Six Tuscan Treats
Our good friends Dave and Fran Copland will be vacationing in Tuscany, and probably other places in Italy. (My darling Alice and Fran worked together a long time ago) and we have remained close. Like many food and wine international travelers, they were drawn to this beautiful and outstanding wine-growing region. Through my five decades in the wine industry, I have been to Italy numerous times, and aside from Rome, Milan, and the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany has always been a treat for me. Here are six Tuscan Treats recently released in the United States, that I found beautiful and compelling.
The Collesium (June 19, 2005)
Selvapiana Chianti Rúfina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale 2018. (Tasted: May 11, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
· · Selvapiana Chianti Rúfina Riserva Vigneto Bucerchiale 2018. I have followed this winery for decades. The Bucechiale is their flagship wine, and it has never been better (or maybe I feel this way because I recently enjoyed it). Offering black fruits, licorice, and shadings of oak, this wine has been a universal hit in the international markets. (Tasted: May 11, 2023, San Francisco, CA) (My Score: 93 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $38.00
·
· Poggio Antico Rosso di Montalcino 2021. Many of us in the wine trade love Rosso di Montalcinos because of their excellent values. I have enjoyed this wine through the years, but I don’t remember the alcohol weighing in at a whopping 15.1% Perhaps it is global warming and the winery’s desire to compete with Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignons that often hit the 15.5% or higher alcohol mark. Nonetheless, this is a rich and dramatic wine with excellent balance. Authentic with persistent black fruits, pencil lead, and oak. (Tasted: July 10, 2023, San Francisco, CA) (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $35.00
·
· Argentiera Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico 2020. This is a winery that I wasn’t familiar with until this vintage. Made with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine showed a hint of volatility but was demonstratively impressive on the palate. Dried spices, black fruits, oaky notes, and a long finish. (Tasted: July 10, 2023, San Francisco, CA) (My Score: 94 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $60.00
·
· Tomaiolo Chianti Classico 2020. I had to throw one Classico on this list. This wine is a jewel exhibiting black fruits, ripe cherries, and a hint of pencil lead. Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A very affordable wine! (Tasted: July 10, 2023, San Francisco, CA) (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $14.00
·
· Michele Satta Bolgheri Rosso 2021. I must admit I am partial to Bolgheri, and that is probably from my love of Cabernet Sauvignon. Made from 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese, 20% Merlot, 10% Teroldego, and 10% Syrah, I was surprised (kind of) with the wine’s blend. Elegant with plenty of red fruits, this wine shows excellent persistence. (Tasted: July 10, 2023, San Francisco, CA) (My Score: 92 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $28.00
· Duemani CiFRA Costa Toscana Cabernet Franc 2021. Tuscany and 100% Cabernet Franc? Initially, I could wrap my head around this. When I brought it to my palate, I found an excellent wine! Earthy notes and black fruits. Smooth and pleasing in the finish. (Tasted: July 10, 2023, San Francisco, CA) (My Score: 94 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $40.00
Italy’s food and wines have always attracted me, and while this is just a slice of one region, the entire county has so much to offer. In my continued wine search, Tuscany remains one of my favorite places to explore. I hope you will do the same. Please email me at Wilfred.willie.wong@gmail.com. Let’s share the Italian experience together!
Cheers,
Wilfred Wong
Argentiera Bolgheri Rosso Villa Donoratico 2020 (Tasted: July10, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
