Daily Archives: September 16, 2008

Lagrein

Cantina Terlano, Alto Adige, Gries, Lagrein, Riserva DOC 2004 This is still a baby with ample structure and notes of tar and earth. There’s a sense in which this reminds me of a young and reductive Northern Rhone Syrah. Let … Continue reading

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Barbolini Lambrusco Seco

Barbolini, Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro, Lancillotto, Frizzante, Secco nv There’s a delightful fresh grapy character in the nose. In the mouth there is lively black fruit and a sense of the skins, the tannin showing itself. Serve this along side … Continue reading

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Going east in Italy

Bastianich, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Tocai Friulano DOC 2006 Herbaceous with a sense of canned vegetables, lowish in acidity with a creamy character – disappointingly low in concentration. Estate bottled in Cividale del Fruili 13% $18.00 at Traverso’s Bastianich, Venezia … Continue reading

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Piemonte specialty

Banfi, Rosa Regali, Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG 2007 This ’07 is perfectly fresh with plenty of flowers and fresh strawberries. Serve this with fresh berries after dinner to match the sweetness. The ’05 tasted one year ago was sweet and with … Continue reading

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Wet your appetite

Cinzano, Vermouth Rosso nv This has proved to be a good value vermouth, not with the intensity of those of Carpano or Quady, but the price is right when you’re on a budget; it’s also more widely available. You could … Continue reading

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