Varinelles Saumur Champigny 2009
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Loire |
| Grape Type: | Cabernet Franc |
| Winery: | Varinelles |
Pago de Carraovejas El Anejon 2009 (magnum) is made from 93% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1%Merlot.
Color: Red Purple with same color nuances.
Aroma: Complex nose, suggestive of red berries, tinges of dairy products, toasty and spices.
Mouth: Powerful and elegant wine. Well structured and balanced.
"Glass-staining ruby. Explosive, smoke- and spice-accented dark berry compote and floral scents are complicated by notes of spicecake and vanilla. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and a refreshing touch of blood orange. Rich but energetic, with superb finishing clarity, slow-building tannins and lingering sweetness. - JR"
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (September 2013), 93 pts
"The 2009 Pago de Carrovejas El Anajon de la Cuesta de las Liebres (to give it its full name), is Tinto Fino blended with 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot and raised for 12 months in French oak, has a much better, more refined bouquet with blackberry and raspberry fruit, a suggestion of wild heather and cedar. The palate is full-bodied with good backbone and structure, while the crisp acidity keeps the graphite-tinged finish agile and focused. This is very impressive. Drink now-2017."
- Wine Advocate (Neal Martin, Issue#205, February 2013), 93 pts
Quercia al Poggio Chianti Classico 2009 is made from 80% Sangiovese, 20% Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo and Colorino
Quercia al Poggio Chianti Classico is produced in limited quantities from grapes grown to certified organic farming protocols. The estate releases a single Chianti Classico from a selection of the cellar’s finest sangiovese and other traditional native grapes. A small proportion of wine from sangiovese only is bottled as Chianti Classico Riserva, which receives longer maturation in oak and ageing in glass.
DESIGNATION: Chianti Classico DOCG.
AREA OF PRODUCTION: Monsanto – Barberino val d’Elsa.
FIRST VINTAGE: 1997
TRAINING SYSTEMS: Cordon-trained and spur-pruned, Guyot.
SITE: Vineyards are located on the hill, half overlooking the north valley towards Barberino Val d’Elsa and half looking south towards Castellina.
SOIL TYPE: Limestone and clay with sections of schist and calcareous-clay galestro.
YELDS: 35q/ha
HARVEST METHOD: Manual.
WINEMAKING: Traditional in temperature-controlled steel and cement containers.
"Showing notes of sandalwood, espresso and red berries on the nose, this wine has a lovely silky attack and an attractive ferrous quality complementing red plum and earth notes. It has excellent length and is ready to drink now. A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 20% Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo and Colorino aged 24 months in 500L oak tonneau. Produced in the Monsanto - Barberino Val d’Elsa zone with limestone and clay soil at about 400m altitude. The 15 ha vineyard is organically farmed."
- i-winereview (April/May 2016), 90 pts
Aromas recall scorched earth, underbrush, stewed prune and coconut. Oak spices, vanilla and coffee dominate the warm palate. It lacks fruit richness and can’t stand up to the assertive tannins or the heat of evident alcohol.
Review:
"The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is the nicest wine presented by Tenuta Vitanza this year. This expression definitely shows its oaky side but that new oak style (French tonneaux primarily) is characteristic of this estate located in the Torrenieri subzone that makes some of the darkest and most extracted expressions of Brunello regardless. Dark fruit, prune, plum, cherry, spice, cedar, cardamon and grilled herb all compete for your attention. The ensemble is bold, opulent and rich in a way that most other Brunello wines are not. There is a note of sourness on the tannins. Every once in a while you need a supersized Brunello to pair with that T-bone steak you crave. — Monica Larner"
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 217, February 2015), 90 pts
Varinelles Saumur Champigny uses a traditional vinification process: 18 days of low temperature maceration, pumping over every two days, aging in tanks, no fining, slight filtration, bottling in July. This wine is highly representative of the appellation. It is hardly aggressive or excessive, and displays balance and finesse throughout.
The Domaine des Varinelle Estate
The Domaine des Varinelles, located in the town of Varrains, is an old family property, four generations old, and currently is run by Claude and Laurent Daheuiller. They have recently made significant improvement in their equipment. They sell 1/3 in bulk and 2/3 in bottles.
The Domaine des Varinelle Vineyard
The vineyard today covers 42 hectares (or 100 acres), whose 32 ha in Saumur Champigny. The vineyard is planted with Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, including several well-known areas such as Les Petits Clos, Les Bonnezeaux, Le Clos Marconnet and Les Poyeux. The vines are 35 to 60 years old in average. The oldest were planted in 1900. The soil is clay-limestone.
Wolfberger Cremant d Alsace Brut NV is made with 90 % Pinot Blanc, 10% Pinot Auxerrois.
The production of sparkling wine was already known in Alsace in the early 1900's. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (A.O.C.) Crémant d’Alsace began with an official decree in August 1976.
Pale golden color. Fine, persistent bubbles. Floral nose with a hint of spiciness, gentle fruitiness (peach, apricot), and lovely balance. Fruity and lively in the palate, it has a clean and crisp finish. This wine will suit any special occasion.
Review:
"Clean, poised, rounded notes of ripe, red-cheeked apples play on every front. There is something joyous and bountiful here. The frothy mousse accentuates the light-hearted but generous aspect on the dry but rounded palate, which also brings ample refreshment.- Anne Krebiehl, MW"
Wine Enthusiast (Dec 1st 2015), 90 pts
"This bargain bubbly bursts with bright red-fruit flavors and scintillating acidity. It punches well above its price, with nice depth and complexity. ABV: 12 percent. - Dave McIntyre"
- Washington Post ("Bottled poetry, plus 4 other wines to ring in 2016", December 26th 2015), ** 1/2
"Made the traditional method, this 90/10 blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Auxerrois from the Alsace with a minimum of 12 months on the lees. Showing apple and shortbread on the nose, this Crémant has a lovely creamy, textured mouth feel and firm acidity that combine to offer unusual drinking pleasure in a wine of this price. If you’re trying to decide whether to buy a Prosecco or spend a few more dollars for this wine, I’d say go for it!"
- International Wine Review (Champagnes & Sparkling Wines for the Holidays: The Best of 2018), 91 pts
Wolfberger Cremant d Alsace Rose Brut is 100 % Pinot Noir.
The harvest occurs mid September, usually two weeks before the harvest for still wines, when the grapes offer the best balance. Only the healthiest grapes are hand selected and gathered in small crates.
Vinification: gentle pressing of whole grapes is followed by temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. After bottling, bottle fermentation takes place in cellars at 12°C. A minimum of 15 months bottle aging before disgorging ensures ripeness.
Lovely delicate salmon color with active, small bubbles. Round and full-bodied, this Crémant Rosé displays beautiful watermelon and strawberry aromas cascading in a smooth finish.
"This light copper salmon sparkler of Pinot Noir has a lively fresh mousse and clean light cherry aromas. It is dry and crisp on the attack offering delicate raspberry flavors and a dry finish. Delicious."
- I-winereview.com (April 2010), 89 pts
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Bright and light golden-yellow in color. Exotic and sweet vanilla bean aromatics backed by pear and kiwi with a slight orange peel. The palate resonates with texture and depth as stone minerality and cream brioche to match. Flavors of roasted plantains, gravenstein apple, and lemon zest frame the wine for a long yet soft finish.
Planted in the early 90’s, this is the coolest vineyard site in the Russian River Valley, located at Lee Martinelli Sr.’s home ranch in Forestville, CA. After riding around with Lee in his pick-up truck when we visited his Woolsey Road, Zio Tony, and River Road Vineyards, he decided to take me to this gem. He kept this particular vineyard in his back pocket until we hit it off. We did, and I think you’ll enjoy the ride as well.
Review:
Elusively crisp and inviting on the nose, this is a thickly intriguing wine, floral in orange blossom and fresh apple. Structured and lengthy, it retains a tangy acidity and structured finish, the grapes sourced from a dry-farmed vineyard. - Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
The Vinterra Sauvignon Blanc is produced from grapes grown on our Rowley Crescent, Sandy Creek and Stoney Range vineyards that are situated at either end of Rapaura Road in heart of Marlborough.
The fruit was harvested in the cool of the night and transported to the winery for immediate processing. The juice was settled after a gentle pressing then racked to fermentation. The juice was inoculated with yeast and cool fermented for an average of 17 days. Following two months of lees contact the wine was blended, lightly fined and filtered prior to bottling.
The Vinterra Sauvignon Blanc displays abundant aromas of gooseberries and tropical fruits on the nose. The palate is fresh and lively showing rich concentration and a long lingering finish. A wine to be enjoyed over the next two to three years. Pairs well with white meat and fish dishes, and also makes a great aperitif.
Analysis at Bottling:
3.30 pH
7.0 g/l Total Acid
12.5 % Alcohol
1.0 g/l Residual Sugar
