This month we met at Jack and Marg Markham’s condo for an Italian wine tasting event.
The two white wines were from the FOLONARI Winery, one being a Chardonnay, the other a Pinot Grigio. Both were a 2021 vintage.
Folonari – Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie, 2021
This wine comes from Veneto, Italy, and is made by the Folonari winery. Made in stainless steel tanks to preserve and accentuate its fresh character. Pale lemon colour, with inviting aromas of bread dough, nuts, citrus and light floral notes. Juicy on the palate with fresh fruit flavours matched by balanced acidity and hints of minerality that lead to a clean finish. The price is $16.00, but is currently on sale for $14.00.
Folonari – Chardonnay, Delle Venezie, 2021
Folonari has been creating approachable wines for everyday occasions since its inception in 1825. This pleasing chardonnay pours gold and has luscious notes of ripe apple, peach, vanilla, and melon. A long, fruity finish caps the light-bodied and crisp palate. Great with roasted chicken alongside potatoes and baked turnips. Presently on sale for $11.50 reduced by $3.20 from the original price of $14.70.
Neither of these wines received a high rating from all of our tasters; however the Chardonnay received a higher rating than the Pinot Grigio.
The remaining two red wines were from Italy as well.
Corte Majoli – Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore, 2019
The first one was a Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore, 2019 from Corte Majoli.
A great example of one of the classic wine styles of Italy’s Veneto region, this Valpolicella Ripasso is ultra-flavourful. Pours ruby red, exhibiting aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, violet and spice. Full-bodied and smooth with silky tannins. A fine accompaniment to grilled meats, vegetables, and mature cheeses.
The price of this wine is $19.95. Our tasters rated this wine slightly above the white wines.
Corte Medicea Erastos Rosso – Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot, 2019
Our fourth wine was from the Corte Medicea winery in the Tuscany area of Italy. This wine was a Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend, from 2019. The Corte Medicea Erastos Rosso shows dark fruit, plum, gentle spices, earth, leather and vanilla. There’s good structure, consistency and value here. Drink now to 2024. It pairs well with pasta or pizza, rich meats and aged cheeses.
It received an excellent rating from all our tasters and was priced in the $17.00 range with a 13.5% alcohol/volume. While it was rated as high as 98 out of 100 by by Luca Maroni’s Italian and international wine tasting firm, other reviewers identify it simply as an excellent value red.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 