The Hedonistic Taster
Northern Italian Wines to Celebrate Solidarity
by L.M. Archer
Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer
The Hedonistic Taster provides an intimate format to share industry trade samples with you.
Northern Italian wines to celebrate post-lockdown.
Author’s Note:
I originally dedicated the month of June to Italian wines. These wines in particular honor northern Italy. However, since drafting the original tasting notes, the world has changed. An international plea acknowledging “Black Lives Matter” replaces pandemic updates. May sharing these wines offer not only a celebration of life post-lockdown, but an expression of solidarity. It’s time.
Disclaimer: No compensation is received; all opinions expressed are that of the author.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Tenuta Montemagno Nobilis – Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol: 15%
Suggested Retail: $ 19 (€17)
Robe: Deep garnet hue.
Nose: Dark cherry, leather, tobacco, violet aromas.
Palate: Ruchè is a native grape of the Monferrato region in Asti province. History credits the Cistercian monks of long-gone San Rocco Monastery for bringing the original vines with them from Burgundy.
This wine pours out aromatic, complex and layered. Light body, bright acids, harmonious tannins, subtle finish. Extremely high quality for value.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Tenuta Montemagno Invictus – Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol: 15.5%
Suggested Retail: $ 21 (€19)
Robe: Clear ruby robe.
Nose: A riot of flowers on the nose – peony, violet, rose.
Palate: Sous bois, red cherry, red raspberry and spice on the palate. Light body, elegant acids, well-integrated tannins, supple finish.
More about Tenuta Montemagno here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Zenato Lugana di San Benedetto – Lugana DOC
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol: 12%
Suggested Retail: $ 20
Robe: Pale gold robe.
Nose: Apricot, acacia and white peach nose.
Palate: Lemon, yellow pear, golden apple notes. Light body, acids-plus, lingering finish. Food friendly, delightfully pleasant pour. Excellent quality-for-value.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese IGT
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $ 20
Robe: Deep, jet-black infused garnet robe.
Nose: Cherry, coffee, tobacco, leather nose.
Palate: Dark tea, dark cherry, dark plum, pomegranate on the palate. Light-to-medium body, solid structure and balance, elegant finish. Excellent quality-for-value.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Superiore
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Suggested Retail: $ 30
Robe: Dark purple-garnet robe.
Nose: Smoky, balsamic, dark currant and dark cherry nose.
Palate: Dark cherry, blackberry, coffee notes. Surprising light-to-medium body, acids-plus, plush tannins, lengthy finish.
More about Zenato here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Mille 1 – Garda Rosso DOC
Vintage: 2017
Alcohol: 14%
Suggested Retail: $ 20
Robe: Inky purple robe.
Nose: Dark cherry nose.
Palate: Black currant, dark cherry, vanilla notes on the palate. Medium body, with a slightly sweet finish.
More about Mille 1 here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Gorgo Perlato Rosa Vino Biologico – Bardolino Chiaretto Vino Spumante Brut
Vintage: N/V
Alcohol: 12%
Suggested Retail: $ 25
Robe: Lustrous, pale rose-petal pink robe.
Nose: Lime flower, white cherry, lemon zest aromas.
Palate: Pinpoint perling, brisk acids, exquisite balance, texture on the palate. An artful organic wine.
More about Cantina Gorgo here.
More The Hedonistic Taster here.
Copyrighted LM Archer. All Rights Reserved.