WTN: Five Italian Whites (gasp)
Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2006 1:56 am
I felt Oliver looking over my shoulder as I tasted these wines. Never a big fan of Italian wines (I know, I know), I tasted the wines with an open mind. They were all very drinkable, but none rocked my world. The acidity seemed a little soft for my liking. Recommendations for better wines along this ilk are welcomed.
2004 Alois Lageder, Pinot Bianco, Weissburgunder, Alto Adige, Italy, $14. Winemaking has been a part of the Lageder family’s history for over 150 years. The winery’s vineyards benefit from both Alpine and Mediterranean influences. This wine is straw colored, with a green tinge to it. Melons and floral notes prevail on the nose. It is light bodied, viscous, with soft acidity – serve with creamy cheeses. 85/87.
2004 Alois Lageder, Pinot Grigio, Benefizium Porer, Alto Adige, Italy, $20. Aromas of musk melons, citrus peel and caramels radiate from this straw-colored wine. Light and lively in the mouth, the wine delivers a nice sense of fruitiness and length; 86/86.
2003 Inama, Soave Classico, Vin Soave, Veneto, Italy, $13. Stefano Inama states, “Most people in the world want predictable wines. I want to make wines that are different, and wines that taste different from year to year.” This is a serious Soave. The delicate aromas reveal citrus blossoms and tangerines, which follow through on the palate as well, augmented by a hint of almonds. Full, crisp, and delicately sweet, this will pair well with mild cheeses and white fish; 87/90.
2003 Marco Felluga, Bianco, Molamatta, DOC Collio, Italy, $16. The origins of the Felluga winegrowing dynasty can be traced back to 1890 in the Istria region. The family moved to the seaside town of Grado, Italy in 1920. This full-bodied wine shows delightful balance. Aromas and flavors speak of honeydew melons, tropical fruit, and a touch of cotton candy; 88/90.
2004 Russiz Superiore (Felluga), Pinot Grigio, DOC Collio, Italy, $20. You’ll appreciate floral notes upfront, with a tad of musk and citrus zest. The wine is soft, with a lingering finish, and should pair well with a risotto; 86/86.
2004 Alois Lageder, Pinot Bianco, Weissburgunder, Alto Adige, Italy, $14. Winemaking has been a part of the Lageder family’s history for over 150 years. The winery’s vineyards benefit from both Alpine and Mediterranean influences. This wine is straw colored, with a green tinge to it. Melons and floral notes prevail on the nose. It is light bodied, viscous, with soft acidity – serve with creamy cheeses. 85/87.
2004 Alois Lageder, Pinot Grigio, Benefizium Porer, Alto Adige, Italy, $20. Aromas of musk melons, citrus peel and caramels radiate from this straw-colored wine. Light and lively in the mouth, the wine delivers a nice sense of fruitiness and length; 86/86.
2003 Inama, Soave Classico, Vin Soave, Veneto, Italy, $13. Stefano Inama states, “Most people in the world want predictable wines. I want to make wines that are different, and wines that taste different from year to year.” This is a serious Soave. The delicate aromas reveal citrus blossoms and tangerines, which follow through on the palate as well, augmented by a hint of almonds. Full, crisp, and delicately sweet, this will pair well with mild cheeses and white fish; 87/90.
2003 Marco Felluga, Bianco, Molamatta, DOC Collio, Italy, $16. The origins of the Felluga winegrowing dynasty can be traced back to 1890 in the Istria region. The family moved to the seaside town of Grado, Italy in 1920. This full-bodied wine shows delightful balance. Aromas and flavors speak of honeydew melons, tropical fruit, and a touch of cotton candy; 88/90.
2004 Russiz Superiore (Felluga), Pinot Grigio, DOC Collio, Italy, $20. You’ll appreciate floral notes upfront, with a tad of musk and citrus zest. The wine is soft, with a lingering finish, and should pair well with a risotto; 86/86.