8/11/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Beautiful sparkling golden color for this late harvest Malvasia. The nose opens with notes of flowers, tropical fruit and preserved pineapple, then hints of dates and candied citrus peel. In the mouth sweet but well balanced by freshness and lightness, with notes of honey, candied fruit and dehydrated apricot. Medium-long persistence with a slightly almondy finish.
Pair with aged cheeses, chestnut cakes or dry pastry

7/15/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Beautiful deep golden yellow color. To the nose a fine aroma of candied fruit (lemon) and notes of orange blossom, then some vanilla and cinnamon. The mouth is pleasant, very fresh, velvety and sweet. Long finish with notes of saffron and more candied fruit. Pair with mature or blue cheeses, or with dry pastries,

5/12/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Radice is Paltrinieri’s flagship sparkling Lambrusco di Sorbara. Refermented in the bottle it comes in a bright, beautiful salmon pink color. The perlage is fine and persistent. The nose opens with citrus notes of grapefruit and pomegranate, then some floral aromas of rose. In the mouth fresh and sapid, Medium-long persistence. Pair with aperitifs based on cold cuts and cheeses, or with fried fish.

5/11/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Nice sparkling wine made with Cortese grapes. It is refermented in the bottle on its lees for about ten months and comes in a slightly foggy straw yellow color. To the nose, exotic fruit such as pineapple, then some pear and yeast (from the bottle refermentation). In the mouth nice and fresh. Easy bubbles, perfect for a summer day picnic, an aperitif, or to pair with fried fish or even pizza. Just a bit pricey, IMHO

5/5/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Falcorubens col Fondo is a sparkilng red wine from Lambrusco Grasparossa grapes. Produced with “Metodo Ancestrale” (refermented in the bottle with indigenous yeasts), it sits for at least 18 months on the lees in the bottle. Light ruby red color. To the nose aromas of red berries, aromatic herbs, spices and some vegetable notes. In the mouth fresh but well balanced. Some tannin. Medium-long finish. Pair with Pasta al Ragù (meat sauce), Parmigiano and the typical cold cuts from Emilia or even grilled sausages and pork.

4/21/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Really nice wine tags for this Bonarda (a blend of Croatina, Barbera and Uva Rara grapes) by Barbara Avellino. Painted by a group of female artists (le Giralune) in a few different colors and called Giâfer (basically “rascal” in local lingo..) The name is perfect for this natural wine Purple in color, fresh, vibrant and dry. Slightly tannic, with a good structure. Nice bubbles.. To the nose, Red fruits and violet flowers, followed by wild herbs and hints of sweet licorice.
Not your typical Bonarda..

4/20/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Ruby red color for Caotico, an all-natural blend of Croatina and Barbera macerated on the skins that is bottled even before the first fermentation is over to continue its evolution, allowing longer aging. To the nose, intense notes of ripe red fruit and spice. In the mouth, notes of blond tobacco, some cinchona. Sparkling but with a full body, excellent acidity with vigorous and subtle tannins. Pair with aged cheeses, roasted lamb, game and red meats.

4/3/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Nice sparkilng Metodo Ancestrale made with Prosecco Grapes (refermented in the bottle for about 1 year). Bright straw yellow with greenish reflections. Ample bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, bread crust, and yeast (from the bottle refermentation). Nicely round, dry and fresh. Perfect for aperitifs or pair with or white meat dishes or better still with the typical Soppressa from Veneto

4/1/2023 - freggiani wrote:

A red blend of Carignano and a small percentage of Syrah, Assajé (or “it really is something!” in native Sardinian) comes in a deep but bright ruby red color. The nose is complex, with notes of blackberry, currant, myrtle, cherry in spirit, then some balsamic hints of eucalyptus and menthol. In the mouth, full-bodied, austere and well structured. Good sapidity, and minerality. Nice round tannin, good freshness. Excellent persistence. Definitely built to last!
Pair with Porceddu (Sardinian grilled pork) and the excellent local aged cheeses.

3/13/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Dark ruby red with garnet reflections. To the nose ripe plums and some balsamic notes. In the mouth, red fruit and plum jam. Good structure, well balanced between sweet tannins and velvety notes. Pair with red meat, polenta with game or slightly spicy duck.

2/12/2023 - freggiani wrote:

New Cava Brut Nature from one of the brands of Cavas Hill. Straw yellow, fine perlage. Nicely fresh, good acidity. Medium persistence. Perfect for the summer. Aperitifs, Paella or other rice dishes, fish or white meat.

1/14/2023 - freggiani wrote:

Bright amber yellow. To the nose fine smoky notes, then candied apple, fresh persimmon, thyme, white currant and broom. In the mouth smooth with a light acidity and sapidity. Hints of dried fruit. Good structure. Pair with oysters, grilled fish

12/28/2022 - freggiani wrote:

Bright straw yellow with green highlights. To the nose, hints of yellow, exotic and citrus fruits followed by some herbs, spices and vanilla notes. In the mouth, sapid yet silky, great freshness keeps the taste vibrant. Good structure, medium-long persistence. Excellent wine, albeit a little Pricey..
Pair with pasta and sardines cheese risotto.

12/18/2022 - freggiani wrote:

Interesting bio-dynamic blend of Trebbiano Toscano and Procanico that undergoes an extended-maceration period. The color is yellow with greenish reflections. To the nose, fruity with light balsamic hints. Good structure, fresh and balanced in the mouth.
Pair with seafood appetizers, white meats and slightly aged cheeses

12/15/2022 - freggiani wrote:

Beautiful bottle from Bulgarini’s “Artists collection” project. This one is called Shalom. Straw yellow color with greenish reflections. To the nose lots of fruit, peach, tropical fruit, apricot, pineapple, and some honey. In the mouth good structure, well balanced. Fresh and sapid, with delicate mineral notes. Good persistence, aromatic with a slightly almondy finish.
Pair with dishes based on vegetables and raw fish, white meats or fresh cheeses.

10/15/2022 - freggiani wrote:

Clear ruby color for this Merlot Blend aged in tonneaux and barriques for 20 months. To the nose sliglthly sour with fruity notes of blueberries and blackberries followed by with hints of walnut and earth. Balsamic background. In the mouth, soft and warm, with a good balance supported by freshness and sapidity. Slightly drying tannin, lots of alcohol, Long finish with some bitter cocoa and raisins notes. Pair with red meat dishes, game or cured cheese.

6/15/2022 - freggiani wrote:

A rare and interesting Italian Champenoise Brut made only from Pinot Meunier grapes by Luzi Donadei in Piedmont.
This bubbly spends 13 years on lees before reaching the bottle!
Golden yellow color with a fine and persistent perlage. To the nose notes of dried flowers, bread crust and hints of ripe fruit. In the mouth rich, round and complex. Well balanced Fresh and persistent.
Pair with prawn or lobster dishes, first courses, white meats or rich fish main courses

1/25/2022 - freggiani wrote:

Intense and brilliant gold color for this passito. The nose is complex, with ripe and candied fruit followed by balsamic notes of Mediterranean scrub. Fascinating is the sip that changes over time. Elegant freshness to balance the sweetness. Long finish. Pair with aged cheeses, foie gras and structured desserts.

1/24/2022 - freggiani wrote:

A red blend of four varieties. It belongs to the Ca' Lustra "Prove d’autore" selection, comprized of small productions of less than 100 bottles coming from a single barrel.
VV 01 20 aims for the recovery of ancient varieties: Corbinella, Turchetta, Cavarara and Marzemina. The result is a wine with flavors of red fruit and a full and straight cut. Reminds me of the rustic red wines of the past. Interesting.

1/21/2022 - freggiani wrote:

Dry Moscato Giallo with low temperature fermentation. Rests on the fine lees for about six months, then six more in the bottle.
Straw yellow color.
To the nose, pleasant notes that range from yellow flowers to fresh fruit with citrus and balsamic hints. In the mouth complexity with good freshness. Medium-long persistence.
Pair with first courses like a risotto or a veggie or bean soup

1/4/2022 - freggiani wrote:

Nice, easy bubbly made with Pedevendo grapes (a rare autochthonous variety from the Breganze area in Veneto), “Sur lie”, meaning partly refermented on the lees in the bottle and unfiltered.
Pale straw yellow with greenish reflections, slightly cloudy due to the lees. Fine perlage with persistent bubbles. To the nose pleasantly fruity, with notes of pear and apple. In the mouth good acidity and effervescence.
Perfect for summer aperitifs and appetizers

11/18/2021 - freggiani wrote:

A different twist of Moscato di Cannelli from a young producer, member fo the “Escamotage” project. Pale straw yellow color. To the nose, floral aromas with underlying hints of typical White Muscat variety flavors. In the mouth, clear mineral notes intense on the palate, Full-bodied, with good acidity. Medium persistence. Pair with fish, shellfish, grilled white meats, and vegetables

10/17/2021 - freggiani wrote:

A different Prosecco produced with a recently resurrected autochthonous variety from Asolo called Rabbiosa (Durella). Intense yellow with fine perlage for this bubbly that spends time on its lees more like a Champenois. The nose is complex, with notes of yeast, apple pie, peach, dried apricot and toasted almond. In the mouth it is pleasant, well balanced, mineral and sapid. Medium-long persistence, slightly tannic finish. Perfect for an aperitif or to pair with fish and white meat dishes.

9/6/2021 - freggiani wrote:

Very nice Verdicchio Passito. Antique gold, bright with amber reflections Elegant nose with notes of apricot jam, white fig, lime peel and yellow flowers. In the mouth warm and round, with fruty notes well balanced by good acidity. Medium-long persistence with a slightly spicy finish. Pair with blue cheese, Stilton or fois gras.

8/14/2021 - freggiani wrote:

Intense ruby red Pinot Noir. Powerful to the nose, with notes of red plums, myrtle and green tea leaves and hints of white flowers. In the mouth a bit closed but well balanced between ripe tannins and good acidity. Medium body and persistence with a slightly pungent finish. Pair with poultry or lamb dishes

8/2/2021 - freggiani wrote:

Ruby red color for this pleasant Pinot. The nose is mature, with notes black plums, dark chocolate, tar and orange peel. In the mouth black cherries and hints of cloves. Full bodied, with velvety tannins. Medium-long persistence with a slightly bitter citrus finish. Pair with red meat dishes, pot roast or cured cheese.

5/3/2021 - freggiani wrote:

Interesting experiment of sparkling Dolcetto Rosé. Color is pink with orange reflections creating a brilliant onion skin effect. To the nose, fresh fruit. In the mouth pleasant, sapid, Perhaps a bit expensive, but perfect for an aperitif, or even with pizza

4/22/2021 - freggiani wrote:

Nice coral pink & a fine perlage for this Rosé Metodo Classico from a blend of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir grapes. To the nose graceful but lively, opening with strawberry, black cherry, black currant then hints of red oranges, followed by Floral aromas of rose, some rosemary and thyme, In the mouth, a marked freshness that underlines and confirms the fruit. Some mineral notes and hints of aromatic herbs. Medium finish, sapid and slightly astringent. Pair with crustaceans, seared tuna or veal carpaccio with mayonnaise.

3/25/2021 - freggiani wrote:

A very interesting and unique experiment of sparkling wine from Caprettone (an autochthonous grape from Campania) Pietrafumante spends 30 months on lees. Intense golden straw color w/greenish reflections, nice and fine perlage. To the nose white flowers, almond, some yellow fruit, then mineral notes of salt and stone. in the mouth crispy bubbles, vibrant, with great freshness and beautiful minerality. Pair with seafood starters and salads, pasta with clams or seafood, baccalà (stewed cod).

2/4/2021 - freggiani wrote:

The “Hand-of-God” (Mandediu in Sardinian dilacet) is actually an excellent Carignano. Ruby red color, with garnet reflections. To the nose notes of blackberry and blueberry, followed by hints of vanilla and some leather. In the mouth pleasantly round, full-bodied well balanced. Long finish with hints of licorice. rial and pleasantly enveloping. Pair with pasta and meat sauces or roast meats and aged cheese.

10/27/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Ruby red with garnet reflections, fine and persistent perlage. The nose opens with delicate nuances of flowers like roses and violets. An elegant and harmonious sparkling wine. Aged on lees for 18 months it gets a good structure. Well balanced between freshness and an enveloping roundness.
Persistent with a pleasant, sapid finish. Pair with cold cuts, appetizers and meat first courses.

10/18/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Golden yellow color for this Erbaluce Cru By Ciek that sits for 2 mo in steel and 6 more in the bottle, To the nose fruity notes of apples and pears, some floral aromas of mimosas and hints of honey and dried fruit. Excellent freshness and sapidity. Medium long persistence with an almondy finish.
Pair with fish starters and first courses or fresh cheeses

10/15/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Bright, purple color with ruby reflections for this Piedirosso born near Mount Vesuvius. The nose opens with notes of cherry and violet, followed by wild berries and herbaceous tones then hints of pepper and flint. In the mouth lively fruit, with a mineral and sapid note. Balanced and elegant with a smooth tannin. Medium persistence. Pair with red or white meat.

10/14/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Bright garnet red for this Piedirosso blend (30% Aglianico) that spends 2 yrs in oak barrels before reaching the bottle. To the nose, fruit and flowers then some tertiary notes of black pepper, nutmeg and clove. In the mouth well structured, with smooth tannins and some balsamic notes. Medium-long persistence. Pair with Neapolitan lasagna, red meat, aged cheese.

10/7/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Light straw yellow, with a fine and continuous perlage. The nose opens with mineral notes of sulphur, followed by elegant fruity sensations of pear, citrus then some sage. Good structure, soft, well balanced between acidity sapidity. Long almost salty finish, with a great mineral note. Perfect for fish aperitifs and starters, smoked salmon

10/3/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Beautiful dark ruby red. To the nose, black currant, wild strawberries, cedar wood then notes smoked pepper. In the mouth succulent and well-refined tannins, round, well balanced between sapidity and freshness. Persistent. Pair with a savoury grilled wild boar, or red meats, pasta with wild game meat sauce, Tuscan cold cuts.

9/18/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Bright golden yellow color. The nose, full, opens on notes of peach and white grapefruit, followed by hawthorn and a slightly bitter note of almond. In the mouth strong mineral notes well balanced by great freshness. Silky texture. Great persistence, with a pleasant almondy finish. Pair with white meat, elaborate fish dishes.

8/26/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Nice late harvest Ruchè (although not specified on the tag). Tenuous red color. To the nose red grapefruit, cherry, lime, and hints of rose hip jam. In the mouth cherry with some orange, lime, red grapefruit, strawberry. Nicely fresh with good acidity, not overtly sweet. Round, elegant. Pair with with a dessert of warm cherries or simply sip it as a “meditation wine”.

7/30/2020 - freggiani wrote:

One of my favorite passiti (sweet wines) in Italy. After the harvest the grapes are placed in the sun on racks for a time that varies with the vintage, losing up to 50% of their weight in the drying process.
Aged in barrique, it is built to last. The nose is presented with an amazing bouquet of aromas: dehydrated apricot, white fig, black licorice, eucalyptus honey, then candied fruit, dates, nutmeg, cinnamon.. In the mouth impressive structure, filing the palate with sweetness and freshness at the same time. Long finish of nougat and raisins.
Pair with pastries or blue cheese.

7/19/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Bright straw yellow with golden reflections with a very fine and rich perlage for this Chardonnay sparkling from Friuli.
The nose is powerful and intriguing with intense and fruity aromas followed notes of mineral
In the mouth, the lively acidity is almost a challenge for the palate, but after a while it is balanced by grace and elegance. Long and pleasant finish.

7/17/2020 - freggiani wrote:

La Gaina (the chicken) is obtained from “Uva della Cascina” authoctonous grapes, an ancient variety present almost exclusively in Oltrepò Pavese with no clonal relationship to any other grape.
In the glass, it shows a typical intense purple color with ruby reflections. The nose opens with fruity sensations of ripe cherries and wild strawberries then pleasant hints of wisteria flowers;
Medium-long finish with sweet notes of sugared almond.
In the mouth it is well balanced with a good structure supported by a youthful freshness and an evident but pleasant tannin.
Pair with stuffed poultry

6/4/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Nice Trento Doc by newcomer Az.Agricola Cenci. Brilliant straw yellow, fine perlage. The nose is fresh, with light hints of bread followed notes of peach, apricot and orange.
The mouth confirms the citrus notes, Good freshness, pleasant and delicate finish. Pair with aperitifs or fish plates.

2/29/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Interesting Ciliegiolo blend from grapes grown employing a patented biodynamic method named Corino after the chief agronomist of the producer, Fattoria La Maliosa.
Comes in a full & intense ruby red. The nose is warm & intense opening with cherry & plum jam then hints of Mediterranean scrub.
In the mouth it is structured, warm & complex, with leather and incense adding to the mix in an intense and balanced profile. Fresh, mineral but round.
Good refined tannin, Medium-long finish
Pair with meat-sauce pasta, roast meat or Italian cold cuts

1/11/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Yellow w/greenish shades. The nose is filled with notes of tropical fruit and white peach. Dried pineapple yellow peach and ripe apricot in the mouth with a slightly bitter almondy finish. Freshness and alcohol meld in the full body. Pair w/prawns or lobster or past with rich shellfish sauce

1/11/2020 - freggiani wrote:

Straw Yellow. To the nose fragrant flowers, yellow stone-fruit some wild herbs. In the mouth, dried apricot, orange peel. slightly bitter almond in the end. Medium body, good balance between acidity & sapidity. A bit oakey. Medium-long finish

11/24/2019 - freggiani wrote:

Interesting experiment of Nebbiolo grown by Castello di Cicognola in the Oltrepò Pavese region. Dedicated by Gianmarco & Letizia Moratti to their father, Oil tycoon Angelo Moratti, Per Papà is aged for 4+ years in large barrels and bottles, Bright & brilliant garnet. To the nose violet, then currant and hints of licorice, leather and spices. In the mouth a very elegant wine, with great balance between tannin and alcohol. Pleasant with a long finish slightly bitter at the end, Pair with aged cheese or meat dishes.

11/6/2019 - freggiani wrote:

Intense straw yellow color. To the the nose vegetal notes like myrtle and freshly cut hay, wild asparagus. In the mouth citrusy, creamy, full. Nice freshness, medium finish. Pair with fish starters, ravioli di magro (ricotta and spinach dumplings).

8/24/2019 - freggiani wrote:

Garnet w/ruby reflections for this Carmenère blend with about 10% of Oseleta, an autochthonous grape from the Verona Area in Veneto. To the nose, an explosion of cherries, plums, raspberries, gooseberries then hints of flowers, rose, violet and geranium. In the mouth full and intense with spicy notes of black pepper and some nutmeg. Also hints of licorice and coffee, Powerful yet smooth structure with excellent balance between mature tannins, freshness and sapidity. Long finish. Perfect for roast meat, aged cheese

8/15/2019 - freggiani wrote:

Intense ruby red with purple reflections for this Tuscan red produced with autochthonous Pugnitello grapes. The nose is filled with notes of red wild berries and some herbaceous scents. In the mouth good acidity well balanced by very fine tannins. Dense, full-bodied,
Good “bang-for-the-buck” Tuscan red.
Pair with red meat, wild game

7/29/2019 - freggiani wrote:

Yellow color with honey reflections for this excellent -albeit atypical- late harvest falanghina that includes partially botrytized grapes.
The nose is complex, intense and persistent: white flowers then ripe fruit, peach in syrup, apricot, hazelnut and fresh fruit like mango and banana. Hints of vanilla from the oak wood.
Elegant, full mouth. Good acidity followed by an unexpected softness supported by a proper alcohol percentage. Full-bodied, long, intense finish.
Pair with asparagus risotto, tagliolini with white truffle