Tuscany notes

[Duane Meissner]

Well, we're back from our Tuscany vacation. For pictures, visit our website, parts of which are still under construction:

http://web.me.com/duaneandlizmeissner/Site/Home.html

I had three wine goals for the week, and reached all of them:

Goal 1: Try another Nero d'Avola (because I was told in this forum that my first experience was atypical). I had a 2005 Chiaramonte. Boy were you guys right - this was an excellent bottle. Purchased at an upscale pizzaria near our bed and breakfast. Enjoyed it with an awesome pizza of mozzarella and half a dozen forms of italian pork. 11.50 Euro at the restaurant. 90/92

Goal 2: Try an italian red completely new to me. For this I purchased a 2005 Camp du Rouss Barbera D’Asti. Obtained this at a local wine shop, I believe for 14 Euro. I enjoyed this one too, but it didn't blow my socks off. The store owner told me it was a full bodied wine, but it seemed a little light to me. It had some characteristic of a Chianti that I don't care for as much (acidity?), but not to the same extent. 88/88

Goal 3: Splurge on something I know I'll enjoy. For this, a 1997 Santa Sofia Amarone fit the bill. 35 Euro at a different local wine shop. Loved the raisins on the palate! My only complaint is it seemed just a bit one-dimensional. Perhaps a bit hot too from the 14.5% alcohol. Otherwise a very nice wine. 91/90