Merlot

W.E.T.C.O.W. Wine Tasting Event #16 – Wines of Northern Italy

Event # 16 was hosted by the Braccos, who took us into the mountains of Northeastern Italy to look at some wines of the Friuli and Veneto regions.

Quick Facts:
  •  Region was part of Austria until after WWII
  •  Veneto Produces more wine than better-known regions like Tuscany, Piedmont, Puglia and Sicily.
  •  White wines (Pinot Grigio, Soave) dominate the region, due to the cooler climates and higher altitudes.
  •  Corvina is the predominant red grape, used in Valpolicella, Ripasso and Amarone/Recioto.
  •  If you have to drink a Pinot Grigio, get one from Friuli.
 The Wines:

Bastianich Adriatico Friuliano 2010  – $13.99

A typical Friulano, which expresses the history and terroir of Friuli. Medium bodied with ripe, luscious pear flavors carried by a refreshing mineral flavor and zesty, mouthwatering acidity. The Tocai Friulano grape is also characterized by a slight almond edge. Nice aromatics on the nose, very exotic; kind of spicy with some nuttiness to it. On the palate it’s full and powerful with plenty of length and depth to zesty tropical fruit that the wine has. A classic match with prosciutto. Try also with seafood and fish, pork and Asian/spicy dishes.

Vaona Valpolicella Classico 2012  – $17.99

This Valpolicella Classico obtained from the grape varieties Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara presents a ruby red color, and intense vinous bouquet and a well-structured flavor. A very alive, predominantly floral nose shows subtle hints of tobacco. Vivid tastes of cherry, recollections of earth and almond, ride on top of delicious acidity that just makes your mouth water for food. Lighter bodied with a nicely delineated structure. It goes well with rice dishes and red meats.

Zenato Cormi 2008  – $18.99

Ruby red in color, with aromas of red berries, blackberry and morello cherries. On the palate, the notes of plum and minerality of Corvina are complemented by the full flavor and sweet tannins of Merlot. A blend of 50% Corvina, the traditional grape of Amarone, and 50% Merlot. It has layers of ripe black cherries and morello cherries. Great minerality, earthiness, and well structured with a very focused finish with ripe tannins. An elegant, full bodied red that is ideally paired with Mediterranean cuisine and grilled or roasted pork, beef or lamb.

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2009  – $14.99

Allegrini are one of the foremost producers in the Veneto. Their wines are rich and beautifully made expressions of the local Corvina and Rondinella grapes. Rated amongst some of the finest of all Italian wines, Palazzo della Torre is a wonderful example of modern Italian winemaking at its best.With dark cherry and dried fruit aromas, this wine is rich and powerful on the palate. Think ripe dark fruits, smooth tannins and hints of cinnamon to create a spicy finish.

SCORING RESULTS : Wines of Northern Italy – 11/9/12

Taster

Bastianich Adriatico Friuliano – 2010 – $13.98

Vaona Valpolicella Classico – 2010 – $17.99

Zenato Cormi – 2008 – $18.98

Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre – 2009 – $14.99

Bussola Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico – 2008 – $59.99

 

 

Al B.

85

85

89

91

90

Sue B.

90

85

82

88

88

Eric D.

83

86

90

87

95

Zelma D.

88

85

83

91

91

Felix G.

85

74

88

91

77

Lisa G.

97

89

83

94

95

John M.

77

87

85

86

85

Marlene M.

79

91

86

85

84

Angie O.

91

83

83

89

91

John O.

90

84

90

90

85

 

 

 

Average Score:

86.5

84.9

85.9

89.2

88.1

 

W.E.T.C.O.W. Wine Tasting Event #15 – Super Tuscans

Campo Al Mare BolgheriEvent # 15 was hosted on a beautiful September weekend by the Galos, who presented us with a fine collection of Super Tuscan wines.

The Wines:

 La Mozza I Perazzi Morellino De Scansano 2010 – $16.99

Perazzi, the foundation of the La Mozza winery, was created to be unlike most typical Morellino di Scansano. The blend, which includes Mediterranean varieties, is more expressive and better demonstrates the potential of Maremma’s terroir. I Perazzi is named after the pear-like fruit that grow on our estate and are depicted on the label. TASTING NOTES: Juicy dark fruit mingles with spice and licorice on the palate. The bright, ripe cherry and soft texture makes this a natural match with fresh Mediterranean flavors and dishes.

85% Morellino (Sangiovese), 5% Syrah, 5% Alicante, 2% Colorino and 3% Ciliegiolo from Magliano, Tuscany, Italy.

Tenuta Monteti Caburnio 2008  – $15.99

Located in southern Tuscany, the vineyards of Tenuta Monteti surround the small town of Capalbio. The winery is dedicated to producing wines of great quality and strong personality that fully express the terrior of this region. Named by Wine Advocate as “one of the best values in Italian wine today”, Tenuta Monteti “Caburnio” is a fresh, focused blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Alicante and Merlot aged in equal parts steel and French oak for one year. Both the nose and palate are remarkably complex with savory notes of dried herbs, coffee beans and mocha enveloped in bushels of dark red fruit. Ripe tannins and bright acidity add structure and depth, resulting in a long, perfectly balanced finish. Enjoy through 2024.

Wine Advocate 92 Points: The 2008 Caburnio is one of the very best wines from Tuscany in its price range. Espresso, mocha, sweet grilled herbs and plums wrap around the palate in this deep, inviting wine. Hints of licorice, crushed flowers, tobacco and new leather add complexity on the striking, nuanced finish. Caburnio is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Alicante-Bouschet and 20% Merlot aged partly in oak and partly in steel. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.-AG

Terrabianca Campaccio  – $25.99

Bright, deep ruby red color. A bouquet of dark berry fruit, a hint of cocoa and toasted almond, and tanned leather aroma. Perfectly balanced body, with concentration and freshness. Overall balance, solidly built with very well-developed tannins.

The Wine Advocate – 92pts. “The 2007 Campaccio is beautifully ripe and succulent in its dark, extroverted fruit. In 2007, Campaccio veers on the edge of overripeness but there is just enough acidity to keep things in check. French oak, smokiness, new leather and licorice add depth to the rich, creamy finish. I am not sure how the 2007 will age, but it should provide highly pleasurable drinking for at least another decade. Campaccio is 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. ”

Tenute Folonari Campo Al Mare – Bolgheri 2009  – $23.99

Since 1999 Ambrogio e Giovanni Folonari began purchasing land in the Bolgheri area, right below the ancient town of Castagneto Carducci, 70 km south of Livorno.
In this area in the 1990s, the classification “Bolgheri D.O.C.” proved to be a smashing success. Thanks to a few highly-respected families in the Italian wine sector, it became internationally famous and indisputably respected for its wines. The area is blessed with a very favorable climate, tempered by the sea breezes from the nearby Tirrenian Sea. The terrain, a mixture of clay and sand, for the most part slopes slightly toward the sea. It has proved to be extremely well-suited to the Bordelaise combination.

Campo al Mare is a deep ruby color with violet reflections. It shows aromas of small red woodland fruits with notes of licorice and discreet oak in the background. On the palate, the wine is full and velvety in texture, with the aromatic impressions confirmed in the flavors, finishing on a long, silky note. Campo al Mare is 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc.

 

SCORING RESULTS : 9/15/2012

Taster

La Mozza I Perazzi 2010

Tenuta Monteti Caburnio

2008

Terrabianca Campaccio 2007

Campo Al Mare Bolgheri 2009

 

Al B.

84

81

88

90

 

Sue B

86

79

90

88

 

Eric D

84

89

86

90

 

Zelma D

90

84

93

84

 

Felix G

91

94

88

95

 

Lisa G

87

83

89

94

 

John M

82

88

84

89

 

Marlene M.

76

83

84

87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Score:

85

85

88

90

 

 

 

 

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