Tag Archives: montepulciano

Summer in a Can: Tiamo Organic Canned Wines

Posted on by

I consider myself a very savvy bevvie-on-the-go person. I’m renowned for being able to carry an always cool Rosé wherever I go. When I heard about the new Tiamo organic wine [made with off the beaten path grapes, Montepulciano and Grillo] in a can, I was onboard. I paired them with the beach, popcorn and long walks on the Asbury Park boardwalk. Not only wonderfully incognito and convenient, they taste really good!

Brand: Tiamo wines are one of the many labels of the pioneering, British husband and wife team of Mel and Janie Master, their son Charlie along with the Sager family. Renowned for bringing great value wines to the US, Mel was responsible for introducing and promoting the wines of Georges Duboeuf in the US. Through the years, the duo has consistently brought fantastic value wines to the US, along with setting up their own wineries [Jordan Winery, Les Jamelles, Tortoise Creek].

In addition to the cans, Tiamo Wines also produces bottled, organic Barbera, Chianti, Pinot Grigio and Prosecco from Italy. All the grapes are sourced from small growers and cooperatives.

Tiamo Organic Rosé Terre di Chieti IGT 2016

Winemaking: Grapes are sourced from organically farmed, hillside vineyards with chalky soils in the coastal region of Abruzzo, in and around the village of Chieti, central Italy.

Tasting Notes: Pink with coral highlights in colour, with aromas of candied cherry, strawberry and wildflowers. Fresh cherry and strawberry flavours are accented by a streak of light minerality. Citrus zest lingers on the crisp, dry finish. Refreshing, easy drinking perfect with all summer activities.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Picnics, BBQ, boating, the perfect all-purpose wine, great as an aperitif or with seafood, pasta and cheese.

100% Montepulciano
Terre di Chieti IGT
12% Alcohol
$19.99 for a 4 pack [SRP]

Tiamo Organic White Terre Siciliane IGT 2016

Winemaking: Grapes are sourced from organically farmed, hillside vineyards with limestone and sandy soils in Sicily.

Tasting Notes: Pale gold in colour with aromas of grapefruit, honeysuckle and fresh summer herbs. Light apricot and pear flavours are given tiny drop of honey and complimented by grapefruit and citrus zest on the zippy finish. A friendly, sunny sip.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Perfect with sunsets, sitting on docks, ball games and as an aperitif or with seafood, pasta or cheese.

100% Grillo
Terre Siciliane IGT
12% Alcohol
$19.99 for a 4 pack [SRP]

Sample submitted for review purpose.

Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2013

Posted on by

masciarelli copy

Estate: The Masciarelli estate was founded in 1978 by pioneer winemaker Gianni Masciarelli. Located in central Italy on the Adriatic Coast, Gianni was passionate about raising the quality and potential of Abruzzo’s indigenous varietals, including Montepulciano. Established with only 2.5 hectares, the estate now includes about 320 hectares of vineyards that spread throughout 14 different towns within the 4 Abruzzo regions. With Gianni’s love of and respect for land and grapes, all vineyards are farmed organically, making it one of the largest organically farmed estates in Italy. Gianni passed away at the early age of 52, his wife Marina Cvetić, who was always by his side, now heads the estate.

Philosophy: Passionate about the Abruzzo region “with intense flavours, tastes and scents”, the estate focuses on native varietals, “great importance is given to the land and to its wine culture and tradition”.

Winemaking: The organically farmed vineyards are spread across 4 Abruzzo provinces and have their own individual characteristics, from different mineral/soil compositions to varying altitudes. The ‘Linea Classica’ is the first line created by Gianni Masciarelli has become over the years “a landmark for the company”. It makes up one of the 5 wine labels of the estate and is “the most consistent and known, in Italy and abroad”. Grapes were sourced from vineyards with clay soils, fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with aromas of cherry, black currant and traces of candied violet. Fruit forward with cherry, black cherry and black currant accented by peppery spice and earthy tree bark. Wrapping up nicely with a fruity finish. Consistently a good value, and gluggable companion to simple dishes. [Notice the redesigned label and new screwtop.]

100% Montepulciano
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
Italy
Estate Bottled by Masciarelli Tenute Agricole
13% Alcohol
$8
Enjoy now

Di Majo Norante ‘Ramitello’ Molise Rosso DOC 2011

Posted on by

ramitello

Estate: The Di Majo Norante winery is a family run estate in operation since 1800, and in its currant form since 1968. Located in the southeastern region of Molise along the Adriatic Sea, vineyards in the area date back to 500 BC. With 213 acres of vineyards, the estate has a focus on “the quest for and recovery of grape species on the verge of extinction”. With research, experimentation and traditional farming techniques, they are making “new wines from old vines”, preserving and showcasing native grapes.

Philosophy: A “traditional approach to grape growing and wine production, centered on preserving all the characteristics of Mediterranean wine-making”.

Winemaking: Organic and sustainable methods are practiced, using techniques such as moths for parasite control, and utilizing only organic and mineral based fertilizers. Grapes were sourced “from from a selection of the best Montepulciano and Aglianico grapes grown in the Ramitello vineyard. After fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and barriques for eighteen months”.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with inviting aromas of chocolate, cherry, black pepper and licorice. Tasting quite similar to the aromas, with cherry, dark chocolate, woodsy spice and leather elements brightened by a food friendly acidity. Licorice and black cherry notes linger between each sip. Poised and friendly, this is a versatile glass at the table.

85% Montepulciano, 15% Aglianico
Molise Rosso DOC
Italy
Estate Bottled by Di Majo Norante Campomarino
13.5% Alcohol
$14
Enjoy now thru 2020

Rated 90 points by Wine Spectator

Illuminati ‘Riparosso’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2012

Posted on by

illuminati

A soft, friendly Montepulciano for the table. [And phenomenal value at $7.]

Estate: Illuminati Wines was founded by Nicola Illuminati in 1890, when it was known as ‘Fattoria Nico’ [Nicola’s Farm]. Today the estate is headed by Nicola’s grandson Dino, along with his wife Marina, children Lorenzo, Stefano, Anna and grandson Nicola. Located in Controguerra in the province of Abruzzo in eastern Italy, the vineyards have expanded from 15 to 130 hectares.

Philosophy: To craft “a genuine and transparent wine, reflecting the territory where it is produced”.

Winemaking: Aged in Slavonian oak barrels for “about 6 months”, with an additional 2-3 months bottle ageing.

Tasting Notes: Dark ruby-red in colour with aromas of vanilla laced black cherry and traces of hay barn. Loads of cherry [think black cherry, red cherry and hints of morello cherry] are backed by earth notes and soft tannins, subtle baking spices round out the pleasantly dry finish.

100% Montepulciano
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Italy
Estate Bottled by Agricola Dino Illuminati
13.5% Alcohol
$7
Enjoy now thru 2016

Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2012

Posted on by

masciarelli
A glugabable, solid little wine that makes a fantastic companion to pastas and pizza.

Estate: The Masciarelli estate was founded in 1978 by pioneer winemaker Gianni Masciarelli. Located in central Italy on the Adriatic Coast,  Gianni was passionate about raising the quality and potential of Abruzzo’s indigenous varietals, including Montepulciano. Established with only 2.5 hectares, the estate now includes about 320 hectares of vineyards that spread throughout 14 different towns within the 4 Abruzzo regions. With Gianni’s love of and respect for land and grapes, all vineyards are farmed organically, making it one of the largest organically farmed estates in Italy. Gianni passed away at the early age of 52, his wife Marina Cvetić, who was always by his side, now heads the estate.

Philosophy: Passionate about the Abruzzo region “with intense flavours, tastes and scents”, the estate focuses on native varietals, “great importance is given to the land and to its wine culture and tradition”.

Winemaking: The organically farmed vineyards are spread across 4 Abruzzo provinces and have their own individual characteristics, from different mineral/soil compositions to varying altitudes. The ‘Linea Classica’ is the first line created by Gianni Masciarelli has become over the years “a landmark for the company”. It makes up one of the 5 wine labels of the estate and is “the most consistent and known, in Italy and abroad”. Grapes were sourced from vineyards with clay soils, fermented and aged in stainless steel.

Tasting Notes: Dark garnet in colour with aromas of cherry and earthy hay barn. Black cherry, plum and hints of orange rind join tree bark and earth notes in the medium body, culminating in a peppery, dry finish.

100% Montepulciano
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Italy
Estate Bottled
13% Alcohol
$10
Enjoy now