| TOP
NINE TUSCAN WINES UNDER $100.
1. Chianti Classico Giorgio Primo Fattoria
La Massa
Giampaolo names the wine Giorgio Primo after his grandfather.
His young son is also Giorgio. After the 2002 vintage, the wine
became Giorgio Primo IGT and no longer Chianti Classico docg Giorgio
Primo. Im not big on ratings or scores but if you are It has won
the highest awards including nine consecutive 3 glass awards from
Gambero Rosso. Chianti Classico docg Giorgio Primo is a marvellous
blend of two parts Sangiovese and one part Merlot grapes grown
on the estate. Giampaolo Motta’s flagship wine is not for
amateurs. it is a serious wine that comes with a serious pricetag.
This extraordinary wine explodes with fruit on the nose and palette.
Cherry, earth notes, spice and hint of vanilla. SAQ-Balthazard
2002 75$
2. Cepparello- Isole e Olena 100%
Sangiovese 2004
Cepparello means “small plant trunk” referring to
the height of the vines that grow in the magnificent Chianti Classico
zone. They are planted on the sun kissed southwest facing rolling
hills in Barberino Val d’Elsa. Paolo de Marchi is a magician.
He is the director of the estate and along with consulting oenologist
Donato Lanati they transform the sangiovese grape into one of
the most seductive and elegant wines in all of Tuscany. Tremendous
dark cherry notes are present on the palette. The flavour parade
continues with vanilla and cedar notes. The finish is as long
as my washing machine’s rinse cycle. This wine is a touch
austere in its youth but with a couple of years of cellaring,
it apologizes and explains why its my #2 wine. Enjoy. SAQ Montalvin
67$
3.
Dromos 2004
Poggio Verrano This is a relative newcomer to the top wine circles
in Tuscany. It is the fruits of labour of Francesco Bolla. For
decades his family were giants in winemaking in the Veneto region.
In the early 1980’s nearly a million cases of Soave were
imported yearly to the US. They sold to beverage giants Brown-Foreman
and Francesco headed south to Tuscany’s Maremma region.
Maremma is hotter than northern Tuscany and allows other grapes
like Alicante and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to fully ripen. The
cool breeze from the sea has a moderating effect on the climate
and the result is full bodied elegant wines that are capable of
long aging.
This modern wine has hints of blackberries, cassis and black cherries
with incredible elegant spice. Dromos is a blend of Sangiovese
grape with Alicante, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Of all
the wine in my top 9, The Alicante and Cabernet Franc get the
wine-oscar for supporting role. Their role as complimentary or
supporting grape make the sangiovese shine and add an unmistakeable
dimension to the wine. |
4.
Fontalloro 2003 Felsina
This wine is like an undervalued stock. Georgeous Sangiovese from
Felsina. Fontalloro means “golden slope”. Can easily
sell for 10 dollars more. Great with Tagliolini with wild mushrooms.
Ripe red cherry, mineral and earthy notes give way to a long and
harmonious finish. Univins 44.75$ SAQ
5. Siepi 2004 Fonterutoli
A 50-50 Merlot/Sangiovese blend that is a Tuscan fruit grenade.
Open and decant for 10 years then stand back for the explosion.
SAQ -90$ Dandurand.
6.
Tignanello 2004 Marchese Antinori
What can be said about Tig that hasn’t already. Consistent
top shelf quality for two decades. Sangiovese and Cabernet Blend,
the 2004 has a little more balanced and elegant fruit than the
03. Stock up.Tasted at Vinitaly 07. SAQ-Maxxium, 99$
7. Sesa 2003 Poggio Foco
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Alicante in this Maremma blend.
Once again Winemaker Carlo Ferrini’s Midas Touch. Gobs of
ripe fruit and layers of complex mocha, vanilla and dark berries.
36$ SAQ Vins Balthazard
8. Brunello di Montalcino 2001 Fuligni
Top Brunello from a top producer. P.import.8. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
Vigna Asinone Poliziano 2003.
Made from Prugnolo Gentile grape a Sangiovese clone grown west
of the village of Montepulciano on the south eastern side of Tuscany.
Montepulciano is located about 110km from Florence and about 65
km from Siena. Dark , Smoky and a touch more full bodied than
the elegant sangioveses mentioned above that see french barriques.
Try with a rib roast but let wine breathe for an hour. The 2003
vintage has a lot of alcohol and fades into the background after
time in a decanter. SAQ 56$ Roucet
9. Rosso di Montalcino Cantina di
Montalcino 2005
This wine is a viticultural snapshot of the future of great wine
from this co-op winery. Rosso di Montalcino is essentially a Baby
Brunello. Made from younger vines and aged for a shorter amount
of time, time passes and the same vines eventually produce the
sought after Brunello di Montalcino. This wine is a straightforward,
well made no nonsense wine. Cherry fruit, earthy notes of medium
intensity and medium body. Great with Sunday afternoon pasta with
tomato sauce with lamb and topped with ricotta. |
