- 2006 Cosimo Maria Masini Annick - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (5/10/2008)
Biodynamic; 14,99€; 80% Chardonnay, 20% Sauvignon Blanc; 13% abv. Though mostly Chardonnay, it is the Sauvignon character that I mostly sense on the nose with its very expressive blackcurrant leafyness and slight grassiness/greenness. This is attractively weighty and mineral. Though very ripe, it isn't a fruit forward wine but rather a full bodied but mineral and juicily citrussy one. Very nice, though the two grapes used in the wine are not amongst my favourites. - 2005 Cosimo Maria Masini Nicole - Italy, Tuscany, Maremma, Maremma Toscana IGT (5/10/2008)
Biodynamic; 19,81€; 13,5% abv; 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A little bit funky/shitty upon opening, but also shows bright cherry and red fruit aromas. This is very much alive in the glass and is constantly changing - but the general trend over hours seems to be that the fruit tones become darker in tone and that the Cabernet aromas become more dominant. Delightfully tannic, natural, bright despite the warm year fruit, long. Though apparently aged in big, used barrels, I do get a touch of oak that still needs to integrate. But it is a very nice wine. Try again in 2010?
An Indian style chicken in coconut obviously wasn't a great match for the wines (but was quite nice with the beers (Marston's Bitter & Twisted; Saison Dupont; Thiriez Etoile du Nord) we had!), but I did have some interesting cheeses for dessert. The peppery and sharp Monte Enebro (see here and here) was really nice with the Annick; an old Parmigiano reggiano was decent but not magical with the Nicole.
But now the question: what is it about the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Sauvignon Blanc that they so dominate the Sangiovese and Chardonnay respectively?
-O