A blend of equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Syrah. Deep ruby-purple in colour with a cedary, vanilla, redcurrant and blackcurrant nose; medium-bodied, dry, well-structured blackcurrant and blackberry flavours with a forest floor note.
Morello cherry, wild raspberry on this charming, light to medium-bodied Valpo, with pretty florals, a tuggy tension around the sides and a juicy, buoyant acidity on the palate. The finish is light bitter cherry and savoury sapidity. Lovely confidence and finesse here from Prà, one of the region's most progressive and interesting producers (and this is their "entry-level" red). This wine welcomes a chill and wild mushroom dish now, though is easily cellar-worthy short term.
A blend of 70% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Shows the warmth of the 2015 vintage via the rich dark fruit: crème de cassis, blackberry, plum and Chambord liqueur. Add some dried herbs, cocoa, vanilla and spice and you have a full-bodied, smooth offering with an extended finale.
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah. Deep ruby colour with an earthy, cherry nose; medium-bodied, dry, cherry flavour with a vanilla oak note and soft tannins. A pleasing spaghetti wine.
Crushed boysenberries, mulberries, black plums, medicinal cherry sides this Montepulciano from Abruzzo. Medium-bodied with a swell of acidity and finely gritty tannins to a smoked, bitter cherry finish, welcoming lamb or pork loin. This was vinified in stainless before ten months in French oak. The Sorricchio family has owned the baronial fief of Valforte since the 13th century and the Tenute Barone di Valforte vineyards cover 42 hectares in various communes in the Teramo hills, a prized place for Montepulciano.
Generously scented red cherry, spice and a whiff of green herb on the nose lead the way for characteristic bitter cherry bite with medium weight, good tannic grip and typical food-friendly acidity. Spicy cherry and plum notes linger on the finish. A solid, good value Valpolicella.
Full ruby, garnet rim. Perfumed nose of red flowers with torrefaction notes (tea, coffee). Full-bodied, the smooth texture of fine tannins has firmness in the mid-palate. Good balance and a nice round finish. Ready to drink.