Winemaker Notes
Intriguing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is dark ruby red in color with purple highlights. It is broad and intense on the nose, with red berry aromas typical of Merlot (marasca cherry and red currant) and some varietal characters typical of Cabernet. Salty, warm, well-structured, with a soft and persistent finish. It is a dry, structured red wine that can be drunk throughout the meal, from hearty cold cut appetizers or medium-aged cheeses to game or venison dishes.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The estate’s 2008 Sinuoso is a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend. Dark red fruit, licorice, leather and earthiness are supported by silky, finessed tannins. Here, too, the wine’s balance and sense of proportion are nothing short of high class. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013.
I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Argillae this year.
Italian Red Wine
While picturesque hillsides, endless coastlines and a favorable climate serve to unify the grape-growing culture of this country. The apparent never-ending world of indigenous grape varieties gives Italy an unexampled charm and allure for its red wines. From the steep inclines of the Alps to the sprawling, warm, coastal plains of the south, red grape varieties thrive throughout.
The kings of Italy, wines like Barolo and Barbaresco (made of Nebbiolo), and Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino (made of Sangiovese), as well as Amarone (mostly Corvina), play center stage for the most lauded, collected and cellar-worthy reds. Less popular but entirely deserving of as much praise are the wines made from Aglianico, Sagrantino and Nerello Mascalese.
For those accustomed to drinking New World reds, the south is the place to start. Grapes like Negroamaro or Primitvo from Puglia and Nero d’Avola from Sicily make soft, ammicable, full-bodied, fruit-dominant wines. Curious palates should be on the lookout for Cannonau (Grenache), Lagrein, Teroldego, Ruché, Freisa, Cesanese, Schiopettino, Rossese and Gaglioppo to name a few.