Tuscany at Terra Rossa

Informal gathering with some Tuscan wines

The whites

• 2020 Tenuta di Carleone Pianvecchio 89 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  A blend of Vermentino, Malvasia and Trebbiano, with a handful of Riesling & Gewurztraminer. I really liked the nose, which was hard to define but had plenty of depth. The palate was less exciting, and quite green, but still enjoyable, with quite a bit of phenolic (almost tannic) grip. I think I would have liked this wine more if it had offered either more stuffing and power, or more freshness, but it seemed well-made and food-friendly.

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• 2019 Istine Bianco Toscana IGT 88 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  A blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia - exact propprtion is unclear. Some nice florality on the nose, along with a sense that the fruit was pushing it in terms of ripeness. Quite simple on the palate, with reasonable structure and plenty of fruit, but not much finesse.

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Young Sangiovese

• 2016 Chiara Condello Romagna Predappio Riserva Le Lucciole 91 Points

  Italy, Emilia-Romagna, Romagna

  Slightly plush and oaky on the nose, which reminded me of Bordeaux. Very pure and well-made (perhaps too much so) - perfectly balanced, well-mannered and with nothing out of place. Went well with our pasta with ragu, but didn't really need food. I'd say this was (to my surprise) completely ready, but it will probably get more interesting with more time in bottle.

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Chianti

• 2011 Montevertine Toscana IGT 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  This wasn't a shouty wine, but it seemed to have a winning appeal. At first I found the weight of fruit slightly too sweet, but with a little time that settled down and the wine's inherent harmony began to express itself. Plenty of acidity, supple, compelling. Delicious with meatballs and seemed to be in a great spot. Group WOTN

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• 2008 Querciabella Chianti Classico 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  I really liked this. Probably just past peak for my taste, but the savoury quality it had, particularly noticeable on the palate, made a nice counterpoint to the slightly younger wines tonight. Retained lots of lovely forest fruits too - extremely food-friendly, and quite sophisticated given its level.
  
  Incidentally, interesting to note that c. 70 of the 83 TNs for this wine date from before 2015. Don't drink up so quickly, guys!

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Brunello

• 2008 Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino 90 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  I've had plenty of good 08 Brunello, and plenty of good Brunelli Brunello, but somehow this didn't make a huge impression tonight. Pleasant to drink, with decent balance, but came across a little cold and muted

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• 2010 Lisini Brunello di Montalcino 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Double-decanted around three hours before drinking (to open it up, and rid of sediment), but didn't necessarily need it as the wine seemed pretty charming upon opening. Certainly not tired once we got round to drinking it, though, with a profusion of traditional aromas and flavours giving a robust, rustic, spicy feel to the wine. Bold and ripe, but with no lack of acidity, showing the 2010 vintage's quality and charisma. Definitely ready, but I'll wait a couple of years before opening another to see what happens. Group #2 tonight.

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• 2010 Sesti (Castello di Argiano) Brunello di Montalcino 92 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  A warm and bright although relatively shy nose. More excitement on the palate, with plenty of energy, nice poise between sweet and sour, some savoury interest and good length. I liked this wine's vibrancy, but it could have been even better with greater depth of flavour. Group #3 tonight.

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Strong collection of reds, which matched excellently with all that ragu!