Category Archives: Veneto

Corte Rugolin Amarone 2001

Corte Rugolin, Amarone della Valpolicella DOC, Classico, Vigna “Monte Danieli” 2001 The nose is fetching in its liquer-like essence with a bit of volatility amping up the fruitiness. The mouth is quite luscious, rich and in dried fruits and extract. … Continue reading

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Yet another Muscat

Maculan, Veneto Moscato IGT, Dindarello 2006 There’s the sweet smells of orange blossom and ginger and a thick while vibrantly fruity palate – delicious. The grapes are all Muscat from the Dindarello Vineyard in Breganze. The grapes are dried for … Continue reading

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Let’s dry some grapes

Masi, Rosso Del Veronese Indicazione Geografica Tipica, Campofiorin, Ripasso 2005 Previous vintages, while not stunning or concentrated, have highlighted the sense that ripasso adds to the barer bones of straight Valpolicella, albeit at a budget price. The ’05 is a … Continue reading

Posted in Amarone della Valpolicella, Corvina, Ripasso, Valpolicella, Veneto | 2 Comments

Bardolino and more

Corte Gardoni, Bardolino, DOC Le Fontane 2006 The previous vintage sported a Beaujolais-like character, in the Nouveau vein, a carbo-mac fruit bomb with very light body – ideal for lunch in the sun when you demand red wine. This current … Continue reading

Posted in Bardolino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colli Euganei, Corvina, Della Venezie, Italy, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Veneto | Leave a comment

Sabe Soave?

Inama, Soave Classico, DOC 2006 This has been a solid producer though a little of the heat is showing. There’s plenty of viscosity with the buttery richness in the mouth. All Garganega from vines 30+ years old, there is some … Continue reading

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2 shades of extra dry

Cristalino, Cava, Extra Dry nv This wine isn’t amazing but it has a hint of RS, it truly is methode champenoise and it’s cheap. The grapes are Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, traditionally grown in the Penedes for Cava. Produced by … Continue reading

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From raisins

Corteforte Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripassato 2004 The smell of raisins is definitely there in a silky, sweet-appearing palate. The wine is dry but the fruit is amped up so that it appears sweet, unless there is a touch of sub-threshold … Continue reading

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Suave and classic

Pieropan Soave Classico DOC Estate Grown & Bottled 2006 In previous vintages this wine has been quite fresh and clean. Again it is this vintage with sweet floral and perfume and a light-bodied, dry palate. The grapes are 90% Garganega … Continue reading

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Spotlight on Allegrini

Allegrini Valpolicella DOC 2006 This wine has been consistently clean and refreshingly full of acidity, though in previous vintages it was labeled as being only from the Classico district. 60% Corvina, 35% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. Estate bottled in Fumane … Continue reading

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Italian Bubbles

This flight demonstrates the contrasting taste profiles in the methode champenoise wines of Franciacorta and the tank feremented Prosecco of the Veneto. Bellavista, Franciacorta, Cuvee Brut nv Fresh and dry, this wine is 80% Chardonnay, with the balance Pinot Bianco … Continue reading

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