Daily Archives: September 18, 2007

Sweet treats from the Veneto

Posted on September 18, 2007 by Ray Johnson

La Montecchia Colli Euganei DOC Fior d’Arancio Spumante Dolce 2005 Fresh and full of orange blossom and ginger just like Moscato d’Asti. The taste is strongly reminiscent of ginger ale; perhaps this is adult ginger ale. Today’s bottle was also … Continue reading →

Posted in Late Harvest White, Sweet Sparkling, White Dessert | Leave a comment

Dried grapes dry wine

Posted on September 18, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Valpolicella is a fascinating area where red wines are constructed from varying degrees of dried grapes. This flight runs from straight-on harvested fruit to all raisins, yet each of the wines is dry. Allegrini Valpolicella Classico DOC 2005 The first … Continue reading →

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Beyond Valpolicella

Posted on September 18, 2007 by Ray Johnson

In the Veneto there are other red wines to discover, beyond the usual suspects Valpolicella and Bardolino. Vignalta Colli Euganei DOC Rosso Riserva 2001 Soft and light-bodied, this wine shows cherry fruit with herbaceous notes and a complexing hint of … Continue reading →

Posted in Veneto Red | Leave a comment

Soave

Posted on September 18, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Gini Soave Classico DOC 2005 Stone fruit characteristics yet losing freshness – disappointing compared to previous tasting of the same vintage.  Yet, all is not lost.  I just purchased another bottle, same vintage same source, and the wine is spot … Continue reading →

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Veneto Cheer

Posted on September 18, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Ruggeri Argeo Prosecco nv Not much concentration and very little sense of Prosecco bubble gum qualities – disappointing 11% $14.99 at Traveso’s  Ruggeri Prosecco di Valdobbiadene DOC Santo Stefano Dry nv Sweet with classic bubble gum flavors. Latest bottle was … Continue reading →

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Tempted by Tempranillo

Posted on September 18, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Tempranillo plays a key role in the Spanish region of Rioja and along the river Duero aka Douro on the other side of the border in Portugal. In the latter country Tempranillo goes by the name of Tinta Roriz or … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Castilla y Leon, Douro, Paso Robles, Portugal, Spain, Tempranillo | Leave a comment