Ogio Pinot Grigio 2008

Name: Ogio Pinot Grigio

Colour: White

Country: Italy

Region: Venezie

Year: 2008

Producer: Alessandro Botter

Grape Varieties: Pinot Grigio

Alcohol: 12%

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Purchase Price: £4.26 (half-price offer, Tesco)

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Notes:Maker's tasting notes – A crisp dry white with delicious fresh lemon & lime flavours.

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Somnambulist's verdict: It’s getting warmer and the occasional balmy evenings lend themselves to something light and white. Continuing the Somnambulistic search for value wines under £5 a bottle, I took advantage of Tesco’s half-price offer to try this stylishly branded Pinot Grigio.
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It’s got a sweet, fruity nose, like strong orange blossom – or even orange sherbert J - which belies a tart dash of lime on the palate. That first tang of citric acidity is pleasantly washed away by a large dollop of whipped cream. This wine reminded me of a bowl of Key Lime Pie, which is not necessarily a bad thing – I leave you to make the call on that – but it fitted the bill perfectly for watching the sun dip behind the apple trees…

Alborato 2006

Name: Alborato
Colour: Red
Country: Italy
Region: Umbria IGT
Year: 2006
Producer: Cardeto
Grape Varieties: Merlot 70%, Cabernet Franc 30%
Alcohol: 13%
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Purchase Price: ? (ca. EUR 6.00?)
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Notes:
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Maker’s notes – Purple-flecked ruby red, rich and harmonious, releasing smooth spice. Dry, full and velvet-textured, with elegant well-ripened wild berry fruit.

Somnambulist's verdict: Got this as a Christmas freebie and had very low expectations, but still managed to be disappointed. Has a nose that exuded alcohol and little else. Bland and lifeless. More expensive than La Cuvee Mythique – go figure. Brokers used to be more generous in the old days...

Regaleali Nero d'Avola 2006

Name: Regaleali
Colour: Red
Country: Italy
Region: Sicilia
Year: 2006
Producer: Tasca d’Almerita
Grape Varieties: Nero d’Avola
Alcohol: 13.5%
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Purchase Price: EUR 28.00 (restaurant)
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Notes:
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Maker’s notes – Bright, intense ruby red. Bouquet: Cherry, mulberry, sour black cherry, blueberry, vanilla, sage. Taste: Pleasantly velvety and well balanced tannins.

Somnambulist's verdict: This came recommended by a restaurateur who clearly knew his onions. And grape varieties. Apparently, the “Nero d’Avola” grape makes wines that compare to New World shirazes. Perhaps, although I didn’t notice any of the harsh, biting pepper that sometimes pervades those wines. Thoroughly enjoyed this wine and will look out for it again…

Il Bruciato 2006

Name: Il Bruciato

Colour: Red

Country: Italy

Region: Bolgheri DOC

Year: 2006

Producer: Antinori

Grape Varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Syrah (and other black varieties)

Alcohol: 14%

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Purchase Price: EUR 44.00 (restaurant)

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Notes:

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Maker’s notes – Intense ruby red colour. Aromas of fruit and whole red berries (especially cherries) rather than jam on the nose. Light hints of liquorice and vanilla follow from the oak. Sweet tannins and a dense structure, with a return of the fruit in the aftertaste alongside a hint of saltiness, which gives the wine a lovely harmonious, lingering flavour.

Somnambulist's verdict: This was absolutely superb – rich, fruity, perfect with some fine hams and cheese, and very moreish. So much so that a small group got through 4 or 5 bottles in pretty quick fashion. Interestingly, one bottle was not decanted but served straight to the glass and was remarkably bland by comparison. A perfect reminder for our party about the value of allowing a good wine to breathe.

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2003

Name: Marchese Antinori Riserva

Colour: Red

Country: Italy

Region: Chianti Classico

Year: 2003

Producer: Antinori

Grape Varieties: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and selected others

Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 47.99 (posh restaurant)

Notes:

Maker’s notes – Intense ruby red colour with light garnet hues. Vibrant aromas of citrus marmalade, dried fruit and sultanas. Full-bodied, solidly structured lingering palate with a pleasantly tannic finish. Hints of liquorice in the aftertaste.

Somnambulist's verdict: Super-smooth with rich fruits that somehow captured that scorching '03 Tuscan summer in a glass. Brilliant. A real heavyweight that needs meaty foods or cheese (in my case a wonderful veal lasagne!).