Red Wine Siro Pacenti Vecchie Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2012. Located near the stunning medieval town of Siena, Siro Pacenti is a classic Tuscan wine estate of gorgeous rolling hills and historic vineyards. The winery was founded by Siro Pacenti in 1970 after he purchased a five-hectare vineyard just to the north of Montalcino. The estate now has some 60 hectares of land planted to vines, olive trees, and cereals, including some land to the south of Montalcino which was planted by Siro’s father in the 1960s. Siro’s son Giancarlo has been running the estate since 1988, and has cemented the winery’s reputation as one of Montalcino’s finest by focusing on exceptional quality fruit, biodynamic agriculture, and state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. This is his old vine Brunello sourced from 35 year old vineyards and aged in French oak barrels for 24 months followed by another 12-24 months of bottle ageing. Siro Pacenti’s wines are frequently described as pure and elegant, and this cuvee is no exception with luscious dark fruit complemented by robust tannins and a generous full body. Hints of cassis, dark berry and plum dominate on the nose, along with undertones of forest floor, baked earth, and cigar box spice from the lengthy barrel ageing. A great addition to the cellar, although it can also be approached now alongside hearty dishes like venison, a ribeye steak, or a rack of ribs.
2012
Red Wine Siro Pacenti Vecchie Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2012
Red Wine Tenuta Cucco Barolo Serralunga 2012. Decant 1 hour before serving. Set at the foot of Serralunga d’Alba’s stunning 14th century castle, Tenuta Cucco is named after the cucco” or summit which is the estate’s oldest vineyard. The property is known for its exceptional terroir in the most ancient part of Barolo, with the hillside vineyards providing perfectly-balanced fruit with plenty of perfume and freshness. Conditions here are ideal for ripening the Nebbiolo grapes and refining the variety’s naturally high tannins. This classic Barolo is a great example of the Tenuta Cucco style with plenty of youthful exuberance despite its maturity. Following the harvest the grapes are vinified and the wine is then aged in traditional 25-hectolitre barrels for 24 months. After bottling the wine then spends another 12 months maturing in the bottle before it is ready for release. Dried rose, plum, licorice and spice define the expressive and intensive nose while the first sip offers a generous full body, firm tannins, and a well-developed structure. The rich fruit character on the palate is carefully balanced by savoury notes and a streak of freshness, culminating in a long, refined finish with hints of tobacco and dried herbs. A great wine to pair with red meat, game, or even hearty stews.
2012
Red Wine Valenciso Rioja Reserva 10 Anos Despues Edicion Limitada 2012. Decant before drinking. Valenciso was founded in 1998 by Luis Valentin and Carmen Enciso, who initially started working together on a traditional Rioja house. Inspired by Tempranillo, they founded the winery with the mission to showcase the native Spanish grape variety, known for being robust yet elegant and pure. The name, Valenciso, is a clever combination of the two surnames, Valentín and Enciso. The Valenciso winemaking philosophy is rooted in the concept of minimum intervention and allowing the necessary time in all steps of winemaking, from vineyard to bottle. Today, Valenciso is the only winery in the region utilizing only concrete vessels for fermentation. The 10 Años Despues Edicion Rioja Reserva is Valenciso’s, Proof of the perfect balance between fruit and oak.” Made from 100% Tempranillo, this wine spends five years in cement tanks, four years in large oak barrels and one year in bottle to finally be bottled 10 years after harvest. Exclusively from the north of La Rioja Alta, the wine is sourced from 60-year-old vines and exhibits fresh acidity and bold tannins, with an exquisitely nuanced flavor profile. On the nose is immediate leather, smoked cedar, and cocoa with a hint of balsamic reduction. The palate features ripe blackberry, cherry, and plum with sweet tobacco, and vanilla. Try this wine with barbecued meat dishes, poultry, hearty pastas, polenta, and Mexican cuisine.
2012