Recently, I stated seeing scores and reviews for the 2016 release of Brunello di Montalcino. Expectations are off the charts. Better than the “best of the decade” 2015 vintage, they say. Many 2016’s have already been awarded 100 points. Reminds me exactly of the hype surrounding the 2015 vintage this time last year. Well, how
Today we’re talking dolcetto. From the Piemonte region of Northern Italy, dolcetto gets no (or little) respect. Always second fiddle to barbera and the big boy nebbiolo (Barolo and Barbaresco). But, dolcetto has been cultivated in the Langhe region (Piemonte) since the 14th century, and ask the locals and they will tell you they love
Now that most of the 2014’s in Italy have been in the market, what do you think of the vintage? 2014 is known as a very challenging vintage, with weather complications during most of the growing season. Depending on the region, we saw wet and warm winter, early spring hail, and rainy and cool summer.
Congratulations to Tenuta Monteti for receiving the 2019 Tre Bicchieri award for their 2014 Caburnio, a fantastic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (25%), and Alicante Bouschet (20%), from the southern Maremma region of Tuscany. In addition to winning the Tre Bicchieri award, Caburnio was also recognized by Gambero Rosso as one of the best
The Classic Wine Selections team just returned from Benvenuto Brunello in Montalcino (February 16th – February 18th), a traditional event for the wine trade and wine lovers. Approximately 200 producers who are part of the Consorzio di Brunello di Montalcino were in attendance. In addition to tasting the new release of 2013 Brunello di Montalcino,
On February 1, 2018, Benvenuto Brunello arrived in Chicago, Il, for a preview of the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino. 30 producers from Montalcino showcased their wines in an afternoon of tasting. Compared to the hot and dry 2012 vintage, 2013 was relatively cool and wetter. Spring rains dominated the landscape. Summer had some cool and