Italian Pick of The Week, 7/21/08
Submitted by Wine Reviews from the Wine School
Badia di Morrona 2000 “Nantia”, Toscana IGT
Quick quiz. What do these wines have in common - Solaia, Lupicaia, Cepparello, Olmaia, Feliciai, Summus? Super Tuscans with prices to match. Throw in a few more “aias” and you have a Cooperstown roster of Italy’s iconic heavy hitters.
You don’t have to save your pennies to find wines that source Tuscany’s “super” triumvirate of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Nantia is a single vineyard entry from the Colline Pisane area that blends equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet, fleshed out by a 20% helping of Merlot. The grapes are ripe and balanced, harvested later than the estate’s other holdings.
Twenty eight months spent in barrel and bottle bring out depth, warmth and lushness. The nose is ripe and layered, with red fruits, herbal spiciness, pepper and classic Italian earthiness. Cherries,plums,dark berries and balsamic flavors are uninterrupted by soft tannins, continuing through a lengthy finish.
All this savory goodness….and usually under $20 a bottle. Now that’s my idea of super.
