This year I explored 5 wine regions: Greece, Italy/Toscana, Italy/Sardinia , Mexico, USA/Finger Lakes. Either by traveling to this regions or by attending to wine classes about this region I got to know the insights of the winemaking, terroir and particularities of their Estates. It has been delightful to explore autochthonous grapes from this regions that give a different character and structure to the wines. Hence, it has been very difficult to pick 8 wines that got me impressed this year from this fabulous wine regions.
Italy
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Goretti Sagrantino di Montefalco 2007. Floral nose with leather and tobacco, cherry and blackberry on the palate with a hint of herbs. A full body and structured wine. $45.
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Antinori Il Bruciato 2016 Bolgheri. Cherry and black spices nose, a delightful palate of spices, chocolate even meaty, this is such a great value for money. $25.99.
- Velenosi Vini Rosso Marche
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Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva, Sardinia: Initially dark, ruby red, during maturation it loses intensity and takes on a warmer tone. Mesmerizing scent, redolent of violets. Warm, dry, and harmonious palate with plumy fruit flavors and an aristocratic oak overtone.
Greece
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Costa Lazaridi 2015, Oenotria Land. This red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Agiorgitiko has strong aroma, subtle tannin and pronounced notes. $45.
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Estate Argyros Barrel Fermented Assyritiko 2016, Santorini. Citrus fruit with toasty vanilla aromas. Strong flavor, lots of minerality and and nut flavors on the palate. This Assyritiko is great to pair even with red meat. $31.
USA/Finger Lakes
- Hermann J. Wienner. Riesling 2016. This is the best Riesling I have tried so far in my entire life. It changed my conception of Riesling winemaking. On the nose offers white flowers, chamomile and citrus, the palate is amazingly balanced between acidity and fruity, tannins on a Riesling? Yeah! Has a crispy body and a lingering finish. $32.
Mexico
- Monte Xanic Sauvignon Blanc 2017. Read review here
For next year I would like to explore more Spanish and French wines as new world wines such as South Africa, New Zealand and USA/Oregon. If you have any recommendations please comment below.
Great post 😃