Winemaker Notes
"The internationally-styled 2000 Don Luigi (a barrique-aged blend of 90% Montepulciano and 10% Tintilia) boasts an inky ruby/purple color in addition to a sweet nose of black fruits, spice box, creosote, and vanilla. Full-bodied, dense, and chewy, with sweet tannin and well-integrated alcohol (13.6%), it should drink well for 7-8 years."
"The brilliant winemaker Riccardo Cotarella is now performing his magic at this estate, which should be sought out by readers seeking stunning wine values."
-The Wine Advocate
Professional Ratings
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.