North & Central Italy

Terra Rossa
Tasted Monday, December 18, 2023 by Joshvoulters with 151 views

Introduction

A Terra Rossa special, taking in a really fascinating cross-section of Piedmontese and Tuscan wines (and a couple from Le Marche)

Flight 1 - Verdicchio (2 Notes)

Flight 2 - Piedmontese whites (2 Notes)

  • 2016 Vigneti Massa Derthona Montecitorio 91 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

    I'm not sure how much there is to add to Otto's excellent note below - I found this a very compelling wine, especially in contrast to the preceding flight of correct and strait-laced Verdicchios. Some oxidative and developed notes of dried apricot, roast hazelnut, brown butter, a certain wildness and energy. Fun and alive - really good stuff.

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  • 2018 Giovanni Manzone Langhe Rossese Bianco Rosserto 88 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

    Quite closed with notes of white flower, a polished stone impression that doesn't rely much on fruit. Clean and vibrant, nice acidic cut. Really good for the price and worked very well with food where it was unobtrusive and complementary.

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Flight 3 - Piedmont ex. Nebbiolo, part 1 (3 Notes)

  • 2016 Davide Carlone Vespolina Colline Novaresi 90 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Colline Novaresi

    Really interesting and I was excited to try this. I don't tend to love the white pepper note Vespolina imparts to a blend but here it feels riper, fuller and juicer. Quite advanced with sweet pepper notes, grass, dark cherry, leather. Quite resolved and fruity on the palate - reasonable acidity, some mid-palate hollowness but very distinctive all the same.

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  • 2016 Elvio Cogno Barbera d'Alba Pre-Phylloxera 87 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba

    Sweet, dark-toned blackberry fruit, with some notes of furniture polish and violet. Quite solid overall - resolved on the palate with freshening acidity.

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  • 2019 Marcarini Dolcetto d'Alba Boschi di Berri 86 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba

    Chocolate-covered strawberry - sprightly and quiet, not much dimension or complexity for me. Dry- possibly too dry for me - on the palate.

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Flight 4 - Piedmont ex. Nebbiolo, part 2 (2 Notes)

  • 2013 Vigneti Massa Croatina Colli Tortonesi Pertichetta 88 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Colli Tortonesi

    First a single varietal Vespolina at this tasting, now a pure Croatina - my nerd cup runneth over. Evolved and a touch leathery, more VA than is strictly reasonable- notes of dusty library, soy and BBQ beef Hula Hoops. Sweet and fruity on the palate, tannins are fine but add structure. Enjoyed this.

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  • 2008 Giacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba Cascina Francia 93 Points

    Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba

    Super distinctive: cape gooseberry, pulpy tomato, fresh blood orange - it has an incredible sweet vegetal tang. Deep red fruit on the palate, nicely resolved tannins and juicy acidity. Really excellent length - and it hides its 14.5% very well.

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Flight 5 - Barolo (2 Notes)

Flight 6 - Tuscan Sangiovese (2 Notes)

  • 2016 Montevertine Toscana IGT 92 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

    Embryonic and slightly inexpressive now, and the last sip was the best. Young and closed with macerated ripe cherry notes and liquorice. Violet and rose emerge with air. There's a density which hints at its potential, and fantastic acidic lift to carry it there.

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  • 2006 Boscarelli Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Nocio dei Boscarelli 90 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

    Mature with a good balance of resolved, pulpy red fruit and meaty depth. Velvety and typical of the appellation in its luxurious and rounded approach at the expense of angularity and drive.

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Flight 7 - Brunello (2 Notes)

  • 2001 Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 91 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    On the precipice of over-development but there's a core of generous red and dark fruit, concentrated with a pulpiness and lovely sweet raspberry richness. Also some boot polish and rubbery notes which aren't quite so appealing. Enjoyable on the palate: velvety and long with good presence.

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  • 1999 Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille 93 Points

    Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

    My WoTN - has direction, purity and delicacy despite its sunny disposition. Mature with some umami tertiary development and sweet fruit, woody pencil shavings, peppery spice. Soaring perfumed and minty notes emerge with air. Vibrant and resolved on the palate with good length, transparency and clarity.

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Closing

Very helpful exercise to determine that consuming quality Italian wine and food, accompanied by a nice group of people, is a pleasant way to spend one's time.

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