Ferzo Abruzzo Pecorino Superiore 2021 (Abruzzo) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is this lovely Pecorino (not to be confused with the cheese) from Abruzzo that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the feature on summer white wines in the August 13 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Ferzo Wines, an estate that was founded in 1973 in Abruzzo and is now owned by Codice Citra. 'Ferzo' is a patch of fabric that is stitched together with others to create a large sail - and its shape adorns the label of each Ferzo wine. With wine, the union of the finest viticultural "patches" in Abruzzo gives life to Ferzo in a single grand label that embraces the region's indigenous grape varieties.

The wines of Ferzo grow out of a small-scale, highly selected viticultural operation, and in the skilful hands of local vintners. Ferzo aims to promote the local Abruzzo grape varieties and showcase the Abruzzo vocation for winemaking. All of the grapes are grown in the province of Chieti which has a variety of terroirs and microclimates, with each contributing unique characteristics to the grapes aromas and flavours to produce wines of uncompromising quality.

Pecorino is traditionally grown in Central Italy anywhere from the tops of mountains to coastal hillsides and often reflects the complexities of its terroir. From autochthonous vines, this Pecorino was grown on the eastern side of Central Italy within the region of Abruzzo in the hills of the province of Chieti. After harvesting the grapes in September, it was gently pressed after short contact with skins at low temperatures. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled-temperature to enhance the aromatic qualities of Pecorino.

The 2021 growing season had low rain and consequentially led to a long, dry and hot summer. With careful management in the vineyard, the result was fruit of excellent quality. I've tasted several previous vintages of this white wine and it's always delicious. Let's see how this 2021 Pecorino from Abruzzo is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FERZO ABRUZZO PECORINO SUPERIORE 2021 - DOP, Abruzzo, Italy (#573683) (XD) - $17.95
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely ripe tropical fruit, citrus, peach, melon, floral, and apple aromas with hints of pineapple and minerals adding further interest. On the medium-full bodied it is ripe, lightly honeyed, yet dry, with ripe pineapple, tropical fruit, melon, citrus, and floral flavours with touches of minerality. It's all supported by fresh, vibrant, and juicy acidity, while leesy minerals flecked with citrus, tropical fruit, and apple notes linger on the long, juicy, and succulent finish. Quite possibly my favourite vintage so far. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Ferzo can be ordered through their Agent - Univins and Spirits.

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Trio of LCBO General List Wines (Dec. 2021)

Happy Holidays! Tonight's wine reviews are a trio of General List wines I received several months ago and finally got around to tasting. Both red wines are new arrivals to the LCBO and available in standard 750 mL bottles, while the white wine from Abruzzo comes in a 1.5 L large format magnum bottle. All of the wines are readily available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

Tasting Notes:

CESARI ESSERE VALPOLICELLA 2019 - DOC Veneto, Italy (#19774) (D) - $13.95
Founded in 1936, Gerardo Cesari soon became synonymous with creating quality wines from the Verona area. Today, Cesari wines draw on tradition but also use the latest knowledge in vineyard cultivation and environmentally sustainable growing techniques to create elegant, balanced, and fine wines. This vegan-friendly red wine is a blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Negrara / Rossignola with a medium intensity nose that leads with a hint of bretty and funky earth characters, followed by delicate aromas of dried cherry, plum, and oak spice. On the medium-full bodied palate, it is tangy with red cherry, herb, and earthy spice notes in a dry flavours profile. It has balanced acidity and soft, supple tannins providing a subtle textural mouthfeel. Earthy wood spice notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

FANTINI TREBBIANO D'ABRUZZO 2020 - DOC Abruzzo, Italy (#20082) (XD) (1.5 L) - $16.60
Fantini is part Farnese Group, an estate associated with quality winemaking since the late 1500s. This white white is enclosed by a 100% recyclable cork and made with Trebbiano from Abruzzo. The medium-high intensity nose is clean and fresh with lemon citrus, grapefruit, white floral, herb, and leesy aromas. On the ripe, medium+ bodied palate it has pleasing citrus, grapefruit, white floral, and herbal replays in a dry flavour profile and supported by fresh, balanced acidity. Lingering on the finish are notes of lemon pith and leesy characters, along with some bitterness, with good length. Pleasantly surprising and highly satisfying recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

LISBON BY NIGHT RED BLEND 2018 - Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal (#18998) (D) - $9.80
Crafted by Vicente Faria, a winemaking family that settled in the Douro at the end of the 18th century to become one of the region's pioneer winemakers. This Syrah-based blend has a medium intensity nose with sweet and ripe aromas of black cherry, plum, pepper spice, and sweet oak. The medium-bodied palate is slightly sweet vanllin oak, ripe black cherry, and black plum flavours supported by balanced acidity and soft, rounded tannins. The slightly sweet black cherry, plum, and oak spice flavours continue through to the finish, with good length. Commercially styled crowd pleaser. Score: 86 pts

Other wines from these producers are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Fantini Casale Vecchio Lot 23 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2019 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice, organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that is a general list product at the LCBO and readily available across Ontario.

Vini Fantini is one of the brands that form the Farnese Group of wineries. Fantini is located in Ortona, within the Province of Chieti in Abruzzo, along the Eastern coast of central Italy. The wines from the Abruzzo estate became famous during the 16th century when Princess Margaret of Austria and her husband, Prince Farnese, began producing high-quality wines that were enjoyed across Europe. Throughout the years, Farnese has ensured that wines from this Abruzzo estate have kept their excellent reputation.

In addition to producing high-quality wines, the Farnese Group also gives back to the surrounding community by partnering and signing long-term contracts with small family-run farms that have been in the area for generations. Farnese also brings in world-class consultants to work with these families to grow higher-quality grapes. At the winery, Farnese uses advanced winery technology to ensure the wines reflect the authentic characteristics of the varietal.

The Casale Vecchio Lot 23 is Fantini's first foray into production of organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from the areas surrounding their winery in Ortona. The grapes for this red wine come from Lot 23, the first plot in their vineyard within the municipality of Ortona that was converted to organic farming. This coastal land is in a sun-kissed area at 320 metres above sea level that overlooks and exposes itself to the blue Adriatic sea while also under the presence of the massif Majella.

This Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is planted on steep slopes with medium-textured soils tending to clayey. Located on coastal lands, there is great variation in temperatures between day and night, thus creating a natural balance between the flavours and acidity. At the winery, the grapes were carefully selected and destemmed, then softly crushed. After fermentation, the wine is aged in American and French oak barrels for 6-7 months.

Tasting Note:

FANTINI CASALE VECCHIO LOT 23 MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2019 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#612788) (D) - $9.80
This organic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo has a medium intensity nose offering aromas of blackberry, cassis, and sweet spices in a slightly honeyed profile. It's medium bodied on the palate with fresh acidity supporting the very ripe, sunny flavours of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. The structured tannins are somewhat grippy, while woody notes linger on the finish, with good length. Score: 88 pts

Other wines from Fantini can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Montepulciano & Aglianico

After exploring Sangiovese & Vernaccia di San Gimignano last month as part of the masterclass series on "Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties", on Thursday I attended the 3rd part in the series which focused on the varieties Montepulciano & Aglianico.

Montepulciano has been cultivated since the late 1700s, and likely even earlier during the time of the Etruscans. Today, Montepulciano is the second most widely planted varietal in Italy, right after Sangiovese. It is planted mainly in central Italy, predominantly in Abruzzo, as well as the regions of Marche, Molise. and Puglia.

The most famous Montepulciano wines comes from the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC. Montepulciano is a high-yielding grape that thrives in area of Abruzzo, in central Italy, along the eastern Adriatic coast. Abruzzo is considered the Greenest Region of Europe and also has 2nd highest mountain range in Europe with Mount Majella rising to 2,793 metres.

Winemaking traditions in Abruzzo date back to the 6th century BC and today produce the 5th most wine by volume in Italy. Montepulciano is produced in each of Abruzzo's provinces - L'Aquila (Capital), Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo - and over half of the 32,000 hectares of vines are planted to this varietal. Montepulciano has a blue-purple skin colour with a high concentration of inky coloured pigment. It is late-ripening and thick-skinned, yet produces wines with softer tannins and lower acidity. Montepulciano d'Abruzzo was designated a DOC in 1968 and requires at least 85% of the wine to be made with Montepulciano and no more than 15% of Sangiovese. The wine I tasted as part of this masterclass is 100% Montepulciano.

Aglianico is considered to be the Barolo of the South and the best examples are produced in Basilicata and Campania. The wine tasted in this masterclass is from Basilicata, a region located in the instep of the boot of Italy and borders Campania, Puglia, and Calabria between the Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts. The mountainous region has been occupied by humans for many thousands of years and includes an extinct volcano - Mount Vulture - that rises to 1,326 metres above sea level.

Established in 1971, Aglianico del Vulture DOC is the most significant winemaking region of Basilicata. Only 2,400 hectares are cultivated, all on volcanic soils derived from Mount Vulture, and Aglianico is the only permitted grape within this DOC. The best examples of Aglianico del Vulture DOC wines are grown between 350 to 500 metres above sea level.

The Aglianico grape has a dark blue-black colour and is thick-skinned. It is a late-ripening variety that can be harvested into November and is low-yielding. Aglianico requires abundant sunshine and dry climates, while thriving on steep slopes, high altitudes, and volcanic soils. Aglianico del Vulture wines tend to be full-bodied and structured with firm tannins, and are very age-worthy.

As with previous masterclasses in the series, both of the wines are available by the case through their Agent - Cavinona. Use special discount code ICCOAPRIL for 10% off any case purchase until May 15th. These wines can also be purchased by the bottle at their bottle shops - contact Cavinona directly for details.

The small bites I enjoyed as part of the tasting package included some Grana Padano DOP and Pecorino Toscano DOP cheese, as well as A Però Carciofi e Olive (mixed artichokes and olives), and Focaccia - a traditional Italian flat oven-baked bread made by Luca Rotatori, the Head Baker at Spaccio, Terroni's central kitchen.

I very much enjoyed this tasting series and hope to attend the next online masterclasses in June and September. For more details and to register, please visit the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada.

@trueitaliantaste #ExtraordinaryItalianTaste #TrueItalianTaste #iffoodcouldtalk

Tasting Notes:

TORRE DEI BEATI MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2018 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (XD) - $31.50
100% Montepulciano grown on clay-limestone soils at 250 to 300 metres above sea level, and aged mainly in French oak barriques for 15-18 months. The medium-high intensity nose has rustic, peppery spice, black raspberry, earthy, and black plum aromas with touches of balsamic and barnyard. It's light-to-medium bodied with fresh, vibrant acidity and spicy flavours of dark berry, black raspberry, earth, and balsamic. It has very smooth, refined tannins, while pleasing savoury-earthy notes with touches of balsamic and coffee linger on the long, balanced, juicy finish. Score: 90 pts

GRIFALCO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE 2018 - DOC, Basilicata, Italy (XD) - $36.02
Organically grown 100% Aglianico from vines 25-40 years old, at 450 to 550 metres above sea level, and aged mostly in stainless steel tanks. Very pretty, medium-high intensity aromas of sweet spice, incense, and rose floral with underlying dark berry and smoky, earthy mineral aromas. On the medium-full to full-bodied palate it has lovely red and black cherry, wet earth, baking spice flavours supported by balanced acidity. Chalky, structured tannins are a bit tight at this stage. Savoury with mineral and touches of barnyard notes on the long finish. Enjoyable now, but will be even better after 3+ years in the cellar. Score: 91+ pts

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Umani Ronchi Jorio Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2016 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this nice Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that arrived at the LCBO as part of the June 27 LCBO VINTAGES Release - and is still widely available for purchase across the province.

Umani Ronchi was founded in the 1950's in Cupramontana, the heart of Verdicchio Classico country, by Gino Umani Ronchi. A few years later, the Bianchi family formed a partnership with Umani Ronchi, eventually becoming the sole owners. Dr. Bianchi's son-in-law, Massimo Benetti, took over management of the company and was joined by his son, Michele, and together they run the family business today. The Bianchi-Benetti family have been crafting superb quality wines made with Verdicchio and Montepulciano from Marche and Abruzzo for more than 60 years.

In total, Umani Ronchi has 210 hectares of vines, which are all organically farmed, and nestled between the hills and the sea along the Adriatic coast from Serra dei Conti in Marche in the north to Roseto degli Abruzzi in the south. Umani Ronchi also practices sustainability with a strong sense of ethics and respect for the environment. For example, they use light-weight bottles which have a lower impact on CO2 emissions, while their energy is supplied by a photovoltaic array.

This particular bottle from Umani Ronchi is made with 100% Montepulciano coming from Abruzzo. This wine was first produced in 1993 in collaboration with Abruzzese winegrowers that had vineyards in particularly favourable areas that allowed the grape to express its great potential. The name of the wine "Jorio" is intended as a tribute to the great 20th century Abruzzese poet Gabriele D'Annunzio who wrote a play titled "The Daughter of Jorio".

Tasting Note:

UMANI RONCHI JORIO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2016 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#134577) (D) - $17.95
100% Montepulciano that was hand-harvested. 50% of the wine was aged in large oak barrels, while the other half was aged in 3rd and 4th use barriques, and blended together after a period of 12 months. The medium+ intensity nose has earthy and stony minerals joined by dark berry and plum notes. On the medium-bodied palate it has smooth, fine-grained tannins and juicy, well-balanced acidity. It's savoury and dark berry flavoured with a touch of sweet chocolatey oak. Slightly grippy on the savoury, earthy finish, with very good length. An enjoyable Friday night wine. Score: 88 pts

Other wines from the Umani Ronchi portfolio can be found at the LCBO or ordered through their Agent Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Fantini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Rosé 2018 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an Italian rosé made with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo that is available in the General List section at the LCBO and widely available across the province.

Vini Fantini is one of a number of wineries that make up the Farnese Vini group. Farnese is a young company has become the leading export company in the South of Italy, producing of over 24 million bottles per year, and garnering many awards over the years.

The refined Fantini wines are made with the best selected grapes coming from the Farneto Valley and other important estates in Abruzzo. The aging process for these wines is completed in the beautiful cellars of the Caldora Castle, a historical building that has a cultural heritage and viticultural traditions of the territory of Ortona, The winemaking team at Fantini is headed by two internationally renowned super-consultants who constantly dedicate their work to the care of each production phase and provide direction to the team of talented young winemakers and agronomists.

This particular rosé underwent soft stalk-stripping and crushing, followed by a brief maceration on skins for approximately 6 hours. It was fermented without skins for 15 days in order to obtain the desired colour and taste.

Tasting Note:

FANTINI CERASUOLO D'ABRUZZO ROSÉ 2018 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#635342) (D) - $10.95
Made with 100% Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and pours a fairly deep red with tinges of blood orange. Ripe red berry, strawberry, and cherry aromas with herbally hints. It's light-to-mid weighted on the spicy palate with more ripe red berry, herb, and white pepper flavours. There's some sweetness, but it hides well due to the lively, food-friendly acidity. Chalky textured on the finish, with good length. Score: 87 pts

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La Valentina Pecorino 2016 (Abruzzo) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine is another new release that is coming to LCBO VINTAGES on May 12th.

The farm La Valentina began operations in 1990 and is located in the hills overlooking Spoltore, near Pescara on the Adriatic - on the eastern side ("calf") of Italy within the Abruzzo DOC. The owners, Sabatino, Roberto, and Andrea Di Properzio have been running the company since inception and continually strive to improve the quality of their wines. Sustainable development, as well as respect for the environment are core values at La Valentina.

By understanding, respecting, and tending their land to produce healthier vines with each passing vintage, leading to vines being able to fight off parasites and disease on their own. Healthy vines lead to healthy grapes, which in turn helps produce better quality wine. La Valentina uses low intervention viticulture and winemaking techniques, allowing the wines to express their terroir.

Personally, I've always preferred Italian white wines other than Pinot Grigio as there are such a wide variety of pleasant & interesting wines to choose from that are also food-friendly, including wines like this Pecorino.

Tasting Note:

LA VALENTINA PECORINO 2016 - IGT Colline Pescaresi, Abruzzo, Italy (#541433) (XD) - $17.95
Raised completely in stainless steel tanks, with a couple of months sur lie. Crisp lemon/lime zest, tropical fruit, and citrus aromas from the cork. The medium+ intensity nose offers ripe apple and lemon with hints of white floral and tropical aromas in the glass. The medium+ bodied palate is slightly creamy and oily textured. Ripe with nice aroma replays and a salty mineral character emerging as it warms in the glass. Zesty acids keep the palate fresh. Very good length with white floral notes on the finish. Best served with a light chill. Score: 88+ pts

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Talamonti Trabocchetto Pecorino 2012 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine was purchased from the July 5th LCBO VINTAGES release last year with the intention of opening it during my daughter's 1st birthday party. Like many white wines, it is not meant to be aged. Let's see how this is... 3 years after vintage.

TALAMONTI TRABOCCHETTO PECORINO 2012 - IGP Colline Pescaresi, Abruzzo, Italy (#372474) (XD) - $15.95

Tasting Note:

100% Pecorino. Inviting lemon and nectarine aromas from the cork. Quite aromatic with wet hay, flinty, and lemon aromas in the glass. Dry on the palate, quite full-ish with lemon, grapefruit, peach and green apple flavours. Has balanced acids and very good length with lemony flavours on the finish. Some saltiness mid-palate continues on to the finish. Drink soon. Score: 88 pts

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Eclipse Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2007 (Italy) - Wine Review

Ordering a glass of house wine at a restaurant? Almost unheard of for me, and rarely would I recommend it. However, I really enjoyed a glass of this red wine recently at Mideastro in Vaughan.

ECLIPSE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2007 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy - $8/glass

Tasting Note:
Aromas of black cherry, fig, pepper and earth. Ripe, dark fruits on the palate with juicy, ripe tannins. Light bodied red wine. It wasn't the ideal to be enjoyed with Panko-crusted Chilean Sea Bass, but wasn't entirely over-bearing either. It did pair well with the double-cut Lamb Chops. Definitely a very good house wine, and the restaurant is top-notch! Wasn't my first time there, and won't be my last.

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