Brunello Di Montalcino and Chianti Classico

I recently had the opportunity to visit the wine country of Italy. It is a remarkable country filled with great wines from many regions. My initial stop of course, was Tuscany were the great wines of Chianti are made. My first sip of Fattoria La RIpa by Santa Brigida Chianti Classico Reserva was produced from 100% Sangiovese and lived up to the reputation of a deep ruby color with complex aromas of forest fruits while shifting to soft spices with a herbal finish. When purchasing this wine always look for the "Black Rooster" seal (Gallo Nero in Italian). This is an indication of wine that is produced with restrictions by the Chianti Classico Consortium. I remember many years ago staring at pictures of Tuscany in my Grand Mother's Parlor. They were cobblestone streets with stone buildings on both sides and always seemed to be a bicycle or two, with clothes hanging out to dry from a second story balcony in the picture. I was not disappointed that picture does really exist.

Next, we visited the town of Montalcino and stayed at a vineyard with remarkable views and fabulous wine. These are Brunello Di Montalcino Wine, made from the grape variety Sangiovese Grosso or also called Brunello di Montalcino. The difference in these wines from the Chianti region is the soil. Chianti is highly a friable shale-clay where Montalcino has a high proportion of limestone. The vintner's choice for our table was a 2007 Lagerla Reserva gli Angeli. This vintage is rated 97 points by wine spectator. It has spicy oak aromas concentrated with flavors of black cherry and tobacco. The finish is long and lingering.

The views of Montalcino are breathless. Opening my eyes in the morning and witnessing these surroundings was Heaven.

We then traveled to visit the La Colonica Winery which is between the municipalities of Brunello Wine and Cortona. In this region the soil is fertile with a clay texture. The wines are well rounded with structure. My favorite from this proud vineyard is the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Reserva " San Venrio". The grapes used to make this wine are Sangiovese, Canaiola and Merlot. The love in making this wine I noticeable from the first taste. The grapes are harvested by hand. The wine is a deep red garnet with a delicate but intense bouquet. I found a slight sent of violet on the nose with a rich satisfying finish. The care used to make these wines is impressive. I will never forget my visit to this winery. It leaves a long, lasting, wonderful impression.

Our next stop led us to a nice surprise at the Tenuta Cavalier Pepe Winery located in the commune of Sant' Angelo All'Esca, in the province of Avellino, Campania. I enjoyed many wines from this vineyard.

My favorite was the "OPERA MIA" Taurasi made from 100% Aglianico grape. This grape is so unique that it should be on everyone's list to drink who appreciates great wine. It comes from a soil that is clay-like and chalky. The grapes are aged in quality French oak for 12 months then left in the bottle to age for another year. The Aglianico grape is black-skinned and produces musky berry flavors. The nose is complex of ripe red fruits, dried prunes and spices. The taste is inviting with a good presence of silky tannins and an intense finish.

Finally, we set out to Manduria, to see our friend Gregory Perrucci.

Gregory owns the Racemi Vineyard and is very knowledgeable about growing grapes and making great wines. He is the ultimate host. One of the wines I enjoy most is "GIRAVOLTA". It is 100% Primitivo grape varietal. Very deep in color with a slight muted nose, the initial aroma is of vanilla and sweet baking spices with red cherry and milk chocolate. After opening, the wine has elegant floral notes. The taste is remarkable with red cherry and milk chocolate. I found the finish to be clean with well-balanced tannins. After spending time with Gregory Perrucci, you feel like you're a part of his family.