Category: Italy

Comelli Friulano 2014

95
Comelli
Varietal: Friulano
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Colli Orientali del Friuli
Retail Price: $25.99

Tasting Notes: From the D.O.C. Friuli Colli Orientali. Formerly called “Tocai,” this unique and lovely wine has aromas and flavors of melon, apricot and citrus with a lush honey-like texture. The lengthy finish has refreshing acidity and is not quite dry.
Comelli Friulano 2014

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Luisa Merlot 2014

92
Luisa
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Friuli Isonzo
Retail Price: $23

Tasting Notes: Pure Merlot, with a minimum of oak exposure, from northeastern Italy. Quite dark in the glass, the black fruit components dominate, due to the fermentation and aging in steel. Lovely and supple, a great Merlot for those who want to taste the grape, and not so much the barrel. A great wine, at a great price.
Luisa Merlot 2014

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Nearco Col D’Orcia Merlot 2012

96
Nearco
Fanciful Name: Col D'Orcia
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Sant' Antimo
Retail Price: $42

Tasting Notes: A lovely example of Tuscan winemaking, outside of the Sangiovese box. Half Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and a touch of Petit Verdot. Youthful ruby color in the glass, with aromas and flavors of red fruit, and hints of vanilla and spice. A long and elegant finish.
Nearco Col D’Orcia Merlot 2012

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Mezzacorona Rosé 2014

90
Mezzacorona
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Retail Price: $12

Tasting Notes: From northern Italy, the wine is composed of Lagrein, an outstanding variety of the area. Bright pink with purple hints, the wine provides a lovely bouquet of red fruit and subtle floral notes. The palate is balanced by the clean, bright fruit, as well as the backbone and structure common to so many wines of the region. Great with food, it is a very satisfying wine.
Mezzacorona Rosé 2014

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Fattoria di Basciano Rosé 2013

90
Fattario di Bisciano
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Retail Price: $11

Tasting Notes: This rosé of 100% Sangiovese. It provides a nice textural experience with seemingly contradictory tart cranberry and ripe cherry flavors accented by hints of fresh chopped herbs. The finish has a touch of sweetness that makes this ideal for consuming with spicy cuisine.
Fattoria di Basciano Rosé 2013

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Castello Banfi Rosé 2013

91
Castello Banfi
Fanciful Name: Centine
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Retail Price: $12

Tasting Notes: A Super Tuscan rosé; a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. A bright pale pink, the nose is highlighted by wild berry and some cherry. The taste is very similar, with bright and clean berry fruit, with good texture and structure. The finish is clean, and bright. Exceptionally refreshing and tasty.
Castello Banfi Rosé 2013

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Borgo Magredo Pinot Nero 2014

91
Borgo Magredo
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Friuli Grave
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: From the northeast of Italy, this pinot noir has all of the right pieces in the right places. Good acidity, with plenty of substance. Balance, a long finish and overall good taste make this a winner in anybody’s book.
Borgo Magredo Pinot Nero 2014

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Villa Sandi Il Fresco Rosé

92
Villa Sandi Il Fresco
Fanciful Name: Il Fresco
Varietal: Rosé
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Veneto
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: A lovely and bright blend of Glera and Pinot Nero. A small amount of the red wine is added to the white, contributing to the pale salmon color. Fresh berries on the nose are followed by the bright fruit, with some added weight and complexity. A longer finish adds to the appeal.
Villa Sandi Il Fresco Rosé

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Tiefenbrunner Turmhof Pinot Nero 2013

92
Tiefenbrunner Turmhof
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Alto Adige - Suditrol
Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: Famous for sauvignon blanc, Tiefenbrunner demonstrates its ability to produce world-class red wines with this pinot noir. Bright and spicy red fruit, good acidity, and structure showcase the wine’s quality and class.
Tiefenbrunner Turmhof Pinot Nero 2013

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Gottardi Blauburgunder 2012

94
Gottardi
Fanciful Name: Blauburgunder
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Alto Adige - Suditrol
Retail Price: $62

Tasting Notes: A lovely pinot noir from a region known for its cool climate. Supple, with good acid and tannins, the wine showcases the variety, while demonstrating what northern Italy can bring to the pinot noir table.
Gottardi Blauburgunder 2012

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Frescobaldi Pinot Noir 2011

94
Frescobaldi
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Pomino
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: From the renowned Frescobaldi family of Tuscany comes a pinot noir, from a region better known for Sangiovese. Elegant, structured and oh-so-very delicious. More than a mere curiosity, it’s a wonderful example of what intelligent vineyard practices and careful winemaking can achieve.
Frescobaldi Pinot Noir 2011

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Vietti Moscato D’Asti Cascinetta 2015

92
Vietti Moscato
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Italy
Retail Price: $14

Tasting Notes: Pale sunshine-yellow in color with a slight frizzante, this Moscato d’Asti has intense aromas of peaches, rose petals and ginger. On the palate it is delicately sweet and sparkling with modest acidity, good balance, good complexity and a finish of fresh apricots.
Vietti Moscato D’Asti Cascinetta 2015

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