Red Wine Sette Ponti Passi di Orma 2018. Decant 1 hour before serving. Known for producing world-class Super Tuscans, the Tenuta Sette Ponti estate is nestled in the heart of Chianti on forested rolling hills in eastern Tuscany. Up to 1997 the harvest from the estate was largely sold to top Tuscan producers until the luxury goods mogul Antonio Moretti decided to try establishing a winery on the property. Over the intervening years Tenuta Sette Ponti has developed a solid international reputation for innovative winemaking and wines which can stand amongst Tuscany’s finest. The estate’s Passi di Orma is one of their newer wines which was first produced in 2015. This blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc is made with hand-harvested grapes which are carefully selected before undergoing fermentation and maceration on the skins for 18 days. The wine is then matured in French oak barrels for six months to add further complexity and a silky smooth texture to the finished bottle. At first glance this wine immediately seduces the drinker with its vivacious ruby red hue and intoxicating aromas of sweet wild berries, coffee and licorice. The enchantment continues on the palate which is an explosion of ripe blackberries, jammy plums, warming baking spice and earthy undertones which linger long on the tongue. The velvety mouthfeel, firm tannins and full body make this an ideal wine to serve alongside a hearty Bolognese pasta or a simply-cooked prime steak.
2018
Red Wine Sette Ponti Passi di Orma 2018
Red Wine Omen Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. Drink now, no decanting needed. Omen wines, by Atlas Wine Co, are principled about sourcing high quality fruit from hidden gem” AVA vineyards. They are committed to sustainable practice from vineyard to bottle (straight away you’ll notice the Diam Cork, label from 100% recycled material and that the wine is vegan). Alex Remy, managing partner and winemaker, set out with Omen wines with a primary goal in mind: to provide the American consumer the same benefits that the French take for granted, great wines at great value.” This cuveé is represented by Pasa Robles AVA with Bellum’s Vineyard (62%) deep alluvial soils and maritime climate, and Sierra Foothills AVA (30%) from multiple vineyard sites. The blend sees an addition of 5% Syrah from Shenandoah Valley and 3% Petite Syrah from Fairplay AVA. This medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted for early drinking. It may be held for a couple of years, but this wine is approachable now and not one for a long-time cellar stay. Fruit-driven and juicy, it displays moderate oak spice, medium tannins and acidity. This Cab has a lot of versatility; it would pair nicely with heavier fare such as beef and lamb, but could also lend nicely to a fuller-bodied seafood. Anything featuring tomato, red pepper or eggplant would be a hit, as well.
2018
Red Wine Pasetti Testarossa Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2018. Decant 1 hour before serving. The Pasetti winery was founded in Francavilla on Italy’s Adriatic coast, but over the past couple of decades the family have expanded their estate to include vineyards in inland areas of Abruzzo at the foot of the Apennines and also in the verdant Tirino Valley. Testarossa is Pasetti’s flagship wine and bears a distinctive red label which was inspired by the family’s ginger-haired women who played such a key role in the winery’s history. The grapes are grown in the foothills of Gran Sasso, the highest mountain in the Apennines, at an altitude of 550 metres. These conditions ensure that the grapes achieve optimum maturity as well as plenty of elegance and freshness thanks to the cooling breezes from the mountains. The grapes are typically picked very late, at the end of November, and are fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks for 18 months. The young wine is then transferred to large oak casks for an additional 18-22 months of ageing. The result is a rich, full-bodied wine with ample dark berry notes and hints of cigar box on the nose. On the palate there is a firm structure, velvety texture and intense cassis and blackberry flavours which linger on the finish.
2018