Tag Archives: italian

2015 Burlotto Barolo

2015 G.B. Burlotto Barolo

6-2-19

burlotto barolo nvG.B. Burlotto was considered among the absolute greatest winemakers in the world for the seventy plus years he was at the helm of the estate. After his passing in 1927, the winery and his hometown of Verduno slipped into obscurity. Now Fabio Alessandria, the great-great-grandson has taken over and Burlotto is among the best small producers in the Piedmont.

2015 Burlotto Barolos Arriving in July:

G.B. Burlotto Barolo DOCG, Piedmont 2015 750ML
Antonio Galloni 92 points “Burlotto’s 2015 Barolo is absolutely gorgeous. Pliant and open-knit, the straight Barolo captures all of the natural richness of the vintage. Succulent red cherry, plum, lavender, rose petal, spice and new leather all meld together in a supple, inviting Barolo that will be impossible to resist in its youth.… Read the rest

A Trove of Tuscan Treasure

August 30th, 2018

New Releases From Felsina and La Gerla

Arriving in September

la gerla tuscan estate vineyard brunelloRecent vintages have been kind to Tuscany.  2012, 2013 and now 2015 have all been marked successes, delivering wines of opulence and class.  Whether you prefer Brunello, Chianti or Super-Tuscans, there are a multitude of brilliant wines across the region that all deserve your attention.  We have a set of classic producers we love and new releases from two of them arrive in September.

La Gerla makes fantastic Brunello in a traditional (yet approachable) way.  The wines always have striking purity of fruit and elegant structures but are free of the sweet tinted oak that masks many “easy drinking” Brunellos. The pricing is on-point and the combination of all of the above has turned the estate into a Vinopolis staple. … Read the rest

Siro Pacenti Brunello

Siro Pacenti New Arrival!

June 2017

A Master of Modern Brunello

pacenti-brunello“Giancarlo Pacenti is by far the leading exponent of the modern school of Brunello di Montalcino. No other producer has succeeded in crafting wines of this much textural beauty and refinement.” – Antonio Galloni

“Giancarlo Pacenti is the best winemaker in the appellation of Brunello di Montalcino. Everything is done in the best possible way and at the right time in his well-kept vineyards and the pristine small winery under his house. His Brunellos are usually a blend of different vineyards from both the south and north sides of the Montalcino hill, giving them great richness and structure as well as freshness. They are aged in French oak barrels yet show very little wood character, and their crystal clear style is one that ages extremely well.”… Read the rest

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2012 5-24-17

Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2012

il poggione 2012Most Brunello collectors buy either traditional or modern examples with the exception of a few wines whose appeal seems to transcend stylistic categories. These wines are the real ‘collectible’ Brunelli—there’s always going to be a market for them. In that category, Il Poggione manages to be unique. It’s a wine that’s traditionally made, yet approachable, beloved across the board and is still reasonably priced.

For that reason, Il Poggione remains one of our favorite wines in Brunello—it’s tough to beat the combination of quality and price. The wines are probably the least expensive, collectible-quality Brunello out there. The 2012 vintage is no exception and the wine is gorgeous, from a warm vintage but with the freshness and elegance you expect from Il Poggione.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Azienda Agricola Maria Donata Bianchi Vermentino Riviera Ligure di Ponente, Liguria 2015 6-27-16

Azienda Agricola Maria Donata Bianchi Vermentino Riviera Ligure di Ponente, Liguria 2015 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 special

vermerenetTucked away along the Italian Riviera is the small, often overlooked wine appellation of Liguria. Here, nestled among the grape vines that skirt the rolling hills dotted by olive trees, is the Bianchi winery. The family that has owned the winery for four generations first began bottling their estate wines in 1977.

The Vermentino is produced from all hand harvested and destemmed grapes aged in stainless steel tanks. It opens with a savory-salty quality with notes of fresh green herbs –a refreshing tonic for the hot summer to come. On the nose are notes of aloe, dried mint and sea salt. It has a zippy acidity to balance the fuller body.… Read the rest