Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

The expressions of Sangiovese

Posted in July 17th, 2008

by Ray in California, Chianti Classico, Montalcino, Napa Valley, Sangiovese, Super Tuscan, Tuscany

Rocca di Montegrossi, Chianti Classico DOCG, 2004 Screaming acidity and light body. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo, aged in French oak for 12 months. Estate bottled in Gaiole 13.5% $22.99 at Traverso’s
Valdicava, Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2003 Appropriate earthiness and some richness in the mouth that balances Sangiovese’s acidity - very nice. The Winemaker Vincenzo [...]

Tuscan hit parade

Posted in July 2nd, 2008

by Ray in Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany

2 great producers and 2 classic wines.
Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG 2004
There’s some appropriate barnyard notes tied into the tart cherry and lightly tannic palate. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 2% Malvasia Nera and 2% Colorino, aged for one year in small oak barrels. Bottled by the Mazzei family in Castellina in Chianti 13.5% $27.95 at Traverso’s [...]

Tuscan M&Ms

Posted in May 2nd, 2008

by Ray in Italy, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Tuscany

Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2005
This has been a stalwart good value in a modern style, though the price has crept to the border of $20. The ‘05 vintage is light-bodied, accessible and subtly laced with a bit of tannin. Estate bottled by Federico Carletti in Montepulciano 13% $19.50 at Traverso’s Poliziano
Argiano Rosso di Montalcino [...]