An eye-opening tasting & masterclass by Giorgio De Maria...

We tasted:

Bollicine - Ignorant & Refined:

Casa Caterina Franciacorta 2010 (100% chardonnay):
- made in a traditional method 60 mths on lees & zero dosage... the wine was complex w/ biscuity & green apple notes w/ very fresh & delicately creamy mousse & very "mineral" finish...

Quarticello Ferrando 2010 (Lambrusco):
- only 1 fermentation starting in tank & finishing in bottle... light & cloudy from lees remaining w/ vibrant aromatics of roasted strawberries & a touch of mint & white bread, explosive & fresh finish...

The tradition of Using Skins:

Cantina Giardino Gaia Gaia 2010 (Fiano):
- deep lemon color & some sediments from skin maceration & no filtering w/ lemon skin sharacter & touch of green mango, interesting textural elements that makes it a wine for food...

Dario Princic Pinot Grigio 2010:
- surprising color for a pinot grigio: dark pink/amber from 7 days skin maceration in open vats & 2 years ageing in tonneau...stunning aromas, citrus skin, dried mandarins, spices, and caramel...interesting texture & moderate tannins...

Explosive Wines - Mount Etna:

Alice Bonaccorsi Rosso Relativo 2009 (nerello mascalese):
- light pink wine w/ vibrant & mouthfilling texture... intense aromas of strawberries & cherries... lovely round & delicate texture...very fresh & very long mineral finish...

Alice Bonaccorsi Etna Rosso 2007 (nerello mascalese):
- pale ruby w/ fresh acidity & firm structure... quizzically complex & etheral nose w/ wild strawberries & cherries, cooking herbs, white pepper...constantly evolving & suprising... long vibrant & firm finish

North - West & East - 2 Noble Varieties:

Serafino Rivella Barbaresco 2008 (nebbiolo):
- pale but firm structure w/ high acidity & silky tannin... a good concentration of fruit to support w/ red cherries, leather, rose petals.. to keep another few years...

Bressan Schioppettino 2007:
- lovely pale ruby & extremely bright in the glass... fresh & wonderfully vibrant nose w/ explosive raspberries & wild strawberries & a touch black berries...lively & velvetty at the same time, delicate & super pleasant fruity finish...

Understanding of Cannonau:

Panevino Cicipi 2011 (cannonau) & Panevino UVA 2011
- both w/ moderate ruby color & vibrant, intense red & black fruit in character... Surprisingly fresh & lively on the palate w/ a delicate texture... the Cicipi with dense fruit & certainly much ageing potential...

Understanding of Montepulciano:

Praesidium 2005 (Montepulciano):
- deep in color & aromas w/ much density & concentration... dark berry fruits, leather & spices. a touch of herbs. chewy w/ a firm structure to age or drink w/ serious food...

Praesidium Mosto Cotto:
- fascinating... from boiling the must of montepulciano grapes for 12-16 hour under low, slow heat...alcohol-free, sweet without being overtly so, velvety & sensual, playing & teasing the tongue for another glass...

Praesidium Ratafia:
- an absolute delight... fresh cherries are macerated in the montepuciano must & then fortified to 26%... sweet but just so, beautiful velvety texture & oh-so delightful aromas of ripe black cherries & cassis...intense & beautiful....perfect match to a luscious chocolate cake...