Red Wine Ornellaia Le Volte 2020. Founded by Marchese Lodovico Antinori in 1981, Tenuta dell’Ornellaia is today one of Italy’s most famous wineries. Antinori is the brother of Piero Antonori, founder of Tenuta Tignanello, and the cousin of Mario Incisa della Rocchetta who founded Tenuta San Guido which produces the world-famous Sassicaia. Lodovico Antinori was one of the first to start producing top quality Bordeaux-style blends or Super Tuscans” as they are now known in Tuscany’s coastal Maremma region. The estate’s most accessible wine is their Le Volte, a vibrant and easy-going Tuscan red composed primarily of Merlot along with a smaller quantity of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each grape variety is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and then aged in oak barrels for 10 months before the final blend is created. The result is an elegant, fruit-forward red which is bursting with ripe plums, cherries and hints of dark berries along with cigar box spice and toast notes from the oak ageing. On the palate there is a rich, smooth texture, medium body, soft tannins and long finish with ample dark fruit flavours seasoned with cinnamon, cloves and dried herbs. Try pairing it with classic Italian charcuterie, seasonal game, or fresh pasta served with a rich tomato-based ragu.
2020
Red Wine Ornellaia Le Volte 2020
Red Wine Papari Valley 3 Qvevri Terraces Saperavi 2020. Georgian nautral wines are slowly making themselves known on the world stage thanks to their remarkable, unique personalities which come from the country’s ancient winemaking techniques. Papari Valley winery occupies a stunning setting on the slopes of the Gombori range overlooking the Caucasus Mountains and has a total of 93 hectares planted with local grape varieties. This Saperavi is a great introduction to Georgian red wines, spending 10 months fermenting and maturing in large clay pots or qvevri which are buried underground to regulate temperatures. The long skin contact helps to draw out plenty of intense flavours and colour compounds, creating an elegant, balanced wine with its own distinctive Georgian personality. It’s particularly unusual due to its naturally-occurring high alcohol level. Scientists believe that this is caused by a rare yeast called Saccharomyces Oviformis found in the Papari Valley which is only found in a handful of wineries in the world. In the glass there’s a deep ruby red hue and seductive notes of sour cherry, cassis, and ripe plum underlaid with forest fruit and bay leaf. The first sip reveals a robust full body, firm yet smooth tannins, and a well-built structure that will help this wine age beautifully. The finish is long and intense with lingering notes of dark fruit and herbs. Try pairing with earthy game dishes like venison or wild boar and wild mushrooms.
2020
Red Wine Passopisciaro Contrada G 2020. No need to decant but best to open it an hour before service. The Passopiasciaro winery was founded by Andrea Franchetti of the Tuscan Estate of Trinoro, one of the first winemakers to pay attention to this area of Sicily characterized by a unique geological conformation. This is an intense red wine of great elegance produced with Nerello Mascalese grapes, coming from centenary vines planted in the Contrada Guardiola district on the slopes of Mount Etna between 800 and 1000 meters high. The high altitude allows for a postponed harvest, compared to the regional standards, towards the end of October. The grapes are then crushed, destemmed and fermented in stainless steel containers for about 15 days. They are then transferred to large oak barrels, for malolactic fermentation, and refinement for about 18 months. Contrada G is a deep wine with a ruby red color with light violet reflections. The aromatic profile is intense, with rich hints of red fruits, black cherries, dried flowers, violets, herbs, and balsamic and mineral notes. In the mouth, it has good persistence and well-balanced softness, with a slightly tannic finish. It is a red of great harmony and elegance. Try it with aged cheeses and pasta with succulent meat sauces.
2020