Hi, I'm a newbie here so excuse my enthusiasm and possibly inflated grade for this wine. But... I really love it. I had an Italian wine back in 2005 and I couldn't remember the name of it. What I did remember is thinking how incredible it was that the winery was established in the 12th century. Well, recently, I was buying some wine which I really don't do that often and I decided to set my sights on the wine that I had and loved back in 2005. There I was seeking the "established 1124" on the label. I actually couldn't remember the year at the time I just knew it was 12th century. I got lucky, found what I was looking for and proceeded to say, "Gabbianooooo" in an Italian accent (all in my head of course) so I hopefully wouldn't forget this. I had a glass and then another and I realized this was the wine I had back in 2005. I was so intent on finding it again because there just has to be something about a winery that has been doing this for nearly 900 years, right? I get hangovers really easy even from two glasses but not with this. I feel normal the next day even if I've had 3 glasses... which is rare but hey, this review comes from my experience on Christmas day and you know, had a little party.. had some drinks. Was really a pleasant flavor and experience. I would qualify the taste experience as tart and wet. Very drinkable so... watch out for that! So yeah, this is my wine of choice now. I never had a wine of choice before but this now stands out clear. It's also a really good value. I had some "Duck..." I don't know, duck something or another that they sell in Costco and it was $50 a bottle. I like the Gabbiano way better than the Duck or w/e. I'm sure the Duck may have been something other than a Chianti and I'm only mildly experienced in the differences between Chianti, Merlot, and other table wines. I can discern between a Merlot, Chianti, Zin, White, whatever that really sweet one is and probably some others but I don't recall what type the duck was.. probably a merlot. Anyhow, I'm really pleased with Gabbiano.
I wasn't expecting a great deal at this price point. At first open was pretty tight and acidic, but I felt like it loosened up. Had about half of the bottle, and then closed with vacuum pump, didn't get back to it for 48 hours. Actually felt like it was better for the second half - much more open and balanced.
In short, I would recommend it for a simple dinner wine for everyday use, but I would strongly recommend decanting even up to an hour or so before drinking to give it a chance to breathe well.
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5/23/2015 - Rob MacKay wrote: 83 Points
Not terrible as some others have mentioned. Certainly a simple and drinkable Chianti. Not sure what they expect for $10.
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9/14/2014 - CognacFrank wrote: 83 Points
I had higher expectations. It was merely OK. Simple, light on fruit, and no finish.
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12/25/2013 - izzylogan Likes this wine: 97 Points
Hi, I'm a newbie here so excuse my enthusiasm and possibly inflated grade for this wine. But... I really love it. I had an Italian wine back in 2005 and I couldn't remember the name of it. What I did remember is thinking how incredible it was that the winery was established in the 12th century. Well, recently, I was buying some wine which I really don't do that often and I decided to set my sights on the wine that I had and loved back in 2005. There I was seeking the "established 1124" on the label. I actually couldn't remember the year at the time I just knew it was 12th century. I got lucky, found what I was looking for and proceeded to say, "Gabbianooooo" in an Italian accent (all in my head of course) so I hopefully wouldn't forget this. I had a glass and then another and I realized this was the wine I had back in 2005. I was so intent on finding it again because there just has to be something about a winery that has been doing this for nearly 900 years, right? I get hangovers really easy even from two glasses but not with this. I feel normal the next day even if I've had 3 glasses... which is rare but hey, this review comes from my experience on Christmas day and you know, had a little party.. had some drinks. Was really a pleasant flavor and experience. I would qualify the taste experience as tart and wet. Very drinkable so... watch out for that! So yeah, this is my wine of choice now. I never had a wine of choice before but this now stands out clear. It's also a really good value. I had some "Duck..." I don't know, duck something or another that they sell in Costco and it was $50 a bottle. I like the Gabbiano way better than the Duck or w/e. I'm sure the Duck may have been something other than a Chianti and I'm only mildly experienced in the differences between Chianti, Merlot, and other table wines. I can discern between a Merlot, Chianti, Zin, White, whatever that really sweet one is and probably some others but I don't recall what type the duck was.. probably a merlot. Anyhow, I'm really pleased with Gabbiano.
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12/11/2013 - dsjutah Likes this wine: 82 Points
I wasn't expecting a great deal at this price point. At first open was pretty tight and acidic, but I felt like it loosened up. Had about half of the bottle, and then closed with vacuum pump, didn't get back to it for 48 hours. Actually felt like it was better for the second half - much more open and balanced.
In short, I would recommend it for a simple dinner wine for everyday use, but I would strongly recommend decanting even up to an hour or so before drinking to give it a chance to breathe well.
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5/17/2013 - JGuerra wrote: 81 Points
Nose: Dark cherry with notes of smokiness Taste: Starts with a strong taste of leather and granite, long finish. Could be better, but a solid choice.
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3/14/2013 - Tpairing wrote: 81 Points
Very tardy and hard when first opened. Once it is decanted and opens up its a typical table wine but at this price point it's good value.
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1/6/2013 - TEH wrote: 78 Points
Manky on the nose and the tongue. This wine shows its price point. Do yourself a favor and spend a couple extra bucks for something worth drinking.
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11/30/2012 - Ryanlera wrote: 81 Points
Meh
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11/28/2012 - smartmass wrote: 81 Points
Decent Italian table wine
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