The Ribolla Gialla is elegant and fruity with sweet aromas and flavors of sliced apple and honey laced with a delectable hint of cream. A medium body and persistent finish are balanced by plenty of freshness. This is an exemplar wine of precision and complexity, from the northeastern Cormòns area of Friuli, home to the best vineyard sites.
Restrained notes of straw, broom flowers and Mirabelle plums. Very refined palate with a silky texture, a light body, crisp acidity and a savory aftertaste.
Sliced-apple and honey aromas and flavors with some cream. Medium body, plenty of fruit and persistent, balanced finish with freshness. Drink now.
This predominantly Pinot Noir (plus 10% old vine Chardonnay from La Spinetta’s Lidia vineyard) Riserva rests for seven long years on the lees, revealing a big, pure sparkling wine of extraordinary elegance, intensity and purity. The Special Cuvèe is rich and full-bodied with a perfect level of ripeness that tastes both sweet and salty at the same time. Enjoyable as an aperitif, this opulent Metodo Classico sparkling wine is also an excellent companion to a meal, particularly seafood.
Lemon rind, biscuits, walnuts, dried pears and grapefruit on the nose, followed by a crisp, bone-dry and zesty palate. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and savory, with a deliciously biscuity finish.
The Contratto 2014 Metodo Classico Special Cuvée Pas Dosé is very beautiful with generous fruit weight and a soft, medium to full-bodied style that feels especially bright and fresh in this cool vintage. The wine shows a gold-copper appearance, and the beading is very fine and silky. There is orange skin and bitter almond on the lovely finish.
This is more intense and concentrated with candied pineapples and peaches as well as hints of walnuts, almonds and pie crust. Full and dense with fine bubbles. Bone-dry with zingy acidity. Long and steady. Well made. Drink now.
Notes of dried apples, citrus rind, honeysuckle and toasted almonds. Medium- to full-bodied with vivid acidity and a savory fruit character. Fine mousse and round texture. Flavorful and satisfying with a mineral finish. Drink now.
The top-shelf sparkler from the historic Contratto brand is the 2013 Metodo Classico Special Cuvée Extra Brut. Packaged in a heavy bottle, this elegant white sparkler reveals faint hints of gold, followed by slow and fine beading. The bouquet brings intensity and intention with some dried peach, garden herb and crushed limestone. The wine is opulent and rich with yeasty tones at the back that add to its creamy texture and weight. In fact, that richness is almost too much of a good thing.
A softly layered and rich sparkling wine with thick layers of pastry crust and peach cobbler, complete with almond flakes and buttery highlights. This is a beautiful wine that hits many of the archetypal traits you look for in an aged, medium-bodied sparkler. The finish is full, generous, opulent and creamy.
Lots of cooked apples and peaches with toasted-oak and coconut character. Full body. Thick and flavorful. Very rich and intense. Drink now.
This wine sees seven long years of yeast contact. It celebrates the estate's 150th anniversary (1867-2017). The 2010 Metodo Classico Special Cuvée Pas Dosé is almost entirely Pinot Nero, with a 5% part of Chardonnay from the same site that makes La Spinetta's Lidia. This is a big picture sparkling wine, that when reviewed in its entirety reveals extraordinary balance, intensity and purity. These excellent attributes are lavished over the wine's generously full-bodied approach. Best of all, there is a perfect level of ripeness here that tastes sweet and salty at the same time.
Rich and decadent nose that shows dried apricots, dried lemons and pie crust. Caramel and sweet hazelnuts, too. Refined bubbles, a creamy texture and a crisp and lively finish. Drink or hold.
This is a vinous and dense sparkling wine that gives you an impression of a rich white with bubbles. Full-bodied, layered and flavorful. A fresh finish. I like the playfulness and intensity of this. Drink now.
Often considered the “younger sibling” to the more structured Brunello, the Rosso di Montalcino is also produced from 100% Sangiovese grapes. Red berries (raspberries, wild strawberries) with hints of flowers, citrus and spice on the nose open to a medium-bodied palate, with nice structure and fine tannins. Though the Rosso can age quite well, this red is immediately approachable, an enjoyable wine to drink now while the Brunello waits patiently in the cellar…
Bright, rich ruby red. Spicy nose of precious wood and Mediterranean herbs, with rich dark berryish fruit, a hint of vanilla sugar, reminiscent of sage, black tea and blackberries. Polished and rich on the palate, with rich, clear fruit, profound.
Firm tannins wrap around a core of vibrant Morello-cherry and blood-orange flavors in this high-toned wine. Hints of dried thyme and oregano emerge toward the floral-scented finish.
This show notes of sweeter red berries like raspberries and strawberries with spice character and hints of citrus peel and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, firm and textured with chalky tannins and a core of ripe fruit. Attractive and flavorful. Drink now.
Opening slowly in the glass, the 2021 Rosso di Montalcino wafts up with savory herbal tones, wild strawberry and cedary spice. This is soothingly soft and round on the palate with a pleasant inner sweetness and crisp red and black fruits that cascade throughout. Brisk acidity and sour citrus hints add harmony throughout the long and spicy finale, as the 2021 leaves nuanced tannins framing the experience perfectly. This lovely Rosso from Ciacci Piccolomini will win many hearts.
Nose of fragrant raspberries and fine spice with a lingering finish of rose hips. Shows itself on the palate with great juiciness and delicate mellifluous, opens beautifully, accessible and drinkable.
Sweet cherry and floral character with some orange-peel undertones. Light-to medium-bodied with firm tannins and a persistent, focused finish.
A pretty mix of crushed cherries, roses and sweet spice wafts up from the 2020 Rosso di Montalcino. This is a pure and lifted expression with pleasantly ripe red fruits that mix with sour citrus and savory herbal tones to create lovely contrasts. Its minerality comes forward through the licorice-tinged finale, along with a gentle grip of fine tannins that frame the experience quite nicely. Ciacci did a fantastic job with their 2020 Rosso.
Editor's choice. Vibrant and delicious, this textbook Rosso has enticing aromas of woodland berry, rose, tobacco and a whiff of eucalyptus. On the smooth, savory, polished tannins and bright acidity accompany succulent wild cherry, raspberry compote and licorice. Drink through 2023.
A juicy, fruity red with pleasing plum and chocolate character and hints of orange peel. Medium body and light tannins that are soft and succulent. Drink now.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona estate near the medieval village of Castelnuovo dell’Abate traces its roots back to the 17th century. A crowd-pleasing summer red; light-bodied but with plenty of character. Aged in Slavonian oak, it's packed with cherry fruit, savoury notes, floral hints, black spices and leather. Rounded tannins, good balance and freshness, with a long finish.
The 2018 Ciacci Rosso Rosso di Montalcino is intense from the get-go, showing sweet black cherries dipped in liquor, complicated by balsamic spices and savory herbs. On the palate, silky, almost creamy textures give way to polished ripe fruits and sweet spices, as pretty inner florals add lift to the experience. There’s a hint of orange citrus on the long finish, as the red fruits lean more to the blue end of the spectrum, along with a mix of residual acids and tannins. As fruit-forward and intense as this Rosso is, I can’t help but enjoy its extroverted yet balanced personality.
Violet, wild-berry and botanical-herb aromas lead the nose on this savory red. The bright juicy palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, wild blackberry and white pepper set against taut tannins.
Orange peel, citrus, raspberries and wild strawberries. Medium body, fine and grainy tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now.
Lots of watermelon, berry and spice character to this light-bodied red. Hints of citrus fruit too. Drink now.
The 2013 Rosso di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Silky, gracious and expressive on the palate, the 2013 stands out for its overall balance and harmony. Sweet red cherry, mint and spice notes linger on the open-knit finish.
A fresh, vibrant rosso form this vintage with strawberry and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium body, bright acidity and clean finish. Savory. Drink now.
Layers of animal, fresh wild strawberry with skin of dry cinnamon and lime on nose. Savory, sweet and grilled peach with layer of nutty, wood character. Drink now or better in 2016.
Bright red. Enticing floral lift to the aromas od red cherry, ink and licoric. Sweet and suave, with red cherry, herbal and floral flavors carrying nicely through a long finish. Sneaky concentration and a suave texture make this an outstanding Rossso, and one that doesn't try to be a Brunello.
Another reserved and fruity Rosso di Montalcino with beautiful cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors. Full to medium body, fine tannins and a crisp finish. Drink now.
The 2010 Rosso di Montalcino is plush, rich and totally inviting. It boasts stunning textural depth and richness for a Rosso. The warmth of these warm microclimates in the south of Montalcino comes through in spades. This is a hugely overachieving wine from Ciacci and proprietor Paolo Bianchini.
The 2006 Rosso di Montalcino is a knock-out effort bursting with dark red fruit, spices and earthiness. It flows onto the palate with remarkable density and plushness, with silky tannins that are beautifully integrated into the wine. Ciacci's 2006 Rosso is a gem, and is not to be missed.
The Rossofonte is produced from a careful manual selection of Estate-grown Sangiovese Grosso grapes, a serious wine that captures the essence of the Ciacci style. Though far from ordinary, this red is naturally more approachable than the Brunello, with fruity perfumes of wild cherries and ripe berries and balsamic notes of tobacco, cedar mint and lavender. Sensations of sweetness and acidity alternate in the mouth, to finish with fine, powdery tannins and spicy nuances of star anise and pink pepper.
Luminous ruby red. The nose shows aromas of raspberries and currants with notes of plums, herbs, earth and dried flowers. Elegant, fruity, spicy and very long in the mouth, great Rosso di Montalcino.
Darkly floral and broody yet captivating, the 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte entices with depths of dried black cherry, cedary, exotic spice and a dusting of cocoa. This is pure elegance on the palate, with silken textures that usher in waves of ripe red and black fruit, all balanced by a core of mineral-tinged acidity. The 2020 finishes with a bitter tinge of sour wild berries and liquorice, tapering off with medium length and only lightly structured. This is a more immediate style for Rossofonte, yet one that I find quite attractive.
This is a terrific wine (at an affordable price point) that you can always count on when planning an informal dinner with family and friends. The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2020 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte is bright and lively with pretty cherry fruit, raspberry and redcurrant. The aromas are lifted and bright, and the wine offers good textural tension along the way to pair with roast chicken, fajitas, grilled meats and more.
This Rosso from estate-grown fruit is rich and round, with flavors of tangy cherry and candied strawberry showing hints of warm spice and a bright spray of orange zest on the finish.
Subtle caramel to the very ripe and savory berry fruit and oranges. Quite flavorful on the palate with firm tannins, fresh medium acidity and a spiced, medium-long finish. Shows quality but a little more freshness would take it to the next level. Drink now.
Dark shining ruby red. Delicate balsamic notes on the nose, hearty dark berries, mint, light malt and a hint of blackberries. Elegant and polished on the palate, with round, velvety tannins, spreads out excellently, noble and long.
A medium-bodied red with crushed-berry and chocolate character. Some spices and bark, too. Lots of structure and flavor. This is more like a Brunello! Drink or hold.
Dark wood tones, underbrush and crushed black cherries can all be found as the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte grumbles up from the glass. It’s silky, nearly creamy on the palate, with polished red and black fruits that give way to exotic spice in a display of total elegance. While structured, its tannins are sweet and round, providing youthful grip without hindering the resonance of wild berries and licorice that lingers on and on. This is an impressive showing for the 2019 Rossofonte, but some cellaring will be required before it comes fully into focus.
A selection in the vineyard from younger vines, aged for two years in botte grande. Tar, smoky woodland, liquorice and helichrysum are combined with raspberry and cherry fruit aroma and flavour. Full and velvety with a crisp palate, it has a warming finish with a savoury and toasty character.
The Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona 2019 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte is the second entry-level Rosso from this creative estate that loves to push the boundaries. This is a great effort, especially considering its price tag and the growing potential of Rosso di Montalcino. Red cherry, raspberry, cedarwood and toasted almond rise from the bouquet. The wine offers a great sense of dimension and depth, with just 6,000 bottles made.
In the southern part of the appellation, close to the Orcia river and benefitting from its influence, this estate produces a great Rosso, exquisitely true to its terroir. The relatively cool 2018 vintage in this warmer subzone of Montalcino has amplified the fruity character and the supple style of Rossofonte, without losing complexity. Alluring floral notes of roses and macerated violets are joined by liquorice freshness and a touch of smoky woodland. The palate is focused on cherry and raspberry fruit, with good tension balancing the supple fruit with velvety tannins and refreshing acidity. Slightly chalky on the finish, it is otherwise a clear example of generous Rosso drinkability.
The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte is dark and youthfully brooding in the glass. With coaxing, a mix of black cherries dusted in exotic brown spices, hints of tobacco and violets comes forward. This is silky and polished, with textural waves of ripe red fruit laced with licorice and salty minerals giving way to a collection of fine tannins toward the close. There’s plenty of structure here for medium-term cellaring. The 2018 will require another year or two to come fully into focus.
A spicy Rosso di Montalcino that shows more glazed cherries and rose petals than most, as well as some delicious cinnamon and spices. Medium body, fine but hearty tannins and a medium-chewy finish. If only more wines from this category were as good as this! Drink now.
The hauntingly dark and alluring bouquet on the 2016 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte keeps you coming back to the glass again and again. Blackberries, cherries, brown spices, tobacco and wet stone create a rich and layered display. It’s velvety-smooth, balancing cooling acids with ripe red and black fruits further complicated by dried citrus and hints of mocha. This remains elegant, without a hard edge in sight, closing off to a note of violet candies and purple florals. The Rossofonte is a vineyard selection that is matured in smaller Slavonian oak barrels of 7.5 to 20 hectoliters. It’s a big wine, yet with admirable balance and ready to please a broad range of palates.
Aromas of red berry, camphor, rose and botanical herb lift out of the glass. The elegant, structured palate offers raspberry compote and licorice alongside polished tannins. This is one Rosso for moderate aging. Drink now through 2023.
The 2015 Rosso di Montalcino Rossofonte is a serious wine that captures the essence of the Ciacci style, but is naturally more approachable than the estate's Brunellos. Wild cherry, tobacco, cedar, mint and lavender infuse the Rosso with striking layers of nuance. Far form an easygoing wine, the 2015 packs a real punch, making it a great choice for the dinner table, where it will be exquisite with similarly rich foods.
Editor's Choice. This dazzling red boasts aromas of wild berry, chopped herb, violet and a whiff of truffle. The linear balanced palate also boasts surprising structure for the vintage, delivering juicy wild cherry, licorice and clove alongside silky elegant tannins and bright acidity. Incredibly enjoyable, one bottle may not be enough.
Serious Rosso with depth and structure. Medium to light body, silky tannins and a plum and cedar aftertaste. Drink now.
The image of the Estate’s historic Rosso Piceno DOC was revamped in 2017, resulting in a new label and a new name: Stè, short for Stefano. Vinified and aged exclusively in stainless steel, this is an easy-drinking wine, perfect for everyday occasions. Bright ruby red with notes of red fruit and spices on the nose, rich marasca cherry comes through along with a spicy aftertaste of white pepper. Dry and persistent, the Stè presents smooth, almost imperceptible, tannins. An attentive and precise selection of grapes in the vineyards ensures the highest quality.
The 2023 Rosso Piceno Ste is rich and fruit-forward, with a burst of crushed blackberries, cherries, rosy florals and white pepper hints. This is juicy with a core of tart wild berry fruits and zesty acidity that keeps the energy high throughout. It finishes with medium length. It leaves the palate completely reset for another sip. The STE is a no-frills blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese.
The 2021 Rosso Piceno Ste wafts up from the glass with a fresh and peppery bouquet, as roses and violets give way to crushed blackberries. It’s soft-textured with zesty acidity that motivates its tart wild berry fruits, as a vivid note of violet pastille forms toward the close. The 2021 finishes with grippy tannins, but also remarkably fresh, leaving hints of licorice to slowly fade. The Ste, a blend of 70% Montepulciano and 30% Sangiovese, will perform best at the dinner table.
This IGT wine is a fruity, spicy blend of a traditional Veronese variety, Corvina, and international grapes, Merlot and Syrah. The Pràgal opens with an enchanting bouquet of red fruit preserves, dried roses and black cherries alternating with subtler tones of dark spice, tobacco and black pepper. The addition of partially dried grapes (Corvina) lends soft tannins balanced with bright acidity; this wine charms with great structure and persistence.
Medium ruby red with a brightening rim. Ripe plums and cherries, cinnamon, black pepper and tobacco on the nose with red rose petals in the background. A clear fruit driven core on the palate, grippy tannins and a dark fruit finish.
Berry jam and spicy notes to this tasty blend of both fresh and partially dried corvina, merlot and syrah. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins, good acidity and a fresh, more savory finish. Very Veneto and very quaffable. Enjoy now.
The 2022 Rosso Pràgal impresses with a vibrant bouquet of crushed wild blueberries, sweet sage and autumnal spice. It is juicy to the core and energetic, with a pulse of zesty acidity propelling its ripe red and blue fruits. A subtle mineral tinge adds tactile grip as it finishes with medium length and a resonance of violet inner florals.
A very typical Veneto-style red with aromas and flavors of spicy red berries and a hint of potpourri. Medium-bodied with a silky mouthfeel and growing intensity on the palate, though all remains under control. Pleasant, bright and spicy finish.
Aromas of redcurrants with nutty oak, floral and mineral notes, following through to a medium-bodied palate where it all blends in nicely, giving a good bead of fruit and lightly firm, fine-grained tannins. Nicely structured and layered. Long, fresh fruit and mineral finish. Enjoy now.
Spicy and rich in the sensory profile, it shows hints of red plums, burnt orange peel and dried marjoram. Good body, complex structure and a crunchy finish. Drink now.
A fresh, fruity wine on the nose with plum and violet aromas that follow through to a medium body, firm, silky tannins and a racy, refined finish. Savory. Corvina, merlot and syrah. Attractive, but needs a year or two to soften.
This is a fresh and firm red with lovely perfume and dark berries on the nose. Fresh and linear fruit and tannins on the palate. Lovely, racy and clean wine. Drink now.
This shows aromas of dark berries, earth and mushrooms. Medium body, round and polished tannins and a lively finish. Delicious now. Why wait?
100% Sangiovese from 10-year-old vines planted on a Southern exposure in marine deposit and travertine soil in Terricciola, Tuscany. Fermented and aged in stainless steel – no oak - and then bottle rested for 2 years prior to release.
The nose sits in the space between sweet and savory, with aromas of candied cherries and orange peel and then leather, cured meat and soil. It turns to a palate with more cherries and soil, held together with tannins that are still tightly coiled.
The Sassontino is a pure expression of Sangiovese from 45-year-old vines, allowed to age slowly at the winery for a full ten years before its release to market. This is an incredibly fine and elegant illustration of the quintessential Tuscan grape with red and blue berry aromas followed by crushed rocks, balsam herb and licorice. The vineyard site is characterized by loose, sandy soils with a notable presence of ocean sediments, contributing to the aromatic purity and finesse of the final result. Rich and dense, a delightful vibrancy gives this Riserva a gracefulness that will continue to evolve for many years.
Solid, nicely aged sangiovese with dark fruit, walnuts and hints of leather and moist earth on the nose. Broad and velvety on the palate, with a medium body and smooth, well-integrated tannins. Supple, chocolatey finish. Drink now.
Packaged in a heavy glass bottle, this wine is held back and released at least 10 years after the harvest. The 2009 Sassontino offers good balance and ultimately tastes fresher compared to the other late-releases from this producer that I tasted at the same time. You get a good sense of dark fruit with dried blackberry and plum that is nicely fleshed out by spice, tobacco and tar. I also feel that this wine, made with Sangiovese from 50-year-old vines, has more complexity and aging potential.
Lovely old wine with spices, cedar and cherry on the nose and palate. Medium body. Creamy and polished tannins and a crisp finish. Drink now.
The Casanova della Spinetta 2008 Sassontino is a late-release wine that hits the market with 10 additional years of cellar age. A little seal on the front label confirms this special release. This wine is made with fruit sourced from Giorgio Rivetti's oldest vines, and the integrity of that fruit is carefully preserved. The wine shows a dark garnet color and rich concentration. To the nose, it reveals dried cherry and plum, with tertiary aromas of tarry smoke and dusty licorice root. The oak tones have ceded to dry spice and campfire ash. This cool 2008 vintage shows very elegant and fine results, making this a reasonably priced offer for those who adore aged Sangiovese.
Very attractive aromas of sage, plums, dried fruit and violets follow through to a medium to full body, round tannins and a juicy finish. Sort of dusty. Needs drinking, but a fun, old release.
Here is another late-release Sangiovese from Casanova della Spinetta, only in this case, fruit is sourced from precious 50-year-old vines. The 2007 Sassontino is a concentrated, thickly layered and aged wine packed tight with dried fruit, spice, smoke and tar. There is a lot of tertiary definition here, and unlike the other late-release wine, the Sezzana, this bottle is less oxidative and still shows some recognizable fruit. Roto-fermenters are used to obtain rich extraction, and the wine is aged in tonneaux for up to 14 months.
The 2006 Sassontino is a pure expression of Sangiovese from 45-year-old vines. Past editions of this wine saw a small percentage of Colorino (about 5%) in the blend, but I am told this is no longer the case. The wine ages slowly at the winery for ten years before its commercial release. This is an incredibly fine and elegant expression with wild berry aromas followed by balsam herb, cola and licorice. The vineyard site is characterized by loosely knit, sandy soils, and these contribute to the aromatic purity and finesse of the final result.
Deep, brilliant ruby with garnet shimmer. Compact and vivid on the nose, showing notes of liquorice, dark wild raspberries, blackberries, earthy tones in the background. Builds up nicely on the palate, lots of ripe fruit, notes of plums and ripe cherries, then opens up with hearty, grippy tannins in many layers, long finish, salty.
"The 2004 Sassontino is made in a similarly intense style, but it possesses a more layered expression of fruit. The wine took quite a bit of time to open in the glass, yet it offers outstanding potential. There isn’t a whole lot of Sangiovese typicity here, but this is very pretty wine nonetheless. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2019. Giorgio Rivetti’s Tuscan wines continue to show improvement. Interestingly, Rivetti prefers medium-sized barrels for his Tuscan wines as he found the smaller 225-liter barrels didn’t allow his Sangiovese-based wines to express the full breadth of their qualities."
It was out of love for this international grape varietal that Stefano Antonucci created Animal Celeste, or ”Heavenly Animal.” This is an undeniably elegant and refined expression of Sauvignon Blanc, bursting with the tropical nuances typical of New World wines. In addition to familiar varietal characteristics (like tomato leaf and bell pepper), its extraordinary bouquet is enriched by the verve and fruity elegance of pineapple, papaya and peach, together with an aromatic note of sage, thyme and geranium. The influence of the Adriatic Sea brings an additional pleasant mineral, almost savory, note that supports the balance between the emblematic freshness of Sauvignon and a smooth, alluring drinkability.
The 2021 Animale Celeste is a varietal Sauvignon Blanc with a wild bouquet, as crystalized ginger, mint leaf and white pepper evolve into a vivid note of lemon curd custard. This is full of zesty tension, tugging at the cheeks with citrus and mineral intensity, as green apples give way to exotic inner florals. The 2021 cleans up beautifully, tapering off crisp with nuances of lime and savory herbs that linger on and on. I’m not offered a lot of Sauvignon Blend from Le Marche to taste, but the Animale Celeste has certainly opened my mind to the category.
A particularly versatile white wine, this Sauvignon is the result of the particular characteristics of its terroir of origin, the Friuli hills adjacent to the Plessiva Natural Park. Straw yellow in color, intense fruit and floral aromas of grapefruit, elderberry flowers and freshly cut grass lead the way. A full-bodied mouth with a brisk acidity supports notes of citrus (tangerine, grapefruit) and an appealing minerality.
The 2023 Sauvignon is potent and intense, with a burst of wild herbs and crushed lime giving way to tropical green melon. It is soothingly round and refined within, mixing a minty freshness with tart green apples and subtle mineral inflections. A salty flourish remains, gently chewy yet wonderfully lifted, as a pleasantly tart tinge lingers on.
Slightly herbal tomato leaves, sage and lemon pulp with white peach depth. Crisp acidity with a light to medium body and a balanced texture.
Rich and layered with candied lemons and sliced pineapple as well as notes of lily, white pepper and wet stones. Medium-bodied with a tangy phenolic under-layer. Fresh and vivid with a lengthy finish. Drink now.
The Sauvignon opens with scents of citrus and green apple with a light accent of fresh thyme. It’s semi-creamy on the palate with good concentration and a long finish. Four different clones sourced from a 7.4 ha parcel in the Montona Vineyard in Cortona with 50-year-old vines and fermented and aged in stainless steel.
Bright, medium deep yellow; aromas of bell pepper, chervil and pear. Medium-full with very good ripeness, this has notable typicity with its herbal notes on the nose and finish. There is very good acidity, good persistence and excellent harmony. Enjoy this with strongly flavored seafood over the next 3-5 years.
The Ronco dei Tassi 2019 Collio Sauvignon is a classic expression of this aromatic grape that pays tribute to the northern Italian territory that shaped it. The wine is varietally pure with tropical tones of lime, lemongrass and bitter almond. However, it also brings in the slightly creamy or soft textural richness that is a hallmark of the whites made in this mountainous corner of the peninsula. This is a crisp, tangy wine with loads of personality to pair with takeout Thai green curry. Some 20,000 bottles of this vintage were produced.
Ripe-pear, pineapple, fresh-herb and lemon-curd aromas. It’s medium-bodied with tangy acidity and a gently waxy texture. Focused with a mineral finish. Drink now.
This bright, elegant white has rather restrained varietal aromas evoking hawthorn, hay, citrus and wild herb. It's racy and tangy, featuring white grapefruit, green melon and flinty mineral flavors alongside crisp acidity.
Very attractive sliced apples and pears with hints of lemons, and there isn't that much green, varietal character-for better or worse. Taut and clear-cut on the medium-bodied palate, which is citrusy and mineral. Drink now.
A stylish sauvignon with sliced pear, lime and hints of stone. Spice, too. Medium to full body, firm and lightly chewy. Flavorful finish. Hints of mineral undertones. Drink now.
Dried apple, with hints of tinned pears and apricots. Full and fruity, with bright acidity. Loads of flavor. Drink now.
Ripe and exotic with honey, gooseberry and passion fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with lovely ripe fruit and a long finish. Yummy white. What Sauvignon should be. Drink now. 1,00 cases made.
Along with the autochthonous Friulian varietals, Sauvignon Blanc has become one of the most prevalent, and appreciated, white grapes in the region, included in the Collio Bianco blends or vinified “in purezza” (in purity), as in the case of the Vigna del Lauro Sauvignon. Upon tasting, notes of white pepper and green paprika are integrated into a fruity display of crabapples and pears. A refreshingly light to medium body and finely tuned acidity conclude in a satisfying and attractive finish.
Sage, smoke and candied lemons on a straightforward, intense nose. Zesty acidity and lemon flavors with a medium body, a tight palate and a textured and savory finish.
Pale platinum-yellow. Scents of fresh Italian herbs on the nose with a citrus edge. Medium plus concentration and full in texture revealing notes of lemon, passion fruit, and dried herbal flavors. Long finish. Perfect for pairing with vegetable dishes or just drinking on its own. Sourced from 20-year-old vines grown in the Cormòns area at 160m elevation, fermented and aged in stainless steel. pH 3.4, 13% alc.
Alongside the local Friulian grape varieties, Sauvignon Blanc is considered among the most prestigious white wines of the region. This interpretation of the international grape showcases intense aromas and flavors reminiscent of the famous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Pronounced expression of grapefruit skin, juice and seeds interwoven with sweet jalapeno skin and citrus laden herbs. Perfect for an aperitif or as an accompaniment to fish dishes.
A tight and herbaceous wine with lemon zest and sage. Light-bodied with a lean finish and crisp acidity. Drink now. Screw cap.
Fresh and citrusy with notes of dried herbs and chamomile on offer. Crisp and clean on the palate with a medium body and juicy acidity. Moderate finish. Easy and straightforward.
Light yellow. This is an earthy, savory Sauvignon. There’s medium depth and a round mouth feel with notes of honeycomb, selvatica, and cured lemon. More savory than fruity, so it’s best paired with food. 13% alc.
Osmanthus-flower, jack-fruit, fresh-grass and green-pepper aromas. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity. Floral and delicate expression of sauvignon blanc. Drink now. Screw cap.
The Sezzana is a twin of the Sassontino, though not an identical one. The grape is always 100% Sangiovese from 45-year-old vines, but the the Sezzana vineyard sees heavier, volcanic soils with gravel and larger stones. (The two vineyard sites, Sezzana and Sassontino, are located only six kilometers apart!) The Sezzana is a more muscular wine with aromas of red berries, rose, white pepper and minerals whose harmonious acidity grants balance and character to the important structure and fruit at the wine’s core.
This is deep and layered with ripe dark berries, dark chocolate and hints of sandalwood and wet earth. Full-bodied, broad and velvety on the palate, with dense, creamy tannins. Smooth and nicely developed. Drink now.
A delicious old Tuscan red with licorice, walnut and light black cherry. Some mushroom, too. Medium-bodied with integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Drink now.
The 2006 Sezzana is a twin of the Sassontino, but not an identical one. Although the grape used is the same (100% Sangiovese from 45-year-old vines), this vineyard site sees heavier soils with gravel and bigger stones. The two vineyard sites, Sezzana and Sassontino, are located six kilometers apart. This wine shows more muscle power and perhaps more longevity. It is structured and determined with firm character and a lot of fruit substance and fiber at its core..
Milk chocolate, berry and coffee character on the nose. Very perfumed. Full body, round tannins and a fresh and flavorful finish. This needs another two or three years of bottle age to soften.
The 2003 Sezzana, (95% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino), made from the estate's oldest vineyards, is rich and full-bodied in its expression of dark cherries, smoke, licorice and underbrush. It offers outstanding length, plenty of style and terrific balance considering the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.
Giorgio Rivetti is obviously best known for the wines he makes in Piedmont but he purchased a property in the province of Pisa in 2000 and was so satisfied with the first wines that he bought another in 2002. The intention is to use only native Tuscan grapes, and the Sezzana, Sangiovese and Colorino, demostrate the wiseness of this choice in its dark ruby/garnet tonality., the ripe plum and berry fruit, discreetly and judiciouslt spiced by smoky, tarry oak, and the broad, sweet, layered, and focused flavors, velvety and with excellent lengh and intensity on the finish. A notable improvement on the 2000 version of the wine, and destined to easily last another decade.
The Barbazzale Bianco is composed of predominantly Catarratto, the most typical, and widely planted, white grape variety in Sicily. As is characteristic of Catarratto wines, Barbazzale Bianco exhibits a pleasant freshness with delicate floral perfumes of wisteria and Scotch broom on a saline backdrop. Barbazzale is the name of the “contrada,” or wine district, in which the grapes are planted in the volcanic soil of Mt. Etna, lending a remarkable minerality to the wine.
This has aromas of lime pith, white grapefruit, dried herb and white tea. Some salty hints, too. It's medium-bodied with bright acidity and a compact, textured palate. Firm and focused catarratto. Drink now.
Pretty nose with ripe pear, melon and a hint of chalk. Medium-bodied with a silky feel and plenty of minerally acidity pushing the clean fruit forward. Clean, flavorful finish. Catarratto with a dash of viognier. Drink now.
Medium yellow straw. Shows notes of ripe lemon, lemon shavings, and lemon curd on the nose. Broad with good depth and lingering rich flavors that mirror the nose with good balancing acidity and a viscous persistence at the back of the palate. Predominantly made of Catarratto from the Barbazzale contrada with a dash of Viogner.
This shows a wealth of apricots, loquat, fresh herbs and chamomile. Medium to full body, loads of herbal and floral flavors and an oily, tangy finish. Drink now.
A complex white with lemon, cooked apple and light cream aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, flavorful and delicious. A beautiful blend of viognier and catarratto. Drink now.
Verdicchio is unquestionably one of the most important white grape varieties in Italy and this wine is an impeccable example of the potential of this typical grape of the Marche region. The Santa Barbara winery has always held the strong conviction that the amazing characteristics of Verdicchio can be exalted through fermentation and barrel aging. Through experimentation with different sizes and types of wood, the Stefano Antonucci Verdicchio was born. The wine immediately convinces with its balance, and lively and warm enveloping mouth, all enhanced by a remarkable range of perfumes (from fruit and citrus to warm spices) and marked personality.
A fresh and elegant wine, highlighting cedar, lavender, oranges and lemon bush on the nose. Full-bodied, it shines with weight and texture, perfect toastiness and tight-knit acidity. Polished and savory aftertaste. Drink or hold.
Brilliant, light straw yellow with golden nuances. Delicate bouquet with notes of juicy peach, cistus and a pinch of white pepper. Creamy structure on the palate, compact fruit centre and mouth-watering acidity, persistent.
Attractive smoky fennel with bright, limey citrus, white almonds and minerals. Intense and succulent palate unleashes zesty lemons and a mouthwatering finish. Drink now.
A sweet blend of white flowers, candied lime and Jordan almonds wafts up from the 2021 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Stefano Antonucci. This is silky smooth, nearly oily in feel, with perfumed orchard fruits and sweet inner florals that swirl throughout. The 2021 keeps the pleasure dial high as it finishes with an air of citrus custards and the slightest tinge of salty minerality.
Bright straw yellow. Fragrant, expressive nose, initially of crunchy Golden Delicious, then candied lemon zest, some mint and nutmeg in the aftertaste, plus white flowers. On the palate with a fruity core and beautiful juiciness, stretches delicately creamy over the palate, plus great saltiness, lingers for a long time.
This is a terrific expression of Verdicchio with ample depth and good complexity. The Santa Barbara 2020 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Stefano Antonucci (with the bright yellow label) has a medium-rich texture with layers of preserved lemon, quince, saffron and spicy cumin. This pretty white has the structure and freshness to pair with cod or fried fish. In the vast landscape of Italian white wines, Verdicchio from the Marche region in the center of the country stands out as one of the most promising. Few white grapes show as much versatility or, more importantly, the exceptional capacity for bottle aging.
A delicate blend of white flowers, raw almonds, pears and sweet spice introduces the 2020 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Stefano Antonucci. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness and soothingly round textures as mineral-tinged orchard fruits slowly saturate. The 2022 leaves a youthful tension as it tugs at the cheeks, finishing remarkably fresh with a pleasant, tart tinge of lemon zest.
Fragrant and inviting nose, delicate wood spice, vanilla, ripe cassis and white pepper spice. Very soft on the palate, full and clear, creamy touch, well-integrated acidity in the background, full-bodied finish.
The 2019 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Stefano Antonucci lifts from the glass with masses of crushed orchard fruits complemented by dusty dried florals. It impresses most for the balance within, soothingly textural, with saline-tinged acids and vividly ripe apple and pear contrasted by a subtle tug of sour lime. The 2019 finishes lightly structured, buzzing with energy and with a slight almondy richness that punctuates the expression quite well. This balanced beauty should mature quite nicely.
White flowers, peaches, almonds, chalk and some honey on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with creamy, textured layers and fresh acidity. Dry, focused and mineral with good length. Drink or hold.
This is a really minerally with stone and chalk, as well as sliced pears and cooked apples. Full and flavorful. Chalk again at the end. Lovely texture. Drink now.
The Santa Barbara 2016 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Steano Antonucci is made in greater quantitiy (with 50,000 bottles produced) and offers an accessible and easy approach. This wine is fermented in steeel and aged in oak for 12 months. This process gives it a uniform performance across the bouquet and the mouthfeel, where measured citrus, peach and melon flavors are forthcoming and pure.
The 2015 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Stefano Antonucci is pretty and lifted, showing masses of yellow florals, white smoke and ginger, with zests of lemon and lime in the background. It’s texturally soft, yet also energetic, showing more of a ripe orchard fruit persona, kept in check by acids and minerals, while slowly tapering off to a subtle hint of ripe peach. I’m used to the wines of Santa Barbara leaning more on richness and ripeness, however, this is undeniably feminine and a pleasure to taste.
Deep yellow. Lively aromas of yellow peach, white flowers and white truffle, plus hints of vanilla and oak spices.Dense and silky in the mouth, offering intense, ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors. This glyceral-rich wine finishes luscious, round, tooth-coating and long-and it's still remarkably fresh for a 10-year-old white.
Dried lemon and mineral aromas follow through to a medium body, with excellent intensity and a flinty, spicy aftertaste. A very serious and complex Verdicchio. Drink now. 1,200 cases made.
The Marche Rosso was created in response to the challenge of uniting international grape varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) with the celebrated indigenous grape variety Montepulciano. The international acclaim of this wine is proof of the success of the project, a point of pride for the Santa Barbara winery. An intense ruby red with garnet nuances mesmerizes with aromas of ripe red fruit and delicate hints of dried flowers and notes of toast and spice. Round, smooth and full in the mouth, this is a wine of structure and fine tannins, balanced by an elegant acidity.
Dark ruby red with an almost black core. Intense scent of ripe cherries, plums and blackberries as well as some black pepper on the nose. Juicy, fruity on the palate and with fine-grained tannins that soften in the finish.
Slightly animal on the nose. In addition, notes of fresh plum and forest berries, as well as spicy hints of black pepper. On the palate juicy, elegant, easily noticeable tannins, nice berry fruit. Medium length.
A rich and complex nose entices with fruit (exotic, tropical) and notes of spice. An important structure is balanced by a fresh minerality that invites another sip. In addition to representing one of the regions best examples of Verdicchio, Tardivo Ma Non Tardo is participant in an interesting and noble project. The distinctive label is designed by artist Catia Uliassi who, together with the Santa Barbara winery, collaborates with the Fondazione Dott. Dante Paladini. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle of this Verdicchio goes to support research and treatment of neuromuscular disease.
Golden apples, jackfruit, apricot stones, honey and nutmeg on the nose. It’s ripe and fleshy, full-bodied, with creamy layers of yellow and orange fruit. Flavorful. Drink now or hold.
The 2020 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Riserva Tardivo Ma Non Tardo opens slowly. It's rich and has a confectionary spice and custard flourish up front. With time in the glass, this blossoms into a more savory mix of wet stones, ginger and baked apple. It washes across the palate with a measured sweetness guided by juicy acidity. Ripe orchard fruits flow across its near-glycerol textures. The 2020 finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh with a flourish of tropical melon complemented by mint traces. This seductive Verdicchio is a total pleasure to taste and, despite its richness and intensity, never steps out of balance. Enjoy it today or cellar for up to a decade to bring out further complexities.
Bright straw yellow color with a greenish shimmer. On the nose there are hints of flint, ripe pears, delicate banana, some apricots, a slight hint of almond, then honeycomb with a lingering buttery note. On the palate with a great structure, elegant and melty, well-integrated acidity, salty, complex and with a lot of pressure, herbal and spicy finish.
Waxed lemon, chamomile, dried apple and oyster shell on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with ripe layers of fruit and minerals. Excellent concentration and length. Drink now or hold.
The 2018 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Tardivo Ma Non Tardo is a vivid yellow golden color in the glass. Here I’m finding a mesmerizing bouquet of orange oils and tangerine complemented by dusty dried florals, gingery spice and hints of undergrowth. It’s soft and enveloping, stopping short of fat, also pleasantly sweet, blending rich notes of ripe apple and pear with lime-infused acids. This becomes a bit tropical toward the close yet never falls out of balance; instead leaving the mouth refreshed and watering for more, as salty minerals linger with nuances of ripe green melon. Wow, the combination of the Tardivo Ma Non Tardo’s late-harvest girth and the tension of the 2018 vintage have come together to create a highly pleasurable expression of Verdicchio. This is easily one of the best renditions of this wine that I have tasted to date, and it should excel through medium-term cellaring as well.
Stefano Antonucci can never be talked about enough, the work that Barbara's cellar is doing in the territories is so important. Personal, refined and subtle interpretations such as this Tardivo from overripe Verdicchio grapes (partially dried on the plant), elegant nose, unpeeled fruit, toasted pistachios, full sip.
Bright, bright straw yellow. On the nose of ripe pears, delicate banana, also reminiscent of apricots, light nutmeg tone, then honeycomb with a buttery finish. Opens with a great structure, elegant and soft, well integrated acidity, salty vein, with a lot of intensity.
This is a creamy with lovely notes of concrete and ripe apples alongside a hint of lemon tart. Medium to full body. Round and flavorful yet fresh and lively at the end. Drink or hold.
In the past, I’ve found the Verdicchio Tardivo Ma Non Tardo (“late but not late”) from Santa Barbara to be the largest-scaled wine from their portfolio. However, the 2017 holds its power in check, leaning more on minerals, savory herbs and citrus-infused pit fruits to impress. Silky textures soothe with a bitter bite of green apple acidity and salty tension, which nearly masks this Verdicchio’s ripe fruit, but not quite. It’s a wine of contrasts that leaves subtle notes of ripe green melon and sweet inner florals to mingle on the finish.
This is a fun wine with a whimsical portrait of a lady on its front label. The Santa Barbara 2016 Castelli di Jesi Verdicchio Riserva Classico Tardivo ma non Tardo ("tardy but not late") sees fruit that is left long on the vines to obtain full ripeness, as well as some over-ripeness. This allows for the full and generous stone and orchard fruit aromas you get here, all backed by aniseed and dusty mineral. This is a lean to medium-weight wine to pair with white meat. The wine ages in steel vats for two long years. Some, 12,735 bottles were released.
A dense and flavorful white with lots of lime and intense citrus character. Hints of minerals, too. Medium body, bright acidity and a long, flavorful finish. Drink now.
This is a lovely, aged white that shows some bottle bouquet of sliced cooked pears, as well as stone, steel and hints of fresh herbs. Full body. Flavorful and intense. Floral, dried-apple and mineral character. Drink now.
Bright golden-straw. Honey, baked apple, pear nectar and minerals on the nose. Fresh, clean flavors of stone fruits and almonds showcase lovely precision. The finish is crisp, savory and long. At 14.5% the alcohol level is not shy but this wine is neither hot nor heavy.
Made from 100% Aglianico, the most noble of southern Italian red grape varieties, coming from the Contrada Campore vineyard. The Taurasi Aurelia is aged 24 months in oak, followed by an additional 12 in bottle, resulting in a complex and well-balanced wine with excellent aging potential. The nose offers typical aromas of dried cherry, black licorice, tobacco and dried herbs while the full mouth is supported by linear tannins and smoky mineral notes for a lingering, spicy finish.
The 2020 Taurasi Aurelia entrances with a gorgeous bouquet of crushed violets, autumnal spice, sweet smoke and plums. Harmonious and elegant in style, it offers ripe black fruits contrasted by sour citrus tones under an air of lavender and sage. A web of fine tannins adds a lovely framework through the long finish as a hint of dark chocolate and cedar shavings slowly fades. What a beauty. Have patience with the 2020, as it is a long-distance runner.
The 2019 Taurasi Aurelia blossoms in the glass with an attractive mix of dusty rose and exotic spice, complementing medicinal blackberry and hints of dark chocolate. It smooths over the palate in silky waves, with ripe red and black fruits underscored by saline minerals and hints of sour citrus. The 2019 finishes with a bitter twang and grippy yet maintains a lovely freshness through a bump of residual acidity. It will take some time to integrate its oak and tannins, but it will be time well spent.
Peppery gaminess up front on the nose of this wine rolls into a cake-like mixture of berries and spices. Like a mirror image of the nose, cherries, blackberries and dark chocolate pop off the palate, followed by cured meat and black pepper notes that are swept away by mouthclearing tannins.
The 2017 Taurasi Aurelia is deep and rich, with masses of black cherries, plums and tobacco complemented by cloves, cinnamon and a lifting hint of mint. This is elegant in feel, casting silky textures with ripe red and black berries across the palate, giving way to sweet and savory spices, and fine tannins that slowly saturate. There’s so much intensity and concentration here that you hardly realize just how structured and youthfully clenched the 2017 Aurelia is today, as hints of bitter dark chocolate and salted licorice slowly fade. Don’t be fooled by its decadent bouquet and vivid fruit; this sleeping giant needs cellaring to show its best.
The 2016 Taurasi Aurelia shows the more earthy and animal characteristics of Taurasi, as musky black cherry gives way to savory herbs and mineral tones, with balsamic spice and hints of sous bois. It floods the palate with silky textures, which are quickly contrasted by sour cherry, yet gaining energy and lift as vibrant acids stimulate the senses. The finish is long and structured with an acid twang, showing all the qualities of a young Taurasi that’s geared for the cellar, as its spicy red fruits slowly fade.
Deep ruby-red. The extremely perfumed nose of ripe strawberry jam and red cherry is nicely lifted by sweet Oriental wood and spices. Dense, rich and juicy, offering tarry flavors of plum, blackberry and grilled herbs, complicated by soy sauce and Szechuan pepper. Very rich and deep, with harmonious acidity nicely extending the flavors on the back end. A single-vineyard wine, made with grapes grown at 500 meters above sea level in the Campore contrada in Lapio, spending 12 months in barriques, followed by another year in used 20-hectoliter barrels, then another 24 months in bottle prior to going on sale. Clocks in at 14% alcohol, but it's so balanced that nobody will notice the high octane level. This is a truly outstanding and still very young Taurasi.
Deep ruby. Fresh aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry and herbs. Juicy acidity provides lift, clarity and cut. From the Campore contrada in Lapio (a hot site that is, in my view, quite good for Aglianico and less so for Fiano), this spends 12 months in once-used barriques and once-used 20-Hl barrels, then another 24 months in bottle prior to release.
Dense yet fresh, with juicy acidity supporting black cherry puree and cassis fruit character, rounded out by full tannins and grace notes of ash, olive paste and game. Best from 2015 through 2022. 230 cases made.
La Spinetta Derthona is produced from the Timorasso grape, a characteristic white variety native to the Tortona area in the southeast of Piedmont. Included in the Colli Tortonesi (Tortona Hills) DOC appellation, the variety is gaining ever more attention, both in Italy and internationally, for its fresh and mineral expressions. Situated in the far north-western corner of the zone, this particular viticultural area represents both the transitional gateway between the Po plains and the Mediterranean Sea and the very northernmost reaches of the Apennines, resulting in considerable variability in microclimate, altitude and soil type, key components of terroir.
The 2024 Timorasso is a very pretty, elegant wine. Lemon confit, white flowers, almond and light tropical notes are beautifully woven together. Floral, saline and petrol notes lift the finish, adding layers of nuance. This is a decidedly delicate Timorasso. It’s a style that works quite well.
The 2023 Timorasso is an attractive, expressive white from La Spinetta. Proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and his team crafted a Timorasso endowed with generous tropical fruit, spice and floral notes. Soft contours, unusual for Timorasso, add immediacy. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Here is a solid interpretation of the Timorasso grape from La Spinetta. The 2023 Colli Tortonesi Timorasso Derthona shows golden color saturation and opens to neutral stone fruit aromas of quince, pear and peach. This was a warm vintage, and the wine ultimately reveals a slightly waxy texture with canned peach that emerges in a second moment. In all, this is a very young expression, and as we know, Timorasso needs more bottle age before it shows its true complexity and depth. I recommend you give it a couple of years in the cellar. Fruit is organic.
The 2023 Timorasso is an attractive, expressive white from La Spinetta. Proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and his team crafted a Timorasso endowed with generous tropical fruit, spice and floral notes. Soft contours, unusual for Timorasso, add immediacy. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The 2023 Derthona Timorasso is a pure expression without any oak aging and pours a medium golden yellow color. The nose is pretty and floral with aromas of honeycomb, melon, fresh pear, white flowers, and saline. The palate is savory, salty, and medium-bodied, although it has a good deal of dry extract and a glycerin-rich texture that will only be amplified as the wine ages. It is a gastronomic wine worth holding on to and checking in on over the next several years. Drink 2025-2032.
A delicate white, this displays white flower, lemon, lanolin and mineral aromas and flavors. Not fragile, however, building in intensity to the long finish, with passion fruit and salty mineral notes. Drink now through 2030.
The 2022 Timorasso is gorgeous. Graphite, pear, chamomile, sage and dried herbs are delineated in this super-expressive white. As always, Timorasso is a white that emphasizes strong mineral and savory notes, while the fruit is in the background.”
Here is a new submission from La Spinetta. The 2021 Colli Tortonesi Timorasso has the structure, acidity and grip to go the long haul in your cellar. The age-worthy Timorasso grape delivers waxy aromas of mature fruit, fragrant pear and shiny latex. The wine's smooth texture wraps thickly over the palate.
This is a fragrant and racy white with aromas of waxed lemons, green apples, grapefruits, wild herbs and juniper berries. Medium-bodied with gently waxy texture and bright acidity. Lots of energy, with subtle peppery spice at the end. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.
The 2021 Timorasso Derthona is one of the more restrained versions of this rediscovered variety readers will come across. Orchard fruit, pear, lemon peel, sage and chamomile are nicely woven together. Timorasso can be a bit rustic, but many of those harder contours have been tamed here. Pretty floral notes round out the finish.
The 2020 Timorasso Derthona is a phenolic, savory wine. Orchard fruit, almond, citrus peel and white pepper all open in the glass. Racy floral and tropical accents add an exotic element that is quite appealing.
This red blend is an ideal daily wine, a full-bodied Sangiovese softened by the addition of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Fruity and lightly herbal with perfumes of flowers leather and a dusty hint of earth and spice. This a wine ready to drink now, and also happens to be a great value.
The 2021 Rosso blends Sangiovese with a 15% mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It’s a brilliant ruby color in the glass. An earthy blend of dried strawberries, dusty rose and worn leather forms its bouquet. This is softly textured yet juicy in style; crisp red fruits and sweet spice traces please the senses. A subtle tug of tannin lingers as the 2021 tapers off with a tart tug of sour berries and blood orange.
This is a traditional Valpolicella, representative of the region and Bertani family tradition. The “Classico” designation refers to the areas where the very first Valpolicella vineyards were planted – on quality hillside sites, yielding the best fruit and therefore best wines. Typical aromas of fruit (blueberry, cherry) are accented by spicy notes of cinnamon and pepper. The palate is soft, fruity and warm with structured tannins, balanced with a pleasant acidity and a long finish.
Intensely aromatic, with floral aromas of roses, violets, geraniums and red fruit. Slightly leafy. A soft palate that’s peppery and crisp, with a light body and silky tannins. Dry finish.
WINE OF THE WEEK -Master of Wine Richard Hemming: “Superiore is the operative word for this Italian stallion. Finding a benchmark example of a wine isn’t always straightforward. Most Valpolicella, for example, is made by large producers, including enormous co-operatives, who are mostly responsible for the region’s output doubling since 1997. As a result, the most statistically commonplace Valpolicella is often a weedy and insipid red – ‘mere supermarket fodder’, according to The Oxford Companion to Wine – and that makes the one made by Santa Maria entirely atypical for all the right reasons. All three of the vintages that I tasted – 2020, 2021 and 2022 – show Valpolicella’s true potential. They are rich with meaty aromas; the black fruit is pure cherry, both sour at sweet at the same time, with slight desiccation on the 2021 and a more mulchy undergrowth tone on the 2020. Fourteen months of maturation in oak barrels gives all three of them a well-judged spicy seasoning. With high alcohol (14.5% in the 2021 and 2022, 14% in the 2020), they are concentrated and weighty on the palate, yet with fine tannins and juicy acid working together to give immediate drinkability. The complexity of flavour they display at a relatively young age means there’s no need to keep the bottles any longer, and while the 2021 and 2022 will hold for a few years more, the 2020 should probably be drunk in the next six months. All three are prime examples of what Valpolicella could and should be at its best: complex and concentrated, ready to drink, supremely gastronomic and excellent value.
Medium ruby red with garnet reflections and a brightening rim. Intense aroma of ripe cherries, strawberries and raspberries on the nose with light spice. Very straightforward on the palate, with a fruit driven core and grippy tannins.
Plums and nutty spice on the nose, together with notes of pressed flowers, following through to a tasty, medium-bodied palate with a lightly firm tannin grip, but persistent fruit pushing through the finish. Nicely done. Drink now.
The 2021 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is remarkably pretty, with a cascade of rosy florals and confectionary spices accentuating crushed blackberries. This is soft and round in feel, with juicy acidity and crisp red and blue fruits complicated by a tinge of white pepper. The 2021 finishes notably fresh yet potent and long, leaving hints of crunchy raspberry and suggestions of black tea. What a beauty.
Aromas of freshly picked cherries warming in the sun dusted with sweet baking spices and subtle hints of earth define the nose of this wine. Soft and easy on the palate with a freshness due to the mouthwatering acidity, keeps the lush fruit in balance as the more savoy notes of tobacco, dried herbs and savory spice find room to develop. Elegant and lifted on the finish.
The 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore wafts up with unprecedented freshness as an herbal twang gives way to wild strawberries and zesty citrus tones. It's silky-smooth with a balanced inner sweetness complicated by tangy red fruits and mineral tones. A peppery flourish comes through as this finishes fresh yet still potent, leaving lingering raspberry hints.
Rich, flint ruby with a garnet rim. Exciting and inviting nose, notes of ripe raspberry, cherry and blackberry, some dried tomatoes. Pithy, savoury tannin on the palate, unfolds straightforwardly, firm drive on the finish.
Aromas of cherries and raspberries, dried flowers, chocolate, cedar and dry earth. Medium-bodied with round texture and dusty tannins. Ripe and velvety with a flavorful, slightly salty finish. Drink now.
The 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore pulls you to the earth with its smoky mix of peppery herbs, flowery undergrowth and crushed wild berries. It's silky-smooth with an enveloping wave of mineral-tinged raspeberry that gives way to a captivating air of lavender and violets. This leaves the palate refreshed through the long yet lifted finale. The 2019 is, yet again, another killer Valpolicella from Tenuta Santa Maria.
Intriguing, quite heady nose, offering strawberry jam, matcha tea and hints of hazelnuts and something like grated parmesan. Full-bodied with a silky start, then firm tannins appear, coated with a mix of sugar-cane and savory elements that linger in the mouth. Lots going on here. Drink or hold.
The 2018 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is wildly spicy with a sour citrus twang contrasting rich cherry-berry fruits. It’s a juicy, high-energy effort, with vibrant shades of red offset by tactile minerality and brisk acids. Long and full of character, this leans more toward blue and purple fruits throughout the finale. There's a lot of pleasure to be found in the 2018 Valpolicella from Tenuta Santa Maria, and it's a great value as well.
Extremely ripe on the nose with sweet notes of strawberries, vanilla and toasted pine nuts. Medium-full body, slightly biting tannins and a warm and enveloping finish. Sweet. Drink now.
The Bertani family can trace its roots in Negrar, the heart of the Classico zone, back to the 15th century. Grapes are hand harvested; the wine spends 12 months in large oak casks so that classic red forest fruits and silky tannins can develop. On the nose, it has soft, ripe red fruits, while the well-balanced palate displays ripe plum and pomegranate and a hint of spice. Stunning juicy core, round tannins and an elegant finish.
Spicy and dark fruit on the nose. Wet earth, as well as sweet fruit and orange peel. Medium body. Firm, silky tannins and flavorful finish. Shows focus and brightness. Drink now.
Ruby red. Ripe red and dark red cherry aromas with spice notes. This is a rich wine showing fresh, ripe flavors. It has a dense, chewy mouth feel, excellent persistence and a lingering savory note. A blend of 75% Corvina, 10% Rondinella, and 15% Corvinone sourced from estate vineyards in Arbizzano di Negrar with a long maceration and fermentation and matured 12 months in large, traditional botti.
This opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, leather and underbrush. The elegantly structured palate offers black cherry, tobacco and white peper alonside fresh acidity and supple tannins. Enjoy through 2023.
Aromas of spices, such as cloves, as well as red peppers and underlying fruit. Medium-bodied, linear and tight with lovely tension and length. Drink now.
Beautiful clear garnet. Appealing nose of peony and stone fruits with elegant herbal undertones. Silky, ample, compelling mouthfeel. Extremely precise palate with charming, chiseled aromas that are not very open yet but show obvious quality. Superb.
The "Ripasso" (passed again) method was first introduced in the 1850's and involves a secondary extended maceration and fermentation over Amarone grape skins. The process gives the wine greater complexity, a superior structure, bolder and softer body and an intense ruby red color. Though reminiscent of the more concentrated, dense Amarone wine, Valpolicella Ripasso is a younger, fresher expression. Tenuta Santa Maria continues the family tradition, producing a wine that is a true expression of the region's indigenous Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone grapes - elegant yet complex with warm, structured tannins, balanced acidity and rich fruit.
Darkly floral, the 2021 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore opens with a beguiling blend of spiced blood orange, sour cherries and cloves. It is silken in feel with a tinge of citrus that adds gravitas as a saturation of ripe wild berry fruits settles in. Gently tannic and long, the 2021 leaves a pleasantly chewy sensation and slight bitter twang that calls the taster back to the glass for more.
Aromas of freshly picked cherries warming in the sun dusted with sweet baking spices and subtle hints of earth define the nose of this wine. Soft and easy on the palate with a freshness due to the mouthwatering acidity, keeps the lush fruit in balance as the more savoy notes of tobacco, dried herbs and savory spice find room to develop. Elegant and lifted on the finish.
Tightly packed aromas and flavors of plums, raspberries and strawberries on a firm, medium-bodied palate with very fine tannins and a tight finish. Structured and tight. Drinkable now, but will open up a bit with a year or so in bottle. Try from 2025.
The 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso is deeply floral, with hints of lavender and wet stone complicating its wild blueberry fruit. This washes across the palate with juicy waves of ripe wild berries and tactile mineral tones, as hints of citrusy spice collect toward the close. It finishes with admirable length, leaving a tart currant concentration and gently grippy tannins to resonate.
Nice nose of plums and damsons with dried flowers, spice and clay-like minerals. Medium- to full-bodied with an intense bead of spicy plum fruit and fine, lightly abrasive tannins. Fruity and structured. Drinkable now, but will continue to improve in the bottle.
Creamy wild strawberries and raspberries on the nose, held tight by a light, oaky note. Medium-to full-bodied with some tight, firm tannin that exerts the same kind of restraint on the juicy fruit. This is quite a complex wine that’s delicious now, but will continue to improve. Drink or hold.
Extremely ripe on the nose with notes of red plums, rose petals, Williams pears and pressed white flowers. Full body, slightly dry tannins and a broad and voluminous finish. Drink now.
The 2017 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso is dark and rich in the glass, displaying crushed cherries contrasted but also complemented by sour citrus with hints of dark chocolate and clove. It’s soft and deeply textural, delivering masses of ripe red and black fruits that coat the entire palate, cleansed by brisk acids that leave nuances of sweet spice, licorice and bitter herbs toward the close. For all of its opulence and structure, this is remarkably fresh through the finale, not quite revealing all of its charms today. Coming from someone who is not often fully convinced by the Ripasso category, this is some pretty serious juice.
The 2017 Ripasso has the heady richness of dark cherries in liqueur. Although the wine is fermented dry, it’s syrup-like on the palate with flavors of dark cherry pie. Overall, the wine is well balanced with good acidity and plenty of flavor. Would pair well with barbecued ribs. The grapes are crushed, cold pressed and fermented and about 3 months later poured over the mark left by the Amarone resulting in a second fermentation. Matured 24 months in oak barrels.
Creamy tannins are enmeshed with flavors of baked cherry, date, dried thyme and espresso crema in this well-knit, medium- to full-bodied red. Floral, spice and tangy mineral notes play on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2027. 5,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.
With notes reminiscent of the Amarone, the wine is a vivid ruby red color. At the nose, intense hints of cherry, blueberry, licorice and lingering accents of cinnamon and pepper. At the palate, soft and warm structured velvet tannins and a very balanced acidity. Long finish with fruity sensations.
Deep garnet, amber rim. Engaging nose mixing vegetal and floral notes, delicate spices and red fruits. Sweet attack, concentrated, velvety, inviting palate with a splendid panoply of emerging flavours, eau-de-vie, jam.... A great ripasso.
A balance, refined Valpolicella with a lovely, dusty texture to the tannins and ripe and juicy fruit flavors. Plenty of plum and berry character underneath it all. Drink or hold.
Aromas of ripe black-skinned berry, porcini mushroom and cooking spice lead the way. The dense palate offers prune, licorice and a touch of cinnamon alongside velvety tannins. Enjoy through 2022.
Beautiful ruby. Perfumed nose of ripe black fruits and new leather. The palate displays real fine, velvety fullness with polished tannins. Boasts impeccable balance combining a fruit dimension and assertive structure. Complex and very stylish.
This red shows cherries, caramel and hazelnuts. Tobacco, too. Medium body, velvety tannins and a crispy finish. I like the texture here. Drink now.
Verdicchio, typical of the Marche region, is widely recognized as one of the most noble, well-known and appreciated white grape varieties in Italy. The variety’s distinctive characteristics are expressed in the Anfora as a fresh, easy-drinking wine, vinified and aged solely in stainless steel to enhance its approachability. Delicate floral aromas and fruit are accompanied by intense notes of fresh fruit and white flowers. In the mouth the wine is slender and lively with a pleasant aftertaste of almond and rather good persistence. An extremely versatile wine, this Verdicchio dei Castelli dei Jesi is an ideal accompaniment to appetizers and light fish or vegetable dishes, but is also delightful all on its own. The particular amphora-shaped bottle, Anfora (produced in extremely limited quantities and only upon request), pays tribute to the original Verdicchio bottles, designed by Italian architect Maiocchi in the 1950’s to market this unique variety internationally, an homage not only to the quality of the wine, but also to the beauty and sinuosity of the Marche region.
The 2022 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Anfora is remarkably pretty, filigree and floral with candied citrus and hints of wet stone forming its bouquet. This soothes with depths of ripe textural fruits and sweet spices, balanced by a core of saline-tinged acidity. It finishes crisp and refreshing with a lime tinge.
The 2021 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Anfora is pretty and delicate in the glass; white flowers, nuances of almond paste and chamomile form its bouquet. It’s soothingly soft with a pleasant inner sweetness, dazzling with mineral-laced orchard fruits and confectionary spice. This leaves a bitter twang, and the mouth waters for more. The 2021 finishes wickedly fresh and with a salty flourish.
