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$18.95
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IWC 90
Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock,
3
available
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90 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Pale, bright yellow. Lively aromas of green apple, thyme and white pepper are enlivened by a delicate minty quality. Very good Muller-Thurgau, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic character and flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes bright and clean; a little more fruit density and it would have merited an even higher score. Still, this is a very attractive wine; try it with something unusual, like buffalo mozzarella or pasta with mussels (sans tomato). (Sep/Oct 2011)"
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$19.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
7
available
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If you want proof that Dolcetto is not 'the Beaujolais of Italy,' pour yourself a glass of Anna Maria Abbona's Maioli, which is 100% Dolcetto. The wine is violet-tinged deep purple, a very inviting color; it smells of violets, Assam tealeaves, and blueberries; and it is a mouth-filling, deep, substantial wine to drink. 'Una bomba,' as they say in Italy, and an excellent food wine; it goes with many red meat dishes, grilled sausages, cheese... The fruit comes from very old vines planted in the '30s by Anna Maria's uncle. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel.
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$17.95
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WS 90
WA 89
Italy
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Veneto
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $20.00
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90 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2011 (#60),' Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] This sleek, polished red offers juicy blackberry and black fruit flavors, backed by refined tannins and well-integrated acidity. Hard to stop sipping. Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2020. (10/31/11)"
89 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$20 list] The 2008 Palazzo Della Torre is striking in this vintage. It shows remarkable harmony in a tense, mineral-infused expression of fruit. Hints of licorice, tobacco, mocha and spices develop in the glass, adding further complexity and nuance. All of the elements flow gracefully to a finish layered with the essence of crushed rocks and flowers. This is an absolutely delicious wine from Allegrini. Palazzo della Torre is made with a partial ripasso technique in which 30% of the fruit is dried Amarone-style, while the other 70% is picked and vinified conventionally. Once again, Palazzo della Torre is one of the very finest values in Italian wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. (Feb 2012)"
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$13.95
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IWC 89
Italy
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Veneto
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Ian D'Agata (International Wine Cellar): "Bright red Cherry-vanilla, cassis and fresh herb aromas. Juicy and sweet, offering lush red and dark berry flavors and a repeating note of vanilla. The finish features a tangy cherry note and lingers with good clarity and spicy length. (Mar/Apr 2012)"
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$13.95
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Italy
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Trentino-Alto Adige
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Brilliant straw yellow with a green shimmer. Quite pronounced and expressive aroma with flowery and somewhat spicy notes. Rich flavored in the mouth, with a slight smokiness at the back and a good, fresh finish. When properly cellared, this will drink well for 2 to 4 years. Suggested food: starters (both fish or meat), pâtés and terrines, fish and shellfish, poultry, white meat and mushrooms. Alcohol 13.0%."
Not yet reviewed; 2010 vintage rated 88 points by International Wine Cellar: "Straw-yellow with a golden tinge. Musky aromas of peach and pear are lifted by an herbal topnote. Broad, rich and almost sweet, with some residual sugar conferring a smooth, supple mouthfeel. The orchard fruit flavors are less intense than the aromas on the medium-long finish."
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$23.85
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WA 91
WS 90
JS 90
Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock, 12+ available
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List $35.00
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91 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$35 list] The 2007 Chianti Classico Riserva Marchese Antinori is a fleshy, radiant wine graced with expressive dark red fruit. This is a fairly plush style for this bottling, no doubt owing to the personality of the vintage. I don’t quite see the delineation or structure of the superb 2006, but in exchange the 2007 is much more pleasing to drink young. Tobacco, sweet herbs, licorice and dark red cherries leave a very positive, lasting impression. The Marchese Antinori is predominantly Sangiovese, with a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate’s vineyards in Peppoli, Badia a Passignano and Tignanello. The darker color and flavor profile and presence of Cabernet relative to the 100% Sangiovese Badia a Passignano Riserva makes the Marchese a baby Tignanello of sorts. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. (Aug 2011)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$35 list] Black cherry and black currant fruit paves the way in this red, with spice and leather accents adding depth. Bright and solid, yet remains elegant, with a lingering aftertaste of mineral and spice. Best from 2013 through 2020. (9/30/12)"
90 points James Suckling: "Beautiful aromas of flowers and berries, follow through to a full body and chewy tannins with a berry, woody finish. Best after 2011. (12/19/11)"
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$22.95
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WS 88
Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock, 12+ available
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List $35.00
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88 points Wine Spectator: "[$35 list] A thick, extracted style, displaying impressive cherry and blackberry flavors. Spice elements chime in on the burly finish. Drink now through 2018. (5/31/13)"
Producer notes: "Crafted from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot, the 2010 Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva is intense ruby red in color with fruit and spice aromas. Light touches from the oak aging underscore the cherry and red berry notes that are typical of the Sangiovese grape. The wine's flavors are harmonious on the palate with tannins that are balanced and ripe. The lingering finish is vibrant with a pleasing minerality, which is typical of Chianti Classico."
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$19.95
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JS 91
WA 90
WS 90
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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91 points James Suckling: "Subtle walnuts and berries with hints of milk chocolate. Medium to full body, with fine tannins and a fruity, tangy finish. Orange peel undertones. This is excellent quality for the money. Drink now. (11/26/12)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Villa Antinori is a pretty, mid-weight wine laced with dark red berries, flowers and sweet spices. Nothing in particular stands out, just the wine’s lovely depth, balance and overall sense of harmony. This is a fabulous wine for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. (Jun 2012)"
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$25 list] Black currant, bilberry, violet and spice flavors align in this luscious red, which is well-balanced and integrated, with a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruit and spices. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Drink now through 2018. Smart Buys. (12/15/12)"
Producer notes: "55% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Syrah. The wine is ruby red in color with intense aromas of cherries, mint, and, particularly, chocolate. On the palate the wine is ample in body, supple and with velvety and soft tannins, long and savory."
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$19.95
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WS 90
Italy
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Tuscany
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Wine Spectator: "A touch gamy and earthy in aroma, turning to pure cherry and raspberry flavors on the palate. Dense yet smooth, with a lingering aftertaste of berry and mineral. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Best from 2013 through 2020. Smart Buys. (9/30/12)"
Producer notes: "50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 20% Merlot. Intense and deep red colour with purple reflexes. On the nose intense and fresh with flowery aromas of violets and balsamic hints combined to red fruit like cherries, plumbs and blackberries. The palate is round, complex with ripen and sweet tannins. Nice fruity aftertaste with good acidity, which offers a long lingering and fresh finish."
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$14.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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From Sardinia. Varietals: Cannonau (Grenache), Bovale Sardo, Carignan. Intense ruby red with garnet tinges. Intensely vinous aromas, typical of Cannonau. Warm, well-rounded, well-structured and excellently balanced.
2009 vintage rated 91 points by Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The estate’s 2009 Isola dei Nuraghi Costera flows from the glass with layers of exquisitely perfumed fruit buttressed by fine, silky tannins. There is an element of pure elegance and refinement that is hard to do justice to with words. This is another terrific red from Argiolas. Costera is a blend of 90% Cannonau, 5% Carignano and 5% Bovale Sardo. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2014."
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$17.95
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WS 87
Italy
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Friuli-Venezia Giulia
In stock, 12+ available
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87 points Wine Spectator: "This smoky white offers hints of fresh straw, hot stone and Granny Smith apple. Light-bodied and crisp, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink now. (10/15/11)"
Producer notes: "This Pinot Grigio appears a rich straw yellow with shimmering, coppery highlights. Ripe tropical fruit, along with apple and pear, create a rich, generous bouquet, while the palate is refined, smooth, and pleasantly tangy. The finish seems near endless, showcasing abundant, crisp-edged fruit."
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$12.95
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WS 87
WE 87
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $18.00
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87 points Wine Spectator: "A spicy style, with apple, peach, clove, allspice and white pepper matched to a rich texture. Finishes with a lingering, citrusy freshness. Drink now. (4/30/13)"
87 points Wine Enthusiast: "Pinot Grigio enthusiasts will love this citrusy expression from Tuscany. There’s just enough warm-climate ripeness here to give the wine a full, creamy feel on the finish, yet the bouquet is all about freshness; notes of lemon-lime, melon and white peach are prominent. (Oct 2012)"
The Tasting Panel: "[$18 list] Crisp acidity and a rich texture allow white pepper, lime rind and grapefruit to peer past a dense mid-palate. (Jun 2012)"
Producer notes: "Light straw yellow. Very fresh and fruity bouquet with pear, banana, peach, anise and honey notes. Rich, full, round and very persistent. This 100% Pinot Grigio belongs to Castello Banfi estate-bottled single-varietals range.Thanks to the Montalcino microclimate, Banfi's Tuscan Pinot Grigio adds to the typical aromas of this variety an unusual body, flavor and balance. Food Pairings: Excellent as aperitif. It accompanies light dishes and fish in general. Great 'summer wine'."
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$14.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
2
available
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Crisp and refreshing, semi sweet, with lingering pear, tangerine, nectar and melon flavors on the finish.
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$15.95
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FWR 87
Italy
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Veneto
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Bele Casel is a small, artisanal winery which makes its Prosecco with fruit grown in the subdistricts of Santo Stefano and Sacol, largely considered the best source of Prosecco in the Valdobbiadene region. Extra dry.
87 points Fine Wine Review: "I continue to search in the U.S. for the charming, insouciant, slightly sweet, low alcohol Prosecco that I have become accustomed to in Italy. For the most part, I keep running into Champagne wannabes. For the time being, this is the closest I have come to the holy grail. This wine is offdry with both the austerity of a fine sparkling wine and the pear fruit of Prosecco, and the slightest bit of creaminess in texture. (Issue #118; 2007)"
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$19.95
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JS 87
Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock, 12+ available
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Two Glasses, Gambero Rosso: "Bibbiano is situated in a fairy-tale setting in the heart of Chianti Classico, where it has been managed by the same family since 1865. Brothers Tommaso and Federico Morracchesi Marchi today represent the fifth generation. Vineyards are located on two hillsides with marked and rather contrasting features, at altitudes between 270 and 300 metres above sea level. The wines are largely traditional in style and reflect the features of their provenance. We feel they are improving in both quality and clarity of expression. (2013)"
87 points James Suckling: "A delicately fruity wine with fine tannins and a clean finish. Dried lemon peel too. Drink now. (8/22/12)"
Producer notes: "The color of the wine is a brilliant ruby red. It is intensely scented with a fruity note of blackberries and plums. The mouthfeel is rather intense; nonetheless this wine is easy to drink, thanks to a pleasant acidity that makes it fresh and lively."
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$11.95
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WS 90
WA 88
JS 88
Italy
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Tuscany
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Wine Spectator: "Notes of blackberry and black cherry are accented by tobacco and spice in this concentrated red, which is fresh and lively, with a firm finish. Drink now through 2014. (10/15/12)"
88 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2011 Casamatta Rosso is an attractive, juicy wine bursting with sweet red berries, flowers, licorice, mint and spices. It shows lovely body and depth in a fresh, vinous style best suited for near-term drinking. Aging should not be a problem, as I imagine most bottles will be long gone by the time that is an issue. The Casamatta Rosso is a terrific value, too. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. (Jun 2012)"
88 points James Suckling: "Another fresh and fruity young wine with lovely cherry and lemon character. Medium body, with light tannins and a clean finish. Always excellent value. Drink now. (11/26/12)"
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$21.95
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WS 90
Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$25 list] A firm, compact red, featuring plenty of ripe wild cherry and blackberry notes that slowly reveal hints of pine, ash and tobacco. Displays the rugged nature of the region. Drink now through 2018. 2,500 cases made. (1/16/13)"
Jancis Robinson: "Bisceglia, Gudarrà 2008 Aglianico del Vulture is... made from another of my favourite grape varieties Aglianico and grown on the volcanic soils of Basilicata... It is also unusually mature for a wine in commercial circulation... Aglianico has a wonderful combination of structure and fruit, though it ripens late and can be grown only in relatively warm climates. The grapes for this wine were not picked until late October, and were picked by hand. After a 10-day fermentation, the wine was aged for 12 months in new barriques. Gudarrà, the name of their top bottling (which has won several three-glass awards in Italy), derives from a local word for 'enjoy', which chimes well with me... Alc 14.0%, TA 5.6g/l, pH 3.57, RS 2.0g/l... The 2008 is very dark and dramatic-looking and from the very first taste you know that a lot of that lovely summer sunshine is trapped in this bottle... this wine is already attractively mature and supple... I recommend that you take advantage of this well-priced wine that has a certain volcanic smokiness and real complexity about it. It carries its alcohol extremely well. A southern Italian for claret lovers? (6/22/12)"
Producer notes: "Gudarrà is deep ruby-red in color with enticing notes of red cherries, cassis, blackberries, sweet spice and a hint of licorice. This is an accessible, versatile red that pairs beautifully with southern Italian Pasta dishes, lamb, grilled or roasted game and ripe, flavorful cheeses."
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$13.95
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Italy
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Not yet reviewed; 2008 vintage rated 90 points by Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Aglianico del Vulture Terra di Vulcano is a gem. It reveals gorgeous textural richness that belies its elevage in stainless steel. There is plenty of varietal and regional character in this beautifully balanced, stylish Aglianico. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014."
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$11.95
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Italy
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Tuscany
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Chianti
In stock, 12+ available
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List $15.00
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An Italian wine from the makers of Hocus Pocus -- Amy Christine and Peter Hunken. "Dalla Pancia" translates as "from the belly", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the extra pounds the owners put on during their extended visit to Italy for this project. 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot. 500 cases produced.
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$17.95
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Italy
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Veneto
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Other
In stock,
3
available
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Kosher. Produced in the Diano D'Alba region of Italy. It has a fresh and intense floral aroma. It reveals strong hints of peach and apricot. Ideal as an aperitif perfect served with cold starters and fish courses.
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$19.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Barbera
In stock,
1
available
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A textbook Barbera d'Alba -- highly aromatic, with bright red fruit that echoes on the palate, carrying through on the long, crisp finish. Soft tannins. Serving suggestions: With all white meats or rich pasta dishes. Drinking within 4 to 5 years. Alcohol 13.0%.
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$24.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Barbera
In stock,
11
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price! (We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
Producer notes: "Color: Deep ruby red with orange reflections. Bouquet: Typical scent of Barbera -- slightly oaky with hints of dried fruit. Taste: Full bodied, balanced with oak notes, persistent. Serving suggestions: With all the red meat or rich pasta dishes. Drink: now to 2022. Alcohol content: 14.0% vol. Aged in French oak barrels for 15 months (70% used; 30% new), then in bottle for one year."
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$14.95
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FWR 87
Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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87 points Fine Wine Review: "...the wine is exactly as it is supposed to be. The nose features spiced red cherry aromas. The mouth is medium-weight with red cherries and violets, and some steeliness to the texture. This is a good everyday wine, to serve slightly cool. 12% stated alcohol. (Issue #135/136; 2012)"
Bouquet: delicate but well defined, vinous, berries. Taste: dry, velvety, slightly almond, full, well balanced. More earth than fruit, good juice for the Old World wine lovers.
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$14.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
3
available
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Producer notes: "Color: Straw yellow with green reflections. Aroma: Good fruit, oak, a hint of spices, herbs and fruit. Taste: Delicate and fresh, with good acidity and a lingering aftertaste. Serving suggestions: As an aperitif, with fish or with all cold appetizers. Drink within 3-4 years. Alcohol 13.0%."
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$24.95
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Italy
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Piedmont
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Other
In stock,
7
available
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Producer notes: "Color: Deep ruby red with light orange. Nose: Young, fresh with notes of mint. Taste: Fruity, fresh, full with good balance. Serving suggestions: With all red meat or pasta dishes. Alcohol 13.5%."
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