Red Wine Polvanera 14 Primitivo 2017. The Primitivo grape variety once had a reputation for largely producing jammy, over-ripe wines with plenty of tannins, but thanks to winemakers like Filippo Cassano this stereotype is increasingly a thing of the past. Filippo set up his winery in south-eastern Puglia in 2003 out of a desire to return to his family’s viticultural roots and it was only natural that he would choose to focus his attentions on the local Primitivo grape. A key factor in Filippo’s success is the altitude of his vineyards which all sit at between 300 and 450 metres. This helps to maintain freshness in the grapes despite the hot summer conditions, creating wines which have rich fruity flavours balanced by plenty of acidity. He also ages his wines in stainless steel tanks to showcase the pure varietal character of the Primitivo. Filippo’s masterful Polvanera 14 Primitivo which spends 24 months in the tanks followed by 12 months of ageing in the bottle. The result is a thoroughly modern Primitivo bursting with dark berries and plums along with hints of licorice, dried herbs and tobacco. The generous full body and smooth tannins make this an ideal match for hearty dishes like beef bourguignon or pappardelle with beef ragu.
2017
Red Wine Polvanera 14 Primitivo 2017
Red Wine Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota 2017. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. The birth of the Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative dates back to the end of the 19th century with the aim of enhancing the particular characteristics that Nebbiolo assumes in this precise area of Piedmont. Today Produttori del Barbaresco counts about fifty members and covers 110 hectares of vineyards planted with Nebbiolo. In the great vintages 9 Barbarescos are produced from specific vineyards and marketed as Barbaresco Riserva: Asili, Rabajà, Rio Sordo, Ovello, Montestefano, Pajé, Muncagota, Montefico and Pora, areas that have always been known for the production of grapes of particular value. Barbaresco Muncagota is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, coming from vines with south-east exposure on clayey-calcareous soil. Fermentation takes place in steel at 30° C and the wine macerates on the skins for 28 days. It is then aged for 36 months in oak barrels, and 12 months in the bottle. It is a complex and full-bodied wine. The nose shows great aromaticity, with intense fruity and floral aromas. In the mouth, the wine is very elegant and well balanced with harmonious tannins and a mineral finish. It works well with pasta and risotto, red meats, and game.
2017
Red Wine Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco Riserva Ovello 2017. It is recommended to decant it for half an hour. The Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative was founded in 1958 by Don Fiorino Marengo, then parish priest of Barbaresco, who brought together nineteen farmers. The project was based on the Cantine Sociali di Barbaresco, founded in 1894 by Domizio Cavazza, then dean of the Royal Oenological School of Alba. Thanks to the dedication of the winemakers who make it up, Produttori del Barbaresco has long been considered one of the most prestigious wineries in the area and an example for cooperatives around the world. Today it has 50 members with about 110 hectares of Nebbiolo vineyards and controls most of the historical Crus of the area. The Barbaresco Ovello Riserva is produced exclusively with Nebbiolo grapes grown in the vineyard of the same name, on a clayey-limestone soil with veins of sand. It ferments in steel at 30°C, with 28 days of maceration on the skins and malolactic fermentation. It ages 36 months in oak barrels, and 12 months in the bottle. In the glass, the wine is clear, ruby red in color with light garnet reflections. The nose is intense, complex, and fine with notes of plum, tobacco, clove, and balsamic hints. On the palate, it is dry, warm, quite soft, fresh, tannic, and savory. This is a wine with good structure and great longevity. It goes well with game, aged cheeses, grilled meats, and stews.
2017