Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Proprietor Silvia Imparato has another gem on her hands with the 2006 Montevetrano. In this vintage the wine reveals terrific density and richness, but only shades of the complexity that will eventually develop in bottle. Still, nuances of smoke, grilled herbs, toasted oak and menthol occasionally come forward in the glass to round out the fruit. The 2006 is a relatively soft Montevetrano, but it needs at least a few more years of bottle age before offering its finest drinking. I am increasingly convinced that Montevetrano is released far too early; something that becomes quite obvious when tasting through Campania's other elite bottlings. Montevetrano is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Aglianico. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021.
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.