As strange as it might appear, I love to go for dinner by myself. not that i do not like good company mind you.

it is just that my imagination goes absolutely wild when i dine alone. it gives me a buzz to watch the service, listen to bits and pieces of conversations going on around me. but most of all, i love observing people. how they behave in groups, how they behave towards me, alone at my table. it is the body language that tells me so much, or rather trigger my imagination. i love to invent stories about one or the other, to imagine what they think, where they could be coming from, where they could be going next . sometimes, this makes me sad, especially when i see someone who appears not to be assuming himself to the extent that i feel he should. other times it makes me laugh at how arrogant or pompous others behave towards their guests or kin. all the while, i love to watch and to make up stories.

perhaps it helps me learn about myself? as they say, what we see in other people is actually what we see in ourselves...

in any case... we are here for the wine and so:

VERMENTINO DI MAREMMA 2006 - matched to tuna tartare
pale golden color, aromatic with floral aromas; nice refreshing acidity, with simple flavour as it should for its kind. fresh pears, citrus, lime skin, slightly peppery. medium lenght. pleasant as appetizer.

CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA IL GRIGIO 2004 - matched to risotto with radicchio di treviso
pale ruby, nice aromatic of dark forest fruits, spices, forest underwood; low acidity, medium body & alcohol, soft tannins, flavours as nose, smoky, medium lenght, fruity finish. pleasant.

VIGORELLO 2001 - matched with rack of lamb with vintage balsamic sauce
medium ruby with purple tints. aromatic of dark forest fruits: blackberries, black currents, blueberries and vanilla, low acidity, medium + tannin (slightly harsh), medium + body, palate as nose with hints of chocolate and tobacco box. medium lenght with a fruity finish. can drink now and can age.

BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO CAMPOGIOVANNI 2001 - matched with rack of lamb with vintage balsamic sauce
deep ruby, aromatic of dark forest fruits, slightly herbaceous, with hints of minth and tobacco, vanilla; medium acidity, medium ripe tannins, flavours as nose but fruitier and with a complex, spicy finish. medium lenght. a good wine, pleasant and complex.

VIN SANTO DEL CHIANI CLASSICO 2002 - matched with mango cheese cake with zabaione sauce
deep gold color, aromatic of creme caramel, slightly burnt sugar, raisins, dark honey; sweet, low acidity, full body, flavours as nose, slightly spicy: cinnamon, vanilla, long and complex finish. good.

GRAPPA DI BRUNELLO CAMPOGIOVANNI - matched with tea or coffee