Some help from the Italian fans please!

Inama produces a lot of different wines.

Allegrini would be a good choice to start for that region. Several wines in different prices ranges. The well known Palazzo Della Torre and La Grola (both under $20) - both QPR all stars. La Grola would be more full bodied and bigger fruit than the PDT.

Allegrini makes terrific Amarone - although you're in the $50-$60 range there, but it's worth it!

Inama is a very reliable producer of white Soave wines, but I didn't even know they made a red. Cab no less. I don't think there is a lot of CS produced in Veneto. Maculan makes some reds from that region, but I've personally found them to be hit or miss.

Hunter's comments on Allegrini are on the money. They also make a higher priced ($80) bottling called La Poja, which is usually superb.

And then there is Quintarelli.

a relatively new house called Marion is making some excellent product - Valpolicella, Cabernet Sauvignon, Teroldego, and Amarone. Theirr wines are not cheap $40 to $90 Cdn, but are almost always superior.
Allegrini and Maculan are both good suggestions, and Quintarelli is unbelievable, but so is the price!

I've never had it, so it is difficult to make any recs.

Was it the cab sauv that you guys liked? Was it the terrior and style of the Veneto region?

Others here seem to assume you are interested in the Veneto region. If this is the case, the previous recs are right on. I would also add Zenato Valpolicella Ripassa... which can be had for $20.

If it's the cab sauv, it would be harder to make some recs. We prefer indigenous grape varietals, so we don't buy many Italian cab sauv, merlot, etc. Maybe try some Super Tuscans, but I won't be much help here.

This was unlike any other Cab we've had. I'm bad at my descriptions, but it was very big, quite earthy, tannic (less so at the end of the meal with decanting) and not as fruit forward as other wines I've liked. It was recommended based on my indication that we've particularly enjoyed the Rafanelli offerings, all of the wines from the Priorat region of Spain, and generally wanted something to stand up to the very earthy meals that we were ordering.

I got a bottle of the Allegrini La Grola, but we haven't had it yet. Guess I'll open that up and see how we like that! Thanks all.

Italian Cabernets can be very dry and sometimes even harsh.

It sounds like you may enjoy the wines from Falesco. They make a few and are very well made, if somewhat formulaic, and seem to be to the liking of adventurous Americans. They are not too authentic in terms of Italy's higher acid, "wine for the table" reputation, but they are inexpensive and surprisingly good for the price. Try the Vitiano, a blend of Sangiovese and Bordeaux varietals for under $15.

Many of the Italian wines aren't "fruit bombs" like CA, Ausssies, etc. That is why we like them. They always seem to go perfect with any and every meal. Those bigger wines can rarely match with our everyday dinners, with the exception of steak. But even with the steak, we enjoy the Italians more.

I respectfully disagree w/ cdr11. I have had numerous Vitiano's and each one has been a huge disappointment. My latest notes (and rants on this wine) can be found here.

From the sounds of it, you will enjoy the "bigger" Italian wines (less of the fruit bombs, more earthy/meaty notes, and perfect acidity to match the meal). Any of the wines mentioned above (La Grola, PdT, Zenato Ripassa) would suit the bill perfectly for everyday drinking. For a more special occasion, seek out an Amarone, which can be pure bliss. I'd rec Barolo/Barbaresco or Brunello, because they are wonderful. And while they are tannic and need time, they aren't as BIG as the others.

Agree with Matt

Amy, you would love Brunello - if you haven't had much of it before. There really are no negative characteristics to them - except maybe price

My last trip to Costco had Banfi Brunello and I stood there for a minute thinking about whether i should try it. Given how full my cart already was, I passed. I've been kicking myself for the last 3 weeks.

The Banfi 99 is a strong buy and getting better, although the price range is all over the road ($45-$65).

Don't buy above $50-$55.

AES,
First, you absolutely must try two other Inama efforts, their Bradisismo (Veneto, late harvest cab sauv/carmenere) and a wine they collaborate on from Abruzzo called Binomio. They are both pretty wild wines, though the Binomio (montepulciano) is definitely more over the top! Pricing on Bradisismo should be a hair under $30, Binomio pushing $50 (iirc).

Though from Tuscany, you may want to check out Pratesi Carmignano in its recent releases (Winbow import, so easy to find), which is a sangio/cab blend. From Umbria, the newest Bea '00 Sagrantino di Montefalco is stunning and concentrated, showing "all the berries" as my friend says! And finally, while more sanguine, you may find the '01 Lunelli Terre di Pietra compelling. It's Trentino cab sauv/cab franc/lagrein, also brought to us by Dalla Terra imports, who are responsible for Inama.

Keep us up-to-date on your findings!

try to find the red wines from Hofstatter. They aren't cheap, but are definitely the most unique from Northern Italy that I've had

Vitiano is a solid 85 point wine in my view and it is reasonably priced. My recommendation was geared to a person who stated he/she has little experience with Italian wine. Not knowing this person or his/her finances, I was hesitant to recommend anything too expensive or variable in quality like Brunello di Montalcino/Barolo/Amarone, etc. When someone claims to be a newbie to a certain region's wines, I generally do not lead them to the pinnacle in terms of quality of price right out of the shoot.

Does that context clarify my recommendation?

So with my time off between jobs, I did a bit of Italian "research." Had a glass of the Ripassa Matt suggested, which I really enjoyed, so I need to track that down. Also got a couple of other bottles to try.

My pressing question - I got a bottle of the 99 Banfi Brunello at Costco ($49) that I would like to have this weekend. Does it need decanting (how long?) and what is your preferred food match for Brunello? I took a look at the pairing search results, so I wanted some help on narrowing down my options because the hubby said he's willing to cook whatever I want

quote:

My pressing question - I got a bottle of the 99 Banfi Brunello at Costco ($49) that I would like to have this weekend. Does it need decanting (how long?) and what is your preferred food match for Brunello? I took a look at the pairing search results, so I wanted some help on narrowing down my options because the hubby said he's willing to cook whatever I want

AES,

I had the 99 Banfi recently and really liked it a lot. A mimimum of 2 hours airtime, and more if you can pull it off is highly recommended. There is nothing like a good grilled piece of meat with Brunello. Keep it simple, and let the wine be the star of the meal. Enjoy!

PH

Amy,

PH is correct... 2 hours minimum. I'd probably suggest 4 (but have a few tastes along the way, and if you feel you like the balance after a few hours, put the wine back in the bottle and put the cork in it).

Grilled meat is the perfect match... we had a bunch of it in Siena.

I'd do this...

Start out w/ some bruschetta as an appetizer, have a small plate of pasta w/ marinara sauce after, then... either veal chops or grilled T-bones!!!

Not to be a killjoy, but I've found, on several occassions, the '99 Banfi Brunello to be very lackluster. It's not that it's bad, it's just unremarkable and generic tasting, and for $49, I'd bet you could find some other, much more engaging, Italian red!

I have no idea what is available in your area, but if it is Brunello you hanker for, at that pricepoint I'd keep my eyes open for Casanova di Neri, Col d'Orcia, and Altesino. You may want to consider some of the all-sangiovese Super Tuscans, too, like Rocca della Macie Ser Gioveto, or Coltibuono Sangioveto (confusing, I know!). I'd think that you shouldn't have any trouble finding a few of these in Conn.

No matter which you go with (even the Banfi!), Purple Haze hit the pairing dead on -- simple preparations and grilled meat. Roasting is good too, as in lamb shoulder. Basic garlic, rosemary, olive oil, black pepper, and you're on your way....

Oh, and if you wanted to through in a mushroom risotto, you'd be guaranteed a great meal (if the hubby can cook, that is!).

quote:

I have no idea what is available in your area, but if it is Brunello you hanker for, at that pricepoint I'd keep my eyes open for Casanova di Neri, Col d'Orcia, and Altesino.

The Banfi, while not spectacular is better than the Col D'Orcia and the Altesino IMO. The Banfi 97 blows both of their 97's away and the 99 is superior as well. The 99 Cassanova Di Neri is a great wine but is a real hard find under $60.

Brunello craves meat. (Especially Veal, Pork, and Lamb)

quote:

Originally posted by Hunter:
Brunello craves meat. (Especially Veal, Pork, and Lamb)

That's why I get along so well with Brunello. I can hardly wait to try it with some elk this Fall. When my wife and I got married, I told her "I don't care what we have for dinner, just as long as some form of dead animal is on my plate".

Hunter,
I think we've disagreed on the Banfi before, but I really don't think Banfi makes good wines.

The 1999 Altesino is a great Brunello. I think I gave it 92 points. The 1998 Col d'Orica (92 points from me) is better than the 1999.

Best,
Dan

Some follow-up help please!! I've been sporadically looking for this wine since we had it. I've come across a couple of listings, but I'm puzzled:

The WS review in my original post lists the price at $125. The price we paid at the restaurant was not that much higher, which I found slightly odd. I've now come across some online listings for this that show it at $30-40 (quoting the WS review!) and one auction (and some pricing in euros) starting at $120...

I'm anxious to buy now because I'm worried about getting the wrong item, but there don't seem to be any other variations of this wine that would cause the confusion. Any ideas on the discrepancy???

Banfi makes a regular Brunello that normally retails for $40-$60. The 1999 rated 94 by WS.

They also make two riservas called Poggio all'Oro and Poggio Alle Mura. The 1999 all'Oro rated 96 points from WS and usually retails for $125+. I don't know if WS rated the Alle Mura, but that one retails for around $80.

You may have a few different bottles.

Other Italian made Cabernets/blends I'd suggest:

2000 Capezzana Ghiaie Della Furba - $40 (WS94)
As much as a Brunello, but perhaps more to your liking.

200x Banfi Col di Sasso Cab/Sangiovese - <$10 (great for everyday)

2002 Brancaia Maremma Toscana Ilatraia Cab/Sangiovese/Petit Verdot - $45 (WS92)
This is a relatively new Brancaia offering, and when the WS96 2003 comes out in December, it might be more money. But should be intriguing despite the price.

2000 Castello di Volpaia Toscana Balifico Sangiovese/Cabernet - $30 (WS93)


Not sure if you can find these vintages anymore, but might be worth a look around.

Some of those are expensive, but not as bad as the typical Brunello. And with the Cabernet, perhaps more like what you were asking about.