A Ruffino Chianti Classico

A Ruffino Chianti Classico: Wine Reviewed
Ruffino Santedame Chianti Classico DOCG 2008 13 % alcohol about $17.

Let’s start with the marketing materials “Tasting Note : Bright ruby. Knockout aromas of violet, blackcurrant and minerals reminded me a little of colorino. Pure and fresh on entry, this lighter-bodied Chianti is packed with red cherry, blackcurrant and mineral flavors. The finishing bright acidity and delicate peppery tannins leave an impression of austerity, but there’s plenty of pretty fruit underneath. Score – 89. (Ian D’Agata, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2010) And now for my review.

At the first sips the wine was long and balanced but thin. Japanese rice crackers rendered its acidity harsh. My initial meal centered on a boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano that I doused with grated Parmesan cheese. Now the wine tasted of tobacco. It was round but I noted some weakness. The accompanying cucumber, tomato, broccoli sprout, red onion, and cilantro salad rendered this drink round with dark cherries. Its tannins were virtually absent.

This review of A Ruffino Chianti Classico:continues on my web site.

An Abruzzi, Italy Sangiovese

An Abruzzi, Italy Sangiovese: Wine Reviewed
Caldora Sangiovese Terre di Chieti IGT 2010 12.5 % alcohol about $10.

Let’s start with the marketing materials “Tasting Note : Ruby-garnet color; cherry and berry-spice aromas; medium-bodied, balanced acidity and medium tannins; bright cherry, ripe blackberry, earth and oak flavors, and a medium finish. Serving Suggestion : Drink now with meat lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs. “ And now for my review.

At the first sips the wine was somewhat unbalanced with raw acidity but it was long and refreshing. Japanese rice crackers thinned this liquid. My initial meal centered on a boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano that I doused with grated Parmesan cheese. Now the wine was long and slightly sweet. Its acidity was tamed. The accompanying cucumber, tomato, broccoli sprout, red onion, and cilantro salad helped this drink pick itself up and became nice and round.

This review of An Abruzzi, Italy Sangiovese:continues on my web site.

A Spanish Old Vines Garnacha

A Spanish Old Vines Garnacha:


OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Ignacio Marin Old Vine Garnacha 2008 13 % alcohol about $13.

Let’s start with the marketing materials “Tasting Note : Dark red in color with a crimson rim. Wonderfully savory, earthy nose, fresh beetroot and raspberry confiture with olive and cedarwood. Real old vine complexity coming through. The palate is dense and very rich, medium bodied with a lovely spiciness running throughout. Beautiful balance and poise. Score - Gold Medal (Best in Class). (International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2011) “ And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was slightly sweet and almost thick. It was oaky. Japanese rice crackers thickened the wine and rendered its acidity sharp. It had no problem handling the spiciness of the mixture’s Wasabi peas. When paired with slow cooked beef, the liquid was long, tasting of tobacco with a tinge of sweetness. It offered good acidity and light tannins. The accompanying potatoes brought dark cherries to the fore. Green beans in tomato sauce rendered our Spanish friend sweet. In this case the sweetness was negative and dominated the rest. After I added a generous amount of Louisiana hot sauce to the meat the wine tasted of tobacco and dark cherries.

This review of A Spanish Old Vines Garnacha: continues on my web site.

A South African Red Blend

A South African Red Blend:


OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
The Wolftrap 2009 14.5 % alcohol about $8.

Let’s start with the marketing materials “Tasting Note : Ripe and juicy with notes of black raspberry, cherry, and mulberry accented by hints of mocha and cigar spice. The mouth is silky and decadent with a wonderfully peppery finish that lingers nicely. Drink now. Score – 89. (Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, June 2011) “ And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine presented rich, dark cherries, accompanied by balanced acidity and light tannins. Japanese rice crackers gave it a bit more acidity but the Wasabi peas had not additional effect. When paired with slow cooked beef, the liquid responded with dark fruit and licorice. The accompanying potatoes made this drink quite powerful. Green beans in tomato sauce rendered our South African friend dark and sweet. After I added a generous amount of Louisiana hot sauce to the meat the wine expanded to meet the spiciness.

This review of A South African Red Blend: continues on my web site.

A Syrupy Southwestern French White

A Syrupy Southwestern French White:

Wine Reviewed
Domaine de Roustits Moelleux Gros Manseng (No Vintage) 12 % alcohol about $20

There were no marketing materials so let’s start with my sight translation of the back label. “Sweet white wine, goes well with the most delicate dishes. Great with foie gras. Drink chilled. “ And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was very long, smoky, and syrupy. The initial meal centered on an Atlantic salmon filet baked in cumin, fresh cilantro, garlic powder, and red pepper. This drink responded with a smoky, pleasant burnt taste and a great balance of sweetness and acidity. The side of quinoa increased its power. The side of beets increased its smokiness. I found it dark for a white wine. Fresh pineapple for dessert shortened our Italian friend somewhat but it was very present and syrupy.

This review of A Syrupy Southwestern French White: continues on my web site.

Revisiting A Sweet Kosher Italian White

Revisiting A Sweet Kosher Italian White:

Primo Moscato Wine

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Primo V Moscato (No Vintage) 5.5 % alcohol about $9.

Let’s start with the marketing materials “Description : Ranked # 3 in kosherwine.com 's Top 10 wines of 2010. Tasting Note : Unabashedly sweet but with enough natural acidity to carry that and keep the wine lively. Generously frizzante and on the nose and palate spring flowers and heather, those complemented nicely by notes of citrus and ripe peaches. A good quaffer but if it proves too sweet for your taste simply add two ice-cubes to your glass. Drink now. Score - 85. (Daniel Rogov, at the wine lovers page website, November 2010) “ And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was oaky and lightly sweet. I tasted some toast. The initial meal centered on an Atlantic salmon filet baked in cumin, fresh cilantro, garlic powder, and red pepper. This drink responded with refreshing acidity. The side of quinoa increased its acidity but not excessively. The side of beets took away its taste. Fresh pineapple for dessert rendered our Italian friend brisk.

This review of A Sweet Kosher Italian White: continues on my web site.

An Austrian Semi Dry Red

An Austrian Semi Dry Red: Wine Reviewed
Hafner Velvet Late Harvest Blaufrankish Semi-Dry Red KP 11 % alcohol about $13

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Description : Blaufrankish is one of the most important red grape varieties in Austria. This version is harvested late to achieve extra ripeness adding a touch of sweetness to this robust wine. Packed with dark cherry and spice with a soft velvety texture, this wine is Kosher for Passover but non-Mevushal.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was long and not excessively sweet offering light acidity and tannins. Japanese rice crackers stepped up its acidity. The initial meal consisted of boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano embellished with lots of grated Parmesan cheese. Our Austrian friend was pleasantly sweet. I tasted oak and cherries. When paired with fresh strawberries this wine virtually disappeared.

This review of An Austrian Semi Dry Red continues on my web site.

A Red Umbria, Italy Blend

A Red Umbria, Italy Blend:
Bordeaux and Italian grapes...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Falesco Vitiano 2008 Umbria Indicazione Geografica Tipica 13.5 % alcohol about $10.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : The 2008 Vitiano Rosso (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese) is a racy, sleek wine that impresses with its layers of perfumed red cherries and sweet toasted oak. The wine offers terrific clarity and precision in a slightly taut, focused style for this offering. A few months of bottle age seems prudent ... Clearly lots that have more time in bottle have the potential to show greater harmony than lots that have less time in bottle. That said, slight bottle variation issues here are a minor quibble for a wine that delivers so much value. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Score - 89. (Antonio Galloni, at the E Robert Parker web site, Aug. 2009).” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine offered light acidity but was mouth filling, very round, and long. Japanese rice crackers darkened this wine somewhat; it had good oak. The initial meal consisted of boxed Baked Ziti Siciliano that I embellished with lots of grated Parmesan cheese. Our Umbrian friend thinned out a bit but was very pleasant, even slightly sweet. When paired with fresh strawberries this wine was smoky and long.

This review continues of a Red Umbria, Italy Blend continues on my web site.