Category Archives: Italy

Cantina Valle Isarco Pinot Grigio 2008

Posted on April 23, 2010 by RJ

Cantina Valle Isarco, Alto Adige, Valle Isarco, Pinot Grigio 2008 The nose features straw, sweet flowers and candied fruit. In the mouth the citrus fruit is vibrant yet it is muted a bit by a hint of the alcohol. Bottled … Continue reading →

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Wines of Italy

Posted on April 23, 2010 by RJ

Tonight in the SRJC Wines of California and Europe class we’ll be exploring some of the key regions in Italy and the wines that made them famous. Check back later for the reviews. Cheers!

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Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti 2007

Posted on April 19, 2010 by RJ

Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d’Asti, Superiore, Le Orme 2007 This vintage features a fair amount of black fruit interspersed with some horse blanket. In the mouth it is mildly oaky and rich, supple and sparked by acidity – nice. 13.5% $12.69 … Continue reading →

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Barbaresco and Barolo 2004

Posted on April 14, 2010 by RJ

Moccagatta, Barbaresco, Basarin 2004 The nose features plenty of black licorice and a blush of vanilla. In the mouth this young Barbaresco is approachable, with ripe yet present tannins – another winner from Moccagatta with great length. The grapes are … Continue reading →

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Vietti Barbera 2006

Posted on April 14, 2010 by RJ

Vietti, Barbera d’Alba, Tre Vigne 2006 This is Barbara with structure, quite formidable and begging for red meat. I swear that there is a compelling sense of black licorice and green herbs in this wine. The flavors carry for a … Continue reading →

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La Rasina Brunello 2004

Posted on April 14, 2010 by RJ

La Rasina, Brunello di Montalcino 2004 This wine smells as if you’ve walked into a room filled with spices, coriander, cinnamon, cloves and more. In the mouth you’ll find lots of extract, a wine that is dense and acidic yet … Continue reading →

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Avignonesi Vino Nobile 2006

Posted on April 14, 2010 by RJ

Avignonesi, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006 In April, the nose spoke Old World with a bit of funkiness. In the mouth this Vino Nobile shined, concentrated, tannic and possessing electrifying acidity that accentuated the cherry fruit – very nice. I … Continue reading →

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Elena Walch Pinot Grigio 2008

Posted on March 6, 2010 by RJ

Elena Walch, Alto Adige, Pinot Grigio 2008 The nose features lemon and flowers with a bit of doughiness. The mouth is bright with citrus and its expected acidity, without the austerity of many Grigios from Italy. The whole palate is … Continue reading →

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Wines of the Alto Adige

Posted on March 2, 2010 by RJ

This region holds a particular place in my heart. Linda and I visited some of the top producers of the region this summer and hiked the magnificent mountains. This Tyrolean region is beyond picturesque and vies with Stellenbosch as the … Continue reading →

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Andrea Oberto Barbera d’Alba 2008

Posted on February 8, 2010 by RJ

Andrea Oberto, Barbera d’Alba DOC 2008 The nose features tar as well as some bound up sulfur. In the mouth it is immensely tart, screaming with acidity and a little leaner than hoped for. This wine doesn’t show nearly as … Continue reading →

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