WINE TASTING NOTES
Sanct ValentinSauvignon Blanc DOC Alto Adige 2006 St. Michael Eppan
Produced by St. Michael Eppan in Alto Adige, the northern most part of Italy adjoining Austria, from Sauvignon Blanc grape varietal. This light-medium bodied dry DOC wine with slightly green shades of colour has aromas of figs and gentle spices . Pleasant on the palate, with a fine and balanced flavour, it has long after-taste. A very harmonious, rich and elegant wine. An ideal aperitif that goes well with many appetisers, fish dishes and cheeses. Perfect vintage to enjoy its freshness and character now. To be served at 12° C.
Italian wines have many labels based on vineyards, family member’s names etc. Sanct Valentin is the premier label of this winery. The label says it all. 90-91 points from Robert Parker
Ribolla Gialla DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli 2006Girolamo Dorigo
Ribolla Gialla is an offbeat, indigenous grape (called autochthonous in Italy- which is full of regional grapes like this) which is an unusual but highly regarded variety from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the North-est Italy. Gialla is Italian word for Yellow. The grape colour is distinctly yellow on ripening. Grows in nearby Slovenia and also has its origins possibly in Greek Rebula grape. It's a light golden coloured, fresh white wine made for early drinking, but crisp white fruit, steely acidity, a hint of minerality and a distinct taste of lemons makes it a perfect summer wine with light foods, especially vegetarian. Smell Grapefruit and white pepper on the nose and feel the juiciness and freshness of clean fruit over a hint of stony minerality, wrapped up with a high note of fresh-fruit acidity Attractive wine, more than just a summer evening refresher.
Fontalloro IGT Toscana 2003 Felsina
This Tuscan wine made from 100% Sangiovese is a superior quality Super Tuscan wine made from grapes in the Chianti Classico and Colli Senesi vineyards which means it could not have the Chianti Classico DOCG status and is an IGT wine instead. Aged in new oak, the wine is just about ready to drink now though, will get better for the next five years. The tannins must be ripe by now and the wine should be quite complex in flavour as well as after taste. Slightly fleshy and opulent style, made in the hot summer of 2003 will be a winner with the Indian palate. The ripe red fruit flavour and the gripping effect on the palate makes this serious food wine easy to drink wine for special occasions even without the red meats and game which are its perfect partners. Received 92 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. Needs to breathe before being served at 18 ° C. Generally out-of-stock with the UK and US importers.
Puer Apuliae Nero de Troia Castel del Monte DOC 2001 Rivera
This deep purple red colour wine is made in the rocky and hilly Castel del Monte region near the coastal Bari in Puglia on the East Coast. It is made by using 100% of another local small-berried mid-season ripening grape variety called Troia, believed to originate from Troy in Greece (like several other Italian varieties). It has fresh and intense aromas of black berry fruits, spices and a floral layer as well. It is a full bodied wine with the berry flavour continuing on the palate. Tannins have become soft but still it will go best with red meats and game. Our ‘dessi chicken’ might have matched it too but I am not sure if today’s broilers will do justice. Fish is not a good food match. Mushrooms may be able to handle it for vegetarians who might anyway appreciate the spiciness. It has decent alcohol level of 13.5% despite the hot region. 91-points from Robert Parker. Serve at 18-20 deg C.
