Vinitaly was such a wonderful and interesting experience. I'm finally back in the U.S. from all the traveling and can't wait to show you all these videos and wines notes. Vinitaly is one of the biggest wine fairs in the world that caters not just to professionals in the wine industry, but most importantly, to all the wine and spirit consumers like yourself, plus all the other wonderful italian products that it showcases. Besides offering a business platform for many professionals, journalists, and wine trade, it also provides with educational seminars that will help expand your knowledge on Italian wines .
Before I dive into the notes, I think it is important to mention the importance of this wine fair and maybe next year you will be interested in attending. Vinitaly caters to all palates and all levels of wine knowledge. The prime beauty of the fair is that it will allow you to taste a vast variety of Italian wines and be further able to expand your cellar. Being able to interact with the wine producers themselves gives every wine enthusiast the opportunity to understand the message each of them is trying to convey through their wines. Also, on the wine producer's side, they are able to get to know their consumers and get a better idea of how their wines are being perceived around the world since Vinitaly attracts buyers from all over the globe. Furthermore, because of the worldwide attraction that the fair has, it allows small wine producers the opportunity to be discovered and establish their brand on a bigger platform.
Next year, it will be Vinitaly's 50th edition. I can't wait to be there, hope to see you there too!
Below I put together a small video of my time in Vinitaly.
As most of you know, I focus on the area of Tuscany, especially in Montalcino, due to my passion and love for Brunello wines.
Since the 2010 vintage has stood out, I asked many of the top Brunello wine producers the same three questions in order for all of you to get better acquainted with their personal opinion. This way you can note the similarity and differences behind their philosophy on wine making.
VALDICAVA
www.valdicava.it
Interview with Vincenzo Abbruzzese
Valdicava is owned by Vincenzo Abbruzzese. One of the best Brunello producers. I personally admire the passion he puts into making his wines and the way it is represented through them as well. As he mentions in the video, Vincenzo respects nature and his wines express the terroir of Montalcino.
I did a spectacular vertical tasting with his Brunello di Montalcino 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and also his Riserva Madonna del Piano 2009, 2007, 2004.
Rosso di Montalcino 2012: In my opinion, this Rosso could be called Brunello's little brother. It shows delicious fruit of berries and plum, floral notes, spices, leather, and some mushrooms. On the palate, very fresh delicious concentrated fruit accompanied with great acidity and velvet tannin. Great balance and beautiful finish. Incredible Rosso!
Brunello di Montalcino 2010: This Brunello is one of the best that I tasted in Vinitaly. It expresses incredible aromas of dark cherry, plum, grilled herbs, licorice, mint, truffle, and olives. Full body with a silky tannin and perfect acidity. It has an elegant finish.
Brunello di Montalcino 2009: Shows a nice personality. Masculine as well as elegant. Expresses concentrated fruit, aromas of dark cherry and plum. Hint of orange peel, petal roses, special herbs, spices, cassis. It is full-bodied with gorgeous fruit and very long finish. A must try!
Brunello di Montalcino 2007: This Brunello represents tradition, structure with elegance. Aromas that evoke concentrated fruit, dark cherries, dried berry, plum, hint of flowers, tobacco, and some spices. Everything integrates beautifully. It has a full body with a perfect acidity and elegant finish. This Brunello has personality and great style.
Brunello di Montalcino 2006: Such a gorgeous Brunello! Big and powerful with beautiful aromas of dark fruit, licorice, dried red roses, hint violet, clove, spices and tobacco. On the palate, perfect fruit concentration, spices, balsamic, chocolate, grilled herbs, full body and crisp acidity with a velvet tannin. It has a unique personality that reflects the 2006 vintage. Beautiful and intense finish.
Brunello di Montalcino 2005: Evokes finesse and elegance. I really enjoyed tasting this Brunello. It shows a unique expression of fruit, special spices, meat, cassis, dried roses, smoke notes. Full body with integrated acidity and tannin.
Brunello di Montalcino 2004: Spectacular Brunello! I love this vintage. It is powerful, expressing the right amount of fruit character with licorice notes, sweet spices, chocolate, balsamic, cassis, and some herbs. On the palate full body with perfect acidity and silky tannin, making this Brunello memorable.
Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano Riserva 2009: Aromas of dark berry, spices, floral notes, leather, olive, and truffle. On the palate it is very elegant. Silky tannin with good acidity and attractive finish.
Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano Riserva 2007: This Riserva shows such an incredible personality. It is a well structured wine. Floral notes, red and black berries, spices, mushrooms, leather, and balsamic. On the palate rich and concentrated with a powerful tannin and great acidity that gives an incredible finish. This wine is ready to drink but it also has the ability to continue aging beautifully in the bottle.
Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano Riserva 2004: This attractive Riserva expresses the classic characteristics of great Valdicava wines, which makes it one of my top recommendations for wine collectors to have in their cellar.
It is important to mention, especially to the wine consumers that are not familiar with Valdicava wines, that besides incorporating dedication, passion, and tradition into his wines, Vincenzo focuses and takes great pride on giving each of them the classical taste of a Brunello; consequently, making them recognizable to all wine connoisseurs.
MASTROJANNI
www.mastrojanni.com
Brunello di Montalcino 2010 = Excellent wine! Great balance. Expresses aromas of dried blackberry and cherries, truffle, herbs, spices, tobacco, chocolate, smoke and licorice. It has a full body, expressing dried fruit, leather, chocolate, balsamic. Crisp acidity and silky tannin. Beautiful and long finish.
Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Loreto 2010= Powerful wine that expresses beautiful fruit aromas with hint of flower petal roses, violet, fresh spices, licorice, and leather note. Well structured wine with good balance that has perfect acidity and tannin. The finish is long and it will need a few more years to soften a bit.
LE RAGNAIE
www.leragnaie.com
Interview with Riccardo Campinoti
Le Ragnaie wines are made as natural as possible. They follow the guidelines of organic agriculture. They have three different parcels of land throughout Montalcino that express three different terroirs of Brunello.
MARCHESI de' FRESCOBALDI
www.frescobaldi.it
Marchesi de' Frescobaldi are historical Estates that have been enchanting the public with their Brunellos for over hundreds of years. Such history! Lamberto's wines evoke the message of tradition that has been passed down through generations and the classical taste of a true Brunello.
Brunello di Montalcino Castelgiocondo 2010= Aromas of dark cherry, almond, herbs, earthy notes, and minerality. It has full body, sweet spices, balsamic, milk chocolate, with great acidity and silky tannin. Very pleasant finish. This Brunello will age lovely.
Brunello di Montalcino Luce della Vite 2010= An attention grabber! It is a powerful wine with excellent balance that expresses aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cherry, plum, dark red roses, truffle, dark chocolate, mint, spices and leather. In the mouth it feels rich and balanced. Acidity and tannin are integrated. It has a spectacular finish. For all of you wine collectors I would especially recommend it for your cellar and leave it there for a minimum of a couple of years. One of my my favorites!
CANALICCHIO DI SOPRA
www.canalicchiodisopra.com
Interview with Francesco Ripaccioli
It is a famiy business managed by Francesco, Marco, and Simonetta Ripaccioli. They introduce new technology but still always respecting tradition. They always produce powerful and well structured wines.
Rosso di Montalcino 2013=Breathtaking Rosso! It has floral notes, roses, violet, spices, earthy notes. On the palate it expresses sour cherry, minerality, leather, and spices. It has a silky tannin with a refresh acidity. Delicious finish!
Brunello di Montalcino 2010= Evidence that tradition and innovation can blend well together. Stunning aromas that evoke dark cherry, plum, licorice, dark roses, mint, chocolate, balsamic, and leather. It has full body with velvet tannin and crisp acidity that results in a beautiful long finish.
LE CHIUSE
www.lechiuse.com
Interview with Lorenzo Magnelli
I had a great conversation with Lorenzo about the philosophy behind Le Chiuse's wines. Don't forget to watch the video above to know more about his opinion on the 2010 vintage.
Stellare Brut 2013: Sparkling wine made with traditional method. 100% Sangiovese. Lots of red fruits, roses, spices. This sparkling wine has good acidity with elegant finish. It will be released on August 2015.
Rosso Di Montalcino 2013: Cherry notes, violet, strawberry, spices. Medium-bodied that expresses sour cherry, some spices, minerality, and herbs. It has good acidity with nice tannin.
Brunello di Montalcino 2010: Very intense. Phenomenal aromas of pure fruit such as cherry, blueberry, and plum. Red roses, violet, cassis, spices, truffle and leather notes. It is complex with full body and great acidity. It shows spices, licorice, balsamic, mint, and a hint of chocolate. It has a chewy tannin with a long nice length. Bravo!
CIACCI PICCOLOMINI d'ARAGONA
www.ciaccipiccolomini.com
Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG 2011: This wine just acquired the denomination DOCG (congratulations!). The composition of the wine is 90% Sangiovese with 10% Merlot & Syrah. Tons of fruit concentration, such a red cherries, red currant, and blueberries. Black pepper, leather, and red roses. It is round with chewy tannin. Great acidity with pleasant finish.
Brunello di Montalcino 2009= The evolution of this wine in just one year is impressive. It has lots of great characteristics. Intense bouquet that evokes dark plum, blueberry, red berry, hint of expresso with peppery note. On the palate it is delicious and offers intense berry flavors, balsamic, mint, and some spices. It has an impressive finish. You should try it!
Brunello di Montalcino 2010: This wine is well-balanced. Aromas of flower, impressive dark fruit, truffle, olive, tobacco. It is very classic and elegant. On the palate it shows dark fruit, herbal notes, dark chocolate, and mushrooms. Full body with velvet tannin and impressive acidity.
SAN FILIPPO
www.sanfilippomontalcino.com
Interview with Roberto Giannelli
Brunello di Montalcino 2010: Profound aromas of blueberry, dark cherry, roses, mint, and tobacco. It is full-bodied with a chewy tannin. This is a masculine Brunello that needs time to soften.
Brunello di Montalcino Le Lucere 2010: Another one of my favorites! Fascinating aromas of intense fruit, mushroom, licorice, peppermint, vanilla, clove, and chocolate. Chewy tannin with integrated acidity. I would give it more time in the bottle.
CORTE DEI VENTI
www.lacortedeiventi.it
Interview with Clara Monaci
Clara Monaci is a small wine producer who's brand is becoming more and more known with wine consumers around the world.
She produces attractive Rosso di Montalcino that evokes floral notes, lots of red and dark fruit, violet, spices, and leather notes. It is medium-bodied with a fantastic acidity and velvet tannin. I have tasted the 2011, 2012, and 2013 and always been impressed by them.
Brunello di Montalcino 2010: This is a refined and delicate Brunello with beautiful dark fruit, violet, roses, soft chocolate, a little mint, and walnut. It has a medium-body with great acidity and tannin.
SAN POLINO
www.sanpolino.it
Interview with Katia Nussbaum
Luigi Fabbro and Katia Nussbaum are the owners of San Polino. They are small wine producers making outstanding Brunellos!! An interesting fact about them is that they are organic and biodynamic grape growers.
I had the pleasure to meet Katia on previous years and try their several vintages and all of them are spectacular! In this blog I will mention the 2010 vintage.
Brunello di Montalcino 2010= It shows concentrated aromas of fruit, flower with a touch of mint and licorice. Full body with velvet tannin and crisp acidity. Truly elegant!
Brunello di Montalcino HELICHRYSUM 2010= Stunning aromas of blackberry, dark plum, and blueberries. Everything is integrated perfectly. This wine contains such wonderful balance. Full body with fine tannin and beautiful length. I'm very impressed!
VILLA LE PRATA
www.villaleprata.com
Brunello di Montalcino 2010: It shows aromas of berry character, mint, chocolate, balsamic, licorice, and leather. It is spicy with concentrated fruit of berries, flower notes, and mushrooms. It has a silky tannin with nice acidity. Elegant finish.
Brunello di Montalcino 2009: This Brunello is has delicious aromas and flavors. Complex wine with beautiful fruit notes, flowers, grilled herbs, menthol, mocha, and some cassis. Full body that has licorice notes, dark fruit, balsamic, chocolate, and vanilla. Velvet tannin with integrated acidity that mkes this Brunello delightful.
Brunello di Montalcino Massimo Riserva 2007: I'm impressed with this Riserva. This small producer is developing structured well balanced Brunellos. This specific Riserva has powerful aromas of blackberry, truffle, tobacco, dried red roses, chocolate, mint, herbs, and mint. Full body, fine tannin and elegant finish. It has potential to be in the cellar for many more years.
TENUTA TASSI
www.tassimontalcino.com
Interview with Fabio Tassi
Brunello di Montalcino Tassi 2010: Fantastic! Another attention grabber with aromas of dark berries, sour cherry, coffee, milk chocolate, balsamic, special herbs, and some cassis. Full body with silky tannin and nice acidity that leads to an attractive finish.
Brunello di Montalcino Franci 2010: It is a intense wine that shows blackberry, plums, mint, mushrooms,roses, hint of leather, and moccha. Great structured wine. Full body. Fine tannin with high acidity and long finish. Bravo!
Brunello di Montalcino Franci 2009:Very elegant Brunello that expresses delicious fruit accompanied by cut roses, licorice, milky chocolate, and spices. Velvet tannin with perfect acidity and elegant finish.
SassodiSole
www.sassodisole.it
Interview with Roberto Terzuoli
Roberto Terzuoli is another excellent rising small wine producer! I had a fantastic vertical tasting of 2004, 2007 (Riserva), 2009, and 2010. In this review I will focus on the 2009 and 2010 since I previously reviewed the other ones.
Brunello di Montalcino 2010: Can't wait to taste it when its fully developed in a few years. I can tell it has potential to be spectacular! A mix of red and dark fruit, balsamic notes, wild roses. Full body with high acidity and lush tannin.
Brunello di Montalcino 2009: Presently, this vintage is my favorite between the two.
Great structured wine. Complex aromas of cherries, roses, violet, balsamic, a touch of chocolate, and
soft mint. Very elegant with beautiful finish.
STELLA DI CAMPALTO
www.stelladicampalto.com
Interview with Stella di Campalto
It was a pleasure to talk with Stella and better understand the philosophy behind her wines. She prefers elegant and soft Brunellos, which is why she did not release the 2010 vintage yet. Stella thinks the 2010 vintage is presently too masculine and needs to soften before she releases it to the market.
I tried the Brunello di Montalcino 2008, 2009, and 2005. The three of them exhibit soft tannin with smooth finish. Very feminine and elegant!
ARGIANO
www.argiano.net
I had a marvelous Argiano tasting. I tried the Rosso di Montalcino 2013, which was delightful. Also, I tasted the Argiano NC 2012 and 2013. The latter represent a nice marriage between Tuscan and French grapes. These wines have very nice character with beautiful long finish.
Brunello di Montalcino 2010: Very perfumed with petal roses, violet, Truffle, leather, some blackberry, and cherries. Taste of tobacco, truffle, leather, vanilla, concentrated dark fruit and earthy notes. Full body with a firm tannin and high acidity. Great Brunello!
TENUTA DEGLI DEI
www.deglidei.it
I enjoyed the tasting with Tommaso Cavalli. We tasted Chianti Classico 2013, Le Redini 2012, and Cavalli 2011.
Chianti Classico 2013: Intense aromas of red fruit such as cherry and raspberry. Red roses, violet, Spices, cinnamon, oak, and earthy notes. Concentrated fruit flavor. Medium-bodied with chewy tannin and long finish.
Le Redini 2012: The composition of this wine is mostly merlot (90%), with a small percentage of Alicante. Enjoyed tasting this wine. It is very elegant. Delicious red fruit such as red currant, dark plum, blueberry notes, and sweet herbs. Full body with smooth tannin and bright acidity. Beautiful finish.
Cavalli 2011: Incredible deep and concentrated but smooth at the same time. It has a Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Powerful wine with great balance. Evokes aromas of blueberries, blackberries, licorice, herbs, spices, tobacco, and dark chocolate. On the palate it has a velvet tannin with perfect acidity that gives a long and pleasant finish. This is my favorite of the three.
FERRARI TRENTO
www.ferraritrento.it
Of course, I could not end my blog without mentioning one of my favorite sparkling wines! Giulio Ferrari was one of my selections for my New Year celebration and last year's birthday.
I had a great chat with Matteo and Marcello Lunelli (two of the Lunelli brothers) and did a tasting of Giulio ferrari 2004 & 1999.
Giulio Ferrari 2004: Impressing mouth feel! Elegant aromas of cut apple, white pear, honey, with citrus notes, white flowers, white spices, almond, and minerality. Complex flavors that show great acidity nice minerality, delicious fruit with amazing finish.
Giulio Ferrari 1999: Absolutely stunning! It has a very seductive creamy texture. Expresses aromas of ripe fruit, almond, vanilla, chamomile, dried white flower, minerality, and soft spices. Well structured and harmonious. Crisp acidity that gives a very long, long delicious elegant finish.
MAZZETTI d' ALTAVILLA
www.mazzeti.it
Walking around, in the pavillion of Tuscany, I found this amazing company that makes incredible Spirits from Piemonte. As I mentioned, this is the beauty of the fair, you can always find new producers that you did not know about before and find a great quality of products. Once I tried their brandy and grappa I knew right away I had to mention them in the blog.
I tasted the Segni Grappa Riserva, XO Brandy 20 Anni, and the Brandy Riserva 1984 Invicchiato 30 Anni. I love the three different styles. Their technique for making Grappa Riserva is very impressive using 6 barrels of different types of wood.
Of the three (which are spectacular) my favorite is the Brandy Riserva 1984 Invicchiato 30 anni. The latter is very masculine and elegant. The structure of this Brandy is outstanding. A must try! You won't regret it.
