Winemaker Notes
Aromatic notes of black cherry, nutmeg, cinnamon and cured meat are complemented by sandalwood, vanilla, balsa, and evergreen. A silky smooth entry is met with a textured mid-palate of velvety fig, blueberry jam, and soft oak. The finish has a hint of sea salt and fades out slowly.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
The black-olive, blueberry and blackberry character, combined with stone and orange peel is very attractive. Full to medium body. Solid core of fruit and a flavorful, zesty finish. A blend of negroamaro, nero d’avola and barbera.
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.