Red Wine Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2015. The Val d’Orcia nature reserve in Tuscany has long been recognised for its rolling hills, it’s natural and secluded beauty and the distinctly fertile soil. The wine estate of Castiglion (walled castle) del Bosco (wood) has soaked up the turbulent history of these parts for more than 1000 years.
2015
Red Wine Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2015
Red Wine Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Vignolo 2015. Decant 2 hours before serving. The Cavallotto family have been growing Nebbiolo in the prestigious Bricco Boschis cru in Castiglione Falletto since 1929, but it was only in 1948 that they began to bottle their own Barolo under the family name. Today the estate is run by the fifth generation of the family, Alfio, Giuseppe and Laura Cavallotto, who have helped put it on the map for exceptional Barolos. Cavallotto has even been described as the greatest Barolo producer few people have ever heard of” by Italian wine writer Antonio Galloni. This magnificent Barolo Riserva is crafted from old vines planted in 1948 and 1966 in the family’s prized Vignolo vineyard. The south-facing aspect and calcareous marl soils helps to produce a graceful yet opulent Barolo with plenty of character. The fruit is macerated for an extended 26 day period in stainless steel tanks to extract ample tannins and flavours before being aged in Slavonian oak casks for 4 years followed by another year in the bottle. Muscular and brooding in character, it’s a good idea to decant this wine for a couple of hours before serving to experience its true beauty. The nose is dominated by sour cherries, kirsch, rose petals and notes of tar which are so typical for Barolo, while the palate offers firm tannins and a very long finish seasoned with spice, polished leather, and hints of tobacco leaf.
2015
Red Wine Ceretto Barolo Brunate 2015. Decant 2 hours before serving. Considered one of Piedmont’s most important estates, Ceretto was founded in the 1930s by Riccardo Ceretto who helped play a pioneering role in the viticultural history of the region. His two sons Bruno and Marcello were amongst the first to start making estate-bottled single vineyard wines in the Barolo region. Today Ceretto is run by the third generation who are continuing the family legacy of producing exceptional wines from the estate’s 160 hectares of prime vineyards. Brunate is a legendary Barolo vineyard set between the famous towns of La Morra and Barolo itself. The Ceretto family own 5.5 hectares split between two plots of 40 year old vines planted at 230 to 400 metres above sea level. The vines are farmed organically, and once it arrives at the winery the grapes are spontaneously fermented in steel vats using wild yeasts. The young wine is then aged in oak casks for 24 months followed by 12 months in the bottle. Delicate notes of violets, sunbaked earth, and bright red fruit dominate on the nose, while the first sip reveals a bold full body, firm tannins, and a well-developed structure which will help the wine age beautifully in the cellar. It can also be enjoyed now, if desired, alongside hearty red meat or game dishes to help soften the punchy tannins.
2015