gOURMET

Italian Red Wine

This is an absolutely subjective and imperfect choice of excellent (and yet affordable) red wines from Tuscany and Piedmont (Italy). For each wine, some fine producers and the best wine vintages since 1990 are noted.

Barolo

Producer: Gaja, Michele Chiarlo

Best to drink after 8-15 years of storage.

Best vintage: 1990, (1995), 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004

Brunello di Montalcino

Producer: Argiano, Capanna di Cencioni, Caparzo, Castello Banfi, Col d'Orcia, Gaja/Pieve Santa Restituta, Il Poggione, Poggio Antico, Val di Suga

Some of these are at the absolute limit in terms of money. The little brother of the Brunello (and less expensive) is the Rosso di Montalcino.

Best to drink after 7-15 years of storage (Brunello).

Top vintage: 1990, (1993), (1994), 1995, 1997, (1998), (1999), (2001), (2003), 2004, (2005)?, 2006?
Note: some producers are currently (April, 2008) indicted for illegal blending of 2003´s Brunellos with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Petit Verdot. Sources: Wine Spectator, Jancis Robinson

Chianti Classico

Producer: Antinori, Barone Ricasoli, Castelli del Grevepesa/Castelgreve, Fèlsina Berardenga, Fontodi, Il Palazzino, Isole e Olena, Le Bocce, Nittardi, Poggiopiano, Querciabella, Riecine, San Fabiano Calcinaia, Viticcio

Best to drink after 5-12 years of storage (Riserva: 8-15 years).

Best vintage: 1990, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, (2003), 2004

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

Producer: Avignonesi, Boscarelli, Fattoria del Cerro, Poliziano

The Vino Nobile also has a little brother: Rosso di Montepulciano.

Best to drink after 4-8 years of storage (Vino Nobile).

Top vintage: 1990, (1991), 1995, 1997, (1998), (1999), (2000), 2001, (2003), (2004), (2005)?, 2006?

Vino Rosso di Toscana

Producer: Altesino, Antinori, Avignonesi, Barone Ricasoli, Castello Banfi, Fanti San Filippo

These are Rosso di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano or Rosso di Toscana centrale which are based mainly on Sangiovese, often completed with Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Merlot and/or Syrah. Some are called “Rosso”, others have artificial names such as “Centine” or “Santa Cristina”.

Best to drink after 3-5 years of storage.

Location of Montalcino and Montepulciano

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