At our recent meeting, during the first week of February, we enjoyed and shared our finds on the country of the month, Italy. We thought that it was a fitting choice since Valentine’s day was only a week away and Italy is known for being the country of romance and its Latin lovers (although some will argue with that statement). We hope that you enjoy our Italian wine recommendations this month.
Bernardeschi Governo all’Uso Rosso 2017
Sangiovese/Merlot
750 mL bottle – VINTAGES # 1351 $19.95
Alcohol: 13.4%, Sweetness: Medium, Wine Type: Red Wine
Timothy Sulisz – February 3, 2021
This is a full-bodied red Italian wine from Tuscany. It is a blend of 70% Sangiovese with 30% Merlot, all harvested by hand and aged three months in French oak barriques. To me, it had a happy flavour, not too complex, and very appealing. Tannins are very mellow which one reviewer called dusty with light acidity and another described the wine as having a silky, smooth palate.
The LCBO says that this wine offers sweet blackcurrant and blackberry in a fruit-forward style. Another reviewer suggested that you should look for ripe blackberry, plum, vibrant dark cherry and savoury herb flavours on the palate. Recommended with a meaty pasta, burgers or pizza! I had some last night with Maggie’s meatloaf and Ratatouille and it was absolutely delicious with that food pairing.
Scores vary wildly, but it was highly rated by one reviewer and was posted at the LCBO as: Score – 97. (lucamaroni.com, Sept. 7, 2019)
I would definitely buy this wine again. I thought it was tremendous value for the money.
2019 Fantini Farnese Pinot Grigio $9.95 – Italy
Sicily, Italy
Mary Mulligan – February 3, 2021
This crisp white is dry, but not bone dry of sugar – just enough to polish the bright acidity. It shines star bright, gleaming a pretty shade of straw with white gold inflections. And it exudes the scent of freshly sliced pears.
The silky-cool attack is immediately mouth-watering with subtle flavours of pear, apricot and grapefruit zest that tapers on the finish. The relatively low 12 percent alcohol hides nicely beneath loads of understated fruit. And this pretty little Pinot Grigio tastes elegant and gently sunlit – it is, after all from the sun-drenched island of Sicily. Score – 92
This wine literally goes with anything at all. Except maybe dessert. Drier styles of wines can taste too tart when paired with sugary treats.
Folonari Winery – 2019 Soave
Italy
Ruth Warren – February 3, 2021
The wine I was drinking on Thursday was a 2019 Soave from the Folonari Winery which was founded in 1825. It has 12% alcohol content. It is extra dry with a light crisp flavour and a pale straw colour. The price was $17.40. I enjoyed this wine and highly recommend it.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 