WTN: Not your usual grapes...

It just occured to me that a few recent bottles have been from grapes that might be unfamiliar, unless one happens to live in the region of production. Some impressions:

2005 Leione, Dominio Dostares, Vina de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon (Spain):
Made from 90+ year old Prieto Picudo vines, bottled unfiltered - sounds promising. But right from the initial whiff, there is a dill/balsamic note that follows through to the palate - a note often associated with American oak. Too bad, because there seems to be a nice brambly wine underneath. Would like to taste this done in neutral oak. Has anyone had other wines from this grape? $18, 14% abv.

2008 derosaediviola, Fontezoppa, Marche Rosso IGT (Italy):
This one is 100% Lacrima Nera, said to be the same grape as Gaglioppo from the south. This is a suprisingly sweet fragranced red, with bright honey and floral aromas. Some dark berries and bitter orange on the palate, still a sweet note, with a whiff of smoke. Still there is substantial ripe tannin in the background. Doesn't seem to have seen oak. Pleasant and slightly exotic, not sure it is great QPR at $23. 13.5% abv.

2010 Loureiro, Muros Antigos, Anselmo Mendes, Vinho Verde (Portugal):
If you've had the usual Vinho Verde, Loureiro has probably been in the blend. Here we have a more 'serious' version, vinified dry to 12.5% abv, from Anselmo Mendes, more widely known for his very good Alvarinhos. This is very attractive and fragrant, with some bright floral notes and a spicey greeness. Not quite a rich or deep as the Alvarinhos, maybe a bit clipped on the finish, nevertheless great value at $10.

Joe, here is a refresher for you!! Had problems too with this one.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=37639&hilit=Leione%2C+Dominio+Dostares

It just occured to me that a few recent bottles have been from grapes that might be unfamiliar, unless one happens to live in the region of production. Some impressions:

2008 derosaediviola, Fontezoppa, Marche Rosso IGT (Italy):
This one is 100% Lacrima Nera, said to be the same grape as Gaglioppo from the south. This is a suprisingly sweet fragranced red, with bright honey and floral aromas. Some dark berries and bitter orange on the palate, still a sweet note, with a whiff of smoke. Still there is substantial ripe tannin in the background. Doesn't seem to have seen oak. Pleasant and slightly exotic, not sure it is great QPR at $23. 13.5% abv.

Joe,
Would this be LaCrima di Morro d' Alba?? A grape that is supposedly indigenous to that area in the Marche???
I had one a month ago that was outstanding.
Tom

Bob: I recall reading that thread, but was paying attention to the Raul Perez/Mencia part, so I didn't recall your tasting of the Dostares wines. Appears they need to cut back on the oak.

Tom: The label says Lacrima Nero, but looking elsewhere it does seem to be the same grape as Lacrima di Morro d'Alba. Do you recall which one you tried?

Tom: The label says Lacrima Nero, but looking elsewhere it does seem to be the same grape as Lacrima di Morro d'Alba. Do you recall which one you tried?

Joe,
Don't recall the one I had, but posted a WTN here about a month ago.
I was quite taken by the grape. Quite perfumed/fragrant nose some like a MoscatoRosa, some like Brachetto/Freisa.
Much like Schioppetino/refosco on palate. Quite lovely.
Tom