Tim Wildman Italy Tasting

Wine Wisdom Class 5
Vivat Bacchus
Italy

Map

1. Pecorino "La Merlettaie", 2008, Ciu Ciu, Marche, Italy
Pecorino grape.
Stone fruits and floral notes. High acid, medium body. High intensity fruit on palate.
Trivia note: Harvey Nichols replaced their Pinot Grigio with this and a falanghina. "Pinot Grigio is textured, alcoholic water."

2. Soave Superiore 2008, Temellini, Veneto
Garganega grape
Rich, nutty. Aged on lees with plenty of battonage.

3. Rosso di Montepulciano 2006, Vittorio Innocente, Tuscany
Grapes: Sangiovese (called "prugnolo genile" in that region), Canaiolo Nero, Mammolo
Pale. Red fruit character. This wine was served slightly chilled. Medium-high tannin, high acid. A little short but otherwise good. Herbal, delicate. Good and enjoyable but nothing serious.

4. Primitivo "Gioia del Colle" 2005, Fatalone, Puglia
Primitivo grape
Rustic, black fruit on nose. Smoky. Juicy red fruit and tomato on palate. Medium tannin. Good length. Well balanced. High alcohol (15%) but don't feel the tannin. Excellent.

5. Barolo Classico Riserva 2001, Giacomo Borgogno, Piedmont
Nebbiolo grape
Pale. Tar and roses - the classic barolo combination. Delicate spice. Asian spice and balsamic. Delicate flavour but plenty of tannin. Well balanced.

6. Moscato d'Asti "Lumine" 2009, Ca' d' Gal, Piedmont
Moscato Bianco grape
5% abv. Similar sugar to a sauternes. Very floral and grapey. Good acid. A bit short but not cloying. Good.