Sunday, May 15, 2011

Lo Duca Mamertino (2009) Emilia-Romagna





Utter garbage from Lo Duca, a New Berlin, Wisconsin importer of Italian wines, consumer electronics and musical instruments. The wine is a frizzante Chardonnay, purchased only because I went shopping without my reading glasses. I cannot think of a circumstance where this wine would be drinkable. I am posting a picture of the wine instead of my usual "garbage can" image in order to provide a warning to others. Awful.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Domenico Clerico Dolcetto Langhe "Visadi" (2008) Piemonte




A terrific Dolcetto from Domenico Clerico, who Robert Parker calls "One of the most gifted winemakers in Piedmont...these are wines of extraordinary richness, amazing aromatics, and sensual personalities that satiate both the hedonistic and the intellectual senses." Bob's usual bullshit aside, Clerico IS one of the most respected names in Piemonte, and his wines are renowned for both winemaking of the highest quality and for exceptional varietal character derived from his outstanding holdings in some of the greatest crus in Monforte. As with the other greats of Piedmont, Clerico's Barbera's and Dolcetto's are an easy and affordable way to enjoy the genius of a world class winemaker. An agronomist first, Clerico practices "green" farming methods; he uses no systemic plant protection products; no herbicides; and when needed, only the lightest touch of organic fertilizer (manure). Instead of doing two separate bottlings; Dolcetto di Dogliani (from vineyards near the cellar) and Dolcetto d'Alba from his Ginestra vineyard, Clerico declassifies the fruit to produce this Dolcetto di Langhe. Concord grape purple in color. Beautifully perfumed nose of dark fruit. Very soft; velvety. Aged for 5-6 months in part old/part new barriques. As with his other wines, effortless to drink.