Red Wine Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012. As one of the most prestigious estates in Montalcino with a record of winemaking going back four centuries, Argiano set a standard for the rest to follow. This Tuscan estate approaches the process with a deep respect for the vine. Bernardino Sani has been at the helm since 2015 and under his guidance, Argiano has become the first company in the Montalcino region to go entirely plastic-free. Their sustainable and organic approach has garnered them multitudes of awards and top-rated wines in recent years – most notably for their Brunellos. Born from the most choice tracts of Sangiovese in the Argiano estate, delectable scents of cherry and plum marry with leather and tobacco in this fine vintage. This dry, full-bodied red has already had some time to age, and may well be entering its most enjoyable years now. A backbone of ripe red fruit is braced by a bite of acidity and a rolling wave of sweet spice. This vintage is complex, with a long, mouth-watering finish – enjoy through to 2050. Best paired with savory flavours and dark meats, such as steak or game with a creamy mushroom sauce.
2012
Red Wine Argiano Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012
Red Wine Castello Bonomi Cordelio Curtafranca 2012. Castello Bonomi is the name of an opulent Art Nouveau chateau built in the late 19th century which sits at the heart of the estate. While best known for their excellent Franciacorta sparkling wines, the winery also produces reds like this complex Cordelio cuvee. It is bottled under the Curtefranca appellation which is typically used for still red and white wines produced in the Franciacorta valley. Castello Bonomi’s vineyards are planted at an altitude of 275 metres on the slopes of Monte Orfano in the far south of Franciacorta. Conditions here are ideal for making an elegant yet complex red wine composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot along with a dash of Cabernet Franc, Barbera and Nebbiolo. In the winery the fruit is fermented in small oak casks separately according to variety. The young wines are then matured in new oak barrels for 16 months before the final blend is crafted. Crushed red berries, toasted oak, and spice dominate the expressive nose, while the first sip reveals a silky smooth texture, fine tannins, and solid core of bright fruit. The long finish is seasoned with hints of cinnamon, clove and woodsmoke, making this a great partner for smoked meats, charcuterie, and tomato-based pasta dishes.
2012
Red Wine Farnese Opi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane Riserva 2012. Decant 1 hour before serving. This powerful Italian red is crafted from the Abruzzo region’s iconic and namesake black variety, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. The grapes are carefully harvested by hand, sorted manually twice and macerated on the skins for 25 days. Following vinification the young wine is then matured in oak barrels for up to 24 months to add polish and extra complexity. On the nose there are evocative notes of black cherry, pepper, licorice and sweet baking spice while the first sip reveals a well-rounded texture, full body and long-lasting dark fruit flavours. The bold character and well-built structure makes this a great partner for red meat dishes including barbecued ribs, steak and hearty ragu sauces served with fresh pasta. Farnese takes its name from Ottavio Farnese, the 16th century Duke of Palma and husband of Princess Margaret of Austria, who together with his wife was a key figure in Abuzzo’s viticultural history. The couple planted vines on their land in the region and began to produce exceptional wines that were drunk at many of the most splendid courts in Europe. Today the Farnese group continues that legacy by creating delicious wines from some of Abruzzo’s finest vineyards.
2012