Italy Wineries C. By Derek Smedley MW. Last Updated 5/4/2018

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1 Italy Wineries C By Derek Smedley MW Last Updated 5/4/2018 Derek Smedley MW, Rectory Cottage, Lilley, Hertfordshire, LU2 8LU.

2 August 10, 2012 ITALY Tasting notes from the following growers: Contents Ca del Bosco... 7 Franciacorta... 7 Lombardy... 7 Ca da Bosio... 7 Piemonte... 7 Ca del Matt... 8 Asti... 8 Piemonte... 8 Ca di Ponti... 8 Sicily... 8 Ca La Bionda... 8 Valpolicella... 8 Ca Morlin... 9 Veneto... 9 Cabro Il Borgo... 9 Chianti Classico... 9 Tuscany... 9 Caldi Alte Veneto Campriano Colli Senesi Tuscany Capezzana Carmignano Tuscany Arnaldo Caprai Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 2

3 ITALY August 10, 2012 Montefalco Umbria Carlo Botter Veneto Carlo Hauner Eolian Island of Salina Sicily Carpene Malvolti Veneto Casalbordino Abruzzo Enologica Cassarà Sicily Tenute Castellaro Island of Lipari Castello Banfi Montalcino Tuscany Castello di Verduno Piemonte Cavit Veneto Cento Cavelli Sicily Tenuta di Ceppaiano Chianti Colle Pisane Tuscany Aziende Ceretto Alba Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

4 August 10, 2012 ITALY Piemonte Villa Del Cigliano Chianti Classico Tuscany Citra Vini Abruzzo Claudio Mariotto Piemonte Tenuta Cocci Grifone Marche Col d Orcia Sant Angelo in Colle Tuscany Il Colle Montalcino Fattoria Colleverde Colline Lucchesi Tuscany Cantina Colli Vicentini Veneto La Colombera Piemonte Donatella Colombini Montalcino Cantine Colosi Messina Sicily Contero Piemonte Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 4

5 ITALY August 10, 2012 Poderi Aldo Conterno Piemonte Conterno Fantino Monforte d Alba Piemonte Conti Costanti Montalcino Tuscany Conviviale Abruzzo Tenuta Corbinaia Chianti Cordero di Montezemolo La Morra Piemonte Villa Cornarea Piemonte Corte del Sole Soave Cos Acate Sicily Corvo Palermo Sicily Cantine Crociani Montepulciano Tuscany Cusumano Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

6 August 10, 2012 ITALY Partinico Sicily Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 6

7 ITALY August 10, 2012 Italy Wineries C See date & place of tasting in italics Growers / Wineries are in alphabetical order with area underneath Ca del Bosco Erbusco Franciacorta Lombardy Sparkling Wines Franciacorta Cuvée Annamaria Clementi Chardonnay 55% Pinot Bianco 25% Pinot Nero 20% Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 The fruit is rich and deep on the nose. The palate is full of rich flavours first greengage and then richer pineapple. Fresh apple appears towards the back lifting the flavours and giving a lovely elegant feel to the long finish. Chardonnay Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 The nose is still remarkably fresh, lots of fresh apple and richer greengage. Fleshy melon enriches the palate balanced by apple freshness and given an added complexity by the hints of oxidative maturity that appear towards the back. The balancing freshness lifts the flavours on the back palate. Chardonnay Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 Rich greengage gives weight on the nose and flesh on the palate. Although the fruit is ripe and sweet the apple, lime and mineral that lie beneath refresh balance the richness bring out the flavours and give a lovely bright feel to the long finish. Ca da Bosio Piemonte Gavi di Gavi Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians September Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

8 August 10, 2012 ITALY Tasted at Girdlers Hall TFB 150 th Dinner November 2012 The nose has some nice rich flavours but the palate is fresher with a mix of grapefruit and lime. The fruit towards the back feels ripe giving a fleshy richer but the finish has a lovely balancing freshness. Ca del Matt Asti Piemonte Barbera d Asti Superiore Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2011 Barbera has a lovely bramble quality and this is no exception. The fruit on the palate is ripe and sweet quite lush and fleshy and then towards the back there is a touch of freshness coming from the dominant black cherry. Ca di Ponti Sicily Shiraz Tasted in the Stone House Hotel Wensleydale March 2016 The nose is sweet with a mix of ripe black and red fruits. Rich and fleshy in the middle there is a lack of balance no underlying freshness and although slightly brighter at the back it lacks black pepper spiciness. Ca La Bionda Valpolicella Valpolicella Riserva Superiore Casalvegri Corvina 70% Corvinone 20% Rondinella 10% Tasted on Board Sea Cloud August 2014 The mix of fruits red fruits black fruits give lots of interest. The nose is quite fresh the palate sweeter slightly more depth the richness balanced by the bitter red cherry that comes through on the finish. Amarone Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 8

9 ITALY August 10, 2012 Corvina 70% Corvinone 20% Rondinella 10% Tasted on Board Sea Cloud August 2014 Richness black fruits the nose has depth the palate is full of powerful flavours. There is a dried fruit character on the mid palate but lots of rich fruit powerful flavours filling out the back palate with brooding black fruits on the finish. Sweet Recioto Corvina 70% Corvinone 10% Rondinella 20% Tasted on Board Sea Cloud August 2014 Rich sweet red fruited the nose has depth and there is fruit richness on the palate lush fleshy and supple. The sweetness is balanced by bitter cherry that comes through at the back but it finishes with a mix of strawberry jam and bramble jelly. Ca Morlin Conegliano Veneto Sparkling Wines Prosecco Superiore NV 90 Tasted at the Carlton Club July 2011 Tasted at the Carlton Club February 2015 Although there is some lovely rich fruit on the nose the palate is lighter and very fresh. The sweet apricot flavours that show towards the back are underpinned by fresh grapefruit. Cabro Il Borgo Greve in Chianti Chianti Classico Tuscany Cabro Il Borgo Chardonnay 100% Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 Toscana IGT The nose has the crispness of fresh apples and whilst the palate is lovely and fresh there is more weight in the middle, rich greengage. A hint of oak shows towards the back but it does not over dominate the fruit. 9 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

10 August 10, 2012 ITALY Cabro Il Borgo Sangiovese 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 Toscana IGT Although the nose has more of a red fruit influence it is lovely and sweet. Powerful blackcurrant and blackberry are there at the start of the palate but the freshness of the red fruits comes through giving a lighter more elegant feel to the finish. Cabro Il Borgo Sangiovese 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 30% Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 Toscana IGT It is very black fruited quite concentrated on both nose and palate. Behind the firm black fruits is fresher red cherry that balances the power. There is richness of flavour towards the back and power on the finish. Caldi Alte Veneto Merlot Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval September 2015 Ripe fruit on the nose the palate has the fleshy richness of black plums. Under the sweetness red fruits give a lighter fresher feel but the sweetness the fleshiness of ripe plums is there on the finish. Campriano Colli Senesi Tuscany Chianti Colli Senesi Sangiovese 80% Canaiolo Nero 15% Ciliegiolo 5% Tasted in Lilley July 2012 The nose has cherry stone freshness lots of red fruits but the palate is sweeter richer with a touch of bramble. The tannins are fine giving a nice structure but not holding back the fruit. The mix of cherry and plum gives lots of interest on the finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 10

11 ITALY August 10, 2012 Chianti Colli Senesi Tasted at the HH&C tasting May 2014 Red fruits are to the fore raspberry and redcurrant the nose is quite light. There is more depth a sweeter feel on the mid palate but it is lighter at the back the finish quite firm. Chianti Colli Senesi Riserva Tasted at the HH&C tasting May 2014 The nose has sweetness and the start of the palate although red fruited has richness and depth. Under the richer sweeter flavours there is freshness giving a lighter less concentrated feel to the finish. Capezzana Carmignano Tuscany Vin Ruspo Tasted at the Liberty Tuscan tasting London June 2012 The nose is very fresh very raspberry in character but the mid palate feels richer with red cherry. Towards the back the fresh fruit is very much to the fore and the finish has a cherry stone firmness. Barco Reale di Carmignano Tasted at the Liberty Tuscan tasting London June 2012 The fruit on the nose is fresh but quite light with a mix of raspberry and red cherry. The palate fills out with sweet fruit still very red fruit in flavour but the finish is light with the raspberry coming through. Barco Reale di Carmignano Tasted at the Liberty tasting Dartmouth House London September 2016 Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval September 2016 Fragrant fruity the nose is light the start of the palate fresh with a mix of red fruits. A hint of sweetness but the fresh red fruits dominate the back palate the finish is light but has good length. Carmignano Villa di Capezzana Tasted at the Liberty Tuscan tasting London June 2012 The fruit on the nose is sweet with the richness of strawberry and cherry. There are some black fruits on the palate the supple richness helped by rounded fine tannins. The finish is lighter with an autumn leaf fragrance. 11 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

12 August 10, 2012 ITALY Carmignano Villa di Capezzana Tasted at the Liberty Tuscan tasting London June 2012 The nose has a rich mix of flavours bramble backed by red fruits. The fruit feels ripe the palate sweet with a nice depth of flavour. The mix of bramble and red cherry gives a lovely complexity to the finish. Carmignano Villa di Capezzana Tasted at the Liberty tasting Dartmouth House London September 2016 Nutty fresh red cherry the nose has a mix of fruits the palate red fruits with some underlying bramble. Sweet at the back the finish is lighter quite fresh and firm. Carmignanao Villa di Capezzana Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval September 2016 The nose is nutty and fresh very dominated by red fruits and although the palate starts light and bright the mid palate has black fruited richness depth of flavour. Fresh fruits show at the back redcurrant and raspberry the finish is light and bright. Ghiaie della Furba Tasted at the Liberty Tuscan tasting London June 2012 The nose has a fragrant charm with a lovely mix of bramble and red cherry. Although teh mid palate is fuller richer towards the back it is quite light lots of fragrances with hints of black pepper on the finish. Ghiaie della Furba Sangiovese 90% Syrah 10% Tasted in Lincoln s Inn November 2010 Black fruits tend to dominate but under the richness are some fresh red fruits. Ripe bramble and cherry enrich the mid palate balanced by red fruited freshness. The finish is given lots of character from the spice of black pepper. Ghiaie della Furba Tasted at the Liberty Tuscan tasting London June 2012 The nose is rich fruited deep profound with a lovely mix of flavours. Black fruits fill out the mid palate bramble and some black cherry. The tannins feel ripe helping the suppleness but there is enough freshness to lighten and lift the flavours on the finish. Ghiaie della Furba Tasted at the Liberty tasting Dartmouth House London September 2016 Concentrated fruit the nose has depth the palate a rich mix of mainly black fruits. Depth in the middle the fruit supported by ripe tannins mid suppleness yet the back palate is still tight the finish firm and slightly dry. Ugo Contini Bonacossi Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 12

13 ITALY August 10, 2012 Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval September 2017 The fruit on the nose is concentrated the start of the palate has a rich mix of flavours sweet ripe fruit in the middle the tannins are fine and integrated. Cassis and ripe red fruits layers of flavour give complexity rich and ripe at the back with a touch of bitter red cherry on the finish. Sweet Vin Santo di Carmignano Tasted at the Liberty Tuscan tasting London June 2012 The apricot sweetness is backed by hazel nuts and almonds a lovely complex mix of flavours. The palate is voluptuous sensuous lush the sweetness underpinned by lime freshness that gives a lighter feel to the finish and brings out the nuttiness. Vin Santo di Carmignanao Tasted at the Liberty tasting Dartmouth House London September 2016 The nose is peachy the palate starts with tropical fruits quite light. It fills out in the middle apricot and pear and although sweet quite fleshy at the back the finish is lighter with a nutty fragrant charm Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Umbria Grecante Grechetto Colli Martani Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians November 2013 Pineapple and tropical fruits give richness on the nose and a fleshy start to the palate. The mid palate is crisper citrusy and towards the back minerals and flint refresh but pineapple is there on the finish quite rich and full. Montefalco Rosso Tasted at the Lea & Sandeman tasting London March 2015 Firm and quite tight on the nose the palate is concentrated the black fruits backed by red. Rich in the middle the fruit feels sweet the mix of flavours gives complexity and although still quite closed on the back palate there is a lot of fruit coming through on the finish. Carlo Botter Veneto 13 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

14 August 10, 2012 ITALY Ca Del Bianco Pinot Grigio Tasted at the Stone House Hotel Wensleydale September 2012 Minerals and slate give freshness on the nose and the palate. The flavours are quite light and although there is some richer tropical fruit in the middle the finish is fresh and mineral in character. Ca Luca delle Venezie Merlot Tasted in Lilley May 2014 Fresh on the nose red fruited with more cherry and red plum. The start of the palate is light but there is more depth in the middle. Red fruits red cherry is very much to the fore with freshness a lighter feel on the finish. Carlo Hauner Eolian Island of Salina Sicily Hierà Calabrese (Nero d Avola) Docera Alicante Tasted in Sicily September 2013 The nose has a fragrant charm with a mix of bilberry and red fruits layers of flavours. The fruit feels ripe the mid palate rich with depth of flavour but towards the back bitter cherry, bilberry and bramble refresh, excite and lighten the long finish. Hierà Calabrese (Nero D Avola) Sangiovese Corinto Nero Tasted on Board Sea Cloud August 2014 The nose is light and fresh with a mix of bramble and red fruits on the palate. The mid palate is quite sweet then there are red fruits at the back giving freshness lighter more ethereal quality yet it finishes with fruit sweetness and a nice depth of fruit. Carpene Malvolti Conegliano Veneto Sparkling Wines Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 14

15 ITALY August 10, 2012 Prosecco Superiore Cuvée Extra Dry NV 90 Clera 100% Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 Apple gives a fresh feel to the nose and a bright start to the palate. Hints of sweetness give some weight in the middle with the lemon and apple crisping up the finish. Viognier Brut NV 91 Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 There is a rich peachy character on the nose and some fleshy pineapple on the palate. Citric freshness underpins helping to bring out the peach apricot character on the finish. Rosé Cuvée Brut NV 92 Pinot Nero 85% Raboso 15% Tasted at the Grandi Marchi tasting Vintners Hall September 2010 Rose petal is underpinned by fresh raspberry on the nose. There is a fresh start to the palate very red fruited but the mid palate has richer flavours mulberry and strawberry. The fruit freshness towards the back lingers. It is a wine with lots of character. Casalbordino Madonna dei Miracoli Co-operative Abruzzo Terre Sabelli Pecorino Tasted in the Green Man Clophill August 2017 The nose has a floral fragrant mix the start of the palate citrus fresh. Richer flavours in the middle mature tropical fruits apricots with at the back lime and tangerine freshness. Enologica Cassarà Sicily Grillo Tasted in the Royal College of Physicians February 2018 Both nose and palate are light fragrant floral but lacking fruit richness. Citrus at the back is underpinned by a hint of tropical fruit the finish has white flowered fragrances. 15 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

16 August 10, 2012 ITALY Tenute Castellaro Island of Lipari Bianco Pomice Malvasia della Lipari 60% Carricante 30% Others 10% Tasted at the Definitive Italian tasting June 2013 The nose has fragrant floral spicy freshness with an attractive mix of flavours. The start of the palate is sweet fruited but towards the back is feels fresher with more of a citrus influence and this brings out the hint of exotic spice on the finish. Castello Banfi Montalcino Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese Grosso 100% Tasted on Le Ponant Cruise June 2016 Black cherry bramble the nose has depth the palate lighter some red fruits behind the black. Slightly herbal nutty there is a nice complex feel and although lighter at the back the finish has depth of flavour. Castello di Verduno Verduno Piemonte Bellis Perennis Pelaverga 100% Tasted in the Carlton Club June 2016 Verduno lies in the northwest of Barolo, an area better known for its red wines, and in fact Bellis Perennis, a white, comes from the red Pelaverga grape. A small number of families were passionate about the grape and saved it from extinction and thank goodness they did as it produces a wine with lots of interest and complexity. Herbal and green lime on the nose, the palate has richness depth of flavour a mix of greengage and tangerine, bright and fresh on the back palate and finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 16

17 ITALY August 10, 2012 Cavit Veneto Sparkling Wines Lunetta Prosecco Spumante Brut NV 88 Tasted at the Stone House Hotel Wensleydale April 2014 The Prosecco grape has the richness of white peach yet the freshness of apple. The palate starts quite soft but the apple and lime that shows through on the mid palate gives a crisper feel to the finish. The persistent bubbles refresh and excite. Brume di Monte Bianco delle Venezia Tasted at Lincoln s Inn July 2013 The nose is light the palate crisp with just a hint of tropical fruit in the middle. Acidity citrus fruits dominate the back palate leaving the finish quite hard and short. Brume di Monte Pinot Grigio Provencia di Pavia Tasted at Lincoln s Inn July 2013 The fruit although fragrant is light with minerals and slate. There is a feel of richer fruit in the middle but back palate and finish are lacking in richness of flavour with the finish lean and mineral driven. Rosse della Venezia Tasted at Lincoln s Inn July 2013 The nose lacks sweetness and the palate lacks richness. Bitter cherry is very much to the fore backed by almonds and hazel nuts fruit freshness towards the back but a lack of fruit intensity. Cento Cavelli Sicily Grillo della Sicilia Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians March 2016 Peachy the nose is quite rich and the palate starts with sweetness. Lighter and fresher in the middle but there is depth of fruit at the back hints of white peach and apricot. 17 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

18 August 10, 2012 ITALY Nero d Avola Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval September 2015 The nose has the richness of ripe fruits the palate has depth of flavour black fruits and dark chocolate. There is some mid freshness still black fruit in character a bilberry bramble mix but it fills out at the back with rich black fruits on the finish. Nero d Avola Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval January 2016 Rich and ripe on the nose the fleshy black fruits are underpinned by dark chocolate lush and supple. Bramble at the back gives freshness brighter and lighter but the finish is sweet ripe fruited and fleshy rich. Nero d Avola Tasted in Mercers Hall November 2017 The nose has rich black fruits the palate dark chocolate fleshy the fruit is ripe and sweet the rounded tannins add to the mid suppleness. Bramble and bitter cherry in the middle help to balance the fleshy richness slightly lighter at the back but it finishes with ripe rich black fruits. Tenuta di Ceppaiano Chianti Colle Pisane Tuscany Tenuta di Ceppaiano Alle Viole Tasted at Lincoln s Inn September 2010 This estate in the Colle Pisane part of Chianti has the red cherry of Sangiovese very much in evidence with behind it some richer black cherry. The palate has lots of complexity the rich fruit well supported by a cherry stone freshness with the fruit sweetness giving flesh on the finish. It has the fruit richness yet freshness to make it the perfect partner to pork richness. Aziende Ceretto Alba Piemonte Arneis Blange Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 18

19 ITALY August 10, 2012 A citrus mix the nose has vibrant freshness and the palate is bright at the start. It is richer in the middle depth of flavour ripe greengage with at the back the freshness of crisp apple and lime. Dolcetto d Alba Vigna Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October 1988 Red fruited slightly nutty there is a lot happening on the nose. The fruit on the palate is quite sweet richness in the middle but at the back there is a vibrant red cherry freshness. Nebbiolo d Alba Lantasco Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October 1988 The nose is fresh quite light with a mix of red fruits and the start of the palate is bright with red cherries and mulberries. It fills out on the mid palate depth of fruit with the ripe flavours giving depth and richness on the finish. Barbaresco Bricco Asili Tasted at Belloni October 1992 Depth on the nose the palate has a mix of rich black fruits and fresher red complexity layers of flavour. Rich in the middle fleshy and ripe fruited lighter at the back more of a bramble character yet the finish has the richness of ripe fruit. Barbaresco Bricco Asili Faset Tasted at Belloni October 1992 Light on the nose the palate is fresh rather lacking in substance. The back palate has a mix of flavours red and black fruits sweet but it finishes fresh light and slightly dry. Barbaresco Bricco Asili Bricco Asili Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October 1988 Black fruited power the nose has depth the palate richness layers of ripe black fruits. The sweetness on the mid palate is balanced by freshness with bramble under the rich black cherry and blackcurrant. Slightly lighter at the back but the finish has depth of fruit with the flavours staying on and on. Barbaresco Bricco Asili Bricco Asili Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October 1988 Rich ripe fruit the nose has brooding black fruited depth and the palate has sweetness and power. Behind the richness the sweet fruit there is a balancing freshness slightly lighter at the back the finish long and elegant. Barolo Zonchera Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

20 August 10, 2012 ITALY The nose has a mix of flavours red fruits, black fruits all underpinned by hazel nuts. The palate has the same mix of freshness then sweetness with leafy hints of maturity at the back. Barolo Zonchera Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October 1988 Depth on the nose the palate has layers of black fruits rich and fleshy. There are fresher fruits towards the back a bramble black cherry mix but the fruit on the finish is sweet and ripe a lovely depth of flavour. Barolo Bricco Rocche Brunate Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October 1988 Fragrant black fruits almonds and hazel nuts the nose has a mature charm. Sweet and ripe in the middle depth of fruit the layers of black fruits at the back giving lots of complexity. Barolo Bricco Rocche Brunate Tasted at the Ceretto Dinner Brook s Club October 1988 There is a brooding richness depth on the nose and a powerful mix of fruits on the palate. The fruit is ripe the mid palate fleshy and rich the tannins fine and well handled. Sweet at the back the finish has depth of flavour. Barolo Bricco Rocche Brunate Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians September 2012 The nose shows a bit of nutty maturity with fragrant red fruits at the back. The palate has more of a black fruit influence cassis and bramble with richer flavours giving some weight on the finish. Barolo Bricco Rocche Prapo Tasted at Belloni October 1992 The nose has lots of fragrances summer roses the palate has power, richness black truffles, black cherries sweet fruited and deep. The tannins give structure but are not over obvious the mix of black cherry and truffles fills out the back palate and enriches the finish. Villa Del Cigliano San Casciano in Val di Pesa Chianti Classico Tuscany Chianti Classico Sangiovese 90% Canaiolo 10% Colorino 10% Tasted in Overy Staithe June Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 20

21 ITALY August 10, 2012 The nose has sweetness all quite black fruit driven with behind some fresher red. There is attractive rich fruit on the start of the palate but in the middle more of a raspberry red cherry freshness that brings out the fragrances. The back palate is bright fresh with sweeter fruit right on the finish. Chianti Classico Sangiovese 90% Canaiolo 10% Colorino 10% Tasted in Lilley January 2011 Red and black cherry intermingle on the nose the freshness of the red underpinned by the richer black. The fruit on the palate feels ripe giving a fleshy richness on the start but then there is red cherry refreshing the mid palate. Towards the back although the structure shows it does not overpower the fruit and the mix of richness and freshness ensures complexity on the finish. Chianti Classico Riserva Sangiovese 85% Merlot 15% Tasted in Overy Staithe June 2010 There is a mix of red cherry and blackberry on the nose backed by hazel nut and vanilla. Richer more damson fruit lends weight on the mid palate with behind fresher red fruits, liquorice and a touch of spice. The flavours last well. Suganella Sangiovese Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Tasted in Overy Staithe June 2010 The mix of red and black cherry is bright fresh at first but backed by sweetness. Rich fruit rounded tannins gives a fleshy feel in the middle a mix of fresher rhubarb and richer liquorice. The back palate is quite lush with fleshier bramble tending to dominate. Nettuno Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Tasted in Overy Staithe June 2010 Lots of blackcurrant shows refreshed by hints of bilberry. The palate has the richness of black fruits, dark chocolate and coffee beans. There is an underlying freshness balancing and although the tannins are quite firm they do not over dominate. Sweet Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Trebbiano 60% Malvasia 40% Tasted in Overy Staithe June 2010 Honeyed apricots show on the nose backed by figs and dates. The stewed fruit on the palate is rich and sweet but the fleshiness well balanced by underlying freshness. Vanilla and cinnamon spice up the back palate but the finish is rich ripe with lots of apricot and figs. 21 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

22 August 10, 2012 ITALY Citra Vini Abruzzo Terre di Chieti Pecorino Tasted in Lilley June 2016 Lemon freshness on the nose the start of the palate has a citrus mix but there is a richer feel on the mid palate grapefruit a hint of pineapple. Bright at the back the finish has lime and lemon freshness. Claudio Mariotto Piemonte Braghe Colli Tortonesi Freisa Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians March 2016 Fragrant raspberries and redcurrants the nose is bright the start of the palate fresh. There is a balancing mid sweetness a touch of bramble but at the back it is bright and fresh light and fragrant on the finish. Tenuta Cocci Grifone Marche Rosso Piceno Superiore Tasted at Belloni October 1992 The nose is soft the palate has the fleshiness of ripe fruit. Red fruits dominate ripe strawberry and mulberry and although hot at the back there is a hint of freshness. Col d Orcia Sant Angelo in Colle Tuscany Rosso di Montalcino Tasted at the winery Leathersellers Tour May Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 22

23 ITALY August 10, 2012 Bright on the nose with a mix of red fruit the palate has depth sweetness with the richness of ripe fruit. Supple and fleshy at the back the finish has depth of flavour and sweet fruit on the finish. Rosso di Montalcino Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 Fragrant red fruits the start of the palate is fresh but it fills out in the middle a rich mix of fruits with black fruits under the red. It feels lighter at the back but has richness, ripe fruit depth of flavour on the finish. Brunello di Montalcino Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 The fruit is sweet and ripe the nose has a rich mix of flavours the palate starts with fleshy ripe fruit supple in the middle. Bramble balances but at the back there is dark chocolate richness with depth on the finish. Brunello di Montalcino Tasted at the winery Leathersellers Tour May 2015 Bright at the start the nose has a bramble bilberry freshness the palate though sweet rich with depth of flavour and concentrated fruit. Generous fleshy at the back the finish is finer with real length. Brunello di Montalcino Tasted at the winery Leathersellers Tour May 2015 The nose has depth of fruit the palate concentred black fruits power and depth. There is mid sweetness fine tannins fresher at the back with depth and richness of fruit on the finish. Brunello di Montalcino Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 Brooding black fruits the nose has depth the palate a rich mix of fruits. Sweet in the middle supple and fleshy and although firmer at the back slightly tight there is sweetness on the finish. Brunello di Montalcino Nastagio Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 The nose has a mix of black fruits fragrant and fresh the start of the palate is firm with bramble and black cherry. Depth in the middle sweet fruit layers of flavour complexity and although still firm on the back palate there is sweet fruit coming through on the finish. Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento Tasted at the winery Leathersellers Tour May Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

24 August 10, 2012 ITALY The nose is still remarkably youthful but the palate has richness and depth supple and generous. Under the ripe black fruits there is freshness a lovely balance and fresher at the back the finish lighter with an elegant length. Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento Tasted at the winery Leathersellers Tour May 2015 Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 Fragrant the nose has a mix of red and black fruits the start of the palate quite youthful with a strong red fruit influence. Rich and ripe in the middle but lighter at the back stylish fresher the red fruits are backed by a touch of mineral. Nearco Sant Antimo Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 Fresh fruit on the nose quite peppery the mid palate is sweet and rich with ripe black plum. There is balance an underlying freshness bright at the back the finish peppery and spicy. Olmaia Sant Antimo Cabernet Sauvignon Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 Depth of fruit on the nose the palate has a rich mix of black fruits with cassis to the fore. Fleshy and sweet in the middle dark chocolate and coffee beans layers of flavour. There is underlying bramble freshness but it finishes sweet and ripe. Olmaia Sant Antimo Cabernet Tasted at the winery Leathersellers Tour May 2015 The nose has a mix of black fruits the palate ripe with cassis underpinned by firmer black cherry. Supple and ripe fruited in the middle chocolate and liquorice richness with the sweet fruit filling out the back palate. Olmaia Sant Antimo Cabernet Sauvignon Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 Concentrated black fruits the nose is firm the start of the palate fresh. Cassis and black cherry give richness and depth in the middle chocolate and liquorice and although there is sweetness and fleshiness the finish is still quite tight. Sweet Pascena Moscadello di Montalcino Moscato Bianco 100% Tasted at the winery Lincoln s Inn May 2016 The nose has an oriental spiciness the palate a mix of fragrances. Sweet in the middle ripe fruit rich and fleshy at the back yet the finish is bright with perfumed spices. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 24

25 ITALY August 10, 2012 Il Colle Montalcino Rosso di Montalcino Tasted at the HH&C tasting May 2014 The nose is tight the palate firm with red cherry freshness. The tannins are quite obvious the mid red cherry quite bitter and there is a lacks of fruit sweetness at the back. Brunello di Montalcino Tasted at the HH&C tasting May 2014 Hazel nuts, almonds the nose is quite dry the palate firm lacking in fruit richness. The sweeter flavours that show at the back are overtaken by oak the finish dry and slightly dusty. Fattoria Colleverde Colline Lucchesi Tuscany Known locally as Castello at Matraia, this 7 hectare property is situated in a broad valley descending from 300 to 100 metres. Its calcareous clay sloping terraces are ideal for the vine. Reds - Sangiovese & Syrah. Whites - Trebbiano, Chardonnay & Grechetto. Nero della Spinosa Syrah Syrah Tasted at Clare College Cambridge November 2008 The nose has a mix of bright red fruits underpinned by richer, sweeter black. The ripeness of the flavours is given an added lushness by the rounded tannins, all very powerful and rich. Towards the back there is a fresher feel and lovely peppery spice coming through on the finish. Cantina Colli Vicentini Veneto Sparkling Wines Ca di Alte Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry NV 90 Tasted in Lincoln s Inn March Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

26 August 10, 2012 ITALY The nose has citrus freshness the start of the palate crisp. Grapefruit in the middle there is a hint of sweetness with fresh fruit lime and lemon on the finish. La Cavea Pinot Bianco Garganega Tasted in Lincoln s Inn October 2016 Flint and shale the nose is fresh the palate richer fleshier with tropical fruits and greengage. The back palate has depth of fruit the sweetness giving way to citrus and mineral on the finish. La Colombera Colli Tortonesi Piemonte Timorasso Il Montino Tasted at the Fields Morris & Verdin tasting Quo Vadis September 2012 Apricot and peach enrich the nose and give a fleshy start to the palate. There is mid acidity lime and grapefruit but towards the back the peach takes over filling out the finish. Donatella Colombini Montalcino Rosso di Montalcino Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians January 2017 The nose is light the palate has a mix of red fruits. There is a hint of mid sweetness but the fruit at the back is fresh the finish has redcurrants and red cherries. Cantine Colosi Messina Sicily Grillo Tasted at the Ellis tasting February Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 26

27 ITALY August 10, 2012 Light fresh the nose has white flowered fragrances the palate bright at the start richer in the middle some tropical fruits. Mineral freshness at the back but there is sweetness and more depth on the finish. Nero d Avola Tasted at the Ellis tasting February 2018 The nose has a mix of red fruits the palate richer with some ripe black fruits a touch of bitter chocolate. The tannins are fine lighter and fresher at the back with sweet fruit on the finish. Contero Piemonte Moscato d Asti di Strevi Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 The nose is fragrant floral perfumed with a touch of spice. There is enough mid acidity to refresh with the sweeter flavours giving a richer feel to the finish. Brachetto d Aqui Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 Fresh red fruits a mix of cherry and redcurrant are there on the nose all overlaid by fragrance and perfume. Although the start of the palate is very fresh there are sweeter flavours towards the back and the finish has a mix of fruits quite light but with charm. Poderi Aldo Conterno Piemonte Chardonnay Bussiador Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 The nose has some rich flavours and there is the fleshiness of melon on the start of the palate. Towards the back apple and lime comes through refreshing the finish and bringing out the fragrances. 27 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

28 August 10, 2012 ITALY Barbera d Alba Conca Tre Pile Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 The mix of bramble and black cherry feel quite fresh both backed by smoky flavours. The tannins are structured firm but they feel ripe so the black fruited mix gives richness to the back palate and finish. Barbera d Alba Conca Tre Pile Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2015 The nose is smoky and fresh the start of the palate has a bramble bilberry mix. Sweet in the middle the sweet fruit is underpinned by firm structured tannins with ripe fruit giving fleshy richness on the finish. Il Favot Langhe Nebbiolo Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 The nose is fragrant and red fruited and although the palate starts with red cherry freshness there are richer sweeter flavours in the middle. The red fruited mix lingers on the finish. Il Favot Langhe Nebbiolo Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2015 Red fruits the nose is fresh the start of the palate light with a raspberry redcurrant mix. There is mid depth ripe fruit fine tannins and although ripe and sweet at the back the finish is light fresh with good length. Barolo Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 There are some rich black fruits on the nose with behind fresher red an attractive mix of flavours. The tannins are fine the layers of fruit give complexity and the finish has depth yet freshness. Barolo Cicala Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 The nose is deep brooding packed with black cherry and black plum. The richness of the fruit fills out the palate well supported by the fine tannins. Layers of fruit give complexity black plum the richness with cherry and bilberry a balancing freshness. Barolo Colonnello Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 The nose is power packed deep brooding rich black fruits. The damson richness is underpinned by fresher black cherry sweet power yet freshness. The layers of flavour give complexity and the freshness that lays at the back a more elegant feel on the finish. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 28

29 ITALY August 10, 2012 Barolo Romirasco Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 The nose is misleading as it seems quite light with a fragrant charm but behind is all the power of tar and black plum. The fruit on the palate is rich lots of powerful flavours depth of fruit with damsons, black cherries and sloes. There is enough freshness to lighten and bring out the fragrances on the finish. Barolo Bussia Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval September 2016 The nose has a nutty fragrance the palate starts with red fruits but the mid palate has more depth of fruit power brooding richness. There is balance underlying freshness layers of flavour lots of complexity. The back palate is still quite firm the finish has herbal red fruits excitement. Barolo Bussia Tasted at the Liberty tasting The Oval January 2016 The nose has depth of flavour black fruits the palate has a brooding richness depth and power in the middle. There is enough freshness to balance to bring out nuttiness but at the back yet there is a powerful mix of flavours rich fruit and depth on the finish. Barolo Granbussia Tasted at the Liberty Piemonte Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2012 Bramble, red and black cherry are backed by almonds and hazel nuts a lovely hint of maturity. The mid palate is black fruit rich with depth of flavour power packed but the red fruits that show through lighten with the lovely nuttiness giving real charm on the finish. Conterno Fantino Monforte d Alba Piemonte Barbera d Alba Vignota Tasted in the Carlton Club March 2014 Brambly on the nose the palate is quite light with bilberry freshness. There is more weight richer fruit at the back but the finish is light quite fragrant just lacking a bit of depth. Conti Costanti Montalcino Tuscany 29 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

30 August 10, 2012 ITALY Rosso di Montalcino Tasted at the Carlton Club February 2013 Fresh raspberry and redcurrant give a lightness on the nose but the fruit on the palate is richer still red fruited but fleshier more strawberry and red cherry in character. The back palate has sweetness but the finish is fresh and slightly lighter. Rosso di Montalcino Tasted in Innholders Hall February 2016 Fresh on the nose red fruits tend to dominate although there is a black fruited sweetness in the middle. The sweetness on the back palate gives way to red cherry freshness on the finish. Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese Tasted in Lincoln s Inn November 2010 The nose has the flesh of ripe fruit with an attractive mix of black and red flavours. The tannins are quite evident on the mid palate but towards the back sweet blackberry and strawberry come through giving a fleshier feel on the finish. Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese Tasted in Dyers Hall July 2016 Black fruits power the nose has depth the palate starts with richness and sweetness. There is underlying freshness with layers of flavour complexity and although sweet at the back the finish is firm and slightly lacking in length. Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Tasted at the Liberty Tuscan Tasting Dartmouth House London September 2016 Depth of fruit the nose has a mix of ripe black fruits the palate fleshy black cherry. There are underlying red fruits lighter and brighter at the back but it fills out on the finish with a powerful mix of flavours. Conviviale Abruzzo Montepulciano d Abruzzo Tasted at the Stone House Hotel Wensleydale September Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 30

31 ITALY August 10, 2012 Slightly spicy herbal red fruits give freshness on the nose and the start of the palate. The mid palate is richer deeper with ripe tannins. Towards the back the red fruits become more evident and these combined with firm tannins tend to dry the finish. Tenuta Corbinaia Chianti Syrah di Toscana 2013 Vittoriano Tasted in the Carlton Club May 2018 Red fruits dominate the nose is fresh the start of the palate sweeter a mix of flavours. The tannins are firm the mid palate is lacking in richness the finish firm and fresh with just a hint of spice. Delirante Chianti Riserva Tasted in the Carlton Club May 2018 There is not a lot of fruit on the nose the palate tight at the start but it does open up a little in the middle slightly more concentration. The tannins at the back are very firm the finish has dusty dryness. Cordero di Montezemolo La Morra Piemonte Barbera d Alba Barbera 100% Tasted at the Accademia del Barolo tasting November 2014 Rich and ripe fruited the nose is full of sweetness. The start of the palate is lush with black plum but there is a balancing freshness bramble and blackcurrant the fruit lasting well on the finish. Funtani Superiore Barbera d Alba Barbera 100% Tasted at the Accademia del Barolo tasting November 2014 The nose has lots of rich fruit the start of the palate sweet with a mix of black fruits. There is mid freshness but it is the ripe fruit that fills out the back palate and enriches the finish. Barolo Monfalletto Nebbiolo 100% Tasted at the Accademia del Barolo tasting November Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

32 August 10, 2012 ITALY The nose is firm the palate tight at the start with a mix of black fruits. Richer in the middle power of flavour yet fresher at the back red cherry behind the black and the finish still is closed. Barolo Bricco Gattera Nebbiolo 100% Tasted at the Accademia del Barolo tasting November 2014 Ripe fruit enriches the nose the palate has depth richness supple with fine tannins and fleshy black fruits towards the back. There is the feeling of youth of immaturity and although the back palate is firm sweet fruit begins to show on the finish. Barolo Enrico VI Nebbiolo 100% Tasted at the Accademia del Barolo tasting November 2014 Light fragrant floral the nose has rose petal charm but the palate is richer deeper with a mix of flavours lots of complexity. It is lighter at the back red berried freshness but the finish is profound and deep. Villa Cornarea Canale Piemonte Roero Arneis Arneis 100% Tasted at the Royal College of Physicians November 2013 The citrus mix gives freshness the start of the palate quite light but there is more depth in the middle grapefruit. Mineral and flint underpin the citrus at the back giving a lovely raciness on the finish. Corte del Sole Soave Sweet Recioto di Soave Tasted in Lincoln s Inn October 2017 The Fruit on the nose is sweet and ripe the palate has a mix of flavours figs and pineapple underpinned by apricots. The honeyed mid sweetness is balanced by underlying freshness unctuous and rich at the back the finishes has a complex mix of flavours ripe fruits and hazel nuts. Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 32

33 ITALY August 10, 2012 Cos Acate Vittoria Sicily White Sparkling Wines Spumante Frappato made in Amphora Tasted at the winery September 2013 There is a creamy richness on the nose and depth a cherry richness on the start of the palate. Towards the back it is fresher with a touch of bitter cherry with shale and minerals. Ramì Grecanico 50% Insolia 50% Tasted at the winery September 2013 Hedgerow flowers give lots of fragrance on the nose and the start of the palate is quite floral. There are richer flavours in the middle a hint of sweetness with citrus and apple freshness at the back. Pithos Bianco Grecanico 100% Tasted at the winery September 2013 Under the peach and apricot richness tangerine and orange refresh yet there is depth of flavour a lot of powerful fruit that enriches and fills out the back palate and finish. Frappato Tasted at the winery September 2013 The nose is redcurrant fresh but the palate has the fleshy richness of ripe strawberry. The tannins are fine and rounded the mid palate lovely and supple yet towards the back there is bitter cherry freshness with the finish lighter with a mix of fragrances. Pithos Rosso Cerasuolo di Vittoria in Amphora Nero d Avola 60% Frappato 40% Tasted at the winery September 2013 There are rich black fruits on the nose more concentrated flavours a lovely depth on the mid palate. Towards the back the fruits are fresher some bramble a touch of bilberry with bitter cherry on the finish. 33 Master of Wine: Derek Smedley Master of Wine: Derek Smedley

34 August 10, 2012 ITALY Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Nero d Avola 60% Frappato 40% Tasted at the winery September 2013 The nose has a lovely mix of red fruits quite fresh with lots of cherry but the palate is sweeter richer with supple tannins rounded and fleshy. The bitter cherry is there at the back refreshing the finish. Corvo Palermo Sicily Irmano Grillo Tasted in Sicily September 2013 Lime and lemon a citrus mix refreshes the nose with richer fruits a touch of white peach giving more depth on the palate. It feels fresher towards the back with citrus coming through on the finish. Cantine Crociani Montepulciano Tuscany Rosso di Montepulciano Sangiovese 80% Canaiolo 10% Mammolo 10% Tasted at the Definitive Italian tasting June 2013 The nose is light fresh red fruited and the start of the palate is very red fruit driven. There is more of a black fruit influence in the middle still quite light with richer sweeter flavours filling out the back palate. Rosso di Montepulciano Tasted at the Ellis tasting February 2018 Red fruits dominate the nose light and fresh the palate has raspberry and wild strawberry. It fills out in the middle the richness of black cherry the finish has sweet fruit and richness. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Tasted at the Ellis tasting February Master of Wine: Derek Smedley 34