by Ray Johnson | Sep 30, 2008 | Italy, Marche, Verdicchio di Matelica
ColleStafano, Verdicchio di Matelica DOC 2007 Minerality and stones fruits come out in the nose. The mouth is refreshing and fruity like peaches with the acidity of a lemon – nice. The grapes are organically grown. Estate bottled in Castelraimondo 13% $15.99 at...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 30, 2008 | Castelli Romani, Frascati, Italy, Lazio, Malvasia, Trebbiano
Fontana Candida, Frascati DOC, Superiore, Secco 2006 There’s a light sense of herbs and flowers in the nose and melons after about 15 minutes. The mouth is rather light on flavor and acidity with a bit of heat. Bottled in Monteporzio Catone 12.5% $7.69 at Bottle...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2008 | Italy, Rufina, Tuscany, Vin Santo
Selvapiana, Vin Santo del Chianti Rufina DOC 2001 Raisins and a spiritous character in the nose. The mouth features caramel and toffee and a subtle sweetness that would make it best consumed by itself after dinner in the cold of winter in front of that roaring fire....
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2008 | Bolgheri, Brunello di Montalcino, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Tenuta Argentiera, Bolgheri DOC Poggio Al Ginepri 2006 There’s a light earthiness and a sense of brambles in the nose. The mouth is soft and easy drinking with leather, a moderate amount of tannic grip and acidity. Estate bottled in Castagneto Carducci 14%...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2008 | Italy, Organic grapes, Orvieto, Umbria
Sergio Mottura, Orvieto DOC 2006 There are fresh tropical fruits and garden herbs in the nose. The mouth is rather broad with moderate acidity and a little warmth and a bit of astringent grip – a little disappointing. The grapes, Procanico, Verdello and...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 16, 2008 | Alto Adige, Italy, 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 this one sit for 5 years or pair with...
