The Hedonistic Taster
Italian Wines from Tuscany and Beyond
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.
NOTE:
Here’s a selection of unusual Italian wines from Tuscany and beyond – just in time for Father’s Day.
This concludes my Italian June wine tastings, an homage to my wine colleagues throughout Italy still suffering post-COVID lockdown. Wine unites.
Disclaimer: No compensation is received; all opinions expressed are that of the author.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Masseria Li Veli ASKOS Verdeca -Salento IGT
Vintage: 2019
Alcohol: 13.5%
A note about the ASKOS Project:
The Falvo family, owners of Masseria Li Veli since 1999, founded the “ASKOS” project to showcase ancient Puglian varieties. ASKOS wines use only indigenous grapes, such as Verdeca and Susumaniello, in honor of the region’s unique wine history tied to Greece. ‘ASKOS’ means ‘wine jug’ in Greek.
Suggested Retail: $ 20
Robe: Pale gold robe.
Nose: Arousing aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, dried yellow herbs, stone fruit.
Palate: Clean, clear, refreshing. Lemon curd attack; mid-palate pineapple, lingering apricot/ white nectarine finish. Light body, exquisite acids. A new fave summer quaff.
Wine: Masseria Li Veli “Passamante” Salice Salentino DOC
Vintage: 2018
Suggested Retail: $ 15
Robe: Dark garnet robe.
Nose: Dark cherry, oolong tea, rosemary, thyme, scrub pine nose.
Palate: Medium body, lively acidity. Aromatic pine and dark cherry attack, well-integrated tannins mid-palate, herbaceous finish. Interesting pour.
More about Masseria Li Veli here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Tasca d’Almerita – Tenuta Regaleali Grillo Cavallo delle Fate Sicilia DOC
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol: 13.5%
Suggested Retail: $ 20
Robe: Clear gold robe.
Nose: Stoney, herbal notes.
Palate: A medium-bodied wine made from 100% Grillo, an ancient cross between Moscato and Catarratto. Nervy acids pair well with grilled seafood, game and lamb.
More about Tasca d’Almerita’s Tenuta Regaleali here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Cleto Chiarli Brut de Noir Rosé Vino Spumante
Vintage: (2019)
Alcohol: 12%
Suggested Retail: $ 16
Robe: Shimmery, copper-salmon robe. Pinhead perling rises in a single whirlpool shaft, dispersing in a medium mousse.
Nose: Orange flower, orange peel, mango nose.
Palate: Light body. Orange zest, mango, lemon/lime notes on the palate, light, crisp finish.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sorbara Secco DOC “Premium Vecchia Modena”
Vintage: N/V
Alcohol: 11%
Suggested Retail: $ 16
Robe: Deep purple-garnet robe.
Nose: Fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas.
Palate: A classic aperitif because the slight sweetness pairs so well with savory fare like charcuterie, rustic cheeses, olives, and pickled veggies.
More about Cleto Chiarli here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Cartacanta Basile – Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG
Vintage: 2016
Alcohol: 14%
Suggested Retail: $ 20
Robe: Clear ruby robe.
Nose: Leather, prune, barnyard, black tea, cedar nose.
Palate: Bright red fruit attack mellows out to light-bodied palate pleaser, with baking spice back note and solid finish. An affordable example of well-made Italian organic wine.
More about Basile Organic Wine Farm here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Peteglia Sangiovese Riserva – Montecucco DOC
Vintage: 2015
Alcohol: 14.5%
Suggested Retail: $ 20
Robe: Deep ruby robe.
Nose: Leather, dark cherry, potpourri, tobacco bouquet.
Palate: Light body, vivid acids, lean tannins, superb finish. Deft structure. Excellent food wine that grows in complexity as it opens.
More about Peteglia here.
TASTING NOTES:
Wine: Azienda Agricola Binomio Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Riserva
Vintage: 2015
Alcohol: 14.5%
Suggested Retail: $ 52
Robe: Deep plum robe.
Nose: Graphite, white pepper, floral, blue-black fruit nose.
Palate: Dark cherry on the palate, with an interesting juxtaposition of fine acids and elongated tannins that blend to a silky finish. A fine example of Italian biodynamic wine at its best.
More about Azienda Agricola Binomio here.
More The Hedonistic Taster here.
Copyrighted LM Archer. All Rights Reserved.