight to see.
The winemaker, Francesco Bolla, is a third generation winemaker who started up this winery in 2000 with the vision "to create a red wine that is expression of the territory it comes from, the Maremma Toscana".
Let's see how the wine is...
Tasting Note:
POGGIOVERRANO DRÒMOS 2005 - IGT Maremma Toscana, Italy (#107383) (XD) - $39.95
This Super Tuscan is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Alicante, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc and underwent malolactic fermentation. Lovely mature nose of violets, dried fruit, and floral with hints of fig, cedar wood, earth and whiffs of prune. On the medium-bodied palate it has earthy, herbal, and resin notes with hints of mint and leather throughout. Some high-toned spice tones and warmth mid-palate is balanced well by fruit, oak and acids and gives way to long, smooth finish. Tannins are almost fully resolved. Should continue to drink well for another 4-5 years. Superb! Score: 92 pts
delicious red wine will be available at the LCBO soon, as part of the VINTAGES Release.
The Giacomo Mori estate is located in San Casciano dei Bagni, at the southern edge of the Province of Siena and Tuscany in Central Italy. Eight of the ten hectares of vineyards were replanted in 1995 with meticulous attention paid to the selection of grape varieties, clones and rootstocks. The winery was renovated over 5 years, between 1996-2000.
Tasting Note:
GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#68858) (D) - $19.95
Mostly Sangiovese (95%) with Colorino and Canaiolo rounding out the blend. Black plum and cherry scents from the cork. Enticing aromas of red berries, earth, baking spice, and hints of leather. The plush palate is medium+ bodied with sweet red berries, tilled earth, herbs and sandalwood flavours. It is well-balanced with mouth-watering acidity. Dusty tannins become tight on the long, cocoa-tinged finish. Enjoyable now, but give this another 2 years to further integrate and drink to 2022. Score: 90 pts
The VINTAGES Release will be on LCBO shelves this coming and the major feature is on wines from Tuscany while minor feature explores the wines of Chile. As we approach the holiday season, the releases (and my wine picks) are getting larger to help you stock up for the holidays. Based on recent years, after this release there should be only 3 more VINTAGES releases in 2015.
We'll begin with the Tuscan feature that lists 15 wines, all red, and most are in the premium price point category. From here, 3 wines are included among my wine picks. The new category of "Gran Selezione" was only formed in February 2014 and is now considered to be the top classification of Chianti. So, it's no surprise that we are starting to see more and more Gran Selezione Chianti's on our shelves. Included in this release is the Il Grigio San Felice that is 80% Sangiovese and 20% indigenous varietals. Also among my Tuscany wine picks is a Brunello that is 100% Sangiovese, while the wine from Tenuta Sette Ponti is an IGT blend consisting of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Chile is filled with high achievers and very good values in this release with 6 out of 12 wines making my list of wine picks. All three Cabernet Sauvignon wines are unique, single vineyard wines that will offer pleasure for a number of years. The Tabalí red blend consists of 74% Syrah, 15% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the blend from Luis Felipe Edwards is 58% Syrah, 33% Carménère, 4% Petite Syrah, 3% Grenache and 2% Mourvèdre. The De Martino Sauvignon Blanc is one of only 2 white wines from Chile in this release and continues to be a rising star grape within Chile.
Among my white wine recommendations are a trifecta of Sauvignon Blanc wines from Marlborough (New Zealand) and a Fumé Blanc (90% Sauvignon Blanc / 10 % Semillon) from Napa that would provide a nice comparison to the Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.
In red wine, the Heartland is 52/48% Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Muriel is 100% Tempranillo. From France and the great 2010 Bordeaux vintage is the Chateau Pey la Tour which consists of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Also from France is the Val Auclair that is a blend of 75% Carignan and 25% Syrah, while the Lavau Vacqueyras is a GSM blend (50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre). Lastly, the Barbaresco is 100% Nebbiolo.
Enjoy my LCBO VINTAGES wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!
Red Wine:
HEARTLAND SPICE TRADER SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Langhorne Creek, South Australia (#429241) (D) - $17.00
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO ANDES PIRQUE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Las Terrazas Block, Pirque Vineyard, Maipo Valley, Chile (#562918) (D) - $29.95 reviewed here
LUIS FELIPE EDWARDS LFE 900 SINGLE VINEYARD BLEND 2012 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#431809) (XD) - $29.95
IL GRIGIO DA SAN FELICE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#403477) (XD) - $46.95 reviewed here
MICHELE CASTELLANI CINQUE STELLE AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2011 - Collezione Ca’ del Pipa, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#075127) (D) - $56.95
ANTINORI PIAN DELLE VIGNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#651141) (D) - $69.95
red wine will be in VINTAGES on October 31st. It comes from Fattoria di Piazzano, a family-owned and operated estate located in the hills south of Empoli and traversed by the Rio di Camerata.
The estate was purchased by Otello Bettarini in 1948. His nephew Riccardo worked alongside Otello and eventually took over the operations. In the late 90's, Riccardo handed over the property to his children Rolando and Ilaria. The two, along with other family members continue the winemaking traditions with the passion and tenacity of their heirs.
Tasting Note:
PIAZZANO CHIANTI 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#393199) (D) - $14.95
Unoaked blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% other indigenous grapes such as Canaiolo and Colorino from Estate. Plum and cherry sauce aromas from the cork. In the glass, barnyard, bretty, and earth aromas lead the way, with light scents of cherry and strawberry at the back end. The palate is medium-bodied with some tannic grip. Savoury flavour profile consisting of wet earth and black cherry. Balanced acidity and decent length on the finish. Score: 86 pts
, 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 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:
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
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
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
The next batch of wines will be available on LCBO VINTAGES shelves across Ontario on .
The major theme of this release is titled "Tuscan Renaissance" and goes through some of the projects that were undertaken over the last 50+ years to modernize and improve the wines from Tuscany. However, of the 14 wines featured, just two made my list of wine picks - and both were quite traditional in nature with a Chianti Classico and a Brunello di Montalcino. Both of these wines are made using Italy's most popular grape - Sangiovese.
This release also has 3 mini-features - wines from British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, modern wines from Israel, and some Whiskies to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Of the 6 wines from B.C., the medium sweet Pinot Gris from Gray Monk is recommended. For an interesting side-by-side comparison, there are drier (i.e. less sweet) versions of Pinot Gris from Oregon and Ontario also available.
From the rest of the release, there are plenty of good value red wines coming from Chile and Argentina. Included among them is an organic Syrah/Mourvèdre blend (85/15) from Emiliana. Also recommended are both "Wines of the Month" - the Kaiken Malbec and Château Saint-Roch Chimères (Grenache / Carignan / Syrah blend) - a rarity for me.
In white wine, the Château de Cruzeau is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. For sweet wine lovers, the Tawse Riesling and the aforementioned Gray Monk Pinot Gris are worth your attention. Less sweet are the Malivoire Pinot Gris and the German Riesling.
That's all for this release. Enjoy my wine recommendations. Cheers!
Red Wine:
EMILIANA NOVAS GRAN RESERVA SYRAH/MOURVÈDRE 2012 - Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#399360) (XD) - $15.95
ZUCCARDI SERIE A BONARDA 2012 - Santa Rosa, Mendoza, Argentina (#355560) (D) - $16.95
VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2012 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $17.95 reviewed here
SANTA CAROLINA SPECIALTIES DRY FARMING CARIGNAN 2010 - Cauquenes Valley, Chile (#213520) (XD) - $17.95
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2012 - AP Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Midi, France (#119354) (D) - $18.95
KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2012 - Mendoza, Argentina (#50849) (XD) - $19.95
The next batch of wines from the upcoming LCBO VINTAGES release will be on shelves this . Some stores actually put wines on shelves a few days earlier - keep this in mind as you begin your holiday shopping.
This release highlights so-called "Trophy Wines" from the old world region of Tuscany, while the secondary feature is on the rising wines from the new world region of Chile. There are some wines from each feature that are worth pursuing.
We'll begin in Tuscany, where 15 wines are featured (all reds) and 3 wines made my list of wine picks. The Chianti is mostly Sangiovese with 5% Colorino and 5% Canaiolo added, and is one you'll want to enjoy over the next couple of years. Both Brunellos are 100% Sangiovese and can be enjoyed over the next decade. Partly because it's 2 years older, the '07 Livio Sassetti Pertimali can be enjoyed now, while you'll want to wait a few years for the tannins in the '09 Poggiotondo to settle before opening.
Of 8 wines featured from Chile, I recommend 3 red wines. First up is the certified organic Emiliana Coyam that is a blend of 38% Syrah, 31% Carmenère, 19% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Mourvedre, and 1% Malbec. No Chilean list would be complete without a Carmenère, in this case a Single Vineyard version from Caliterra that also contains 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Syrah and made using sustainable viticultural practices. And lastly, there is a Cabernet Sauvignon from Morandé.
From the rest of the release, the Pirramimma Katunga GTS sounds like a fast car, but is really a big tannin, delicious red wine made with Grenache, Tannat and Syrah. A pair of Rhône blends are also worth your attention - the Bacchantes is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blen of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvèdre and can be enjoyed over the next decade.
Those wanting to explore the world of Chardonnay can seek out any of the 4 cool-climate Chardonnays from my wine recommendations below. The versions from Flat Rock and the Chablis from Domaine Hamelin are unoaked styles, while the versions from Le Clos Jordanne and Ramey are oaked, but show excellent balance between fruit and oak.
For those folks who prefer sweeter wines, check out the off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) Gewürztraminer from B.C. or the always delicious medium in sweetness Sketches Riesling from Niagara's Tawse Winery. Taking the sweetness level up a couple of notches is the Quady Elysium that's made using the Black Muscat grape and ideally suited for pairing with rich desserts.
Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!
Red Wine:
CALITERRA TRIBUTO SINGLE VINEYARD CARMENÈRE 2011 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#56630) (XD) - $16.95
DOMAINE DES BACCHANTES CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#380717) (XD) - $16.95
MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#389254) (XD) - $17.00 reviewed here
The next batch of wines will hit LCBO Vintages shelves this . In line with local harvest season, this edition's primary focus is on wines from Ontario, while the secondary focus highlights wines from Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The Niagara Peninsula is Ontario's biggest wine region, with Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) arguably the most well-known of the sub-appellations. NOTL is synonymous with Icewine made using Vidal and Riesling grapes, and the always delicious Vidal Icewine from Château des Charmes available in this release. A rising star in Niagara - and my personal favourite Ontario red varietal - is Cabernet Franc. Southbrook's Cabernet Franc is organic and biodynamic.
2012 was a great year for red Bordeaux grapes in Niagara - the Thirty Bench Red is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Cabernet Franc, and 22% Merlot. Being a cool-climate region with ideal soil conditions, Niagara does Riesling and Chardonnay very well. Riesling's from Flat Rock Cellars and Charles Baker Wines are both among my wine picks below.
These days, one cannot talk about Ontario wine without mentioning Norman Hardie and his wines from Prince Edward County. "The County" - as it's often known - is still a relatively new VQA wine region, with the first experimental vines planted in the 1980's and the first commercial vinifera vineyard established only in 1993. Norm's County Pinot Noir is a very fine example of the quality that can be found in The County.
From the second focus of this release on wines from Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, just one of the five wines featured made my list of wine picks. Wines from this DOCG fall figuratively and on the map between the lighter Chianti and the fuller Brunello. Known locally as Prugnolo Gentile, Sangiovese is the primary grape grown in this region, and 70% of each wine must be comprised of this grape. The version from Castellani contains 90% Prugnolo Gentile and 10% Canaiolo.
The rest of my LCBO wine picks feature mostly single varietal wines, with a few exceptions. The Côtes du Rhône-Villages is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, while the Rioja is 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha (Grenache). For sweet wine lovers, there is a Pinot Gris, a Tokaji, and plenty of Rieslings for your pleasure.
Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week and hope to see you in Niagara for the upcoming Grape & Wine Festival. Cheers!
Red Wine:
DOMAINE DE LA CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES VALRÉAS 2011 - AC, Rhône, France (#380634) (XD) - $16.95
The upcoming LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves this . The main feature in this release focuses on premium-quality wines from Tuscany, which range in price from $15.95 to $48.95. In all, there are 16 wines featured, and 3 made my list of wine picks below. It just so happens that all three are north of $20.
The Frassinello is an IGT wine that is made using 50% Sangioveto (essentially a localized clone of Sangiovese), 25% Cab Sauv, and 25% Merlot. The Carpineto is also an IGT wine and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The San Felice is made using the more traditional Tuscan grape - Sangiovese.
Five wines from Chile are in secondary feature, which focuses on premium wines from local pioneers and international influencers. I was fortunate enough to meet the CEO of Lapostolle last June (international influencer) and had the opportunity to taste their Apalta Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, which is made using organic grapes. I am definitely pleased that this wine is among my top picks from this release. Not part of the Chilean feature, but in my list below is a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. At $13.95, the Matetic Corralillo is a steal and a must buy! I'm a big fan of Chilean Savvy!
This issue also contains the annual Thanksgiving feature which highlights 11 wines suitable for your Thanksgiving get-together. The Tawse Riesling, the Reichsgraf Riesling Kabinett, and the Château des Charmes Vidal Icewine are all worthy buys for your holiday gathering.
From the rest of the release, there are a couple of Australian reds worth your attention. The Sister's Run is a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Shiraz, 5% Mataro, while the D'Arenberg D'Arry's Original is 53% Grenache and 47% Syrah. There are also 2 outstanding reds that I will likely be adding to my collection: The Lacroix-Vanel from Midi is mostly Grenache, and the rest likely Syrah, while the Villacreces from Spain is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cab Sauv.
Normally, I stay away from the Spirits section of the Vintages release, but I had to make an exception for the G.E. Massenez Vieux Calvados (#271726, $64.95), which is an apple brandy that actually contains an apple inside the bottle! It's quite unique and I'm sure a treat to taste.
That's it for this week. Enjoy!
Red Wine:
SISTER’S RUN COW’S CORNER GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MATARO 2011 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#346510) (XD) - $15.95
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
The next LCBO Vintages wine release will be in stores across Ontario on . The major focus of this release is on wines from Tuscany, highlighting four of their more notable appellations. The secondary focus is on Kosher wines for the upcoming Purim holiday and Passover festival.
The Sangiovese varietal is Tuscany's most prominent, however, many towns have their own local version of this grape. Within the Chianti region, there is the sub-region called "Chianti Classico". The Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva is made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, and was first produced in 1897.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an appellation surrounding the town of Montepulciano. Wines from this region have been documented as far back as year 789. The version from Poliziano is made from 85% Prugnolo Gentile (local clone of Sangiovese) and 15% Colorino/Canaiolo/Merlot.
Last, but not least, we have two wines from the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, which surrounds the town of Montalcino. The Brunello's from Caparzo and Altesino are both 100% Sangiovese and are from the excellent 2007 vintage. The Caparzo is drinkable now, while the Altesino needs at least 1 year in bottle, while both could be aged for at least the next 7 years.
From the rest of the release, the La Montesa from Spain is Tempranillo-blend, while the Château Cailleteau is a mostly Merlot-blend. In white wine, the Croix de Montceau is an oaked Chardonnay and the Clos Floridène is a blend of 51% Sémillon, 47% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. Enjoy
Red Wine:
TRAPICHE FINCAS LAS PALMAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - Mendoza, Argentina (#143206) (XD) - $16.95