Category Archives: Italy

2012 Mandoleto Pinot Grigio

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Imported by Fourth Wave Wine. As with the last release it gives me pretty much all I want from am inexpensive Grigio. Please feel free to ignore the score. This wine is all about context – what you are eating and … Continue reading →

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2013 Mandoleto Catarrato Terre Sicilia IGT

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Is it me or is the current wave of enthusiasm for Sicilian reds not quite matched by that shown for Sicilian whites? Imported by Fourth Wave Wine. Smells pretty much like eating a green apple by the sea. Brine. Lime over … Continue reading →

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2012 La Vendetta Toscana Sangiovese IGT

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

A Sangiovese with a riper, fuller fruit profile that some might even refer to as somewhat New World. Includes 8% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Imported by Fourth Wave Wine. Cherries, charcoal, darker berry fruits, dried herbs and raspy tannin. … Continue reading →

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2011 Marchesi Alfieri La Tota Barbera d’Asti

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

A little sweeter than the Mirafiore Barbera reviewed below. Oak is higher in the mix, offering a vanilla sheen. Imported by Beaune & Beyond. Quite concentrated raspberry and red cherry flavours sitting atop bay leaf and earth. A dash of spice … Continue reading →

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2010 Mirafiore Barbera d’Alba Superiore DOC

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

From Estate owned vineyards near Serralunga d’Alba in the east of Barolo and matured in large format (2,000 litre – 14,000 litre) barrels for twelve months. Imported by Fourth Wave Wine. A little bit of reduction blows off and we’re … Continue reading →

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2009 Castello Romitorio Chianti Colli Senesi

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Chianti Colli Senesi is one of the seven sub-zones that produce Chianti DOCG. This wine is imported by James Busby. The fruit is fading rapidly already, leaving behind a hard and astringent structural edifice. It’s like drinking the ruins of … Continue reading →

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2010 Prunotto Occhetti Nebbiolo d’Alba

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Such a huge difference between 2009 and 2010 vintages in Piedmont, the heatwave of the former year producing sweeter, broader shouldered wines while the 2010s I’ve seen possess a delicacy of perfume and body which I find most appealing. This … Continue reading →

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2009 Mirafiore Langhe Nebbiolo

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

From a hot year, though not to the extent of 2003. It’s quite forward and has more fruit sweetness. The structure is also less foreboding. Sure it’s not a great Nebbiolo but it does more than scratch an itch and … Continue reading →

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2011 Marion Borgomarcellise Valpolicella

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Sourced from younger vines on the family’s property in Veneto toward the north-east of Italy. The only wine in the Marion stable that doesn’t incorporate dried grapes. A blend of Corvino, Rondinella and Molinara. Imported by Franc About Wine. Bucolic. Juicy, … Continue reading →

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2012 Ca’ Montini Terre di Valfredda Pinot Grigio

Posted on January 11, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

A single vineyard Grigio from Trentino in the far north of Italy. Vines are around the 20 year-old mark. Doesn’t see any oak. Imported by Franc About Wine. Very much in the neutral mode – more about shape and texture … Continue reading →

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