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

Chateau Peyros Madiran 2010

The Cellars at Chateau Peyros

Chateau Peyros Chateau Peyros is the property located the furthest south in the Madiran appellation. It dates from the 17th century and was acquired by Jean Jacques Lesgourgues in 1999.  The Lesgourgues family strives to produce high quality wines. Peyros means "stony place" in Gascon, a good definition for the exceptional land the vines grow on: derived from Pyrenean moraines, the clay-loam soil is densely packed with rolled pebbles from the glaciers. In order to best express the quality of each "terroirs", and to produce specific wines with distinctive personalities, the viticultural approach is imprinted with traditions: a sustainable agriculture with no systematic use of chemical spraying, grass setting on the vineyards, work of the soil, traditional sizing and finally, an important limitation of yield.

Chateau Peyros Madiran 2010   Putting two naturally tannic grapes together seems to soften them both. This blend (Tannat 60% - Cabernet Franc 40%) gives this rich wine structure as well as rich plum and damson, leather and smokiness. 91 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine, March 2015