Super Tuscan Wines – Episode #701

July 9, 2009

Today Gary Vaynerchuk sits down with 3 Super Tuscan’s and some cheese.

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Comments on this episode(178) Leave a comment ›

“I am a fan of the STs, but they have gotten pretty pricey, as I guess …” by Dan-o
“QOTD: amazing food, amaaaazing olive oil, amaaaazing wine, gorgeous la…” by Brittany
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Felsina FontalloroSuper Tuscan
2006 Ornellaia Le Serre NuoveSuper Tuscan
2005 Biserno Il PinoSuper Tuscan

Links mentioned in todays episode.

Cheese mentioned in todays episode.

Pecorino Bigio Ash
Pecorino Formagiotto

If you’d like additional help with the above item or would just like to know a little bit more, please email Justin Novello ( justin@winelibrary.com ).

178 Responses

July 9, 2009

crank
I’m in.
July 9, 2009

ChrisR
Sweet, number 2!
July 9, 2009

Vanguy
Cool – look forward to this
July 9, 2009

Mike Pos
Top 10!
July 9, 2009

John Farrin
5
July 9, 2009

Jeff S.
I’m glad that you are continuing to nerd it up for us. I was just about to ask how to tell if a wine is “Super Tuscan”, when you showed us the label. Good job, GV!

QOTD: When you say “Tuscany”, I say “Pass the Vino.”
July 9, 2009

purplejuicebruce
I say Sangiovase, and I’m in.
July 9, 2009

sharon
qotd: Umbria
July 9, 2009

Kirk
Top 10?
July 9, 2009

Laurie in VT
QOTD: vacation

i liked this ep. Strange but fun!
July 9, 2009

Jeff H
QOTD: Florence
July 9, 2009

Banknote
Late start today Gary. I’ll watch this a little later, perhaps with some wine and cheese in hand.
July 9, 2009

John Farrin
QOTD: Tuscany? Diane Lane in “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Sorry, but she’s sooooo hot for the over 50 crowd
July 9, 2009

Gary & Ray
QOTD: casanova di neri brunello di montalcino 2001
July 9, 2009

mattyb_58
QOTD: Go Meat! Made me think of the Hillshire Farms commercial.

Never knew what Super Tuscan meant. I have been enlightened!

Fung Shui Mott!!!
July 9, 2009

Kirk
QOTD: When you say Tuscany, I say Avvoltore.
July 9, 2009

jwink
Thanks for the ustream behind the scenes look into the show and how hectic your world truly is.

QOTD: I think of great Italian food and I’m NOT talking Olive Garden hahaha.
July 9, 2009

jwink
Thanks for the usteam feed eariler to see the behind the scenes and how truly busy your world is with all of the other stuff going on too. (Liked the virgin video and long distance keynote too)

QOTD: I think of great Italian food and I’m not talking Olive Garden HAHAHA
July 9, 2009

Jeff Smith
Going to watch the show when I get home from the gym.
Glad it is now up and am looking forward to 701.

Thank you in advance
July 9, 2009

Jeremy
I say, “Best food and wine, anywhere.”
July 9, 2009

Dr T in NC
QOTD Tuscany = the Etruscans!

Always glad when expensive wines make you pull those expressions; I feel a lot better with the great $12-25 wines I usually drink!
July 9, 2009

Elias
Great episode! I actually love the Il Pino… I think it is a great food wine that goes well with a hearty braised lamb shank. It is a very weird wine, I will give you that. But I am all for the weirdos, I am a flavour weirdo myself, but I find the class of green and oak is quite dramatic. I understand where you come from though, it might feel a bit disjointed.

QOTD: I think of a place in Italy I have not visited yet…
July 9, 2009

Alex of Los Angeles
QOTD- drinking brunello in a villa with family and friends and a little old Italian lady cooking homemade pasta that has sausage and fresh pick tomatoes. Looking out of a window smelling the countryside. The villa is shadowed by a big shady tree. the next villa is 5 miles away. Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhh, heaven on earth.
July 9, 2009

Scott EJ
What? A 92+ wine (No. 1) is now disappointing? Nah…the last two were bad enough, I get it.

QOTD: Where I’m going in two years. Next year Spain…the following Italy. I’ve been a major wine vacation kick lately and Tuscany seemed as good a place as any. Still does.

Thanks, G.
July 9, 2009

manonthemoon
nice follow up to the big 700.

QOTD: Either overrated or Italian food
July 9, 2009

ZachB
…Diane Lane
July 9, 2009

KAHUNA
Can I pay for the FoodNetwork Events with Funnymoney?
July 9, 2009

hugh
QOTD: Brunello

701 episodes, and i think, the first time u mention Springsteen. Let the record show that I am a huge fan-you’re a jersey boy-go get his ass on the show…or Little Steven at least!!!!!
July 9, 2009

KAHUNA
QOTD: San Gimi
July 9, 2009

Mr Taz
Woah! Dissing Bruce! I can’t believe it! You’re up there but he’s still the #1 Jersey Boy. If you forced me to choose between never drinking another bottle of wine and never hearing another Springsteen song, I’d definitely give up the wine.
July 9, 2009

Vinny
Great show. I haven’t had the best luck choosing Super Tuscans, either. QOTD – Chianti.
July 9, 2009

Martin E
QOTD: When you say Tuscany, I say, “fusscany” – Great show!
July 9, 2009

Mike Dougherty
Great episode. Love the Super Spray of Saliva. Congrats for entering the 700’s.
July 9, 2009

Thomas D.
QOTD: When I hear Tuscany, the first thing that comes to mind is Guillaume du Fay and the wonderous motet he wrote for the consecration of the Duomo in Florence entitled “Nuper Rosarum Flores”. I admit that first and foremost, I am a music nerd.

Also, is the only thing that differentiates super tuscans the price point?
July 9, 2009

Dominus
I like the cheese pairing.

QOTD: Beautiful place where I had an excursion where I hiked through the hills of the Carlo-Rossi villa and ended with a home cooked meal in one of their barns and, of course, a glass of their Chianti. Quite memorable.

Cheers!

P.S. Remember: No Jets players have ever “panned out.”
July 9, 2009

Adam J
The first couple of minutes of tasting the last wine were classic. Your facial expressions were hilarious. Good show!
QOTD: Chicken Liver
July 9, 2009

Sasha M.
do they call them Super Tuscans in Italy or Tuscany?

QOTD: You say Tuscany I say The Palio of Siena
July 9, 2009

oscar falcon lara
Super Tuscans have been appearing in the local catalogs lately, specially from Vistorta and Sassicaia, and yes they’re expensive ( or at least they have higher prices )

QOTD: When you say Tuscany, I say: Medici.
July 9, 2009

guymandude
I say ,Great wines. Sassicaia, Tignanello,Solaia,Summus,Excelsus, should I go on?
July 9, 2009

laposte
QOTD:
Dante Alighieri
July 9, 2009

Chateau_Plonk
QOTD: A goodie basket of both modern and traditional wines at multiple price points.
July 9, 2009

Ian L
Nice show to followup a great northern Tuscany dinner I had last night.

QOTD: Wines that I cannot afford.
July 9, 2009

Nancy
Gary,
Fun show. Did you notice that the names of the wines you had on the show didn’t match the names printed on the bottom of the screen?

QOTD- when I think tuscany I think future romantic vacation with the hubby! And hopefully a chance to learn traditional Italian cooking!

Thanks Gary!
July 9, 2009

Andrew S
Great show Gary, but I agree that it’s time for some value episodes again! Bring on the next J.Verdeens!

QOTD: Boar
July 9, 2009

Gobi
QOTD: I say Tignanello (my all time favorite) and great food.
July 9, 2009

Couves
QOTD: Tuscany = Villas where one of the “amenities” for lodgers is picking wine grapes.
July 9, 2009

WineWoman
QOTD: Under the Tuscan Sun….

Loved the Vocab lesson–houligan, brouhaha. Not sure about the spelling??
July 9, 2009

melbourne rob
nice wine nerd breakdown at the end there
i haven’t had any of these ’super tuscans’ – so qotd: i look at you blankly
July 9, 2009

Glen,....winecrazy.com
I like this episode. I am a big lover of the Supers. I remember drinking the Sassicaia, Ornelia and Tignanello all the time 10-12 years ago. They were very good back in the day and worth the money. But you are right, they have gone down in quality and up in price. Not good.

QOTD: You say Tuscany, I say…book it Dan O!!! Let’s go… Montecatini baby!
July 9, 2009

David T (@ONUMello)
QOTD: Florence
July 9, 2009

Everett Duke
When you say Tuscany, I say new pastas at Pizza Hut.
July 9, 2009

RANDI
GARY!!!!

Great episode!

QOTD: LETS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

XO
July 9, 2009

PrimoVino
Good show, GV… you hit quite the note with that whistle when pronouncing the ‘S’ that my dog popped his head up and looked around.

QOTD: You say Tuscany and I think of Elisabetta Gregoraci and oil paint.
July 9, 2009

A-Gar
Nice episode.

Best moment, hands down: (Cue “seductive” look) “Gooooooogle him, non-sports fans.”

QOTD: I say…Val d’Orcia. Beautiful.
July 10, 2009

Slushpuppy
Tuscany-Bobuscany
Smell it first. TR
July 10, 2009

Jeff Smith
Good episode
QOTD: I think of Simpsons Season 17 Episode 8 “The Italian Bob” Bob moves to Tuscany.

Keep pumping the content. Hope the family is well.
July 10, 2009

paryb
That was fun watching it the second time! You totally need to do more ustream buddy, I love it! (also when you are going to ustream in a tweet mention it by name, or be specific, so we know to turn it on)

QOTD: You say Tuscany, I say Alfami Coast! Now if you say Italy I say Jessica…my sister and her fam are stationed in Italy for the next 4 years, and I can’t wait to get there to visit her!
July 10, 2009

Mike Nelson
You say Tuscany and I say “green hills”. First thing that popped in my head. I hate bad wines too. I had an 2006 “Zinman” zinfandel that got a 86 WS score. It cost $11.99. It tasted like 2 buck chuck. I’m not sure what sucks more the bad taste in your mouth or the money stolen from your wallet that paid for the bad taste in your mouth.

Did you like the cheese?
July 10, 2009

Earl
I remember the trees, you know, those trees that are tall, but almost cedar like that really stand out against the fields.

My first experience with toscany was when i met these other canadians and we camped illegally outside Siena and we drank this fantastic wine full of cherries and prunes alongside hotdogs over a fire at dusk to best hide the flame.

Ah, I really need to get back to Tuscany and Italy in general to experience the finer life!
July 10, 2009

Mark
Gary,
This was one of the most On-Point, Real, True, Authentic (all those catch phrasey, bullshit words) episodes man.
Your analysis and explanation and style in this episode was one of the best I’ve ever seen. You didn’t get too excited, and you shared a bunch of great information from beginning to end. Awesome episode.
July 10, 2009

castello
qotd: The first thought is bad Chianti.
Awesome show!
I’ve had a couple decent tuscans but none could wear the Superman shirt. Overrrrraaaated, but, I will try the Fontanello. Shouldn’t you decant the big ass wines?
What did the last wine do to your palete. Will it recover by Monday?
July 10, 2009

Rob from Vancouver
Yo yo.

Great show Gary V!

QOTD: Seinfeld. “What do you mean there isn’t anywhere to rent.”

I started watching your show about 6 months ago and it is the only reason that I am obsessed with wine now. It has been an amazing journey learning about wine from my own experience and from watching your show. I recently went up to the Okanagan (first time every going to a winery) to do some wine tours/B&Bing with my girlfriend and of course we watched your Okanagan episode and on the last legs of our trip we drove by the Tantalus winery and we had to stop and taste the fantastic riesling that you loved. Wine #1 link it up Mott! http://tv.winelibrary.com/2009/01/21/oh-canada-oh-kanagan-episode-611/

So I made a video for you from the winery and posted it on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imjnj2JYXNU

Leave a comment! Or email me back if you like the video. If not I will keep bugging you until you watching! haha

Rob
July 10, 2009

Robert F
Great episode, Gary. Have never tried a super tuscan – been too busy with obscure regions in France – Cahors, Vacqueyras, Bourgeuil, Madiran (love the tannat – just had one yesterday), etc.

QOTD: The episode of Seinfeld where the maestro tells Jerry there aren’t any villas to rent in Tuscany, so he goes to Poppy’s family and rents one.
July 10, 2009

Medo
I say Maremma! I had a great Sangiovese/Alicante blend out of the Maremma region last night and enjoyed it very much. Btw, did you every made a show about Maremma?!

Cheers from Germany,

Nico aka the big german guy from the Cruise
July 10, 2009

Seb
Dear Gary,

Big fan, have been watching all past episodes the last weeks. I think it’s great to see someone with such passion telling me about something I feel passioned about;wine.
The Super Tuscans, I don’t know, price-quality wise I rather have a good Vino Nobile or something like Lungarotti Rubesco,Di Majo Norante Molise or Barbera d’Asti/Alba
Congr. on your 700 + episode !
Sebastiaan
the Netherlands
July 10, 2009

Helge Hagener
QOTD: Chianti (bad ones and good ones)
July 10, 2009

BrianAF
Gary, great episode. I would like to comment on having expensive wines on the show. I think it is of great importance to have both expensive and inexpensive wines on the thunder show. And for the same reason. It would be nice to know what expensive (50-150$) bottles are worth getting. Although most wines people buy are not in this price point, it is good to know which ones to gravitate towards when a vayniac wants to go there.

Qotd: Need to try more of them.
July 10, 2009

Richie
QOTD: I say: Really ridiculous prices on german beer in Florence. About 4,50 euro for a small bottle which would cost about 0,50 euros in Germany. Thats what I remember from my trip to Tuscany.
July 10, 2009

Tracy
The wines listed in the wines tasted this episode is completely wrong in fact 2 are the same wine.

OOTD- Guado Al Tasso 2003 awesome wine!
July 10, 2009

Anders
Good episode. Didn’t know about supert’s before. But have drunk IGT, some good, some not so good.

QOTD: Amedei chocoalte and the year 2007, me and the girlfriend driving our motorhome down to Tuscany and spending 10 days there and another 15 on the road through France and Germany.
July 10, 2009

Phredd
Nice episode. Will all due respect to Robert Parker, I hate the term “Super Tuscan”. It doesn’t tell you anything about the wine. It could be 100% sangiovese and taste just like a Chianti Classico, or it could be mostly cabernet sauvignon and taste like a Bordeaux, or it could be a blend and taste like a California meritage. It might be a good wine, or it might completely suck. All you can be sure of is that a “Super Tuscan” is going to be pricey. Stupid term. You clarified as best you could, though, and I enjoyed the episode.

QOTD: You say, “Tuscany”, and I say, “stalemate line”. Word association goes weird places. That’s a reference to the game of Diplomacy, which I’m sure 93.2% of the people who read this won’t know anything about. It is the first exposure to the region I ever had, so it sticks. Still the best game ever, too.
July 10, 2009

Nick P
I say retirement.
July 10, 2009

Glen
QOTD: La Magia Brunello 2001 Riserva

Nice episode.
July 10, 2009

mjr
Buscany!

the 1st wine sounds good. i’ll try n chase it down in tokyo.

mjr
tokyo
July 10, 2009

Phil Oxera
Tuscan wines are 100% food wines. Congrats on the #700. You have eaten the dirt, not to mention the cat’s pee and the sheep’s butt. Is there anything you would’nt do for us?
July 10, 2009

David
..if your buying im flying
July 10, 2009

Chippewamike
You say Tuscany, I say pasta (not sure why ).

Nice show. Like the “giddyness”.
July 10, 2009

GlennB
wines in show don’t match the wine listed as tasted?
July 10, 2009

Uncle Meate
AOTD: Oven (?)

PS – Who has the job of cutting the cheese. That would be the life!
July 10, 2009

SiggiWine
QOTD: You say Tuscany I think sour, funny, wired but good wines exp. with food…
July 10, 2009

RichE
QOTD:
You say Tuscany
I say Show me your Olives, Grapes and Beautiful Architecture.
July 10, 2009

arvino
Good focus on the wines! I was very enthusiastic when gary started the show with the introduction of the pecorino (cheese), it seems he was not that in to it? Maybe he did like the cheese but where to focus on the wines to go a little bit deeper in to the cheese. Try the pecorino with some honey, that is delicious!

QOTD: Hope to see you there, at the end of september in the vineyards for grape harvest.
My father, brothers and me go every year to italy for an active vacation to friends in SanGimignano who have a vineyard.
July 10, 2009

MaRc
thanks for the tuscan nerd-pisode…unfortunate enough that it wasn’t superb.

When you say Tuscany, I say, “Baby, pack up…we’re going on a road trip!”
July 10, 2009

zeppo55
Gary,

Bruce is like a $200 bottle of wine. You think its all hype and overpriced but then when
you experience it you get the nuances and understand its value.If your going to diss any
band from NJ please make it Bon Jovi from now on.
July 10, 2009

Phil G
QOTD – The maestro said there are no places available there. In all of Tuscany…
July 10, 2009

SurfCityJay
Great show… always have liked the STs… found the Felsina at a local shop… can’t wait to try it…

QOTD: Diane Lane… ohhhhh, baby!!!
July 10, 2009

Jacob L.
Thanks for clarifying the whole “Super Tuscan” thing. For some reason, I always had some weird image in my head of a wine bottle with a cape, and I never bothered to educate myself out of it.

QOTD: Hills and villas and beautiful Italian ladies.
July 10, 2009

CHICAGO MARK
TUSCANY…MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN CHICAGO…ESPECIALLY THE ONE ON TAYLOR ST !!
July 10, 2009

Myles
As you were describing grape breakdown of the Ornellaia, as soon as I heard the 6% and that flicker in your eyes I KNEW the words PETIT VERDOT were coming! I have to admit even when you describe a wine as like eating an action figure dipped in dirt and bird poop, you say it so enthusiastically that it makes me want to try it anyway!

Congrats on 700, keep em’ cominng!
July 10, 2009

chef
Diane Lane! shes my dream milf. soo hot want to touch the hiney. AAOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!
July 10, 2009

ChicagoMatt
Gary,

I’m new to the show and am trying to catch up. My boss has been on a two-week vacation, so I’ve logged some serious Thunder Show time. Question: Does Mott like anything??? Dude dissed the sake guy…hates the nose on all the wines lately…maybe he needs a hug.

QOD: Honeymoon. Florence & Siena with a day in Montalcino. Great trip. I love the wines of that region. My first region of true wine obsession.
July 10, 2009

Terence Fox
Pecorino and Tuscan wine is still my favorite pairing of all time, I wish you had talked about the cheese a little more. But maybe that’s just because I’m hungry.

I’d be excited to see some $10 and under wines next week.

QOTD: I say “Americans”. The only place in Italy I heard English being spoken on a regular basis, and usually loud, obnoxious English at that. You’re right about how much us Americans love that place.
July 10, 2009

JasonA
That last wine was messing with ya huh Gary!!

QOTD: I think of super tuscan wines. And possibly a wine region I havent tasted from yet. The prices tend to get up there it seems for a super tuscan.

Jason
July 10, 2009

Christopher Scoggin
Way out of my price point but interesting show. Especially appreciate the Professor VG time at the end to explain what the heck a Super Tuscan is. Even more then pulling the average cost down on the show bring back the education. I love the fun shows but it was the learning that brought me in in the first place.

QOTD: You say Tuscany, I say muscany? Seriously, what first comes to mind it Brenough’s(sp?) Much Ado. Not even sure if that is where it was filmed but that is what it made me think of.
July 10, 2009

ktf
When you say Tuscany I say wine! Now, just for shits and giggles (unless it is too late) lets try the wine yo did not like after they have been open for a day or two. That would be fun!!

Ken
July 10, 2009

Chris The Cop
QOTD-Italian whores
July 10, 2009

MarcBelgium
I really love your shows.
This one was very nice.
I adore super tuscans. Have some in my cellar.

Tracy, Guado al Tasso is indeed awesome.
July 10, 2009

BurroBoy
#1 brought the thunder and #3 just about brought tears…
who cut the cheese?

QOTD: One of our dogs, Mitchie is part Maremma. She is a great pal.
July 10, 2009

MarcBelgium
I ‘ve been more then 20 times to Tuscany. In summer and in winter.
When I say Tuscany;
I used to say: If God exists – I say if – then Paradise is in Tuscany.
I used to say that. Since three year I know that Paradis is not in Tuscany but in California. And they make also great wines overthere.
July 10, 2009

shawnandlu
Tell that new intern to get it together and match up the right wines with links next time. And oh yea intern go get me another cup of coffee. Free labor just isn’t what it used to be.
July 10, 2009

Jay Campbell
Whoa Whao Whao… I have to call you out on the “always show up for my events” quote. Great American Food and Music Fest??? Understandable that you had to miss it due to the new addition, but still, just had to point that out.

Don’t worry, the Scott Norwood reference made everything ok.
July 10, 2009

Adrian aka AnGkEr
Nice one GV..even after so many episodes….you still bring the THUNDER!!!
July 10, 2009

W. Miree
QOTD: When you say “Tuscany,” I say “Great wine, Great food, Great Landscape, and Great art.” I have been a fan of Fontalloro for years, and especially love it because of its predominant Sangiovese. For my taste, it usually needs 8-10 years of age to reach its peak, but I have drunk and loved it with more age. I have had an earlier vintage of the Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove once and was modestly impressed. I have never had the Il Pino, and probably won’t look for it given your review (I really don’t like “green” wines.

Despite the poor showing of two of the wines, this was an extremely well done show. There was a lot of knowledge and good advice given. Congratulations!
July 10, 2009

Murso
Many Italian red wines, across the entire spectrums of geography/climate, varietal, and quality, maintain evidence of relatively strong acid. For this, they can never truly be MY favorites, though I still love and enjoy scores of Italian wines from all ranges. Also, note that acids present in red wines are not the same as acids in white wines, and when you say ‘acid freak’, it’s much quicker to mind to think of the S.B.’s, Rieslings, Chards, the many 2nd and third tier grapes like Albarino, and the numerous Italo-Euro white varietals that I love to enjoy. Super Tuscans remain a loosely defined, loosely regulated, and hugely experimental category with at least as much variance in character (and quality), as they might be defined by some common, or unifying characteristics (aside from general geography).

QotD – You say Tuscany. I say Uffizi, Firenze. This is the world famous Museum/Gallery built in the 1500’s by the Medici family, and is home to many of the World’s most famous and historically important works, especially European works of the Renaissance period.

When I laid eyes on Boticelli’s grand “The Birth of Venus”, I actually cried, the beauty was so overpowering.
July 10, 2009

Richard Arblaster
Great episode again Gary

You say Tuscany I say “does not compute”, it’s been a long week, brain is into wind down mode.
July 10, 2009

Mike Alvin
Dude, that was some funny stuff. I loved that episode. For the first time while watching WLTV, when you first sprayed while talking, whistled, and called the furniture dude a hoodlum I was straight up cracking up! Great show!
July 10, 2009

Harp
QOTD: Ambivalent
1 of the Super Tuscans you tried was 100% Sangiovese(not even a blend). No reason to be called a Super Tuscan.. just write Sangiovese on the bottle.
–Harp
Register4Wine.com
July 10, 2009

Art Insight TV
You say Tuscany — I say — Sex in a dry afternoon villa with the sea salt smell in the air. Deep black hair stuck to the side of her face from sticky sweat. Surrounded by orange and yellow-green overlaid with pale-yellowish stained curtains that for a moment wave in a Mediterranean breeze. A breeze that heightens the smell of that slow secret seduction while swaying her off to sleep. — Damn I have to bring the wifey to Italy — NOW!
July 10, 2009

Jayhitek
I thought it was NJ state law to love the Bruce. Shocking observation.
QOTD: BOO!
Only because Jaime Kennedy had that movie where he was a hard core white rapper and yelled on stage, “When I saw Mala, You say BOO! Mala! BOOOOOOOOOOO!! (Malibu)
July 10, 2009

Andy Wileman
Hi GV,

Nice episode. Long time lurker, will try posting more and more. I like the “gamy like Serrano ham” line. Most people don’t think of ham as gamy, but when it’s a Spanish style ham with a silky fat play. Yum.

Also – “smells like the color green”. HA! I can taste purple. Synesthesiac?

QOTD: A place I REALLY want to visit.

Andy
July 10, 2009

Kevin K
QOTD: Tomato.

This was a good episode. Seemed like “back to basics”.
July 10, 2009

ben from boston
renaissance.
July 10, 2009

Grant
Great episode, lots of wine-directed enthusiasm, as opposed to your normal generalized enthusiasm.

QOTD: You say Tuscany, i say TOURIST TRAP! Partially kidding, but you gotta know where to go (and not go).
July 10, 2009

dc7
Bring back the Roaring Forties.
July 10, 2009

Kevin C
At those price points, hard to take a 33% success rate. This puts Super Tuscans in the special occasion category for me, and I don’t want to take a chance on a miss for a special occasion so I’ll stcik with something a know I’m going to love.

QOTD: Romantic
July 10, 2009

Mark Fitzpatrick
You say “Tuscany” I’m thinking…

1. Pizza Hut

2. Cat Food ad I’ve seeing

It’s ABUSE of the word Tuscany damn it
July 10, 2009

Joe R.
QOTD: You say Tuscany, I think…

Lightning.

I have had the tremendous pleasure of visiting Tuscany twice so far in my lifetime. My friend’s father owns a villa just north of Montalcino (where Banfi’s vineyards are located), and during two consecutive summers when I was in highschool I visited there with my parents and younger sister.

One night, after we had eaten dinner, a heavy thunderstorm in the area took out all of the electrical power in the villa. Standing in near darkness, I watched for about twenty minutes as bright flashes of lightning struck the hills all around me and illuminated the undulating landscape; it was one of the most gorgeous natural spectacles that I have ever witnessed.

Of course, when I think of Tuscany I also think of a million other things – delicious food and wine, bright patches of sunflowers, soil so rich that you almost want to eat it (I know that you would, Gary), as well as ancient cities and small towns and all of the art and history, etc. However, that brilliant lightning striking the dark distant hills all around me is something that I will never forget… it was an experience that literally “brought the thunder”
July 10, 2009

nick v
Informative episode, proves the point that when it comes to Super-Tuscans price dosn’t always dictate quality.
QOTD: Gnocchi and wild boar sauce
July 10, 2009

mike z
im with you on Bruce. Just bc im from Jersey, doesnt mean i have to worship him. give me born in the USA on July 4th and im good.
July 10, 2009

Lawrence Leichtman
Sienna, maybe Florence. Yeah there are a lot of Americans there but the food and wine is great, the views gorgeous and just speak Italian and ignore the Americans. Your tasting reflects my experience with Super Tuscans, some OK, some great, always expensive, kinda of like Italian women.
July 10, 2009

RodneyStrong09
If you want to “hate” on an aging rocker from New Jersey go with that wannabe Bon Jovi and leave Bruce (a true American icon) alone. QOTD: Another place I will never visit, but hey I can drink the wine….
July 10, 2009

NY Pete
QOTD … you say Tuscany, I say Brunello … I love Brunello.
July 10, 2009

Jarvis
QOTD: Old world wines that are out of my budget.
July 10, 2009

Rich
ok- since I went to the Jets v. Oakland AFL Championship Game, and the ‘68 season is so near an dear to my heart, I will ask you a question of the day— without looking at a book for reference, can you name the 22 starters on offense and defense for that team (feel free to email me your response).

I love Super Tuscans– I visited Antinori last summer and fell in love with both Tignanello and the Solia. I have both sitting in my basement for future consumption.
July 10, 2009

Robert Howells
Gary, I am an old school Vayniac (howlr5) but you have dropped a few notches for slagging “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen. I will put Springsteens catalogue of music up against Lionel Ritchie’s any day.
July 10, 2009

AmandaM
I haven’t commented in about 400 episodes, so it’s time.

This is a solid, classic Gary episode. I’m a big fan of the solo episodes where you eat cheese and enjoy yourself, even if the wines are less than stellar. It really reminds me of when I started watching (Summer 2007). I agree about the high price points. I’m not a CKC anymore, but I’m still on the same budget. Lower priced wines are more up my alley.

QOTD: Wines that I love. Gotta travel there sometime soon.
July 10, 2009

Thomas Moore
You say Tuscany….I say “I need to take a trip”
July 11, 2009

wayno da wino
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOA, Super Tuscans in da Hizzy!!!!!!! Can’t wait to watch
this one!!!!!
July 11, 2009

wayno da wino
Yo G, SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPER Episode!!!!!! But don’t be poisonin’ da
Mottster!!!

qotd: You say “Tuscany”… I say “I wanna go there”….
July 11, 2009

wiljak
QOTD: You say Toscana, I say played out like Arnold with the whatchu talkin’ bout Willis.

X Clan talked about “to the east, my brotha, to the east…” but if they did a song about wine in Italy it would be “to the south, my brotha, to the south”.
July 11, 2009

YoungDave
QOTD: …I Say: Rosso di Montalcino! (or) Vino Nobile di Montepulciano! (or) Morellino di Scansano! THESE are the wines that I think represent uniqueness and value in this region dominated by the higher price-commanding Brunellos and “Super Tuscans.” Morellino is a recent favorite of mine…DO A MORELLINO DI SCANSANO EPISODE!!! SOON!

Cheers…
July 11, 2009

Thomas_S
QOTD: My best holidays ever. My favourite wine from Tuscany is the Brancaia il blue.
July 11, 2009

Jack Turner
Gary, Great episode, really like the cheese and wine paring…have you tried cab with Paive? It is a cow cheese that is a little nutty and it has some umpf too. I think it really helps to bring out the quality or lack theere of the fruit in the wine.
July 11, 2009

Jim in Atlanta
I agree with you on the Boss. He is a legend in the music industry, but never did much for me. When you say Tuscany I think of a beautiful area with old hill towns and excellent wine. I do want to go back, even if everyone else does too.
July 11, 2009

Robert Holmberg
QTOD: I love Tuscany and especially Chianti Classico Riservas. For my palate (and wallet) the CC Riservas are perfect, sour cherries and a bit of oak. My favourite producer in Tuscany is Mazzei. If all you guys havent tried their wines, you have to.
July 11, 2009

Bill H
In general I’ve had a pretty good track record with super Tuscans. Going to have to disagree with you big time about Bruce though, the man is a legend.

qotd – antinori
July 11, 2009

GatorGunner
My new fave WLTV line….”There’s a dark-horse chance I hate this wine.” Too funny!
July 11, 2009

Don
Gary — thanks for the Super Tuscan edumacation, very interesting stuff.

QOTD: I SAY SANGIOVESE!!!!
July 11, 2009

David Dadekian
QOTD: Siena and the Tower of Mangia. Climbed it in April of 1997 and can’t wait to get back.
July 11, 2009

MattE
QOTD: Summer vacation! 2 weeks in Italy (August 14-29). Looking for some fun things to do in Milan, Venice, Florence & Rome.
July 11, 2009

Harry
opera and wine
why was the Fontallo avoiding a more traditional tuscan category if its all sangio?
July 11, 2009

Senator
QOTD: I say, “Let’s go!”

I’ve only had Ornellaia once in my life, and that was in French Polynesia of all places. My wife and I had dinner with the owner of a Virginia winery and he introduced us to it. Yum. The wine had grip.
July 11, 2009

David J Cooper
QOTD. Asinone. Along with Fontaloro the truest expression of the great grape Sangiovese.

My favorite IGT is Campaccio. Great episode. This is my first comment.
July 11, 2009

rowland
Gary … Gary. Gary I swear to GOD if you go to a Long Island winery before you come to the Hudson Valley, Im seriously gonna freak out. Im talking about rabbid aneurysm breakstuff freak out.

… lol yea you did just whistle while saying Shhhhhtrawberry … on no now im whistling too.

dude i seriously hate Burce Springstein. Always taking Max Wineberg from Conan. Yea I love The Beatles, Elvis, and Cash (Cash was the King).

… chalky cheese lol.

oh my god i wish i could have seen Mott’s face then, you could hear his disgust, mmmm lol

QOTD: eh, actully this ones just not ringing the bell, sorry gary. PEACE.
July 12, 2009

John D.
Alright, so my mom loved Bruce BIG TIME in the 80s, back when I was in middle school. During the summer, she had his Born in the USA album on repeat 24/7, which was burned indelibly into my cranium…

QOTD: just to piss you off Gary, I’m going with Diane Lane in the movie Under The Tuscan Sun, because she’s just plain hot. And Brunello isn’t too bad either…
July 12, 2009

thunderball (dave)
ORENO. If you would be so kind as to have some Oreno on WLTV I think we’ll both be happy.

Great show by the way.
July 12, 2009

VinoPaolo
GV, great show. You nailed the Felsina Fontolloro. Spectacular wine.

I think you enjoyed the 2005 better than previous vintages because ‘05 was a bit warmer. The normally very earthy, forest-floor cult sangioveses like Fontolloro will benefit from more ripeness of fruit, and seem more balanced.

I remember tasting several ‘05 Le Serre Nuove and they were oak monsters and overripe.

If you really want to try a ridiculous Italian Bordeaux-blend, I DARE you to blind taste a San Leonardo (from Trentino-Alto Adige) next to a left bank Bordeaux at twice the price. I already know what will win

QOTD: Case Basse Soldera Brunello di Montalcino, if you can find one. For non-wine, Tuscany condures images of Michelangelo’s statues in Florence, the Palio running in Siena, and rolling hills with cypress and olive trees.
July 12, 2009

DAveA
good show

QOTD: When you say Tuscany, I say “let’s go”.
July 12, 2009

Sonia
Had a super Tuscan only once before, my aunt brought it over and it was amazing. One of the first “serious” wines I ever had, but I haven’t had any since. Price points and not knowing for sure if I like what I’m buying have kept me from exploring them further.
QOTD: first thing I think of is an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations where he was in Tuscany, he talked about Dante and spent time with people who pretty much looked like they were living the good life.
July 12, 2009

Alos
Food
July 12, 2009

kathyintex ( kathyd )
Nice show!
QOTD – Tuscany? I say – Antinori/Tignenello – Luscious wine! I’d love to go someday, but so many great wine regions to visit here in the USofA -
July 12, 2009

Andrew D
Thanks Gary

QOTD: best holiday ever!

Cheers
Andrew
July 12, 2009

bluna
QOTD olive oil !
July 12, 2009

wyld
QOTD: Buscany
July 13, 2009

Brayden
OH my god…….yes yes yes!! You are so damn funny, knowledgable and just a great person to watch decribe these wines. So full of info and I love some of your descripitive words you use. I am going threw a month long training process for a fine dining place in parkcity utah and this is helping me alot… thanks for your passion and funny carisma….cheers
July 13, 2009

M
I am not only here for the entertainment and wine nerdy education. I am also here for the fantastic analogies.

QOTD: Chianti
QOTD: beautiful country
July 13, 2009

M
I am not only here for the entertainment and wine nerdy education. I am also here for the fantastic analogies.

QOTD: Chianti
QOTD: beautiful country (I get a picture in my head of Tuscany when you say Tuscany)
July 13, 2009

Mauricio Fernandes
Nice show again GV!!

QOTD: Honeymoon. I am planning mine next february, and I want to spend a couple days in Bolgheri.

Best wishes,

Mauricio Fernandes
(your #1 Brazilian fan)
July 13, 2009

Gibb Brown
Great show as always,love to see cheese on the show. qotd: who’s buying the tickets.
July 13, 2009

Vinophile
Oh WOW!! When you say, “Tuscany,” I say the most AWESOME Italian food/wine experience of my life—right THERE…in Tuscany…in the cellar of a rural Fiorenza (Florence) winery surrounded by racks and barrels of Tuscan wines…”Grandma Nonna” (who looked just like any one of my great-aunts) cooking a homey, gourmet Italian feast off in a corner. BELLISSIMO!!
July 13, 2009

Ryan Heffern
Been watching on my iPod and TiVo for a while. Just started watching online. Love the tags; love the show.

QOTD: Cinghiale (wild boar). Went to Tuscany in the spring of ‘08 and have missed the cinghiale ragu ever since. Nobile di Montepulciano rocked too.
July 13, 2009

Chalz
good show, learned some stuff…that’s the point of WLTV!

Qoted: I say…Gaiole. Great place to visit and drink decent Chianti
July 13, 2009

K-9 Cop
Another great show in the bucket. Not a pecorino fan but loving the Super Tuscans. Had a great experience touring there last year off season to avoid the tourist crush. Greve in Chianti is an ideal place to start out.

When you say Tuscany…..I say Porchetta!
July 13, 2009

JayZee
Interesting and yet disappointing show given the potential of the class of wines being tasted. Oh, well. BTW, don’t feel bad about tasting some high-end wines from time to time. Some of us CAN buy such wines and like to get your take on them.

QOTD: San Gimignano – one of the coolest places to visit on Earth. It is a beautiful walled city like Siena but without all of the crowds in the evening. In fact, they clear out the city at about 6 PM and if you are staying in a hotel there, you and the locals are the only ones there. Plus it also has a macabre Museum of Torture.
July 13, 2009

Marc-China Wine Tours
QOTD: peaceful, beautiful, delicious wine, olive oil, villas!
July 13, 2009

pawncop
Good episode and good information.

QOTD – Another wine group I have not tried.
July 13, 2009

Will Gosling
QOTD: I say, “I wanna go!” It’s definitely on the list of wine places to visit.
July 13, 2009

gomestar
QOTD: when you say Tuscany, I say it was one magnificent vacation.
July 14, 2009

A dumb Rhine king
QOTD: Where’s the vines? I say that because when we were in Italy two years ago, we took the SR2 from Abbadia San Salvatore to Pisa and back and then the next day to Florence and back, but didn’t see one vine from the road. If you’ve ever been down that stretch, you know that you can see for miles. Obviously there are many vineyards and wineries in the area, we just completely missed them. Next time we’re in Italy, I hope to do more of a wine tour than a hurried history tour.
July 14, 2009

Weston
qotd: Cheesy Love Story
July 14, 2009

frank sweeney
Loved your father’s day show!, I lost my dad this year and he and I enjoyed and shared a passion for wine. I posted your episode on my facebook page in his memory and for all of those who have lost a father. Your Dad is one cool dude and that is clearly genetic, thanks, Frank
July 14, 2009

Ryan D
QotD: Honeymoon!!!
July 14, 2009

Sal B
Gary- I’m new to the show. watched this episode because i like Tuscan wines. I have to say the look on your face was classic when you tasted the il Pino- you looked like you were going to vomit- made me chuckle. Keep up the great shows, will continue to watch. will be coming up to the Library soon to pick up an order and check out the store. Sal
July 14, 2009

RonD
QOTD: …where a really passe architectural style came from
July 16, 2009

teckdeck2008
Qotd: overrated wines…then i think about how fun it would be just to visit, my initial reaction is the way the media has over advertised the wine.
July 18, 2009

Sassodoro
Hmmmm. When I click on the Il Pino link to go to the Wine Library page for it, you quote the Wine News description, “Medium ruby hue. Pauillac-like aromas of black currant, citrus peel and graphite are perfectly charming and show no herbaceousness. Well-integrated flavors of blackberry, dried herbs and spicy cedar offer hints of mocha. Elegant close. 2,300 cases” No herbaceousness? You were emphasizing how green it was. Were you and Wine News tasting the same wine?
July 20, 2009

Brittany
QOTD: amazing food, amaaaazing olive oil, amaaaazing wine, gorgeous landscape…but overhyped and tooooo many tourists!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 26, 2009

Dan-o
I am a fan of the STs, but they have gotten pretty pricey, as I guess many popular wine regions have.

QOTD – laid back scenic beauty, wine and food.