January WCWC Pack 5 - Italian Pack - R1091/pack

 

Altydsgedacht	Barbera	Durbanville	2007	R 90
Mario Marengo	Barbera d'Alba Pugnane DOC	Piedmont	2006	R 200
Tenute Silvio Nardi	Rosso di Montalcino DOC	Tuscany	2007	R 175
Tukulu	Sangiovese	Darling	2007	R 88
Giovanni Corino	Barolo DOCG	Piedmont	2005	R 295
Idiom	Nebbiolo '900 Series'	Helderberg	2005	R 300

 

Italian wines are defined by two major attributes; across the regions of the world's largest producing nation, the wines have uniquely firm acidities and dry savoury tannins.  This is rather fitting to the Italian culture that is focused around drinking and eating. Not surprisingly, Italians also consume more wine per capita than any other country. What may seem to be a harsh acidity and excess tannin without food, can transform when matched with food and most especially tomato-based dishes.

 

Grapes for wine production are produced throughout the country, but Sangiovese and Nebbiolo are the most important noble red varieties. Both produce a slightly opaque, red-fruited wine with a firm acidity and textured tannins. Sangiovese is generally softer and more strawberry-fruited, planted in Central and Southern Italy. Nebbiolo is purely from Piedmont in the North West and produces more sturdy hedonistic wines.  Barbera, Nero d'Avolo and Primativo are other notable exported varieties that produce friendly-fruited food wines . Whites play less of a role in essentially Mediterranean growing conditions;  Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, Mascoto are the most planted varieties that produce easy drinking crisp wines.

 

As in Spain and France, a classification system defines each region in terms of quality and style. Apart from table wines (Vin de Tavola) and IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica which allow the winemaker full will ) wines, the exceptional regions are controlled by appellation laws. There are around 300 DOC and only 32 DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wine regions classified, of which Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino are perhaps the most famous. These regions have strict viticultural and winemaking laws to maintain high quality standards.

 

South Africa is continuing to experiment with Italian cultivars and in our Mediterranean climate there is little doubt we will be successful in the future. Better planting material (ideal clones of each variety are required) as well as better matching of the variety to the vineyard site is needed to reach this point.  

 

Altydsgedacht Barbera Durbanville 2007

A delightful example of a new world Barbera exemplified by ample cherry fruit and a fresh acidity. There is a undetone of new oak which adds structure and offers more a more serious stance. The history of Barbera on Altydgedacht dates back to the 1920’s where it’s deep colour and natural fruit acidity lent it to be used in the production of fortified wines. The SAWIS records in the early 1980’s show a single hectare of Barbera planted in the country, and that being on Altydgedacht. In 1992, Altydgedacht became the pioneering producer of a cultivar Barbera wine in South Africa. Only 300 cases are produced. 

 

Marengo Barbera d'Alba Pugnane DOC Piedmont 2006

Mario Marengo is our favourite Piedmont producer and son of famous Marco Marengo. His miniscule production (only 300 cases of the Pugnane) and traditional techniques are the essence of powerful but  elegant piedmontese wines. Matured in 40% new oak, this is a rather more serious Barbera than those of the region. Pugnane is the name of the vineyard within the town of Alba. In compares well with the local Barbera, but shows more savouriness, chewy tannins and a better integrated acidity. 

 

Tenute Silvio Nardi Rosso di Montalcino DOC Tuscany 2007

Montalcino is the most famous wine producing town in Tuscany. And Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico are famous DOCGs made with the local Sangiovese grape. Whilst most look to Chianti for affordable reds, Rosso di Montalcino offers exceptional value, comprising of essentially declassified Brunello di Montalcino vineyards (which sell at double the price). It therefore has the structure and class of Brunello without the massive concentrastion. Silvio Nardi is a small producer that uses traditional techniques to make elegant and plush wines with typical Italian flare. 

 

Tukulu  Sangiovese Darling 2007

There are more powerful and well-known Sangiovese's in the SA market, but the Tukulu is lauded for its drinkability, lack of new oak and sour cherry-fruited appeal. It is made from organically grown grapes in the darling region. Expect it to show a similar profile and styling, but lacking the finesse and complexity of the Nardi.

 

 

Giovanni Corino Barolo DOCG Piedmont 2005

2005 was a rather warm and forward-fruited vintage, making it far more accessible than a classical vintage such as 2004. Wine Spectator awards its 92/100 and describes "Bright blackberry and cherry aromas follow through to a full body, with vanilla cream, blueberry and raspberry flavors. Very long, chewy and polished. 850 cases made." This will certainly blossom with a food and demonstrate the incredible 'palate-hugging' nature of the nebbiolo tannins.

 

Idiom  Nebbiolo '900 Series' Helderberg 2005

Just a few barrels of this wine were produced by the Bottega family who also own Whalehaven. We feel this is the best example of Nebbiolo in SA retaining the true-character of the grape; strawberry, herbs and foral notes combine with dense tannins. The idiom is riper, more powerful and finished with what may seem to be sweeter-styled and rounder tannins.  

 

More details on the WCWC

 

Bordeaux Pack 1

Burgundy Pack 2

South of France Pack 3

Champagne Pack 4

From more info on the WCWC!