Recently, I've received a handful of wines from all over Italy, hence this catch-all report. This batch included some solid and relatively inexpensive whites and a kicking Brunello from Gaja.
These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.
N.V. Carpenè Malvolti Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 1868 - Italy, Veneto, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
SRP: $19
Pale gold color. Really precise and bright on the nose with lime, green melon and green apples mixed with flower stems, honeysuckle and sea breeze. Crisp acidity keeps this wine crunchy and bright, while the rich flavors of white peach and melon blend with tart lime and apple notes. A sea breeze and salt element contrast the honeycomb and yellow floral notes. A zestier approach with lingering minerality. (87 points)
N.V. Cantine Torresella Prosecco - Italy, Veneto, Veneto IGT
SRP: $16
Light gold color. Smells like lemons, limes, apricots with a bit of bread dough and sugar cane. Bright acidity on the palate, medium-bodied, this is a fresh and stylish Prosecco with simple, straightforward flavors of limes, apricot, sugar cane and sweet honeysuckle. Vibrant, tasty, good for the price. (86 points)
2015 Kettmeir Alto Adige - Südtirol - Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige - Südtirol
SRP: $22
Pale straw color. Light but vibrant aromatics of honeysuckle, dandelion and lemon grass on top of fresh lemon and lime slices. Steely and tart on the palate with brisk acid and a medium body. A sharp sense of lemongrass and dandelion, and a steely mineral kick, all on top of green apples and limes. Interesting flavors — this begs for oysters. (86 points)
SRP: $17
Pale lemon color. Bright and floral on the nose with generous honeysuckle and dandelion to top the tropical fruit salad. Crisp acidity frames the palate precisely but the rounded creamy feel adds to the appeal. Guava and pineapple mix with lime, and the fruit is topped in chalk, white pepper and flower stems. A lingering sense of minerality. Quite delicious but stays crisp and bright throughout. Really solid stuff for the price. (87 points)
2012 Monte Tondo Soave Classico Casette Foscarin - Italy, Veneto, Soave Classico
$20
Pretty golden color. Smells of lime, quince and honeydew, and I get some white flowers, crushed stone and minerals. Such precision on the palate, crisp acidity meets a slightly waxy mouthfeel. A racy mineral spine supports lime and green melon, but there’s an intriguing amount of crushed chalk and sea salt. Slight green herbal kick, a mineral-laden finish. Bring on the seafood tower. 90% Garganega, 10% Trebbiano. (89 points)
2014 Le Battistelle Soave Classico Battistelle - Italy, Veneto, Soave Classico
$16
Light gold color. Love the bright lime mixed with some apricots and green melon, along with some minerals and bright white floral element. Medium-light-bodied, a bright acidic profile but some interesting waxy elements — honeycomb, almond, white tea — a slight green herbal note along with some minerals. Fun stuff with a unique flavor profile. (87 points)
2015 Fattoria Sardi Giustiniani Rosato - Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
SRP: $20
Juicy peach and copper color. Aromas of white cherries, strawberries, some pepper and an herbal (arugula?) note. Bright and fresh on the palate, with white cherry and wild strawberry fruit, which is juicy but crunchy. Love the rose, hibiscus and honeysuckle notes. A fun and refreshing wine. A saignee method rose, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Ciliegiolo. (87 points)
2011 Pieve Santa Restituta (Gaja) Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
SRP: $78
Deep ruby color. Lovely nose but it takes a while to open up and show all of the rich currant and plum, along with a mix of herbs, earth and tobacco. Really structured tannins but the acidity is bright. Juicy but fresh red and black currant fruit, which rolls over the palate in waves. Lots of secondary flavors of loam, violets, chewing tobacco, cedar and spiced coffee. Long, luscious finish. Lots of complexity in here, but this needs some time in the cellar for sure, but a gorgeous wine. All Sangiovese aged 12 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle. (92 points)
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