Super Tuscan Wine Tasting

Super Tuscan Wine Tasting – Episode #474

May 29, 2008

Super Tuscan wines are so sought after and today Gary tries 3 different versions of these Italian renegades!

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Comments on this episode(160) Leave a comment ›

“Nice episode. Enjoyed it.
QOTD: Had a 2004 BdM Castello di Romitori…” by looper
“Great episode. I just read about Super Tuscans in my wine book and he…” by Dessert Wine Nerd
View all 160 ›

Wines tasted in this episode:

2004 Terrabianca CampaccioSuper Tuscan
2001 Cabreo Toscana Il BorgoSuper Tuscan
2004 Argiano SolengoSuper Tuscan

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Fathers Day Book and 4th generation wristband offer

160 Responses

May 29, 2008

manonthemoon
1st
May 29, 2008

Adam J
#2..I think?!!!
May 29, 2008

hingrman
Tuscany – Great
May 29, 2008

Omallley
Love the super tuscans!
May 29, 2008

Ozzy
Great idea with the Father’s Day offer, Gary!
May 29, 2008

Susan
Gary- Never had a super tuscan…………………………………………….Going to a third thirsty tasting tonight………more later………
May 29, 2008

BargePlus
Enjoyed seeing you in the flesh at the Borders book signing in San Francisco last night. My biggest come-away was your comment that your demographic is not specifically age-related, but rather a mindset. From what I’ve seen of the Vayniac Nation, I think you nailed it.

On to the show!
May 29, 2008

hingrman
Great Show

thanks Gary
May 29, 2008

Withnail
Great – we just had a Super Tuscan tasting so this is fresh on my mind.
May 29, 2008

Adam J
I cant believe I got #2, that was awesome. Qotd: Its gotta be the king right now. Thanks for the show! Serious Thunder!
May 29, 2008

Laura K.
First to actually watch the episode! Haha. I loved this episode. I thought the Mondavi tribute would be hard to follow. Very excited to try the 2nd bottle, I think it would be great. Can’t wait to try it since I am a heavy cabernet drinker. Yummy!
May 29, 2008

BargePlus
Just in case you receive any complaints about the 4 minutes of interesting & educational background on the Super Tuscans, let me weigh in on the other side: Smelling & drinking the wine are central to the experience, but the collateral info on the varietals, the producers and the terroir make the experience memorable.
May 29, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
QOTD 1998 Nervi Gattinara — Wish I coiuld afford a case!
May 29, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD- Montefalco di Sagrantino from any producer!! Also love Bellevista Brut Rose because good things happen when you drink bubbly
May 29, 2008

Jeffy Jeff
My favorite all-time Italian wine: Tenuta Torciano Terrestre. Killer Super Tuscan.
May 29, 2008

Jay
The gay guy that sits behind me at work was in absolute hysterics when I played him the part when you said, “It never hurt anybody to have a little wood in their mouth.”

QOTD: I’ve been really big into Barolo as of late. I can’t say that I have a favorite of all time.
May 29, 2008

ozzybeef
Great thunder show…Found it very educational!

QOTD: Villa Antinori Toscana
May 29, 2008

JonE
Very surprising about the Solengo, a friend of mine really fauns over the stuff.

QOTD: Toss up between.. Brancaia Illatraia,Schiopetto blanc de Rosis, and Jermann Vintage Tunina. Tough choice, all are fabu.
May 29, 2008

purplejuicebruce
QOTD… Sangiovese as in Brunello is my favorite also into the Nero D’Avola
I still have only tried 5 or 6 different Italian wines need to work on it.
May 29, 2008

Liana
Much mahalo for the great wine seminar at Borders last night. I finally got my 101 Wines book signed. Great insights into personal branding, too. I love your thoughts on patience in social medai. Rock on, Gary V!
May 29, 2008

M
I recently read a Super Tuscan article in Wine Enthusiast. Learning about wine is fun.

QOTD: ? I’ve had plenty of Italian wines but nothing jumps to mind at the moment. Maybe a Paolo Scavino. Or maybe my first 1990 Chianti Classico Riserva because that lead me to taste more Italian wines.
May 29, 2008

redmon
That middle wine seems like a pretty good deal considering it’s got some age under it’s belt – I’ll have to buy a couple of bottles of that.

QOTD – Just went out to a fancy italian dinner last friday, and we did a progression of 4 wines – started with a chianti, then super tuscan, then a barolo, and finally a barberesco – I did not do the ordering so I can’t remember what they were, but the Barolo was off the charts – blueberry jam and barnyard all the way!
May 29, 2008

SoCal
QOTD: 2000 Villa di Capezzana Ghiaie della Furba
May 29, 2008

The Aesthetic Elevator
My wife went out with some girlfriends last night to a nice restaurant, and they ordered some wine. The guest of honor, as it were, isn’t much of a wine drinker. But the others talked her into ordering something. She decided she wanted a sweet red of some sort. It came but wasn’t sweet enough, SO SHE ADDED SWEET & LOW to the wine and thought it was much better . . .
May 29, 2008

David Dadekian
QOTD: I haven’t had a lot of Italian lately. I’ve got a bit of sentimental favorite in Chianti.
May 29, 2008

Little Jonny H
I’m pumped up after todays show!!! However, it’s not b/c of the wines, but more because of the history lesson I just got! I love learning about wine, and that was a fantastic 4 minute introduction to Super Tuscans. I haven’t read a lot of the hardbound wine literature that’s out there, so I don’t get exposed to a lot of the interesting tidbits that others do. This was fantastic!

QOTD: Contado Aglianico ‘04
May 29, 2008

Eli2Tyree
LOVE Italian Wines… QOTD gota say either the Zardini Valpoicello i recently got two cases of from the Wine Lib at a greqat QPR or the 04 Tignanello that I recently had at a resturaunt in chicago – Also love most Amarone.
May 29, 2008

italianwinelover
QOTD: Montefalco di Sagrantino special occasions and a Montepulciano D’Abruzzo for everyday!! Although I would never turn down a Barolo!

Nice points on what a super Tuscan is…thanks for the info!
May 29, 2008

Matti
QOTD: 1. Fattoria Pulcino Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (anything from these people) and 2. Castello Banfi SummuS 2003, talking about silky finish!
May 29, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: no favorite but I keep trying different ones hoping to find that goto vintage or even better go to wine maker….see if I can find the Cabreo.

Looking forward to you coming back from book signings to see how jazzed up you are….
May 29, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Great show GV!

Q-Italian wines are my favorite, too many to pick just one.
May 29, 2008

Scott EJ
Count me in as one of those that have fallen off the Italian bandwagon. However, the Zardini Valpolicella was certainly one for the books.

That said….QOTD: I’m hoping it’s the Cabreo ’cause I just picked up 3.
May 29, 2008

David T
I just had a Valpolicella with 20% Amarone that was VERY interesting and insane value at $18 on the shelf.
May 29, 2008

chenin
does that mean you wore this t-shirt for 3 days ?
:p
May 29, 2008

BobbyTiger
I’ve heard of super glue, super premium, super suds, super-duper, super-sized, super highway, and super-charged, but never super tuscan; which is probably one of the many reason I watch your show. Have not done a lot of Italian wines, but your reaction to the Cabreo may start to change that, so currently, (QOTD), I need to take a major pass. Todays show was quite instructional. One might even say it was . . . . . . . . . . super.
May 29, 2008

JudeMurphy
QOTD- Valpolicella! And Chianti! And Barolo and whatever else there is!
Damn, I can’t choose!

That 90 score on the argiano solengo seemed quite high considering how disappointed you seemed!
Considering the amount of wine you’ve loved that you gave 90!
Scoring sucks!
That’s why I can’t choose my favorite Italian wine, wine tasting can’t be a precise science- it’s a subjective art.
May 29, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: Dont really have a specific producer that I love but you can never go wrong with a 2001 Brunello in my opinion…if only the prices weren’t so steep.

–RH
May 29, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Pretty much anything made from Nebbiolo.
May 29, 2008

DaveyDonut
QOTD: Two rather different ones… Amarone and Barolo. Love them both, and I’m going to go broke on the 2004s. (but I’ve already done that with 2005 Burgundy and Bordeaux… doh)

David
May 29, 2008

Linderelli
I really enjoy a lot of Italian varietals. . . from Nero d’Avola, and Barbera to Barolo and Nebbiolo, the reds are all great. But my FAVORITE has to be Arneis. It’s so pretty yet still nice and crisp. Perfect for this time of year.
May 29, 2008

CindyW
QOTD: I’ve been super diggin’ on Italian reds this past winter and am just starting to fall in love with barolos. I’m also a big fan of valpolicella ripassos.

Fun episode on Super Tuscans. Thanks for another good one, GV!
May 29, 2008

Jim
“It never hurt anybody to have a little wood in their mouth.”

Ha ha ha ha ha… only on the Thunder Show!

p.s. COME TO SAINT LOUIS!!!
May 29, 2008

Palmer
QOTD: right now I’m loving the 2007 Tintero Moscato d’Asti for $10, but I think the 2005 Molino Barbera d’Alba still remains in the top spot on my all-time Italian wines list – I’ve only had a handful of Barolos, Barbarescos and Brunellos, none of which have really blown me away yet.
May 29, 2008

Robert
QOTD: Zardini Valpolicella Superiore 2005, received my order yesterday, opened a bottle last night, delicious! Thanks for the review of this wine.
May 29, 2008

Jim
QOTD: RIPASSO! Enjoyed at Mia Francesca’s in Chicago.
May 29, 2008

GrapeStuff
GREAT Italian wine introduction on today’s ep – when you can, you should try and include these types of intros on WLTV when you can – I think it adds a TON of additional value to an already awesomely thunderous wine show!!

QOTD: Haven’t had many Italians, but definitely find some QPRs in the barbera wines (barbera d’alba, etc.). They are good, but just not quite my thing. I do want to buy some ’01s from Italy, however, and lay them down.

“We’re drinking bad wines so you don’t have to.” – NICE, good tag.
May 29, 2008

Greg B
Big G, Good luck with the Book signings. Love the Super Tuscans great stuff.

QOTD: Got to love Sassicia,Tignanello,and Parusso Barolos
May 29, 2008

Lindsay
Great show! Makes me want to go out and find some of that Cabreo. Sounds yummy. (I would order it from Wine Library, but Wisconsin is shut out of shipping! Stupid laws.)

QOTD: The one that pops into my head is the Enzo Boglietti Barbera dâ€™Alba I had over pizza with my husband a few months ago. It was maybe $15 with my employee discount and it went with our margherita-style pie just perfectly. Mmm.

Other faves have been the Zenato Ripasso and the few tastes of Amarone and Barolo I’ve been blessed to have. My order-of-choice in Italian restaurants is generally Barbera or Dolcetto, because of what you’ve said about value, and pinot bianco if I want white. i love Italian wine.

I just started a weight loss program again and my wine consumption has been seriously limited. I keep consoling myself with the promise that itâ€™s temporary, I can still have a glass or two, and vows to go three more miles tomorrow so I can help polish off the Malbec thatâ€™s open. Ha!
May 29, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: Almost any Prosecco.
May 29, 2008

Rx8Doc
Hey Gary you have 1000 Wine.Woot customers high and dry for your book. Not lookin too good on either side.
May 29, 2008

eric N
the best italian wine I have had is Argiolas Turriga from Sardinia.
May 29, 2008

DON D
QOTD: CAMPO QUADRO BARBARESCO 2001, GARY, IT WOULD BE GREAT TO DO A SHOW ON BARBARESCO’S DON’T YA THINK?
May 29, 2008

Kirk (aka: slave2thevine)
QOTD: I would have to say that the best Italian wine I have had to date was the 2001 Valdicava Madonna del Piano Reserva. It was entirely too young, but it was off the charts with concentration, fruit, tannins, length, everything that pulled it all together. I’ll be revisiting it again in another 5-6 years. Thanks for another fun show…
May 29, 2008

Danny C
QOTD:

Poggio al Chiari!

95% Sangiovese, 5% Colorino
May 29, 2008

FJDR
I only buy inexpensive wines, and I really liked the 2005 Promessa Rosso Salento, which is 70% Negroamaro and 30% Primitivo, and only cost $10. Never had an Italian wine that cost more than $20.
May 29, 2008

Sharon
Thanks for background info on Super-Tuscans. Italian laws governing that stuff are kind of ridiculous IMHO.
QOTD: Difficult to say just one fave at this point, Isole e Olena Cepparello was kind of awesome, but just had a taste. Liked the Frescobaldi Chianti Classico a lot, and just about everything from i Clivi. I’m such a newbie really that haven’t really experienced much from any one place yet. Hope the Cabreo doesn’t sell out right away.
Yup, a nice t-shirt!
May 29, 2008

Jimmy T
Brunello, holla!
May 29, 2008

Borat
Very nice! I like.
May 29, 2008

Jared Pondelik
Thanks for the great show Gary!

QQTD: Pietraforte 97 because it brought me into wine. What a great memory of my first sip.
May 29, 2008

Rick D
Big fan of Italian wines. Brunello is the wine that got me started and to date I still have a very soft spot for them, unfortunately they are pricey and need several years in the bottle to reach their peak. Current wine fridge inventory has 14-15 Italians, several of them aging Brunellos, with a smattering of Chianti, Supers, Barberas and Barolos.

QOTD: 1997 Casa Vinicola Fontebuia Brunello Riserva. One bottle left which is being saved for next Xmas(which is also my birthday)
May 29, 2008

pawncop
Last month, tried a Barbera D’Asti that was great with Tuscan Beef tenderloin, like Chianti, as well as the Valpolicella. Limited experience but it is growing. Thanks for what you do.
May 29, 2008

Anthony L.
Favorite Italian wine is without a doubt Barolo

Great Episode. Can’t wait to try some of these super Tuscans
May 29, 2008

Ryan
RUFFINO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DUCALE ORO 2003
May 29, 2008

agentorange
QOTD:Been enjoying Sicilian whites lately. Cusumano Insolia and Feudo Arancio Grillo. Crisp and refreshing. Great with food.
May 29, 2008

John Farrin
QOTD: Only got into Italian wines since I began watching. So far the 2000 Oberto Barolo Vignetto Albarello is my favorite. I’m hoping that the 2003 Paolo Bea Sagrantino will become my favorite when I can drink it in 4 years.
May 29, 2008

Rowland
WOW. I graduated over a year ago, and your description of the nose of the Cabreo is honestly the first thing since then that has made me nostalgic about college and my old dorm. thanks gary, your right, its all about life.
May 29, 2008

NJ-Vettester
QOTD: 2000 Massolino Barolo Margheria
May 29, 2008

Dave Ramsey
QOTD: 2005 Silvio Grasso Dolcetto D’Alba. Drank a bottle with dinner tonight.
May 29, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
QOTD: I am ashamed to admit but can’t remember a specific wine that I just loved. Have several bottles that I am waiting to try once they age a little more. Have the Brancaia Il Blu 2004 that I can’t wait to try! Need to expand my palate and try more!!!
May 29, 2008

Robin C
QOTD: Chianti is my sentimental favorite because when I was getting my graduate degree a girlfriend and I would go to an Italian restaurant at the end of the day and commiserate over the wine. I’ve had since then several wonderful Italian wines – I can never remember the names of the super Tuscans though. Solaia was my favorite at a fairly recent Italian wine tasting.
May 29, 2008

BobM
Gary, it was interesting to hear you talk about Sassicaia. I was working in a wine store in 1978 when we had it in a blind tasting, and it blew us away with its depth, power, and deliciousness. In blind tasting, we were unable to identify as “Itaianate,” and were torn between California and Bordeaux as the origin, because it didn’t quite fit either profile. We guessed that it would sell for $20-30 at the time. In fact, it was selling for $8.75. I think we had the 1975 vintage. There was another one that was comparable (a cabernet, maybe blended), but I don’t recall the name of it.

My favorite all-time Italian was a 1964 Mascarello Barolo, which we had in 1979, with figs and some really creamy Gorgonzola cheese.
May 29, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
Thanks for all the info Gary, I’ve always been a bit confused about what it means to be a Super Tuscan wine.

QOTD: In general its been Primitivo. No specific bottle jump out to me from my memory besides Primitivo.
May 29, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
I should add, my favorite Primitivo was the Cantine del Colle “Falco Grillaio” 2004. It was so rich and delicious. Why don’t you guys carry that yet? =)
May 29, 2008

Blake W
QOTD: Barolo, but its hard to just pic one favorite
May 29, 2008

E
Italian whites that aren’t pinot grigio, can’t get enough of ‘em.
May 29, 2008

senator
QOTD: The 2002 Tenuta dell’Ornellaia. I had it on, of all places, a Princess cruise ship in French Polynesia. Maybe it was the setting, or the friends that I was with but I remember that as being an outstanding wine. It had grip.
May 29, 2008

AndrewG
I’m a new convert to the V-nation, and boy am I enjoying it. It’s been really nice for me (maybe really bad for the bank account) tuning in and learning about a new type of wine everyday. I’m excited to try some super tuscan’s and to find some more new variatals next episode. I’m a Ory-gon kid, sometimes it’s hard not just to drink the pinot’s from down the road, but you’re making me excited to experiment all over the globe.
May 29, 2008

Donna Marie
Bussola Amarone ‘97, Villa Cafagio Chianti Reserva ‘99, also Tomassi Amarone.
May 29, 2008

Nico
QOTD: favorite Italian are probably Moscato Di Asti. Anything Amarone is also usualy very interesting.
May 29, 2008

bundydb
QOTD: Oh it was a Chianti but I can’t remember the name of it right now…. I’m sure I’ll have better, but it was the best of what I’ve had so far, lol.
May 29, 2008

Pete G
You said it – drinking bad wines so we don’t have to. I like that.

QOTD: Has to be prosecco. Only because I drink it nearly every week (it’s mom’s fav when she/dad come over for dinner).
May 30, 2008

Susan B
The Father’s Day idea is great, but I don’t have a father, a husband, uncles, etc. I read the book already, thoroughly enjoyed it and ordered two at the time I ordered mine. Any suggestions?
May 30, 2008

J Crazy
Lisini 1998 really blew me away and opened up my palate in a big way.
May 30, 2008

Saftig
You sent a shirt out to be dry cleaned!? You’ve probably spilled more wine than most of us have drunk. A show on wine stain removal and other uses for wine might be enlightening. Dry cleaners indeed.
May 30, 2008

Hood
Drinking a Nero d’Avola tonight from Chiaramonte, 2005. Quite nice, although it was opened two nights ago and was much more acidic and closed. Better tonight.

QOTD: probably the first time I had an Amarone. Not sure which one, but my sis poured it for me, and I was hooked.

Great to see you in SF last night Gary!
May 30, 2008

Rossodio
Best Italian wine? I’d have to break it into white, red, and sparkling, though the red CLEARLY would win out in this case…

The red that I enjoyed the most (and the Italian wine that I enjoyed the most) was the 1996 Tenuta Friggiali (Centolani) Brunello di Montalcino. For an “off” vintage in Montalcino, this wine was phenomenal. If you can get it now, it still has a year or two of life left, and is incredibly polished.

The white I enjoyed the most… it’s really a tie between the 2003 Vestini Campagnano Terre del Volturno IGT (a Pallagrello Bianco) and the 2005 Casalfarneto Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Fontevecchia, both of which offer very different presentations but are wonderful in their own right. The pallagrello bianco is less acidic, but a bit more complex and interesting, and the verdecchio is a wonderful crowd pleaser that would appeal to both the wine conniesseur and the casual wine drinker alike.

As far as a sparkler… the non-vintage Riondo Prosecco Veneto IGT is an absolute STEAL in terms of the qpr. I haven’t had other Italian sparklers, but this one is clean and crisp, lively and nice, a bit sweet, but finishing smoothly. An absolute crowd pleaser that very few would complain about — and it retails at about $12 here. Nothing overly complex, but exTREMEly enjoyable on a summer night.

All in all, the above named Brunelllo di Montalcino takes the prize, but all of these wines are great.
May 30, 2008

brent
QOTD: Aglianico Naima from de Concilliis… although I love Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta
May 30, 2008

rimarfish
QOTD: Right now i’m in love with barbaresco. Specially from Produttori. Great episode gary!
May 30, 2008

RonC
Very good show.

QOTD: I have two favorite Italian wines. They are the 2004 Coviv Aglianico Del Vulture and the 2004 Savignola Paolina Chianti Classico.
May 30, 2008

RonC
QOTD: Scratch the 2004 Savignola Paolina Chianti Classico. I meant to include the 2003 Savignola Paolina Chianti Classico Riserva.
May 30, 2008

rob lawson
QOTD well it may be a bit of a cop out but favourite remains Antinori Tignanello, but honourable mention for Carpineto Farnito Cabernet which is also very fine and Tenuta Dell’Ornelleia Bolgheri although this is rather expensive….

just ordered the book for delivery to Hong Kong…
May 30, 2008

Mark
Hey,
My favorite Italian? Its the Bibi Graetz 2005 Soffocone Di Vincigliata. It i the quintessential pizza wine. Read my review of it on cork’d here: http://www.corkd.com/wine/view/55883-Soffocone_Di_Vincigliata_2005
May 30, 2008

YoungDave
QOTD: Most recently, the 2004 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre.
May 30, 2008

thunderball
Oreno Oreno Oreno….have you tried it? Would love to hear your opinion. Got the 03 and 04 sleeping in the wine frige…very different wines actually.
May 30, 2008

J.ÄŒ.
Never fell in love with wines from Italy, for some reason. Last one which got me was Barbera dâ€™Alba Cerreto 2003 from Azienda Agricola Roberto Voerzio (and their Barolo Brunate 1997, but that’s different story ). And Michele Satta’s Piastraia Bolgheri Rosso DOC 2002 and I Castagni Bolgheri Rosso Superiore DOC 2003 )
May 30, 2008

Justin L Ove
Cool show, I like it when you talk about the history of a wine region. great info, thank you.
QOTD: Pio Cesare Barolo, I think it was the 03 I had. One of the best bottles of wine I’ve ever opened.
May 30, 2008

Ryan D
Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano “Asinone”… still holds up as my favorite.
May 30, 2008

Len
Very good episode, as usual. QOTD: Too many good Italian wines to have just one…but if I could get pass the price of the wine…Dal Forno Romano Amarone…Masseto…away from that Ornellaia and Tignanello…any Brunello
Casanova di Neri being my favorite…which brings me to a question Gary…What do you think of the controversy going on in Montalcino…Argiano declassifies its Brunello labeling it with a IGT classification while under investigation for allegedly violating DOCG regulations.
May 30, 2008

TWalk
I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to drink the 1999 antinori Solaia…off the charts delish
May 30, 2008

Jaybird
QOTD: One of my most favorite Italian wines is Antinori Tignanello, which I have only had once. The wine was excellent but the setting and time could have also influenced that a little. So if I really want to get in to an “Italian” I think it would be Masi Amarone.
May 30, 2008

RichG
QOTD: Arthur Earl Nebbiolo and Barbera from Los Olivos/Santa Ynez.
May 30, 2008

Pardus
QOTD: I haven’t had a lot of Italian wine, so I don’t have a favorite. My father used to drink a bit of those Chiantis with the basket woven around the bottle when I was a kid.
May 30, 2008

alfredhayes
QOTD: Muscadato D’asti. Love the Frizzante action.
May 30, 2008

glenn
nice history lesson today dude!

QotD: 1990 Scavino Annunziata would be my best Italian though i have had Solaia in a few vintages and that is my fav ST by a mile! recently did have that 1997 Biondi Santi in LA but the setting (wild sushi restaurant) detracted from the experience.
May 30, 2008

pierazzo
QOTD = Cartizze from “Bisol” company. Cartizze is the best cru il all the prosecco region, the grape is pure prosecco as well. Usually dry. No more than 8 degrees celsius, in spite of Gary’s habits. Warning: You may be able to stop only at the end of the bottle, always if you don’t have another one in proximity….
May 30, 2008

MARK
PROMIS
May 30, 2008

MARK
Promis 2005 Gaja, Ca’Marcanda, Tuscany
May 30, 2008

jseeds
Cool show – I haven’t had too many SuperTuscans…price-prohibitive…

QOTD: Felsina Rancia Chianti Classico 2004…insane Sangiovese.
May 30, 2008

MtnCharlie
Very informative show, Thanks.

QOTD: The last most memorable Italian wine I had was a red from Umbria, but as so often is the case, I cannot remember the producer. I just enjoy the wine in the moment.
May 30, 2008

Ricky B.
QOTD- I love Italian wines and have for quite a while, so I have many favorites, Brunellos, La Poja (from Allegrini),many chianti riservas, super tuscans, montefalcos, etc… but the one bottle that I still remember as one of my alltime favorite wine drinking experiences was a 1990 Solaia, I have one bottle left that I should probably drink soon. I am actually headed to Italy in a couple of days (into the eye of the Euro-Dollar currency storm) and look forward to finding some new discoveries.
May 30, 2008

Kristen
Glad that you covered Super Tuscans…good history lesson today.

QOTD: Where to begin? I’ve been slowly discovering Italian whites and I’ve enjoyed them all! I also had a Valipocella recently that brought the Thunder.
May 30, 2008

tom
Faves include Antonelli San Marco Sagrantino di Montefalco, Quintarelli or a Castello Banfi wine…..
May 30, 2008

wayno da wino
Yo Gee, Faaaantaaaastic Episode!!! Mooochooo Thanx for da interestin’
Tutorial on VDT/IGT Vinos, very nice!!

QOTD: Favorite Italian Wine??? Don’t got One. Drank some $20-$25 IGT
Vinos, some Rosso da Montalcinos, some Chianti Classicos, some Barolos….
some of ‘em were decent, but none of ‘em changed me Life………………
May 30, 2008

clarose
QOTD: My all time favorite would have to be the 2004 Barbaresco from Gaja. Paired with a very good parmesan cheese, it was pure heaven!
The price tag is not my favorite though!

Great show once again!
May 30, 2008

W Miree
I’ve had the Cabreo Il Borgo several times from the 2001 and earlier vintages, and really enjoyed it….an exceptional value.

QOTD: Italian wines have been my favorites now for about 10 years. I couldn’t pick a single favorite, so here are my “baker’s dozen”:

1961 Giacomo Borgogno Barolo Riserva
1988 Giacomo Conterno Barolo – Casina Francia
1988 Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino
1988 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico – Bellavista
1990 Parusso Barolo – Bussia Vigna Rocche
1997 Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino – Riserva
1999 Bruno Giacosa Barolo – La Rocche del Falleto
1999 Lisini Ugolaia – Brunello di Montalcino
1999 Aldo Conterno Barolo – Cicala
2001 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino – Tenuta Nuova
2001 Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo – Brunello di Montalcino
2001 Sandrone Barolo
2001 Conterno Fantino Barolo – Sori Ginestra
May 30, 2008

Rodrigo
2000 Barolo Monprivato by Mascarello.
May 30, 2008

niklopez98
no, fav’s yet…haven’t really tried the Italian Wines or at least as of late….but i’ll get on it! Thanks for the Shout Out Gary you Rock! I literally watch the show (a day behind) everyday at lunch while i’m eating!
May 30, 2008

Jens
QOTD: Must be a good single vineyard barolo with some age.

Jens
from Copenhagen
May 30, 2008

Vivek
Really enjoy the information/history around italian wines. Would love to see a little “primer” in all the shows.

QOTD: 1999 Lombardi Brunello. Great stuff.
May 30, 2008

Colin
GV – Fun stuff. QOTD – Damn dude, I don’t think I have one! Better change that post haste.
May 30, 2008

GregO
I brought a Cabreo to the March get together at Basillico’s on Joe’s recommendation and have had it once or twice since then as well. It really does show both Bordeaux and Tuscan characteristics which is interesting because for me the norm is for almost all varietals and blends from Tuscany to taste â€˜Tuscanâ€™, very savory, acidic, and meaty. Where as the Cabreo shows some restraint in the acidity/savoriness and more Bordeaux like secondary characteristics.

QOTD: 99 Allegrini Amarone (See also Joe)
May 30, 2008

Andrew D
Good show Gary

QOTD: Favourite is probably ‘Ca’del Bosco Franciacorta Brut’ a super sparkling that out classes most Champagnes at the price point, but I enjoyed a lot of Tuscan wine over Christmas and noticed the obvious differences between the IGT wines and the more classic DOC/DOCG wines.

Cheers
Andrew
May 30, 2008

Michael Holzer
After living in Italy for 3 years, tough to choose 1, but some of my favorite are:

Nicolas Ambrosan Amarone 2000
Corte Sant’alda Amarone 1998/1999
Begali Monte Ca Bianco Amarone 2000
Bussola Recioto 2000
Col d’orcia Olmaia (Cab) 2000
Le Tre Berte Poggio Tocco Vino Nobile Montepulciano 2000
Villa Le Prata Brunello 1999
Bartolo Mascarello Barolo 1999/2000
Illuminati Montepulciano d’abruzzo Termani Pieluni 2000
Speri Amarone 2000
May 30, 2008

MGM
QOTD: Barolos, girlfriend’s fav is Felsina Chianti Classico Riserva.

Sometimes the quirky descriptions are a little bit over the top and downplays the wine’s true elegance. For example, describing Solengo as pouring nerds candy in your mouth and lighting your baseball glove on fire. Now go actually do those two things and taste it again…. I do enjoy the show and will continue to watch. I think you should be blinded with the same wines from a recent episode and then compare the two shows. Are you up for the challenge??
May 30, 2008

TJB
QOTD: Barbaresco, Barolo
May 31, 2008

thkorent
QOTD: That would be a head to head between a 1997 Luce and a 1999 Ornellaia. Both of them were too young when I had them, so I can’t pick one for sure. Nothing new, I know, but these are very good wines…
May 31, 2008

Pete
1997 – Tegolaia from Travignoli. Fantastic wine. I’m sure there are many I would like more but I haven’t had them…. yet.
May 31, 2008

Steve B
QOTD: A great Chianti Riserva/Classico.
May 31, 2008

Steve B
QOTD: Oh, and a great Amarone. Jeez, how could I forget?
May 31, 2008

Pastore
QOTD: Aglianico in the winter and Primitivo for the summer!
May 31, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
Barolos are my favorite Italian though I really like so many. The prices have not been that competitive with Spain and Portugal or even many US wines but hopefully, pricing will level out.
May 31, 2008

dAve
Love SuperTuscans. Very enjoyable to the palate. We had one with grilled pork tenderloin – though maybe a Zin would have been more of a match. smile.

Good show, always entertaining. Come to NC!

QOTD: I’m still seeking a good match to my taste buds — Italy has not delivered one I’ve found yet. hmm. Need more research! smile.

White Bordeaux is my interest – can you do another round on them? please?
May 31, 2008

yowens
Dude, great show. LOVE shows that have a little more educational piece as you started out with today. QOTD: Fonterutoli chianti classico
May 31, 2008

*/^_^\*
qotd: negro amaro. southern italy is the new southern france. for me anyways.

but don’ tell anyone. i want the prices to stay where they are.
June 1, 2008

RieslingRon
QOTD: Lungarotti’s Torgiano Rubesco
June 1, 2008

Jim in Atlanta
QOTD – Favorite Italian wine is Barolo, based on only a few times drinking it. Also enjoy the Sangiovese Italian wines.
June 1, 2008

steve
Gary – saw where you weren’t really impressed with the Solengo. Ever think that storage/transport may have affected that particular bottle and maybe pull another one to be sure of your diagnosis?

btw, new to watching the show and notice you don’t take a sip of water or munch on a water/bland cracker between each “whirl”. Doesn’t the previous wine affect your tastebuds for the next wine?
June 2, 2008

Mason
Gary, thanks for the show! I really have been a fan of all the Italian wines that I have had so far, and look forward to more in the near future. As a matter of fact, I have a Barbaresco that is waiting for me at home right now.

By the way, I like the “we’re drinking bad wine so you don’t have to.”

QOTD: Haven’t tried any that blew my socks off yet, but did have a great food pairing with a Primitivo once….
June 2, 2008

Phil M'Glassup
I’m with the other viewers in my enthusiasm for Italian wines. I do think however teh Brunello scandal will damage their reputation, particualarly and obviously, the Tuscans. Perhaps tho this will lead to a loosening up of the DOC regs and prod further “creativity” among that region’s winemakers.
The greatest Italina wine I have ever tasted wasthe smidgen of the 2004 Sassacaia I sampled at an upper west side wine store.So subtly perfumed, so genlte yet with real, I mean sincere, fruit. All the tasters were stunned by this wine’s art and beauty. I swear I felt a tear come to my eye. Even more tears came to my eyes when I saw the price: $210! Well there’s a wine I’d never have again.
Fortunately the good people at Wine Library had it on offer a while later for forty or fifty bucks less. The wine is resting and I look forward to drinking it when it’s ready. I guess in about five years if I can wati that long.
On the Tuscan tip, my favoatie chianti was a Nozzole from the local liquor store. I don’t know the vintage but it was only $20. Since that time, I’ve had nothing but bad luck with chianti.
June 2, 2008

Karl Laczko
I’ve not had any super Tuscans, although I’ve been tempted a few times.

QOTD – Amarone, no contest. However since I don’t normally spend the sort of cash a good Amarone requires then next level down I love Vino Nobile and Sicilian Nero d’Avolas. Italy has so much to offer for the adventurous wine buyer that I don’t know when I’ll tire of trying it’s selections.
June 2, 2008

Sarah Newton
Favourite Italian wine at the moment is the Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni.

Fantastic grape Im just discovering.
June 2, 2008

Kevin C
QOTD: I can’t say that I’ve had a Super Tuscan, and I don’t know how to say it in French here in Brussels. I found a fantastic value in a Chianti called Poggerino. Not the greatest Italian wine I’ve ever had, but one that I could afford…8 Euros in 2003.
June 2, 2008

Dan P
best episode in a while… super informative
June 2, 2008

JayZee
QOTD: Massolino Barolo
June 3, 2008

davebw
I do like a lot of italian wines, red and white. My first “serious” wine buy ever was a 1993 Col D’Orcia Olmaia, which I bought in Amsterdam to get rid of my remaining euro cash before flying back to Canada. It was amazing.

I think the best I had was a Gaja Sperss 1997, with steak tournedos at l’oree du bois in Chelsea, Quebec.

I like a lot of the cheap reds, they have more character by far than Aussie grape juice.

Dave.
June 3, 2008

Karpacz Noclegi
Nice! Super informative!
June 3, 2008

Bill
qotd – my favorite right now is the Ratti Marcenesco Barolo. Unbelievable!
June 3, 2008

Wednesday
Nero d’avola wines have been tart and earthy making them a current favorite.
June 3, 2008

Ben F
mmmmmm I am Italian so i should have an answer for you. I love a good Berbera but i havent found anything good here in PA… every wine i had in Italy especially the barbera were really good…
June 4, 2008

barrelmonkey
By far the best Italian wine I’ve had was the 2003 Cantine Martinelli Sagrantino di Montefalco from the Sagrantino show.
Notes:
Cork smelled like Worcestershire Sauce.

Opaque black/satin-purple in the glass, this wine has an earthy nose reminiscent of huitlacoche and dirt. A slight floral tone, with hints of diaper and savory meat. In the mouth it is med/full bodied, with rich fruit (slightly off-dry to my palate) and a firm tannic structure. Some earthy blueberries on the midpalate. A little more acidity would have improved the balance. Delicious finish. Not as ripping in the tannin-verse as I expected.
June 6, 2008

Ben
1st off, Tassinai over the Sass..all day. Second, GV you win; i can’t tell enough people about the thunder….love the show. Third, as a novice wine retailer I still have a soft spot for Cerreto Blange Arneis..that damn little rascal! Humid summertime brings the thunder in Btown, IN. I need a white Italian to calm the storm.
~WineSamurai
June 7, 2008

Dan-o
Good show! I was really into these wines for awhile and I was collecting Super Tuscans. My favorite Italian wine of all time is the 1997 Cabutto Barolo or the 1999 Seghesio Barolo.
June 10, 2008

jeffe
Gary, just wanted to let you know that as soon as I finished this show, I went out looking for the Cabreo. Happened to be in Hunterdon County (told my fiancÃ©e about your shout out â€” she’s from there) and found it. Had it with dinner that night and it was fantastic. You recos haven’t let me down yet. I paid $45, unfortunately. If I decide to put away a couple of these bad boys, I’m definitely paying $30 at WL.
June 12, 2008

White Fox Tetsu
To answer your question on what Italian I am into, Gary, I am drinking various vintages of ripasso, such as the 2004 Corte Rugolin Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso for its complexity and fun tastes (good with wild boar) at the price point. I really like frappato for it’s juicy fruits and excellent food pairing. 2006 Valle dell’Acate “Il Frappato” is the one I had recently.
June 17, 2008

SeaSybarite
Nice show. I too was not as impressed with the ‘04 Solengo either, esp for the $$.

QOTD: 1962 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Superiore, bar none. At a tasting, it beat 1990 Ornalaia, 1986 Mouton, 1984 Grange, and other well-aged heavy hitters. The finish went on for many minutes, much longer than the others, it was almost viscous. Truly, a profound wine.
June 23, 2008

Nik
Interesting episode – enjoyed the background information.
July 10, 2008

kjdion
when i was young, i had that exact Iron Sheik action figure….awesome to know you love the Sheik Gary….
July 21, 2008

MattUD
I really don’t think I have had an italian wine, at least not since I really got into wine drinking.
January 13, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
Great episode. I just read about Super Tuscans in my wine book and here was an episode to fill me in a little bit more. Id like to pick one up. See how the “Super” got me interested? DAMN YOU, MARKETING!!! QOTD: Prosecco only because I havent had a great deal of reds, at least quality ones. Don’t get me wrong, I do like the prosecco’s, just havent had the reds ( still working on that palate!!).
June 23, 2009

looper
Nice episode. Enjoyed it.
QOTD: Had a 2004 BdM Castello di Romitorio that tasted a lot like you described the Cabreo, crazy like tomato meatsauce meets Ripe cherries. It was awesome.