May 21, 2011 – Italian Wines, Including 2006 Brunellos, from Vinifera Imports - The Spirited Gourmet, Belmont, MA
Same day and same place as the Terry Theise tasting that I posted on. This was a good opportunity to get an early (for me) look at the 2006 Brunello vintage, and to try some other exciting Italian wines.
2009 Icardi Cortese “L’Aurora” Piemonte DOC
Cortese is often bland, but this was an enjoyable wine from just outside the Gavi zone. Medium-bodied, ripe, barely off-dry, though well balanced, with herbal, floral, earthy, tropical fruit, and apple notes. Very good. $16.
2007 Prà Soave DOC Classico Superiore Monte Grande
80% Garganega/20% Trebbiano di Soave; Monte Grande is the name of the cru. Full, round, leesy, well balanced, with peach, lemon drop, licorice, and lightly honeyed notes. Nice depth and structure. Very good/excellent. $24.
2009 Castello Romitorio Rosso di Montalcino DOC
Medium-bodied, fresh, focused, and soft; lightly oaky, moderately tannic, well balanced, with bright cherry notes and hints of spices. Very good/excellent – a standout Rosso di Montalcino. $24.
2006 Castello Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Nice herbal/spicy nose. Full, quite tannic, well balanced, with good underlying acidity. Shows notes of cherries, dark berries, minerals, spices, and a bit of vanilla. Excellent. $60.
2006 Castello Romitorio “Romito del Romitorio” Sant'Antimo DOC
60% Sangiovese Grosso, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Canaiolo. Full, ripe, yet well balanced; oakier than the Brunello, but not overly so. Smooth yet tannic, with moderate acidity. Shows dark berry, tar, earthy, and herbal notes. Very good/excellent. $35.
2006 Tenuta Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Smoky/floral nose. Full-bodied, highly structured, tannic, with good underlying acidity. Showing notes of cherries, cranberries, tar, leather, and roses. Excellent+. $110.