by Ray Johnson | Jan 17, 2011 | Corvina, Italy, Veneto Red
Allegrini, Veronese IGT, Palazzo Della Torre 2007 This vintage, as some in the past, features a bit more leather that adds a great complexity to the nose. In the mouth the ripeness of the wine comes through, with complexity and great length. This wine joins long...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 18, 2010 | Italy, Prosecco, Sparkling Dry, Treviso, Veneto
Villa Sandi, Treviso, Prosecco, Il Fresco, Brut, nv This bubbly is redolent of fresh pears, making for a fruit-driven Prosecco. While labeled brut, this wine is not austere, with a soft approach and moderate acidity – nice. As in a technique used at Sorelle...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 17, 2010 | Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Italy, Piemonte
Vietti, Barbera d’Asti, Tre Vigne 2008 In the nose you’ll find black fruit, green herbs, earth and chocolate. In the mouth there is Barbera’s acidic trademark, with density of flavor and a fair amount of tannin very long. The grapes are sourced from younger vines in...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 7, 2010 | Italy, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet
Cascina Castle’t, Moscato d’Asti 2008 This wine is delightful in its expression of orange blossoms with an added complexity from the extra year in the bottle – creamy and delicious. Estate bottled by Maria Borio in Costigliole d’Asti 5.5% purchased for $14.99 at...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 27, 2010 | Barbaresco, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 1997 Almost 13 years since the vintage the nose is showing notes of roasted coffee, nuts, dried fruits and prunes. With 10 minutes the sweetness of the dried fruit is emerging with a toasted nut character. In the mouth...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 26, 2010 | Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany
Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico 2006 Cherries and cranberries mark the nose with a touch of earth and smoke. In the mouth it is perfectly tart, light-bodied and ready to accompany roasted chicken. There’s long, lingering cherry flavor and acidity – nice....
