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.

Corsican Clos Culombu Rosé 2010

Corsican Clos Culombu Rosé 2010 is from Calvi in North West Corsica, it is from a winery founded by Paul Suzzoni in the mid 1980's and run by his brother Ettienne as is 95ha in size. Low intervention viticulture with few chemicals and weedkillers added, and low yields (by debudding and green harvesting) ensure good quality wine potential. The dominant grape here is Sangiovese ( a grape which one thinks of as an Italian variety.... well, Corsica is thought of as French/Italian)

This wine is a bright but very pale salmon and on the nose one immediately is struck by the red berry fruits interminglad with pink grapefruit and flowers, these are echoed on the palate and the length is good with a citric pith finish, the acidity is not high and the alcohol is merely 12.5% and well integrated. A fresh, clean wine of the easy drinking variety, though it would stand up to a risotto or simple chicken dishes. Sold by The Wine Society at £12.50.
Score : 85

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.

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