Tasting Notes for the Evening's Wines
At this exclusive event we showcased six sensational Italian wines from highly prestigious appellations and producers, that are the very definition of fine wine. Here’s a handy reminder of the wines we all enjoyed; you can purchase them by following the links in the headings.
To see what other exciting events we have on the horizon, please visit our Events page.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva, Carpineto
We kick things off with something slightly misleading! Not to be confused with the Montepulciano grape variety, grown in the Abruzzo region, this Tuscan style is from the DOCG surrounding the town of Montepulciano (thanks Italy, not confusing at all!), and is made from a blend of Prugnolo Gentile – the local name for Sangiovese – and Canaiolo Nero, aged for three years. This is a fantastic example of the style, a traditional Tuscan wine showing meaty, savoury flavours with earthy and red cherry tones. Silky and elegant, with a satisfying finish.
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, La Prima, Castello Vicchiomaggio
Staying in Tuscany for the time being (never a bad idea), next is perhaps the most famous appellation in the whole region: Chianti! This wine is a stone-cold classic, showing complex aromas of red and black berries, with hints of lemon, tobacco and toasted oak. Full and velvety, with a sublimely smooth palate leading to a fresh, elegant finish. The historical origins of Castello Vicchiomaggio can be traced back to the 5th Century; you can almost taste the heritage.
Indaco, Tenuta Sette Cieli
They're not all from Tuscany, honest! This is a wonderful example of a brilliant and fascinating style, however; we simply had to include a good super Tuscan. Briefly, this is wine made in Tuscany (largely from Bolgheri DOC) but made with non-Italian grapes – usually mostly the traditional Bordeaux varieties. Indaco is a fabulous blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, and simply oozes warmth and smoothness, along with beautifully defined aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, leafiness and tobacco.
Amarone della Valpolicella 'Punta 470', Ca'Rugate
A different region at last! Veneto, in fact, for a glorious Amarone by one of our favourite Italian producers, Ca'Rugate. Amarone is the highest designation in the Valpolicella appellation, and is made from dried grapes (the appassimento method), in this case the classic local blend of Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella. It's iconic, and this one is beautiful: intense but elegant, with concentrated ripe blueberry, blackberry and cherry enhanced by spicy oak. Rich, complex and balanced.
Barolo, Cannubi, Brezza
Off to Piemonte next, for another renowned style: Barolo. Organic, family-owned winery Brezza is a stalwart of our shelves, and with good reason. This classically-made, 100% Nebbiolo example of a wonderful and famous style is a wine of great charm and impressive structure, offering intense notes of wild berries, cassis and delicate highlights of herbs, violets, liquorice and dried ginger. Elegant, with a long, smooth finish.
Brunello di Montalcino, Cupano
Alright, yes, we are finishing off back in Tuscany, but it's worthwhile because we're ending with the king of Tuscan wines: Brunello di Montalcino. Brunello is another local variant name for Sangiovese, and there are no blends with other local grapes here – this style is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, and is all about the ageing. Incidentally, we've now sampled all three of Italy's original DOCG wines (Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Barolo). This wine is simply sensational and opens up like an old treasure chest, showing gentle spice, blackberry fruit, lightly sappy on the palate, with cherries and tiny wild strawberries. The tannins are very fine and refined, with superb length.