Puccini Memoro. Vino Rosso Italy

Inky and black at the core - promising.
Rich warm fruit and vanilla spice on the nose, again promising.
Tasting - Rich chocolate, red fruits and a hint of coffee to start, but the best was had, and from there on it fell away and lacked depth, character and real quality oh what a shame. A fun wine for glugging but not going to be remembered for long, though at just over £5 on special offer at Tesco's how dare I complain! A bargain and delightful to start with.
On investigation this wine is made in a New World style, grapes from different regions and different vintages, a first for this type of Italian wine I feel, and on second thoughts would I have thought it was Italian if tasted blind - absolutely not!
Score : 78

Puccini Toscana 2008

This Super-Tuscan ( I feel in the loosest sense of the word ) from Piccini is a rounded cherry and plum mix, with a good lick of Oakey vanilla. Rich and silky, and it went soooooo well with our roast beef and Yorkshire pud, something we have not had for 5 years+. Bonus - alcohol was only 13%, so no aftereffects!
Score 84 and only about a fiver from Tesco's. I bought 6, so more for a rainy day...... Or should I say days as we have had a few in the last year.

Tesco's Finest Valpoicella Ripasso 2009

An inky blackness and purple at the rim introduces this wine to you, followed fast by meaty, herbal aromas with a hint of violets, enticing! Tasting it gives fruit, spice and those herbs again, and a hint of sour cherry rounding it all off. Overall feelings are juicy, fruity and elegant, silky in the mouth and wickedly leading you to have more.
Score is 85.

Terrafirma Nero d'Avola from Sicily 2010

I joined a local wine group this week for a tasting and David - one of the members had very kindly picked 6 wines to taste blind - some were easier than others, this was the second wine tasted on the evening!

This was obviously a young wine, it was ruby with strong purple tints and a kind of blackness too it. On the nose it was perfumed, spice and red fruits figured in its makeup - sweet dried fruit (like christmas cake) and a slightly musty edge ( this said Italian to me, alot of their wines have a mustiness to it, not a negative, just part of the base composition ). Tasting it told me that it was silky smooth, had warm alcohol but in balance, and the tannins were quite low and smooth, the acidity was fresh but quite supportive of the structure of the wine.
I felt this wine was from a cool climate from the flavour profile, fine grained - chiselled, so it was a surprise when I found out that it was from Sicily( quite warm.... to say the least )and the Nero d'Avola grape......  On research I found that the fruit for this wine is sourced from two vineyards. The first is near Pachino, in the hottest part of Scicily and contributes a rich, mulberry character. The second is high in the Madonie mountains east of Palermo and gives elegant notes of red cherry and currant. And the wine is made by Michael Palij of Winematters of Oxford, a Master of Wine who runs wine appreciation and education courses.
The cost of this was £5.00 from Underwoods in Warwick or £7.75 from Oxford wine.
I scored this wine 82.

Blind Tasting Result - MmmmH..... Not quite right....!

Well - I was quite surprised when I saw what it was - but there again maybe not!

I said Italian / Spanish at a first snifter - and you should always go with your first thoughts ( esp when you find out they were right later.......) !



The wine was a Supertuscan ( actually not so super in this case), and was a mix of 70% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot......
It was ' Piccini Supertuscan 2008 IGT' made by Antonella Conti, who is a good maker. It came from Tesco (and is exclusive to Tesco's I think ) on a special offer at under £5 when I bought it.
A Super tuscan wine is a relatively new concept, and it is a Chianti wine ( made in Tuscany's Chianti wine region ) but uses grapes that have not been allowed within the wine rules of the region, they use  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and / or Syrah in alot of the cases. The see a more detailed description of the term SperTuscan follow this link. There have been alot of very, very good and expensive SuperTuscan wines that can age for decades, but I am sad to say this was not one of these. It was a watered down version where alot of the fruit was overshadowed by the clumsy oak used in the maturation of this wine - what a shame. When the fruit did show through it was a fresh cherry with a hint of plum, but thin in flavour.

I guessed a right bank Bordeaux - so Merlot dominant - but with Cabernet ( Sauvignon and /or Franc in it as well)..... So nearly there - I think as it often said on my report - 'must try harder' and  'a bit sloppy in the final details'.....How the truth hurts!

A bit about IGT on the label - what does it mean.
The letters IGT mean Indicazione Geografica Tipica and this certification fits producers who were not creating wines within the standard DOC ( Denominazione di Origine Controllata ) and DOCG ( Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita  ) regulations. Many producers who did not agree with the rules that the regulations imposed on them when producing DOC and DOCG wines, chose to make wine their own way ( often involving non-Italian grapes ) and now the IGT designation has become a well respected certification, and it is definitly one I look for when wanting something a little bit special in Italian wines - and I will say a few Italian waiters in Italy are impressed that we drink IGT wines knowing that they may be a bit of a 'find'!
Similar moves have been made by Southern French wine producers, they have moved out of the Vin d'Appellation d'Origine Controlée ( AOC or AC ) regulations and make wine under the Vin de Pays more relaxed rules.

This wine currently retails at about £6 at Tesco's - when in stock. But if you like Italian wines - try Piccini Memoro, it is an interesting wine made in a New World way, grapes from different areas brought together to make a homogenous un-Italian blend ( I feel ) - do try it and email me with what you think.
It is again the same wine maker Antonella Conti, and the blend of grapes is Montepulciano, Nero d'Avola, Primitivo and Merlot, all grown in different Italian regions. It is also non-Vintage cuvee, this means that the grapes have come from different vintages, stored carefully and used when needed. Described as ' 12 months oak casked Montepulciano from Abruzzo, the solar Nero d’Avola from Sicily, the colder climate (Veneto ) merlot and the Primitivo wine from Puglia ( some of this has been made in the passito way ) ' and was produced by Tenuta Piccini to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. It has fresh and plush red fruits, ripe and tasty tannins, juicy and delicious - and goes really well with alot of Italian / meat / vegetarian dishes.

Enjoy!!

Radcliffes Regional Classics Barolo DOCG 2002

Radcliffes Regional Classics Barolo DOCG 2002
We having some Rare-Breed Sausages last night that I bought at the local Farmers market ( tasted them and then could not resist), and I wanted to have something quite high in acidity that would cut through the fat and something that had a bit of a woody edge..... so I chose a Barolo that was on the rack in the cellar - and was a  pressie from somebody a few years ago and needed to be drunk.

 

 

We opened it and let it stand for about an hour before we decanted it ( very little sediment) and then we let it stand for another 45 minutes to breath ( though we did have a little sample..... just to make sure all was well, in the interest of ..well ..... us actually).
The wine had a definite medium depth, garnet colour, core with narrow rim, the legs that formed on the glass sides when swirled were slow and pale.
On popping our nose into the glass - cedar, smoke, tea, herbs, spice and generally perfumed, I would say a touch of Earl Grey Tea and there were faded red fruit notes, this wine has gone over the hill I feel, the fruit has faded and wood / tertiry notes have taken over.....but still beautiful and elegant.
On tasting it the first flavours noted were tea / herbs and near the bottom of the list was red fruits - faded but still present. Other notes were that the cedar and spice were overpowering, then rose, herbs and leather all played a part in this wines character. The tannins still obvious and chalky and green tasting, the acidity was fresh and the alcohol in balance, the length was very long with a cedar / cinnamon bark edge and a tea soaked, sharp sour cherry end.
Overall we really enjoyed the wine - despite the fading fruits, the tertiary notes really suited the wine and it went so well with our sausages, which were what I would call ' old fashioned Pork with a good mix of herbs', how good sausages are meant to taste, and they had texture was not smooth or homogenous - so a success!
Final thoughts on the wine - this was not an a-typical Barolo, the year 2002, was a difficult one with a 30 minute hail storm ruining many producers chances of a good crop of grapes, and this followed a wet summer, some producers were lucky and had good vintages, but I feel this wine was not the best example, and also should have been drunk a couple of years ago.

Radcliffe’s wines are owned and distributed by Thierry’s Wine Services, they pick 'the best' and have it bottled under their own lable to sell. The cost was probably around the £20 mark when purchased.

Poggio al Tesoro W Dedicato A Walter 2007 IGT

Poggio al Tesoro W Dedicato A Walter 2007 IGT

This wine is dedicated to the late brother of Marilisa Allegrini co-owner of the 110-acre estate and is 100% Cabernet Franc aged in French Oak for 18 months, this has alot to do with its character.

The core is medium deep and ruby coloured, aromas of ripe red fruits, spice and balsamic are quite closed initially, but there are hints of carbonic maceration on the nose.

Both red and black fruits are present on the palate though black fruits dominate balanced by the smokey spice , the high acidity maintains the fruits freshness while the silk ripe tannins together with the high alcohol and weighty palate balance and enrobes the wine. A wine with pedigree!

Fattoria Le Pupille Elisabetta Geppetti Saffredi IGT 2007

Fattoria Le Pupille Elisabetta Geppetti Saffredi IGT 2007

This wine is a Merlot blend, and is deep ruby with a very dark core and narrow ruby rim, it has aromas of balsamic, spice, red fruits and cinnamon overtones, the rich red and black fruits come through on the palate as well as the spices, the tannins are very soft and ripe, with underlying textural structure, full bodied and with fresh acidity that is uplifting. An elegant, well balanced wine that manages the full-on fruit enrobed with spice by the careful acidity balance. The cedar box, smokey spiciness is due in part to malolactic fermentation in french oak as well as barrique ageing. Prices are around £75

Ornellaia Bolgheri Superior 2007

Ornellaia Bolgheri Superior 2007 

Produced by Tenuta dell Ornellaia, this is a Bordeaux grape blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot which was harested between August ( Merlot) and October for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks for 1 week followed by maceration on the skins for 10-15 days.
The wine is a deep ruby with black tints, a small narrow rim, aromas of dark red fruits, spice and cedar fill the glass. Dark cherry is the pervading aroma and is again present on the palate matched with spicy vanilla, balsamic and a savoury edge, the tannins are fine, silky and ripe, they add structure and enjoyment to the balanced and silky wine, the acidity keeping the well ripened fruits fresh even after 5 years.
Oak ageing is a factor in its history (70% new oak and 30% used once) and Malolactic fermentation takes place within barrel. Aged in barrel for 18months, blended after the first 12, then aged in bottle for 12 months+. This wine has the complexity and structure to allow it to age for quite a few years.

Expect to pay£130+

Isole e Olena 'Cepparello' Toscano Rosso 2006 IGT

Isole e Olena 'Cepparello' Toscano Rosso 2006 IGT

The producer, Isole e Olena (Paolo di Marchi is the maker) could actually label this as Chianti Classico, but such is the power of the super tuscan 'IGT badge' that they have chosen to park their wine under its banner! This is a lovely 100% sangiovese wine and has all the savouriness that you would expect, it has sweet red fruits on both nose (which is rich and vibrant) and palate, along with herbs and spice and a hint of menthol. The tannins are flavoursome and silky, the mouth cleansing acidity is balanced by the medium rounded body of the wine, the length is long and savoury! Overall a beautiful structured wine - and one that will be drinkable for the next 3-7 years - Enjoy!

The price you would expect to pay is about £40-45.

Capezzana Conte Bonacossi Ghiaie Della Furba 2006 IGT

Capezzana Conte Bonacossi GhiaieDella Furba 2006 IGT

The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%) and Syrah (10%) with alcoholic fermentation taking place in steel tanks, and malolactic fermentation in french oak it is then matured for 16 months in barriques and laid down for a further 12 months in bottles.

A deep ruby colour with a hint of black had intense savoury aromas of spicy tobacco, black cherry and some red fruits with overtones of smokiness. On tasting it the fine gripping but ripe tannins add structure to this medium bodied wine, the black cherry and red fruit flavours along with the smokey spices are enrobed by the savouriness and the finish which is long consists of fresh red fruits, the wine feels a touch spirity - and given time may integrate well, a complex elegant wine especially at the price of about £32 - buy, buy, buy.

Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2007 IGT

Marchesi Antinori Solaia 2007 IGT

The grapes used in this wine are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak for 18 months followed by another 12 in bottle. Careful selection is used here and production is low.

A deep ruby core with darker tints and a very narrow rim. Aromas of black fruits ( black currant, blackberry) and cherry along with repressed spices and tobacco. Minerality plays its part as does a slight edge of mint.

On the mouth, fruity and minty, spices abound and the gripping, chewy, fine tannins add structure and layered complexity. The spices (due to oak usage I feel) overpower the wine slightly for me, they need time to integrate. The body has texture and the acidity and alcohol feel well balanced, a lovely silky wine with much time in it yet!

Antinori Tignanello 2007 IGT

Antinori Tignanello 2007 IGT

This wine is made up of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, and were harvested by hand after a good season, they were then fermented at 27C and matured in oak barrels for 12 months followed by a further year in bottle before being shipped.

The wine was medium to deep ruby with no garnet rim, the aromas were of red and black fruits including cherry and blackcurrants with a spicy menthol edge and a hint of savouriness. The gripping savoury tannins were ripe but obvious, flavours of red and black fruits and spices are supported by good acidity and silky body. A finish that has spice and a savouriness, a wine to be kept and enjoyed.Price around £50 a bottle

Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2006 A Passioni

Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2006  A Passioni DOCG is a wine from San Gimignano in Tuscany and sold by Majestic for about £8. It has a pale golden core and aromas of apricot with a citric edge and a slight yeasty twang. The fresh citric, apply, apricot flavours with a streak of spiciness on the mouth has a refreshing acidity and balanced by the medium body and alcohol. The length is good with a spicy start and a citric zesty finish and a pleasant bitter twist at the end.
This is a wine that has some weight and structure ( though by no means heavy )and the acidity maintains its freshness, all enveloped with warmth of the ripe fruits. This wine would be good with or without food.

Anselmi 2011 San Vincenzo IGT

We tried a real summery wine last night, a white wine  from Monteforte  in the Veneto region of Italy which is actually the Soave DOC area ( they decided  to leave the Soave DOC  but have gone IGT registered instead ) it was a blend of 70% Garganega, 30% Chardonnay and Trebbiano ( or Sauvignon Blanc its close cousin). The vines are grown near the top of a hill on volcanic / tuff ground, picked at the end of September / start of October. Destemmed, cold maceration, pneumatic pressing followed by fermentation at 16C in stainless steel and then bottled 3 months before sale. Roberto Anselmi, the maker/grower, is regarded as one of the leading white wine makers in Italy. He uses high density planted vines, trained carefully, uses green harvesting to produce the best fruit to make his wines from.

I bought it from a shop in Birmingham called Loki when I was shopping with a friend.

The wine, Anselmi 2011 San Vincenzo IGT, a golden straw yellow, had apple, floral notes with a tropical edge ( kiwi, melon...), on tasting it the crisp acidity balanced the fairly full body with the well integrated alcohol. Flavours of apricot, green apple with a hint of asparagus were followed by a long cirtic finish and a slight toasty edge with a touch of minerality. This is a wine that pairs well with alot of fish, chicken, vegetarian foods and is a lovely wine with pasta which is what we had with it - delish.