This was pop and pour and it needed more air. Of course very young, but still, this was excellent. Ruby in color. The nose has cherries, floral notes and slight tar. On the palate, this is tannic. Fresh acidity cuts across the tannins though revealing nice cherry fruit. Showing some tight layering already. Great mouthfeel. Of course, this begs for some hearty food. Even more, another ten years in a good cellar should show some improvement.
This is 100% Aglianico from southern Italy. Amazingly, the grapes are not harvested until November but the vineyards are at 1300 feet. They are also ungrafted! The wine is ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose is great with cherries, anise, and spice. Full bodied. Firm tannins. On the palate, this is deep. Dark cherries, cherries and black licorice. Good acidity. Nice finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. Osso Bucco would be classic but it went great with vegan "Italian Sausage" as well. Drink over the next eight to ten years.
This is a blend of 60% Frappato and 40% Syrah from Sicily. Violet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has raspberries, black cherries and char. Medium bodied. Silky texture. Medium tannins. On the palate, this has big fruit; raspberries and black raspberries along with char and thyme. There is some depth as well. Long finish. Like most Italian wines, this is better with food. This would work well with plate of pasta with mushrooms. Drink over the next five years.
This is a Nero d'Avola from Sicily made in the Appassimento (drying out the grapes before pressing) style. 14% abv. Ruby in color, partially opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, cough drops, wild thyme, and a hint of cocoa. Medium bodied with a nice texture. On the palate, there is some anise along with nice cherry fruit. More cough drop fruit on the finish. Dry. Light tannins. Very tasty wine. This drinks nice on its own but will work better with food. It would work nice with a lamb stew. Drink over the next five years.
A very nice Prosecco. 11% abv according to the label. 100% Glera grapes. Silvery gold in color, very foamy with lots of small bubbles. Lots of effervescence. On the nose plenty of limes, some golden delicious apples and minerality. Crisp. Refreshing. Medium bodied. Dry. On the palate, apples and minerality. Nice finish. Very clean. This drinks easily on its own and is very food friendly. A nice way to start an evening with a classic artichoke dip but also Sushi if looking to change it up. Try to buy the freshest bottles that you can.