Italian Wine Continued on Winestudio with Justin Gallen of Rinascimento Wine

The final night with Justin Gallen brought us 2 delicious wines in the GD Vajra Barbera and Barolo. The conversation this evening focused on growth, popularity and future of Justin and his journey. I enjoyed his comment he buys 3 bottles each time in case one is bad. Sound advice from an expert in the industry.

I started with the G.D Vajra 2011 Barbera. Born from the vineyards Fossati, San Pietro, Passau and Fontani where the soils are rich in white marl. This type of soil produces aromatic wild berry notes which are very delicate. We also find grapes from Piedicucche known for dark soil which gives the wine body and structure. From the Bricco Bertone Vineyard we find the character of deep dark fruit.

The nose on this wine is full of dark cherry, rose pedals, violets,  raspberry with hints of spice and leather. The mouth is so juicy with raspberry and cherry followed by  floral notes and a slight hint of spice and vanilla. Bright and elegant. Loved this wine.

Up next the 2009 G.D Vajra Barolo. The wine is crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. While considered young by many in the group this evening this wine needs to open up well before drinking to fully appreciate it's quality. Beautiful aromas of red fruit, fresh cut pine needles giving the wine a woodsy character with cracked pepper. The mouth is wonderful with red raspberry and juicy plum. The woodsy character is still evident throughout the taste with a nice hint of peppery spice. Amazed at how this wine calmed after 40 minutes in the glass and became this silky elegant juice.

Justin thanks for letting us into your world of Italian wine and Rinascimento Wine Company. Protocol Wine thanks for including me in this wine education program. I had a blast.

Cheers
Dan

WineStudio Rocks with Rinascimento Wine Company Italian Style

My first time participating on the ever popular wine education show #WineStudio. This month we are enjoying the wine knowledge of Justin Gallen Owner of Rinascimento Wine Company a fine wine brokerage. The 2 Italian wines chosen for this week are the 2013 Agricola Cirelli Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo and the 2010 Aglianico. What impresses me about Justin is his passion for bringing quality Italian wines to California, his knowledge of the landscape of Italy and his drive to success. You can listen to his interview by clicking the following link Justin Interview

So the first wine sipped tonight was the 2013 Agricola Cirelli Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo a nice little tasty wine. Produced from the grapes of Montepulciano the berries were harvested hand picked from young vineyards following the principle techniques of organic farming. The nose is bright and fresh with cherry cluster bursts, rose pedals, citrus and vanilla notes. Allow the wine to open and the cherry is replaces with strawberry creme. The mouth has nice acidity along with fresh strawberry and cherry with a soft vanilla and citrus finish.

Second wine of the discussion the 2010 Aglianico. Aged in steel and cement vats for up to 10 months then bottled as the wine aged naturally. The aroma changes dramatically from popping the cork till 30 minutes after opening. Dark fruit, black licorice, forest dew, floral notes with spicy pepper when first opened. Pour through an aerator and fresh red berries with anise and licorice are front and center. The mouth is lush with berries and spice with a good amount of tannins on the finish. My pairing for this wine would be a beef roast with a rich broth and root vegetables.

Great conversation this evening and even better wine. Stay tuned for next week.

Cheers
Dan




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2012 Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel North Sonoma Sonomy County

*Sample Received*

Rodney Strong Vineyards  family owned,  committed to producing quality wines and protecting the environment. They are Sonoma County's first carbon neutral winery. Special year at the winery as they are celebrating 25 years Of Family Ownership.

The 2012 vintage was an early harvest with mother nature provided near perfect growing conditions. Warm and dry, little if any rain with zero storms or heat spikes and cool nights. The grapes were picked from the vineyards 16 days ahead of the prior year. The vineyards supplying the fruit for this offering come from the Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek.

On the nose red raspberry with lush plum. Hints of blueberry, black pepper spice and cloves. As the wine warms toasty oak notes with a hint of fresh herbs. Solid!

The mouth exhibits fresh raspberry jam with subtle hints of blueberries and plums. Nice little spice of pepper and cloves compliment the fruit. The tannins are soft on the finish. I sipped this for #sonomachat on Wednesday and paired with country style barbeque pork ribs. Delicious.

If you are in the area check out the Events Page and see what's happening at the winery. Help them celebrate their 25th Anniversary and enjoy sipping their award winning wines. Give Robert and Rachel a big hello!

Cheers
Dan

2010 Poggiotondo Rosso Toscano

Amore! Somebody please tell me why I don't drink more Italian wines. Affordable, delicious quality wines from regions rich in history and beautiful settings. This particular wine I purchased for under $25 and is a blend of 40% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, and 30% Syrah.

The nose is full of rich dark cherry aromas with soft plum notes and and a kiss of spice. Red berry notes as you continue to swirl. Rich and ellegant.

The mouth is wonderful with the red fruit and soft tannins on this juicy wine. Ripe cherry and juicy plum with a faint hint of spice on the finish. Such an easy drinker! I paired with a nice big plate of spaghetti and it was an excellent pairing.

Cheers
Dan

2011 Seven Of Hearts Gran Moraine Chardonnay

I finally broke out my last cellar selection of Seven Of Hearts Chardonnay and happens to be my signed bottle when Byron and Dana stopped by for a visit at First Avenue Wine House We poured this wine while relaxing on the back porch and both my wife and daughter are now fans of Byron's Chardonnay. She who I must obey has requested more bottles on hand. Great price point range $25-$29.

The nose is absolutely beautiful opening with a warm apple and cinnamon aroma. The next layer gives the wine a scent of the tropics with pineapple and peaches. Faint hint of sweet vanilla. So inviting to the nose. This is my 3rd bottle of this wine and it really improves each time.

The mouth is full of ripe crisp apple, pear and fresh sliced peaches. Excellent ripe fruit with a kiss of cinnamon spice. Allow the wine to warm a touch and the peach becomes dominant. Well balanced with the perfect amount of acidity. Pouring really well Byron!

I highly recommend all of the Seven of Hearts portfolio of wines and hope that when you are in Oregon you stop by the tasting room 217 West Main St Carlton OR. You will hear the passion Byron has for making wine and his philosophy. I could listen to him for hours and sip his wines everyday.

Cheers
Dan