Wine Review: Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo D.O.C.G. 2010

Damilano started in 1890 when Giuseppe Borgogno began to vinify his own estate wines. The goal was to produce the finest expression of Barolo. Over the years, the 12-acre property was passed to his son-in-law, Giacomo Damilano. With his children, they developed a passion for the vineyards and continued the family legacy. In 1997, the Damilano winery was passed to Giacomo’s grandchildren (Paolo, Mario, and Guido Damilano) who continue to manage the winery today.

The town of Barolo, “King of Wines”, is located in the beautiful and agriculturally rich Langhe region of Italy. Damilano’s vineyards are located in the communes of Barolo, Verduno, Grinzane Cavour, Novello, La Morra, Casorzo, Serralunga, Diano d’Alba, and Vezza d’Alba. Beppe Caviola, renowned enologist, and Gianpiero Romana, argronomist, ensure that their 180 acres of select vineyards are looked after just as generations before.

Along with the four single-vineyard Barolo wines, Damilano produces a critically acclaimed Barolo ‘Lecinquevigne’ (“the five vineyards”). It is made with 100% Nebbiolo. The production area include Castellero (Barolo), Ala Cavourrina (Grinzane Cavour), Ravera (Novello), Bussia (Monforte), and Le Coste (Barolo). The vines range from 30 to 50 years old and sit on calcareous-clay. It has an alcohol content of 14% by volume. The grapes are fermented at a controlled temperature for 15 days. The wine is aged for 24 months in large oak barrels and 12 months in the bottle.

Tasting notes:

• Hue: Ruby red with orange reflections
• Aromas experienced: Mild floral, berry, oak, and black cherry
• Flavors experienced: Slightly sweet dark cherry, slight sour rhubarb/plum, spicy bite, and oak
• Body: Dry and heavy on the front of the palate, soft finish yet lingers on the palate
• Food pairings: Steak, prime rib, beef stew, roasted lamb, venison, hearty pasta dishes, and charcuterie
• Rating: 2.7/5

Damilano Barolo is the perfect pairing for the carnivore!

For more information:

Damilano Barolo

Wine Review: Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso 2010

Prince of Piombino, Ugo Boncompagni-Ludovisi, built Scacciadiavoli estate in 1884. Scacciadiavoli means “cast out the devils” and is named for a 19^th century exorcist who used wines while performing exorcisms. According to the legend, a young woman who seemed to be possessed entrusted the exorcist to free her from the demon. Using potions and infusions to no avail, he made her drink red wine from the area until she became drunk. The girl then came back to her senses and was supposedly freed her from her “demons”.

The Pambuffetti family owns Scacciadiavoli now and is made up of 130 hectares. 35 hectares make up the vineyard which covers a hill in the heart of the “Montefalco” appellation. Annual production is approximately 250,000 bottles.

Scacciadiavoli Montefalco Rosso D.O.C. 2010 is made with Sangiovese 60%, Sagrantino 15%, and Merlot 25%. Harvest is from 15^th of September until mid-October. Aging occurs in aged barrels and large tanks made from French oak for 12 months and then in the bottle for a minimum of 6 months. Montefalco Rosso lends itself well to aging for years.

Tasting Notes:

• Hue: Deep ruby red with violet and light garnet hues
• Aromas experienced: Slight berry
• Flavors experienced: Sweet berry on the front of the palate with dry finish
• Body: Fruity full-bodied with dry finish
• Food pairings: Strong cheese, prime rib, pot roast, steak, fruit, lasagna
• Rating: 2.8/5

Scacciadiavoli is a legendary wine with stories to behold.

For more information:

Azienda Agraria Scacciadiavoli

 Localitá Cantinone

06036 Montefalco – Perugia

Italia

+39.0742.371210

Visit the winery

Wine Review: Domaine du Tariquet Classic 2013

The Artaud family began life in the village of Ercé which lies at the foot of the Pyrenees in Ariège. The villagers were experts at bear taming due to the proximity of the natural habitat of the mountain bears. Young Artaud was a bear tamer by trade but wanted to explore the world and settle in the United States, where he eventually moved and raised a family. As he neared retirement, he was on the search again to find a place to spend his golden years. He returned to France and fell in love with the Tariquet. With the help of his son, Jean Pierre, they purchased Tariquet wine estate. There was a lot to be done as most of the vineyard had been destroyed by phylloxera with only seven hectares of vineyard left.

In 1914, World War I broke out and Jean Pierre Artaud returned to France to fight for his country. He suffered a bayonet wound and was plagued with memory loss for several years. His wife, Pauline, met every boat that came from Le Havre in hopes of seeing her husband. In 1922, Jean Pierre made the voyage back to the United States. But when Jean Pierre and Pauline were expecting their first child, whom they named Hélène, they made the move back to France.

The story continues with Hélène. In 1939, Pierre Grassa fought for his country in World War II and was taken prisoner. He escaped and joined the Resistance in Éauze, home of the Tariquet, where he met Hélène. The couple quickly became inseparable. They married and restored the Tariquet to its former glory of producing Bas-Armagnac brandies. They had four children, Maïté, Christiane, Françoise, and Yves. In 1972, they created their first company to boost sales of Bas-Armagnac brandies produced on property. In 1982, they were the first to start producing quality white wines in the region. Maïté and Yves continue the family tradition and Yves’ sons Armin and Rémy are the winemakers.

Domaine du Tariquet Classic 2013 originates in Gascony and Bas-Armagnac grown. The wine is produced and bottled by Domaine du Tariquet. The varietals used are Ugni blanc 45%, Colombard 35%, Sauvignon 10%, and Gros Manseng 10%. Served chilled and should be enjoyed within one year of bottling.

Tasting notes:

• Hue: Light amber
• Aromas experienced: Fruit (peach, citrus) and light oak
• Flavors experienced: Sweet citrus, green apple, pear, honeydew
• Body: Smooth, light, crisp, no heavy aftertaste, flavor disappears upon finish
• Food pairings: Cheeses (gouda), charcuterie, seafood (fish, scallops), chicken with light cream sauce, hors d'oeuvres, light pasta, salads (fruit, Caesar)
• Rating: 3.6/5

With spring in bloom and summer on the way, Tariquet Classic is the perfect wine to have in the fridge for a refreshing start to a party or just lounging by the pool.

For more information:

Domaine du Tariquet