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 ABC Wine  Share this article     Summary of Wine Tasting column Wine Producers 
  Wine Tasting Issue 20, June 2004   
GewürztraminerGewürztraminer Wines of the MonthWines of the Month  Contents 
Issue 19, May 2004 Follow DiWineTaste on Follow DiWineTaste on TwitterIssue 21, Summer 2004

Gewürztraminer

One of the main representatives of aromatic grapes, Gewürztraminer is among the first grapes every wine taster should be capable of recognizing

 The practice of sensorial and organoleptic tasting of wine is an exercise requiring attention and, in particular, practice and experience. For neophyte tasters it is often difficult - and disappointing - the initial approach to this charming activity and the higher difficulty - as well as the most frequent one - is found during the olfactory analysis, a price that every taster had to pay. One of the main satisfactions for neophyte tasters is the capacity of being able to recognize, not only aromas, but also the characteristics of a specific variety of grape, a goal which is achieved, most of the times, during the tasting of the so called aromatic grapes. The family of this kind of grapes is not vast and its members are easily recognizable thanks to their strong and dominant aroma of fresh grape, more precisely of grape juice.

 Among aromatic grapes the one which certainly is easier to recognize is Gewürztraminer, thanks to its rich, concentrated, charming, enchanting and strong aromas, it is easily recognizable even in case it is being used together with other grapes in the composition of wines. Gewürztraminer is frequently used in introductory tasting courses because of its specific and typical characteristics, so strong that make this grape easily recognizable by the ones having little experience. Despite the characteristics of this grape are easy to recognize, this does not certainly mean Gewürztraminer is a simple and humble grape: it is appropriate to remember its aromatic richness is vast and complex. The easiness of Gewürztraminer recognizability is because of its strong aromatic personality, however behind this strong aroma - as well as pleasing - there are tens of aromas and elegant nuances.


A bunch of Gew\
A bunch of Gewürztraminer

 Gewürztraminer probably originated from Alto Adige, Italy, precisely from the village of Termeno (Tramin), and the first written evidences suggest this grape was known in this area since the year 1,000 AD. It is believed this grape is a genetic mutation of Traminer, which is a white berried grape from Tramin, and the difference from Gewürztraminer and its progenitor are the gray-pink color of the skin and the strong aromaticity. The present popularity of Gewürztraminer is such that sometimes it is simply called Traminer, just like its progenitor, today scarcely cultivated and by many believed to be similar to Savagnin, the renowned grape of French Jura and from which are produced vin jaune. The first part of the name - gewürz - means “spicy” in German, however in this specific case, it is preferred the meaning of “aromatic”, even though - according to the organoleptic qualities of this grape - it can certainly be considered as the union of both terms. In Italy this grape is often called Traminer Aromatico (Aromatic Traminer), and in other parts of the world is also frequent to find its name written as Gewurztraminer instead of Gewürztraminer.

 For many years the indisputable homeland of Gewürztraminer has been Alsace, where the grape was introduced at the end of the nineteenth century from Germany, precisely from Pfalz where it was widely cultivated and this encouraged its spreading. Alsace is still today considered the most characteristic and interesting region for wines produced with Gewürztraminer - in particular vendange tardive (late harvests) and sélection de grains nobles (selections from noble berries) - however other wine areas of the world - in particular Alto Adige, Italy - are producing since many years high quality wines with this grape. Despite Gewürztraminer is now considered an international grape, its spreading is lower than other varieties belonging to this category, and the wine areas of the world in which this grape can make truly quality wines are pretty few.

 The reason of its lesser spreading in the world is mainly because of the difficult cultivation of this grape and of the typical uncertainty and low yields and, in particular, to climate. Gewürztraminer is a grape capable of giving excellent results in cool climate areas, its content in acid is pretty low whereas it is rich in sugar, therefore its wines are usually pretty alcoholic. For this reason it is not a grape suitable in areas having a warm climate because the optimal level of sugar and acid is reached far in advance and before enough quantity of aromatic and gustatory components are developed. In case the ripeness of Gewürztraminer is reached too fast - a condition highly probable in warm climate areas - wines produced with this grape can also appear as unctuous and develop bitter tastes.

 In places where it is being successfully cultivated, Gewürztraminer is however capable of making wines of extraordinary elegance and aromatic complexity, with low acidity and pretty high alcohol percentages, in which styles can range from dry to sweet. No matter Gewürztraminer has a low acidity, its wines usually have a good longevity that can also reach an average of 3-5 years, according to the style. The bunch of Gewürztraminer is pretty small, berries are pretty small as well, with a thick skin and with a color ranging from pale pink-gray to reddish-brown. The harvesting time for this grape is pretty crucial because its best typical aromatic and gustatory personality can be obtained in slow ripening conditions and with a balanced quantity of acid and sugar. Gewürztraminer is however a grape whose cultivation is difficult and a perfectly balanced wine produced with this grape is not easy to make, however when the area and climate offer the right conditions and the mastery of the wine maker is joined to these factors, Gewürztraminer is capable of giving authentic and enchanting fairy tale wines.

 

The Colors of Gewürztraminer

 The typical colors of wines produced with Gewürztraminer usually have more intense hues than all the other white wines. Whether in most of white wines the greenish and straw yellow colors are the most frequent ones, in wines produced with Gewürztraminer the intense and brilliant golden yellow hues represent the norm. The main reason of the color of these wines is because of the color of Gewürztraminer's skin: its basically pink color gives wines a deeper and intense yellow hue. With time the color of Gewürztraminer tends to have more and more intense golden yellow colors and it is however rare that dry wines show amber yellow hues, a condition that signals the oxidization of wine. It should be remembered, thanks to the higher alcohol percentage, that quality wines produced with Gewürztraminer can also reach 5 years of aging in bottle. In wines produced with late harvested grapes or affected by Botrytis Cinerea - therefore with a more or less accentuated sweetness - the color usually is intense with deep golden yellow hues and with the aging in bottle can also get to evident amber yellow hues.

 

Aromas

 Gewürztraminer is a grape capable of producing wines with exuberant and intense aromas, so characteristics and strong which is practically impossible not to recognize it in wines where it is present. Probably this strong aromaticity is also the main subject for talking among wine lovers: whereas for some the aromas of this grape are extremely pleasing, elegant and charming, for others are considered exaggerated and even sickly. Gewürztraminer is considered an aromatic grape - probably the most famous aromatic grape - where the typical aroma of fresh grape and grape juice represents a truly predominant characteristic. It should be remembered that grapes considered as aromatic are the ones whose wines directly and strongly reminds the aroma of fresh grape and fresh grape juice. Wines produced with Gewürztraminer are generally aged in inert containers - such as stainless steel - and this practice is adopted for almost the majority of wines made of this grape. The use of casks and barrels is pretty rare, therefore it is uncommon to perceive aromas of vanilla or other aromas typical of the aging in wood containers.


 

 Besides the strong aromatic character, Gewürztraminer - in its wide olfactory style - is also recognizable for the strong aromas of tropical fruit and flowers, in particular white rose and yellow rose. Even aromatic herbs and spices are widely present in this grape: a characteristic which explains the reason of the first part of its name - gewürz - meaning spicy in German. Among tropical fruit aromas, the one which strongly characterizes this grape is litchi. Other fruit aromas typical for Gewürztraminer are - besides the aroma of grape - peach, pineapple, apricot, pear, citrus fruits, banana and apple. Among the typical aromatic herbs for this grape there is sage, however it is also possible to perceive aromas of mint, thyme and oregano. Among spices - excluding vanilla found in Gewürztraminer aged in cask - it can be perceived cinnamon, nutmeg, anise and licorice. Gewürztraminer produced in cool climate areas or however not perfectly ripe, produce wines with light aromas in which it is the floral character to be emphasized, in particular the aroma of lavender. Wines produced in warm climate areas or with perfectly ripe grapes, develop the full character of Gewürztraminer, with its typical aromas of rose, peach and litchi. in case the wine is being produced with grapes affected by Botrytis Cinerea - the noble rot - Gewürztraminer also develops elegant aromas of honey, raisin, musk as well as light herbaceous aromas.

 

Taste

 Gewürztraminer is a grape with a pretty low quantity of acid and sugar in good quantity. The result is therefore represented by wines with low acidity and pretty high alcohol, agreeable roundness and, thanks to its strong and dominant aromaticity, intense flavors and good correspondence to the nose. There can basically be identified four styles of Gewürztraminer: dry with light body, dry and full bodied, demi-sec and sweet. The structure of dry and full bodied wines can sometimes deceive the taster because of the high roundness - almost velvety - which could be confused with sweetness. The perception of sweetness is instead clear - and correct - in late harvest wine and in Sélection de Grains Nobles from Alsace. Sweetness is also typical in wines produced with grapes affected by Botrytis Cinerea. Because of the low acidity and the high content in sugar, balance in Gewürztraminer represents a crucial productive factor, it is pretty hard to obtain and it requires lots of experience and skill for the wine maker. The high content in sugar allows the production of high quantity of alcohol, that in Gewürztraminer wines is often higher than 13%, therefore requiring a proper quantity of acid in order to be balanced.

 

A Grape Difficult to Cultivate

 Gewürztraminer is a grape producing the best results in cool climate areas allowing a slow and proper ripeness. When it is being cultivated in warm climate areas, ripeness occurs too quickly, the content in sugar is too high and the acidity too low. The most famous area for the cultivation of this grape - as well as having the highest concentration of vineyards cultivated with Gewürztraminer - is Alsace, France, which is considered the reference area for all styles of this wine. Alsace Gewürztraminer are generally rich and structured, almost unctuous, and also in this area the production of wine with this grape with a perfect balance is not an easy task. However in perfectly balanced Alsace Gewürztraminer, the charming and enchanting aromas are magically fused to a velvety structure and roundness well sustained by a proper acidity. The most famous Alsace wines produced with Gewürztraminer certainly are Vendanges Tardive (late harvests) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (selections of noble berries), sweet and extraordinary wines produced with grapes often affected by Botrytis Cinerea, the so called noble rot.

 In Europe Gewürztraminer is also cultivated in Germany, in particular in the Baden and Pfalz regions, in Switzerland, Spain and Hungary where the grape in known as Tramini. Other European countries in which Gewürztraminer is being cultivated are Slovenia, where it is known as Traminac, whereas Drumin, Pinat Cervena or Liwora are the names with which are known in Czech Republic and Slovakia, Rusa in Romania and Mala Dinka in Bulgaria. The Alto Adige region, Italy, is producing since many years excellent wines from Gewürztraminer, to be certainly considered among the best ones of Europe. In the United States of America Gewürztraminer is present in the states of California - in particular in the Russian River Valley at Sonoma and in the Anderson Valley at Mendocino - Washington and Oregon. In Australia is cultivated in Tasmania and in Victoria, moreover Gewürztraminer is also present in New Zealand and in Chile - in particular at Bío-Bío - where in the coolest areas are being produced good examples although in limited quantities.

 






 ABC Wine  Share this article     Summary of Wine Tasting column Wine Producers 
  Wine Tasting Issue 20, June 2004   
GewürztraminerGewürztraminer Wines of the MonthWines of the Month  Contents 
Issue 19, May 2004 Follow DiWineTaste on Follow DiWineTaste on TwitterIssue 21, Summer 2004

Wines of the Month


 

Score legend

Fair    Pretty Good    Good
Very Good    Excellent
Wine that excels in its category Wine that excels in its category
Good value wine Good value wine
Prices are to be considered as indicative. Prices may vary according to the country
or the shop where wines are bought




Valcalepio Rosso Surie 2000, Il Calepino (Italy)
Valcalepio Rosso Surie 2000
Il Calepino (Italy)
Grapes: Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (50%)
Price: € 10,60 Score: Wine that excels in its category
The wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, moderate transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas that start with hints of black cherry and plum followed by aromas of blueberry, licorice, violet, tobacco, vanilla and hints of cocoa. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum, black cherry and blueberry. This wine ages for 7 months in barrique.
Food Match: Roasted meat, Broiled meat and barbecue, Stewed meat



Il Calepino Riserva di Fra Ambrogio 1997, Il Calepino (Italy)
Il Calepino Riserva di Fra Ambrogio 1997
Il Calepino (Italy)
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Price: € 17,50 Score:
This wine shows an intense straw yellow color and nuances of golden yellow, fine and persistent perlage, good effervescence. The nose denotes intense, clean and pleasing aromas which start with hints of apple and banana followed by aromas of hawthorn, yeast, bread crust, brioche, litchi, toasted bread and hints of butter and grapefruit. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, an effervescent and crisp attack however balanced, good body, intense flavors, pleasing. The finish is persistent with flavors of apple and banana. This sparkling wine is produced with the classic method and ages on yeasts for 60 months.
Food Match: Crustaceans, Roasted fish, Pasta and risotto with fish and crustaceans



Barolo Rocche 1999, Vietti (Italy)
Barolo Rocche 1999
Vietti (Italy)
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Price: € 55,00 Score: Wine that excels in its category
This wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, moderate transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and elegant aromas that start with hints of plum and cherry followed by aromas of blueberry, violet, rose, licorice, cinnamon, vanilla and hints of cocoa. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable crispness. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum, cherry and blueberry. A well made wine. This Barolo ages for 24 months in cask.
Food Match: Stewed and braised meat, Roasted meat, Game, Hard cheese



Barolo Ravera 1999, Vietti (Italy)
Barolo Ravera 1999
Vietti (Italy)
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Price: € 55,00 Score: Wine that excels in its category
This Barolo shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals good personality with intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with good hints of black cherry, plum and rose followed by aromas of violet, cyclamen, blueberry, licorice, tobacco, vanilla, cinnamon and hints of chocolate and menthol. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum, blueberry and black cherry. A well made wine. This Barolo ages for 15 months in cask.
Food Match: Stewed and braised meat, Roasted meat, Game, Hard cheese



Sagrantino di Montefalco 2000, Tenuta San Lorenzo (Italy)
Sagrantino di Montefalco 2000
Tenuta San Lorenzo (Italy)
Grapes: Sagrantino
Price: € 25,00 Score: Wine that excels in its category
This wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, moderate transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean and pleasing aromas that start with hints of black cherry, plum and violet followed by aromas of blueberry, licorice, vanilla and hints of cinnamon. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum and black cherry. This Sagrantino ages for 12 months in barrique.
Food Match: Braised and stewed meat with mushrooms, Roasted meat, Hard cheese



San Lorenzo Rosso 2001, Tenuta San Lorenzo (Italy)
San Lorenzo Rosso 2001
Tenuta San Lorenzo (Italy)
Grapes: Sagrantino (33%), Merlot (33%), Cabernet Sauvignon (33%)
Price: € 10,00 Score:
This wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of blackberry, black cherry and plum followed by aromas of blueberry, violet, licorice, tobacco, vanilla and hints of cocoa, menthol and nutmeg. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of blackberry, black cherry and plum. A well made wine. San Lorenzo Rosso ages in barrique for 10 months.
Food Match: Braised and stewed meat, Roasted meat, Hard cheese



Franciacorta Cuvette Extra Dry 1999, Villa (Italy)
Franciacorta Cuvette Extra Dry 1999
Villa (Italy)
Grapes: Chardonnay (80%), Pinot Noir (15%), Pinot Blanc (5%)
Price: € 17,00 Score:
This Franciacorta shows a brilliant straw yellow color and nuances of straw yellow, very transparent, good effervescence, good perlage. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas that start with hints of bread crust, yeast and hazelnut followed by aromas of pineapple, hawthorn, banana, broom, hazelnut, grapefruit and hints of butter. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp and effervescent attack, however balanced, good body, intense flavors, pleasing roundness with hints of sweetness, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of grapefruit, pineapple and apple. The base wine for this Franciacorta is partially aged in barrique and after the refermentation it ages on its lees for at least 36 months.
Food Match: Pasta and risotto with fish, Sauteed white meat, Broiled fish



Franciacorta Satèn Brut 2000, Villa (Italy)
Franciacorta Satèn Brut 2000
Villa (Italy)
Grapes: Chardonnay
Price: € 16,40 Score:
The wine shows an intense straw yellow color and nuances of straw yellow, very transparent, good effervescence, good perlage. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas that start with hints of apple, banana and bread crust followed by aromas of yeast, brioche, hazelnut, plum and hawthorn. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, an effervescent and crisp attack, pleasing roundness, however balanced, good body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of apple, pineapple and plum. The base wine of this Franciacorta is partially aged in cask and after refermentation it ages on its lees for at least 30 months.
Food Match: Pasta and risotto with crustaceans and fish, Fish appetizers



Fiore 1999, Castello di Meleto (Italy)
Fiore 1999
Castello di Meleto (Italy)
Grapes: Sangiovese (90%), Merlot (10%)
Price: € 21,00 Score: Wine that excels in its category
This wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of black cherry and violet followed by good aromas of plum, blueberry, cinnamon, chocolate, licorice, tobacco, vanilla and hints of eucalyptus and nutmeg. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and blueberry. A well made wine. Fiore ages in cask for 12 months followed by 6 months of aging in bottle.
Food Match: Braised and stewed meat, Game, Roasted meat, Hard cheese



Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Casi 1999, Castello di Meleto (Italy)
Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Casi 1999
Castello di Meleto (Italy)
Grapes: Sangiovese
Price: € 16,50 Score: Wine that excels in its category
This Chianti Classico shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of black cherry and violet followed by aromas of plum, blueberry, licorice, tobacco, vanilla, cinnamon and hints of menthol and cocoa. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack with pleasing crispness, however well balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum and black cherry. A well made wine. This Chianti Classico reserve is aged for 24 months in cask followed by more than 6 months of aging in bottle.
Food Match: Braised and stewed meat with mushrooms, Roasted meat, Hard cheese



Confini 2002, Lis Neris (Italy)
Confini 2002
Lis Neris (Italy)
Grapes: Pinot Gris (50%), Traminer (30%), Riesling (20%)
Price: € 17,40 Score: Wine that excels in its category
This wine shows a brilliant straw yellow color and nuances of greenish yellow, very transparent. The nose reveals good personality with intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with good hints of white rose and grape followed by aromas of pineapple, jasmine, broom, apricot, litchi, apple, peach, grapefruit, plum and hints of sage and rosemary. In the mouth has very good correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack and pleasing roundness, however well balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is very persistent with good flavors of peach, litchi and plum. A well made wine. Confini ferments in cask and ages for 10 months.
Food Match: Pasta with mushrooms, Spiced roasted fish, Roasted white meat



Tal Luc 2002, Lis Neris (Italy)
Tal Luc 2002
Lis Neris (Italy)
Grapes: Verduzzo Friulano (95%), Riesling (5%)
Price: € 48,00 Score: Wine that excels in its category
This wine shows a brilliant amber yellow color and nuances of amber yellow very transparent. The nose reveals good personality with intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of dried apricot and peach jam followed by aromas of quince jam, litchi, almond, melon, honey and vanilla. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a soft and sweet attack with pleasing crispness, however well balanced, good body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is very persistent with long flavors of melon, dried apricot, honey and peach jam. A well made wine. Tal Luc ferments in barrique.
Food Match: Hard and piquant cheese, Fruit tarts, Dried fruits cakes



Monica di Sardegna Superiore Torremora 2000, Josto Puddu (Italy)
Monica di Sardegna Superiore Torremora 2000
Josto Puddu (Italy)
Grapes: Monica
Price: € 8,12 Score: Wine that excels in its category
The wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas which start with hints of black cherry and blackberry followed by aromas of raspberry, blueberry, licorice, plum, vanilla and hints of cinnamon. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum. This wine ages in cask for 12 months followed by 3 months of aging in bottle.
Food Match: Sauteed meat with mushrooms, Stuffed pasta, Broiled meat and barbecue



Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva 1980, Josto Puddu (Italy)
Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva 1980
Josto Puddu (Italy)
Grapes: Vernaccia di Oristano
Price: € 27,70 Score: Wine that excels in its category
The wine shows a brilliant amber yellow color and nuances of amber yellow, very transparent. The nose reveals good personality with intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas which start with good hints of almond, dried fig and honey followed by aromas of date, licorice, hazelnut, vanilla and hints of enamel and leather. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly crisp attack and pleasing roundness, however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of dried fig, almond, hazelnut and date. A well made wine. This Vernaccia di Oristano ages with the traditional method in partially filled casks and by the effects of typical yeasts (flor).
Food Match: Almond cakes, Roasted meat, Roasted fish



Contessa Entellina Tancredi 2001, Donnafugata (Italy)
Contessa Entellina Tancredi 2001
Donnafugata (Italy)
Grapes: Nero d'Avola (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%)
Price: € 17,40 Score:
This wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of purple red, little transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas that start with hints of black cherry, plum and blueberry followed by aromas of blackberry, violet, tobacco, licorice, vanilla and hints of black pepper. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, blueberry and plum. This wine ages for 14 months in barrique followed by at least 6 months of aging in bottle.
Food Match: Stewed and braised meat, Roasted meat, Hard cheese



Dolcetto di Dogliani Vigna Maestra 2002, Gillardi (Italy)
Dolcetto di Dogliani Vigna Maestra 2002
Gillardi (Italy)
Grapes: Dolcetto
Price: € 9,50 Score:
The wine shows a brilliant ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, moderate transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean and pleasing aromas which start with hints of black cherry and blueberry followed by aromas of raspberry, plum and violet. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum and blueberry.
Food Match: Sauteed meat, Broiled meat and barbecue, Stuffed pasta



Dolcetto di Dogliani Cursalet 2002, Gillardi (Italy)
Dolcetto di Dogliani Cursalet 2002
Gillardi (Italy)
Grapes: Dolcetto
Price: € 11,00 Score:
This Dolcetto shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of purple red, little transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas which start with hints of black cherry, blueberry and violet followed by aromas of raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, plum and hints of licorice. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, blackberry and plum.
Food Match: Roasted meat, Stewed meat, Hard cheese



Trentino Pinot Grigio 2003, Casata Monfort (Italy)
Trentino Pinot Grigio 2003
Casata Monfort (Italy)
Grapes: Pinot Gris
Price: € 7,20 Score:
This wine shows an intense greenish yellow color and nuances of greenish yellow, very transparent. The nose reveals intense, clean and pleasing aromas which start with hints of pear and apple followed by aromas of acacia, banana, lemon, peach and hints of almond. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack and however balanced by alcohol, delicate, intense flavors. The finish is persistent with flavors of peach, pear and apple. This Pinot Grigio ages for 3 months in steel tanks.
Food Match: Dairy products, Fish appetizers, Pasta and risotto with vegetables and crustaceans



Trentino Chardonnay 2003, Casata Monfort (Italy)
Trentino Chardonnay 2003
Casata Monfort (Italy)
Grapes: Chardonnay
Price: € 6,75 Score:
This wine shows an intense greenish yellow color and nuances of greenish yellow, very transparent. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas which start with hints of banana, acacia and peach followed by aromas of hawthorn, broom, litchi, apple and pear. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors. The finish is persistent with flavors of banana, pear and litchi. This Chardonnay ages for 4 months in steel tanks.
Food Match: Vegetables soups, Pasta and risotto with fish and vegetables, Sauteed white meat



COF Pinot Grigio 2003, Girolamo Dorigo (Italy)
COF Pinot Grigio 2003
Girolamo Dorigo (Italy)
Grapes: Pinot Gris
Price: € 14,00 Score: Wine that excels in its category
The wine shows a brilliant greenish yellow color and nuances of greenish yellow, very transparent. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing and refined aromas that start with hints of peach, pear and apple followed by aromas of pineapple, acacia, broom and hawthorn. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a crisp attack and however balanced by alcohol, good body, intense flavors, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of apple, pear and pineapple. This Pinot Grigio ferments in steel tanks.
Food Match: Fried fish, Pasta and risotto with crustaceans and vegetables, Sauteed fish, Dairy products



COF Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2000, Girolamo Dorigo (Italy)
COF Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2000
Girolamo Dorigo (Italy)
Grapes: Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
Price: € 37,00 Score: Wine that excels in its category
This wine shows a deep ruby red color and nuances of ruby red, little transparency. The nose reveals good personality with intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with hints of plum and black cherry followed by aromas of licorice, blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, vanilla, violet, cyclamen, chocolate and hints of cinnamon. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a slightly tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable. The finish is persistent with flavors of plum, black cherry and blueberry. A well made wine. This Refosco ages for 30 months in barrique followed by 6 months of aging in bottle.
Food Match: Game, Braised and stewed meat, Roasted meat, Hard cheese



Barbaresco Bric Turot 2000, Prunotto (Italy)
Barbaresco Bric Turot 2000
Prunotto (Italy)
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Price: € 26,50 Score: Wine that excels in its category
The wine shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little transparency. The nose denotes intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas that start with hints of plum, violet and black cherry followed by good aromas of blackberry, cyclamen, licorice, vanilla, blueberry, cinnamon and hints of chocolate and pink pepper. In the mouth has good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins. The finish is persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and blueberry. A well made wine. This Barbaresco ages for 12 months in cask followed by 10 months of aging in bottle.
Food Match: Stewed and braised meat, Roasted meat, Game, Hard cheese



Barolo Bussia 1999, Prunotto (Italy)
Barolo Bussia 1999
Prunotto (Italy)
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Price: € 29,00 Score:
This Barolo shows an intense ruby red color and nuances of garnet red, little transparency. The nose reveals intense, clean, pleasing, refined and elegant aromas which start with good hints of black cherry and blueberry followed by good aromas of violet, blackberry, licorice, tobacco, vanilla, cinnamon and hints of chocolate and menthol. In the mouth has very good correspondence to the nose, a tannic attack and however well balanced by alcohol, full body, intense flavors, good tannins, agreeable crispness. The finish is very persistent with flavors of black cherry, plum and blueberry. A well made wine. This Barolo ages in cask for 24 months followed by 12 months of aging in bottle.
Food Match: Stewed and braised meat, Roasted meat, Game, Hard cheese






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