Castel Firmian Teroldego Rotaliano Superiore Riserva 2022

Castel Firmian Teroldego Rotaliano Superiore Riserva 2022

  08:00    Stu.

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Dense and heady black fruit leads in, touch of oak and tobacco. More oak on the palate - slathers the wine with some texture, but perhaps masking the fruit a little. 

Touch of anise over softened tannins. Gentle through the finish, ebbing along nicely - leaving you yearning for another sip. 91

Tasted on: Thursday 16th October
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Castel Firmian Teroldego Rotaliano Superiore Riserva 2019

Castel Firmian Teroldego Rotaliano Superiore Riserva 2019

  07:26    Stu.

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Black cherry, blackcurrant, touch of cocoa in the mix, with an underlying musky hint - a little like your favourite Uncle's after shave (don't mind me!).

Delightful palate that all at once is tender, yet robust - offering both generosity of fruit, fine tannins and flashes of bright acidity. It's a well rounded package, versatile and comely, inviting and moreish - yet with enough structure to hold up to a broad range of foodstuffs. Good gear! 93

Tasted on: Tuesday 16th October
Source: Sample
Price: $45
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2021

Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2021

  11:55    Stu.

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Classic Sicilian variety at a very friendly price.

Plum and kirsch notes with a herb and savoury edge.

The palate is supple, lithe, hints of baked raspberry across the palate. True tannin profile, with a roughish edge that gives grip across the final movement through the palate. 90

Tasted on: Saturday 24th June
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Castel Firmian Pinot Nero 2020

Castel Firmian Pinot Nero 2020

  13:36    Stu.

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Pinot Nero from Trentino.

Conveys a dark cherry with something like a choc coated aroma - altogether rather pleasant.

The palate is familiar in that respect too, the addition of a grilled nut character makes this the perfect accompaniment for the cooler months, with the nights drawing in.

There's a gentleness to it in initial entry, with a firmer backbone that translates into a good length. Enjoyable, comforting, balanced. 92

Tasted on: Tuesday 30th May
Source: Sample
Price: $40
Alcohol: TBC
Closure: Cork
Website: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Feudo Arancio Riserva 2015

Feudo Arancio Riserva 2015

  08:30    Stu.

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Nero d'Avola, from the varieties home in Sicily. Of the finished wine, 30% is aged in steel to preserve the complex character of ripe red fruit, while the remaining 70% ages for 8-10 months in French oak barrels to soften the tannins and to add structure to this elegant wine. 

The components are then blended to age a little longer together, first in steel and then in the bottle for an additional 12 months.

Shy initially, a touch of oak char and woodsy spice set to black fruit. It's Plummy, mulberry like fruit set makes itself present across the palate. 

Tannin is fine, minerally and providing good carry. I'd suggest it needs protein to complement the tannin profile. Finish is moderate, touch of acidity for added freshness, feel and flow. 92 

Tasted on: Wednesday 6th May 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Feudo Arancio Inzolia 2019

Feudo Arancio Inzolia 2019

  16:30    Stu.

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Citrus, stonefruit, and the kernel to boot! Fragrant, with an underlying minerally hint that adds a harder edge to softness of the fruit.

A more savoury edge, slight fruit tinge, touch of honey and citrus. Reminds more of something like Marsanne - certainly textural, as such.

Line of acid providing carriage of flavour, on a wicked length. 92 

Tasted on: Tuesday 5th May
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: DIAM
Website: https://www.feudoarancio.it/

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Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2018

Feudo Arancio Nero d'Avola 2018

  08:30    Stu.

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In 2000 Gruppo Mezzacorona recognised the untapped potential of Sicily and invested in replanting and rebuilding two estates along the ventilated Southern coast of the island. A significant producer from the island.

I gave this a good decant prior. On pouring it's deep, dark, sullen - with woody spice adding to that. Somewhat like dipping into Grandpa's rolling baccy pouch whilst sitting in front of a log fire that crackles away. 

Touches of fennel add an aromatic lift; the palate is plush and nigh sensuous with a chewy tannin profile that you feel compelled to roll around the palate. It certainly carries a relaxing vibe to it; languid, unhurried. 91 

Tasted on: Monday 18th May
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.feudoarancio.it/en-gb
Sample Courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2018

Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio 2018

  16:00    Stu.

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Mezzacorona is the largest grower of Pinot Grigio in the world.

Slight leesy cheesy vibe over poached pear. Fleshy, honeyed, hints of stonefruit, semblance of texture and a gentle line of acidity run through the palate.

The Italians will throttle me for this, but it feels more Gris than Grigio. Horses for courses, refreshment is high. 88

Tasted on: Monday 11th November, a Fruit day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.mezzacorona.it/en-us
Sample courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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Mezzacorona Mezza NV

Mezzacorona Mezza NV

  16:00    Stu.

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Party fizz made up of 60% Chardonnay – 30% Pinot Bianco – 10% Muller Thurgau.

Hints of pear, dribble of stonefruit - not the strongest in aromatics.

Tickle of minerally acid across the palate, slightly unctuous and textural, whilst not lacking acid it's balanced with a semblance of sweetness (that texture). Moderate length, decent aperitif style. 88 

Tasted on: Friday 18th October, a Root day
Source: Sample
Price: $20
Alcohol: 12%
Closure: Cork
Sample Courtesy of: https://www.singlevineyards.com/

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Feudo Arancio Grillo 2018

Feudo Arancio Grillo 2018

  13:00    Stu.

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Highly perfumed, exotically tropical, not what I'd necessarily expect - or associate - with a Sicilian white. 

Regardless, from a little extra reading, it's varietal. A riot of mango, luscious peach, yet for that fruit it retains an acidic presence to it, one that propels length further. Good wine. Generous, flavoursome. 91

Tasted on: Friday 17th May, a Flower day

Source: Sample
Price: $15
Alcohol: 13%
Closure: Screwcap
Sample Courtesy of: www.singlevineyards.com

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Rotari Brut Rosé 2012

Rotari Brut Rosé 2012

  12:30    Stu.

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Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; 36m in bottle - that time adds aromas bready, freshly baked sourdough with stonefruit elements sitting gently, square and centre. 

Not the liveliest, a gentle bead at best. Stonefruit, delicate citrus, more of that autolysis derived flavour and leesy complexity. 

Retains a good acidic presence, a good palate cleanser/aperitif. 90 

Tasted on: Monday 24th December, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Sample
Price: $30
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: DIAM
Website: TBC

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Terlan Lagrein Rosé 2015

Terlan Lagrein Rosé 2015

  15:00    Stu.

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From Italy's Alto-Adige (one of the coolest sounding region names IMO), imported by Arquila.

Of a light and juicy Berry aroma, fresh and clean. Possesses a depth, chewy on entry, roll it around the palate and succumb to its depth and intensity of flavour. 

Fruit, latent hints of spice, generous length 91 

Tasted on: Tuesday 27th February, a Flower to Leaf day 
Source: Private Purchase
Price: $Unknown
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.cantina-terlano.com/

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Primo & Co 'The Venetian' Garganega Bianco Veneto 2015

Primo & Co 'The Venetian' Garganega Bianco Veneto 2015

  14:06    Stu.

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Joe Grilli likes to explore his Italian roots, making this Gargenaga over in northern Italy's Veneto region. Readers and drinkers might know Gargenaga better as the grape of the easy going Soave.

Smells green, and crisp with aromatics of cucumber and florals. 

Tangy on entry, a sourness that really draws the cheeks in a pucker. Good acid, dry and a little Minerally undertow. Good drinking as the months begin to warm. 

White fish with a little salsa verde. Done. 89 

Tasted on: Saturday 1st October, a Root day
Source: Cellar Door (now sold out)
Price: $25
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Website: www.primoestate.com.au 

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Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna DOC Nerello Mascalese 2014

Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna DOC Nerello Mascalese 2014

  16:43    Stu.

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Erse is named after the Greek goddess of 'dew'. Smokey, dusky, with smouldering red fruit a lingering presence on the nose.

Light, lithe, possesses volcanicity - that sense of a wine that - to me - is airy like a pumice stone; fine texture, it opens up to reveal a loose and fine structure. 

Decent length, open and light. 91 

Tasted on: Sunday 31st July, a Flower day
Source: Retail, Cru Bar
Price: $52
Alcohol: ?
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://www.tenutadifessina.com/

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Zonin Prosecco NV

Zonin Prosecco NV

  11:49    Stu.

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I've purchased this Prosecco before - a very cost effective input into a home made Aperol Spritz - so I was quite happy to receive a bottle for review.

It's a Woolworths exclusive (the Pinnacle Liquor reference a dead giveaway) so you'll only find it in the likes of BWS. At $11 it's not the most complex of its style, but is a great afternoon refresher, a gateway to the evening, or - as I've indicated - perfect for an Aperol Spritz.

Opens with pear drop aromatics, citrus and a little almond grove. It's a fresh little Prosecco made from the Glera grape in Italy's North East.

In the mouth: full, moussey, the congregation of bubbles joining en masse to provide a substantive experience. There's more pear and citrus present here and the finish, whilst dry, carries a little fruit sweetness for refreshment. An effective summer cleanser. 87

Tasted on: Sunday 1st November, a Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $10.99
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.zoninprosecco.com/

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Umberto Luigi Domenico Extra Dry Prosecco

Umberto Luigi Domenico Extra Dry Prosecco

  14:18    Stu.

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Striking packaging here, a Mondo exclusive I believe.

The palest hint of gold in glass; of green apples, apple skins and a suggestion of citrus. Don't come looking for complexity, revel in the beauty that simplicity often delivers.

Citrus, frangipani, fresh minerality and acid. Crunchy, unequivocally an aperitif style, leading the way, enlivening the palate for what undoubtedly awaits after. 88

Tasted on: Sunday 5th October, a Root to Flower day
Source: Sample
Price: $19
Alcohol: 11.5%
Closure: Cork
Importer Website: http://www.mondoimports.com.au/

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Occhipinti SP68 Bianco 2009

Occhipinti SP68 Bianco 2009

  15:56    Stu.

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Interesting to taste this so close to having tried the Brash Higgins Zibibbo - although this also contains some Albanello.

Arianna Occhipinti is the niece of Giusto Occhipinti, one-third of COS and whose 'Pithos' I wrote up here. It must be stated that Arianna is a grower and winemaker in her own right, having studied Oenology in Milan, though she does state her Uncle as an obvious inspiration.

Peach skin, stonefruit kernels, florals, hints of jasmine and beeswax. I detected a little underlying fresh herb here too. In short, fresh, floral and fragrant.

The palate shows hints of creme caramel cut with a little fresh citrus - mandarin segments. Carries a little phenolic raspiness too - the wine sees some skin contact, shown on both the palate and its colour. Deliciously dry - in fact just simply delicious. 92

You can read a little more about Arianna here.

Tasted on: Friday 28th February, a Root to Flower Day 
Source: Retail, Wine Experience
Price: $39.60
Alcohol: 11%
Closure: DIAM
Website: http://www.agricolaocchipinti.it/eng.html

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Damiano Ciolli Silene Cesanese Olevano Romano 2011

Damiano Ciolli Silene Cesanese Olevano Romano 2011

  15:46    Stu.

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Image for 2010 Silene

The DOC of Olevano Romano permits wines to be made exclusively from the variety Cesanese, as we have here. Olevano is to the East of Rome, the variety is typically low yielding, but not particularly easy to grow - a late ripener, ripeness can be an issue.

Suggestive of brambles, hedgerow - spiciness and aromatics indicative of the inclusion of stems. Sweeter elements present themselves: florals and hints of black fruit.

The palate is woody, spicy - akin to Sangiovese but perhaps on steroids. Black pepper, hints of clove with delightful powdery tannins. Very much in a savoury groove, concluding with a good dark line at its conclusion. 90

Tasted on: Sunday 16th February, a Fruit Day 
Source: Retail, Prince Wine Store
Price: $32
Alcohol: 14
Closure: Cork
Website: http://www.damianociolli.it/en/
Importer: http://www.trembathandtaylor.com.au/

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Bibi Graetz Casamatta IGT Rosso

Bibi Graetz Casamatta IGT Rosso

  10:41    Stu.

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My notes for this wine record it as a Non-vintage 'solera' style wine, where newer wines are added to an average pool - however I now cannot find the original source to back that up.

A varietal Sangiovese, it's savoury with meaty aromatics - hints of lamb and mint. Shows licorice with black fruit rounding the profile. This went down very well at my place, the good lady offering up "glurpy" as her descriptor of choice.

Worked better with food, without it appeared a little thin, with it gained in stature. Regardless it offered a common core of licorice tinged, woody, savoury character - yet with a freshness that enlivened the palate. Light on tannin, good on finish and emptied out of the glass quickly. 89

Tasted on: Saturday 1st February, a Root to Flower day 
Source: Retail, The Wine Experience
Price: $26
Alcohol: 12.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Producer's Website: http://www.bibigraetz.com/en/index
Importer: http://addleyclarkfinewines.com.au/

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Giorgi Canneto Pavese Sangue di Giuda 2012

Giorgi Canneto Pavese Sangue di Giuda 2012

  08:15    Stu.

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One of the more unusual samples received for a PR tie-in, sent to coincide with the Australian run of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Sangue di Giuda - literally 'Blood of Judas' - is said to be so named by Friars who disapproved of the wine's aphrodisiac effects. It's made in Oltrepo Pavese zone of Lombardy and is a DOC wine.

Impenetrably dark in colour, it opens with a juicy, nigh grapey, aroma. Fresh, fruity and vibrant - what we often miss with wine is intent, or context, and here the wine is made in a deliberately low alcohol style - for 'casual' consumption if you wish. 

This particular example sees only 3 days on skins, enough for colour and flavour, but little tannin. Tank fermented, its style is lightly pettillant. The palate is simply fruity, almost cordial like with its 85 g/l residual sugar. 86 - Average, if a score matters. 

Tasted on: Saturday 29th June, a Flower Day
Source: Sample
Price: $?
Alcohol: 7%
Closure: Cork
Website: http://giorgi-wines.it/en/vini-dolci/sangue-di-giuda/
Imported By: http://www.italiquore.com.au/

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