J. Laurens Le Moulin Brut Blanquette de Limoux (Midi) - Wine Review (Apr. 2022)

I've enjoyed this lovely Limoux sparkling wine on a couple of occasions now, including most recently in May 2021 when it showed up in VINTAGES that month. For tonight's sparkling wine review, I bring you the latest batch of this delicious sparkling wine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Limoux wine is produced around the city of Limoux in Languedoc, in southwestern France, with sparkling wines dominating the production. The main grape of the region is Mauzac, known locally as Blanquette because of a fine white coating that forms on its leaves, followed by Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Historically, it is widely believed that the world's first sparkling wines were produced in the region of Limoux in 1531 by the monks of the abbey in Saint-Hilaire. Fast forward to 1929 and the Limoux production area was the first delimited area in France, followed by the first Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in Languedoc (and one of the very first in France) in 1938.

This Limoux sparkling wine is produced by Domaine J. Laurens. Established in the 1980s by Michel Dervin of Champagne, J. Laurens is located in the south of France in the small village of La Digne d'Aval, 5 kilometres from Limoux, a stone’s throw away from the famous old city of Carcassonne, one hour from Toulouse, and two hours from Montpellier. A native of Limoux, Jacques Calvel took over the domaine in 2002 and with the help of Michel and cellar master Henri Albrus, the domaine was expanded and modernized in order to guarantee high quality wines every year.

Today, J. Laurens produces a fine range of AOC Limoux sparkling wines in the traditional method. Among the many rules of the AOC, yields are limited to 50 hl/hectare, hand-harvested and uncrushed grapes only, and the wines must rest on their lees for a minimum of 9 months. J. Laurens is aware of the importance of protecting the environment and respecting biological diversity, and applies the principles of sustainable agriculture with the help of a qualified technician.

Tasting Note:

J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional method, AP, Midi, France (#180323) (XD) - $19.95
This non-vintage traditional method sparkling wine is a blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay and has fresh golden apple and lemon citrus aromas mingling with yeasty and biscuit notes of generous intensity rising out of the glass. On the crisp, light-to-mid weighted palate it has lightly frothy mousse and more ripe apple, lemon citrus, and yeasty notes joined by lightly honeyed and grapefruit flavours in a dry profile with fresh, zesty acidity. Citrus, apple, and yeasty notes linger on the dry, clean, and crisp finish, with very good length. Lot L21344.1. Always a recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by J. Laurens can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Feudo Maccari Noto Neré Nero d'Avola 2018 (Sicily) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Nero d'Avola from Sicily that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Although the story of Feudo Maccari begins only in the late 1990's, the history of the vineyards go back much further in time. Founder Antonio Moretti Cuseri (of Tenuta Sette Ponti that crafted the lovely 2018 Crognolo I enjoyed last week) wanted a new oenological challenge and was fascinated by Val di Noto in southeastern Sicily after visiting the area in the late 90's. Starting in 2000, Antonio began acquiring land by units of "tumulo", an ancient Sicilian unit of measurement equal to 1,744 square metres, and acquired more than fifty properties.

Today, the Maccari estate covers 50 hectares of vines, with some more than 30 years old and located on mostly calcareous soils and different elevations to achieve overall balance in the wines. At the heart of the Maccari label is Nero d'Avola, a grape varietal that best expresses itself in this territory. Nero d'Avola is a varietal with ancient traditions and one of the most interesting of the Sicilian varieties. Among its expressive characteristics is its structure, richness, and roundness of its fruit, as well as its capability for lengthy cellaring. This particular Nero d'Avola underwent a controlled-temperature fermentation and maceration for about 15 days and was aged completely in stainless steel tanks. It was also aged for 4 months in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this unoaked Nero d'Avola from Sicily is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FEUDO MACCARI NOTO NERÉ NERO D'AVOLA 2018 - DOP, Sicily, Italy (#339101) (XD) - $17.95
Aged in stainless steel tanks, followed by 4 months in bottle, this unoaked Nero d'Avola has a medium-high intensity nose that is quite attractive with aromas of sweet & ripe red berries, strawberry, baking spices, and sandalwood with touches of red plum. It's ripe and fruit forward on the dry, medium+ bodied palate with dried red berry, cherry, strawberry, sweet spice, sandalwood, and dried floral flavours, all supported by fresh, succulent acidity and soft, supple, lightly grippy tannins. Slightly tangy on the mid-palate with earthy, dried red berries & florals, and mineral notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Feudo Maccari are available at the LCBO and can also be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Celebrating Malbec World Day 2022 - Argentina's Flagship Grape

Today is Malbec World Day, a celebration held worldwide every April 17th since 2011. As Argentina's flagship grape varietal, Malbec arrived in Argentina 169 years ago and on April 17, 1853, the government of Mendoza took the first steps to make wine production an important industry focus for the country. This focus led to the establishment of the country's first agricultural school that focused on winemaking.

Malbec was originally grown in Bordeaux and in the southwestern French region of Cahors, where it is still the primary red wine grape. It's history can be traced back to at least the year 1316, when Pope John XXII founded the University of Cahors and the clerical elites enjoyed the "black wine of Cahors". In 1853, the first Malbec vines entered Argentina by crossing the Andes on the backs of mules in the saddlebags of Miguel Amado Pouget who was hired to lead Quinta Agronomica, Mendoza's first agronomic school. The graduates from this school were Argentina's first formal, homegrown agronomists and vine growers.

Descending from France's pre-phylloxera vines, Argentine Malbec thrives today in the high-elevation, sunny, and desert climate of Argentina. In 1974, the first Malbec varietal wine was registered for export, and in 1991, the Luján de Cuyo D.O.C. was established. Founded by a handful of pioneering wineries, the Luján de Cuyo D.O.C. was the first of its kind in Argentina and helped promote and protect the development of Malbec, while also setting the stage for the future development and understanding of terroirs.

Today, Malbec is the most widely cultivated varietal in Argentina with more than 109,000 acres planted across the country's wine growing regions spanning from the north to Patagonia in the deep south, resulting in a diverse range of styles and flavour profiles. Since the early 2000s, wineries and researchers began studying the relationship between Malbec and terroir, with many studies showing the impact of climate and temperature on aromatic and flavour components and profile. In February 2021, the Catena Institute of Wine published a study in Scientific Reports that "irrefutably proves the existence of terroir and its persistence across vintages." Winemaker's continue to explore and break new ground by seeking higher-altitude, cooler climates to create Malbec wines of elegance and structure.

Here are seven Malbec wines that I've had the pleasure of enjoying over the last couple of weeks that should provide you with a nice introduction to the varietal, and all are available at the LCBO.

Tasting Notes:

DOMAINE BOUSQUET GRAN MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21983) (XD) - $24.95
Blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 5% Syrah. The medium-high intensity nose is rich and dark with fine wood spice aromas layered over blackberry, currant, cassis, violet, and vanilla. Full-bodied, structured, and dry on the palate with lightly tangy blackberry, herb, black currant, cassis, wood spice flavours with touches of pepper. Fresh, juicy acids whet the palate, while the youthful tannins have some grip. Savoury wood and spice notes linger on the structured finish, with very good length. On the bigger side of Malbec. Agent: B. Cojocaru Agencies Inc. Score: 90+ pts

VIRGEN NATURAL MALBEC 2019 - Vegan, Sustainable, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21987) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. This organic, unoaked Malbec has a fresh and fragrant nose that is ripe and fruit-forward with black-blue-purple fruit, plum, grapey, and white pepper spice aromas, plus whiffs of stony mineral. On the medium-full bodied palate it shows impressive fruit concentration with more fruity black-blue-purple fruit, and grapey flavours joined by touches of dried herbs and spice adding a pleasant savoury component. Mild tannins have a refined, slightly dusty texture. Acids are juicy. Tapers to a minerally, finish, with very good length. Agent: B. Cojocaru Agencies Inc. Score: 89 pts

TRAPICHE MEDALLA MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#547869) (XD) - $19.95
The nose seems somewhat quiet, offering glimpses of ripe plum, purple fruit, peppery spice, and stony mineral aromas with subtle oak nuances. The medium-full bodied palate is rich and ripe with fleshy concentration and lovely flavours of purple and black fruits, plum, white pepper spice, and stony mineral notes. Acids are juicy and succulent, while the dusty, fine-grained, and lightly structured tannins offer a pleasingly textured mouthfeel. Stony mineral and meaty notes linger on the savoury finish, with very good length. Agent: Dandurand. Score: 89 pts

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#29280) (XD) - $19.95
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely aromas of freshly crushed dark berries, blackberry, violets, and savoury earthy, stony minerality notes. It's medium-full bodied on the ripe, chewy palate with more dark berry, blackberry, violets, dried herb, and earthy mineral characters on the flavour profile. Showing a touch of warmth at this stage, but still balanced, while the acids are fresh and juicy. Smooth tannins have a fine, dusty texture. Minerally with violet, dark berry, and subtle oak notes linger on the long finish. Agent: Charton Hobbs. Score: 89 pts

NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2018 - Uco Valley & Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#178657) (XD) - $16.95
The medium-high intensity nose is quite attractive with violets, ripe black fruit, blackberry, spice, and dark plums with subtle mineral notes rising out of the glass. On the dry, chewy, medium-full bodied palate it has salty mineral and peppery spice notes that join the black fruit, blackberry, and violet flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the salty, smooth, and fine-grained tannins have a pleasant, slightly chalky textured grip. Minerally and slightly chalky on the finish, with very good length. Agent: Sylvestre Wines & Spirits. Score: 89 pts

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2019 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot, the fresh, medium+ intensity nose is wood spiced with vanilla surrounding a core of red and black fruit, black cherry, plum, and violet with hints of dried herb and florals emerging with time in the glass. It's full-bodied and quite tangy on the dry palate with black cherry, plum, and violet flavours, turning savoury and woody on the back palate. It has fresh, juicy acids and elegant, smooth, and supple tannins with just a touch of grip. Savoury, earthy, and wood spiced on the finish, with very good length. Agent: Profile Wine Group. Score: 89 pts

EL ESTECO DON DAVID RESERVE MALBEC 2020 - Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#483263) (XD) - $17.20 $15.20 until Apr. 24
Grown at high altitude in the Calchaquí Valley in the North of Argentina at over 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) elevation. Screw cap. The medium-high to highly aromatic nose is fresh and intense with spice and stony mineral aromas surrounding notes of dark berry, blackberry, tobacco, and dark chocolate with flecks of violet. The medium-full bodied palate has very good structure with dry, savoury flavours of chocolate, spice, tobacco, plus dark berry and blackberry notes. On the salty mid-palate it has fresh, juicy acidity, while the tannins are smooth and well-rounded. Savoury chocolate and earthy notes on the fresh finish, with very good length. Agent: Dandurand. Score: 90 pts

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Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Leading up to Malbec World Day celebrations on April 17th, tonight's wine review is this delicious Malbec from Paraje Altamira that first arrived at the VINTAGES late last year (with bottles still available), and a new shipment arriving later this month as part of the April 30th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Susana Balbo is Argentina's first female winemaker and after almost two decades dedicating her talent to national and international companies in the wine business working as a consultant, in 1999 she founded her namesake wine brand and the Dominio del Plata winery in the heart of Lujàn de Cuyo, Mendoza. Some of Susana's many accomplishments include being elected by her industry peers as the first President of Wines of Argentina, and also chairing the Buenos Aires W20 summit - a group within the G20 organization that promotes gender equity in the world's 20 leading economies. With a pioneering spirit and innovative winemaking, Susana continues to the push limits searching for uncharted territory in the wine world. In 2011 and 2012, Susana was joined by her son José and daughter Ana. Together, the Balbo family continues to focus on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

This red wine is from Susana's Signature range of wines that captures her ultimate expression as a winemaker by creating bold wines with artistic finesse. The Signature range highlights Susana's breadth of winemaking expertise, while her approach is to seamlessly apply her human touch to enhance the grape's character and preserve all elements of terroir.

The Signature Malbec is actually a blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot with the grapes coming from Susana's favourite vineyard - Finca La Delfina. This vineyard, which is also named after her mother, is located in the high altitude winegrowing region of Paraje Altamira at 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) above sea level, in the Uco Valley. The grapes were hand-harvested, fermented with selected yeasts, spent some time on lees with battonages. The wine was aged for 13 months in 70% second-use and 30% new French oak.

Across Argentina, the 2019 vintage is receiving rave reviews as a chilly spring with cool breezes kept frost and disease mostly at bay. Summer was hot and dry, particularly in Mendoza where temperatures regularly reached 40 degrees Celsius. Noticeably cooler temperatures at the tail-end of summer preserved acidity and aromatics. Harvest was mostly smooth and grape quality was excellent. The 2019 vintage is described as one for the history books, so let's see how this 2019 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2019 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot, the fresh, medium+ intensity nose is wood spiced with vanilla surrounding a core of red and black fruit, black cherry, plum, and violet with hints of dried herb and florals emerging with time in the glass. It's full-bodied and quite tangy on the dry palate with black cherry, plum, and violet flavours, turning savoury and woody on the back palate. It has fresh, juicy acids and elegant, smooth, and supple tannins with just a touch of grip. Savoury, earthy, and wood spiced on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines my Susana Balbo are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent -Profile Wine Group.

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Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Continuing my journey towards Malbec Word Day which is being celebrated globally this Sunday, April 17th, tonight's red wine review is this lovely Malbec from Mendoza that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Nieto Senetiner, a winery that was founded in 1888 by Don Nicanor and a group of Italian immigrants in the town of Vistalba in the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza. The families planted their first vines and shared their winemaking secrets with each other, while also sharing their love of nature, respect for terroir, and the value of patience.

In 1969, the Nieto and Senetiner families acquired the estate and started the next chapter of producer's story of growth and development by expanding the facilities and consolidating their presence in the marketplace. In 1998, Nieto Senetiner became part of the Pérez Companc family group of wineries. With a commitment to high standards of winemaking and quality, and backed by continual investments in both the vineyards and technology, Nieto Senetiner continues to evolve and grow without losing its a noble origins.

Today, Nieto Senetiner combines tradition with artisanal winemaking and technology to create their fine wines. Nieto Senetiner has three estate vineyards - Finca Las Tortugas in Agrelo, Finca Las Toracazas in Alto Agrelo, and their original estate vineyard Finca Villa Blanca in Vistalba which is home to vines planted in 1900. Let's see how this Malbec from Mendoza is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#178657) (XD) - $16.95
100% Malbec from Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, and was aged for 12 months in French oak. The medium-high intensity nose is quite attractive with violets, ripe black fruit, blackberry, spice, and dark plums with subtle mineral notes rising out of the glass. On the dry, chewy, medium-full bodied palate it has salty mineral and peppery spice notes that join the black fruit, blackberry, and violet flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the salty, smooth, and fine-grained tannins have a pleasant, slightly chalky textured grip. Minerally and slightly chalky on the finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Some bottles of their lovely 2019 Nieto Senetiner Semillon are available at the LCBO, while other wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

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April 16, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: California

Wines from California is the theme of the upcoming April 16, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Also coming in this release is April's monthly selection of Online Exclusives (OE) that will be available online only at lcbo.com.

We begin with the theme titled "State of Grace" that focuses on the elegant and refined wines of California that are loved the world over. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are generally two grapes that first come to mind when thinking about California wines, and of the thirteen wines featured in the theme, the two wines that are included among my top wine picks are made with these two varietals. The first wine is an excellent Chardonnay from Sonoma Coast, while the other wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon made with fruit from Sonoma County and Contra Costa County. Not part of the theme, but a great wine coming as an Online Exclusive is the excellent Fumé Blanc which is a blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Semillon that was barrel-fermented in French oak.

Italy is showing strong in this release with five of my red wine picks coming from this old world wine region. From Tuscany, the Super Tuscan Crognolo is a blend of 90% ancient Sangiovese clone and 10% Merlot, while the Montecucco consists of 80% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. From the Chianti Classico DOCG, the Riserva is 100% Sangiovese, while the Gran Selezione should be mostly Sangiovese with some Merlot. The last wine from Italy is a Nero d'Avola from Sicily, while the Crozes-Hermitage from northern Rhône in France is crafted with Syrah.

From my white wine recommendations, there are no blends and single varietal wines include an organic Soave that is made with 100% Garganega, while the Chablis is an unoaked Chardonnay. Wines that spent some time in oak include the Viura from Spain, the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, and the Chardonnays from Australia and Niagara. For those that prefer some sweetness to their wines, you should try the off-dry (i.e. lightly sweet) Vouvray that is made with Chenin Blanc, or the medium-sweet Riesling from Niagara that always delights!

Among my sparkling wine picks, the 2007 Champagne is a blend of 57% Chardonnay and 43% Pinot Noir, while the Limoux consists of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#178657) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• FEUDO MACCARI NOTO NERÉ NERO D'AVOLA 2018 - DOP, Sicily, Italy (#339101) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2020 - DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#57513) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• HOLLICK WRATTONBULLY SHIRAZ 2019 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#165944) (XD) - $19.95
• CLINE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Vegan, Contra Costa County, Sonoma County, California, USA (#24914) (XD) - $22.95
• CASTELLO DI COLLEMASSARI MONTECUCCO ROSSO RISERVA 2016 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#23039) (XD) - $22.95

 

• WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Clare Valley & Coonawarra, South Australia (#142398) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE PINOT NOIR 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#33894) (XD) - $24.95
• SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#716266) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
• TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2018 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#727636) (XD) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
• PHILIPPE & VINCENT JABOULET NOUVELÈRE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2016 - Sustainable, AP, Rhône, France (#635680) (XD) - $36.95  OE
• TENUTA SAN VINCENTI GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#414417) (XD) - $39.95  OE
  

White Wine:

• ONTAÑÓN VETIVER VIURA 2018 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#437707) (XD) - $16.95
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2020 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#468728) (XD) - $16.95
• TESSARI BARCO ORGANIC SOAVE CLASSICO 2019 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#14345) (XD) - $17.95
• DOMAINE GENDRON CUVÉE CLOS CARTAUD VOUVRAY 2018 - AC, Loire, France (#22584) (D) - $18.95
• URLAR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Gladstone, North Island, New Zealand (#22852) (XD) - $19.95
• TAWSE LIMESTONE RIDGE NORTH BLOCK RIESLING 2019 - Estate bottled, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#431593) (M) - $21.95
• J. MOREAU & FILS CHABLIS 2020 - AC, Burgundy, France (#466144) (XD) - $24.95
• ON SEVEN THE PURSUIT CHARDONNAY 2018 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#25856) (XD) - $45.00  OE
• FLOWERS CHARDONNAY 2019 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#215210) (XD) - $59.95
• ROBERT MONDAVI TO KALON VINEYARD RESERVE FUMÉ BLANC 2016 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#326165) (XD) - $79.95  OE
  

Sparkling:

• J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional method, AP, Midi, France (#180323) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• GOSSET CELEBRIS EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2007 - AC, France (#344952) (XD) - $204.95  OE
  

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Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2018 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Super Tuscan that returns to the LCBO next weekend in the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Tenuta Sette Ponti is a story of passion, dedication, and love for vineyards and their traditions. Their business philosophy is based on quality, research, long-lasting knowledge, age-old customs, respect for the land and its balance, while also keep pace with modern agricultural and enological practices.

Although Tenuta Sette Ponti is a relatively new producer that was only established in the 1990s, it's history begins in 1935 when Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta and Viceroy of Ethiopia planted the first vineyards on this property in Tuscany between Florence and Arezzo to celebrate having taken over the Ethiopian Empire. It was called "Vigna dell'Impero", or Vineyard of the Empire, and is home to an ancient clone of Sangiovese that is the only one of its kind.

In the 1950s, Architect Alberto Moretti Cuseri acquired the first 55 hectares of land directly from Princesses Margherita and Maria Cristina of Savoy-Aosta, daughters of Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta, and dedicated himself to the production of winegrowing and olive oil. For many years, he produced grapes to sell to producers.

Antonio Moretti Cuseri, Alberto's son, was driven by a passion and interest in wine since he was a young boy. In 1997, he took control of his father's winery and worked alongside the best viticulturists and enologists to evaluate the suitability of the land for the production of quality wines, although the area was already declared one of the most suitable areas for wine production in Tuscany in 1716 by Cosimo III de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. After numerous studies, research, consultancy, and testing, Antonio stopped selling grapes to other producers and established Tenuta Sette Ponti, releasing his first label - Crognolo - in 1998. The name "Tenuta Sette Ponti" comes from the seven bridges that extend over the Arno River on the road from Florence to Arezzo, while Crognolo is named after a wild plant that is also known as Cornelian cherry or cornus mas, and grows abundantly on the estate. With in-depth research, an incredible love for vines, and for age-old expertise about the art of winemaking, Tenuta Sette Ponti makes exceedingly high quality, organic wines in line with Tuscan traditions. Their iconic Oreno Super Tuscan red wine is among the top wines in the world.

In 2018, the third generation of the Moretti Cuseri family joined the business with Amedeo taking on the role of director and Italian market manager, while Alberto is the communications and export director. This new generation continues to represent the company's strong values of tradition and great passion passed down by their father. With a fresh and new vision that is strengthened by high quality wines, Tenuta Sette Ponti is consistently recognized globally and are becoming symbols of Italian excellence and authentic style.

The 1997 Crognolo was Antonio Moretti Cuseri’s first quality wine. It was crafted from clones of the historic Sangiovese vines in the estate's oldest vineyard, Vigna dell'Impero. This unique Sangiovese clone was multiplied across Tenuta Sette Ponti's other Sangiovese vineyards and is still incorporated in this wine. This particular vintage of Crognolo is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot that was grown on clay and sand soils, as well as Tuscany's special stony galestro limestone. The area offers ideal sun exposure and a climate tempered by the Mediterranean, which are ideal for cultivating the Sangiovese grape. Yields are kept low, while the fruit is hand-harvested, sorted, and de-stemmed. After fermentation in a combination of temperature-controlled and lined open-top tanks, the lots are blended and aged in French Allier barriques for 10-14 months, followed by 5-6 months in bottle prior to release. After enjoying the 2016 Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo a few years ago, I am curious to see how this 2018 edition is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2018 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#727636) (XD) - $34.95
This Super Tuscan is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and has a medium-high intensity nose with a lovely bouquet of sweet red cherries, rose floral, and sweet spice aromas with subtle earthy and mineral tones. On the medium-full bodied, chewy palate it has lovely, balanced replays of red cherry, rose floral, and savoury wood spices. It's really nicely balanced with juicy acidity, and plush, textured tannins that have just subtle chalky grip. A pleasing mix of savoury, woody, minerally, and red berry notes linger on the long, very satisfying finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Tenuta Sette Ponti's iconic Oreno is available at the LCBO, while other lovely wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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