Last week Karen and I told you our top picks from the JAMESSUCKLING.COM Great Wines of Italy event.
But we did have a lot of other favorites as well…
(The comments in quotes are Mr. Suckling’s [some abbreviated] from the 200 page program, along with his point score.)
Tenute Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari –
Tenute Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari Cabreo Toscana Il Borgo 2013
“…A beautiful blend of sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon. 93 Pts.”
Tenute Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari Tenuta di Nozzole Chianti Classico Gran Selezione La Forra 2012
“…Excellent and special selected Chianti Classico. Drink or hold. 93 Pts.”
Bellavista –
Bellavista Franciacorta Teatro alla Scala Brut 2011
“…Aromas of sliced apple, lemon and flint…Delicious at the end…94 Pts.”
Bosco Agostino –
Bosco Agostino Barbera d’Alba Superiore Volupta 2013
“A barbera with dried berry, lemon and almond aromas and flavors…90 Pts.”
Bosco Agostino Barolo La Serra 2012
“Lots of ripe strawberry, licorice, aniseed and rose petal on the nose…94 Pts.”
Brancaia –
Brancaia Toscana Il Blu 2011
“…Full body, chewy but polished tannins and a flavorful finish. This is so beautiful now to drink but will reward those who are patient. 93 Pts.”
Brancaia Toscana Ilatraia 2012
“Plenty of blueberry, chocolate and light toasted oak character. Smoky meat, too. Full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. Needs a year or two to come together. 93 Pts.”
Castelli del Grevepesa –
Castelli del Grevepesa Chianti Classico Clemente VII Riserva 2013
“A density and freshness to this withoyster-shell, blueberry and dark chocolate character. Full and savory. Drink now or hold. 92 Pts.”
Castelli del Grevepesa Chianti Classico Clemente VII Gran Selezione 2011
“Flamboyant Chianti Classico with chocolate and berry character…Long and flavorful finish. Drink now. 92 Pts.”
Cordero di Montezemolo –
Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2012
“Muscular and buff for the vintage with plenty of plum, terra-cotta and dry soil aromas and flavors. Full body, flavorful finish. Drink in 2018. 94 Pts.”
Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Bricco Gattera 2012
“Gorgeous aromas of rose petals, strawberries and lavender follow through to a full body and ripe fruit and tannins. Flavorful character of tangerines and dried Strawberries…93 Pts.”
Elio Grasso –
Elio Grasso Barolo Gavarini Chiniera 2012
“Extremely perfumed with flowers and plum. Full-bodied, deep and dense yet agile and fresh…95 Pts.”
Gianni Gagliardo –
Gianni Gagliardo Barolo Castelletto 2013
“Love the perfume and berry character to this one…Full to medium body, round and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish…93 Pts.”
Gianni Gagliardo Barolo Preve 2013
“Aromas of licorice, rose petals and berries. Full body, chewy tannins and lots of fruit. It’s tight and polished, and there’s so much going on. Very cool. Best ever from this vineyard…96 Pts.”
Orma –
Orma Toscana 2014
“Fascinating aromas of stone, wet concrete and dark fruit. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A structured and firm wine. Give it two or three years to soften. 94 Pts.”
Orma Passi di Orma 2015
“Very pretty aromas of currant, tobacco, and mint. Subtle. Full body, silky tannins and lots of fruit and richness. Beautiful length to this. Better in 2020. 95 Pts.”
Podernuovo a Palazzone –
Podernuovo a Palazzone Toscana Therra 2013
“Blueberry and currant character with hints of mint and spearmint. Medium body and a solid core of fruit and tannins. Fresh finish…92 Pts.”
Podernuovo a Palazzone Toscana Argirio 2013
Plenty of blackberry, spice and hints of grilled veggies. Cabernet is there! Full to medium body, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Fresh yet rich. Mostly cabernet franc. Drink or hold. 94 Pts.”
Prà –
Pra Amarone della Valpolicella 2010
“This is rich and chewy with lots of black pepper and berry character…This will be even better with a few years of bottle age when it softens, but it’s so good now. 92 Pts.”
Tommasi –
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2012
“A red with dried fruits such as raisins and sultanas. Full-bodied, round and fruity. Soft, velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Very classic style of Amarone. Drink now. 93 Pts.”
Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore Rafael 2014
“A lovely Valpo that is delicate and spicy with a lemon-rind and blueberry character. Medium body, vibrant fruit and wonderful acidity. Flavorful. Drink now. 91 Pts.”
Vignamaggio –
Vignamaggio Chianti Classico Riserva di Monna Lisa Gran Selezione 2013
“A Chianti Classico with energy and density, yet this remains lively and bright with an underlining backbone of acidity. Medium body, bright fruit and a clean finish. Drink or hold. 92 Pts.”
Vignamaggio Cabernet Franc Toscana 2013
“This is so beautiful with a clarity of blueberry and rose petal character. Medium body, ultra-fine tannins and an elegant and refined finish. Drink now or hold. 94 Pts.”
MP: I was really impressed by the depth of flavors in the wines I tasted. Admittedly, my wine drinking choices have left me with a California palate, and I often have to work a little harder than I might like at appreciating the nuances of some European wines. Not so with these, and I recommend anyone who thinks they only like California wines to broaden their horizons with some of these Italian offerings.
And Karen to wrap it up: The evening felt like we were in Italy, right down to most of the winemakers and reps having Italian accents – and they were all charming to boot. That along with the great wine and food, made for a wonderful night.
Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com.
