origin: Italy

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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Saracco Moscati D’Asti 2014

92
Saracco
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Delightful with simple fresh fruit desserts and even blue cheese. Bright and inviting — not heavy on the palate. Delicate notes of apricot and honeysuckle.
Saracco Moscati D’Asti 2014

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Coppo Moncalvina Moscato d’Asti 2014

95
Coppo Moncalvina
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Piedmont
Retail Price: $18

Tasting Notes: Straw yellow, with just a touch of green. The nose is all about stone and tree fruits, with floral undertones. The taste is clean, fruity and nicely textured.
Coppo Moncalvina Moscato d’Asti 2014

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Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscato d’Asti 2014

95
Marchesi di Barolo Zagara
Varietal: Moscato
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Moscato d'Asti
Retail Price: $19

Tasting Notes: Straw yellow, with hints of gold. The nose is comprised of orange blossoms, for which the wine is named. The palate echoes the nose, with the addition of stone fruit. Bright and clean, from start to the lingering finish.
Marchesi di Barolo Zagara Moscato d’Asti 2014

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Castello Banfi Florus Muscadello 2012

97
Castello Banfi
Fanciful Name: Florus
Varietal: Dessert
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Moscadello di Montalcino
Retail Price: $31 per 500-ml.

Tasting Notes: Golden yellow in color, with great viscosity. The nose is highlighted by its dried fruit aspects, with a touch of spice. Good weight and a smooth texture on the palate are just part of its long, balanced, exquisite finish.
Castello Banfi Florus Muscadello 2012

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