The Wines of This Week's Tasting:
Tenuta Santa Maria
April 24, 2024
Bianco
Lepiga Soave Classico 2022
The historic vineyards of Soave Classico have made a classic Italian white wine for centuries. From volcanic soils of the Lepiga vineyard, the resilient Garganega grape makes a wine of wonderful fleshy fruit yet balanced with mineral texture. It’s a pleasant surprise to the palate with both freshness and depth, and an intriguing and balanced structure.
Aroma: Complex aromatics with hints of exotic and summer fruits, pears, peaches, herbs, almonds and a hint of toasted vanilla.
Mouth: A generous minerality, the taste of rich orchard fruit sustained by freshness, persistent with a distinct flavor that intensifies the softness. Very Good. $17.99; Case, $15.29
Rosso
Pragal Rosso
This is made from Corvina and Merlot, with Syrah for spice. The Corvina is partially dried, crushed and spends eight months in big barrels, with the Merlot and Syrah spending a short time in barriques before blending.
Aroma: An engaging bouquet with alternating hints of red fruit preserves, dried roses and black cherry with subtle tones of dark spice, tobacco and black pepper.
Mouth: Generous amounts of ripe and macerated red- and black-fruit, savory and sweet spices that yield to more balsamic and amaro notes. The well-crafted palate creates space for each of the flavors to take shape and then brings them together on the elegant finish. Very Good $17.99; Case, $15.29
Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021
This is a traditional Valpolicella, representative of the region and Bertani family tradition. The “Classico” designation refers to the areas where the very first Valpolicella vineyards were planted – on quality hillside sites, yielding the best fruit and therefore best wines. Aroma: Blueberry and cherry are accented by spicy notes of cinnamon and pepper.
Mouth: is soft, fruity and warm with structured tannins, balanced with a pleasant acidity and a long finish. A fresh, versatile red that can be paired with most cuisines.
Very Good Plus $23.99; Case, $20.39
Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2020
The "Ripasso" (passed again) method was first introduced in the 1850's and involves a secondary extended maceration and fermentation over Amarone grape skins. The process gives the wine greater complexity, a superior structure, bolder and softer body and an intense ruby red color, Valpolicella Ripasso is a younger, fresher expression of the more concentrated, dense Amarone.
Aroma: Intense hints of cherry, blueberry, licorice and lingering accents of cinnamon and pepper.
Mouth: Dark Cherry, Black Currant, and spices are enveloped in plush, soft and warm texture that leads to structured velvet tannins and a very balanced acidity. Long finish with fruity sensations. Very Good Plus $35; Case, $29.75
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2016
Amarone is the pinnacle of the region’s dry wines, made by drying the grapes for roughly four months in which they lose about a third of their weight. This costly process means that Amaronecan never be inexpensive, but is concentrated, savory and sublime.
Color: Ruby red in color with garnet reflections.
Aroma: the impact of cherry preserves, spices, and dried rose petals lend complexity and elegance to the nose.
Mouth: Silky in texture, with cooling acidity, mineral tones and fine tannins that perfectly set the stage for a spicy core of dark red fruits. Dark chocolate nuances blend with blood orange through the dramatically long and classically structured finish. This is a wonderfully complete Amarone and highly recommended. Excellent Plus $98; Case, $84
Mix any 12 bottles at their case prices
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- Len Rothenberg
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