Canadian Wine Guy » Italian

2006 Franco Conterno Barolo mini review

John Galea — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:28:18 +0000

I tasted this wine at the Gourmet Food and Wine show. Dark in color, with a lovely nose of dried fruits. On the mid pallet this wine has that super dry pucker power that is in keeping with a Barolo. It builds very nicely with dried fruits, some raisiny tastes coming through on the long finish. This is a beefy well made Barolo. Yum, another one of my favorites of the show. I would give it a solid 90-91. It’s $52 a bottle but unfortunately not available in the LCBO. Only on consignment from LaCantina Imports so by the case.

Winery

FATTORIA LA RIPA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2007

John Galea — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:00:13 +0000

Dark in color with a nose of dried fruits. On the mid pallet this wine has dried red fruits dominating. On the finish the wine has chalky tannins, nice pucker power, oak, noticeable alcohol and some acidity. It builds nicely in the mouth especially without food. This is a nice Chianti but not as complex as I would look for in this price range. I would give it an 88 or so.

From the LCBO web site:

FATTORIA LA RIPA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2007 VINTAGES 984401 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 24.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Santa Brigida

Release Date: Jan 7, 2012
Description
Free sulphur: 7 mg/L.

Tasting Note
Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and some almandine in the rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with alcohol and sour cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and some wet bark bitterness. It’s developing, but displays pleasant depth. On the palate it’s deft, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by clean sour berry fruit acidity, and by smooth sweet tannins that have a slight burr, and flow into a clean sour berry fruit finish. It’s pleasant, in a graceful key, and will become lacy with time. Worth seeking out if you prefer the more traditional style, and even if you prefer softer lusher wines you will enjoy it with a steak. Score – 88-90. (Kyle Phillips, Italian Wine Review, March 5, 2010).

2008 Molino Barbaresco Teorema mini tasting

John Galea — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:40:21 +0000

I tasted this wine at the Gourmet Food and Wine show. Dark in color, with an odd earthy nose. On the mid pallet this wine has that super dry pucker power, suck the moisture right off your tongue that is in keeping with a Barbaresco. It builds very nicely with some cherries and dried fruits coming through on the long finish. This is a beefy well made Barbaresco. Yum, one of my favorites of the show. I would give it a solid 90. It’s $35 a bottle but unfortunately not available in the LCBO. Only on consignment from LaCantina Imports so by the case.

SANTA BRIGIDA COLLI DELLA TOSCANA CENTRALE 2001

John Galea — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:20:56 +0000

In the continuing quest to insure I don’t let another bottle sit too long in the cellar and waste it I cracked this one. I’ve had it since 2007. The wine is dark in color with a lovely nose of oak and some dark berries coming through. On the mid pallet this wine is a smooth well balanced Sangiovese. Lovely cherries coming through and some oak. On the finish this wine shines. It’s long finish has some lovely dry pucker power, some cassis, some oak and a hint of alcohol. This wine has kept very well and would have life still left in it. Again, sadly it’s my last. Pout. Currently not in the LCBO. I would give it a solid 90-91. Good value for the money. Especially if you enjoy Sangiovese.

From the LCBO web site:
SANTA BRIGIDA COLLI DELLA TOSCANA CENTRALE 2001 IGT Toscana Tasting Note: Soft, ripe and delicious, with ripe fruit and blackberry character. Hints of cherries. Full, silky and long. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2006. Score – 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2004)$22.75

2007 GABBIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO

John Galea — Mon, 16 May 2011 13:12:59 +0000

I last reviewed the 2008 non Classico version of this wine and quite enjoyed it. I figured the Classico ought to be even better … Dark in color mild on the nose with some browning near the edges of the wine. On the mid pallet this wine is surprising undistinctive. Not even as bold as the non Classico. Some dark berries coming through, little no oak. The finish on the wine is on the lighter side. It is a food friendly wine, but honestly there is not a lot going on. I was thoroughly disappointed. Now it’s possible the bottle I had was not good, but it wasn’t bad either. Wasn’t corked. nothing aweful about it, just nothing good either. Stick with the non-Classico one for my $$s. I’d give it an 88 or so. $16.95

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2009 Terenzuola Vermintino

John Galea — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:17:39 +0000

This is another of those unique white grapes of Italy I don’t know well. So I had no idea what to expect. This is always an interesting experience. The wine is pale in color with citrus hints coming on the nose. Reminded me a bit of a sauv blanc albeit a milder one. On the mid pallet the wine’s flavors match the nose … Citrus comes through with minerality shining through on the lighter side of medium finish. There’s some slightly tart flavors coming through as well. Sugar is well under control as are oak and alcohol. This wine is very food friendly, well made and elegant. Not an overly robust wine but good none the less. I’d give it an 89. Very pleasant.

From the LCBO Web site:
TERENZUOLA VERMENTINO 2009 VINTAGES 205823 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, White Wine 13.4% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Liguria, Italy By: Terenzuola

Tasting Note
The Colli di Luni is a tiny appellation whose vineyards almost literally cling to the sides of the cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Vermentino grape probably has its origins in Italy, and is still grown primarily there today. This wine has a lovely floral nose, with hints of linden flowers. Vibrant citrus, peach and lime on the palate, with continuing floral notes, combined with a nice minerality. Enjoy this robust white alongside roast pork with quinces, or a flavourful tapenade. (VINTAGES panel, June 2010)

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MARCHESE ANTINORI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006

John Galea — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:36:53 +0000

This wine is dark in color with lots of dark berries and cherry coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet the wine is deep and rich with lovely complex fruit. On the long finish the wine is quite dry with a nice bit of pucker power. With is a smooth well made Chianti. The extra time in the oak have paid off. I would give it a 91. Very nice!

From the LCBO web site:
MARCHESE ANTINORI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 VINTAGES 512384 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 29.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.2% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Marchese Antinori

Description
This wine is basically a selection of the very best Sangiovese grapes from Antinori’s Chianti Classico vineyards (excluding those used for their top-end Badia a Passignano). Look for raspberry, plum, strawberry, dried meat and new leather aromas and flavours. This dry and fresh, youthful wine will still benefit from cellar time (3-5 years), but if you decant it (2 hours) you can enjoy it tonight with game meats, bison steaks or grilled lamb.

CASTELLO DI AMA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006

John Galea — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:17:37 +0000

This wine is dark in color with a rich cherry bouquet coming through on the nose. The mid pallet is bright, fruity with lots of dark berries coming through. The finish is medium in length. This is a spot on Chianti and a good one. I would give it a 90. Very nice.

From the LCBO web site:
CASTELLO DI AMA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 VINTAGES 39768 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 32.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Castello Di Ama

Description
TASTING NOTE: Medium-deep bright ruby-red. Ripe aromas of dark berries, bitter chocolate and gunflint, along with a medicinal dried herb nuance. Compellingly suave and fine-grained on entry, then sweet, bright and light on its feet in the middle palate, featuring flavors of blackcurrant, licorice and flint. Finishes ripe and creamy-smooth, with a lingering note of cherry candy and good grip. Score: 91 (Ian D’Agata, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2010)

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S. CRISTINA MASSONI LUGANA 2009

John Galea — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:02:09 +0000

I had no idea what to expect from this wine. My knowledge of Italian wines, especially the unique white grapes of Italy could definitely use some enhancing. The wine is pale in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is dry, crisp with some minerality to it. For me it reminded me a lot of a dry Riesling or a German Kabinett Riesling. The wine is on the lighter side of medium with not too much sugar present. This was quite a pleasant bottle of wine. We paired it with shrimp cocktail and pan fried cod and it held it’s own complimenting the food quite nicely. I would give this wine an 89-90. We enjoyed it enough to go back and grab a few more. This one got the Raines two thumbs way up approval!

From the LCBO web site:
S. CRISTINA MASSONI LUGANA 2009 VINTAGES 200097 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, White Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Veneto, Italy By: Azienda Zenato
Release Date: Mar 5, 2011

Tasting Note
Lugana wines are based upon Trebbiano di Soave, the better clone of the second-most widely planted grape in the world. This white has a fresh floral and citrus nose, with tantalizing notes of yellow plum, peach, pear, melon, apple and light spice. There’s crisp acidity here, and a nice, lengthy finish too. Pairs beautifully with Mediterranean lemon chicken, or risotto with shrimp, leek and spinach. (VINTAGES panel, June 2010)

From winecurrent.com
Santa Cristina ‘Massoni’ Lugana 2009
A polished wine, this Trebbiano di Soave offers fragrant aromas—floral, soft citrus and orchard fruit. Sweet and fruity, it’s light-medium bodied with a soft, smooth texture. Subtle flavours of pear, peach and tangerine flow across the palate on a fine seam of soft acidity with a tangy citrusy note defining the mid-length finish. It’s a fine match for vegetable risotto. (Susan Desjardins) 4/5 stars.

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1994 S. Osvaldo Pinot Bianco

John Galea — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:49:50 +0000

A little while ago my GF’s brother gave us a few bottles of wine that had been in his basement for a VERY long time. The first one a 2000 Pelee Island Monarch Vidal turned out to be quite enjoyable. He also gave us two VERY old Pinot Biancos. Now the varietal would not seem to be one I would think of as ageable. But then I was surprised by the Vidal … The wine had turned a color somewhere between yellow and orange. I would expect this started out as more of a pale almost Sauv blanc shade. Popping the cork it was still in tact with no nasty odors or colors on it. Pouring it into the glass it seemed a little thick, almost syrupy. On the nose the wine was dominated by alcohol, which was shocking given it started out at only 12.5%. So onto the tasting. I tried a little sip … and thus the excitement was lost. What was left was somewhere between a vinegar and a vermouth. Not being a vermouth drinker I was not enjoying it at all. So sadly, after being neglected for so long … it went down the drain. Ah alcohol wasted. It’s a sad day … It’s good my priest isn’t Irish or I’d be banished The quest was an interesting one. Seems the LCBO don’t carry this one any more. Shame, it would have been interesting to see what it once tasted like …

BERTANI VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO

John Galea — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:39:49 +0000

From Wikipedia

“In the late 20th century, a new style of wine known as ripasso (meaning “repassed”) emerged. With this technique, the pomace of leftover grape skins and seeds from the fermentation of recioto and Amarone are added to the batch of Valpolicella wines for a period of extended maceration. The additional food source for the remaining fermenting yeasts helps boost the alcohol level and body of the wines while also leaching additional tannins, glycerine and some phenolic compounds that contribute to a wine’s complexity, flavor and color.[9][12]”

I couldn’t have said it better myself. The wine is dark in color with that varietal dried grape almost raisin coming through on the nose. On the mid pallet this wine is slightly sweet as one would expect from a sugar level of 1. The wine is dominated by those dried grape flavors. If you like that then ripassos are a good choice with lots of value for the money. On the finish the wine is not as complex or tannic as I have had. I would have to say this is not one of the best Ripassos I have had. It’s smooth and well balanced, quite food friendly. We paired it with leg of lamb and it went well but did not have that magic pairing when you get it just right! I would give this wine an 88 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
BERTANI VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO LCBO 12443 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 14.85
Wine, Red Wine 13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : 1

Made in: Veneto, Italy By: Cav. G.B. Bertani

Tasting Note
Ruby red colour; floral, black cherry and plum aromas with a touch of vanilla and spice; dry, medium body; ripe black fruit flavour, well balanced with a good finish.

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TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI 2008

John Galea — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:26:20 +0000

This wine is dark in color mild on the nose. On the mid pallet are some varietal cab flavors, cherries and dark berries. On the finish the somewhat typical dried fruits come through more strongly. The wine is medium in finish with some tanins and some dryness. The oak and alcohol are under control. Not a bad wine but nothing fabulous either. 88 or so …

What winecurrent.com had to say:
Heres an excellent addition to the cellar. The lifted nose of camphor and dark berry fruit segues a full-bodied mouthful of rich and concentrated flavour with juicy Bing cherry coffee-infused black currant and dark chocolate to the fore. Its beautifully textured with good weight and balance. Theres a generous ladleful of firm tannin. Drink 2015 to 2022. (Vic Harradine) (145920) $21.95 Rating 4.5/5

From the LCBO web site.
MARCHESI DE’ FRESCOBALDI TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI 2008 VINTAGES 145920 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 21.95
Wine, Red Wine 13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Marchesi De Frescobaldi Release Date: Oct 30, 2010

Tasting Note
A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and sangiovese; aged for two years in new oak) Medium red. Floral red berry aromas complicated by chestnut and graphite. Sweet and smooth on entry, with juicy red berry and dark plum flavors and a fresh, moderately long aftertaste. Delicious, easygoing wine. Score – 88. (Ian D’Agata, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug 2010)

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SCOPETANI CHIANTI RISERVA 2006

John Galea — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:27:07 +0000

This wine is dark in color with a bouquet of dark fruits. On the mid pallet the wine is lovely and matches nicely the bouquet. This is a varietal Chianti. On the finish the wine has some nice tannins and dryness that builds nicely on the mouth especially without fruit. The oak is noticeable but not out of control. There are some leathery, smokey flavors, also present. The finish was medium in lenght. I enjoyed this wine and thought it was a good deal for the price. I would give it a 89-90!

From the LCBO web site:
SCOPETANI CHIANTI RISERVA 2006 VINTAGES 164814 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 13.95
Wine, Red Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Sugar Content : D

Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: Scopetani Srl

Release Date: Jun 26, 2010

Description
This blend of Sangiovese with dollops of Malvasia and Trebbiano was aged for two years in oak. Soft and elegant, it delivers aromas and flavours of black cherries, dried herbs and a touch of spice. Eminently versatile with foods, it will match a range of dishes and finger-foods, from pasta salad with tomatoes, to herb-sprinkled grilled lamb, to thinly sliced pancetta and soft cheeses.

Winecurrent.com’s write up on this wine:
12.5% alcohol Well paced and well priced earning its final -+ star on value it jumps from the glass with heady aromas of toast sweet field berry and mixed spice. There are racy flavours of Montmorency cherry and cranberry adorned by herb and spice. Nicely balanced and still showing a perceptible tannin backbone it finishes dry with nice fruit balance. Try with thin crust tomato and pepperoni pizza or pasta in arrabbiata sauce. (Vic Harradine) Spain: White Wine (164814) $13.95 Rating 4/5
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Gabbiano 2008 Pinot Grigio

John Galea — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:00:08 +0000

I’m not a fan of Pinot Grigio’s. Generally I find them thin, with not a lot going on. They can be great on a patio in the heat. Light refreshing and can hit the spot. So given the latest heat wave I bought this one. I quite enjoy theiir Chianit which I have previously written up so I thought I would give this one a try. Pale in color mild on the nose. The mid pallet is quite non-descript, thin with not a lot going on. The finish is on the lighter side of medium and is dominated by a green apple tartness. Not strong, not overwhelming but dominant. I was disappointed by this wine and would not buy it again. I would give it an 87 or so.

From the LCBO web site:
GABBIANO PINOT GRIGIO LCBO 77990 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 12.85
Wine, White Wine 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Made in: Venezie, Italy By: Castello Di Gabbiano

Tasting Note
Pale yellow colour; aromas of ripe pear, citrus with tropical notes; dry, light bodied, with citrus, mineral and apple flavours; medium long finish.

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GIORDANO VESPERO 2005

John Galea — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:40:50 +0000

Ratings are a subjective thing. There are raters that I find I align with very well, and raters whose tastes are very different than mine. The key is finding the difference. Gord Stimmel and I taste VERY differently. That’s just one of those things. When I saw this one I thought, heh, give it a try. Every now and then Gord and I like the same wine. I would love to say that was the case, but that just ain’t gonna happen with this one, but I am getting ahead of myself. On the nose the wine has some really distinct wood, and some black fruit. On the mid pallet are some varietal snagiovese flavors but they are quite overwhelmed. On the finish the wine is dominated by wood, and a strong alcohol flavors. The tastes did not improve at all with breathing. Even two days later the wine had not improved. This is one of the first wines in a while I fed to the fish (poured down the drain). I have no idea what Gord tasted, or what appealed to him, but this is the kind of flavors I would expect in an $8 or $9 bottle of wine. If were to give this an 86 I would be out on a limb. I suspect by now you are gathering I won’t be running out to grab more of these and you would be spot on!

From the LCBO web site:
GIORDANO VESPERO 2005 VINTAGES 72421 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 16.95
Wine, Red Wine, 13.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: F. Giordano S.P.A.

Release Date: Jan 9, 2010

Tasting Note
This Tuscan IGT red is 100 per cent sangiovese. Aromas are subtle, with tea leaf, black cherry and exotic spice. The flavours are sumptuously styled, with black cherry, sandalwood and blueberry depth. Food suggestion: Tomato and sausage penne. Score – 90. (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Sept. 20, 2008)

2003 Villa Antinori (Toscana)

CanadianWineGuy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:14:24 +0000

This little bottle has sat in the CWG wine fridge for almost 3 years, while not expensive originally (~$30) it did however have some cellaring ability that led me to keep it safe and sound. This wine use to be in the Chianti Classico classification but still a super tuscan I was hoping that this modestly priced wine from the huge producer (Antinori) would be a ‘hidden gem’. So what did we get?

A super Tuscan blend with an oaky nose and hints of ‘black’ fruit to start is what you get. Take that oak and make it leathery with a sniff of vanilla. The wine is ready to drink. The balance is there, the tannins pronounced but not too overwhelming. The fruit can be a bit subdued, not a bad indication of a wine I left too long. This is a bit surprising as this is only a 2003, young enough that it should still be fruit forward. Shame as almost everything else was spot on. Overall, a nice wine, worth the money and worth having a whirl if you can still get you hand on it. A pleasant surprise from such a large producer (which most know is never a plus for me).

The CWGSR is 88 out of 100. An almost perfect blend of the $$.

2005 Sportoletti Assisi Rosso

CanadianWineGuy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:56:09 +0000

Fast note on this Italian red since I am a tad short on time but wanted to share.

Fruity nose, medium tannins, soft finish. This is not a home run but a solid double-triple (mid winter baseball reference there for you). A tad rough to start but polishes out evenly. You will get cherries and raspberries, a tad smokey. you can still find bottles at the LCBO. Enjoy.

CWGSR is 87 out of 100

VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO MONTEZOVO DOC 2007

John Galea — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:59:26 +0000

Had this one at Terroni’s, and shockingly, it’s in the LCBO. I actually wonder if this is the exact one. It is unusual for Terroni’s to use wines that are in the LCBO. This wine is a Ripasso. A process that to my knowledge is unique to Italy. Using this method you can get a much more complex wine out of a cheaper grape. The wine is fruity on the nose with fruit dominant on the mid pallet. Unlike some, this one is not dominated by raisin flavors. On the finish the wine has some nice dryness and noticeable tannins. This is a typical Ripasso and is pretty good. I would give it an 88-89 or so!

From the LCBO web site:
MONTE ZOVO SA’ SOLIN RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA 2007 VINTAGES 650713 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 17.95
Wine, Red Wine, 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : D
Made in: Veneto, Italy By: Corte Zovo
Release Date: Oct 10, 2009

Tasting Note
Simple, yet it hits the spot! Tasty, knock-it-back quaffer for barbecues and potlucks. Perfect for watching Mission Impossible 14. Food matches: roast leg of lamb, gourmet pizza with the works. Score – 88. (Natalie MacLean, www.nataliemaclean.com, Aug. 15, 2009)
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Insolia suliccenti 2008 igt

John Galea — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:08:53 +0000

I had this wine at Terroni’s the other day. They tend to have a good selection of wines by the glass and rotate them through. As usual they are not available in the LCBO. The server informed me this wine is a blend of a Chard and a Sauv Blanc and based on tastes that sounds right. The wine is quite golden in color, similar to a chard. On the nose there are some lovely mild chard smells … On the mid pallet you get the sweet, slightly buttery chard flavors. On the finish the tartness of the Sauv blanc comes through. A bit later you can taste some of the chard. This is an interesting experience. The two tastes are not all that harmonious in nature. Perhaps with time they might integrate better. While I would not say the flavors were fighting, I couldn’t actually say they were complementing each other as well. Overall a very interesting experience. It reminded me of a couple of the chard in Prince Edward county that got some minerality and tartness from the terroir of the county! I would give this an 88-89.

This wine is from Italy and is an IGT (Super Tuscan).

RAVAZZI CHIANTI RISERVA 2006

John Galea — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:32:28 +0000

The wine is dark purple in color. On the nose are lots of dried dark fruit fruits but on the mild side. On the mid pallet are dried dark fruits to match the bouquet, I’d say some raisin flavors along with some stewed prunes. Again on the milder side. Subtle and smooth. On the finish the wine has some dry flavors and bit of pucker power. Some tannins and oak are present but nothing overpowering. I decanted it to remove some vinegary/alcohol flavors that dissipated easily. I was not as patient as Vic who decanted it for 2 hours. I did it for about 1/2 hour. The wine is a good Chianti albeit a bit on the milder side for me. I would give it an 88 or so. If you like your wines smooth and refined this might be a good one for you. We paired it with a steak and risotto and to be honest the food overpowered the wine. It was easier to appreciate it without the food. It wasn’t really a good complement.

From the LCBO web site:
RAVAZZI CHIANTI RISERVA 2006 DOCG The Ravazzi family has being making wine at their estate in Siena for 50 years. Their new wine cellar built in 2005 is decidedly modern yet home to classically fashioned wines such as this pretty Chianti Riserva. Bursting with red fruit and accented by nuances of smoked meat this food-friendly wonder is just the thing for your next gourmet pizza night or try it with a cheese lasagna. 135657 $16.95
Featured 10/24/2009

Winecurrent.com’s comments:
Ravazzi Chianti Riserva 2006 DOCG Chianti
13.0% alcohol Bacon bits gamey and toasty oak on the nose this mid-weight smooth as satin Riserva delivers a world of value. A persistent wash of ripe delectable flavour coats the palate with cassis kirsch liqueur and ripe cranberry galore. It finishes lengthy and weighty with a firm tannin underpinning. Aerate/decant for two hours and pour with spaghetti Bolognese under a generous grind of Parmigiano-Reggiano. (Vic Harradine) (135657) $16.95 Rating 4.5/5 from Winecurrent

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ERTA E CHINA ROSSO DI TOSCANA 2006 IGT

John Galea — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:11:56 +0000

The wine is very dark purple in color, slightly fruity on the mid pallet. Some red berry flavors. On the finish there are some lovely tannins and some terrific dryness. The cab and Sangiovese are lovely together. The rating is accurate I would give this a 90 which for the price is a great deal!. I have no idea how long it will keep.

From the LCBO web site:
ERTA E CHINA ROSSO DI TOSCANA 2006 IGT (Renzo Masi) TASTING NOTE: Dark chocolate berry mineral and strawberry aromas follow through to a full body with soft tannins and a long caressing finish. So good now. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now. Score – 90. (James Suckling www.winespectator.com Oct. 15 2008) 132308 $14.95 Featured 9/12/2009

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Marmorelle Bianco 2008

John Galea — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:33:57 +0000

I had this wine at Terroni’s . As usual it is not available in the LCBO which is a shame. This is quite common with their wine list. I find restaurants do that so you have no idea how much you are being overcharged for a glass/bottle of wine The wine is pale in color with a medium bouquet. The chard smells come through but not strong. The wine is a little sweet with some nice crispness to it. Medium in finish the wine is very food friendly. Easily an 89 or so. I quite enjoyed it as well as the restaurant.

write up on the wine

TORRI RISERVA CHIANTI COLLI SENESI 2005 DOCG

John Galea — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:05:31 +0000

If you like Chianti’s this is a good one. Lovely deep wine with a medium finish. The fruit is a little overwhlemed again (like the tempranillo I last blogged about). My GF says she tastes stewed grass in Chiantis and got it on this one. I get more prunes, maybe even stewed prunes. I would say this is another 89-90. Nice wine. Enjoyed it. No need to decant/breath …

From the LCBO web site:
TORRI RISERVA CHIANTI COLLI SENESI 2005 DOCG (Agricoltori Del Geografico) “Overall results confirm the good work going on at this Gaiole-based winery whose products continue to be attractively priced.” (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines 2008) Made with 93% Sangiovese and 7% Canaiolo Nero this Riserva sports a fresh and fruity nose which is followed by a full balanced and lightly tannic palate. Decant one hour before serving and for an unforgettable match enjoy with sirloin steaks or venison medallions hot off the grill. 744243 $16.95 Featured 7/4/2009
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2004 Fattoria Monte Chianti Rufina Reserva

CanadianWineGuy — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:55:58 +0000

This was a recent Vintages release (June 6th) that I stumbled upon in my local store a week or so ago. A Chianti Rùfina (Reserva no less) priced at $20 is always a good potential bargain so I leaped in and grabbed one. On our recent trip to Tuscany, Mrs CWG and I actually avoided the Chianti region and as such our collection is rather lacking. The Rùfina region is the north-eastern most area of the modern Chianti region, with the historic Fattoria Monte being only a stones throw east of Florence. The Bellini family owns the vineyard and members of the family still run it while producing around one million bottles per year. This sangiovese based wine is Chianti Rùfina d.o.c.g. On to the tasting!

With a deep crimson colour this wine had a good cherry nose right off the start. Hints of licorice and a hint of vanilla were the compliments to red cherries on our first few sips. The tannins were normal for a chianti, medium to strong. The finish was rather short for a wine that exhibited such a full body on the first few sips. The fruit remained as we made our way through the bottle with hints of spices and more licorice poking their heads up amongst it. Overall, this wine as decent, but nothing special. The price makes this a good enough value to bring to a dinner party and not be embarrassed, but by no means would I recommend grabbing 3 or 4 for your cellar.

The CWG-SR is 86 out of 100.

Mrs CWG & Bacchus say

Ho Hum.

SANTA MARGHERITA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006

John Galea — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:58:58 +0000

On the heels of my last Chianti I thought I would give this one a try blind. No research. I rarely do that. This wine is DOCG rather than an IGT so a little lower on the quality scale. It’s also a Classico not a Classico Supremo … On first opening this wine has a touch of bitterness. A little breathing is a good idea but not a lot. Say 1/2 hour or so. I only bottle breathed it for about an hour and that was fine. The wine is good, reasonably dry chianti with some nice fruit and oak/alcohol under control. If I were to compare it to the Gabbiano I raved about last this one is not as favorable, not as dry, not as complex and all in all not as good. Still a good wine, but when you add in that I paid more for this one I would say unless your looking for variety skip this one. I would give it an 89. A good wine for sure. Just not amazing …

From the LCBO web site:
SANTA MARGHERITA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 VINTAGES 91694 | 750 mL bottle

Price: $ 19.95 Wine, Red Wine, 13.3% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD

Made in: Tuscany, Italy By: S.M.T.
Release Date: Mar 14, 2009

Tasting Note
…a new-world style, a little darker and richer than traditional Chiantis. Dark berry and cherry aromas and flavors dominate the wine, with rich oak and even a touch of cocoa and tobacco. This medium-bodied red still retains its Tuscan charm, with nice earth and game meat notes, and enough acidity to keep the wine balanced….Like most Tuscan wines, [it] opens up and comes alive when tasted with food, particularly tomato and meat sauces. Also try this wine with not-too-spicy barbecue ribs, grilled chicken and baked ham. (Jarrett Osborn, Vail Daily, Nov. 28, 2008)

Check LCBO stock