Tuscany

Gallo Adds Brancaia to Portfolio.

News article taken from Shanken News Daily A little-known small family-owned winery in California (you probably haven’t even heard of them) E&J Gallo has confirmed they’ve added Tuscany’s Brancaia label to their portfolio. The label was formally part of the Hess Collection.The Brancaia portfolio includes Brancaia Tre, a blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon; Brancaia Chianti Classico; Brancaia Ilatraia, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Petite Verdot; and Brancaia Il Blu, a blend of…

Read More

Querceto di Castellina L’Aura Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2008.

Grapes 90% Sangiovese, 10% Ciliegiolo Sangiovese [san-joe-vay-zee] is the main grape in Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Carmignano and Brunello di Montalcino.   Ciliegiolo [chee-lee-eh-joh-loh] is a much more obscure grape than Sangio, and it took a little research to find out some info! We’re all still learning, right? The name is apparently derived from the Italian word for cherry in Italian: ciliegi. Through clonal research, Ciliegiolo has been discovered to be the parent of…

Read More

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Daily Grape Feature – Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2007

Wine: 2007 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano  Grape: 100% Sangiovese Score: 91 Points Price: $25 MSRP   Gary’s explanation why: For all you longtime Italian fans out there, you very well know that about 10 years ago, Tuscan wines were as hot as Saved by the Bell. In the last few years, popularity has waned… not only are sales down, but prices have followed suit for many high end wines, especially in the Super Tuscan…

Read More

Di Majo Norante Sangiovese, Umbria – Italy

Grapes 100% Sangiovese [San-joe-vay-say] The name Sangiovese is thought to come from Sanguis Jovis or “Blood of Jove” (Jove being the Roman name for Jupiter), indicating that wines were made from Sangiovese grapes even back in Roman times. Facts Di Majo Norante Sangiovese has been an easy-drinking Italian go-to of mine for quite some time now. Considering how many bottles I’ve popped open over the last few years, I thought a review was warranted. If…

Read More