Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Along with its scents of dates and chestnuts, this ripe, black-fruited wine packs an explosion of spice. The finish bristles with tannins and refreshing acidity, making the intensity of the wine feel dynamic and complete. Enjoy its youthful energy now with a steak, or cellar it to let the structure mellow.
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Wine Spectator
Richly aromatic, with cedar, spice box and smoke notes. This structured red is balanced and accessible overall, with a core of spiced plum, wild strawberry, seared mushroom and chocolatecovered espresso flavors persisting on the finish. Drink now through 2024.
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.