2018 Le Pianore Montecucco Tiniatus Montecucco Rosso, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

From the Montecucco DOC in Tuscany. La Pianore is a certified organic farm with a zero carbon footprint situated in a nature refuge. The wine is a blend of Sangiovese (at least 60%) and Merlot aged in 25% Wood and 75% Stainless for six months and then another six months in bottle before being release. Ruby/purple in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has nice cherry fruit, hay and salinity. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, this has an interesting rustic quality. Light tannins. Flavors of cherries and slight orange peel. A bit of a bitter almond on the finish. There is some alcohol showing. This is an easy drinking wine that will show much better with food. Drink over the next five to seven years.

Grade:

B+

Score:

Vintage:

2018

Current Price:

$34.00USD

Brunello: An Italian Wine Scandal Ferments in Montalcino

In a previous article, we examined Brunello’s 100 plus year history . In Italian wine expressions, that is a relatively short period. Nevertheless, Brunello has established itself as one of the premium wines, not only in Tuscany, but also in the entire world. Brunello di Montalcino has an even more brief history in Italy’s wine regulations. Brunello did not become a DOC until 1966 and has only been a DOCG since 1986. Brunello’s DOCG regulations require that 100% Sangiovese grapes be used. The wines are then aged for a minimum of 4 years (5 years for the Riserva). Traditionally, Brunello required a minimum of three years ageing in wood barrels. That has now been relaxed to two years ageing in wood. In addition, four months must be in bottle (six for the Riservas). The finished wine cannot be released for sale until January 1st of the year five years from vintage year. For example, the 2003 Brunello’s could not be released until January of 2008. Geographically, there is a strictly identified zone surrounding the town of Montalcino, in which the Sangiovese grapes used to make Brunello must be grown and the wines must be bottled. So what type of experience should a good Brunello provide? This simple question is controversial at the moment. Traditionally, Brunello, like other Sangiovese wines, is a pale ruby color. The wine is transparent in the glass with lovely perfumed aromas of cherries and floral notes. It has a powerful elegance about it.

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Morellino di Scansano: Maremma Wine's History, Varietals, Producers, & Recommendations

The region of Tuscany makes many outstanding and well knows wines. Intowine.com has already explored Super Tuscans , Chianti ,...

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Great Italian Wines: Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany

There really is little question as to what the two most famous and prestigious wines from Italy are: Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino. That is not to say they are the best wines, but that they have a history of being some of the best wines exported from Italy. The next series of articles will examine Brunellos (for a review on Barolo see the previously posted three part series on this site ). Brunello di Montalcino is a wine made from grapes grown in vineyards surrounding the hilltop town of Montalcino (about 5 miles south of Sienna) in Tuscany.

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Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Another Great Sangiovese Wine from Tuscany

Some of the great wines in Italy, and the world, hail from Tuscany. Other articles have discussed Super Tuscans , and some of the great wines based on the Sangiovese grape including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino . In this article, another great Sangiovese based wine is explored: Vin Nobile di Montepulciano. The name of this wine can be confusing. Long ago these wines became the chosen wine of nobility hence the Nobile part of the name.

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2016 Colle Massari Montecucco Rosso Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$27.00USD

Wow. This was a first time trying this wine and it is excellent. ColleMassari is the largest estate of the Montecucco appellation in central Tuscany. This is a blend of 80% Sangiovese and 10% Ciliegiolo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine spends 18 months ageing in oak barrels and barrique then 12 months in bottle. Tasted over two nights, it was even better on night 2. Purple in color with some ruby swirls, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great with black raspberries, black cherries, cherries, and a bit of pepper and spice. Initially, there is also some mint on the nose, but

2018 Le Pianore Montecucco Tiniatus Montecucco Rosso, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

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Great Italian Wines: Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano – Another Great Sangiovese Wine from Tuscany

2016 Colle Massari Montecucco Rosso Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review