but tasted of fresh strawberries and white pepper. I already mentioned the Mio Soave-what a nice crisp white. Lots of apple from the Chardonnay, with a unique floral note on both the nose and the palate. Great summer wine! Mio is the unique WineStyles label-I think it's made by Allegrini, actually.
They also presented the three tiers of Veneto reds: Valpolicella, Ripasso, and an Amarone. I enjoyed all three, but I felt like Goldilocks because I liked the middle one, the Ripasso, the best. I tasted a unique dark fruity flavor to these wines, with some bitter notes. Was the fruit a little bit tomato? I don't know-hard to describe. Certainly a bitter note that the Italians do seem to like. The Ripasso just had a depth of flavor and richness without being over the top or raisiny. I think the Amarone could be good with a cheddar or game, but it was a little too rich. Still...for special project bottlings, I liked these wines