Valle Vento Barolo 2007, Piedmont (£14.99 Spar) Some will praise its old-fashioned, volatile, meaty style and rustic charm, others will dislike it for precisely the same reasons. It is a bit tired and consommé-like, but there’s still enough fragrant tar aroma, plum and citrus peel flavour and chewy tannin to […]
Sangiovese
Bergaglio Sassaia Monferrato Rosso 2007, Piedmont (₤18.60 Symposium Wines) Oh so nearly… This combines the ripe plummy blackcurrant of Cabernet Sauvignon with the awkward herbiness, rose petal and tar of Nebbiolo and friendly blackberry edge of Barbera, but then the flashy vanilla sheen of oak intrudes and takes away much […]
Wine Tasting Video: Italian reds – Brunello, Monferrato, Primitivo etc
Piccini ‘Orange Label’ Chianti 2010, Tuscany (£6.99 Sainsbury’s) Fruity youngster that wouldn’t object to 20 minutes in the fridge before serving, with vibrant plum and cherry freshness, a touch of almond, some spice & herbs, and just the right amount of tannic bite to the finish. B(+) Umberto Cesari Yemula […]
Wine Tasting Video: Sangiovese from Tuscany & Emilia Romagna
Château Léoube Rosé de Léoube Côtes de Provence 2010, France (£12-50-£14.95 Daylesford Organic, Corney & Barrow, Haynes Hanson & Clark, rose-wine.com, James Nicholson Wine) Very pale, but packed with character, has fresh peach and sappy citrus flavours with a touch of raspberry, light in body, but with warmth and intensity. […]
Wine Tasting Video: Rosés from France, Italy & New Zealand
Tenuta Degli Dei ‘Le Redini’ IGT Toscana 2008, Italy (~£18) Quite a lush modern style with berry, sour cherry and damson skin flavours, Alicante adding some iron and herbiness and oak giving a smoky vanilla sheen, finishes in gentle, soft and supple style but maybe just too smooth? S- Caiarossa […]
Wine Tasting Video: Three Italians and a Zinfandel
Da Vinci Chianti 2008, Tuscany, Italy (£8.99 Liberty Wines, Whole Foods, Noel Young) Juicy, earthy style, combining violet-scented bitter cherry & raspberry flavours with a herby wildness and a sappy, refreshing finish. B+ Poggiotondo Chianti Superiore 2007, Tuscany, Italy (£11.99 Liberty Wines, Whole Foods, Noel Young) More flesh and polish […]