TUSCANY VERSUS PIEDMONT WINE TASTING AVIGNONESI VS PAOLO CONTERNO Saturday, December 2, 2023 - 7:30 PM
Wine is not just an object of pleasure, but an object of knowledge; and the pleasure depends on the knowledge.
ROGER SCRUTON, I Drink Therefore I Am
AndwWe know a lot of producers from the Piedmont and from Tuscany, so when we can showcase two producers on one night… you get a two for one!
Join us as we welcome our good friend Gabriele Derrico to host this special tasting as we experience four different wines from the Piedmont along with a selection of wines from one of our favorite producers of Montepulciano along with a special menu to complement the tasting wines. The fee for this tasting which includes dinner is $250 + tax, for reservation call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
TUSCANY VERSUS PIEDMONT WINE TASTING PAOLO CONTERNO VS AVIGNONESI
Saturday, December 2, 2023
7:30 PM
2022 Paolo Conterno Arneis
2018 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
2016 Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Grandi Annate
2019 Paolo Conterno Barbera D’Alba Bricco
2020 Paolo Conterno Nebbiolo Langhe
2018 Paolo Conterno Barolo Riva del Bric
2019 Avignonesi Desiderio Merlot
2018 Avignonesi 50/50 Tuscana IGT
2010 Avignonesi Vin Santo
2005 Avignonesi Occhio di Pernice
Menu
Selection of Cheese and Charcuterie
Warm Mushroom Salad with Burrata and Basil with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
Barolo Risotto with Porcini Mushroom and Parmesan Reggiano
Bistecca Fiorentina with Truffle French Fries
Baci di Dama
The fee for this tasting which includes dinner is $250 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com. If you have any food allergies or aversions please let us know when you make your reservations and chefs Toni and Dani will be happy to accommodate you.
All the wines from Paolo Conterno in the store on SALE:
2022 PAOLO CONTERNO 'A VAL' LANGHE ARNEIS PIEDMONT, ITALY
Price: $21.00 Your Price: $18.48
Tasting notes: its color, with its slight suggestion of straw-yellow, introduces the light aroma of flowers and fresh fruit.
2019 PAOLO CONTERNO BARBERA D'ALBA GINESTRA
Price: $27.00 Your Price: $23.76
(91 Points) Opening to a velvety dark appearance, the Paolo Conterno 2019 Barbera d'Alba La Ginestra (with 9,000 bottles made) shows dark fruit aromas and baked plum with light spice and tarry smoke. This vintage offers medium-rich concentration and a pretty touch of freshness on the close. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
2020 PAOLO CONTERNO NEBBIOLO LANGHE
Price: $30.00 Your Price: $25.50
Bright garnet red color with a flowery nose, showing roses and fruity sensations. Mouth-filling and elegantly-structured, it is round with complex, slightly spicy flavors lingering nicely on the palate.
2018 PAOLO CONTERNO BAROLO RIVA DEL BRIC
Price: $48.00 Your Price: $42.24
From slightly younger vines in the best exposed area of Ginestra, the Riva Del Bric is one of the best values to be found in Barolo. The grapes are hand harvested near the end of October and are macerated for almost three weeks. It ages for 30 to 36 months in 35 HL French Oak casks.
A bit about Paolo Conterno:
The estate, established in 1886, has belonged to the Conterno family for four generations. The vineyards (seven hectares of which stand in the historical cru of "Ginestra") and the cellar are run with passion by Paolo and Caterina together with their son and daughter Giorgio and Marisa. The ageing cellar is still the original one built in 1886 where large French oak casks (35 hectolitre capacity) are used. - the result of the combination of the extraordinary terroir, of a favourable microclimate, of an excellent exposure of the vineyards and of the dedication of the Conterno family - has been aknowledged and prized by the Italian and international specialised press. The estate, established in 1886, has belonged to the Conterno family for four generations. The vineyards (seven hectares of which stand in the historical cru of "Ginestra") and the cellar are run with passion by Paolo and Caterina together with their son and daughter Giorgio and Marisa. The ageing cellar is still the original one built in 1886 where large French oak casks (35 hectolitre capacity) are used. The vinification cellar has modern equipment in order to achieve the best results and to respect tradition at the same time. The extremely high quality of the wines - the result of the combination of the extraordinary terroir, of a favourable microclimate, of an excellent exposure of the vineyards and of the dedication of the Conterno family - has been acknowledged and prized by the Italian and international specialized press.
All the wines from Avignonesi on SALE!!
2019 AVIGNONESI CANTALORO ROSSO TOSCANA IGT
Price: $14.25 Your Price: $12.54 Quantity in Stock: 12
A versatile,young red wine with a ruby red colour and a bouquet characterized by inviting aromas of mature red fruits with delicate notes of cedar, rosemary and thyme.
2021 AVIGNONESI 'DA-DI' ROSSO TOSCANA IGT, TUSCANY, ITALY
Price: $28.25 Your Price: $24.86
(92 Points) A lovely bouquet of lavender, violets and crushed blackberries rises from the 2021 Sangiovese Da-Di. This washes across the palate with an intense wave of fleshy ripe fruits, all balanced by a salty flourish of minerality and tantalizing acidity. The 2021 finishes with grippy concentration yet remains fresh, with blue- and purple-toned inner florals that linger. The Da-di is a varietal Sangiovese that’s refined in amphora, where about one-third of the grapes are left in whole clusters through fermentation. This is an incredibly fun wine to taste. Vinous
2019 AVIGNONESI ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
Price: $17.50 Your Price: $15.40
Grapes: 96% Sangiovese, 4% other local red varieties.Grape origin: Le Capezzine Estate, close to the village of Valiano, to the north west of Montepulciano, I Poggetti and Le Badelle vineyards, on the Argiano hills, east of Montepulciano, and the Banditella and El Grasso vineyards, located in the Banditella area, south east of Montepulciano.Altitude: 270 - 375 metres a.s.l.Exposure: Variable, depending on each single vineyard.Soil type: Alkaline, with layers of clay, sand and silt, of Pleistocenic origin at Le Capezzine and of Pliocenic origin at I Poggetti, Le Badelle, El Grasso and Banditella. In the Banditella vineyard the soil is somewhat rocky due to an ancient river bed.Age of the vines: 10 - 40 years old.Training system: Bush-trained, guyot and cordon-trained. Vine density: 7,158 vines per hectare in the bush-trained vineyards, from 5,200 to 6,200 hectare in the cordon-trained vineyards and 2,564 vines per hectare in the old, guyot-trained vineyards. VinificationHarvest: Picking took place between September 19 and October 10.Vinification: The fermentation was spontaneous with the use of indigenous yeast. Malolactic fermentation took place in oak.Ageing: 5 months in oak. One part of the wine was aged in French barriques and the other in large, Slavonian oak casks.Alcohol: 13%Total production: 58,000 bottles.Tasting notesMedium ruby red colour with typical varietal aromas including strawberries, raspberries, blood plums and cranberries with hints of rosemary and thyme. A burst of fruit on the palate leads way into velvety tannins balanced by a fresh acidity and a long lasting, delicately spicy finish
2018 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG
Price: $25.00 Your Price: $22.00 Quantity in Stock: 115
2015 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO MAGNUM
Price: $75.00 Your Price: $66.00 Quantity in Stock: 10
OUR TASTING NOTES: Fresh plowed earth, dark spices, coco and some floral notes, nice complexity with dark cherry and wild strawberry fruit, dried meats, opens up nicely but needs some time. A good amount of freshness and dark cherry fruit with fresh herbs and some dark earth and spice notes nice complexity here, balanced finish. Finish 40+ Excellent +
TASTING DATE 05/13/19(92 Points) Since acquiring the property in 2009, Virginie Saverys has worked to convert all 162-plus hectares of vineyards to organic and biodynamic practices. In 2015 the Sangiovese was harvested relatively early, between 10-28 September. Hints of dried rose petals, violet, pepper and black tea add complexity to fragrant red cherry and strawberry. While light on its feet and immediately appealing, it has the substance and structure to hold for the next eight years. Decanter
2017 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE MONTEPULCIANO MAGNUM
Price: $61.00 Your Price: $53.68
2018 AVIGNONESI 'POGGETTO DI SOPRA', VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO DOCG, ITALY
Price: $66.75 Your Price: $58.74
The Alliance is a group of six Nobile producers - Salcheto, Poliziano, La Braccesca, Dei, Boscarelli, and Avignonesi - all sharing the dedication to Nobile’s rediscovery. The six winemakers have coordinated their respective work and each crafted a cru 100% Sangiovese Nobile specifically for this project.The Poggetto di Sopra brings out the characteristics of its environment, recalling the clay soil it lays upon. PASSIONATE like the radiant sun of this vintage...Harmonious wines warm and charming on the canvas the marriage between light and matter. The variable weather conditions of this vintage with the right timing enabled us to make powerful, yet elegant wines. The wine shows grace and elegance, the bouquet is complex with tones of raspberry tart, indian spices, especially clove and cardamom. The tannins are silky with a long lingering finish.
2019 AVIGNONESI GRIFI IGT TUSCANY
Price: $35.00 Your Price: $30.80
The assembly of two such different personalities such as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon blend together, giving this wine a unique character. Dark ruby red in color with purple reflections, the nose opens with notes of blueberries, blackberries and incense going up to sandalwood and graphite. In the mouth it is dense and complex with hints of blackberry jam and cinnamon. It then evolves like a balsamic explosion supported by good acidity. The lively tannin all over the palate accompanies the savory and persistent finish.
Blend: 50% Sangiovese, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 AVIGNONESI DESIDERIO MERLOT
Price: $57.00 Your Price: $50.16
This is from their vineyards in Cortona with a high amount of blue clay, Desidario is the name of the famous bull that lived on the estate, and let's just say he was the breeder of big bulls that made the beefsteak Florentine famous- this is the breeding stock. Dark earth forest floor like aromas to the dark plum and blueberry fruit very intense with notes of mocha and fine herbs, nice complexity on the nose. A big and chunky wine on the tongue but has wonderful freshness and balance through the finish, dark spices and plum and cherry fruit to the end. Finish 45+ Most Excellent
2018 AVIGNONESI DESIDERIO MERLOT TUSCANA IGT
Price: $57.00 Your Price: $50.16 Quantity in Stock: 2
Grapes: Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%). - Ageing: in barriques for 18 months. - Refinement in bottles: 9 months. - Alcohol content: 13.5% vol. - Serving temperature: 19/20°C. - Bottle: 0.750 lt. - 1.500 lt. - 3.000 lt - Packaging: wooden case Characteristics: intense, rubin red in colour, its bouquet is delicate and persistent, with a slight scent of wild fruits; the taste is fullbodied, harmonious and round. Serving suggestions: roast and grilled meat, game and mature cheeses.
2018 AVIGNONESI CAPANNELLE 50&50 TOSCANA IGT
Price: $136.50 Your Price: $120.12 Quantity in Stock: 3
A historic collaboration between Avignonesi from Montepulciano and Capannelle from Gaiole in Chianti, 50%50 brings forth all the silky elegance of the Merlot and the distinct, rustic charm of the Sangiovese.
2016 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO GRANDI ANNATE
Price: $128.00 Your Price: $112.64
The Vino Nobile Grandi Annate (Great Vintages) is the finest expression of Sangiovese from our Montepulciano vineyards. This wine is produced only in the very best years, when the climate brings optimum growing conditions to the vines, permitting the grapes to express all the complexity of the terroir, leading to a wine that is rich in character with the stamina to age for many years.
This selection of Sangiovese is medium ruby red colour. The ample bouquet opens with scents of camellias and wild roses, followed by notes of black currant and red plums, and hints of eucalyptus and sandalwood. The Grandi Annate is well-balanced and round, with concentration and structure coming from the soil and elegance and finesse coming from the age of the vines. The tannins are firm but silky, and the fruity, elegant mid-palate leads towards a long finish reminiscent of cedar.
2010 AVIGNONESI VIN SANTO 375ML
Price: $242.00 Your Price: $212.96
This Vin Santo is characterized by intense aromas of caramel and walnut husk, softened by hints of honeydew honey, nutmeg and pennyroyal. The aftertaste recalls memories of candied orange and butter biscuits. On the palate this sweet wine reveals infinite taste sensations, a symphony of notes of dried figs, almonds and orange jam. A perfect balance between sweetness and acidity leads to a long and sensual finish.
2005 AVIGNONESI VIN SANTO OCCHIO DI PERNICE 375ML
Price: $290.50 Your Price: $255.64
Dense and mysterious, the Occhio di Pernice reveals a complex and enveloping bouquet with aromas of dried plums and dates, propolis, gingerbread, malaga and tobacco. In the mouth it is sweet and spicy and the olfactory notes return, expanding with those of dried apricots and smoked hazelnut with small nuances of Christmas spices. A wine that surprises with every sip for its concentration and depth. The aftertaste persistence is incredibly long.
A bit about Avignonesi Winery
The winery is named after the Avignonesi family, the founders of the original estate. Constant research and development aimed at expressing the true character of the Montepulciano terroir has, over time, earned the winery a well-deserved place among the flagship producers of Tuscany. In 2009, Avignonesi was acquired by Virginie Saverys who has since introduced organic farming methods to craft distinct, genuine wines with an even stronger character, and has acquired additional vineyards and a state-of-the-art winemaking facility in the Montepulciano appellation.
We believe that the life force of the earth and the uniqueness of our terroir are at the heart of our brand. Avignonesi is reborn from the soil of our vineyards with each vintage in wines that mirror the subtle flavours of the site and the special traits of each year. Our wines express the richness and beauty of the Montepulciano territory.
We respect the heritage of Montepulciano, where Sangiovese wines have been produced for centuries, and we wish to contribute to its future by being the finest representative of its heritage that we can be. We respect the innate character of each wine and seek to follow its natural evolutionary path from the soil to the cellar and - finally - to the bottle.These wines are made from 100% Estate fruit, they cut the production to do this and they are all biodynamically farmed, 100% Sangiovese with minimal use of new oak, 2nd and 3rd passage.
Virginie was born in Ghent, Belgium and graduated in law from the University of Paris in 1983. Virginie was brought up in a family that always enjoyed fine wines and, as a wine lover, decided to invest in the Avignonesi winery in 2007, after having retired from her highly successful legal career and moving to Tuscany. In 2009 she bought the whole of Avignonesi with the intention of taking a winery already recognised for its quality, innovative research and experimentation to a new level of excellence.
She is a strong believer in organic products and homeopathic medicine, so converting the winery to sustainable farming methods was a natural choice. Her aim at Avignonesi is to produce wines which do not only mirror the distinct identity of the terroir of Montepulciano, but wines which are healthier for her customers, healthier for the land and therefore for future generations.
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