Ricasoli in the press - 2018 by gregoryvine

October 2, 2018 Circulation: 15,893

Ricasoli Expands U.S. Reach in New Business Partnership with Folio Fine Wine Partners Partners Cite Growing Demand for High-Quality Chianti Classico and Single Vineyard Designations as a Trend to Watch; Ricasoli Family Tour Planned for Spring 2019 – Dates to be Announced October 2, 2018 (Madonna a Brolio, Siena) – Tuscan wine producer Ricasoli has expanded its U.S. reach as part of a dynamic new sales and marketing partnership with Folio Fine Wine Partners. Since formalizing the agreement in March 2018, Italy’s oldest producer has expanded its presence in all 50 states, with increased investment focused on establishing the U.S. as the leading export market and gaining distribution for the Chianti Classico and Brolio Estate wines. Francesco Ricasoli, President of Ricasoli and 32nd generation Baron of Brolio, shares: “We are thrilled to announce that we are on track with Folio Fine Wine Partners to reach more U.S. wine consumers than ever before. We are particularly encouraged by the resurgence in demand for the higher-end Chianti Classico and single vineyard crus from Brolio, which proudly express our terroir more than any other.” Ricasoli’s unique legacy encompasses more than 32 generations of family ownership and leadership in Chianti and Chianti Classico, centered around the landmark Castello di Brolio, a 3,000-acre estate with 580 acres of vineyard predominantly planted to Sangiovese. To support the continued awareness of the distinctive microclimates, heirloom clones, and production techniques that define the Brolio story, Francesco Ricasoli and Technical Director Massimiliano Biagi will present a mapping and tasting of the estate wines during an exclusive press and trade tour in the spring of 2019. Dates and markets will be announced. “We have long recognized that Ricasoli had great potential to lead the U.S. wine market in a new appreciation of Chianti’s winemaking legacy, and are looking forward to hosting the Ricasoli family tour,” added Co-Founder, Michael Mondavi, of Folio Fine Wine Partners. “The Brolio estate can lay claim to one of the most established identities in Tuscany, and under Francesco Ricasoli and his leadership team, there is a profound drive to uncover its secrets.”

Folio Fine Wine Partners represents eight wines from Ricasoli, ranging from $11.99 to $70.00 SRP: Toscana IGT ($11.99), Chianti DOCG ($13.99), Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG ($21.99), Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG ($24.99), Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG ($29.99), Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG ($70.00), Colledilà Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG ($70.00), and Casalferro Toscana IGT ($70.00). Wines are available through fine wine restaurants and retail outlets across the U.S. About Ricasoli Ricasoli is the most representative wine producer in the Chianti Classico area. Baron Bettino Ricasoli brought the winery to fame in 1872 by creating the formula for Chianti wine, after 30 years of research. Today, the estate and winery are led by Francesco Ricasoli, 32nd generation Baron of Brolio, who aims to constantly improve the quality and character of the great wines of Brolio. North of Siena, the estate extends over 3,000 acres, of which 580 acres are planted to predominantly Sangiovese. Brolio Castle is an idyllic destination for wine and hospitality, offering a museum, wine shop, Osteria del Castello restaurant, and a cozy Tuscan guesthouse. Ricasoli produces a range of wines, including Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, and Toscana IGT, in addition to single vineyard terroir wines and olive oils. For more information about Ricasoli, visit www.ricasoli.com or Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Folio Fine Wine Partners Folio Fine Wine Partners was founded in 2004 by Michael Mondavi and his wife, Isabel, with their children, Dina and Rob Jr. Folio is an importer, fine wine agency, and producer of quality wines from the world’s premiere and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing, and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, and Austria. Wines from California include Animo, Dutton-Goldfield, Emblem, Hangtime, Isabel Mondavi, M by Michael Mondavi, Oberon, Piper Sonoma and Spellbound. From Italy are the wines of Bibi Graetz, Bruno Giacosa, Coppo, Donnafugata, Ricasoli and Villa Sandi. The Spanish portfolio includes Condado de Haza, El Vínculo Dehesa la Granja, Tinto Pesquera, Fillaboa, Palacios Remondo, and Vall Llach. From Argentina are the wines of BenMarco, Crios, Nosotros, and Susana Balbo Signature, with Andre Brunel and Charles Heidsieck (France) and Laurenz V (Austria) completing the portfolio. For more information about Folio Fine Wine Partners, visit www.foliowine.com or visit the following social media channels: Facebook: Folio Fine Wine Partners; Twitter: @FolioWine.

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cara rutherford November 20, 2018 Circulation: 10,000

Barone Ricasoli: Chianti Classico with a Nearly 900 Year History Cara Rutherford The Ricasoli family have been producing and selling wine since the 12th century. Documents establish their winemaking as early as 1141 at the stunning Brolio castle, a dominating structure in Gaiolo Chianti, southwest Tuscany. The oldest wine family in Italy is not only a legend in Chianti Classico, but also around the world, as one of the oldest continuously operating family companies. In the beginning of the 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, [a prominent statesman that contributed to the Italian unification and later a Prime Minister], transformed winemaking in Chianti Classico by experimenting with local grapes and different production methods in order to create a high quality, age worthy wine. In 1872 he wrote his now legendary letter in which he recommended, among other things, blending Sangiovese with Canaiolo. A pioneering force in Tuscany, he revolutionized and modernized winemaking practices and essentially created the formula for Chianti wine. The estate is located in Gaiole in Chianti, roughly 15 kilometers northeast of Siena and 40 kilometers southeast of Florence. The 1,200 hectares of rolling hills and woodlands include almost 240 hectares of sustainable farmed vineyards and 26 hectares of olive groves. Today Bettino’s great grandson, and the 32nd generation Baron of Brolio, Francesco Ricasoli heads the renowned estate. Following in his great grandfather’s footsteps, he has conducted extensive research on both the soils and vines. He isolated and preserved a biotype of Sangiovese that is unique to Brolio and is now listed in the National Grape Register of the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies. He has also made advances in sustainable viticulture practices and identified 19 different soil types at the estate. Vines are planted in plots according to the soil’s distinctive characteristics, in order to achieve the highest quality, potential and expression of the terroir. Brolio Castle, with its museum, Osteria del Castello restaurant, and a cozy Tuscan guesthouse, is a great excursion out of the cities for those looking for idyllic, picturesque, pristine Tuscany. The estate produces a range of wines, including Chianti Classico, Chianti Classico Riserva, single vineyard ‘cru’ wines, Toscana IGT and olive oils.

Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio DOCG 2015 Winemaking: Grapes are from vineyards 280 to 480 meters above sea level with greatly varied soils, but all are very stony. Fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperature of 24°C-27°C (75.2°80.6°F) with 12/16 days of skin contact. Aged for 9 months in barriques and tonneaux. A further 3-6 months of bottle ageing follows. Tasting Notes: Dark transparent garnet in colour with aromas of cherry, black cherry, white pepper, violet, cigar box spice, woodsy oak and a meaty trace. Cherry, pomegranate, thyme and white pepper are framed by snappy acidity and firm tannins. Fruit and baking spice linger on lengthy, plush finish. Well structured, balanced, silky smooth, a quintessential Chianti Classico. A minimum of 80% Sangiovese, roughly 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon 13.5% Alcohol $17 [average price]

Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico Brolio Riserva DOCG 2015 Winemaking: Grapes are from vineyards with different exposures, at 290 meters to 500 meters above sea level. The soil is a mix of sandstone, marl, marine deposits, and calcarenites locally called “alberese”. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 24°C-27°C (75.2°-80.6°F) with 14-16 days of skin contact. Aged for 18 months in tonneaux of first and second usage. Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with aromas of cherry, violet, black pepper, candied orange, Tuscan herbs and a wisp of vanilla. Silky layers of cherry, blackberry, plum, red currant and tobacco wrap around a spicy core. Big, sleek tannins and fresh acidity fuse with Tuscan underbrush, woodsy oak and cherry on the velvety finish. Refined, gallant and composed, a harmonious sip. 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon 14% Alcohol $23 [average price]

#28 November 21, 2018 Circulation: 2,050,000

The 50 Best Wines of 2018 VinePair Staff As 2018 comes to a close, it’s nearly time to stress about holiday plans and devise a list of short-lived New Year’s resolutions. But before we look forward, let’s reflect on the year that’s passed. Red, white, rosé, orange, and sparkling — we’ve had the privilege of tasting some amazing wines this year. And we thought it would only be fair if we share 50 of our favorites with you. Here are VinePair’s top 50 wines of 2018, ranked.

#28. BARONE RICASOLI CASTELLO DI BROLIO GRAN SELEZIONE 2013 ($50) Barone Ricasoli is the largest and oldest wine estate in the Chianti Classico region. Its vineyards surround the Castello di Brolio (Brolio Castle), providing grapes for top-quality, Sangiovese-dominant wines. Cherry and blackcurrant notes have an almost dusty character, complemented by balanced oak aging. This wine is drinking well now and will become even more interesting with age.

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Chianti Classico for Christmas: Brolio 2015 Riserva Pat Harris & David Lyon

Long ago, we used to buy a well-made Chianti Classico from an anonymous cooperative for a price low enough to make Charles Shaw blush. When we wanted to treat ourselves to a better wine, we would step up to a Brolio Chianti. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of money and we never went wrong trusting the Ricasoli family to make an excellent Chianti at a fair price. Chianti has come a long way since Baron Bettino Ricasoli came up with the original formulation in 1872. That recipe called for a minimum of 70 percent Sangiovese and allowed a couple of white grapes in the blend. The rules have been rewritten extensively and now even allow 100 percent Sangiovese as well as blends with Bordeaux grape varietals. When Francesco Risoli took over the family estate in Gaiole in 1973, he focused the Brolio wines on the French-grape blends. The results produce what we think of as perfect Christmas wines. Full of bright fruit, nice hints of spice, just enough tannin to match hearty foods, their delicious lightness makes them good wines to drink through the whole meal. Christmas festive meals in Tuscany often feature roast pork as the main dish, but also include some form of filled pasta. The pork dish below was created to go with the Brolio 2015 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva. This elegant wine of 80 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Merlot, and 5 percent Cabernet Sauvignon is fermented in stainless steel and aged 18 months in a mix of new and second-passage 900-liter oak tonneaux. The forward fruit hints of cherries and blackberries, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enough tannin and spice in the mouth to complement the fennel and pepper in the pork.

December 13, 2018 Circulation: 5,000

Day 693 Sipping Barone Ricasoli Penina Weiss As you might recall from a previous story, several months ago I received an assortment of wines that were leftover from our restaurant days in NYC. Every now and then I open one as a treat for my palate. Since getting a Coravin system, it has made it a lot easier for me to taste these vintage wines without sacrificing the whole bottle. One of the wines from my â&#x20AC;&#x153;stashâ&#x20AC;? is a 2000 Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva.

With the recent arrival of two sample wines of Barone Ricasoli, I was motivated to taste the 2000 vintage as well. Barone Ricasoli is located in the Brolio territory of Chianti Classico.

The Ricasoli cellars are at the foot of the historic Brolio Castle. The castle became the property of the Ricasoli family in 1141 and it is where all the wine production takes place. It was in this castle in 1872 that Baron Bettino Ricasoli originated the formula for Chianti wine, now called Chianti Classico. They are the oldest winery in Italy and the fourth oldest family business in the world. The Ricasoli family was among the first to devote themselves to the development and improvement of agriculture and vineyards. The family tree document of 1584 shows one of the first images of the Chianti area. In 1993 Baron Francesco Ricasoli, the great-grandson of Bettino became the owner and president of Ricasoli. He completely renovated the vineyards making them sustainable. And, he continually studies the soil types and clonal selection of Brolio Sangiovese which is one of his biggest passions.

Baron Francesco Ricasoli Photo credit: Barone Ricasoli Ricasoli is comprised of 1,200 hectares of land of which 240 hectares are wine vineyards and 26 hectares are olive groves.

Castello Brolio 2013 Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. The grapes are selected from the estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best vineyards in Gaiole and the wine is only produced in the best years. The wine was aged for 21 months in French oak barriques and 20% new tonneaux. The color is deep ruby with aromas of dark cherry, dark plum, spice, toasted oak and a touch of floral. The palate is layered with blackberries, dark plum, licorice, dark chocolate, vanilla and hints of earth. This is a full-bodied, rich and balanced wine with a long and persistent finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $70

COLLEDILÀ 2015 Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione is 100% Sangiovese. Colledilà is considered one of the most representative wines of the terroir of Brolio. The grapes are selected from the estate Chianti Classico. The wine was aged for 18 months in 30% new tonneaux. The color is ruby with a beautiful bouquet of red berries, sweet spice and violets. The palate is lush with dark fruit, sour cherry, plum, licorice and cedar.This is an elegant wine with a velvety mouthfeel and soft tannins. It is perfectly balanced with a long and jammy finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $70 Rocca Guicciarda 2000 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva At one time Rocca Guicciarda was the most important estate of Barone Ricasoli. Today, it is the name of the estate’s Chianti Classico Riserva. This wine is made from 100% Sangiovese. The 2000 vintage aged for 20 months in part barriques and part tonneaux. I used my Coravin to extract a glass of wine. The color is garnet and still has some good aromas of dark fruit, plum, dried fruit, sweet spice and earth. The palate is savory with sour cherry, fig, leather and hints of pepper. It is still very drinkable but less definable. It has a nice balance between acidity and tannins. I will definitely re-visit this wine over the holidays. Alcohol: 13.5%

If you like wines from Chianti Classico or even if you’re not familiar with them, put Barone Ricasoli on your shopping list and enjoy a glass! Until next time… Cheers! Penina

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December 16, 2018 Circulation: 8,716

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December 20, 2018 Circulation: 5,000

Wine gifts that will be remembered long after the holidays John Foy If you’re wondering what to give this holiday season, recall what Ernest Hemingway famously said, “Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.” For wine collectors, receiving a special bottle is cherished for years, and possibly decades. Chateau Montelena is renowned for its Judgment of Paris first-place award in 1976. While that was given for its chardonnay, its estate cabernet sauvignon is sought after by red wine connoisseurs. The current vintage is the delicious blackberry, plum and pomegranate-flavored 2014 that will be prized by every collector. I’ve tasted this wine twice, most recently last month. Both times rated 92 points. Retail prices range $119 to $165. The Judgment of Paris first-place winner for red wine was Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ cabernet sauvignon, then owned by Warren Winiarski. In 2007, the estate was purchased by Chateau Ste.Michelle (Washington State) and Tuscan persona Piero Antinori, one of the most famous wine producers in the world. The 2014 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Fay Vineyard is loaded with rich black-fruit aroma and flavor with velvety tannins and a refined texture. Fay vineyard, which has a distinguished history, will be greatly appreciated by every wine connoisseur. 94 points. Retail prices range from $103 to $144. Also in the Stags Leap District is Shafer Vineyard whose Hillside Select cabernet sauvignon is considered by many California wine collectors to be one of America’s greatest wines. Its 2016 Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay will surprise those who think all California chardonnays are over-the-top fruit and oak bombs. While the new French oak barrel aroma and flavor is prevalent, 25% of it was fermented and aged in stainless-steel vessels, and that, with the absence of malolactic fermentation, takes it down a few notches. These techniques produced a pear and vanilla aroma and flavor with a crisp Granny Smith apple background. I only wish the alcohol level was lower than 14.9%. 90 points. Widely priced from $48 to $70. For wine collectors with a broad palate, one of the best cabernet sauvignons is one of the least known: Don Melchor. Named for the founder of Chile’s Concha y Toro wine company, this Bordeauxstyle blend shines brightly in the 2015 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon. Made with 92% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot, the mild-toasted oak seasons the blackcherry aroma and flavor; integrated tannins give balance and a round texture to this mouth-filling wine with its lingering finish. Don Melchor ages very well and the 2015 has at least two decades of life. 94 points. Retail prices range from $90 to $140. Collectors aren’t the only ones who appreciate gifts of wine. Many enjoy receiving and drinking everyday bottles like the 2015 Brolio Chianti Classico. The ancestoral Baron Bettino Ricasoli brought fame to Brolio when he created the formula for Chianti Classico wine in 1872. That recipe was changed in 2006 with the elimination of white grapes, and the option to use up to 20% of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, or make the wine with only Tuscany’s sangiovese. Today, the winery is owned by Francesco Ricasoli, the 32nd Baron of Brolio.

The 2015 Brolio Chianti Classico includes merlot and cabernet sauvignon but they do not dominate sangiovese’s bright cherry aroma and flavor. Its medium body holds soft tannins, balancing the red fruit and making it an ideal wine for full-flavored fish, poultry and pizza. This is a gift that can be enjoyed immediately. 90 points. Priced from $16 to $24. For friends or clients always looking for something new, gift them with the 2016 Cerulli Spinozzi Pecorino Cortalto white wine. You might have to explain that the pecorino is the grape’s name not the cheese; it grows throughout central Italy, including Cerulli Spinozzi’s Abruzzo hillside Cortalto vineyard. The wine is fermented and aged for seven months in stainless-steel tanks, yielding a yellow-ish tint with an appealing floral and sea salt scent, tasty fruit flavors and supporting acidity. Enjoy it with veal tortellini and grated pecorino romano. 88 points. Just arrived in our market, expect to pay $18 to $22. And don’t forget to gift yourself because, who deserves it more? Photos by John Foy

December 20, 2018 Circulation: 5,000

Quick Trip Around The World @talkavino Travel might be the biggest joy of human existence. Okay, if not the biggest, it is still one of the most essential ones. Travel leads to new experiences – and experiences are the moments which comprise our lives. I’m sure the joy of travel is not universal, but I’m equally sure that it actually is for the majority of the readers of this blog (hoping that there is at least someone reading it?). Travel typically requires two things – resources and preparation. Heck, with unlimited resources you need no preparation – you can finish your work day, say “I feel like dining at Le Cinq tomorrow”, have your limo take you directly to the airport and off you go. For many of us, this would be just a scene from the movies – which doesn’t make it impossible, right? For most of us, successful and happy travel would require a bit more effort – find the deal on the airfare, find the deal on the hotel, find out that your passport expired just a week before you need to get on the flight, then listen to the boss complaining that you are leaving without finishing all your important tasks, finally, throwing everything you need but mostly what you don’t into the suitcase 30 minutes before leaving for the airport and starting your so long anticipated travel totally exhausted. More or less, this is the picture, right? Then every once in a while, there is something even the unlimited funds can’t buy. Time, I’m talking about. When you finish work at 6 in New York, there is no way to be in Madrid in time for dinner. This is where you need a magic trick – and I can offer you one. Actually, you don’t need any magic to travel instantly to many different places – all you need is … well, I’m sure you know it is coming … yes, all you need is wine. The wine has this capacity. Once you look at the label and see it says France, Spain or California, your imagination can easily do the rest. A well-made wine has a sense of place, so once you take a sip, you are instantly transported to the place where wine was made. And if you ever visited the winery or the region where the wine came from, I’m sure you can be instantly overwhelmed with the emotions and memories. No, it is not the same as simply been there, but I’m sure it will still do the trick. Let’s take wine and let’s travel – how about a quick trip around the world? Let’s start in Spain, in the region called Bierzo, located in the North East part of Spain, close to the Portuguese border. As with many places in the old world, the viticulture originated in the region in the times of the Roman empire. Today, Bierzo is best known for the red wines made out of the grape called Mencía, and Godello and Doña Blanca are the two primary white grapes in the region. Bierzo is known for its special microclimate, conducive for the grape growing, which can be characterized as the continental climate with ocean influence. Bierzo has today about 2,000 grape growers, 75 wineries, and produced about 9 million bottles of wine in 2017. Two wines I want to offer to your attention come from the Bodegas Godelia, about 86 acres estate in Bierzo. The winery was created in 2009, however, their vineyards are much older, from 20 to 90 years old, depending on the grapes, and located at the altitudes of 1,600 to 2,000 feet. 2015 Bodegas Godelia Blanco Bierza DO (13.5% ABV, $17, 80% Godello, 20% Doña Blanca) C: light golden N: intense, pear, guava, P: lemon, honeysuckle, crisp acidity, medium + body, delicious V: 8-

2012 Bodegas Godelia Mencia Bierzo DO (14.5% ABV, $19, 12 months in oak) C: dark garnet, almost black N: warm, inviting, medium+ intensity, a touch of barnyard, spices P: cherries, baking spices, medium body, violets V: 7+ on the 2nd day, needs time. Mencia is known to produce massive, chewy wines, so this wine is no exception. 6 years of age is nothing for this wine – it might start opening up after at least another 6. Where should we go after Spain? How about Italy? Let’s visit Tuscany, where 2015 vintage was simply outstanding. Of course, Tuscany is best known for its Chianti wine. At the heart of the Chianti region lays a much smaller region called Chianti Classico – this is where the Chianti wines historically originated from. Inside Chianti Classico, let’s look for the winery called Barone Ricasoli – one of the very first producers in the region, taking its history since 1141. Barone Ricasoli property has a grand looking castle, where some of the stones are still original since 1141, 600 acres of vineyards and 65 acres of olive trees. While Barone Ricasoli is mostly known for the reds, they also produce a few of the white wines, a Rosato, grappa, and of course, the olive oil.

Barone Ricasoli Brolio Barone Ricasoli Brolio Riserva I want to offer you two of the classic Chianti wines from the Chianti Classico area (pun intended): 2015 Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico DOCG (13.5% ABV, $18, 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) C: Garnet N: Tar, leather, sandalwood, tart cherries P: Tart cherries, plums, clean acidity, sage, a touch of tobacco, medium plus body, good structure. V: 8, was excellent from the get-go, got more complexity on the second day. 2015 Barone Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (14% ABV, $23, 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) C: Dark garnet N: Cherry, Sage, Rosemary, leather, medium plus intensity. P: Supple berries, tart cherries, firm structure, young tannins, a touch of tobacco, good acidity, tannins on the finish V: 8, great potential. Right now needs food. While perfectly drinkable now, with time will become a truly delicious sip.

We need to complete our old world portion of the tour, so I think the stop in France is a must. How about a quick visit with Paul Mas in Languedoc? Languedoc is the largest wine producing region in France, located in the south, producing a tremendous range of white, sparkling, Rosé and, for the most part, red wines. Domaines Paul Mas is one of my favorite producers I have written about many times. What I love about the wines of Domaines Paul Mas is that you literally can’t go wrong with any of the wines produced at the domain – Sparkling, Rosé, white or reds. Not only the wines taste great, but they are also priced very reasonably – Paul Mas wines saved my wallet at the restaurants on multiple occasions, so they definitely deserve some respect. Here are the wines I want to bring to your attention: 2016 Paul Mas Estate Single Vineyard Collection Chardonnay Saint Hilaire Vineyard Pays d’Oc (13.5% ABV, $12.99) C: Light golden color N: Meyer lemon aromatics, hint of white peach, Bosc pear P: Crisp, tart lemon on the palate, ripe Granny Smith apples, clean, refreshing. Good mid-palate presence, medium finish. V: 8-, very good. 2016 Paul Mas Estate Single Vineyard Collection Pinot Noir Saint Hilaire Vineyard Pays d’Oc (13.5% ABV, $12.99) C: Dark ruby N: Fresh raspberries and cherries on the nose P: Soft, supple, fresh berries, crisp, fresh, perfect acidity, excellent V: 7+/82016 Paul Mas Estate Single Vineyard Collection Malbec Saint Hilaire Vineyard Pays d’Oc (13.5% ABV, $12.99, 90% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc)) C: Dark garnet N: Fresh raspberries and blackberries in the nose, nicely inviting P: Soft, supple, fresh berries, crisp, fresh, perfect acidity, excellent V: 8How is your day going so far? Feel like traveling somewhere? How about we will take a trip to sunny California? California is a big place, so to narrow it down we are actually heading to the Santa Barbara County. Here is a perfect example of the wine being a connector and an instant transporter – as soon as I hear “Santa Barbara County”, the brain instantly serves up the memories of the first Wine Bloggers Conference I attended, WBC14, which took place in Santa Barbara County. Moreover, one of the best experiences of that trip was a visit to the small town of Solvang, which is an incredible place for any wine lover. While visiting Solvang, we tasted the wines produced by Lucas and Lewellen – thus seeing that name on the label was an instant memory trigger. The wine I want to offer to your attention today is perfectly representative of the capabilities of the Santa Barbara County wine growing region, and at the same time is very non-typical for California. Lucas and Lewellen produce the line of wines under the name of Toccata, which are all Italian varieties and blends, all grown in California. This Toccata Classico was a perfect enigma – varietally correct Tuscan beauty, only made from start to finish in California. In a blind tasting, my guess 100% would be “Chianti!”. 2015 Lucas & Lewellen Toccata Classico Santa Barbara County (14.1% ABV, $29, 50% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Freisa, 5% Petit Verdot, 18 months in French Oak, 346 cases produced) C: Garnet N: Fresh cherries, touch a leather, medium+ intensity P: Ripe cherries on the palate, bright, firm structure, fresh, crunchy, touch of leather, excellent complexity, nicely integrated tannins V: 8+, an excellent rendition of the old world wine in the new world. Hurry up or we will be late for our last destination – Chile. About 25 years ago, Chile was mostly known as a “one-trick pony”, offering bargain-priced Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Today, Chile is

one of the leading wine producing countries in the world, offering a substantial range of perfectly executed wines, from Chile’s own trademark, Carménere, to Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, and many others. Today we are visiting Viña Ventisquero, the winery which started only 20 years ago, in 1998, and now offering a diversified set of wines, coming from the different regions and made with the finest attention to detail. 2017 Viña Ventisquero Grey Glacier Single Block Apalta Vineyard Valle de Colchagua (14% ABV, $18, 62% Garnacha, 19% Carinena, 19% Mataro, 6 months in French oak) C: Ruby N: Fresh raspberries, medium plus intensity, beautiful P: Restrained, dark fruit, medium body, minerality, clean acidity, tart raspberries V: 82014 Viña Ventisquero Grey Glacier Carménere Trinidad VIneyard Maipo Valley (14% ABV, $19, 18 months in French oak) Dark garnet A perfect nose of Carménere – mix black currant berries with blackcurrant leaves Medium to full body, soft, silky, fresh blackcurrant present, anis, good acidity, good balance, very pleasant overall 8/8+, excellent wine That concludes our trip, my friends. Wasn’t it easy to travel with wine, in the comfort of your living room? Cheers!

December 22, 2018 Circulation: 1,591

Instagram @lifeattable Mike Madaio

December 28, 2018 Circulation: 5,000

Barone Ricasoli – Castello di Brolio Duo Christy Canterbury What a fascinating comparison of a Riserva and a Gran Selezione from the same cellar and vintage! There is a clear sibling resemblance via the fervent focus on savoriness. While the Riserva is clearly more fruitdriven than the Gran Selezione, both have discreet French oak use that blends harmoniously into the wines. When first opened, both are tight and could easily be confused, one for the other. However, after 30 minutes in their glasses, each wine showed clear distinctiveness. I would love to taste these again together in five then in ten years time to see how they evolve. I am confident that neither will disappoint. 94 - Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 14% Hailing from some of the prettiest hills of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena, this classically structured, cranberry red Chianti Classico Riserva combines Sangiovese with 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. (A minimum of 80% Sangiovese is required in all Chianti Classico wines, whatever the quality level.) The blend is aged together 18 months in once- and twice-used, large format barrels. The breed of Chianti Classico comes through in the wine’s elegance and lift, yet there is enough indulgent, fruit-forward character from the French grape influences to give it a Super Tuscan air. It’s not just the very ripe fruit character that does this; it’s also the layered, dark fruits that are more prevalent than the usual, redder tones of Sangiovese’s strawberry and red cherry.It is earthy and savory enough to please the purists, yet dense and full-bodied enough appeal to those preferring heartier wines. The 14% alcohol is very well knit in the overall force of the wine, nicely supported by unusually fine tannins for Sangiovese. Though a Riserva, this drinks well already thanks to its robust fruit core (attributable not just to the French grapes but also to its warm vintage). However, its considerable structure and lingering finish suggest this easily can last a decade post-vintage. Drink: 2018-28 93 - Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledilà 2015 14% Though more reserved in fruit character, this single vineyard Gran Selezione is already drinkable. This is an unusual attribute for a pure Sangiovese, as well as for a Gran Selezione - the latter the pinnacle of Chianti Classico quality. As a varietal Sangiovese, this bottling has a more ethereal and cerebral character thanks to its layering of tart red cherries, sweet tobacco and evergreen clippings. It is vinous and stylish (I dare call it a Gran Selezione for the Pinot Noir-lover), but it is also built to last. The ample structure of pithy tannins and fervent acidity draw the juicy core into a delightfully long finish. This zippy framework is no doubt drawn from the Colledilà vineyard’s strong limestone influence. By the way, Colledilà means “the vineyard on the other side of that hill.” This wine is aged in French barriques and 40% new tonneaux for 21 months. Drink: 2018-28