Three good ones from Roberto

[joeyz6]

As promised, here are some notes on the wines that Roberto has sent me as part of my Italian wine course:

1999 Elena Welch Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva
Beautiful dark mahogany color, a smoky aroma, like smoked or grilled meat but also like burning rubber or white-out. Juicy, round, dark fruit with something interesting mid-palate, like licorice. Long, dry finish with a bit of bitterness. Medium-plus body with smooth tannins.

1999 Granato Pomodori (DOC Teroldego Rotaliano)
Unusual, exotic nose, with black truffle and cheesy notes. A bit earthy and smoky as well. Some deep fruit behind that, and spice: nutmeg, cinnamon. Maybe some chocolate too. Medium body, not much tannin, very nice mouthfeel. Mineral notes, along with dried cherry and chocolate on the tongue.

2000 Pichieri Primitivo di Manduria
A very dark red, a bit cloudy, lively red fruit and apricot aroma along with mushroom and herbs. Bright berry fruit on the tongue, jammy and jazzy, adequate acid, a balancing aftertaste of Earth. Soft, full tannins and quite full-bodied (16% alcohol). Interestingly rustic, and bold at the same time.

[Thomas]

16% alcohol in that primitivo: holi-moli...

[Botafogo]

Joey, glad you enjoyed those. The Granato is by FORADORI, pomodori would be the plural of "tomato".... Joey, I am going to Rio for three weeks in two days, do you want another "lesson"? If so, please say so right away!

Thomas, that Primitivo is labeled as "Tradizzione del Nonno" (in grandfather's style) and is kind of like the Taurino Patriglione (except better and cheaper!). It's from Tri-cana imports if you want to taste some.

Com saudade para a cidade marivilhosa!!!

Roberto

[Thomas]

Yeah, I remember the powerhouse wines produced by ils nonni in our neighborhood--and they were from Zinfandel...