Valle Dell'Acate IL Frappato Vittoria 2014

Vineyards in Vittoria_ Black Soil

Valle Dell'Acate The Ferrero and Jacono families have been involved in wine since the 19th century but it's fair to say that the wines of Valle dell'Acate have been totally transformed in the last seven or eight years. The Frappato is a very good example of this recent leap in quality: earthy and tired as recently as the first part of the 21st century, it is now a remarkably fresh and perfumed lightweight red that is an absolute joy to drink. The estate has also undertaken a huge zonation study of its holdings and has proceeded to carefully match each grape variety to its most ideally suited soils. The Cerasuolo diVittoria is also one of Sicily's benchmarks for this wine.   BLACK SOIL WITH WHITE PEBBLES: these vineyards are located at roughly 100 meters above sea level. The soil is black, relatively compact and riddled with white stones. The soil structure makes it possible for plant roots to oxygenate freely, extending down deep into the ground. The company produces a red wine here, Il Frappato, which draws complex perfumes and a decent acidity from the characteristics of the terrain.

Valle Dell'Acate IL Frappato Vittoria 2014   Bright red. A fresh red fruit cocktail quality on the nose is utterly irresistible. Then quite spicy and floral on the palate, with juicy red berry and cherry flavors showing insidious sweetness; I found it hard to put my glass down. Finishes clean and long, with a bright floral echo. A stellar Frappato, a variety Valle dell'Acate has excelled with in the last ten years. 92 Points Vinous I am a big fan of frappato, especially served cold. This is an excellent one. Medium body, bright acidity and a strawberry and lemon undertone. Drink now. 92 Points James Suckling Fragrant and fresh, this luminous wine opens with aromas of red berry, blueberry, violet, white rose and a potpourri of spice while the savory palate doles out crushed raspberry, juicy morello cherry and white pepper. It's easy drinking, thanks to tangy acidity and light, silky tannins. Chill it down for a perfect summer red. 91 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine, March 2016

Damilano Barolo Cannubi 1752 Riserva 2008

Damilano  Barolo Cannubi "1752" Reserve started with the harvest of 2008, when the family finally achieved its goal to diversify the Cru. "1752" is the result of the passion and the conviction that its vineyard represents the essence of Cannubi. For this reason the idea of "1752" being a Reserve dates back to its harvesting and the company has waited 7 years to open the first bottle. Its story starts with the family's decision to appraise the historic core of the Cannubi vineyard, located in the northern-central part of the hill. It is a small portion, planted with Nebbiolo vines which are 40-50 years old. The thinning is even harsher here and the yield is of only 4 tons. The grapes from these vines are fermented for 20 days and then stay with the peel for 30 more days.  To follow, the wine is left 60 months in a barrel of 50 hl and finishes off by resting 24 more months is a bottle. The result is only 6000 bottles, presented in fine "vintage" packaging, to highlight the culture, the tradition, and the knowledge of a land that the world envies of the Langhe: Cannubi.

Damilano Barolo Cannubi 1752 Riserva 2008   Shows an amazing amount of dried roses, cedar and subtle fruits on the nose. Full body with fine tannins that touch every part of your palate. It's long and wonderful with such polish and finesse. So right now. This is the first year of Damilano Cannubi Riserva. Only 5,000 bottles made. Phenomenal. This is the greatest wine ever from here. Glorious.. 98 Points James Suckling