Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019
An icon in the region, the Allegrini family has been a pivotal part of Valpolicella’s history since the 16th century. This long winemaking tradition, combined with grapes of exceptional quality (all Allegrini wines are produced from estate-grown fruit), has led to the brand’s success and sterling reputation. The controlled drying (appassimento) of the harvested grapes, which lasts for around three to four months, brings intense aromas of undergrowth and dark fruits, such as cherries and blackberry jam. An hour in the decanter would allow this wine to further unfurl and reveal its beautiful bouquet, which also includes notes of dried violets, dark chocolate, coffee and tobacco. Intense flavors, silky-smooth tannins, and a long, dry finish feature on the powerful palate, which is balanced by the elegance and finesse of a cooler vintage. Traditionally enjoyed with game, roasted and grilled meats, casseroles and well matured cheeses. This style of wine makes an excellent match for hearty dishes. Their distinctive flavor compliments exotic sweet and sour cuisine and is therefore also perfect with Asian and middle eastern dishes.
Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Rosso Veronese 2021
Palazzo della Torre is one of the wines that has made Allegrini famous internationally, as it was the precursor of the double fermentation method: most of the grapes are vinified at harvest, while the remaining part is left to partially dry (appassimento). In January the wine is blended with the raisinated grapes, and a second fermentation begins. It then ages in second use French oak barriques for 15 months. A blend of Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella and Sangiovese, this is an elegant, harmonious wine with considerable structure. Expect notes of vanilla, black pepper and cloves, with gentle nuances of raisined grapes. The palate is velvety, with soft tannins and a long and persistent finish.
Altano Douro Red 2020
Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses 2021
While originally conceived of as a value wine, Les Terrasses has slowly evolved into Álvaro’s statement of what makes Priorat special. Drawing on 15+ years of study, Terrasses is sourced from many of the region’s steepest and oldest vineyards—many of them north-facing to avoid the intense afternoon sun. Today, Les Terrasses is today perhaps the single finest introduction to Priorat in the marketplace.
Amiral de Beychevelle 2020
Amiral de Beychevelle 2020 is impetuous and very expressive. Notes of violet emerge in a predominantly floral bouquet. The tannins are powerful and silky. Lovely fresh palate, with a combination of red fruit and spices.Another fine wine in the recent series of excellent vintages of Amiral de Beychevelle.
Antinori Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2019
The Pian Delle Vigne estate is located 6 kilometers (3.5 miles) southwest of Montalcino. Its name comes from the eponymous area where a characteristic nineteenth century railway station is located. Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is ruby red in color. The nose presents a complex bouquet of cherries, black cherries and blood oranges that follows over to notes of violets, vanilla, and light balsamic aromas. The palate is fresh, savory with silky, elegant tannins. The long, persistent finish is defined by notes of citrus fruit, delicate spicy aromas and hints of vanilla.
Antinori Tignanello 2020
Intensely ruby red in color, Tignanello 2020 has exceptional aromatic complexity: notes of ripe red fruit especially cherries, strawberries and blackberries are accompanied by delicate floral hints of violets, mallow blossoms and roses. Its bouquet is completed by notes of roasted coffee and cocoa powder. The vibrant entry gives way to a caressing layered mouthfeel. The wine closes with spicy notes of pepper and licorice that merge with pleasant sensations of aromatic herbs for a fresh, lengthy finish.
Aging took place in French and Hungarian oak barrels, partly new and partly second passage, for a total of 15 months: after an initial period of aging the lots separately, they were blended then completed barrel aging. Tignanello, made primarily with Sangiovese and a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, underwent an additional 12-month period of aging in the bottle before being released.Appassionata Allegro Pinot Noir 2019
The opening tier of Appassionata Pinot Noir bears the name of the Piano Sonata’s first movement, Allegro, which is the musical pace of a brisk walk. This cuvée is a selection of barrels that show a precocious liveliness and expressivity that will drink well as a youthful wine, but is built for aging. It is bottled after 18 to 20 months in barrel, and released three years after the vintage. The Allegro Pinot Noir beautifully displays the beginnings of bottle maturation, and will age gracefully for many years.
