EuroVintage – An Italian Selection

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Leonardo Chianti DOCG 2011
  Sangiovese from Italy - Tuscany

  Review Date : 08-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep, black-hued ruby-red colour with purple hues, lighter on rim. The bouquet is light and straightforward with aromas of fragrant dark cherry fruit along with a little earth and herbal nuance. Medium-light bodied, light, juicy, savoury herb and bitter red cherry fruit flavours are classic Sangiovese in expression. The fruit is framed by grainy tannins and driven by fresh, brisk acidity. The mouthfeel is vinous with good sweetness countered by the texture and acidity, and leads to a clean, dry, light finish. This is an uncomplicated, Chianti with grip and classic bitter cherry flavours. Match with pizza, pasta and antipasto over the next 2-3 years. 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% other red varieties mainly from the Vinci and Cerreto Guidi communes, fermented to 13.5% alc., and bottled without oak contact. 16.0/20 Sep 2013 RRP $17.99
• Da Vinci Chianti DOCG 2011
  Sangiovese from Italy - Tuscany

  Review Date : 08-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very full, deep, purple-hued black-red colour, near impenetrable. This has a restrained, but harmoniously integrated nose of black cherry fruit, earth and mineral elements and a little oak lift and spice. Medium-bodied, sweet dark cherry and berry fruit flavours show with up-front juiciness. Subtle herb and oak toast elements add interest. This is stylishly expressed with fine grainy tannins in support and a fresh, lively acid mouthfeel providing energy. The palate had good linearity and carries through to a grainy, dry finish. This is a fruity, up-front and lively Chianti with fresh textures. Match with barbecued and grilled red meats over the next 3-4+ years. 85% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot and 5% other red varieties from vines 15-20 y.o., from Cantine Leonardo da Vinci growers in the Vinci and Cerreto Guidi communes, fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged for 6 months in new and seasoned French oak casks. 17.0/20 Sep 2013 RRP $20.99
• Frescobaldi ‘Castiglioni’ Chianti DOCG 2011
  Sangiovese from Italy - Tuscany

  Review Date : 08-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, even ruby-red colour, lighter on rim. This has a light, fragrant nose of red berry fruits with red floral lift ad some savoury earth notes. Medium bodied, the palate is elegant and slender in proportion, with aromatic, uncomplicated, red berry fruit flavours. Fine acidity and tannin extraction provides a supple and refreshing mouthfeel, and the flavours are carried by a gentle acid drive to a dry finish. This is an elegant, light Chianti with fragrant fruitiness. Serve with charcuterie, tapas and poultry dishes over the next 2+ years. 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot from the ‘Castiglioni’ estate, fermented to 14% alc., the wine given 6 months microxygenation. 15.5+/20 Sep 2013 RPP $24.99
• Frescobaldi ‘Nipozzano’ Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2009
  Sangiovese from Italy - Tuscany

  Review Date : 08-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  90% Sangiovese and 10% Malvasia, Colorino, Merlot and Cabernet from the ‘Nipozzano’ estate, fermented to 13.5% alc., the wine aged 24 months in seasoned barriques. Very full, dark, ruby-red colour with black hues, some garnet on rim. Moderately concentrated aromas of savoury bitter cherry fruit are entwined with stalk and game elements, and unfold gentle layers of herbs and oak toast adding interest. Medium-full bodied, the flavours of dark cherries and berries are a little restrained, but grow in weight and presence forming a proper core. Richness and fruit sweetness emerges in the glass, and nuances of dark herbs, meat and toast become revealed. Fine-grained, supple tannins and lacy underlying avidity provide tension and carry the flavours to an elegant, balanced finish. A little shy initially, this Chianti grows in richness and presence in the glass. It is an elegant and earlier drinking ‘Nipozzano’. Serve with roasted red meats and hard cheeses over the next 4-5+ years. 17.0+/20 Sep 2013 RRP $38.99
• Medici Reggiano DOC Lambrusco Rosso Dolce NV
  Sparkling Wine from Italy - Other

  Review Date : 08-Sep-2013

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Lambrusco fruit fermented by the Charmat method to 8.5% alc. Very darK, deep, purple-hued ruby-red with very fine, moderately persistent bubble. This has a soft nose with a firm core of up-front and straightforward, savoury black cherry and berry fruits, quite primary and aromatic, with a youthful herbal, earthy note. Medium in sweetness and light bodied, a soft, frothy effervescence spreads the mellow flavours of sweet and savoury red berry fruits across the palate. Herb and earthy nuances are in support, adding some interest to the primary fruit expression. The palate carries fresh, lively acidity and a subtle textural line which leads to a zesty, brisk finish with sweet fruit notes. This is a soft, light and frothy, gently sweet Lambrusco with up-front, savoury fruitiness. Serve with charcuterie and ham over the next 2 years. 16.5/20 Sep 2013 RRP $12.99