Italian Wine

One of the founding members of the prestigious Amarone Families association who focus on safeguarding the unique winemaking traditions of Valpolicella, Allegrini sets the standard for a new generation of vintners. This opens with sweet tones of Indian spice, ripe fruit and tobacco. The mouthfeel is exceedingly rich, long lasting and intense.

Brilliant straw yellow with a green shimmer. Quite pronounced and expressive aroma with flowery and somewhat spicy notes. Rich flavoured in the mouth, with a slight smokiness at the back and a good, fresh finish. When properly cellared, this will drink well for 2 to 4 years.

A dark, masculine, brooding Brunello with savory aromas of leather and cured meat behind ripe fruit and blackberry. It's tight and clean with a streamlined mouthfeel that gives evidence to the wine's firm tannic structure. Executed in a traditional style and shows possibility for long cellar aging.

Rosso di Altesino has a vibrant ruby red color and inviting aromas of ripe berries and forests. Inviting, fragrant, incredibly supple, with excellent body and balanced structure, Rosso di Altesino is an excellent value―a perfect choice for pasta, Alfredo sauces, polenta, white meats and semi-soft cheeses.

A fluid and supple red, yet offers grainy tannins to support cherry, raspberry and spice flavors. On the slimmer side, yet balanced. Best from 2013 through 2019. 15,000 cases imported.

The 2009 Tignanello is quite beautiful. Cedar, graphite, sweet herbs, licorice and leather add complexity to a core of highly expressive red fruits. The 2009 impresses for its energy, drive and focus. Today, the 2009 comes across as slightly understated relative to many recent vintages, especially 2007 and 2008. There is a silkiness and polish that is reminiscent of the 2004. Tignanello is 75% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from vineyards in San Casciano Val di Pesa, one of the most evocative hillsides in all of Italy. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.

Black currant, bilberry, violet and spice flavors align in this luscious red, which is well-balanced and integrated, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit and spices. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2018. 54,000 cases made.?B.S.

The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino is rich, deep and resonant. It shows fabulous depth and richness, with seemingly endless layers of fruit that caress the palate. Dark red cherries, savory herbs, tobacco and licorice linger on the textured, creamy finish. This is another terrific effort from Argiano. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027.

Colour: Straw yellow with light green tinges. Nose: Subtle, intense and delicate, with good primary and secondary aromas. Palate: Fresh and dry, sapid, with pleasant delicate and fine feel. Food Matches: Seafood starters, fregola (small balls of semolina) with crustaceans, fish stews, bass with artichokes, soft-textured medium mature cheeses.

The 2008 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano shows lovely intensity in its dark fruit, grilled herbs, licorice and earthiness. This, too, is another feminine, graceful wine with gorgeous length and a polished, harmonious personality. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015.