Tasting Notes 8/3/12

NCWC ITALIAN WINE TASTING 8/3/12

COSTA STEFANINO ROERO ARNEIS 2009
“Scoperta” is Italian for discovery, and this wine is a good one. Tropical fruit, melon, and bubblegum aromas are echoed delightfully on the palate, with enough acidity to keep the mouthfeel lively and the finish nice and crisp. Yet another example of how terrific many of the lesser known Italian white wines can be. 88 points Jim. $10.97.

ANDREA OBERTO BARBERA D’ALBA 2010
“Pizza” is Italian for pizza, which is a delicious food that goes beautifully with many reds from the boot country, including this one! Oaky notes on the nose blend with plum and cherry fruit scents, then the palate reveals rich, toasty elements weaving through those same ripe fruits. The long, acidic finish is characteristic of Barbera, and is a big reason it goes so well with food. 88 points Jim. $14.97.

COSTA STEFANINO NEBBIOLO 2009
“Organico” means organic, of course, which this wine is. As an added bonus, it’s actually tasty, which is not always the case with organic wines. The great nose includes damp earth, leather, savory notes, dark cherry and plum. Good balance between acidity and persistent tannins, as the flavors echo the nose, with light herbal notes. Another yummy food wine! 87 points Tobins. $10.97.

LA VELONA SANT’ ANTIMO 2009
“Nuovo” translates as new, as in brand new, which the Montalcino appellation of Sant’ Antimo certainly is. This blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot bursts with big cherry aromas and flavors held together by grippy tannins. Hints of Italian herbs and a slap of leather near the finish add complexity. 88 points Bill. $12.97.

POGGIO BONELLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009
“Classico” is Italian for classic, and the appellation of Chianti Classico definitely is that. But many examples today have moved way beyond the cliché of cheap straw basket wines. This one is “deep ruby red with a bouquet of ripe fruit, cinnamon, and cloves. Dry and assertive on the palate, it is balanced in texture with fine-grain tannins and a pleasant fruity note.” 89 points Bill. $19.97/1 liter bottle.

LIVELI ORION PRIMITIVO 2010
“Primitivo” is the Italian word for the varietal we call Zinfandel. Taste and see. Start with the very ripe nose of boysenberry, cherry, and vanilla. Then taste those same, fruit-forward flavors, albeit in a dry, medium-bodied style. For those who have only tried the sweet, jammy, California versions, this is a nice alternative example. 88 points Tobins. $11.97.

LA VELONA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004
“Spaventoso” means awesome, which describes both Brunello in general, and the 2004 vintage in particular. The La Velona “opens with earthiness, tar, leather and licorice that lead to a core of expansive dark fruit. It then grows in the glass, adding multiple dimensions to its weighty frame. Generous and beautifully-balanced, the wine offers outstanding poise and an elegant finish.” 92 Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate. $34.97.