Red Wine Thymiopoulos Terra Petra 2019. No need to decant. Apostolos Thymiopoulos is certainly one of the most interesting Greek wine producers. With more than ten years behind him, it is possible to verify the progress made and the accuracy of his choices year after year. In Naoussa, the main grape is Xinomavro, a difficult grape with strong acidity and firm tannins, which can quickly turn out to be rustic and somehow hostile. Yet Thymiopoulos is capable of producing extraordinarily fine wines, with a vein of ripe tannin always under control, and perfectly integrated into the fruit palette. These are deep and complex wines, which can evolve wonderfully and develop irresistible notes of black truffles. The Terra Petra of the Thymiopoulos estate is a cuvée of 70% Xinomavro, 30% Stavroto, and Krassato, coming from the Rapsani appellation, about fifty kilometers south of Naoussa, at the foot of Mount Olympus, at about 600 m altitude). The grapes are grown on shale soils, composed of quartz and clayey-calcareous, and, after 1 month of maceration, the wine ages in 500l vats and barrels for 18 months. It is a very elegant red wine that displays a complex and intriguing aromatic palette with delightful floral notes. On the palate, the wine has a broad flavor. It is fresh, and has nice tannins that enhance the fruity character. Have it with duck breast or roasted guinea fowl.
2019
Red Wine Thymiopoulos Terra Petra 2019
Red Wine Tinazzi Ca de Rocchi Dugal Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2019. Renowned throughout the Veneto region for their winemaking heritage and excellence, the Tinazzis founded their family winery in Cavaion Veronese in Verona. In 1984 they began exporting their wines across the globe and they have also expanded into other wine regions, purchasing estates like Feudo Croce in Puglia and Poderi Campopian in Sant’Ambrogio Di Valpolicella. The family’s Ca de Rocchi label focuses on producing delicious, easy-drinking wines which are crafted using traditional Veneto winemaking techniques. This delicious cuvee is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes sourced from the Moraine hills in Verona. Once in the winery the grapes are gently crushed and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks. The next step is to age the wines in large French and American oak barrels for 6-8 months. The benefit of this approach to winemaking is that the luscious fruit flavours and natural character of the grape is preserved, yet there is still additional complexity and toasty notes from the light touch of oak. The nose is bursting with wild berries, plums and dark cherries, while the first sip reveals a medium body, smooth tannins and a very pure, clean finish. A great wine to enjoy alongside a generous platter of cheeses and charcuterie or pizza and pasta dishes.
2019
Red Wine Tinazzi Ca de Rocchi Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Montere 2019. The Tinazzi family have been winemakers for generations and in 1968 they founded Cantina Tinazzi in Cavaion Veronese in Verona. Shortly afterwards, in 1984, they first began to export their wines abroad and in 1986 the family bought their Tenuta Valleselle estate in Bardolino. More recently, they have continued to expand their winemaking operations across Italy by acquiring the Feudo Croce estate in Puglia as well as Poderi Campopian in Sant’Ambrogio Di Valpolicella. Ca de Rocchi is their line of Valpolicella wines made with plenty of rich ripe fruit and a smooth texture and tannins. This is their Montere which is made in a traditional Ripasso style with Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes from several hilly vineyards at 150-300 metres above sea level. Once in the winery the grapes are carefully crushed and destemmed before being vinified in stainless steel tanks. Over the winter the wine is fermented a second time or repassed” over the skins already used for Amarone wines. The final stage is maturation in 5-20 hectolitre French and American oak casks for 12 months, creating a luscious, full bodied wine which is bursting with cassis, red cherry, and ripe plum notes. On the palate there are plenty of soft tannins, a smooth texture and a very long finish.
2019