2023 Valle dell'Acate Grillo Sicilia Zagra, Italy, Sicily, Wine Review
2009 Fattoria Galardi Terra di Lavoro, Italy, Roccamonfina IGT, Wine Review
This is a blend of 80% Aglianico and 20% Piedirosso from Compagna, Italy. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is big and open with black raspberries, black cherries, char/ash and a touch of spice. Full bodied. Light to medium tannins. Nice balance. On the palate, this is in a great spot. Close to peak at age 16. Complex and deep but also lush fruit and "hedonistic". Long finish. This is wonderful on its own and will work with may foods. It would go nice with Lasagna. Drink over the next five to ten years.
2007 Romano Dal Forno Valpolicella Superiore Vigneto di Monte Lodoletta, Italy, Veneto, Wine Review
2013 Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello Barolo Monprivato, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review
1999 Fontodi Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna del Sorbo, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review
2019 Federico Curtaz Etna Bianco Superiore Kudos, Italy, Sicily, Wine Review
This is made from Carricante grapes on the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily. Medium yellow/gold in color, clear and bright. The nose is nice with almonds, slight lemon peel, and slight green apples along with nice minerality and just a hint of smoke (or am I imagining this). Medium bodied. Nice creamy texture. Great balance. On the palate, this is crisp and delicious. Flavors of lemons, slight apples and minerality. Good finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. It went very nicely with Pesto Farfalle with Tofu. Drink over the next few years.
2018 Bruno Giacosa Spumante Extra Brut, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review
2022 Castelfeder Alto Adige - Südtirol 15, Italy, Alto Adige, Wine Review
An excellent Pinot Grigio from Northern Italy. Light golden in color with a light touch of copper, clear and bright. The nose is clean with nice minerality, crushed rocks, slight lime, a bit of almonds and steely finish. Medium bodied. Juicy texture. Crisp acidity. 13.5% abv. On the palate, this is tasty with Granny Smith apples, lots of stony minerality and a long finish. This is great on its own and will work with some foods. This would go well with Pasta in a cream sauce but also, think Grilled Shrimp. Drink over the next two or three years.
2014 Fontodi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigna del Sorbo, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review
Arguably, as good as Chianti gets, the Vigna del Sorbo is classified as a Gran Selezione. At age 11, this is still quite young and needs a bit of air. Deep purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, black cherries, tea leaves, sandalwood and spice. Full bodied. Firm tannins. Great acidity. On the palate, this is tight but delicious. It takes a few hours to open and then drinks quite well. It is great on its own but even better with some food. It would be great with a big plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs. Drink over the next twenty years.









