tasting notes

[Duane Meissner]

The much anticipated Concordia Seminary Wine Society "Italian Night" tasting did not dissapoint. Sampled 4 whites and 5 reds. My palate is far from refined, so my notes are EXTREMELY limited, and may not be too reliable, especially with these whites. So, these notes may not be too interesting for most of you, but I have to start somewhere. My smeller doesn't work too well, so these are primarily palate notes. I can tell you that all were enjoyed by most in the group, which contained wine folk much more seasoned.

I normally don't drink whites, but these were very nice. Not a one of them touched any oak in their life. There may be some misspellings in here...

1. Falanghina Irpina d.o.c. 2006 Terredora Dipaglo Campania, $13.75. Just like the other whites to come, very citrusy. Also quite heavily floral. Quite pleasant.

2. Verdecchio dei Casteli Jesi Doag Classico 2005. Fattoria San Lorezo (Marche region). $12. Same citrus, but brighter. The group's runner up in the white category.

3. Gavi di Gavi d.o.c.g. 2006 Broglia (Tuscany). $18.75. Winner white of the night. more bright citrus. almost felt like a sparkler.

4. Silviano Orvieto Classico Superiore d.o.c. 2005 (umbria). $11.99. This one not quite as heavy on the citrus. Tart green apple with a hint of something sweet like caramel, separating it from the others.

As for the Reds....

1. Gaglioppo, IGT Calabria, Statti, 2006. $16.50. Nose (which I could pick up on this one) of raisens and cherries and some kind of spice I couldn't identify. I believe the palate offered the same.

2. Aglianico IGT Campania. 2006 Terrdora Dipoalo. $13.50. Butter, Caramel, and ripe fruits. Not terribly complex, but very enjoyable. After an hour of being open, some were getting chocolate notes. I think this was voted the QPR winner of the night.

3. Barolo d.o.c.g. Piemonte, 2003 Damillano (lecinquevigne). $35. Too complex for me to differentiate between notes on the palate. Everyone agreed that it was similar in style to a burgundy (except for me, never having had a burgundy). Wonderful wine. This was the group's favorite of the night until the second tasting of the next wine on the list. It remained my favorite through both tastings, but just barely.

4. Brunello Di Montalcino, d.o.c.g. 1999. Casanova Di Neri. Tenuta Nuova. $48. I'm told this was an excellent year for Brunellos, and it showed. This one tasted more like a Bordeaux with the mushroom and earthy notes. Someone else said "gym socks". The winner for the night.

5. Amarone della Valpolicello, d.o.c. Classico. 1998 Bertani. $80. Powerful. Not particularly complex, but again a very nice wine. Had a slightly minerally finish.

It was a wonderful night. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to taste such great wines without having to shell out some of these bottle prices. WIsh I had the ability/experience to tell y'all more about these.



[This message has been edited by Duane Meissner (edited 03-12-2008).]