Italian Wines

Apr 072014
 
Giordano WineGiordano Primitivo di Manduria d.o.c. 2011, Giordano Collection, Apulia, Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 89

Aged 50% in 2 -3 year old oak barrels and 50% in underground oak casks from low yield vines in southern Italy near the Adriatic Sea. This rich and jammy brother to Zinfandel, sports aromas of dark cherry, plum, ripe raspberry and a touch of saddle leather. Balanced tannins and acidity are highlighted with flavors of plum, black cherry, vanilla, tobacco box, cassis, pepper and spice. A nice compliment of campfire smoke in the finish. Buy This Wine

Apr 072014
 
Giordano SoaveGiordano Soave d.o.c. 2012, Verona, Italy, $12 (S) – Rating 91

Known a s an excellent and versatile food-pairing wine. Soave can be paired with anything from cured charcutière meats to hearty seafood. The 2012 offering from Giordano opens with aromas of green apple with notes of baking spice. A light to medium bodied with creamy mouth-feel and balanced acidity. Flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon with hints of minerality and a touch of apricot on the finish. Buy This Wine

Apr 032014
 
Giordano WineGiordano Barbera d’Asti d.o.c.g. 2010, Piemonte Collection, Piedmont, Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 90

Update from our March 2013 Review.

This wine has matured nicely with another year in the bottle. It still needs a bit of time to open but only about 20 minutes for full effect. Aged in Slovenian oak barrels, the wine offers a rich nose of floral notes, dark cherry and a hint of spice and smoke. Medium-bodied with good food pairing acidity and balanced tannins. Well integrated flavors of dark cherry, plum and spice with a touch of chocolate. Earthy notes of forest floor make for an intriguing finish. Buy This Wine.

Apr 022014
 
Giordano WineGiordano Fiano i.g.t. 2012, Apuliae Collection, Puglia, Italy, $11 (S) – Rating 90

A superb crisp patio sipper. Reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc in texture and mouth-feel. Floral aromas combine with notes of Meyer lemon creme and ripe pineapple are enticing. Light-bodied with juicy acidity. Flavors of Meyer lemon, tangerine and green apple. Think sunny Saturday afternoon with friends. Will pair well with lighter fare, salads and creamy cheeses. The 2011 vintage was a Gold Medal winner.  Buy This Wine

Mar 242014
 
Giordano Italian WineGiordano Montepulciano d’Abruzzo d.o.c. 2011, Progetto Collection, Abruzzo, Italy, $12 (S) – Rating 89

This a a hearty red wine that needs some time to open. Patience will be rewarded. The nose entices with rustic and briary scents combined with aromas of forest floor. A soft mouth-feel with soft tannins. Round flavors of plum, blueberry, ripe cherry, oaky vanilla and a hint of peppery spice. Pleasant notes of espresso and chocolate on the finish. Buy This Wine