Red Wine Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2018. Meaning dawn sky” or new beginning in New Zealand’s native Maori language, Ata Rangi is today one of the country’s top producers of Pinot Noir thanks to the vision of Clive Paton. Paton started out as a dairy farmer, but in 1980 he had a dramatic career change and began to explore Marlborough’s viticultural potential. Despite a lack of winemaking experience, Paton had read a scientific study comparing Marlborough’s terroir to that found in Burgundy and he set out to learn how to make top quality wines here. Over the intervening years Paton has honed his winemaking skills to produce sensational Pinot Noir with a worldwide cult following. His Crimson Pinot Noir takes its name from Project Crimson, a charity supporting the saving of two endangered native trees, which is supported by Ata Rangi. The grapes are harvested from the estate’s younger vines which creates a fresh, fruit-forward profile with plenty of bright red cherry fruit. To showcase the natural character of the Pinot the must is vinified in stainless steel tanks and then matured in oak barrels for 9 months. This adds subtle hints of sweet spice on the palate, gentle tannins, and a silky smooth texture.
2018
Red Wine Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2018
Red Wine Inama Carminium 2018. The Inama estate is situated in the gentle rolling hills to the east of the city of Verona where Giuseppe Inama first began acquiring small plots in prime locations in the 1960s. In the 1990s Giuseppe’s son, Stefano, took over the winemaking and began leading the estate in an exciting new direction with the introduction of more international grape varietals and experimenting with producing red wines in the warm Colli Berici region. The Inama Carminium is a harmonious blend of Carmenere and Merlot which are planted on excellent mineral-rich terra rossa sites owned by the family. Carmenere has been grown here since the 19th century when it was planted by returning Italian emigrants from Aquitaine and today it is considered very much a local variety. The Inama family work their vineyards organically and pursue a philosophy of minimal intervention in the winery and vineyard. On the nose there are inviting notes of wild red berries, black pepper and sweet spices, while the palate offers hints of red cherries, coffee beans and gentle herbal notes. The generous full body and soft tannins are complemented by a balancing freshness and a long finish. Try pairing this elegant red with charcuterie, hard cheeses or Italian classics like fresh pasta served with a rich ragu sauce or a spicy pizza.
2018
Red Wine Istine 550 Merlot 2018. Decant for 2 hours before serving. The Fronti family runs Istine, a high-end organic family vineyard located in Radda-in-Chianti, Tuscany’s Classico DOCG area. They started the winery within the last couple of decades, making them part of wine’s new generation. Recently their wines shone out in blind taste tests conducted by Wine Spectator, further putting them up on the map in the wine business. This merlot with a Bordeaux-style edge comes with an exquisite, streamlined expression. The seductive fragrances of iris, scented berries, eucalyptus, as well as vinegar notes, and medicinal herbs greet you as you open this dazzling crimson. Polished tannins and lively acidity provide the structure for this beauty. The coloration is a deep cherry red, with scents of red berries like cherries, blackberries, and blueberries. The flavor is fruity and graceful, with a crisp, earthy, pleasant aftertaste. The wineries are bordered by a thick oak forest, located on the famous Radda area with skeleton-rich soils and contrasting micaceous limestone at 400 to 600 metres above sea level. The grapes are grown here and are aged in tonneaux for 12 months following fermentation in thermal cement tanks. Preferably, allow at least 15-30 minutes for this handcrafted wine to aerate before serving to get the most out of it. It pairs well with Red Meat Soup, Duck Confit, Vintage Cheese, Roasted and Barbecued Meat, and Florentine Pasta.
2018